There's some pretty interesting launches lined up at DC plus some nice reprints on the way, so let's take a quick look at some highlights.
Static Season One #1
written by VITA AYALA
layouts by CHRISCROSS
finishes by NIKOLAS DRAPER-IVEY
cover by KHARY RANDOLPH
ON SALE : 6/15/21 $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC 1 of 6
At long last, the most famous face of the Milestone Universe is making his shocking return!
Bullied nerd Virgil Hawkins wasn’t the kind of kid you’d normally find on the streets at a protest—but like everyone else in the city of Dakota, he was fed up. Unfortunately, the first time he stood up to raise his voice, the world turned upside down. The experimental tear gas released that day left some of his classmates maimed or dead…but it left Virgil, and others, with stunning new abilities. Virgil has power inside him now—real power, the ability to channel and manipulate electromagnetic fields.
But there’s anger burning inside him, too.
What is he supposed to do about all of this? And first and foremost—what is he supposed to do about his bullies, now that they’ve got superpowers too?
A dynamic creative team of new comics voices and Milestone Media veterans join forces to open up a new chapter in the story of the most iconic Black teen superhero in comics history.
Why this caught my eye:
Only took forever for this to happen. I haven't read enough by Ayala to have an opinion on her writing, but I do enjoy Chriscross' work and it feels like it's been a while since I've seen them on a mainstream superhero title. It does look like they're just doing layouts but hey, I'll take it.
Blue & Gold #1
story by Dan Jurgens
art by Ryan Sook
ON SALE : 7/20/21
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
Desperate to regain the spotlight, Booster Gold looks to attract the public’s (and Justice League’s) attention the same way any washed-up, second-rate hero would—social media. The not-so-tech-savvy hero from the 25th century enlists the help of his best friend, Blue Beetle, who possesses both the money and the brains to help his old pal navigate the scary world of internet influencers. Watch out, evildoers, our heroes are live and online!
Don’t miss Dan Jurgens’s triumphant return to Booster Gold with the help of all-star artist Ryan Sook (Legion of Super-Heroes), telling a tale filled with heart and maybe even redemption for DC’s two favorite underdogs!
Why this caught my eye:
It's nice to see what looks to be just a fun vehicle for these idiots again, and the idea of them navigating tik-tok and hopefully fighting an evil algorithm sounds like a good time.
Starman Compendium One
story by James Robinson
art by Tony Harris, Wade von Grawbadger, and others
cover by Tony Harris
ON SALE 8/17/21
$59.99 US | 1,448 PAGES | FC | DC
6 5/8" x 10 3/16"
When the original Starman’s old foe the Mist continues an old vendetta, Jack Knight is forced into a role he’s spent his whole life denying: Jack will have to pick up Starman’s Cosmic Rod.
Soon Jack finds himself flung into a life he never wanted for himself…but it just might be his destiny! Watch Starman go up against the Mist, the Shade, and even Captain Marvel!
Starman Compendium One collects Starman #0-42, Starman 80-Page Giant #1, Starman Annual #1-2, Starman Secret Files #1, Showcase ‘95 #12, Showcase ‘96 #4-5, The Power of Shazam! #35-36, and The Shade #1-4.
Why this caught my eye:
I was just lamenting to someone not too long ago that it feels like no one cared about this run anymore, so it's nice to see some new life and a new format. If you've never read this run then do yourself a favor, it's one big huge love letter to the concept of legacy in superhero comics and it set the stage for some of the best years of DC's modern history before the New 52 mucked it all up.
Sweet Tooth: The Return
written by Jeff Lemire
art by Jeff Lemire
ON SALE 8/17/2021
$17.99 US | 144 PAGES | FC | DC
DC Black Label | Ages 17+
Once upon a time there was a little boy named Gus. He had antlers and lived with his father in a little cabin in the woods. Then his father died, and the big man with cold eyes took Gus away. Gus went on many great adventures, found friends, love, happiness, family, and acceptance.
