ND 04-2023

AQUAMAN #30
Plot by EXCITER
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by JIM LEE
“A TALE OF EARTH AND WATER” part two “WHAT THE BUZZ IS ABOUT”
Aquaman and Geo-Force have become quite a formidable team. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? They have so much in common. Both are masters of an element. Both are metahuman heads of state. Both came to power under tragic circumstances. And both share common enemies: formerly the immortal illuminatus Vandal Savage; currently the nefarious ruler of Bialya, Queen Bee! Together, and with their respective nations behind them, the two are beating at the doors of the Bialyian palace. Queen Bee can’t escape Justice any longer!
Or can she? Queen Bee doesn’t possess conventional weapons of mass destruction, but her unconventional weapons are another story…
What most believe to be Bialya’s Mount Beelari is, in actuality, a massive alien honeycomb. And true to her name, through science and pheromone manipulation, Queen Bee has found a way to control the giant bee-like insectoid aliens that inhabit it. The bugs identify her as Queen… and the Queen commands “off with their heads!”
What role will the exiled Ocean Master, a guest of Bialya, play in the conflict?
Plus: Ryus of Xebel has decreed that his daughter Mera must marry Aquaman, but she is resistant. Ryus thus appoints a smooth matchmaker to make it happen: undisputed master of romance, Crablad!
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
BAT-WING #45
Writer: Malcolm Jones
Artist: Dexter Soy
Plotter: Marvell2100
DEATH OF A BUSINESSMAN
David and Dakota investigate the death of Chinese businessman Ken Yao in the city of Jarmun. Xin Khan, a Chinese gov't agent has been assigned to the team to help investigate the murder. Agent Khan believes that Yao was murdered in a robbery attempt by local criminals who saw the wealthy foreigner as an easy target. News of his arrival and business dealings were publicly known and would have made him a mark. David has another theory: Yao was looking to make inroads into the booming tech industry in The Congo. This would make waves and create rivals, one being Lena Killian CEO of Osiris!
Agent Khan insists they start their investigation looking into the criminal element of Jarmun, beginning with the local crime lord Keely Kingo. David and Dakota reluctantly agree and they head to a local restaurant that Kingo frequents. There they find him having lunch with a few of his associates. Dakota starts to talk but Khan suddenly interjects and gets straight to the point! He asks him what he knows about Yao's death!
Kingo laughs and tells them that he had nothing to do with that. In fact, he looked forward to working to Yao bringing in new business. More jobs mean more people who are making more money. That means more people buying more of Kingos'.... products and services which means he makes more money. After all, they're all businessmen trying to earn a G. But he offer them some advice: if they want to find out who killed Yao, they should start at the local police precinct. That's where all the criminals work!
32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99
DEADLY HANDS OF CONNOR HAWKE #45
Plotter: MARVELL2100
Writer: JEFF LEMIRE
Artist: ANDREA SORRENTINO
HOUSE OF THE RISING ARROW
The fall of Richard Dragon and the news that The Guild of Assassins is now in the hands of Billy Badass has brought a new revelation to Connor! No longer will he allow others to dictate his future! He will forge his own destiny and begin a guild of his own! He will build an organization to fight for and protect the innocent! He asks Avila if she will stand beside him as he tries to build a his new dream and she tells him that she will. His mother Tasha al Ghul and The Magus say that they will agree to help him build his new clan but Connor tells them that he doesn't want their help. Connor then looks at Richard Dragon. He tells Dragon that he believes that once he was a good man. Is he willing to help Connor and become that good man again?
32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99
DETECTIVE COMICS #32
Plot by EXCITER
Written by MARK MILLAR
Art by FRANK CHO
“WAYNE’S WORLD”
Batman’s war on crime is relentless. From investigating kidnappings in Crime Alley, to thwarting terrorist plots about poisoning the water supply, to battling immortal cavemen in outer space: the Dark Knight is the hero the world needs. But to be that hero in secret, he needs to play the fool in public… and that’s far harder than it sounds!
