Without a doubt, it’s certainly an exciting time to be a Batman fan. Aside from what’s been going on in the movies, the comic books have had much to offer as of late. Having recently set the internet on fire by making the Dark Knight propose to Catwoman – an issue so popular that it’s already been slated for a third printing, mind you – series writer Tom King is ready to unleash his next major arc on the masses this week with “The War of Jokes and Riddles.”
Basically, King and artist Mikel Janin are taking us back to the past, exploring the time after the events of Zero Year that apparently saw the Caped Crusader engage in a three-sided war with the Joker and Riddler. Set to span eight issues, this may end up being something we’ll talk about for years to come. But, seeing as how a twice-monthly schedule can be a bit taxing on any artist, it’s understandable when they need to tag in a colleague.
So, instead of having other artists fill in for Janin during “The War of Jokes and Riddles,” there’ll be a two-issue interlude in order to afford him some lead-in time. As it so happens, the second chapter, set to be illustrated by none other than Clay Mann, arrives this September.
Here’s the solicitation for Batman #30:
- Written by TOM KING
- Art by CLAY MANN
- Cover by MIKEL JANIN
- Variant cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
- “THE BALLAD OF KITE MAN” part two! In our second “War of Jokes and Riddles” interlude, it’s the making of a super-villain! He’s been pushed by Batman to snitch on The Joker, and cajoled by The Joker to betray Batman—now, the flunky who would be Kite Man finally snaps. He’s lost everything, and a life of crime is the only way to go.
- On sale SEPTEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Then, two weeks later, Janin returns for the second stretch of the epic with Batman #31:
- Written by TOM KING
- Art by MIKEL JANIN
- Covers by MIKEL JANIN
- Variant cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
- “THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES” part five! It’s tough to beat the two biggest puzzlemakers in the world at their own game, and Batman’s gambits have only pulled him deeper into the moral quagmire where the Riddler and The Joker do their dirty work. All of Gotham City hangs in the balance as Batman faces the ultimate conundrum: are brainteasers better than belly laughs?
- On sale SEPTEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
