Fans of the former Dr. Harleen Quinzel, now know as Harley Quinn, got some good news from DC Comics recently: two new Harley miniseries will be arriving in September.
Arriving September 4 is Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, a six issue series spinning out of the events of Heroes in Crisis, written by Jody Hauser and illustrated Adriana Melo. DC’s solicitation below seems to confirm that this story will be set in regular continuity — unlike Harley’s current title.
HARLEY QUINN AND POISON IVY #1
written by JODY HOUSER
art by ADRIANA MELO
cover by ELENA CASAGRANDE
Harley Quinn card stock variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
Poison Ivy card stock variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
blank variant cover
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are taking their show on the road in this new miniseries! They’ll have to evade villains and heroes alike while they exploreSe their relationship and unpack their time and experiences at Sanctuary. Set after the events of HEROES IN CRISIS and smack in the middle of “Year of the Villain,” it’s a journey across the DC Universe that will change their friendship forever…if they live that long!
ON SALE 09.04.19
$3.99 US | 1 OF 6 | 32 PAGES
CARD STOCK VARIANT COVERS $4.99
FC | RATED T+
HARLEEN #1
written by STJEPAN ŠEJIC
art and cover by STJEPAN ŠEJIC
variant cover by STJEPAN ŠEJIC
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions. On that road I saw a pale man, and he smiled at me…”
Dr. Harleen Quinzel has discovered a revolutionary cure for the madness of Gotham City—she just needs to prove it actually works. But with the criminal justice and mental health establishments united against her, the brilliant young psychologist must take drastic measures to save Gotham from itself. Witness Harleen’s first steps on a doomed quest that will give birth to the legendary super-villain Harley Quinn in this stunning reimagining of Harley and The Joker’s twisted and tragic love affair by visionary storyteller Stjepan Šejic (AQUAMAN: UNDERWORLD, SUICIDE SQUAD, Sunstone).
ON SALE 09.25.18
$7.99 US | 1 of 3 | 64 PAGES | BIMONTHLY
FC | APPROX. 8.5” x 10.875”
MATURE READERS
Following in the format of Batman Damned (but hopefully without all the controversy), Harleen will be published as three oversized issues which will later be collected in 2020.
Keep in mind, this book will be running at the same time as another Black Label title: the previously announcedJokey/Harley: Criminal Insanity.
If you’re a Harley fan, which of these books are you more excited for? Or is it too hard to choose? Leave us a comment!
To say that Tom King’s Heroes in Crisis take on Wally West was controversial is an understatement. Speaking to CBR last month, King had this to say about the character:
“We took this character that I love — my first introduction to DC Comics was Wally West. He’s my favorite Flash, and he’s really the Peter Parker of the DCU. He’s our every man. And for over ten years he’s not had his own book and has been at the periphery of things. Basically, since before the New 52, he’s been gone. This story puts Wally back at the center of the DC Universe, where he belongs.”
Now, the former Kid Flash is about to embark on a mission to “find redemption” in the new series Flash Forward by writer Scott Lobdell and artists Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund.
Check out DC’s official solicitation:
FLASH FORWARD #1
written by SCOTT LOBDELL
art by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER
variant cover by INHYUK LEE
blank variant cover
His name is Wally West—and he was the Fastest Man Alive. That is, until the Multiverse was rewritten without him or his family in it. Wally returned and tried to make it work, but the damage was done. Spinning out of the events of HEROES IN CRISIS, follow the man who called himself Flash on an adventure to find redemption in a cosmos that has fought so hard to destroy him.
ON SALE 09.18.19
$3.99 US | 1 OF 6 | 32 PAGES
FC | RATED T+
Note the “T+” rating, which implies this likely won’t have the lighthearted tone of Wally’s earliest adventures.
What did you think of Wally’s portrayal in Heroes in Crisis? Will you be picking up Flash Forward? Let us know in the comments!
Game of Thrones has ended after eight seasons. It was a wild ride of ups and downs – both emotional and in the field of quality. The show has led to an increased interest in historical shows and many networks have attempted to make their own Game of Thrones. Shows filled with sex, violence, war, and political power plays. Now that the show is over it is a great time to look at similar series that could fill that Game of Thrones hole that you might have.
