26-03-25 | It’s a good time to be a Batman fan. Not only will the Hush sequel be out soon, the Absolute Batman series (a total reboot of the Bat-legend) is proving a hit too. Gimmicks and superhero team-ups are fun, but it’s series like these that elevate the genre. If the Dark Knight is not your thing, then there are plenty of other titles by Marvel and Image to choose from in April.
BATMAN #158
It’s time for Hush 2, the sequel to one of the greatest comics in modern history. Two decades after part one the Dark Knight gets caught up in another slow burning mystery featuring the vile Hush. Plus a new enemy known only as the Silence. It’s must-read Batman by legends Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #7
Meanwhile, in the back-to-basics Absolute universe, Batman meets the Joker for the first time. And Mr. Freeze is along for the ride as well. Absolute Batman’s first story arc was successful enough to warrant a sequel. Let’s assume this gritty incarnation of the Caped Crusader is here to stay.
THE SICKNESS – collected edition
This feverish graphic novel demonstrates what comic books are capable of. It tells the story of teenage Daniel and his struggles with post-WWII nationalism. Will Daniel be able to stand up to the sinister figure know as The Man? A stunning work, which is steadily becoming more topical by the minute.
THE WRITER – collected edition
Fictional comics writer Stan Siegel finds himself hurled into a world of fantasy. This writer of low brown and nonsensical fantasy now comes face to face with real occult creatures from neo-Nazi mythology. An impressive and immersive graphic novel by Josh Gad and the Berkowitz brothers.
MEDIEVAL SPAWN #1
Tolkien meets McFarlane in this long overdue series. Finally the Medieval Spawn gets his own range in which his origins are properly explored for the first time. Given the success of Gunslinger Spawn, perhaps this sword and sorcery version of Spawn will prove to be another hit for Image Comics.
PREDATOR VERSUS SPIDER-MAN #1
Having already taken on Wolverine and Black Panther, the Predator now sets his sights on your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. Spidey fights Skinner, an outcast Predator, during a New York heatwave. Is Marvel relying on corny crossovers to pay the rent these days? I don’t care. Take my money.
CAPTAIN PLANET #1
Dynamite relaunches the champion of the environment in comic book form. This corny superhero from the 1990s has been totally reimagined. My guess is it’ll either be a surprise hit or supreme camp. Join the Captain and his Planeteers in his continual battle against polluters everywhere.
BATTLE BEAST #1
And finally an exciting spin-off from the Invincible universe. Robert Kirkman brings you Battle Beast in his first solo series. In Battle Beast this lovable alien brute, a fan favourite since his first appearance, continues his search for a worthy opponent. This first issue is destined to become a collector’s item.