Panel of the Week: August 25, 2010

Panel of The Week features the single panel that stands out head and shoulders above all other panels. The panel of the week is based on great art, strong determination, intense action, bravery, and above all else, exemplify the qualities of a super hero. The Panel of the Week exemplifies the character at hand, and that's arguably the most important aspect of all. So without further ado, the panel of the week is...

Superman/Batman #75: Writer/Artist - David Finch

Set in the future, Connor Kent (Superman) and Damian Wayne (Batman) discuss their reasons for stepping into the roles of their mentors.

Hit the jump for the runners up!

Return of Bruce Wayne: A Wish List

With the impending return of Bruce Wayne and everything that’s going to shake up Gotham and the DCU in the process, I have a few things that I want to see happen. This is not a list of who Bruce needs to square off against or what threat needs to be handled, this is a list of how Bruce and the Bat-Family in general will be received one they are all reunited. Granted, I don’t expect to have this list fulfilled to completion, but these are things that I would like to see get more attention than just a panel or two. They mostly deal with the relationships between Bruce and his team.

Coolest November Solication Covers

I love new solicitation day. The hints of what's to come...the cool covers...I love it all. Every month, I take a look at the new covers and go "WOW THAT'S AWESOME!!" Today, here are the three Batman related covers that just made my eyes pop.

Titans #29. Deathstroke versus Batman (Dick Grayson). Classic showdown of epicness.

New Bat Writers and Artists

Oh my! Look at all the new writers and artists coming our way! According to DC's The Source, Bat-fans should be expecting a change in the ranks of our Bat-related titles.

First off, Scott Snyder of Vertigo's American Vampire will be taking the reins of Detective Comics in November. Here's what Scott had to say:

“I’ve read Batman religiously since the 80’s, and there are many stories dear to my heart - from Year One to the Cult to No Man’s Land to Hush and The Long Halloween - but I’ve been particularly amazed by what the Batman team in general, and Grant specifically, has done with the character over the last few years. I couldn’t be more thrilled or honored to be working on Detective right now … this is honestly my dream job. As for the series, I want to play things pretty close to the vest for now, but I can tell you that it’ll star Batman, and will focus heavily on his CSI work and hardcore mysteries set around Gotham. The back-up will center on Commissioner Gordon and involve a certain case - and a dark figure - from his past that comes back to haunt him in present day Gotham. The feature and back-up will be stand-alone, but will affect and inform each other. Again, huge thanks to Mike Marts and everyone in the great Bat-family for making a place for me in Gotham - I’ll work hard to earn my keep. And please, DC Nation, let me know what you think, too!”

Next, Mr. Tony Daniel is taking up the mantle of Bat writer/artist on Batman yet again in November. Here is what Mr. Daniel had to say:


“I am thrilled and honored to be tapped for further writing duties on the world’s most iconic super hero, Batman. I look forward to telling exciting tales with the caped crusader and exploring old and new characters alike. I will continue to put my best foot forward on each and every page.”

Next, J.T. Krul (Green Arrow) and Nicola Scott (Secret Six) will be taking the reigns of Teen Titans in November. And joining the team? None other than everyone's favorite 10-year old badass: Damian Wayne! As J.T. Krul put it, what's the Teen Titans without Robin?


Finally, also in November, Batman and Robin, the dynamic duo will meet the other dynamic duo of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason (Green Lantern Corps). Here is what Tomasi has to say.

“I’m incredibly excited to be working on BATMAN AND ROBIN! I mean who the hell wouldn’t be?!? I’ve enjoyed my few forays into the Bat Universe with NIGHTWING, BATMAN: BLACKEST NIGHT, and BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS, and was always hoping I’d get a chance to tackle a main Bat book, so to be able to take the monthly reins from Grant on such a tremendous book is a dream come true and it’s going to be a blast, especially when my partner in crime is artist Patrick Gleason, who I’ve had a great working relationship over in GREEN LANTERN CORPS!”

Now, I've met Peter Tomasi and I have to say he's a super nice guy. I'm not sure if that'll influence your opinion at all, but note, he's really cool.

And this is what Mr. Gleason had to say:

“I can’t wait to get started! Drawing Batman, Robin and Gotham city is something I’ve dreamt of sinking my teeth into for a very long time! Recently I’ve even had to start carrying around a sketchbook wherever I go because I constantly get these ideas of cool images, or random details that I want to use somewhere in the book.

I am incredibly grateful to DC for the opportunity to be added to the list of fine talent who have laid pen and pencil to the Dark Knight. Also I’m very happy to continue working with Peter Tomasi. With him at the helm you just know we’re in good hands and Batman and Robin will continue to be a great ride!”

Exciting stuff, no?

Back Issue Review: Batman #666

Writer: Grant Morrison

Pencils: Andy Kubert

Inker: Jesse Delperdang






In the future, Gotham City is in its Darkest days, the first Batman has died, and his son, Damian, has taken his place. Damian Wayne is the Batman that no other Batman could be, a murdering vigilante. Commissioner Barbara Gordon is on his trail, and has a strong sense of vengeance to take out on Damian, for the murder of Batman.

In Batman #666, Damian Wayne is hot on the trail of 5 crime bosses who have been reeking havoc on Gotham City, but the ones that we are introduced to are Professor Pyg and Flamingo, but with Professor Pyg's genetic alterations on the citizens of Gotham, Damian must stop the madness, while killing some of Pyg's mutated monsters, Commissioner Gordon corners Batman, but he escapes and we learn the religious implications of the crimes that have been committed. All of these crime bosses are serving the will of the supposed son of Satan. A man who cloaks himself in the cape and cowl of a man he refers to as one of his fathers, Batman. During the fight with the self proclaimed Anti-Christ, Damian Wayne claims that he has made a pact with Satan, the survival of Gotham City in exchange for his soul.

I've read this issue before, but after reading the run of Batman & Robin featuring Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin, I appreciate this issue tenfold. Grant Morrison laid the foundation in #666 for Gotham City books for the foreseeable future. This is easily one of my favorite issues of Batman of all time, especially after the recent events in the DC Universe. And Andy Kubert is simply a legendary artist on Batman and whenever he does the pencils for any Gotham book, it is promised to be absolutely amazing, and this is no exception.

I strongly suggest anyone who has read Battle for The Cowl and Batman & Robin to go back and read #666 as soon as possible.