This Just Happened: Sibling Rivalry

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read BATGIRL #18 and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

“Death of the Family” is over, and Barbara Gordon (a.k.a. Batgirl) has survived yet another terrifying ordeal with The Joker. But is she ready for a showdown with another one her greatest foes, her brother James, Jr.?! He’s already sold her out to The Joker – but what will he do next?

In “The Mask of Ashes,” from the creative team of guest writer Ray Fawkes and artists Daniel Sampere and Rob Hunter, Batgirl and her devious brother take sibling rivalry to a whole new level.

Last issue, Batgirl found herself in Firebugs’ path as he proceeded to burn down an entire building. Now, the fire seems to have set off a bigger trap, which brings the entire building down – with Batgirl still in it!

James witnesses the whole scene, and watches the locals dig through the rubble to find Batgirl. Just as hope begins to dwindle, Batgirl emerges, bloodied and bruised.

Meanwhile, Barbara’s father, Commissioner Gordon, receives tragic news from Batman about the death of his sidekick, Robin (for more on this, click here. And be sure to check out all of the Bat-family books this month for more of Damian’s “Requiem”).

Commissioner Gordon delivers the news to his daughter, but before she can grieve the death of her ally, she receives a phone call from James. He’s got plans for his sister. Big ones.

But before Batgirl can investigate these plans, she must bring Firebug to justice. After knocking him out and leaving him for the police, Batgirl sets off to track James. Her signal tracer leads her to an abandoned house, the perfect place for James’ secret headquarters, but he is nowhere to be found.

Instead, James is in a child’s bedroom, calling his newly recovering mother. But this isn’t your typical mother/son talk, as James has an ultimatum for her: Come to the Gotham Bay Aquarium or Barbara dies!

Will James’ mother agree to his terms? And what does this have to do with his plans for Batgirl? Place your bets in the comments section below!

Below, take a look at the final page of “The Mask of Ashes,” as James teases a gruesome death for Batgirl! And be sure to pick up a copy of BATGIRL #18, in stores now!


Preview Monday: THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3 and FAIREST #10

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3 and FAIREST #10.

 

Following the exciting events of THE PHANTOM STRANGER #2, our hero hangs on the verge of death. This week in “Family Matters,” The Phantom Stranger battles The Haunted Highwayman for the life of Terrence Thirteen. But can he save him from The Highwayman’s vendetta against the Thirteen family? Or will his curse prevail and force him to betray all those he encounters? Find out in THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3, in stores this Wednesday, written by Dan DiDio and illustrated by Brent Anderson, Philip Tan and Rob Hunter. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

 

The last issue of FAIREST left us with the Rapunzel and her hairdresser, Joel, narrowly escaping from the CEG building. This week, “The Hidden Kingdom” continues … and we finally discover how Rapunzel lost her children! Meanwhile, the couple encounters a mysterious cat who offers to take them to the kids. Is it a trick or will our heroine finally be reunited with her family?  From writer Lauren Beukes and artist Inaki Miranda, FAIREST #10 hits stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

Preview Monday: GREEN ARROW #14 and SWEET TOOTH #39

For this week’s installment of Preview Monday, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at GREEN ARROW #14 and SWEET TOOTH #39.

 

It’s the second part of “Sky War” as “Hawkman: Wanted” continues in this week’s issue of GREEN ARROW! En route back home from China, Oliver Queen comes across a flock of alien birdmen. In true hero form, he takes matters into his own hands rather that simply sitting aside and watching as the Thangarian police hunting Hawkman continue to infiltrate the Seattle skies. And when things get personal for Ollie and the Warhawks kidnap Emma, he’ll need to turn to Hawkman for help. But will Hawkman’s trackers on the Warhawks make the duo’s mission successful, or will they just be led into a trap? GREEN ARROW #14, in stores on Wednesday, is written by Ann Nocenti and illustrated by Freddie Williams II and Rob Hunter. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue. 

