Peter Parker takes on the Corrupted Ben Reilly as Spidey Vs Chasm begins on Amazing Spider-Man #16

 

At long last the showdown teased nearly a year ago is finally happening, as a corrupted Ben Reilly returns as his new alter ego Chasm to take on his clone “brother” Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man #16” as part of the “Dark Web” storyline that sees Ben team up with Madelyne Pryor (aka the Goblin Queen) to take on their progenitors Peter Parker/ Spider-Man and Jean Grey and get back what they need to make them whole again.

Preview pages for the issue have been shared by Newsarama, and the book goes on sale this January 4, 2023.

Chip Zdarsky and Carmine Di Giandomenico explore Bruce Wayne's path in Batman: The Knight

 

In the same tradition as Batman: Year One, Batman: Zero Year, and even the movie Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne's origins and path to becoming The Dark Knight will be retold anew by the team of Chip Zdarsky and Carmine Di Giandomenico, as DC Comics presents "Batman: The Knight" - a ten issue miniseries that begins this January.

As The Batman reboots the film franchise again and introduces Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader, this new comic will give new readers a chance to jump in and see yet another modern retelling of how Bruce copes with the death of his parents and turns his rage into a mission and crusade that will define him as a hero to many. The question is how this tale is told and what skills and lessons will be picked up along the way? Read up more on Newsarama's coverage on Batman: The Knight to learn more and see the variant covers for the book.

Batman: The Knight #1 will be released on January 18 next year.

Tom Taylor and Andy Kubert team-Up for Batman: The Dark Knight miniseries this April

Tom Taylor is on a roll at DC Comics, and aside from handling the Injustice and DCeased books - he's set to take on Dick Grayson and his world this March with Nightwing #78. But apparently that's not the only project he's working on during the "Infinite Frontier" era of DC - as DC Comics has revealed through their April 2021 solicitations (via Newsarama) that Taylor is teaming up with artist Andy Kubert for a new Batman miniseries entitled "Batman: The Dark Knight"!

Here's the description of the book: 

An epic tale begins that will take Batman on a harrowing, action-packed European adventure in a new miniseries by superstar creators Tom Taylor and Andy Kubert! A horrific tragedy in the United Kingdom sends a very personal and deadly message to the Dark Knight—one that will draw Batman out of Gotham City to investigate! From the moment he lands in Europe, Batman will face a difficult investigation and unheard-of adversaries and find the assistance of a partner once more—all in the hunt for the villain known as Equilibrium! New villains! New allies! A thrilling overseas adventure begins for the Dark Knight, starting with an extra-sized 26-page debut story!

Batman: The Dark Knight will be a six issue miniseries and will begin this April!

DC Comics March 2021 Solicitations Released, Infinite Frontier Era Begins

 

It is indeed a new “Infinite Frontier” that begins for DC Comics after the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal and Future State, as the publisher has revealed its plans for the new initiative in its March 2021 solicitations as detailed by Newsarama. It kicks off with an anthology sized “Infinite Frontier #0” issue - which is 64 pages of new story setups and revealing what will come in the next phase of the DC Universe, with the likes of Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, James Tyrion IV, Geoff Johns, and Brian Michael Bendis writing stories while John Timms, David Marquez, and more provide art duties.

The new status quo will see changes in characters, teams, and new ongoing series for some. Here’s the description of what we can expect:

"In Gotham City, The Joker jolts citizens awake with an attack even the Dark Knight never expected," DC's description continues. 

"In Brazil, a young woman discovers her destiny and her connection to the Amazons. In Belle Reve, Amanda Waller plots an invasion of Arkham Asylum. In the far reaches of space, Mongul dreams of galactic domination, while the Green Lantern Corps hosts a summit of its greatest enemies. At the Hall of Justice, the League joins forces with Black Adam. Beyond the mortal world, Wonder Woman settles into a new role in the godsphere. And somewhere in the DC Universe—it’s the return of Stargirl, in an all-new tale written by Geoff Johns!"

