The Night of The Owls Has Ended

Meet the brother of Bruce Wayne.

~Batman #11 (2012)

Having faced down a series of Talons on a night of extra-ordinary killers, Batman finally confronts the mastermind in a showdown to the death. In a brilliant plot twist, the villains claims to be his brother.

Batman #11 is the finale of Night of The Owls, resolving the last few months of the event in a one-on-one, big-boss battle. The Caped Crusader, Nightwing, and the remainder of the Batman crew have quelled the threats in Gotham City, but not before the main bad guy makes his appearance.

This event, a very well-written piece written by Scott Snyder and penciled by Greg Capullo, ends one week before The Dark Knight Rises; a fitting story that will bring fans to the box office for the summer.


Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Thor: The Dark World

When we last left our heroes...

...it was in the midst of San Diego's ComicCon 2012, which ran from July 12-15 and gave us a wealth of information.

*Marvel released the title names to two of their upcoming movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Thor: The Dark World. The entire movie schedule has been updated on the Main TSL Website.

*In Dark Avengers #177 a unique character shows up at the end: Could that be Judge Dredd?

Night of The Owls has now concluded with Batman #11. If you followed The Dark Knight, it's now time to pick up all the titles and reread the event in order. Night of The Owls has an excellent plot twist and forever changes the underbelly of Gotham City history. Possibly Bruce Wayne's, too.

Avengers vs. X-Men release three issues; AvX: Versus #3 showed us what happens when Daredevil faced Psylocke and Thor fought Emma Frost. In the backdrop of the event, it appears Gladiator of the Shi'ar Empire might be dead. We've also learned what the mutants are doing to the Avengers they capture - it doesn't look pretty.

There's also more information on Marvel NOW! A list of titles that will be concluded - or terminated - has been posted on the summary page. (You might be surprised.)


And DC held a panel at ComicCon, giving us a bit more insight to their September "0" Month. The main draw seems to be The Phantom Stranger. They intend to give us a bit of background to his origin, his relationship with Lady Pandora, and perhaps what's really going on in the DC Universe.

There's always more to come. Stay tuned. Otherwise, until next week, this is THE WEEK...in comics!

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

TWIC: The Week of The Spider

Unless you've been living in a cave - no wait - under a rock, this week you're getting ready for The Amazing Spider-Man movie, starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone; it starts on Tuesday, but for most of us it'll be midnight tonight. This is definitely the week of the spider and Marvel released Amazing Spider-Man #688 to coincide with the first appearance of The Lizard, one of Spidey's first super-villains. There's a lot to love, but also some originality in this flick, and the reviews have been varied. One of the main points is that you'll be treated to another origin, but you'll get a new enemy.

The viral campaign for Amazing Spider-Man, in my opinion, has been lackluster; if you expected to see a lot of lead-up, keep looking. For the most part, everything must have been spent on the Avengers movie. Regardless, you can still see Spidey in his numerous monthly releases with Amazing Spider-Man, Avenging Spider-Man, Spider-Men, Avengers, FF, Ultimate Spider-Man, and any of the other mags where he appears for a team-up.

Back on Utopia with Avengers vs. X-Men. Well, it's being called Pax Utopia, lately, and that's due to the Phoenix Five - Cyclops, Magik, Colossus, Namor, and Emma Frost - who have the power of that destructive entity. This week it's all about them dominating the world in the name of peace. Does anyone think that it'll work? Nah! But The Avengers made a grab for Hope and The Scarlet Witch is now taking part in the event. Something is going on and we're going to learn real soon what this whole Phoenix Prophecy is about.

Over on the DC side of the fence, if you were finished with Night of The Owls, you closed your comic books too soon. All Star Western #10, which happens almost two hundred years earlier, actually adds a historical flavor that must be included. It just released and is now part of the reading order. Expect the final part of the "Night" to end with Batman #11, on July 11th. (On a special note, if you're in New York, Scott Snyder will be signing the issue during this event.)

Now, let me tell you about Before Watchmen. This running event is actually decent, but it really boils down to the ending. (One of the biggest disparities, for me, was The Comedian #1, which indicated that Blake didn't have anything to do with the JFK shooting. It's a clear separation from the movie, in the intro, which shows him leaving the grassy knoll.) Last week Nite Owl #1 released and we had another good story, seeing Hollis turn his mantle over to Dan. Right now, the verdict is still out and I'm interested in the public opinion.

