Batgirl #20 Preview

 

Batgirl #20 Preview

Writer: Tate Brombal

Penciller: Stephen Segovia

Inker: Jason Paz

Colorist: Rain Beredo

Letterer: Tom Napolitano

Cover Artist: David Talaski

Variant Cover Artist: Tirso

Editors: Jessica Berbey & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

As she stormed the tower of the Midnight Eye, Batgirl struggled with the imbalance in her life. Cassandra Cain was so used to fighting the two halves of her heritage that it blinded her to the blessings both could provide her. But after getting her spirit back and returning to Gotham, Cassandra realizes that Tenji Turner, Jaya Jayesh, Wu Lin, and her Bat-family are one.

 

Freed from the curse of her Blood powers, she feels freer and more whole than ever before. How will Cassandra Cain navigate the ever-changing world of Gotham? And how will Batgirl ensure that her results always exceed her intentions? Let's leap into Batgirl #20 and see!

 

Story

Cassandra traveled across the world, seeking justice for her mother. Along the way, she found a new family in Tenji Turner and Jaya Jayesh. Sadly, Cassandra's return to Gotham proved short-lived when her family's latent Blood powers activated, prompting her to venture into the Spirit World. But now, Cassandra has not only returned, but has been welcomed back into the Bat-family. But her Bat heritage comes with privileges and responsibilities. So when Batman awakens her from a dream and hands her a card with her name on it, Cassandra realizes it's her responsibility to solve it.

 

After forging their bonds of family on their travels and cementing them in the Spirit World, Jaya and Tenji accompany Cassandra to the crime scene in Batgirl #20. Batman may have taught Cassandra how to solve crimes. But with Vandal Savage ruling Gotham, James Gordon risks his future by withholding evidence of Batgirl's card. With CSI and Savage's TUCO squad on the way, the trio has minutes to investigate the crime scene. Yet the girl's appearance evokes the dream that Batman awakened her from.

 

After delving into Cassandra's relationship with her birth mother, Tate Brombal peers into her formative years with the man who raised her. Cassandra may refuse to call him a father. Yet, as much as Bruce Wayne, David Cain helped Cassandra become the person she is today. As Cassandra recalls her childhood, remembering how David Cain trained her to be an assassin, forgotten memories return. But discovering who staged this crime scene for her benefit could cost Cassandra, Jaya, and Tenji their lives in Batgirl #20.

 

Art

A flower swings on a golden chain while a girl watches with wide eyes. But when she runs away, blood sprays, darkening as it leaves her body. When Cassandra Cain awakens, an upshot emphasizes how she sees her adoptive father. But the note Batman hands her transports Cassandra to an industrial building, where she regards a child’s body in a bed. The black streak and droplets staining her pink dress evoke Cassandra’s dreams. Yet they also remind her of the Blood powers she recently wielded.

 

As Batgirl haunts the crime scene like a wraith or grim reaper, Jaya Jayesh’s red mask contrasts with her recent desire to bring Cassandra healing. While James Gordon’s stony face bespeaks how recent events have deadened him to such nightmarish visions, only Tenji reacts to the girl whose face evokes the Scarecrow. As Stephen Segovia and Jason Paz deliver a haunting look into Cassandra’s past, Rain Beredo casts blue light into the gray industrial building, illuminating the people intent on justice for the girl’s death.

 

White letters in the darkness represent an unseen speaker, while white words in black boxes reveal Cassandra’s thoughts. Her narration guides us through Batgirl #20, as Cassandra discovers a hidden aspect of her past. Tom Napolitano casts her conversation with James Gordon, Jaya Jayesh, and Batman as black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons. Yet, as Tenji Turner observes the dead girl and Cassandra, this other hidden aspect of her past grows increasingly frightened as a siren splits the air. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

For a trained investigator, every piece of evidence provides clues to the murderer’s identity. A staged crime scene may make that more difficult. Yet in this very personal investigation, a card left at the crime scene forces Cassandra Cain to once again face her complicated past in Batgirl #20.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Batgirl #20.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Batgirl #19.

For how Cassandra Cain learned to wield her Blood powers, see my review of Batgirl #18. 

For how Cassandra Cain received her Blood powers, see my preview of Batgirl #17. 

