DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 2 Debuts at #1 on THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Hardcover Graphic Books Best Seller List

On Friday, THE NEW YORK TIMES published their Graphic Books Best Sellers Lists, and debuting at #1 on the Hardcover list was BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 2: SCARE TACTICS!

An armed robbery carried out by gunmen dressed as Batman. A string of similar-looking corpses turning up in morgues … then disappearing. An experiment gone dangerously awry, carried out in Bruce Wayne’s own company tower. Somehow, all of these events are tied together, orchestrated by a terrifying killer known as Mr. Toxic, and the fate of Gotham City—and the world—is on the line. Can the Dark Knight piece together the mystery, while also dealing with a gang of fear-gassing Scarecrows, an attack on Arkham Asylum by the Court of Owls and the escape of one of Arkham’s most dangerous inmates—the hypnotic Black Mask?

In BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 2: SCARE TACTICS, writer/artist Tony S. Daniel (SAVAGE HAWKMAN) and artists Ed Benes (RED LANTERNS), Szymon Kudranski (PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE), Julio Ferreira (TEEN TITANS), Romano Molenaar (BIRDS OF PREY), and Pere Perez (BATGIRL) put Batman to the fearsome test in the new DC Universe! Plus, witness the deadly final lesson in Bruce Wayne’s training before he became Batman, from writers Gregg Hurwitz (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT) and James Tynion IV (TALON) and artists Tony S. Daniel and Henrik Jonsson! This hardcover books collects DETECTIVE COMICS #8-12 and #0, and DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #1.

Click here to read THE NEW YORK TIMES’ full list of Hardcover Graphic Books Best Sellers, which also includes BATMAN, VOL. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS, 100 BULLETS: DELUXE EDITION BOOK FOUR, AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 5, BATMAN, VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS, and BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE. And click here to see THE NEW YORK TIMES’ list of Paperback Graphic Books Best Sellers, which includes the debuts of SWAMP THING, VOL. 2: FAMILY TREE and WORLDS’ FINEST, VOL. 1: LOST DAUGHTERS OF EARTH 2, as well as PUNK ROCK JESUS. Congratulations to all!

Announcing Smallville Season 11

(Smallville Season 11, cover #1 by Cat Staggs)

Smallville Fans Rejoice! New Comic Book Series, SMALLVILLE SEASON 11, to Pick Up Where Show Left Off

Fans of the smash-hit TV series Smallville haven’t had much to cheer about since the show ended its critically acclaimed 10-year run on The CW last May.  That’s all going to change with the upcoming new comic book series from DC Entertainment: SMALLVILLE SEASON 11.  Written by former Smallville show scribe Bryan Q. Miller, the new digital first series will be published digitally on April 13, 2012, with new digital chapters released weekly thereafter.  Additionally, the online chapters will be offered in a print periodical, along with an episode guide to the hit television series, with the first print issue released on May 16.

The new comic book series picks-up where the show left off (with Clark officially now as Superman!) and features other fan-favorite characters including Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Chloe Sullivan-Queen, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and General Lane.  The book features an all-star creative team - in addition to Miller, SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 creators include print cover artist Gary Frank (SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGIN), digital cover artist Cat Staggs and interiors by Pere Perez (BATGIRL).

"Six months after Clark Kent donned the cape and took to the skies to save Earth from Apokolips... enter Season 11!” enthuses Miller.  “New allies abound!  New enemies afoot!  And old friends return where they’re least expected!  Pere and colorist Chris Beckett have done a fantastic job of capturing the look of the show and the players, and Gary and Cat are knocking it out of the park on covers. I couldn't be more excited to help give seasoned viewers and new readers an all-access pass to Clark's first year in the cape."

Smallville: The Complete Series is available on DVD now.

Batgirl Flies Across the Pond

Upon being dispatched to London on a top-secret Batman Incorporated assignment, Stephanie Brown arrives only to learn that the actual Greenwich Mean has been stolen. As all of London literally grinds to a halt, it’s up to Batgirl and Squire to save the United Kingdom.