 

In the penultimate issue of SWEET TOOTH, Gus and Jepperd’s long-winded journey finally comes to its harrowing conclusion. But when Abbot makes Gus his hostage to get Jepperd in their final face-off, who will live and who will die? And what does this threat mean for the future of the hybrid species? Written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire, SWEET TOOTH #39 paves the path for next month’s climactic series finale. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue, which arrives in stores this week. 

The Landmark 100th Issue of TEEN TITANS

In the final issue of this run of TEEN TITANS, the team faces down with their most invincible enemy yet: Superboy prime and his army of Superboy clones. This oversized 100th issue written by J.T. Krul with art by Nicola Scott, Doug Hazlewood, Jack Purcell and Greg Adams, packs action and mayhem into every page. In the end, the Teen Titans must face the question: when your enemy is unstoppable, how do you punish or contain him?

TEEN TITANS #100 features 8 pin-ups from artists Amy Reeder, Rob Liefeld, Tony S. Daniel, Norm Rapmund, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Karl Kerschl, Brett Booth, Rob Hunter, Chris Burnham, Marcus To and Ray McCarthy. It also includes a special preview of Marv Wolfman and George Perez’ THE NEW TEEN TITANS GAMES, an original hardcover graphic novel twenty years in the making (in stores next month).

Look for this landmark issue in stores today and be sure to pick up TEEN TITANS #1 by Scott Lobdell, Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund, on sale September 28th.

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

Can the new Green Lantern of Sector 2814 save his homeworld?

Can Sinestro, Green Lantern of Sector 2814, free his homeworld from The Sinestro Corps? Do Guy Gardner and John Stewart have what it takes to lead the Green Lantern Corps into battle with a mysterious force that’s destroying multiple space sectors? Why is Kyle Rayner being chosen by the rings of previous bearers who were all brutally slaughtered? And what does Atrocitus have to do with a child suffering on a war-torn world? Find out when the second issues of the Green Lantern group books in DC Comics’ The New 52 are released this October.

GREEN LANTERN #2

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

1:200 B&W variant cover by DOUG MAHNKE

On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Renegade Green Lantern Sinestro sets a course for Korugar with one purpose: To free his homeworld from the scourge of… The Sinestro Corps?!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA

Cover by ALEX GARNER

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Guy Gardner and John Stewart lead a squadron of Green Lanterns to fight a mysterious force that is marching across the space sectors and devouring not only their natural resources but their entire populations. Worst of all, those responsible have a vendetta against the Green Lantern Corps!

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #2

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by TYLER KIRKHAM, HARVEY TALIBAO and BATT

Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

By their rings betrayed! Who – or what – has the might to tear power rings from each of the seven Lantern Corps, murdering their former bearers in the process? And why have the rings all chosen Kyle Rayner as their new master? As members of each Corps target Kyle for death, we learn more about the shocking fate of Ganthet!

RED LANTERNS #2

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art and cover by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER

On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

On a war-torn world where invading forces fight insurgent forces, the innocent always suffer the most. When a child screams with red-hot rage at the madness around her, she is answered by her weapon of retribution: Atrocitus.

September's JUSTICE LEAGUE Solicits

jla_cv12

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

1:25 Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

RETROSOLICITED • On sale AUGUST 31 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US RATED T • Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!

This spectacular debut issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.

justice-league-international-1

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art by AARON LOPRESTI and MATT RYAN

Cover by AARON LOPRESTI

On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International.

Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?

Aquaman #1

AQUAMAN #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!

Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily.

Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Wonder Woman #1

WONDER WOMAN #1

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

The Flash #1

THE FLASH #1

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

Variant cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

Captain Atom #1

CAPTAIN ATOM #1

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, Captain Atom has the potential to be a literal god among men – a hero without limits. But the question is: Will he lose himself in the process?

Don’t miss the start of a legend from writer J.T. Krul (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS) and artist Freddie Williams II (JSA ALL-STARS)!

The Fury of Firestorm #1

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #1

Written by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and GAIL SIMONE

Art by YILDIRAY CINAR

Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond. These two high school students are worlds apart – and now they’re drawn into a conspiracy of super-science that bonds them forever in a way they can’t explain or control. The dark secrets of the murderous Dog Team and its Firestorm Protocol force them to put aside their differences to confront a threat so terrifying that it may lead to a new Cold War! Welcome to a major new vision of nuclear terror

from writers Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone with astonishing art by Yildiray Cinar!