 

Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #4 Review

 

A murderer stalks Gotham. The killer paralyzes victims with one blow. As the victim bleeds out, their assailant continues attacking them. The serial killer leaves behind a pool of blood, and circular marks on each victim’s naked back. Chemical residue on one victim led Batman to a derelict mansion, where a gang abducted the unhoused, and forced them to make TNT. And while the prisoners worked and died, the gang’s boss watched old cartoons, and drew his memories in black and red.

 

As Batman and Detective Jim Gordon hunt for the serial killer, Bruce Wayne plots his own demise. He can no longer afford to divide his time between his public persona and the person he was meant to become. For Batman to protect Gotham and cleanse the city of the corruption that births violence, Bruce Wayne must die. Yet who created Batman? And is that person still directing the Dark Knight’s actions?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #4 Review

Writer & Artist: Rafael Grampá

Colorists: Mat Lopes & Rafael Grampá

Letterer: John Workman

Cover Artist: Rafael Grampá

Variant Cover Artists: Jock, Lee Bermejo & Jamie Hewlett

1:25 Variant Cover Artist: Valentina Napolitano

1:50 Variant Cover Artist: Thobias Daneluz

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 56 Pages

Price: $6.99 US/Variants $6.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: June 10, 2026

 

The Heart-Stopping Conclusion to Rafael Grampá’s twisted masterpiece!

 

As bells ring out across Gotham City, blood runs in its streets. Doctorgeist’s plan has come to fruition, and his legion of loyal followers unleash the evil inside their rotting hearts upon friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. But there’s an evil lurking deep in Batman’s heart as well, one that Doctorgeist himself discovered long ago—and the only way to save Gotham might be to set it free once and for all…

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

The Forgotten Divine Preview

 

Rodney Coleman had a good life. Then his marriage fell apart. Still, the military trained him to be an army of one. So, homeless and unemployed, Rodney pitches a tent in the desert and contemplates his life. Where will he find inspiration? And how will he get a new start in life?

Here's all the info from Ahoy Comics:

 

The Forgotten Divine Preview
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Russ Braun
Colorist: Paul Little
Letterer: Rob Steen
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Price: See Kickstarter Page
Release Date: June 9, 2026

 

AHOY Comics Launches its Debut Kickstarter For

THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE

A Satirical Sci-Fi Drama from Writer Mark Russell and Artist Russ Braun

Featuring Righteous Variant Covers by Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Matt Bors

And A Slew of Unforgettable Campaign-Exclusive Extras

“I never miss a Mark Russell book, ever.”

—Patton Oswalt, co-creator and co-writer of Minor Threats

Since 2018, Syracuse-based indie publisher AHOY Comics has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and a commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling. Now the funnybook publisher behind The Toxic Avenger, Second Coming, Justice Warriors, The Wrong Earth and more is launching its debut Kickstarter for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE, a satirical science fiction drama from writer Mark Russell (SECOND COMING) and artist Russ Braun (The Boys). THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE will be the first of AHOY’s new AHOY Select line, their pop-up imprint for direct to consumer releases. The inaugural campaign from the publisher that asks its readers to Expect More will offer exclusive campaign-only covers, unique AHOY goodies, and more tantalizing perks yet to be announced. Sign up here to be notified when the campaign goes live.

“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is about why people join cults, assign meaning to mysteries, and find comfort in their own persecution,” said writer Mark Russell. “I feel like we can all either relate to these characters or see someone we know in them. We’re all looking for our Forgotten Divine.”

Meet Rodney Coleman, an unhoused veteran whose sleep is haunted by dreams of a faraway planet. (At least, he thinks they’re dreams.) Soon Coleman connects with others plagued by dreams of the same world and finds himself at the head of a UFO cult. The group's shared effort to understand their visions is heartfelt at first—but over time it descends into unreality, conspiracy, paranoia, violence, and conceivably… revelation. 

“THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE is a challenging story, both to read and to draw,” said artist Russ Braun. “The subtleties involved in the storytelling required a lot of thought; the slow evolution, ramp up, and ultimate impact is a testament to Mark's writing. Visually, we got to put some stuff out there that hasn't been seen before and that's always a blast for me. We took some risks, but I think AHOY, Mark, and I are known for that and it definitely paid off.”

