Joker Vs. Riddler Confirmed For June In Batman Group Solicits

Last week, we brought word that it appeared as though Joker and Riddler would be going head to head in the pages of Batman this June and, thanks to a freshly released batch of solicits, we now know that it’s an absolute certainty. Not only that, but we’ve also learned what’s on the horizon for related books such as All-Star Batman, Batgirl and Super Sons.

First, let’s talk about Batman, since I imagine you’re all anxious to hear about that one. As it turns out, we’re still in the dark when it comes to the wealth of the plot, but seeing as how DC is invoking the holy names of masterworks such as Year One and The Long Halloween, we can only assume that rumors saying the upcoming arc will take place shortly after the events of Zero Year are true. Still, mentioning those stories in the same breath as this one gives it a lot to live up to, so let’s hope Tom King and company can shoulder the responsibility.

Here’s what we know so far:

BATMAN #25
Written by TOM KING • Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN • Variant cover by TIM SALE
“The War of Jokes and Riddles” part one! Don’t miss this extra-sized anniversary issue! In his own words, Bruce Wayne narrates a harrowing, never-before-told story of the Dark Knight’s greatest failure…and the horrors it unleashed! In the spirit of YEAR ONE and THE LONG HALLOWEEN, prepare to see a side of Batman you’ve never seen before—get in on the ground floor of a classic Batman epic in the making!
On sale JUNE 21 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

As we move on to All-Star Batman, we’re really starting to get the impression that Scott Snyder loves his job. In addition to having a couple one-shots on his plate this summer, it very much appears as though his run on this particular title is extending beyond what was originally planned. But considering that he’s reuniting with his collaborator from American Vampire, Rafael Albuquerque, we really can’t complain.

Here’s the skinny on that title:

ALL STAR BATMAN #11
Written by SCOTT SNYDER • Art and cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE • Variant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE • Variant cover by SEBASTIAN FIUMARA
“THE FIRST ALLY” part two! Batman races to track down his new nemesis before another murder rocks Miami. But with old secrets revealing unsettling truths about his closest ally, what dark accords will the Dark Knight make in order to stop true evil?
On sale JUNE 14 • 40 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Elsewhere, Batgirl not only finds Barbara Gordon forced to handle a job that sounds more suited to Aquaman, but also seemingly aims to get one of the Village People’s most notorious songs stuck in my head by setting it within a YMCA. Let’s hope that Burnside’s fearless protector doesn’t ruin her sweet costume in the pool in an adventure you can read about below:

BATGIRL #12
Written by HOPE LARSON • Art by ELEANORA CARLINI • Cover by DAN MORA • Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
“Troubled Waters”! A terrifying creature is threatening members of the Burnside YMCA—but no one can catch it! It’s up to Batgirl to plunge into the unknown depths and risk being zapped out of existence to put an end to the danger!
On sale JUNE 28 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Finally, we come to Super Sons, which will see the Damian Wayne-Jon Kent relationship endure some hardship. It’s only to be expected, but our money is on them making up before long because this is an ongoing series, not a limited run. Be sure to check out the synopsis for said issue below:

SUPER SONS #5
Written by PETER J. TOMASI • Art and cover by JORGE JIMENEZ • Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
“Battle in the Batcave”! The battle with Kid Amazo leaves Jon and Damian’s friendship in ruins as the boys decide their partnership isn’t working out! It’s a rumble between Superboy and Robin like you’ve never seen as the boys rage through the house Batman built!
On sale JUNE 21 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Tell us, which of these Batman related titles are you looking forward to most? Sound off in the usual place below!