Prepare for DC’s Infinite Frontier on March 2021.

Brian Michael Bendis teases the new Justice League for DC's "Infinite Frontier" era

 

Posted on his Instagram on the eve of the expected DC Comics March 2021 solicitations, it looks like Brian Michael Bendis' next project after handling Superman and Young Justice will be none other than the core team of DC - the Justice League.

As reported by Newsarama, the new line-up is going to be quite the mixed line-up of heroes, with mainstays like Superman, Batman, Aquaman, and Hawkgirl returning. However the line-up looks to be shaken with new and old faces filling up the ranks, with Green Arrow and Black Canary added to the league, Hippolyta and the Bendis created character Naomi McDuffie joining as well, and what looks to be either Shazam (formerly Captain Marvel) or Black Adam in the center.

We'll know soon enough what the story and the line-up is for this iteration of the league once it's officially announced, with Bendis writing and artist David Marquez teaming up once more for this next high profile project.

Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 will be released on June 2021

 

Almost six years after the release of the last volume chronicling the Earth One graphic novel adventures of Bruce Wayne and his winged avenger alter ego, DC Comics has officially announced that "Batman: Earth One Vol. 3" will finally see release in the summer of next year - continuing the story following the apparent demise of Harvey Dent, the defeat of The Riddler, and the growing network and ongoing crimefighting crusade of The Batman in Gotham City.

Via Newsarama, here's the official synopsis of the new chapter that is once again written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank - fresh off their last collaboration in "Doomsday Clock".

"Harvey Dent is dead. Or is he? A gang of thieves thrusts Gotham City into a state of fear when they are mysteriously well-armed with military-grade weapons: flamethrowers, grenade launchers, and even tanks, And this gang claims it is funded by none other than former district attorney Harvey Dent." 

"Balancing his two lives, Bruce Wayne must find the truth by tapping his growing network of agents, including Alfred Pennyworth, Jim Gordon, Waylon 'Killer Croc' Jones, and the savvy new Catwoman, Bruce is distracted by the seemingly impossible return of another figure believed dead: his grandfather Adrian Arkham. He must also comfort his longtime friend, Gotham City mayor Jessica Dent, who is scarred both physically and mentally from her experience with the Riddler, which resulted in the gruesome death of her brother." 

"But is Harvey back, plotting revenge on a city he proclaims to be guilty? When Batman discovers the truth behind these many mysteries, his entire world unravels…"

Long awaited since Vol. 2 was released in 2015,  the Batman: Earth One series is one of the latest modern reinterpretations of the Caped Crusader that is grounded closer to reality and is a great springboard for newer fans to jump into. In many ways, it has served as an inspiration for Matt Reeves' upcoming Batman film "The Batman", wherein The Riddler, Catwoman, The Penguin, and even Alfred Pennyworth feel inspired from the Earth One continuity counterparts.

Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 will be released on June 8, 2021.

Batman/ Catwoman finally arrives on December 2020 as part of DC Black Label imprint

After nearly a year of postponement and no word of when it would finally hit comic shops, Tom King and Clay Mann's "Batman/ Catwoman" series is finally seeing going to see release literally before the year ends -- with the first issue of the planned 12 issue run hitting comic book shops and retailers this December.

Following the on and off relationship between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, the series is a continuation of Tom King's run on Batman -- which highlighted that Bat Cat romance and their ill-fated wedding which was sabotaged and manipulated behind the scenes by a group of villains led by Bane and Flashpoint Batman. The run is also set to introduce Phantasm, aka Andrea Beaumont, into the DC Universe proper for the first time. Beaumont was Bruce Wayne's love interest and fiancee in the Batman: The Animateds Series film "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", so her inclusion and role in the DC Black Label series will be interesting and a compelling reason to collect the limited series run. For more information and details, check out Newsarama.

Batman/ Catwoman will run from December 2020 to November 2021, with a hiatus on June 2021 to make way for a "Batman/ Catwoman Special" to be released that same month.

