Absolute Superman #22 Preview

 

Ra's Al Ghul is dead. His daughter Talia languishes in prison. The global powerhouse they ran, that imposed their order on the world, is dead. Yet a vestige of Lazarus Corps' former power remains. The beings who uplifted Teth-Adam with the power of the gods, only to imprison the Egyptian boy for 3,000 years, still live. But what has Brainiac done since Ra's Al Ghul used it to try to control Kal-El? And who will they use to enact their vicious plans?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Absolute Superman #22 Preview

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Juan Ferreyra

Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Variant Cover Artists: Eric Canete, Juan Ferreyra & Scott Hepburn

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

“Get Brainiac” Begins!

 

Superman will stop at nothing to see the universe’s most vicious madman brought to justice. But before he can get his hands on Brainiac, Superman will have to go through Metallo, a man with Kryptonite in his veins. “Get Brainiac” begins here, kicking off the march to a game-changing blockbuster issue #25!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Absolute Superman #21.

For what happened before that, see my preview of Absolute Superman #20.

For what happened even before that, see my review of Absolute Superman #19. 

For Teth-Adam's origins, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.  

  

Batgirl #22 Preview

 

Dr Forget-Me-Not is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He brainwashed people for the League of Assassins. Then, he worked alongside David Cain to shape two girls into efficient killing machines. One was Cassandra Cain. The other was Victoria Rose, the embalmed girl that GCPD Officer Jim Gordon discovered.

Now, the master manipulator has trapped Cassandra Cain in her mind. He claims that Cassandra must deduce Victoria's killer to escape from her mental prison. But can Cassandra trust anything she sees while under Dr Forget-Me-Not's control? And what are Ben Turner, Cassandra's brother Tenji Turner, and her friend Jaya Jayesh doing while Cassandra struggles to unearth the secrets buried in her past?

Here's all the info from DC Connect: 

Batgirl #22 Preview

Writer: Tate Brombal

Artist: Stephen Segovia

Cover Artist: David Talaski

Variant Cover Artist: Kyuyong Eom

Dark Knight Returns 40th Anniversary Variant Cover Artist: Stanley "Artgerm" Lau

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

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

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

 

Once Unmasked, 

This Is One Killer Who Will Never Be Forgotten!

 

 

Cassandra Cain has solved the murder, uncovering the killer’s identity in the process. The only problem is that she is now trapped within a prison in her own mind! To stop the next murder, Batgirl must escape the labyrinth of her memories and survive one final confrontation with the past that made her. And when the true meaning of “forget-me-not” is finally revealed, it may be the one thing Cassandra was never meant to remember.

 

The shocking end of this arc will leave Batgirl questioning everything!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time see my preview of Batgirl #21. 

For what happened before that, see my review of Batgirl #20.

 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Batgirl #19. 

 

For Tenji Turner & Jaya Jayesh's first adventure with Cassandra, see my preview of Batgirl #12. 

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell

Artist: Dan Mora

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears; David Talaski; Jim Cheung & Jay David Ramos; Rahzzah; Daniel Sampere & Tomeu Morey

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/$6.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

Kara Zor-El has mentored a fellow Kryptonian. She has built a circle of friends in Midvale. Yet Kara has struggled to cope with what she has lost. And she has found it difficult to forgive her friends and move on when they disappointed her.

 

Recently, Kara formed a team of friends with unique abilities to help her carry out a new mission. But is she ready to be a team leader? And after sharing her life with Clark Kent, what does Lois Lane think of Kara's leadership style? Let's leap into Action Comics #1100: Game Night, and see!

 

Story

With the help of Lesla-Lar, Lena Luthor, Conner Kent, and Thundergirl, Supergirl has freed Kandor from Black Flame’s reign of terror. But since Lesla-Lar told her about the Sun Crystal in Caldero, Supergirl has felt obliged to step up in Superman’s absence and represent the House of El on Earth. Still, before they travel to the Kryptonite Kingdom, Kara Zor-El and her friends take a moment to relax and recharge with Jon Kent.

 

Sophie Campbell’s story begins through Lois Lane’s eyes. While overseeing the Daily Planet’s global activity, she urged Jon to follow in his parents’ footsteps. When a younger version of her son appeared, Lois struggled to cope with raising a young superpowered boy without Clark's help. Now, Lois has her teenage son back, and she wants to let him find his own path. Yet just having Jon, Kara, Conner, and Thundergirl over for a relaxing evening stresses Lois out.

 

Game Night shows how much Lois has struggled in Clark's absence. She is strong and resilient. Lois endured a bout with superpowers she didn't want and fought to prevent the destruction of her planet. Yet Kara Zor-El and Lois Lane find that coping with family, even when they are getting along, can be stressful in this third story in Action Comics #1100.