Bruce Wayne. The King of Gotham. Billionaire playboy. Limousines. Private jets. Yachts. Romps in the French Riveria, the Maldives, the Bahamas. Court-side seats at Knights games. Reserved tables at the hottest clubs. Julie. Vicki. April. Bekka. Amina. Jaina. Lorna. Chase. 32 million followers on Instagram @BruceWayne.
Maintaining the larger-than-life persona of Bruce Wayne is a full-time job in and of itself. It’s imperative that Bruce appears too busy to ever spend a night dressed in a cowl fist-fighting eccentric psychopaths and their henchmen. This is the story of how Batman pulls it off. This is how Batman wears the mask of Bruce Wayne.
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
THE FLASH #45
Plot by EXCITER
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Art by FRANK CHO
“END OF THE RACE”
The Flash is helping Jog locate the Black Racer: the New God of Death that possessed the recently deceased body of Jog’s father, Willie Walker. After some research, they discover the Black Racer leaves a traceable and distinct energy signature as he travels through the omnipresent Speed Force on his celestial skis… a metaphorical trail of blood!
This trail unexpectedly leads to Savoth - homeworld of Flash’s alien sidekick S’kidd-Flash and the planet whose dog-like denizens have woven the Speed Force into their very culture as an essential cornerstone (see THE FLASH #33-34). A return to Savoth is arranged, but Flash, Jog, S’kidd-Flash, and Flash’s new ex-W.O.A.H. speedster protégés are not prepared for what they find…
Savoth is dead. The entire planet seemingly wiped out. And the Black Racer is there waiting for them.
“Behold the fate of undeserving mortals who dare exploit the gifts of the Speed Force.”
As Barry races to confront the genocidal specter, he quickly finds that he is outpaced and outmatched… but as an avatar, Barry is superior source material! The entity that is the Black Racer casts aside the body of Wille Walker - now reborn, rejuvenated and seemingly in his prime - and takes possession of Barry Allen, who requires no celestial skis to move at incomprehensible speeds!
“The Flash belongs to me now. Yet I feel his concern for you, and as a result, I will grant… mercy. Go now, with your lives. But know this: the Speed Force is not for the likes of you. Never use it again, for if you do… I will come for you.”
And with that, he is gone - leaving Barry’s compatriots speechless and devastated and leaving the world without a Flash…
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
GREEN LANTERN #45
Plot by EXCITER
Written by MARK MILLAR
Art by JOE MADUREIRA
“GREEN RUSH”
When the Justice League took the massive amount of life-force that Vandal Savage stole and returned it to the universe, it revitalized a dead planet (see THE FLASH #42)! That planet, now nicknamed Savagea, abounds with new and never-before-seen life forms. It’s also become the richest, most concentrated source of valuable minerals in the universe! That fact has started a new intergalactic “gold rush”!
On behalf of the United Planets, which now counts Earth as a member, Hal Jordan has deployed the Green Lantern Corps’ flagship, the G.L.C.S. Interceptor, to Savagea. Its mission is to find environmentally friendly ways to extract the crucial natural resources while preventing other galactic powers from strip-mining the new world and endangering all Savagea’s native life. Is the Interceptor’s new captain, Guy Gardner, up to the task? He better be, because both the Skel and the Khund have sent warships! Plus, the planet has its own surprises in store…
Earlier on Savagea. Kilowog opens his eyes for the first time since he was killed during the siege of Oa (see GREEN LANTERN #39)! Did he experience a Green Lantern rebirth along with the planet? Is he still the same surly Bolovaxian he always was, or has he been fundamentally changed? Will he be slain by the newly created sentient natives… or lead them? Welcome to Planet Poozer!
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
 
HAWKGRRL, AGENT OF CHECKMATE# #8
Written by TOM KING
Art by TULA LOTAY
Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN
“THE SHADOW WAR HAP, Part 2”
Rhonda Pineda, known to us as Atomica, is being extensively debriefed by Checkmate following the “Humanity First” incident. There are minor inconsistencies in her answers but is that due to her experiences in a Green Lantern ring, or is she hiding something due to a somewhat extended alliance with Savage’s side?