ICYMI: Punchline gets her own 48-paged one shot this November

Following her debut during the build up and events proper of "Joker War" in the Batman titles, Punchline - the new female sidekick and field general to The Joker, will be starring in her own 48 paged one shot book as solicited by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and Sam Johns, with illustrations by Mirka Andolfo and covers by Yasmine Putri and Frank Cho - the solicits and Newsarama state that the one shot will explore "the story of Alexis Kaye, and how she’ll take Leslie Thompkins, Harper Row, and Cullen Row on a harrowing journey that reveals her radicalization to The Joker’s ideology."

You can read more about the upcoming Punchline one shot in the Newsarama interview. The issue goes on sale on November 10th.

DC brings back “Tales From the Dark Multiverse” w/ “Flashpoint” and “Batman: Hush”

Set to return a year after exploring parallel worlds in the “Dark Multiverse” in which well known storylines and characters branched out to darker paths, DC Comics (via a report by Newsarama) has announced that the popular “Tales From the Dark Multiverse” series will be returning this November - with two newly announced one shots that tackle two well known sagas - “Flashpoint” and “Batman: Hush” - With covers drawn by artist David Marquez.

In “Tales From the Dark Multiverse - Flashpoint” - imagine if The Flash never corrected the events of the alternate timeline, and the Reverse Flash was left to do his dirty work? What would happen to Thomas Wayne - the Batman of this reality - and the war between the Atlanteans and Amazons raging the world? That question will be answered by Bryan Hitch - who serves as writer and artist for the story.

In “Tales From the Dark Multiverse - Batman: Hush” - we are shown a world where Thomas Elliot ruined Bruce Wayne’s life as a child - leading to a series of events that brings out a dark and twisted Dark Knight called “Batman: The Silenced”. The story will be written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and drawn by artist Dexter Soy.

Tales From the Dark Multiverse returns this November, with Batman: Hush on sale November 3 and Flashpoint on November 17.

Tom King and Jorge Fornes' take on Watchmen's most eccentric hero in "Rorschach"

The mysterious title teased as the latest project for former "Batman" writer Tom King and artist Jorge Fornes has been revealed - a "Rorschach" 12 issue miniseries is coming from DC Black Label, and it adds yet another layer into the expanding "Watchmen" comic universe that was recently explored again in the events of "Doomsday Clock" and then through HBO's "Watchmen" sequel TV Series.

As reported by Newsarama - the new series is set 35 years after the events of the original "Watchmen" series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the story follows a world that distrusts superheroes, yet idolize the deceased Rosrschach - with many idolizing him yet his actions are far from that being the definition of a hero.

"So what does it mean when Rorschach reappears as part of a pair of assassins trying to kill the first candidate to oppose President Robert Redford in decades? Follow one determined detective as he walks backward in time, uncovering the identities and motives of the would-be killers, taking him deep into a dark conspiracy of alien invasions, disgraced do-gooders, mystical visions, and yes, comic books."


The first issue of "Rorschach" is set to be released by DC on October 13.

Batman #101 sees Grifter return to the DC Universe and joining The Dark Knight's world

The world of Batman is going to including something WILD come October - as following the conclusion of "Joker War" and the title's 100th issue, Batman #101 will see "Grifter" from WildC.A.T.s and formerly the Wildstorm universe join the Caped Crusader's adventures.

According to Newsarama, the alter ego of Cole Cash will somehow come under the employ of Lucius Fox - the technical expert and right hand man of Bruce Wayne for Wayne Enterprises and now his adventures as Batman with the passing of Alfred Pennyworth. How this will affect the status quo will be interesting to see - and it will be under the creative team of writer James Tynion IV and artist Guillem March.

Batman #101 arrives this October 20th.

"Iron Man" will relaunch in September, with Christopher Cantwell writing and Alex Ross contributing a new "Red & Gold" armor

Following the end of Dan Slott's run on the character and the "Iron Man 2020" saga, Tony Stark is reclaiming his identity and going "Back To Basics", as Marvel has announced that a new "Iron Man" series will launch and debut this September - written by "Halt & Catch Fire" creator Christopher Cantwell and art duties by CAFU. Superstar comic book artist Alex Ross will also be handling comic cover duties, as well as designing the new armor Tony suits up in - which looks like his iconic "Red and Gold" classic armor only with modern refurbishings.