The campaign includes a slew of unique tiers and exclusive extras that only the “Expect More-igans” at AHOY could dream up, including a paperback edition signed by writer Mark Russell; exclusive hardcover editions featuring variant covers by Russ Braun, Matt Bors, and Mark Russell; enamel pins featuring AHOY fan-favorite characters; prints; bathrobes; hour-long Zoom calls with Mark Russell, Russ Braun, and Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer; and (most crucially) a virtual lock of Tom Peyer’s hair. More extras and add-ons will be announced during the campaign.

"Mark thinks deeply, and his ideas are often challenging and original. But for me it's his command of character that really puts his stories over the top,” said Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer. “He's interested in people—and you can say the same about Russ. You won't see better 'acting' in a comic; the emotions he portrays are nuanced and completely on-target. If we read stories to be less alone, Mark and Russ consistently crush the assignment."

Not convinced yet? Well, tough cookie, we asked one of the world's funniest men to read the book, and he said this entirely of his own free will…

“Russell and company have produced yet another poignant, hilarious, and so-true-it-stings look at the times we’re living in — and what might be in store. I never miss a Mark Russell book, ever.

 —Patton Oswalt (Minor Threats)

Visit the campaign for THE FORGOTTEN DIVINE here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicsahoy/the-forgotten-divine-by-mark-russell-and-russ-braun?ref=ch2gds 

For more updates on AHOY Comics, visit them on X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here is another cover option:

 

 

Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us. 

 

About AHOY Comics

AHOY Comics debuted in the fall of 2018 with the bold promise for readers to expect more from its line of comic book magazines, featuring comic book stories, poetry, prose fiction, and cartoons. Brainchild of publisher Hart Seely, editor-in-chief Tom Peyer, CCO Frank Cammuso, and Ops guy Stuart Moore, the Syracuse-based indie publisher has made its reputation on witty satires, acclaimed creators, and commitment to bold and risk-taking storytelling — with critically acclaimed titles such as THE TOXIC AVENGER by Matt Bors and Fred Harper, SECOND COMING by Mark Russell and Richard Pace, BABS by Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows, HOWL by Alisa Kwitney and Mauricet, THE WRONG EARTH by Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle, JUSTICE WARRIORS by Matt Bors and Ben Clarkson, the quirky monster anthology PROJECT: CRYPTID, and many more.

About the creators

Mark Russell is an author, comic book writer, and cartoonist living and toiling in Portland, Oregon. The works he is known for include God Is Disappointed in You, a modern re-telling of the Bible, The Flintstones, Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles (Winner of the 2019 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Comic), Not All Robots (Winner of the 2022 Eisner Award for Best Humor Comic), and Superman: Space Age, which tells the story of Superman and his loved ones, living against the backdrop of Cold War America. As far as he knows, all his books are still in print.

Russ Braun has been drawing comics for over 30 years, with time out for a 7-year stint with Walt Disney Feature Animation. Known for his expressive characters and storytelling on everything from Batman, Swamp Thing, Fables, and Jack of Fables, Russ is best known for his frequent collaborations with Garth Ennis, including The Boys, Night Witches, their creator-owned book, Jimmy’s Bastards, and its new sequel Jimmy’s Little Bastards.

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Review

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Review

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar

Variant Cover Artists: R1CO & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Editor: Michael McCalister

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

When extradimensional gateways appear overnight, the people on two worlds rush to use them. Heroes also reconnect. They enjoy healthy competition and help each other battle foes. Best of all, they sample each other’s baking.

 

As the Justice League wonders who created the gateways and why, two villains celebrate. Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor combined their wits and resources to link the two worlds with their Luminous Extradimensional Energized Gateway Generator system. But are the villains interested in more than generating income from tolls and tourism? And can the Justice League discover what they’re up to behind closed doors? Let’s leap into DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 and see!

 

Story

Batman may be Earth's greatest detective. But when two worlds unite, he brightens the night sky with a Shadow-signal. The Hedgehog comes to the same conclusion Batman has. Shadow agrees that teaming up with the Dark Knight aligns with their mutual interests. But unlike Superman and Knuckles, Shadow is no more in favor of joining forces with Batman than Robin is of involving him.

 

Likewise, Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman make uneasy partners in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2. Each put on a show of enjoying the money they’ll make together. But like many ambitious businesspeople, they’ve already got their exit strategies in mind. Yet Lex has one advantage over Dr Eggman. He commands the Legion of Doom. And Black Manta, Sinestro, Captain Cold, Gizmo, and Cheetah have more history with Lex than they do with the mustachioed malefactor who wants to workshop their team's name.

