(Cover by Jamal Igle, DC Comics)

The Ray 2 continues the new mini-series written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti which started off so refreshingly upbeat, humorous and light-hearted that I simply can’t wait to see what they pull off in issue two! Lucien Gates is the Ray of the DCnUniverse and he’s quite a unique voice in modern comics already. Mixed in to some classic super-heroism, Lucien’s world is full of real and diverse people and the drama reflects that fully. Every piece of dialogue either brought a smile to my face or taught me who the character was in issue 1. If you like superheros, you will like this comic.

(Cover by Tony Harris, DC Comics)

The Shade 4 is James Robinson’s first “Times Past” comics of this limited series and is illustrated by the should-be-amazing team of Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone! It’s WWII and Shade – in the midst of his rise to villainous stardom –  is helping an industrialist on the side of the Allies survive an assassination attempt in what is slated as Shade’s new origin! Should be an excellent ride as the last three issues have been, for Starman fans or not.

(Cover by Nick Bradshaw, Marvel Comics)

Wolverine and the X-Men 4 sees the addition of two new students to the Jean Grey Institute as well as the news of a pregnant mutant in the school? I just fully got on board with this title last issue after not feeling the first two as much as I thought I would. Kid Krakoa got me on all the right levels and now I can’t wait to see how Jason Aaron continues to steer this strange, new (and old) ship going forward.

(My remaining comics this week are Batwoman 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 9 5, Demon Knights 5, Green Lantern 5, Mister Terrific 5, Superboy 5 and Ultimate Comics X-Men 6)

-windiebird

(Cover by Szymon Kudranski, DC Comics)

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice 2 is on track to be my favorite of the week if all the well-crafted, anguished character work remains from the first issue. That was the perfect example of why a novelist can absolutely shine in the sequential storytelling medium and I have the utmost hopes for this week. Pain, revenge, guns and The Batman!

(Cover by Guillem March, DC Comics)

Again with the DC miniseries! Huntress 2 is absolutely ~my jam~! Helena gets the spotlight all to herself, kicking ass and being a totally righteous defender of the innocent. With Marcus To and John Dell on visuals, she even does it all looking entirely fashionable and fierce. Loving Guillem March for these covers as well. Guess it’s hard to hyper-sexualize someone when they wear body armor but lord knows he’s trying. Anyways, the end result is a book you should read from issue one to six (the final chapter)!

(Cover by Kaare Andrews, Marvel Comics)

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 4 marks not only what is sure to be another banner entry into the Ultimate Marvel universe with one of the most relatable characters in comics history but the first Kaare Andrews cover I really dig as well! Needless snark aside, we get more glimpses into how Miles’ powers work and more of his steps to becoming the new Spider-Man are revealed. It’s pricier than some books but this is an instance where you are absolutely paying for quality.

(My remaining pull list this week is Batwoman 3, Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 9 3, Demon Knights 3, Dollhouse: Epitaphs 5, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. 3, Green Lantern 3, Mister Terrific 3, Superboy 3 and Uncanny X-Force 17)

(Cover by J.H. Williams III, DC Comics)

Batwoman 2, if anything like the first issue (and the Detective run of the character before), will simply be must-read material. It’s been perfectly new-reader friendly from what I gather and – seriously – this art must be seen to be believed. J. H. Williams III, Amy Reeder & William H. Blackman seem to have an excellent formula for making this a title that should be on every fan’s list. Get in before it’s too late! The fun bus waits for no one!

(Cover by Chris Bachalo, Marvel Comics)

X-Men: Regenesis bridges the Schism event with the official Regenesis-branded relaunch of the X-books and I’m very excited about it, if slightly unsure about what this one-shot will provide us with. Clearly, it’s the issue where the line drawn in the meteorite by Wolverine & Cyclops (with their dicks, of course) will be spelled out for each of the mutants on Utopia and we’ll see who is on who’s side but will we see the status quo of each of the books set up? Will there be big bads introduced? Much mystery surrounds it but I have a feeling this will be more for fans who have follows so far and not necessarily for new fans looking to jump on to a title after the event hits.

(Cover by Kaare Andrews, Marvel Comics)

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 3 is going to be one hell of a comic! I say this with full confidence in a lead duo that have yet to fail us and I don’t see how they ever could. Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli are pure talent and pure creators. They’re telling Miles’ story with such empathy, humor and intrigue that I don’t see how this wasn’t number one in September! I say this every time about books I like but trust that this is well worth the price point. If you’ve ever been a teenager, you can connect with this young man struggling with a new experience and a dangerous world.