IRON MAN is BACK | September 2020 | Marvel Comics
In a statement ran by Marvel and reported by GamesRadar/ Newsarama and Superherohype, Cantwell had nothing but excitement to share:

“I’m over the moon about getting a shot at writing the Golden Avenger, Since Bob Layton’s art in the 1980s captured my imagination as a kid, I’ve been fascinated by Iron Man, and in this new story run, I’m aiming to explore the question: who should Iron Man be today? An angel? A god? Or just a humble man? Tony’s going to try and strip the idea of Iron Man all the way down to its metal core, something that will constantly be at odds with his giant ego. We’ll see if he can truly keep his arrogant self-image in check, even as others with god complexes set their sights on the entire universe.”


 Iron Man launches into comic book shops with a brand new #1 this September 2020.

Nightwing makes his long awaited return in cover to Batman #99

Ever since he got shot in the head by the KGBeast in Batman #55, Richard "Dick" Grayson's life has literally turned upside down and has never been the same for fans of the former Robin turned Nightwing. Batman went on a mission to avenge his fallen adopted son/ ward, but after Dick recovers he is not the same man. He doesn't remember ANYTHING after the death of his parents, and that amnesia pretty much erases his time as a hero and his history with the Bat Family. Beginning with Nightwing #50, he goes by the name "Ric Grayson" - and tries to lead a new life as a cab driver and normal civilian. That doesn't stick though, as his past somehow comes back to haunt him with four individuals taking up the Nightwing persona as a team, dealing with the Court of Owls, and "Ric" is pulled back into the world of crimefighting due to instinct and a feeling.

That will all come to a head in "Joker War" apparently, and via Newsarama/ Gamesradar and artist Jorge Jimenez on Twitter, it looks like Dick Grayson/ Nightwing will be back to reclaim his identity at long last if the cover to Batman #99 is any indication! I sure hope so - as MANY HAVE WAITED FOR DICK TO RETURN. It all leads to the milestone issue of Batman #100 this October... And one can only hope this is the payoff.

Batman #99, written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Jorge Jimenez -  is solicited for a September release.

Comic news site Newsarama officially joins GamesRadar+ today, June 1st

It's the end and the beginning of a new one era Newsarama, as June 1st sees the long running comic book news site give up its URL and address to become part of GamesRadar+. The site, owned by Future, now sees itself as a subdomain alongside the likes of Total Film and Edge magazine. Newsarama will still continue its services of providing comic book related news and content - but now under the GamesRadar+ domain.

You can visit the new unison via "GamesRadar.com/Newsarama".

Batman resumes its twice monthly schedule this June; Issue #100 hits on October

With the corona virus pandemic putting a halt to a lot of businesses and practices, DC Comics is already making preparations to distribute their titles once again beginning this May. One of their flagship titles in "Batman" won't be coming back til June 9 - and when it does it will resume its  twice monthly distribution schedule.

That means issues 92 and 93 will hit within June - chronicling the events of the "Joker War" storyline and leading up to the mega-sized release of issue #100 in October. The series is helmed by writer James Tynion IV - and comes after Tom King's epic run on the book which saw The Dark Knight go through several ordeals and tests in his life - including progression in his relationship with Catwoman and his near marriage to her, and a huge battle against his nemesis Bane and his father from the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne/ Flashpoint Batman.

For more on the story - visit Newsarama for more details.

ICYMI: Free Comic Book Day no longer a month long celebration and has been postponed to later this year due to corona virus

With the world facing more important problems thanks to the corona virus, the annual comic book event that is "Free Comic Book Day" has been postponed to some time later this year. Announced by Diamond Comics Distributors chairman and founder Steve Geppi as well as reported by Newsarama, the initial move for the event was made to be celebrated for the whole month of May, before being reconsidered and moved "to a date later in the summer".