Want to try something a bit off-kilter, yet realistic? Try Hit-Girl #1, just release from Icon publishing. Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. put this mini-series out to bridge the Kick-Ass and Kick-Ass 2 stories, but also because Mindy McCready's character was too good to leave alone. From the first page, you'll get a serious, punishing, outlook of their superhero life.

Well, that's the highlights, comic books friends, and more on the horizon. Just one last note: be sure to check out The 10 Hottest Super Babes of Summer 2012. It's counting down right now and updates on Wednesday.

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

Batman Tragedy #4: Night of The Owls

~Excerpt from Batman #6 (2012), prelude to The Night of The Owls

The premiere event for 2012, DC Comics pushed The Dark Knight to his limits in a nest of pervading and inevitable doom with Night of The Owls. Starting with Batman #1 (2012) and stretching to encompass Nightwing, Catwoman, and nearly all the other members of the Bat Franchise, this story nearly clawed the Wayne family name and resources from history.

With a backdrop of over two hundred years of legend, the demonstrative and far-reaching power of Night of The Owls culminates in a single evening of mass assassinations; powerful beings called Talons, with heightened strengths and regenerative abilities, have been unleashed to remove elite figures from Gotham City's hierarchy. Bruce Wayne is one of the earliest targets; it turns out that a "Court of Owls" has been operating under his nose, secretly residing within Wayne buildings and using Wayne assets for years.

As each chapter unfolds, the immensity of danger grows to include relatives of his past and even his former sidekick, Dick Grayson, who was intended to serve as one of their killers. The sickening truth is that The Court has been waging a silent war with Batman for years, meticulously plotting to undermine and ultimately destroy him. And at the single moment of unveiling, when The World's Greatest Detective learns of their existence, it's too late. (Or is it? You'll have to read it to find out.)

Why does Night of The Owls resonate so strongly? Because when Batman beats a foe, it's not due to super powers. It's not because he's lucky.  The truth is, it's hard to take him by surprise; his mental and preparedness keep him one step ahead of danger. And if, by some chance, he gets into a jam, he can call upon wealth or technological resources for any particular situation. But that all goes away in this tale; now, he is at a complete disadvantage with everything at stake.

The 10 Most Deadly Moments of Batman is a countdown provided by The Superheroes List preparing fans for the upcoming movie The Dark Knight Rises, with Christian Bale. If you want to get hyped up on Caped Crusader information, come on over and Check out the List!

TWIC: As The World Burns...

~Excerpt from X-Men Legacy #268 (2012)

The week of June 13, 2012, while evolving some plotlines, is beginning one to a close. As well, buzz is starting to surface of a movie to come.

Avengers vs. X-Men - The hosts of The Phoenix are on earth now; we know they are purging the world of "problems" (such as guns, war, etc.), but the extent of their control is - as of yet - unknown. X-Men Legacy #268 (2012) gave us a brief glimpse of the struggles to come. In addition to that release, you can view a couple of detailed battles on the moon in AvX: Versus #3 (2012) with The Thing vs. Colossus and Black Widow vs. Magik.


Night of The Owls - The DC event is almost over. Batman, however, has only just begun. After exacting a couple of clues, he found a lead on the Court of Owls and is closing in. By the end of Batman #10 (2012), a complete twist emerges and could change the known history of Bruce Wayne. (It's unlikely, but you'll have to read it to find out.) Batman #11 is probably the final issue of the event (should arrive around July 11th.)

Before Watchmen - Now underway, this week's release is Before Watchmen - Silk Spectre #1 (2012) and details Laurie Jupiter's background. It doesn't comprise a lot of action, but does give a more rounded, historical perspective of the female member of The Watchmen. The real question is whether DC will do more harm than good to Alan Moore's TPB.

Iron Man 3 - Tony Stark's next flick is on the way; they released some new picks. The latest rumor is that he'll be facing The Mandarin. Sorry no official site yet, though. But here's the first set photo from Marvel.com.

Now...let's see what's coming this week, shall we?

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

TWIC: Alliances, Allies, and People In The Way

In the last week of comic books, there's a lot to be said concerning the many formations and breakings of friendships and alliances. It's no longer certain how things are going to settle when the dust clears on the two major events occurring right now with DC and Marvel.

In the Avengers vs. X-Men story, Hope manages to find Wolverine before he "finds her" (Avengers vs. X-Men #4, 2012). That's a good thing, but thinking he was on her side, she's left surprised when he calls Captain America and team and tells them they are on the moon! (I was a little confounded, considering Captain America kicked Logan off the Quinjet in the previous issue.) Oh well, no one ever knows what Wolverine will do.