(The rest of my titles this week are American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest 5, Batgirl 2, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 2, Demon Knights 2, Dollhouse: Epitaphs 4, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Generation Hope 12, Green Lantern 2, Mister Terrific 2, Shade 1, Suicide Squad 2, Superboy 2, Ultimate Comics X-Men 2 & Uncanny X-Force 16)

-windiebird

(Cover by JH Williams III, DC Comics)

Batwoman 1 is the title everyone should read from the DCnU, no excuses. Amy Reeder and J. H. Williams III are absolutely genius. We can only hope W. Haden Blackman and J. H. Williams III have Kate down but with so much preparation time and so much fan feedback, I don’t see how they could miss the important steps (not to mention Williams’ original run with Greg Rucka). Bring on the Hydrology!

(Cover by Steve Morris, Dark Horse Comics)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Season 9: Freefall 1 is our introduction to a world without Slayers (as well as Season 9). Buffy is a waitress once more trying to find her way in a world that she has largely disrupted in an attempt to make it better. Friends have died and some still hate her. She has no purpose but what she makes. Honestly, this season 6/dark/desperate vibe is one I really connect with. Joss Whedon even took out time from The Avengers to make this top-notch so this must be worth it! Love that Steve Morris cover, as well.

(Cover by Kaare Andrews, Marvel Comics)

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 1 marks Miles Morales’ first solo title as the new Spider-Man and I couldn’t be happier to see it arrive! The little we’ve seen of him in Death of Spider-Man assured me that Brian Michael Bendis could make it work. The Ultimate world is tense right now and Miles has to deal with the past of Peter Parker while still attempting to be a hero. A perfect recipe for a comic! Old fans and interested newbies should feel confident in picking this up.

(My remaining pull for this week is Batman and Robin 1, Demon Knights 1, Frankentstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. 1, Green Lantern 1, Mister Terrific 1, Red Lanterns 1, Resurrection Man 1, Suicide Squad 1, Superboy 1, Dollhouse: Epitaphs 3, IZombie 17, and Uncanny X-Force 15)

-windiebird

Comic by Brian Winkeler, Cover by Robert Wilson IV

Check out this original Batwoman [below] we got from Wilson as well! It makes us feel all warm and kick assey inside! Also check out his site HERE to learn more about him!

Robert & Rueben @ Zeus Comics

Pencils & Inks by Robert Wilson IV

-Aaron M

Art By Amy Reeder

(Cover by J.H. Williams III, DC Comics)

Batman Incorporated 4 or Batwoman 0.5 as I like to think of it, has the Dark CEO setting up Kate Kane’s own franchise of the Inc. name! I’m honestly just here for the Batwoman-ness of it, moving on.

(Cover by Brett Booth, DC Comics)

JLA 55 is going to be one BUSY comics, y’all. We have Eclipso eating his way through the darkness-based folks of the DCU and soon the JLA itself with Saint walker (yaaay!) slated as their Only Hope while Doomsday is working his own way through the JLA and a few Lanterns looking for Cyborg Superman. I’m excited for Eclipso and kind of just riding the Doomsday wave but together they could make for a truly wild ride.

(Cover by Dustin Nguyen, DC Comics)

Power Girl, Batman and an unnamed 3rd ex-JLI member join the fracas in Generation Lost 22 and the end is in sight! The long-awaited showdown with Max Lord is on the horizon and I would gladly support any kind of JLI spinoff that follows this.

(Cover by Leinil Yu, Marvel Comics)

See?! I read Marvel! New Mutants 23 continues Rogue’s runaway tale as her knowledge of the mutant gulag under the Fortress could mean the end of the status quo in the Age of X. A mysterious man is close on her heels but is he friend or foe (gotta love the magic 8 ball text in solicits sometimes)?

(Cover by Greg Land, Marvel Comics)

Uncanny X-Men 534 is the end of the Quarantine arc and BOY am I over-joyed to have gotten in on it! Greg Land’s women are a little…similar…but for the most part it’s been beautiful art, deep and engaging characters, thought-provoking themes and one badass X-Men team!

-windiebird

(Cover by J.H. Williams III, DC Comics)

Batwoman 0. Today. Like it is in your comic shop RIGHT NOW. If J.H. Williams III doesn’t make you want to rub comics against your eyeballs to get closer to the beauty he creates then you clearly haven’t been introduced to his work! Let the art draw you in to the deep and rich world of Kate Kane and please give this dynamic and relatively-new character support. Not to mention one of the best lesbian characters to hit the mainstream in years (Renee Montoya being the other that comes to mind)!

(Cover by Mauro Cascioli, DC Comics)

Green Arrow 6 pits Queen against Queen as Ollie invades the company he once controlled! Is the creepy gas mask nun his mom or just another person hellbent on messing with my favorite archer? Another title that I’m pleased to see on the shelves, not to be missed!

(Cover by Dustin Nguyen, DC Comics)

Justice League: Generation Lost 14 is all about the fallout from issue 13. Magog has been slain and the world think Captain Atom did it! The JLI is on the run…even more so than before? Maxwell Lord has Checkmate under his command but with Power Girl, Batman and more super-powered persons learning the truth, how long can he maintain the charade?

