DC in December

DC's December solicits are up. I don't usually have much to say on these, but a few things caught my eye.

GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #3
Written by Frank Tieri
Art by J. Calafiore & Jack Purcell
Cover by Calafiore
This issue has it all: Scarecrow confronts Penguin! The Riddler reveals Nightwing’s secret! A surprise attack on the Iceberg Lounge! Matches Malone vs. Mr. Zsasz — to the death! All this plus guest appearances by Robin, Oracle and the Ventriloquist!
On sale December 26 • 3 of 9 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Um, anyone have any idea if this is going to be good or not? Only, it's got Riddler and Penguin and Matches Malone and Robin and Oracle, so I feel like I have to pick it up, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that Gotham Underground was awful.

Maybe that was Batman: Confidential...

BOOSTER GOLD #5
Written by Geoff Johns & Jeff Katz
Art and cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
"52 Pick-Up" continues! Booster Gold has been tasked with preventing the origins of the world's greatest heroes from unraveling. Next up is his greatest challenge yet: preventing one of the most horrific wrongs that's ever befallen a hero in the DC Universe.
Leaping into the pages of BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, Booster attempts to stop a tragedy that he discovers never should've happened — the Joker shooting and paralyzing Barbara Gordon, Batgirl.
Plus, what dark secret is Rip Hunter keeping from Booster?
On sale December 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Booster Gold has quickly become my favourite title on the shelves. It's just the right mix of fun, adventure, and poignancy.

Which is why I'm a little worried about this issue.

The storyline in which Barbra Gordon is shot and paralyzed is decidedly dark, and I wonder if it might be too dark a subject for this book. I'm not one of those fans who think their comics shouldn't be graphic or serious, but I think it may be too soon in the series to be pulling out the heavy stuff.

There again, Geoff Johns has be at the top of his game recently, so I think I'm just gonna trust him on this one.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #40
Written by Ben McCool
Art by Dario Brizuela
Cover by Zach Howard
The Justice League’s shadows are missing! Only Zatanna and Dr. Fate know how to fight such terrible magic, but they’re in over their heads!
On sale December 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

I love this cover. Batman is adorable. And Martian Manhunter looks so scared!

And finally:

BATMAN VS. THE JOKER STATUE
Sculpted by Jonathan Matthews
FIRST IN A SERIES OF STATUES FEATURING BATTLES BETWEEN NOTORIOUS NEMESES!
Featuring work by some of DC Direct’s premiere sculptors, this new line of statues featuring classic confrontations begins with a battle between notorious enemies Batman and The Joker.

Sure to be two of the most talked about characters this year, Batman and The Joker are depicted here in a classic scenario: Batman fights to prevent The Joker from escaping Arkham Asylum!

BATMAN VS. THE JOKER is a limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measuring approximately 14" tall x 7" wide x 8" deep. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This limited edition statue is manufactured to order.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 14, 2008 • Statue• $195.00 US

Okay, I will admit that this statue looks pretty damn cool. However-

One-hundred and ninety-five freakin' dollars!?!

That way lies madness, my friends.