Green Arrow #1

GREEN ARROW #1

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by DAN JURGENS and NORM RAPMUND

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and ROB HUNTER

On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Green Arrow is on the hunt. Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law.

Now, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and illegally gained intel (courtesy of his team at QCore), Green Arrow is shooting first and asking questions later.

The Savage Hawkman #1

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1

Written by TONY S. DANIEL

Art and cover by PHILIP TAN

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archaeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive! Witness the start of a new action series from writer Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before!

Mister Terrific #1

MISTER TERRIFIC #1

Written by ERIC WALLACE

Art by ROGER ROBINSON

Cover by J.G. JONES

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson!

Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

DC Universe Presents #1

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1

Written by PAUL JENKINS

Art by BERNARD CHANG

Cover by RYAN SOOK

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

September's GREEN LANTERN Solicits

gl_cv134n20-dscbjc

GREEN LANTERN #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

The red-hot GREEN LANTERN team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Doug Mahnke introduce an unexpected new Lantern.

glcor_cv1basu71f3n

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA

Cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace – or else.

glng_cv1mw-wnsda

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #1

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Kyle Rayner has assembled the most powerful team in all the universe, selected from the full spectrum of corps. But can he even keep this volatile group together?

redl_cv1vxais8qds

RED LANTERNS #1

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art and cover by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series, battling against injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable!

GREEN LANTERN #1s

gl_cv1_teaser

GREEN LANTERN #1

Geoff Johns has been charting the adventures of Hal Jordan and the GREEN LANTERN Corps since GREEN LANTERN: Rebirth, collaborating with such major artists as Ethan Van Sciver, Darwyn Cooke, Prentis Rollins, Marlo Alquiza and Mick Gray.

This fall, Johns reunites with artists Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy, as the series begins anew with GREEN LANTERN #1 with cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Together they will continue to thrill readers and expand the Green Lantern mythos.

Change is coming. But set aside your fear. It’ll be worth the wait.

Additional titles include:

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1

When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 will be written by Peter J. Tomasi with art by Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna. The cover to #1 is by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.

GREEN LANTERN: THE NEW GUARDIANS #1

Who are The New Guardians?

The power of Rage, Avarice, Fear, Will, Hope, Compassion and Love combine to be the most powerful (and colorful) team in the corps under the leadership of Kyle Rayner. Beware their power . . . and their volatility!

GREEN LANTERN: THE NEW GUARDIANS #1 will be written by Tony Bedard and illustrated with cover by Tyler Kirkham and Batt.

RED LANTERNS #1

Going solo. Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series, battling against injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable. This Lantern Corps takes no prisoners, they are judge, jury and executioners!

RED LANTERNS #1 will be written by Peter Milligan with art and cover by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter.

This is Aquawar

Aquaman's second chance at life hasn't quite worked out the way he expected. His wife has betrayed him, and his powers don't work like they should. Now, in BRIGHTEST DAY #19, writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi and artists Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Oclair Albert and Rob Hunter bring us the Aquawar.

This is a big, bold issue, one chock full of widescreen action and intrigue. I think I can safely predict that the cliffhanger will have fans talking this week.

Here's a look at the open round of the Aquawar...

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

Batman and Robin get acquainted with 'The Absence' in Batman and Robin #18

Between Peacock in the pages of BATMAN and The Absence in the next issue of BATMAN AND ROBIN, our caped crusaders have their hands full with mysterious, dangerous women this month.

Paul Cornell, Scott McDaniel and Rob Hunter introduce us to The Absence, a psychopathic villain with an origin story gruesome enough that I couldn't in good conscience post it here. (Hint: She wasn't born with that hole in the middle of her forehead.)

If you're not squeamish, you can check out what I'm talking about in BATMAN AND ROBIN #18, on sale Wednesday.

[gallery link="file" columns="2"]

Subscribe to rob hunter