 

Ian Flynn interweaves the “Doomers’” exploits across two worlds, as the Justice League and Hedgehog heroes investigate. As in any surveillance operation, wheels within wheels obscure who is loyal to whom. In this fast-paced plot, the “Legionnaires” play on the locals’ fears while the heroes wonder about their goal. It's just a foretaste of what's to come, should the villains succeed in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

Art

As a mushroom-like building rises from a swamp, the Legion surrounds Lex Luthor as they contemplate the future. Despite his brave words, maintaining his pretense of a partnership is a struggle. Yet when Lex beholds his partner, his eyes bulge. Unlike the Legion of Doom, Dr Eggman wears a wide smile. Catwoman and Rouge also radiate happiness. But then, all three have everything to gain and expect to profit from other people's actions.

 

As Matt Herms fills DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 with a vibrant palette, Adam Bryce Thomas conjures glittering locales without splash pages or double-page spreads. Two lovers gaze at a romantic fountain, while a gleaming tower pairs with a radiant diamond pendant. Yet when Lex Luthor grabs the spotlight, thin panels radiate from him like the rays of the sun as he dazzles the people waiting upon his every word.

 

Becca Carey fills balloons and boxes with uppercase black letters. Intonation makes letters bold, and the words occasionally shrink, as the light-hearted story zips along faster than Flash and Sonic investigating a cold case. Big white words introduce the changing times and settings, while sound effects enhance the Legion's multipronged plan. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor hold two worlds in their hands. They have the potential to wield more power and influence than ever before. Yet as they plot and scheme against each other, they demonstrate the dangers of the LEXEGG system in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

For how this series started, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1.

Conan The Barbarian & Dragonero #2 Cover Preview

 

COVER A: FERNANDO DAGNINO

When Conan landed in a plain of ash, one glance at the sky told him that he had traveled to another world. One of his soldiers spotted a distant wall aglow with lights. But then the white-skinned savages arrived. The silent throng forced Conan and his troops back. And although they extracted a heavy toll, one by one, Conan's soldiers fell. 

Then a rain of arrows, unlike anything Conan had ever seen, ended the battle in an instant. Who are the troops who rushed out of the wall and imprisoned Conan? And what happened to the dragon that the Cimmerian and his men were chasing? 

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

Conan The Barbarian & Dragonero #2 
Writers: Luca Enoch & Stefano Vietti
Artist & Colorist: Lorenzo Nuti
Letterers: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith
Editor: Chris Butera
Cover Artists: Fernando Dagnino & Lorenzo Nuti
Publisher: Titan Comics
Price: $4.99/$14.99 Foil
Release Date: June 10, 2026 

 

Pulled to the mysterious land of Erondár by dark forces, Conan comes face to face with the famed dragon slayer, Dragonero, and the two warriors must set aside suspicion to stand back-to-back against a supernatural force poised to doom both their worlds. 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

 

 

COVER B: LORENZO NUTI VARIANT

 

COVER C: FERNANDO DAGNINO FOIL VARIANT ($14.99)

COVER D: FERNANDO DAGNINO VIRGIN VARIANT

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this cover preview with us.

 

For how this series started, see my review of Conan The Barbarian & Dragonero #1. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pancake Trap SC Spotlight

 

 

 

As a truck festooned with helium balloons pulls past Dot's Diner, a statue of the founder holding a plate of pancakes rises above the two-story building. Yet as a fire truck, and other vehicles pulling floats entertain the spectators, drones fly through the air. The assembled crowd gaze up as the drones fly before the immense statue, holding a sign. Why do the drones spell doom for the historic diner? And can the current owners save their beloved business?

