In this video, Brooks reacts and breaks down his favorite upcoming DC Comics April 2021 Solicitations.
Featured Titles
Green Lantern
Beginning on April 6, DC’s Green Lantern Corps are back in a new Green Lantern #1 by Geoffrey Thorne and Dexter Soy! Spinning out of Future State: Green Lantern and Infinite Frontier, John Stewart is at the center of the new series—plus Young Justice’s Teen Lantern and Far Sector star Sojourner “Jo” Mullein! As this new Green Lantern saga begins, the newly formed United Planets and the Guardians of the Universe hold an intergalactic summit to decide who can best serve and protect the cosmos from danger.
With the majority of Green Lanterns called back to Oa, John Stewart arrives alongside Teen Lantern Keli Quintela, whose homemade gauntlet could be one of the most powerful and unstable weapons in the universe. With the entire landscape of the universe in flux, is this the end of the Green Lantern Corps…or a new beginning?
As the new Green Lantern series progresses, Jo Mullein (Far Sector #10 arrives on February 2) joins the Corps to find out why the Central Power Battery exploded. Jo and Keli are on the case—are they the World’s Finest Lanterns?? What will this dynamic duo uncover as they investigate!?
This bold new story kicks off in DC’s Infinite Frontier #0 on March 2, where fans will see Dexter Soy’s incredible Green Lantern artwork for the first time.
Green Lantern #1, written by Geoffrey Thorne (Future State: Green Lantern, Truth & Justice) with art by Dexter Soy (Batman & the Outsiders, Red Hood and the Outlaws) and a cover by Bernard Chang, plus a card stock variant cover by Bryan Hitch, arrives on April 6.
Robin
Now that Damian Wayne has severed his ties to both Batman and the Teen Titans, he’ll be emerging from under their shadows to forge his own path, courtesy of writer Joshua Williamson (The Flash, Future State: Justice League, Infinite Frontier) and artist Gleb Melnikov (Wonder Woman, Batman/Superman Annual) in an all-new ongoing series! Debuting on Tuesday, April 27, Robin will feature new mysteries for Damian to explore, a new supporting cast, brand new characters, and fights, lots of fights!
“Being a big fan of Damian Wayne, I’m really excited about getting him back on a hero’s journey.” said Williamson. “Gleb is the perfect artist to tell this story as we show readers Damian’s growth, in a new adventure that navigates his legacy, his connections to Batman, Talia Al Ghul and kicks off an important story in the DC Universe.”
After learning of the deadly League of Lazarus tournament, Damian Wayne has a new mission: to win the tournament and prove he is the greatest fighter in the DC Universe! But first he must find the secret island where the tournament is being held!
For fans that want a taste of the action to come from Williamson and Melnikov, the March issues of Batman (#106, on sale March 2) and Detective Comics (issue #1034, on sale March 23) will feature a two-part “prequel” backup story, “Demon or Detective.” After leaving Batman behind in Detective Comics #1033, Damian comes face to face with his mother, Talia al Ghul.
Featuring a main and wraparound variant covers by Melnikov, a team-themed card stock variant cover by Andy Kubert and a 1 in 25 variant cover by Riccardo Federici, Robin is a can’t-miss look at the next phase of Damian Wayne’s hero’s journey.
Series Launches April 27, 2021
Batman: The Dark Knight
New Bat-Villains! New Bat-Allies! A thrilling overseas adventure for the Dark Knight begins with the launch of DC’s Batman: The Dark Knight on April 13! Batman: The Dark Knight will take a seasoned Batman—a lifetime of broken bones but not a broken spirit—out of Wayne Manor and on a harrowing, action-packed European quest in a new six-issue miniseries with superstar creators Tom Taylor (DCeased, Suicide Squad) and Andy Kubert (Batman: The Dark Knight-The Master Race, Superman: Up in the Sky) at the helm! DC’s Dark Knight returns this April!