Joining writer Bryan Q. Miller on this storyline is artist Pere Perez. With a cover by Dustin Nguyen, BATGIRL #22 acts as a prelude to BATMAN INCORPORATED #9 and flies into stores today.

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BATMAN solicits for August

Here’s a first look at the BATMAN titles coming out in August:

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN #713

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by JAY FABOK

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!

RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1

Written by VARIOUS

Art by VARIOUS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

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DETECTIVE COMICS #881

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Cover by JOCK

This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN AND ROBIN #26

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by GREG TOCCHINI

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES

Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS

Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY

1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!

And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!

Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3

Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17

4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5

Written by PAUL DINI

Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA

The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.

On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,

$2.99 US • RATED T

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BATGIRL #24

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN BEYOND #8

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew... and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!

On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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RED ROBIN #26

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life... The time has come for him to return to the grave!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!

On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BIRDS OF PREY #15

Written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI

In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them...and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Huntress and Catman Kiss

Romance is in the air for Huntress and Catman as they share a passionate kiss while on a night on the town – which of course for them means fighting bad guys and trying to rescue an asthmatic hostage. But will a major reveal about Catman’s past change everything?

BIRDS OF PREY #11, written by Gail Simone and with art by Pere Perez, hits stores today.

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Batman Solicits for June

Crime never sleeps in Gotham City. Here's an early look at June's BATMAN solicits.

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #8

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by SCOTT CLARK

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 Variant cover by SCOTT CLARK

When Waynetech’s launch of Interworld is plagued by a series of “virtual murders,” Batman teams up with Oracle to hunt down the culprit in a simulated environment that’s slowly collapsing into post-apocalyptic zombie-haunted chaos. A computer-generated Batman adventure that brings Dark Knight justice to a wild new frontier, to face a new and virulent menace. In a world of numbers, does everything have a price?

On sale JUNE 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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DETECTIVE COMICS #878

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Cover by JOCK

Off the coast of Gotham City, with no help for miles, the vicious smuggler and pirate Tiger Shark holds Batman captive on his ship. Can Batman escape in time, or will he become food for Tiger Shark’s deadly pets? Plus: The saga of James Jr. continues. Is he a victim of circumstance or vicious killer? You decide. Don’t miss the shocking conclusion to “Hungry City.”

On sale JUNE 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN #711

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman acts on his suspicions of a newly elected political figure in Gotham City and finds himself in deep water. With piranhas. Meanwhile, Two-Face fights his way back from the brink of death to find an unlikely ally who will show him that there are two sides to every story.

On sale JUNE 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH and SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn.” As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!

RESOLICIT • On sale JUNE 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #2

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by TREVOR MCCARTHY

1:25 Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Murder, mayhem and the building of an empire! Issue #2 throttles up the action as Batman tries to find the source of the attacks before the killer can strike again. But with the reveal of the fourth family of Gotham City and an old case from the early days of the city, is Batman playing right into the villain’s hands?

On sale JUNE 22 • 2 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN AND ROBIN #24

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

The Red Hood is out! But the bigger mystery is who broke him out of prison – and why? His liberators seem to have plans for him. Plans that Jason wants no part of. It’s a street brawl, and unlikely allies come together! Batman, Robin and The Red Hood must fight alongside one another in a knockdown, drag-out battle, taking on the people who sprung Jason Todd.

On sale JUNE 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN BEYOND #6

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN and JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

“Industrial Revolution” continues as the crisis at Wayne-Powers escalates to frightening – and potentially deadly – proportions! And when the villain decides to reveal himself, the lives of everyone in Gotham City – hangs in the balance! Yes, that includes Batman himself!

On sale JUNE 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BIRDS OF PREY #13

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

Things get ugly as The Birds of Prey are trapped in a cunning puzzle box of a skyscraper, pursued by a nightmarish killer who holds all the cards, leaving only the Huntress, the reluctant aide of Renee Montoya, and The Question to free them! And what effect does the death of Oracle have on the team as they race to escape from hell?