Meanwhile, out in deep space (Avengers #26, 2012), the cosmos-residing Avengers are having little luck against the oncoming Phoenix Entity. The Protector has learned something in their defeat, though; Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, has some traces of the Phoenix energies within it; it could be the key to stopping the creature. The send the God of Thunder out there with machines strapped to his back. The plan works and they gather information they plan to use at a later point.

Lastly, with AvX: Versus #2, we saw what happens when Spidey faces Colossus, recently endowed with the power of the Juggernaut. Actually, we saw what little happens. Meh; let's be honest, Spider-man is a great hero, but he's not in that league of power. The greater battle of the issue was Captain America vs. Gambit.

The Night of The Owls event last week showed us lots of the skirmishes across the city as some of the famous characters of Gotham returned to its defense.

Red Hood and his allies dropped in on Chinatown to stop Mister Freeze and a Talon in mid-battle. This all happened in Red Hood and The Outlaws #9 (2012) and reminds us that Jason Todd is loyal to the city of his upbringing, even though he hates Batman. And to my recollection, this is the first time we see the infamous cold-wielding villain since DC's New 52, and he's a bit "upgraded". Or so it appears.

Black Canary and Katana face a Talon after seeing "parts" of their associate, Poison Ivy, on a telephone poll. In their battle, this creature is nearly unstoppable until Batgirl drops in and reveals the villain's weakness. (Birds of Prey #9 2012).

In Nightwing #9 (2012), Dick Grayson resumes his battle; the fight is a personal one with him taking on his great-great grandfather, one of the original Talons.

Catwoman decides not to turn a blind eye while in the middle of a heist with her boyfriend, Spark. While waiting for Penguin to leave his roost, they catch a Talon breaking in to assassinate him. Selina, for some reason, show's her allegiance to some form of goodness and joins the fight. For me, the ending was a bit of a surprise since these Talons are quite unbreakable.

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

Gotham on Fire; Jean Grey School Under Attack!

In the backdrop or a record-breaking week for The Avengers Movie, there have been huge developments for our heroes in the comic books:

Night of The Owls, The Batman saga involving many of the surrounding denizens of Gotham, has escalated and we're getting a vision of the city spreading into anarchy. Commissioner Gordon was given a warning in Batgirl #9 not to light the Bat-Signal. He does it anyway and finds out it's been altered to appear like the Athenian Owl. Elsewhere in Batman and Robin #9, Damian headed off and encounters a Talon trying to kill Major General Burrows in the Gotham Barrens; after reading the issue, you have to admit the kid has talent. In Batman #9, we finally read the conclusion of the fight in the Batcave; Batman finally acheives victory, racing out to see the "Owl" signal in the skyline.

Quick point: This Batman story just keeps getting better. It has the familiar-but-awesome psychological backdrop that keeps the Dark Knight at the top of the favorites list. 


The Avengers vs. X-Men event took a turn back to the Northeastern United States this week. Previously, we knew that Wolverine was kicked off a Quinjet by Captain America. Well now we know what transpired before then. When Logan was checking in on his students at the Jean Grey School For Higher Learning, Cyclops dropped in during Wolverine and The X-Men #10; it was quick attempt to make his point and try to siphon off some mutants for the cause. And it worked.

And now a word about X-Men Legacy #266 (Pictured Above). This is the latest occurrence in the AvX story and in this issue, The Avengers, consisting of She-Hulk, Falcon, and Moon Knight show up to keep the School's staff and students from joining Cyclops' cause. It's one of those What Were You Thinking Moments! By the end of the issue, Rogue and Frenzy are beating the crap out of the trio. Let's be honest, it was stupid for them to head there; next time use a satellite!


Special Mention: If you're interested in a mini-event, check out The Culling, which incorporates the New Teen Titans, including Superboy, and the members of Legion Lost. This breakout story will culminate in the formation of the new DC Second Wave title The Ravagers #1.

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

Avengers Movie Opens Amidst FCBD

It all happened this week. You were here.

 Saturday was Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) and with it came the heralded Avengers Movie. Did you go? Here's my review if you're still on the fence. Of course, if you're a comic book fan, what are you doing on a fence? I guarantee you that it will be the box office favorite.

In the comic book world, we just learned that Shattered Heroes can now be put to rest. Iron Man #516 came out and started a new story arc, meaning that closes the chapter of the event. So what happened overall and what were the outcomes. Well, there's Asgardia, Cap lost his powers for awhile, Tony was outed for drunkiness and we have a new Nick Fury. Check it out.