10. Spartacus
The legend of Spartacus is famous and Starz broadcast their version from 2010 to 2013. Spartacus is one of the more action-packed shows on this list – it was made on the back of the hit 2007 movie 300 and wanted to capture that movie’s grotesque slo-mo action. It was unabashed fun and that was why people were drawn to the show.
Spartacus was filmed in New Zealand and most of the cast were from Australia and New Zealand. The show was beset with tragedy when the original star, Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and died at the age of 39. Starz made a prequel miniseries in between season one and two – focusing the gladiators and after Whitfield’s passing Liam McIntyre took on the role.
9. Black Sails
Black Sails is an 18th-century set show that was broadcast by Starz, focusing on the Golden Age of Piracy. Black Sails was made as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island but was a lot less family friendly due to the show’s use of sex and violence. The show aimed for a more realistic take on piracy as it shows the pirates in conflict with major naval powers (i.e. Britain and Spain) and with each other as they try to dominate the criminal world. The mix of history, politics, and crime and setting the show mostly in a town made Black Sails the pirate version of Deadwood.
The first season was mired by the overuse of sex and swearing but it improved massively after that shaky start.
8. The Tudors
A predecessor to Game of Thrones was the Showtime series The Tudors. As the title suggests The Tudors focused on everyone’s favorite obese king, Henry VIII of England and his struggles against the church, international rivals, and his various marriages. It lasted for four seasons and started a successful career in TV for the showrunner Michael Hirst. The show was historically dubious, playing fast and loose with the facts, condensed events and most importantly Henry VIII reminded a handsome man despite in real life he developed a big waistline as he got older.
The show had a massive cast that featured respectable actors like Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sam Neill and, Peter O’Toole, and emerging talents. Actors like Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, and Annabelle Wallis have gone on to big things since appearing in the show.
7. The Borgias
Another show offering political intrigue in the late-medieval/early modern period was The Borgias. The House of Borgia was a powerful noble family in Europe and their patriarch, Rodrigo Borgia, became the Pope despite the facts that he had children, loved to the ladies, and exceedingly corrupt. The show looks at how Rodrigo Borgia became Pope by using every political trick in the book and keep power whilst facing threats, both foreign and domestic.
The Borgias lasted for three seasons and it garnered a fanbase. After its cancellation fans launch a campaign for revival and Showtime did consider making a two-hour finale but decided against it because of the cost. The showrunner, Neil Jordan, did intend for a four-season run.
The Borgias was not the only recent show about the famous family. There was also a multi-national production known as Borgia: Faith and Fear. So history fans can have a double helping of Borgia actions.
6. I, Claudius
The oldest show on this list is the BBC classic I, Claudius. Based on the novels by Robert Graves I, Claudius focuses on the early history of the Roman Empire and the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Spanning 12 episodes I, Claudius was one of the most ambitious shows of its time due to its production values. It had a tremendous cast of British talent with big names like Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Brian Blessed, Patrick Stewart, and John Rhys-Davies. It was also one of the most controversial shows of its time with one of the most infamous being Caligula eating an unborn baby.
I, Claudius was incidentally criticized by critics but grew to be an award-winning show in the UK and US and is often considered one of the best British shows ever made.
5. The White Queen
The War of the Roses was one of the biggest influence on Game of Thrones. It was a dynastic conflict between the House of York and House of Lancaster for the throne of England. So a series about The War of the Roses would be a fitting Game of Thrones fix.
The White Queen was based on a trilogy of novels by Philippa Gregory, focusing on Elizabeth Woodville, the wife to Edward IV. She was a woman of lowly status and by marrying the king her family was awarded land and titles – but also made themselves a lot of enemies at court. Elizabeth Woodville and her family were an influence for the Lannisters.
The White Queen was made by the BBC and Starz and it gave Rebecca Ferguson her first major leading role. Starz has released two sequel series, The White Princess which starred Killing Eve‘s Jodie Comer and The Spanish Princess.