(Cover by Shane Davis & Sandra Hope, DC Comics)

The new creative direction continues in JSA 45 and all signs point to another successful run on the title. A terrorist strike has put the Society in a very bad position but they’re doing all they can to make it up to the people of Washington, D.C.

(Cover by Felipe Massafera, DC/Teshkeel Comics)

Hopefully JLA/The 99 2 maintains the fantastic start we had in issue one! An unknown force is causing people to lose their minds and lash out in abandon! When it starts affecting Superman…you know you’re in trouble! The 99 steps in to help save the day in this pretty fantastic gem.

(Cover by Greg Land, Marvel Comics)

Uncanny X-Men 530 solicits the return of the Sublime entity, probably infecting the mutants of Utopia in an effort to rid the world of them. Seriously, I guess it’s Tuesday on Utopia. While I never read any comics featuring this particular villain this line from the Marvel preview has me interested in picking up this first issue of the new story-arc, at least:  where does Dazzler get all her awesome outfits? Where, indeed.

-windiebird

Art by Amy Reeder

The series originally scheduled for the summer will be making its way to the stores in February.  J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman will be providing the story while Williams and Reeder will alternate on the art.  Not that I don’t enjoy some of the other Bat titles but I can’t wait for Batwoman’s return. 

-Aaron M

Art By Jock

The Losers artist Jock will be returning to Detective Comics alongside writer Scott Snyder.  Jock previously worked on Detective Comics during The Cutter story arc, when Batwoman had taken over the title.  I’m definitely a fan of Jock’s work and enjoyed the flashback scenes of Batman, while Batwoman was on the case.  Now that Batman is back in Detective it should be interesting to see Jocks take on the current Batman.

-Aaron M

(Art by J.H. Williams III, DC Comics)

Alex Segura, you scamp! Right as SDCC is set to open its doors to the public today, he releases this new image of our favorite lady in red! Not much more at this time but more info and PLENTY of other comics-related goodies are sure to surface in the next few days. Ugh, what a beautiful piece!

-windiebird

So this is a pretty hilarious meme floating around the Internet today and I had to share it with you fine folk. Try it out for yourself here and let me know what you came up with. FOR GREAT LABIA!

-windiebird

(image belongs to D.C., beautifully done by J.H. Williams III)

Batwoman looks like she’s here to stay! This might have been why Greg Rucka was taking a step back and if that’s the case, thanks for doing your part to make a Batwoman book happen, G.R.!

I’m grabbing my face just like Kate in the picture with the anticipation! July can’t come soon enough!

-windiebird

Greg Rucka has stated at WonderCon that he has finished his last DC work and that he feels he needs to step back in general.

I am hopeful we will see more Batwoman Stories from Rucka in the future, because he does believe there are more stories to be told.  Not to mention the 5-part story arc about Alice’s Origin originally planned for Detective Comics.

I am very sad to hear about Rucka leaving, because Detective Comics has become my favorite comic since Batwoman took over.  I hope DC will find a place for her in one of the bat books until they find a way for her to get the series that she deserves.

-Aaron M

POWWWW! We officially have YouTube! We talk a bit about how fantastic Greg Rucka’s Batwoman is, some GLAAD awards & general non-sensery.

As always, comment wherever you’d like and let us know what you’re thinking about anything. We don’t bite unless you ask us to. Promise.

-windiebird

This Female Crimefighter is a triple threat.

1. She’s a Red Head, POW!

2. She’s Jewish, OY ZING!

3. She’s a lesbian, SMACK!

The original Batwoman was created as a love interest for Batman to knock down the allegations that Batman and Robin were fucking gay.  She constantly had to be rescued by Batman and her weapons were disguised as cosmetics dildos and jewelry. This character was later killed off in Detective Comics #485 and her existance is erased due to the first crisis.

Katherine (Kate) Kane comes from as wealthy and prestigious a family as Bruce Wayne and whatever he does not own the Kane family does.  She is a lipstick-ish lesbian and made her first appearance in the pages of the mini series 52.  She not only keeps her identity a secret but her non stop pussy pounding sexuality a secret as well. YEOWWZA!

Batwoman operated as Gotham’s protector while Batman, Robin and Nightwing were MIA (no, not the singer) after the most recent crisis.  In 52 you learn that she has an on-and-off-again realtionship with the kick-ass cop Detective Montoya ( y’all might remember her from the animated series). She “assisted” Montoya in solving a mystery involving the use of one of the Kane family’s warehouses.  Montoya is not the only one that favors Kate, Nightwing has a crush on her as well and even welcomes her into the bat family by giving her an official orgaszm batarang.  You can currently see her in Final Crisis: Revelations #3.

I think Batwoman is a great representation for the GLBT community.  I hope that eventually she gets her own series, that would be a huge break through for D.C.!!!  I give D.C. props for giving some diversity to their comics but I’m still waiting for a high profile gay male character! All the gay men are minor side characters or lesser known villians.

Check the photos if you’re not on the up-and-up with Batwoman! Enjoy!

~Aaron M.