Night Of The Owls released Batwing #9, where the franchise superhero risks his own life to save Lucious Fox from execution by a Talon. You'll especially like Detective Comics #9, which also came out, because the same regenerating killers invade Arkham Asylum; it's written in the perspective of Jeremiah Arkham, who they tried to kill, and you're getting a psycho-logical treat. Batman appears and reluctantly saves him. You can tell he's about to unleash some beat-down.

In the Avengers vs. X-Men event, Captain America and Wolverine came to blows, which was a surprise; Logan was originally helping stop Cyclops and his extinction team, but Cap decided he didn't want his kind of help anymore and kicked the mutant out of a moving plane in Avengers vs. X-Men #3. Meanwhile, in the midst of all of this, the remaining, non-aggressive mutants were brought to Hank Pym's training center in Avengers Academy #29. Tensions are still high and now Earth's Mightiest have split up to look for Cyclops' team and Hope all across the globe. (This should mean lots more fights, right?)

And in case you thought that was it, don't leave now. DC's Second Wave just came out. After the discontinuation of six of their lowest-revenue titles, they were replaced this week by new ones, including the much-anticipated World's Finest #1. And, by the way, a lot of controversy is brewing there because fans are missing the old Power Girl uniform.

The Week In Comics is a new series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. It will cover all the major events and story lines of recent in the superhero and villain world. If you're interested in today's super-news, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

Nightwing Receives The Call

~Nightwing #8 (2012)

As the prelude for Night of The Owls ends, Nightwing #8 shows Dick Grayson receiving the call from help from Alfred Pennyworth. This coincides directly with the last few pages of Batman #8 (2012) and is the same transmission that is going out to all the members of the Batman Franchise.

Nightwing's mission leads him to Mayor Hady and Councilman Davis. Crashing through the windows, he's already to late to save the decapitated councilman, but manages to survive and escape with the Mayor. At the end of the issue, Grayson is suddenly struck by surprise with throwing knives to the chest. There's no telling if he will survive the rest of the evening. (Pick up Nightwing #9 to find out!)

Meanwhile, back at the Batcave, Bruce Wayne has donned a furnaced-stylized Batsuit and is preparing to take on a whole hoard of Talons. The idea is to lower the temperature of the cave, negating their regenerative powers and causing them to be susceptible.

If you're just learning about Night of The Owls, it includes the Birds of Prey, Batgirl, Robin, Red Hood, and more. Even Catwoman will be in on the event, and if you're wondering what happened from a historical perspective, expect to see All-Star Western provide a story or two in the future.

This Week In Comics is a series of articles that will update on Monday on the Superheroes List Blog, and The Superheroes List website. This is the Night of The Owls edition: if you're interested in this event, keep your eyes open and Check out the List! #TWIC

Night of The Owls Invades Wayne Manor!

~excerpt from Batman #8 (2012), prelude to "Night of The Owls"

One of the latest and greatest from DC Comics, the story event Night of The Owls is actually already taking place in the depths of Batman's lair, starting with the raid of these strange, undying super villains on Wayne Manor in Batman #8.

As this emerging battle which entails the adventures of the entire Bat Franchise initiates, it starts with Bruce Wayne, who has only recently escaped an elaborate deathtrap placed by the Court. He's recovered mostly and planning his next move until Alfred warns him of heat signatures all around the building, moving in on his location.

In the panel above, you only see the first strike; the issue is spellbinding and packed with necessary information for the months to come.

And if you're wondering what else is going on, be sure to check out Nightwing #8 and the rest of the other Batman-related titles, including Catwoman and Birds of Prey. This will be the darkest night of Gotham for years to come.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Saiko Is Raymond

~Nightwing #6 (2012)

After the first six issues of Nightwing, where Dick Grayson inherits the Haley Circus, the major villain named Saiko has been revealed as Raymond, an associate who was thought to be dead.

One of the more subtle plots, the inheritance of the circus has been a lure, leading Dick into a series of traps which culminates in issue #6: it takes place on a night commemorating The Flying Graysons. From high above the wires, that's when Saiko reveals his true identity.

For those of you following Night of The Owls, there are also some correlations, but you'll want to read Nightwing #1-6 to catch the clues; there's even an indication that Dick could have possibly been inducted into their strange diabolical organization.

Okay, so who is Raymond? That's the real question; everything points to a friendship gone wrong...you think?


Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.