On sale JUNE 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATGIRL #22

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

When Stephanie Brown arrives in London for a top-secret Batman Incorporated assignment, jet lag, lost luggage and those terribly difficult accents are the least of Batgirl’s problems – the actual Greenwich Mean has been stolen, and as all of London literally grinds to a halt, it’s up to Batgirl and Squire to save the United Kingdom! Tally-ho!

On sale JUNE 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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RED ROBIN #24

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

To survive the Assassination Tournament, Red Robin must survive an attack from Scarab’s Covenant of Ka, make it to Russia in time to rescue a critically injured oligarch, track the mercenary Promise and come to an unexpected confrontation with the mysterious sister of

Ra’s al Ghul!

On sale JUNE 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #24

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

The breakout at Arkham continues here! When Batman shows up to stop the escaping villains, battle lines will be drawn. Will Selina stick by The Sirens? Or will she take on Harley and Ivy? The ending will shock you! Guest starring Batman, The Joker and Clayface.

On sale JUNE 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Critics rave for Bryan Q. Miller and Dustin Nguyen's BATGIRL

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Bryan Q. Miller’s , Dustin Nguyen’s and Pere Perez's last few issues of BATGIRL have seen a ton of love from the critics lately, and it couldn’t be going to a more fun-to-read book. If you’ve been skipping out on this one, maybe a few of these reviews will help pull you in...

Joey Esposito at IGN Comics gave Batgirl #17 a stellar 9.5 rating:

"I've been enjoying Batgirl for a while now, but issue #17 has completely uprooted my expectations for the series. Maybe it's the interplay between the two characters, the perfectly constructed jokes, or the utter enjoyment I get from Damian Wayne in general, but Batgirl #17 is unapproachable as the best book I've read this week."

... While iFanboy gave the issue their coveted "pick of the week":

"Batgirl #17 is a comic book rarity these days. It tells a complete story that is compelling, emotional, and not lacking action, and it does it all in just 22 pages. I’ve talked a lot about Batgirl over the last year, it truly is one of my favorite titles, and if you have at all wondered about the book, if you have at all thought about giving it a shot, then I urge you to check this one out. You don’t have to know anything; you don’t have to be following any storylines here or anywhere else. Batgirl #17 is just two great characters playing off each other while solving a crime and reading it was by far the most fun I had with my comics this week."

And last, but far from least, Ain't It Cool News gave issue #16 a spotlight review, with all sorts of nice things to say about the book:

"Charming… funny… and a glowing reminder that even the darkest legacies work towards the hope of a brighter future ... [a] fantastic issue"

Have you been reading the series? What do you think?

Stephanie Brown and Damian Wayne form The Dysfunctional Duo in BATGIRL #17

Stephanie Brown's taken on her first official Batman Incorporated assignment, and it's a doozy. Making matters worse, the, er - less than cooperative - Damian Wayne has decided that the case is his jurisdiction. Can they manage to stop fighting long enough to crack a kidnapping case?

Reading the preview below is sort of like watching two speeding freight trains on a collision course, no?

BATGIRL #17 is written by Bryan Q. Miller with art by Pere Perez and hits stores next Wednesday.

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Batgirl no more?

We’ve got a duo of BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME previews for you today. Kicking off the pair is BATGIRL, from regular writer Bryan Q. Miller and artist Pere Perez. With the return of Bruce Wayne, could Stephanie Brown’s short tenure as Batgirl be over? Or will his homecoming bode well for her?

BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME: BATGIRL hits today.

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And now, RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #5

Excited by all the Batman news and art spreading around the web before and now after NYCC? Well, there’s a Grant Morrison Batman issue hitting in a few days: BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #5, featuring a noir-ish tale of the Dark Knight, as Bruce Wayne struggles to return to the modern day, aptly illustrated by the masterful Ryan Sook and Pere Perez. Check out the pages below for more.

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #5 hits Wednesday.

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