You can read the full statement from Diamond Comics and the details over at Newsarana,

C2E2 2020: "X of Swords" will be the next X-Men event this Summer 2020

After experiencing a literal Rebirth, Renaissance, and Reunion in House of X/ Powers of X and a new beginning in "Dawn of X" that has united the mutant community under one nation of Krakoa, Head of X architect and writer Jonathan Hickman and his team of X-Men writers, artists, and creators are ready for the next summer event for the Children of the Atom, and it's called "X of Swords" - as referenced by the promotional image featuring most of the well known characters of the X-Universe wielding their famous blades that are either signature, mystic, enchanted, or cursed.

Announced at this weekend's C2E2 event and reported by Newsarama, "X of Swords" will see Hickman team up with "Excalibur" series writer Tini Howard - who came up with the name and may refer to the Tarot card "Ten of Swords", as well as a literal "crossing of swords/ weapons" as the "X" may imply. Famous weapons such as Wolverine's Muramase Blade, Magik's Soulsword, Excalibur itself, and many others are seen in the teaser poster drawn by Mark Brooks.

"X of Swords" is announced to begin this July and will be a crossover through the X-Men titles.

DC officially announces "Dark Nights: Death Metal" - Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's proverbial "last ride" DC event starting this May

Teased. Hinted. Expected. Now it is officially unveiled by DC Comics and writer Scott Snyder himself.

Two years after the end of "Dark Nights: Metal", DC has announced a sequel series in "Dark Nights: Death Metal" - a six issue miniseries that will begin this May. Snyder will once again be in the driver's seat as the writer of the story, with his wingman and longtime collaborator Greg Capullo taking care of art duties. The duo will also be joined by inker Jonathan Glapion, with FCO Plascenia also retruning as colorist.

According to Newsarama's article, Dark Nights: Death Metal's plot will go something like this: "The Earth has been consumed by Dark Multiverse energy, having been conquered by the Batman Who Laughs and his evil lieutenants, corrupted versions of Shazam, Donna Troy, Supergirl, Blue Beetle, Hawkman, and Commissioner Jim Gordon," reads DC's announcement. "Some heroes, like Wonder Woman and the Flash, have made compromises as they negotiate to keep humanity alive in this hell-born landscape. Others, like Batman, are part of an underground resistance looking to take back control of their world. Superman is imprisoned, cursed to literally power Earth’s sun for eternity."

If that sounds fun and insane... IT IS. Wonder Woman is also meant to be the key figure/ character of this storyline, which will also feature Batman, Superman, and several one-shot tie-ins. Prepare yourselves for the Metalverse Encore this year.

Dark Nights: Death Metal will begin on May 13 with issue #1 and will be a monthly series running all the way to November this year.

ICYMI: Check out the amazing covers for Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1!

Come March this year, Batman's trusted sidekick and longtime partner Robin will be celebrating his/ her legacy - and the "Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1" issue is just the commemorative issue for the job - featuring some fantastic covers running through the decades and done by some fantastic artists!

Featuring the likes of Marv Wolfman, Chuck Dixon, and Tom King for the writing team and Tom Grummett, Lee Weeks, and Mikel Janin handling art and cover duties, this is one issue fans of The Dark Knight's sidekick over the years will not want to miss. Check out the cover gallery over at Newsarama!

Ultraman comes to Marvel Comics this 2020!

In what will certainly get fans familiar with the Japanese superhero excited and up in arms, Marvel Comics has announced that they have partnered with Tsuburaya Productions in bringing a brand new “Ultraman” comic book series to US audiences next year! The Kaiju battling alien hero series has been a favorite for Japanese and international audiences since the original Ultraman made his debut in 1966 - and the legacy continues on today with more live-action legacy series and even a manga follow-up turned Netflix anime series that follows the son of the original human host of Ultraman who inherits powers and continues his father’s mission of defending Earth!

Read up more on Marvel Comics’ Ultraman series announcement on Newsarama!