“I will leap at any chance to tell a Batman story at any time,” said Taylor, “but teaming up with a legend like Andy Kubert for a Batman tale is a dream and an honor. I have Andy’s Dark Knight statue sitting on my desk, so I can see exactly how his Batman is larger than life.”
“This series is a different take on the character than I had done before,” said Kubert. “Every story that I have done with Batman has been different in tone, and the art takes on a life of its own as the story dictates. Batman and Son, Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader and Dark Knight III-The Master Race along with Flashpoint Batman, had their own look and feel for that particular story. Batman: The Dark Knight is no different.”
But how does this Batman story begin? 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 challenging investigation, unheard-of adversaries, and find the assistance of a partner once more—all in the hunt for the villain known as Equilibrium! And what does “BATMAN 147” mean to Bruce Wayne when it appears after a deadly plane crash—is it a clue, or a riddle? Or just another trap for the Batman?
“When editor Ben Abernathy and Andy came to me with an idea for a world-weary Batman leaving Gotham for Europe,” continued Taylor, “I immediately thought of the great stories I’d read of an older, cynical Batman. But the challenge was finding the call to adventure for a Batman who’s a little more jaded. Fortunately, I already had something up my sleeve. I actually pitched a Batman idea to Ben Abernathy all the way back in 2012 and, nine years later, we were able to find a place for this in Batman: The Dark Knight. The idea was about taking something away from Batman that no one’s ever tried to take before. And from that, a new, unique Batman villain was born. It’s all about Equilibrium.”
“When Ben and I had discussed making this Batman larger than life, we knew we had to have a writer that could deliver that type of story,” said Kubert. “Tom Taylor has proven himself, especially with DCeased and Suicide Squad, that he was it. What he has crafted here will be a story for the ages.”
And who is Batman’s new partner? All signs point to Knight or Squire (from the pages of Batman Incorporated) to help Batman crack this case, but who are the people behind these aliases, and how much will an aging Bruce Wayne be able to help them with cracked ribs, or a dislocated shoulder, or the pain associated with being Batman in the first place? When will enough be enough for the Dark Knight?
“Andy’s Batman never skipped leg day,” concluded Taylor “His legs are like tree trunks. He’s a bit older, he’s a little slower, but he’s efficient. He’s muscle and bulk and power and he moves like a battering ram. He interacts a little like a battering ram too. He’s singularly focused. He has a mission, and he won’t be pushed off track by hordes of attackers…or even Andy’s terrifying Gentleman Ghost. While this is about an older Dark Knight, we also had an opportunity to flashback to his past, to see a younger Bruce Wayne in training in a way never expanded on before.”
“Batman: The Dark Knight‘s Batman is hardened and thick,” added Kubert. “The years and battles have caught up with him. As he walks, you can hear him creak like an old rusted gate that needs to be oiled. And Tom writes it all so perfectly.”
DC’s Batman: The Dark Knight #1 (of 6), written by Tom Taylor with art, cover and card stock variant cover by Andy Kubert and Brad Anderson, along with a 1:25 card stock variant cover by Riccardo Federici, arrives on April 13 with an extra-sized 26-page debut story!
Batman: Second Son
Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley’s groundbreaking take on Tim Fox as The Next Batman has been a runaway hit, receiving critical acclaim from press and fans alike, as well as second printings for the first two issues of Future State: The Next Batman!
In addition to his upcoming short story in “Batman: Black and White #3” (on sale February 23), DC and Ridley have more in store to expand the growing legacy of this new Dark Knight.
The Next Batman: Second Son is a new miniseries, launching weekly digital chapters beginning February 23. The first three digital chapters will be collected into the debut print issue, available at comic book stores on April 6.
Now that the world knows Tim Fox is behind the mask fighting against The Magistrate in Gotham City, what’s the truth behind his origin and his connection to the current DC Universe? Featuring art by Tony Akins (Jack of Fables), Travel Foreman (Animal Man, Birds of Prey) and Mark Morales (Justice League, Deathstroke, REPRESENT!/”It’s A Bird”) this miniseries answers the questions behind Tim’s estrangement from Lucius Fox and the rest of the Fox family and his evolution from man of mystery to Gotham’s newest guardian.