Now, years later…it begins again. A young boy with antlers and deer-like features wakes in a bizarre and completely foreign world where the last humans struggle to survive. They tell the boy he is special, he is chosen, and that he alone can lead them back to a world dominated by the oppressive Hybrids.
Acclaimed writer/artist Jeff Lemire reunites with colorist José Villarubia to bring you the next chapter in the saga of DC’s acclaimed series Sweet Tooth!
Why this caught my eye:
I know this isn't superhero but I'm in DC land so thought we would make a quick stop. Definitely gotta give 'em credit for getting this out just in time for the show.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #1
story by Tom Taylor
art by John Timms
ON SALE 7/13/21
Jonathan Kent has experienced a lot in his young life. He’s traveled the galaxies with his Kryptonian grandfather and lived in the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes, who were intent on training him for the day his father, Clark Kent, could no longer be Superman. There is a hole in the Legion’s history that prevents Jon from knowing exactly when that will happen, but all signs point to it being very soon. It’s time for the son to wear the cape of his father and bear the symbol of hope that has told the world who Superman really is.
Join writer Tom Taylor (Nightwing, DCeased) and artist John Timms (Infinite Frontier) as they usher in a whole new era for the House of El!
Also, “Tales of Metropolis” continues. Jimmy Olsen gathers his misfit heroes, including Ambush Bug and Gangbuster, to find out who the Projectress really is and why she set her sights on Bibbo!
Why this caught my eye:
While I'm still not crazy about them aging Jonathan, I do trust in Tom Taylor to tell good stories. Also, they're telling stories with Bibbo and I thought DC just straight up forgot he existed, so points there.
Superman and the Authority #1
story by Grant Morrison
art by Mikel Janín
ON SALE 7/20/21
Sometimes even Superman finds a task almost impossible. Sometimes even the Last Son of Krypton needs to enlist help. Some tasks require methods and heroes that don’t scream “Justice League.” So Clark Kent, the Metropolis Marvel, seeks out Manchester Black, the most dastardly of rogues, to form an all-new Authority tasked with taking care of some business on the sly. Not only will Black know the right candidates for the team, but if Superman can make him behave himself and act in service of the greater good, then he’ll prove literally anyone can be a hero! They’ll have to move quickly, however, as the Ultra-Humanite forms his own team to take out the Man of Steel.
This new limited series helps launch an all-new Superman status quo, setting up story elements that reverberate across both Action Comics and Superman: Son of Kal-El in the months to come. And not only is Superman putting together a superstar team, but it takes superstars to tell the tale: Grant Morrison (The Green Lantern, All-Star Superman) and Mikel Janín (Batman, Future State: Superman: Worlds of War)!
Why this caught my eye:
This one has me nervous, because there's a lot of reasons it can be great but also a lot of reasons it will be painful. I really am tired of DC trying to fit the Stormwatch universe into continuity, and it feels especially weird here as Manchester Black was a straight up satire and commentary on the Authority. On the flipside, that pitch feels like Morrison understands the best element of the Superman/Manchester conflict, and using the Stormwatch characters to reinforce that conflict could be something special. So fingers crossed on this one.
Justice League Infinity #1
story by J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker
art by Ethen Beavers
cover by Francis Manapul
ON SALE : 7/6/21
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
From Justice League Unlimited producer James Tucker and series writer J.M. DeMatteis comes an all-new season starring the World’s Greatest Heroes! There is a being wandering the universe searching for its true purpose, but what it finds out on the farthest edges of the cosmos will change not just our universe, but many! Meanwhile, the war for the throne of Apokolips arrives on Earth, and the true ruler will only be decided one way: Who can destroy the Justice League?
Why this caught my eye:
The animated Justice League is one of my favorite Justice runs, so I love the idea of a new season in comic format.
That's it for this batch, we'll hit indy superheroes next!