DC Comics December 2019 Solicits

The DC Comics December solicits came out last week and there are a lot of interesting things to comment on. I am surprised that a couple of these were almost stealth announcements rather than trumpeted in the usual manner.

Here is a link to Newsarama's total coverage:
https://www.newsarama.com/46928-dc-comics-december-2019-solicitations.html

One thing that I didn't see much of was some fallout from Event Leviathan. It looks like the plan is to move on. That isn't a knock. More an observation. I also suppose that with the ending unknown, any announcement might be tipping their hat.

On to some books.

SUPERGIRL #37
written by JODY HOUSER
art by RACHAEL STOTT
cover by BENGAL
card stock variant cover by DERRICK CHEW

Infected Supergirl strikes! After Supergirl protects Superman from getting infected by the Batman Who Laughs virus, she gets infected herself...and accepts this new version of herself with pride! With Batman and Superman claiming to want to “cure” her to cover up that she had to protect Superman, and the Batman Who Laughs wanting to use her in his own plans, which side will Supergirl choose? Or will she forge a whole new alliance?

All right. First stealth announcment.

A new Supergirl creative team.
Gone is Marc Andreyko and gone is Kevin Maguire.

In is Jody Houser (who co-wrote the back end of Steve Orlando's run) and Rachael Stott.

I found Marc Andreyko's run an uneven mess. I didn't quite know his take on Supergirl as her emotions swung like a pendulum. She was often too dark. And it never seemed like it was Kara's book. So I won't necessarily be grieving here.

You think DC would really be promoting an all female creative team on Supergirl in some fashion. But I guess it is classic DC to not take advantage of something positive.

I also have to say good luck to Houser who comes onto the book when Supergirl is possessed by evil. I am glad to see Bengal back on covers. I hope this isn't a one-off.

On to more books.


BATWOMAN/SUPERGIRL: WORLD’S FINEST GIANT #1
Includes new stories plus classic reprints!
ON SALE 12.04.19 | $4.99 US | FC | 96 PAGES | DC

A World's Finest Giant starring Supergirl and Batwoman?
Interesting.
I suppose it builds on the CW shows being on the same night.
You would think Batgirl/Supergirl would be an easier book to put together.

I would love to know who is doing the new story. The Kate/Kara interplay might be interesting.

ACTION COMICS #1018
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON
card stock variant cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

One of the biggest Superman stories of all time continues in “Metropolis Doom” part two! War and chaos strikes the heart of Metropolis. The Invisible Mafia, Lex Luthor, and the Legion of Doom all stand their ground to take over Metropolis. Superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis reunites with comic art legends John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson to bring you a Superman story for the ages! Guest starring the Justice League, Young Justice, and more!

I have loved Action Comics for its Metropolis based action and the more street level city stories.

I suppose it was only a matter of time until the mega-events of Justice League turned its Sauron-esque eye to other books.

And it may be heresy, but I am not a fan of JRJR.

Hoping Mr. Bendis can somehow smooth this crossover out so I don't mind JLA taking over one of my favorite books.

SUPERMAN #18
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
variant cover by SKAN

With Superman’s family scattered across the galaxy, our hero must confront some of his greatest concerns about himself and his place in the galaxy. Legendary artist Ivan Reis joins writer Brian Michael Bendis as they introduce the biggest change in the Man of Steel’s life ever!

Now this one took me by surprise and gave me paise.

It looks like Superman is revealing his identity.

And you may remember just how awful 'The Truth' was when it ran through the Superman books within the last handful of years.

Why are we revisiting this?

Maybe this time 'The Truth' will be good?

LOIS LANE #6
written by GREG RUCKA
art and cover by MIKE PERKINS
variant cover by ELENA CASAGRANDE

Spinning out of the shocking last issues of Event Leviathan, Lois struggles to recover from a tragedy that shakes her to the core. Surrounded by her friends and family, the usually stoic reporter tries to rebound as she continues to chase a story that could alter the DC Universe forever.