4. The Hollow Crown
Some of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays were his histories and The Hollow Crown series spanned from the reigns of Richard II to Richard III. The Hollow Crown was made for the BBC and broadcast by PBS in the US. This was a series based on famous pieces of theater and focuses on a period of near-constant conflict – whether it was England at war with France or English nobles fighting themselves. That alone is a draw for Game of Thrones fans.
The series was made by celebrated theater directors and attracted many great British actors. These include Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston, and Patrick Stewart. The series even had Game of Thrones alumni Michelle Dockery. The series went for a realistic look and it was an expensive production.
3. The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is a series based on The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. The BBC and Netflix produced the first two seasons and the third was solely distributed on Netflix.
The Last Kingdom set in 9th Century England when the Vikings are conquering the land. In the middle of the conflict is Uthred of Bebbanburg, the son of a Saxon lord who was captured by the Danes as a child – leading to him having divided loyalties between the Saxons and the Danes.
Like many of Cornwell’s work, The Last Kingdom does a fantastic blending fact and fiction and showing that there are heroes and villains on both sides. This leads to great characterization because most characters are a mixed bag. Like Game of Thrones there was plenty of court intrigue on a political level as people compete for land, a personal level due to people liking or despising Uthred.
The Last Kingdom is a smaller scale, Earthy show compared to other shows that go for an epic view. Battles and fights were won by outsmarting the enemy and rarely led to a massive brawl. The show does tough on hard subject matter like murder and rape yet kept mostly a fun tone.
2. Vikings
Out of all the Game of Thrones clones Vikings is one of the best. As the title implies the show focuses on everyone’s favorite raiders, rapists and pillagers during their golden age. The series focus was on legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons who lead to the rise of the Vikings. This show looked at famous events like the raid on Lindisfarne, the Siege of Paris, and the Great Heathen Army’s conquest of England. The show has to play fast and loose with the facts because these are events take place over hundreds of years.
The big draw of Vikings was the action scenes. It was filled with bloody battle sequences that could rival Game of Thrones and movies like Gladiator and Braveheart. The best came during the third season during a three-episode arc where Ragnar Lothbrok’s forces try and fail to capture Paris.
1. Rome
Rome is arguably the main predecessor to Game of Thrones, an ambitious show that HBO used as a building block for the fantasy series. Romewas a co-production between HBO, the BBC and RAI (Italy’s public broadcaster) which looked at the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of Julius Caesar and Augustus.
Rome was an ambitious show – it was the most expensive show made at the time. It was filmed mostly in Italy, including at the famous CinecittàStudios in Rome. It had an impressive cast featuring the likes of Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, and James Purefoy. Some cast members even appeared in Game of Thrones, i.e. Ciarán Hinds and Tobias Menzies.
Rome was a huge production that looked at both the power struggles amongst the elites of the Republic and issues affecting the regular people. All of this was seen through the eyes of two veterans of Caesar’s army. History buffs and politics nuts enjoyed the power plays and there were plenty of subplots looking at the underworld and domestic situations. Like Game of Thrones there was plenty of sex, violence, and nudity.
The showrunners planned a five-season run for Rome but it was cut down to two. This forced the show to cram in a lot during the second and this is where Rome faltered. The worst example of this was the subplot involving two Jewish rebels tried to assassin King Herod. It was a plot that went nowhere and did not add anything to the series.
Whether you’re a military buff or a comics buff, but especially if you’re both, then Super Soldiers by Jason Inman is the book for you.
In Super Soldiers, Inman – himself a veteran of the United States Army – explores the relationship between the American Armed Services and comic books. Each chapter breaks down a different fictional service member to try and figure out if they’re a “good soldier” by contemporary military standards. Along the way, Inman shares never-before-told stories about his own time serving overseas.
First off, kudos to Inman. This is the author’s first novel, and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read. His prose is casual and conversational, making for a comforting and inviting experience. It never feels like Inman is lecturing the reader. He’s having a chat, and giving you a peek behind the curtain at what it’s like being a soldier in the US Army (in his experience).