On June 29, experience all of Ridley’s trailblazing work returning Tim Fox to comics in the “Batman by John Ridley Deluxe Edition.” This 128-page must-have hardcover collection is led by an original story by Ridley, with art by Dustin Nguyen and collects Future State: The Next Batman issues #1-#4, in addition to stories from Batman: Black and Whiteand “Family Ties,” from “Batman: The Joker War Zone #1.”
Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries
DC’s all-ages comic book library expands with Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries, a new series of original team-up stories launching with digital chapters on Saturday, March 27! Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries teams the Dark Knight with Scooby-Doo and the sleuths of Mystery, Inc. (Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred) for a series of 24 digital chapters—to be collected in 12 print issues available at your Local Comic Shop—fitting the Saturday-morning cartoon position in your family-friendly weekend entertainment.
In the kick-off story by Ivan Cohen and Dario Brizuela—an adventure when Batman discovers his original purple gloves have gone missing—Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo travel back in time to Batman’s Year One era to solve the case! Will this time-traveling heist have a happy ending? Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1, “Glove Story,” written by Ivan Cohen with art and cover by Dario Brizuela, begins with the first of two DC Digital First chapters on March 27 followed by a print issue collecting the same story on April 13.
And to continue the Scooby-Doo team-up tradition established in over a hundred chapters of Scooby-Doo Team-Up, in the second big Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries story writer Sholly Fisch and artist Randy Elliott have Scooby-Doo and Batman team up to solve the mystery of a ghost…who’s haunting the Batcave! Even if the ghost turns out to be a fake, that still doesn’t solve the real mystery: How did someone get into the Batcave to stage the phony phantom—and does that mean Batman’s enemies have cracked the secret of his true identity?! Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2, “Going Bats,” written by Sholly Fisch with art and cover by Randy Elliott, arrives in print on May 11 after digital chapters beginning on April 24.
Super Sons
The boys are back! Picking up where the sensational Adventures of the Super Sons left off, the sons of Batman and Superman are back in the spotlight and ready to give evil a good spanking. But are Robin and Superboy in over their heads this time? A mysterious woman from beyond time has appeared to the DCU’s favorite sons, and her arrival heralds certain doom (that’s a hint, everyone) of things to come!
In fact…it seems she’s sent the boys on a bogus journey that they’ve already…returned from? Huh? What did the boys learn when they were whisked away? Why on earth do they have to save the Flash from instant death? Tune in for the first chapter in the most epic odyssey Robin and Superboy have ever been on!
Harley Quinn Black + White + Red TP
For the first time in print, 19 short tales of Gotham City’s craziest clown princess are presented in nothing but black, white, and bold splashes of red. See how Harley’s story unfolds in worlds beyond the DC Universe, in the alternate timelines of Batman: White Knight, Harleen, and the Harley Quinn animated series! Witness her darkest hours and her happiest moments! Behold a — wait a second, did she just… win an underground rap battle?!
An incredible array of talent from across the comics industry have put their reputations in jeopardy to bring you these stories. So show a little gratitude, will ya?
This volume collects Harley Quinn Black + White + Red Digital Chapters #1-17 in print for the first time—along with two all-new, never-before seen stories by writer David Mandel (Veep) and artist Adam Hughes; and Harley’s co-creator, writer Paul Dini, with legendary Batman: The Animated Series artist Kevin Altieri!
The Justice League and Team RWBY
Following the fun and excitement of comic book limited series like gen:LOCK and the first RWBY, Rooster Teeth and DC are joining forces once again, this time to combine the worlds of their popular anime/manga series with the World’s Greatest Super Heroes in RWBY/Justice League, a weekly Digital First series debuting on participating digital platforms such as Comixology, Amazon Kindle and Apple on Tuesday, March 9, with new chapters released every week. RWBY/Justice League will also be released in print as a monthly seven-issue series, launching Tuesday, April 27. Each print issue will contain two digital chapters.
