New Comic Day 12.22.2010

Last new comics before Christmas, folks!! Of course, this all but guarantees a big week.

Batman Annual #28 $4.99

Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU

This year's Batman annuals collide in a 2-part story involving both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman! In this second part of the story, when a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip to Paris, France leads to a murder mystery, the heroes deduce that the assassinations are connected to a strange cult leader. But will this religious figure take them one step closer to solving the bizarre murders? Or are The Question, Bruce and Dick getting one step closer to becoming the next victims? Continued from this month's DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12!

Sue me, I bought the Detective Comics Annual, and now I need to see how it wraps up.

I ought to trust my gut more.

Batman, Inc. #2 $3.99

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by JH WILLIAMS
Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

The dynamic new era of Batman continues! The Dark Knight and Mr. Unknown – the Batman of Japan – go up against Lord Death Man. It's going to be a fight to the end that could see the failure of Batman, Inc. before it's even begun! 

I'll eat a little crow here. Batman, Inc. #1 was pretty damn good. I'm still skeptical of the whole thing, but I'll ride out the first arc, at least. The art is quite delicious, and I especially want to high-five Morrison for writing a great, interesting Selina Kyle in #1. This may be a good book, but the concept still feels wrong.

Green Lantern Larfleeze Christmas Special #1 $3.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by GENE HA

It's BRIGHTEST (CHRISTMAS) DAY! What do you want for Christmas? Orange Lantern Larfleeze wants everything – including Santa Claus himself! And nothing, not even the heroes of the DC Universe can to stop the Orange Lantern from getting what he wants! Plus, you won't want to miss the strange holiday season shenanigans starring the rest of the Orange Lantern Corps! Superstar writer Geoff Johns and artist Brett Booth team up for an unbelievable sleigh ride adventure!

I've been looking forward to this one for a while. One of the best things to come out of the whole Blackest Night cycle was Orange Lantern Larfleeze. I'll try to be brief on this. The Lantern Corps rings have a color spectrum that corresponds to an emotional spectrum. (Green = Will, Yellow = Fear, etc.) Orange is greed and envy. There is only one, actual, Orange Lantern, because he just can't share. He wants everything he sees, and no one else can have it.

Well, what happens when that guy finds out about Santa Claus?

I'd guess HILARITY ENSUES!!

Seriously, Geoff has done wonders with this character, who's been described as a deadly version of Gonzo...Yes, The Muppet Show Gonzo. I always have fun reading about him.

Justice League of America #52 $3.99

Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER
& NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

With Washington, D.C. in the hands of The Omega Man and the full extent of his horrific power revealed, the JLA is forced to make a difficult decision. Is there no choice for the World's Greatest Heroes but to team with the World's Worst Villains – the Crime Syndicate – in order to save both Earths? How will this desperate action be affected by Ultra Man's betrayal of everyone. . . and the reappearance of Dark Supergirl?

So, Marvel announced that Mark Bagley was returning to Ultimate Spider-Man this Spring. Good news, I like that. Exciting, fun.

I think it's also a nail in the coffin of my following this title. That is, unless something really cool happens. Robinson's not had a great track record on that score.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #151 $3.99

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: DAVID LAFUENTE, Sara Pichelli

After the shocking status quo game changer from last issue's 10th anniversary special, Spider-Man must now undergo afterschool super hero training—and the lessons start here!!! Plus Peter Parker gets a new girlfriend? And you won't believe who she is. They’ll be guest stars galore in this action packed adventure as Spidey gets schooled!

So, Ultimate Spidey is no longer a free agent. He's under the thumb of S.H.I.E.L.D., and they mean to train him to not make so many mistakes.

I love this turn of events. It's great because it completely fits with the established Ultimate Marvel Universe, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s place within it. Plus it'll be great to see Peter deal with his costumed persona no longer being an escape from the pressures of school and real life. It is school, now, all over again.

Of course...we also have Bagley's return and "The Death of Spider-Man" in the Spring...