Amanda Waller places Atomica into Thal’s custody and sends the pair to the Southern hemisphere to what’s believed to be the next Zeta beam hit bringing Adam Strange back and forth to Rann. Adam is Hawkgrrl’s best non-Thanagarian extraterrestrial contact and a “clear pair of eyes” to examine and consider the CAW situation.
Did we mention multiple life forms can catch a Zeta beam?
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
JLβ #3
Plot by NX01A
Written by RAM V
Art by JAMAL CAMPBELL
'THE COMING OF CAPTAIN MARVELOUS'
•With alabaster alien S'AM SA'RA revealed as a White Martian by GREEN LANTERN SOJOURNER, the heroes and antiheroes it assembled by resurrecting their loved ones refuse to join it in its secret mission. S'am Sa'ra doesn't send those it resurrected back to the land of the dead but instead foreshadows a coming darkness before leaving Earth without a fight.
•WILL WALKER found his way back to life via Death aka THE BLACK RACER! (See Flash #45! On sale now!) Now his protégé STEEL must help Will test the limits of his connection to what the FLASH calls the Still Force!
•BILLY BATSON wasn't sure about the Fawcett City DMV examiner: a wiry man with dark brown skin, crazy gray hair, and more lines on his face than canals on Mars. Well, no, the Martian canals aren't real but this guy was probably around when people thought they were. Now, as Billy drives to the bottom of an underground parking garage, the instructor says it's time for Billy's final exam. The walls change from concrete to rock, the light from florescent to torch, and the instructor's eyes from dim to dangerously alive! Billy has been chosen to save the gods as their marvelous champion!
•LINDA LEE DANVERS is out celebrating being able to legally drink when a bright light illuminates the alley next to her sixth Fawcett City bar of the night. An angelic woman announces that Linda has been chosen to be YHWH's superb warrior against the false gods!
•Two lightning strikes rock Fawcett City with their thunder but that's nothing compared to what's coming next.
JLβ Profile
CAPTAIN MARVELOUS
Name: William 'Billy' Batson
Affiliation: S.H.A.Z.A.M.!
Powers: •Flight
•Invulnerability
•Superhuman Strength, Intellect, Wisdom, Healing, Speed, Reflexes
•Magic Resistance
•Magic Detection
•Self Sustenance
Intelligence: •••••
Strength: •••••••
Speed: •••••
Durability: ••••••
Energy Projection: •••
Fighting Skills: ••••
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
MAN OF BRONZE #19
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Philip Tan
Plotter: Marvell2100
HUSTLE AND FLO'
Ben and his assistant David Cain begin the search for his ex-wife Flo Crowley who he blames for the death of his first wife. The last time he saw Flo, she set tricked him into killing a freedom fighter cell in the country Uzikstan. She also told him that his wife was a double agent and using him which Ben knows is a lie. But none of that matters. All Ben knows is that Flo has his wife's blood on her hands and it's time for her to pay!
Ben reaches out to his old contact Mark Shaw, The Man-Hunter, to see if he has any info about where Flo and her partner Gypsy Moth may be. Shaw says he doesn't have anything on them but there has been a recent increase in wet-work activity in Eastern Europe. Ever since the death of President Igor Khisnov (Bronze Tiger killed him back in Man of Bronze #5), there have been multiple factions within and outside of the country fighting to take control of the country from the new President. There's a chance that Flo and Gypsy Moth could be involved.
Ben and David make preparations to return to Uzikstan where he knows that he could likely be arrested for multiple murders and the assassination of a Head-of-State. But Ben feels that it's worth the risk. It's been too long and he's waited long enough. Ten years ago, he buried his first wife. Now, it's time for him to bury his last wife!
32 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99
THE QUESTION #44
Writer: MARK RUSSELL
Artist: BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Plotter: CaptCleghorn
“How’d You Do on The Surprise Quiz?”
DCBA’s “me too” charade has been a ploy to throw false charges at Vic against which he would be exonerated and DCBA would be shown as supporting him fully. Vic is under contract and must stay at DCBA. Betty Bates, Lady@Law has been released from her responsibilities as being a lawyer for DCBA. Vic slyly puts her on retainer.
