November Batman News

DC's The Source has posted new information to inform us on the changes coming to Batman in November. Here's what The Source has to say:

"Bruce Wayne be returning to a new set of Batman duds, but his first sidekick, Dick Grayson, will continue to fight crime on the streets of Gotham as Batman, and under the banner of 'Batman Inc.'"

As for the rest of the titles, Batman and Robin will continue the adventures of Dick and Damien, While Batman Inc., and Batman: Dark Knight will follow Bruce Wayne. Here's what editor Mike Marts had to say on the subject:

“Just as readers were getting comfortable with the idea of former sidekick Dick Grayson playing the role of Batman, along comes Bruce Wayne’s triumphant return to the Cape and Cowl. Is Gotham City ready for two Batmen? Is the world? And who’s to say the fun will end there?”

Tony Daniel on Batman

Wednesday afternoon, The Source posted some preview art and some quotes from Tony Daniel about his return to Batman. Check out the extremely graphic preview sketch below:

Tony Daniel says a few words on his upcoming Batman run after the break.

Preview: Batman #702

Thanks to DC's The Source, we're given a sneak peak at the "lost chapter" in Bruce's life between R.I.P. and Final Crisis. I have to say, Tony Daniel draws a pretty awesome Flash. Take a look!

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?

Batman #700 Cover

Earlier this week, DC Nation dropped the first bit of information that we've gotten concerning Batman #700 in the form of a beautiful cover by David Finch.

This is the first bit of official Batman art from David Finch, and it is one of the most breath taking piece of cover art that we have seen recently.

So, by my count, we know three things about Batman #700:

It is coming in June.

At least one cover by David Finch.

Tony Daniel will be involved in some way.

My guess is that it will be a collection of Batman stories in the fashion of an 80 page giant, seeing as advance solicitations and previews will be coming in the next couple of weeks, and based on the track record of DC's The Source Blog, we will be getting loads of amazing information soon.

Source: The Source

Trade Review: Battle For The Cowl

After the events of Batman: RIP and Final Crisis, both penned to an excruciatingly complex point by superstar, albeit polarizing, writer, Grant Morrison, DC Comics was left with the task of discussing and explain who would take on the mantle of The Caped Crusader, and that man was none other than Dick Grayson.



Tasked with telling this story was none other than Tony Daniel on both art and writing duties. In Battle for The Cowl (the main story) Daniel shows us who was vying for the title of Batman. The three real contenders that he came to were Dick Grayson, a reluctant replacement for Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake-the at-the-time Robin, and former dead/Robin/Vigilante/very confused individual , Jason Todd.Battle for the Cowl pretty much just shows the process of the three former robins being very angry with each other and all feeling like they deserve the role of The Dark Knight.

Ultimately, the down fall of Battle for the Cowl is that it is over done, the main story did not particularly set up or clarify any of the current events of Gotham City, although the side stories, such as Azrael and Gotham Underground did push along a story for the characters involved. Which, in all honesty, is pretty strange considering that Tony Daniel is on the current run of Batman. The other downfall is that the story could have been told in one issue, and definitely did not need to go to three. These facts really tend to take you out of the story and you actually realize that what you are reading is pretty much pointless, so it begins to make you less focused on the work, and thus making it less enjoyable. Tony Daniel just does his job and leaves it at that. There are no interesting takes on any of the characters involved, and no new developments on pre-existing character traits. It's your run of the mill Batman story sans Batman.

Overall, the book itself it is not absolutely terrible, it's just that the book feels pointless. If you were to read this book on it's own, it could be fine if it didn't rely heavily on pre-existing knowledge of the events of Final Crisis and Batman: RIP. It's really unfortunate because it takes a 3-4 star book, and turns it into a 2-3 star book based solely on the current events. And compared to other trades like Hush, Long Halloween, The Black Glove, and many others, it definitely pales in comparison.

All in all, if you just ABSOLUTELY need to know every excruciating detail of how, but not why, Dick Grayson put on the cowl, pick this up, but if not, stay away and read the first trade of Batman & Robin, which is coming very soon


Buy it from Amazon