Each chapter is essentially an essay unto itself. So, if you’d like, you can actually jump around a bit and first read the chapters on characters that interest you the most. Reading it straight through will give you the most fulfilling experience, though, as Inman builds on topics and references past chapters frequently.
Still, the structure does allow for a lot of freedom, which makes Super Soldiers a great book to revisit, instead of reading it once and then letting it collect dust on a bookshelf. You’ll be tempted to pick this book up again and again, whether to refresh yourself on how War Machine represents loyalty among battle buddies, or how Beetle Bailey reminds soldiers that they’re still humans, and not just “a walking, talking uniform.”
You’re going to learn a lot from Inman while reading this book, both from a comics perspective and a military one. You’ll probably find at least one chapter about a character that you’re unfamiliar with, which will just wet your appetite to find out more about them. And with characters you are familiar with, Inman will give you a fresh spin on them as only he can, by comparing the characters’ experiences with his own.
On the military front (pun unashamedly intended), you’ll hear firsthand what it was like being deployed in Iraq. What did Inman and his fellow soldiers do in their downtime? How did they keep themselves from cracking up? What was it like being out on missions? You’ll also learn about military rules and procedures that you probably didn’t know existed (I, for instance, didn’t know under what circumstances soldiers could disobey direct orders). It’s fascinating, especially if you have even a fleeting interest in the military, and it helps keep the book grounded. You’re not just reading about fictional characters and their adventures; you’re reading about real people.
Inman isn’t just interested in glorifying the military or military life, either. He talks plenty about the (literal) dirty work he had to do, and his own doubts and reservations. He openly discusses the faults and failures of the military, as well as some of the comic characters (what, did you think he was going to write about how great Nuke or the Punisher are?). Inman describes himself as a “peace-loving hippie” in the book, so whatever side of the political spectrum you fall on, he wants you to be able to enjoy yourself reading. That kind of a bipartisan transparency is refreshing and welcome in 2019.
Super Soldiers is a great summer read. You’ll get sucked into Inman’s stories, and you’ll learn a thing or two along the way. And really, what more can you ask from a book?
Jason Inman is the writer of the creator-owned comic book series Jupiter Jet and the host of the Geek History Lesson podcast. You’ve also seen him on DC All-Access, Collider, Screen Junkies, and Nerd Alert.
Batman and The Outsiders race to Save a Metahuman!
Batman and the Outsiders are back in the spotlight! Batman has reformed his team consisting of lesser-known street-level heroes. We have old favorites such as Katana and Black Lightning, making their return, as well as newcomers Signal and Orphan. Together, they will work from the shadows to defend Gotham City.
Their first mission comes when a young girl and her father are attacked on the road. The girl, Sofia, was a part of a metahuman creation program and someone wants her for themselves. The reason he knows about this is that Bruce saved her and took her to safety. While the team does agree to help, Black Lightning begins to wonder what other secrets does the Dark Knight has hidden from them. Will this mistrust be put aside to save an innocent?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
We open with Bruce talking to Black Lightning about the girl they need to help. Sofia has been picked up by another of Batman’s associates, Kaliber, and is on the run from a man called Ishmael. Black Lightning, despite his curiosity of the cyborg protecting her, agrees to take the team to help. Meanwhile, Kaliber tries to explain the situation to Sofia, but she isn’t on board. She asks Kaliber to give a gun to her to defend herself. As she is about to turn the high tech weapon against herself, Ishmael arrives to take her. Kaliber leaps in to protect her, as well as the Outsiders.
In the last issue, I had a problem with the fact that Batman had taken a back seat. Despite headlining this story, the Dark Knight continues to stay in the background, letting the B-list characters do the work. The issue this time around, however, is the fact that the team itself gets put in the back seat. Of the usual 21 pages, we only get the Outsiders in a quarter of them. The rest of the story revolves around Kaliber and Sofia. This is still early in the story, and we should learn more about these new characters, but there’s something offputting about the lack of title character in this story.
As for Kaliber and Sofia, only one of them intrigues me. Kaliber is your standard, run of the mill, soldier. He’s gruff, demands to stick to a plan and doesn’t trust Sofia. Old soldier characters like this are seen quite often in comics, but they are a strong character for a story like this.