Here's all the info from Oni Press: 

 

THE PANCAKE TRAP SC

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE YOUNG ART AND COVER BY ALLYSON LASSITER   Join Maple and Margaret Sanford in The Pancake Trap as they learn that differences can be strengths, change can reveal who we truly are, and that love is thicker than batter.   Maple and Margaret Sanford might be sisters, but they couldn't be more different. Ten-year-old Maple is a pancake-obsessed griddle cook determined to save their grandma's failing restaurant, Dot's Diner. Margaret is a college-bound beauty queen who can't wait for their mom to sell the run-down restaurant.    On the last day before Dot's Diner will be sold to the town's multimillionaire mogul, the girls are thrown into a dangerous food-themed treasure hunt, looking for gold left by runaway outlaw Crispy Cruller. Joined by a trusty friend, helpful robot drone, and adorable pup, Maple and Margaret will dive deep into the twisted caves and caverns underneath their town facing one syrup-sticky flapjack trap after another. With nothing more than their grandma's cookbook clues to guide them, will the Sanford Sisters be able to put their differences aside, find the loot, and save Dot's Diner before it's too late?   From the creators of Star Beasts, Stephanie Young and Allyson Lassiter's newest adventure is stacked full of fun foodie hijinks and features ten pancake recipes to make at home.   $14.99 | 232 PGS. | FULL COLOR | ON SALE JUNE 10, 2026     Thanks to Oni Press for sharing this story with us.

 

Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 Review

 

Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 Review

Writer & Artist: Yamada Jta

Original Story: Shinichi Koga

Editor: Louis Yamani

Designer: Matt Bookman

Translator: Andria McKnight

Letterer: Skylar Rutan

Publisher: Titan Manga

Price: $12.99

Release Date: June 2, 2026

 

People think that business is all about the bottom line. But consider Mr Kurouri. As president of Kurouri Construction, he purchased an old house for the land it sat on. He dismissed the warnings against destroying a witch's home. But then, he didn't get to be such a successful businessman by being nice. How will local legends affect Mr Kurouri? And how will his family fare after he attracts the witch's interest? Let’s leap into Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 and see!

 

Story

As Chihiro walks along, she notices another girl swaying. She helps her to a bench. And when she notices a scrape on her knee, Chihiro offers the girl her favorite handkerchief. Misa Kuroi explains she recently moved to town. When Misa asks her name, Chihiro stutters as she gives it. And when Misa notices the burns on her hands, Chihiro tells her about her troubled homelife. The other girls may shun her. But Misa takes an interest in Chihiro Kurouri's life.

 

Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 follows Misa Kuroi’s return to the world. Kurouri Construction may have destroyed her home. Still, magic can make many things possible. As she sets her life in order again, she notices that a special book has gone missing. Misa also returns to her school to see how life has changed in her absence. As magic preserves her youth, Misa fits in and engages with other students as an equal.

 

Yet, in Yamada Jta’s story, Misa Kuroi has no equal. She stands between Humans and the forces that threaten our world. Sometimes they are demons of our making, such as greed and insensitivity to others' needs. Yet even when bright futures await people, they can feel the allure of the darkness. Whether their own passions drive them toward danger, or their desire to harness seemingly harmless magic threatens their lives, Misa looks out for them. She always hopes she can reach them in time. But Misa Kuroi cannot rescue everyone from their foolish decisions in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.

 

Art

Mr Kurouri smiles as he speaks into his phone at the worksite. But after an excavator pulls something unexpected in its bucket, the construction company president peers into a container in his office. His daughter’s blonde hair tumbles past her light-colored uniform. Yet Chohiro shows an affinity for darkness, with long-sleeved black cuffs and black leggings.

 

Later, as Misa studies her library, eyes appear amid the crowded shelves. In a nightclub, a young man sparkles as a girl gives him a present. At home, he studies his phone as he touches an unexpected object in a box. Phones frequently appear in Yamada Jta’s art. Yet at Chihiro’s school, another blonde girl with braided hair is more obsessed with pieces of stretched canvas. Misa approaches her and regards a painting on an easel. Yet a memory of hands touching her head and arms emphasizes the student's emotional state.

 

Skylar Rutan places black uppercase letters in dialogue balloons and boxes. The letters vary in size as fingers touch a medallion within a heart, while a cyclops peers at schoolgirls through the windows. When Misa tries to jog a student’s memory, giant white words accompany the white smoke that forms a Human face. Sound effects enhance the frightening encounters. Yet, the white words glowing within black fields may be the scariest of all in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a physical review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

The world can be cruel to people who don’t fit in. Some people aspire to riches and success. Or they seek to preserve their youth and attractiveness. They pursue their passions to create things that offer a form of immortality. And if they meet a person they like, they try to make that person fall in love with them.

 

Everyone needs a little help now and then to achieve their goals. For some, the magical world can offer a helping hand. Yet the unwary can pay a high price for success in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For a look inside see my preview of Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.