At last a mention of Event Leviathan.

What could the tragedy be?

Since I have #LeviathanTheories I may as well throw one down here. My guess is Kate Spencer dies. It would mean more to Lois if Renee Montoya died but that seems like the fridging of a minority character so I don't think that will happen.

Love this cover. Lois is a super-hero!

LOIS LANE #7
written by GREG RUCKA
art and cover by MIKE PERKINS
variant cover by YASMINE PUTRI

Someone wanting to kill Lois Lane is nothing new for the famed reporter, but is it because of something she knows or something she’s about to uncover? Plus, this issue ties to the events of December’s Superman #18 and the gigantic status quo shift for both Lois and her husband, Superman, when the Man of Steel decides to reveal his identity to the world.

Hmmm ... the gigantic status quo shift has to be that Superman reveals himself. Of course, how do you get out in front of the 'Lois is cheating on Clark with Superman' story? By revealing Clark and Superman are the same person.

But ugh ... I don't like that plot or this answer.

SUPERMAN’S PAL JIMMY OLSEN #6
written by MATT FRACTION
art and cover by STEVE LIEBER
variant cover by BEN OLIVER

Meanwhile, in Gotham City, the great Olsen/Batman prank war rages on. An old favorite returns to make heads or tails of just what the heck has been going on. Jimmy does some funny Fraction stuff. Batman is there, too, doing some Lieber stuff. Lex Luthor’s kicking around. It’s a whole thing.

A prank war with Batman?

Good luck Jimmy.

Amazing.

BATMAN/ SUPERMAN #5
written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
art and cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
card stock variant cover by JIM CHEUNG

The Batman Who Laughs has unleashed his Secret Six! Now these infected heroes threaten to spread their dark infection across our world, and the only thing that might stop them is the combined might of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. If they fail, the planet will become the seed that grows a new Dark Multiverse—heroes will fall, villains will rise, and a new era dawns for the DCU in this explosive first arc finale that leads directly into Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen #1!

Still not sure about this book and whether or not I'll be getting it long term. I suppose while Supergirl is a player (albeit as a villain) I am probably obligated to get.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #2
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by RYAN SOOK
card stock variant cover by JIM CHEUNG

It’s been one thousand years since anyone has seen the oceans of the Earth, but with Aquaman’s original trident recently discovered, a chase to control Earth’s future tears across the galaxy. All this and the reunion you’d never thought you’d see! Another DC sci-fi epic into the far-flung future like you’ve never seen before!

A Legion book on the shelf!!!

So excited for this book.

What reunion did we never think we would see?

DIAL H FOR HERO #10
written by SAM HUMPHRIES
art and cover by JOE QUINONES

Miguel and Summer’s search for the remaining H-Dials takes them into the Multiverse, where they encounter new worlds and new threats never seen before! But are they fast enough—and focused enough—to catch up to Mister Thunderbolt?

Love the Dial H for Hero book. It is a book everyone should be reading.

Love this Quinones cover with his take on the classic 70s Supergirl costume.

Seriously, if you aren't getting the book monthly, buy the trade. You won't be disappointed.

DC COVER GIRLS: SUPERGIRL BY FRANK CHO STATUE
designed by FRANK CHO
sculpted by JONATHAN MATTHEWS
Frank Cho’s next statue in the DC Cover Girls line is the epitome of hope and happiness. Supergirl soars through the air in this whimsical piece of art that features Cho’s take on the classic DC heroine. Sculpted and painted by Jonathan Matthews, this piece is expertly crafted to be a prized part of any collection.
• Limited to 5,000 pieces and individually numbered
• Statue measures approximately 12.2" tall
• Allocations may occur
• Final product may differ from image shown

Oh my, another blow to my bank account. But this Frank Cho statue is delightful. Love the classic costume. Love the look of joy and optimism. Love the pose. And love (what looks like) the old school logo on the base.

Anyways, great month! New creative team!

Posted in: Reviews