On the other hand, Sofia is a much more intriguing character. She is learning to survive in this world without her father, and she literally has this moment of weakness where this reader was scared to see if she’d go through with it. Despite her being only two issues old, this girl might be one of the more fleshed out characters amongst the Outsiders, and I love it.
Art:
Dexter Soy has been kicking ass with his illustrations in the book. Every one of the Outsiders looks badass, and the action is drawn exceptionally well. While I may have noted that Kaliber is a basic character, I can’t say he doesn’t look cool. Even the villain looks fantastic, as he prepares a ritualistic communication with his employer. The level of detail in each panel brings a smile to my face and brings the book up.
Conclusion:
While the action is fun and our new character is interesting, this is a step down for the Outsiders. The second issue focused on Sofia and Kaliber, with the rest of the team hurrying to join them and Batman just not being in it. The series is still young, and with the big bad being revealed, we will probably get more of the team moving forward. For now, however, this issue was just “meh.”
Spider-Man & The League of Realms #3 is out June 19th, but thanks to Marvel Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive preview to share with you.
The book is by Sean Ryan, Nico Leon, and Marco Failla, with colors by Carlos Lopez and Andrew Crossley, and letters by Joe Caramagna. Cully Hamner and Brian Reber did the main cover, while Marco D’Alfonso did the variant.
About the issue: WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN! Spidey and the rest of his motley crew are fighting for their lives (and all of existence) against KURSE!!! She was once a member of the League of Realms until Malekith made her into his right hand. Now Kurse can destroy the League, once and for all!
The War of the Realms has shown readers the best side of massive crossover events. The main story has been a treat, and the tie-in books have been equally fulfilling. It’s a grand, epic tale, with jaw-dropping battles, laugh-out-loud character moments, and tons of heart. It’s one of the few events where you actually want to read all of the ancillary material in order to get a more complete story.
This tie-in issue takes place after War of the Realms #4 and War Scrolls #3.
Take your first look at SPIDER-MAN & THE LEAGUE OF REALMS #3:
What’s been your favorite War of the Realms tie-in? Sound off in the comments!
Star Wars #67 is on sale June 19th, but thanks to Marvel Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive five-page preview of the issue to share with you.
The comic is by Kieron Gillen and Angel Unzueta, with colors by Guru-eFX, letters by Clayton Cowles, and cover by Gerald Parel.
About the issue:
“THE SCOURGING OF SHU-TORUN” PART 6
• The fate of an entire world is in the hands of the REBELS!
• And even then, can anyone manage to escape the Scourging of SHU-TORUN?
• The cataclysmic end of KIERON GILLEN’s run on STAR WARS.
As stated in the solicit copy, this will be Gillen’s final issue of Star Wars before Greg Pak and Phil Noto take over. Gillen previously launched Marvel’s first Darth Vader series after the publisher regained the license; he then transitioned over to writing the main title following the end of Jason Aaron’s run.
Take your first look at the issue:
Are you reading Marvel’s Star Wars comic? Comment below with your thoughts on the series!
Dark Red #4 is out June 26th, but thanks to AfterShock Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive 7-page preview to share with you.
The series is by Tim Seeley and Corin Howell, with colors by Mark Englert, letters by Marshall Dillon, and a cover by Aaron Campbell.
About Dark Red #4: Chip is faced with two options…run like hell from a town he’s lost to Nazi vampires, or team up with a pair of barely sober hicks who hate him in order to rescue the woman he loves. Tough choice.
Tim Seeley (BRLLIANT TRASH, Hack/Slash, Grayson) and Corin Howell (Ghostbusters, Bat-Mite) bring you a contemporary and horrifying tale of vampirism in the heart of America—one that’ll make you jump right out of your boots.
Reaver hits your local comic book store on July 10, but thanks to Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive interview with Styrian Eddos, one of the main characters from the series created by Justin Jordan and Rebekah Isaacs.
The character in question is the serial killer, Styrian Eddos. Why are we interviewing him? Because he’s trying to save the world!