Written by Marguerite Bennett (Future State: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman, RWBY, DC Comics Bombshells) and featuring art by Aneke (Future State: Batgirls), Stephanie Pepper (The Mummy) and Emanuela Lupacchino (Future State: Gotham City Sirens, Birds of Prey), this seven-issue monthly miniseries brings Team RWBY face to face with DC’s paragons of justice.
RWBY/Justice League introduces fans of manga and superheroes to the Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent and Diana Prince of Remnant, fighting with Team RWBY. A new Grimm is running rampant across the island of Patch, and Ruby and Yang must team up with a young red and blue-clad farm boy to stop it! Meanwhile, Blake meets a mysterious woman who’s suddenly appeared on Menagerie, but her purpose for being there remains a secret. And why does she act like she hasn’t been around modern society?
Featuring a stunning cover by Mirka Andolfo (RWBY, Harley Quinn, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman) and a card stock variant cover by Simone Di Meo (Future State: Harley Quinn), this unique team up is sure to be a hit with fans of superheroes and manga alike!
Digital Series Launches March 9, 2021, Print Issue #1 On Sale April 27, 2021
Action Comics
“Warworld Rising” starts here! A new chapter in Superman’s life begins as the challenges of Dark Nights: Death Metal are causing Clark Kent to feel… a change in his powers. Is it possible the Metropolis Marvel could be losing a step? His struggles in taking down the creatures from the Breach would suggest as much!
If he’s going to continue to protect the people of Earth, he’ll have to adapt — especially with threats like Mongul out there waiting to launch their biggest attacks on the Earth yet. That’s right, those are Warworld battleships just outside our orbit, and they are heading straight for us!
Meanwhile, in the Midnighter backup story, the bad boy of the Authority has to figure out what Andrej Trojan is up to in the present if he ever wants to get back to Future State and swap places with the Midnighter of 2021, whom he left stranded on Warworld.
Superman
Superman has received a signal from distant space. An old friend is in deep trouble, and only the Man of Steel can help him. By the time Superman and his son get there, though, the alien who sent the signal is nowhere to be found, and his people appear to be enthralled by a shamanistic storyteller who warns of an ancient grudge with the malevolent Shadowbreed.
This leaves Clark and Jonathan Kent to ponder just who sent them the distress message, but before they can find the answer, they’ll discover that an ancient grudge still has very current consequences. Kicking off a new story line, this issue pairs Phillip Kennedy Johnson with his Future State: Superman: House of El collaborator, artist Scott Godlewski!
Meanwhile, in the “Tales of Metropolis” backup story it’s…the return of Ambush Bug? Say it ain’t so!
American Vampire
Before Skinner and Pearl reunited and the Beast returned—before 1976—the fight to protect humanity persisted.
This special anthology issue presents new stories from the unseen era between American Vampire: Second Cycle and American Vampire 1976, bridging the VMS’ turbulent past with a nation’s uncertain future.
Jim Book and Pearl will test their new partnership on a mission to uncover new DNA technology in the fight against the Beast, Travis, and Gus enjoy a rare carefree moment in exile, and a deathbed vision reveals the truth about George Washington’s pact with the Council of Firsts and America’s role as a haven for persecuted monsters.
Batman
Tensions are sky-high in Gotham City following the events at Arkham Asylum, and public opinion and unrest are starting to boil over. The Dark Knight has his hands full juggling the investigation of the reappearance of an old enemy and the rise of a new gang in Gotham called the Unsanity Collective…Gotham City is getting more dangerous by the minute!
Plus, in part one of “Legend of the Ghost-Maker,” James Tynion IV and Ricardo Lopez Ortiz tell the most insane tale of action and adventure featuring Batman’s frenemy Ghost-Maker! This one is not to be missed!