The metahuman harassing, for want of a better word, Hub City now has a name. They are known as the Quiz. Reports are quick to explain the pronoun is used because gender is unknown, not because of any preference by the Quiz. Another person is at many of the Quiz’s escapades. However he seems to be accepted without anyone minding or even caring. This annoys people more than the havoc the Quiz is wrecking. Vic’s team consisting of Alice Tesla, Merry the girl of a Googleplex of gimmicks, and Tot are unable to whip up a comic book device to track the weird powers (seriously these folks are somewhat real life) try to track any pattern in the havoc and/or chaos.
The Jukebox Musical based on the Siren’s life has just closed and Myra Fermin is coming home.
32 PGS./ Rated M for Mature Readers...$2.99
SENSATION COMICS #34 starring Wonder Woman ‘74
Written and Drawn by Amanda Conner
Assisted by CaptCleghorn
“Visitor from Outer Space, Book 3: Waterloo”
In your polyester suit,
With matching platform boots,
And the old Red, White and Blue.
Hippolyta has effectively ceded Themyscira to the alien woman named Andros based on the woman’s claim her people are truly the Greek Gods who helped the Amazons settle in Paradise Island. It may be the outside world’s effect on Diana, but what the Amazons claim is cooperation looks like blind obedience.
It’s been less than 36 hours, but the assembled United Nations has been waiting desperately as Andros left with Wonder Woman to do to the Amazon’s home island. With the planet’s very existence at stake, the assembled nations who are barely able to restrain from war must put their trust in a group of woman on an island no one has ever seen. Despite initial moves towards worldwide solidarity, nations are taking their own paths and seeking any opportunity they can to eliminate any possible threat. No radar had picked up any signs of Andros’ ship and her showing of advanced alien technology is beginning to be doubted. However, no one is willing to assume it's a prank.
On Themyscira, Diana takes a stand and barges into her mother’s former throne room to face Andros. Wonder Woman is unable to avoid violence and has her butt handed to her by Andros who reveals who she really is and how the truth and lies have been intertwined so deviously. Diana is banished to Man’s world with little hope.
Plus, on this month’s “Women of 1974” variant cover, the Chipko Movement (google it).
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
UNCANNY G-MEN: THE PYRA SAGA #2
(LGY: UNCANNY G-MEN #17)
Written by Kieron Gillen
Plot by H-E-D
Art by Pepe Larraz
The G-Men are dead!
Only PYRA and RUNAWAY escaped the clutches of DOCTOR DINOSAUR.
A grieving Professor G shutters the school, and goes to Campbell Island with his alien amour Hyacinth to visit an old friend, Dr. Ivana Baiul
Pyra, meanwhile, travels to Australia to mourn her lost love, Basilisk!
There she meets a surprising, and handsome, face: UNITY!
But didn’t he die back in issue #1?
Speaking of surprising returns… remember how RAINMAKER destroyed that Eret-Ha demon after it was released from the cairn in the backyard?
Well, it got better, and it has its sights set on the last resident of the Mansion — Runaway!
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
UNCANNY G-MEN #18
Written by Kieron Gillen
Plot by H-E-D
Art by Valerio Schiti
LOST ON DINOSAUR ISLAND
The G-Men are NOT dead!
But BASILISK, FULL COPPER MAN, PANTHA, RAINMAKER and WINTER WONDERLAD *are* trapped in a prehistoric preserve that is Dinosaur Island.
Unfortunately, these G-Men think their teammates Runaway and Pyra perished in the airship explosion that left them shipwrecked.
And who is responsible?
Why, it’s the fearsome Doctor Dinosaur, the surprisingly sultry Pteran-Don Juan who menaced the G-Men in their early days
He’s seized control of Dinosaur Island, and seeks to use his Dino-thropy powers to drain their Gen-Active energy, so that his domain will last forever!
The G-Men are in the clutches of his partner-in-crime Ashiya, Moon Priestess!
Rescue comes in the form of more familiar faces from the old days — Blackstock and Marya, adopted protectors of the land and its native peoples!
The G-Men join with the duo to fight for the freedom of the people of Dinosaur Island!
32 PGs./Rated T+ …$2.99
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