Here is more information on Eddos’ mission: The continent of Madaras once promised a new start for settlers, but 200 years after its discovery, the war rages on. Deep within this savage and untamed land, a darkness builds that must be stopped at all costs. To do so, the Imperials assemble six of its most despicable prisoners; a turncoat, a skin eater, a sorcerer and his bodyguard, a serial killer, and the Devil’s Son. Hell’s Half-Dozen are the only ones who can stop the end of the new world.
STYRIAN EDDOS—“Serial killer”
MFR: What does one wear on a mission like this? EDDOS:Well, certainly, if I had my druthers, only the finest. Since I don’t have my druthers I’ve been forced to make do.
MFR: What is something we should know about Esk? EDDOS:The Escalene Protectorate is, quite amazingly, home to some of the finest cuisine known to man. Somehow, considering the average Eks can barely be relied on to not eat mud.
MFR: How many have you killed? EDDOS:Do children count as one each or are they fractional? They were certainly fractional after.
Image Comics is calling Reaver a dark, grim fantasy for a post-Game of Thrones world. Isaacs has previously worked on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while Jordan’s resume includes The Strange Talent of Luther Strode. Reaver is colored by Alex Guimarães, with covers by Becky Cloonan. (The first two covers are below.)
Do you plan on picking up a copy of Reaver in July? Comment with your thoughts below.
SUPERMAN #12 features the anticipated gathering of the living House of El members, which promises to be a fantastic reunion. Supergirl, Superman, Superboy, and Jor-El now find themselves in the midst of an uprising led by General Zod and Rogol Zaar. Zaar, a powerful being who claims to be the sole cause of Krypton’s destruction, wages war against the House of El for unknown reasons, but Superman begins to suspect his dubious father may be involved.
Story
A Disorderly Family Reunion
Brian Michael Bendis sets this story immediately after Superman confronts his father to find out why this trouble has followed them. Without any time to give his son straight answers, Jor-El spends most of the issue coordinating a plan of escape. At the same time, Superman, Superboy, and Krypto the Superdog enjoy a brief reunion with Supergirl as they formulate a plan of attack against the villains.
Seeing Superman’s reaction to his relatives together reminds us just how much family drives him as a character.
Secret of Krypton’s Destruction
The destruction of Krypton has long defined the El family’s struggles throughout their history. The true nature and cause of the catastrophe has largely been shrouded in mystery. But Supergirl reveals she’s uncovered the truth of the planet’s demise—Rogol Zaar was behind it all. What’s more, Jor-El admits he was part of the organization that covered up the event.
Readers may feel this sense of betrayal could be too much for Superman to bear, but our hero shows he still has faith in his family. He will do anything it takes to protect those he loves, even if he has to fight Zaar and Zod all by himself.
Art
The work throughout SUPERMAN #12 is fantastic. Ivan Reis’ penciling, bolstered by Joe Prado and Oclair Albert’s inking, hearkens back to the cosmic illustrations of Ethan Van Sciver’s work in Green Lantern: Rebirth. Alex Sinclair’s coloring gives this issue the ultimate Superman vibe with variations of blue, red, and yellow, even in the villains.
Josh Reed’s lettering is something to be commended as well. His structured layering of word bubbles offers a sense of stability amidst the chaotic fights in the background.
The Covers
Reis, Prado, and Sinclair crafted a stunning main cover for this issue. Featuring Superman rage out against Rogol Zaar with lettering adds incredible context, allowing anyone to jump into the story if they haven’t caught up on previous issues. Adam Hughes’ variant cover depicts Superman in his classic stance, reminding readers of the most famous House of El family member.
Conclusion
SUPERMAN #12 weaves themes of familial disputes in the midst of cosmic chaos. It leaves readers wanting to learn more about the truth of Krypton’s destruction and Jor-El’s knowledge of it.
What did you think of Superman’s confrontation with his father in this issue? Let us know in the comments below!
Rome is arguably the main predecessor to Game of Thrones, an ambitious show that HBO used as a building block for the fantasy series. 