Batman: Black and White
The penultimate issue of the acclaimed return to Batman Black & White is here with a look at some of Gotham City’s most twisted and compelling souls.
- Superstar Batman artist Jorge Jimenez writes and illustrates a story starring Bruce and Damian Wayne as they try to prepare for a sting operation as Batman and Robin, with Damian questioning Bruce’s methods every step of the way.
- Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer of Detective Comics Mariko Tamaki and fan-favorite artist Emanuela Luppachino show what’s become of Gilda Dent, former bride of Two-Face and current scourge of super- villains.
- Jamal Campbell, acclaimed co-creator of Naomi and Green Lantern Jo Mullein from Far Sector, tells a story that spans the full history of Nightwing.
- Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, the celebrated team behind Phonogram, Young Avengers, and The Wicked + the Devine, make their DC debut with a story that pits Batman against the Riddler in a way you’ve never seen before!
- And finally, legendary comics artist Lee Weeks writes and draws a story that has the ghosts of Jim Gordon’s past coming back to haunt him!
Batman: Urban Legends
The new Batman anthology series continues! In part two of Chip Zdarsky and Eddy Barrows’s epic Batman/Red Hood story, Jason Todd has taken a man’s life, and now his mission is to keep the dead man’s young son safe. But Batman plans to take down Jason before he can make another mistake.
Then, in chapter two of Matthew Rosenberg and Ryan Benjamin’s senses-shattering tale, Cole Cash earns his pay as personal bodyguard to billionaire Lucius Fox, but what led him to Gotham in the first place? How does the mysterious HALO Corporation play into it all? And which Bat-Family character does he have an unfortunate meeting with in this chapter?
And in part two of Brandon Thomas and Max Dunbar’s epic Outsiders story, see Katana’s perspective on what brought the Outsiders to Japan, who wants her dead, and what her ultimate punishment will be for no longer having her husband’s spirit in the Soultaker sword.
Plus, Barbara Gordon has identified a citywide system hack from a foe she faced before as Batgirl…but this time around, Babs may have found a way to defeat her for good as Oracle!
Batman / Superman
In a world where Superman’s rocket never reached Earth, the Dark Knight and his sidekick discover a startling rift between dimensions. On the other side? A world where Martha Wayne survived, and Bruce never grew up to be Batman! Not only that, but a strange alien has emerged from the rift who’s faster than a locomotive and can leap tall buildings in a single bound… the Superman of Metropolis!
When these worlds collide, the architects of this alternate history are revealed, and the only ones who can thwart their deadly experiments are the Batman and Superman of Earth-0! It’s a dynamic dual-world adventure!
Batman vs. Ras al Ghul
It all comes down to this… the final meeting of the Batmen! Ra’s al Ghul’s plan to dominate Gotham crashes against the will of Bruce Wayne and Matches Malone, as the city’s power grid faces the wave of the future!
Batman / Catwoman
Batman’s two loves collide, and the smash-up could be dangerous not just for the Caped Crusader, but for The Joker as well. In order to prove her mission is righteous, Phantasm takes Catwoman out on a hit against one of the men responsible for the disappearance of her son.
Unfortunately for Selina Kyle, this isn’t the first time she’s gone behind Batman’s back to try to do the right thing, so she’s far too aware of how bad a turn this whole affair could take. Also, in the future, it’s Harley Quinn, ready to avenge Mistah J!
Catwoman
The Riddler revealed that he knows details about Poison Ivy’s whereabouts. Now, after the Riddler has been gravely wounded, Catwoman brings him to be patched up by Alleytown’s less-than-scrupulous medics.
Now on the mend, Riddler points Selina in Ivy’s direction — but is he telling the truth, or wrapping her up in another one of his riddles?
Meanwhile, the Penguin’s come to realize that enlisting Father Valley to take out Catwoman may have been a mistake and finds himself asking whether he hired a hit man…or inked a deal with the devil himself.