 

Art

When Lois Lane returns after a long day at the Daily Planet, clothing, sporting goods, toys, books, and food litter the floor. Beverages clutter the bar in the kitchen. She kneels in her suit to sponge up the spill, observing the mess around her. Then, Lois finds Jon and his friends in his bedroom, clustered around the flatscreen TV. As her son and his guests play or watch the game, one of the posters on the crowded walls suggests inspiration for Jon’s recent secret identity.

 

As Dan Mora portrays Lois amid her family, Tamra Bonvillain adorns Action Comics #1100: Game Night with vibrant colors. Despite Clark's absence, Lois Lane's green suit hints at her determination to carry on. Her attire also links her with Thundergirl, who could prove more amenable to her guidance than Jon. Orange and yellow herald confrontations, while red signals rage amid another Game Night that could end in a deadly contest.

 

As black uppercase letters fill dialogue balloons, Becca Carey's dots and clouds reveal Lois' thoughts. The letters grow bold for intonation and change color amid tense situations. A besieged combatant speaks into cloudy dialogue balloons amid angry cries as the action heats up in Action Comics #1100: Game Night. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

As Master Txyz told Jon Kent recently, Superman shines so brightly that he puts the other members of the Super-family in the shade. The Justice League recognizes his importance, and Booster Gold is determined to find his friend. While Superman is absent, Kara Zor-El has a chance to shine. But to demonstrate her ability to lead the House of El, Supergirl must earn her teammates' respect and achieve a significant accomplishment before her cousin returns to reclaim the spotlight in Action Comics #1100: Game Night.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

 

For Superboy's battle with Epoch, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

 

For Kara and Lesla's battle to free Kandor, see my review of Supergirl #15. 

 

For Lois Lane's struggles in Clark's absence, see my review of Superman Unlimited #15. 

DC X Sonic the Hedgehog: Metal Legion #4 Preview

 

Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor couldn't wait to outsmart the other. When Dr Eggman launched the Legion of Doom Headquarters into orbit, Lex and the Legion retreated to Sonic's world. Then, in one of life's little ironies, Lex unleashed the Justice League heroes he had trapped in Null Space to attack Dr Eggman. 

Dr Eggman may have robot versions of the "Doomers" at his command. But can his Metal Legion withstand the might of two worlds' heroes? And can Lex Luthor retain control of the LEXEGG Gates, and hold both worlds to ransom?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

DC X Sonic the Hedgehog: Metal Legion #4 Preview

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Cover Artist: Pablo M. Collar

Variant Cover Artists: Min Ho Kim & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Series Length: 5 Issues

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

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

 

Dr. Eggman and the Metal Legion Take On Earth!

 

 

Dr. Eggman and his super-powered Metal Legion are looming unchecked over the Justice League’s Earth! It’s going to take the combined might of the Justice League, Sonic, and his many friends to challenge the mad doctor’s mechanical might! But as their battle rages in space, who is left to stop Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom?

 

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #3.

For what happened before that, see my review of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #2.

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

 

  

The Deadman #3 Preview

 

Boston Brand may have died. Still, he has never been busier. As the Deadman, he has dedicated his afterlife to helping souls transition to whatever comes next. Sometimes, Boston can intervene, and give the dying another shot at life. But most of the time, he eases the soul onto their next journey on the great wheel of Samsara. 

Unfortunately, Jesse "Flyeater" Hollern won't get that chance. After he crashed his Harley, a four-armed demon devoured Jesse's soul. Boston must act promptly to prevent the imbalance between the forces of life and anti-life from threatening all life on Earth. But how will Boston fare in the Underworld? And how many people will Professor M abduct and kill in Boston's absence?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

The Deadman #3 Preview

Writer: W. Maxwell Prince

Artist & Cover Artist: Martin Morazzo

Variant Cover Artists: Christian Ward, Alex Eckman-Lawn & Tyler Boss

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

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

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

 

The Deadman in Hell! Or…

 

 

The third edition of this morbid disquisition concerning the attrition/detrition of the human condition, which, in the weekly tradition, boasts a four-color exhibition on some printer’s emission. Here, by order of an anonymous optician, watch closely this vision of our titular apparition (armed, you’ll remember, with fresh erudition) try and survive—by another’s volition—a dire and dangerous mission through the hissin’, Stygian conditions of putrid and pockmarked Perdition—a kind of new rendition (depicted as a living, breathing country-sized conniption), which is rich in its list of sick compositions: e.g., reason’s egregious abolition; a pyrotechnic passel of pernicious seditions; hideous, bulging buck-toothed dentition; admittedly ambitious demonic deglutition…of gargoyles and ghouls in decomposition…not to mention an array of impossible physical positions that a physician might consider the work of magicians. So please accept our contrition for this rude imposition, our addled transmission this ungodly, offset-press parturition—one that we wish some brave obstetrician would bring to fruition its quick decommission.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

For what happened last time, see my review of The Deadman #2. 

For how this series started, see my review of The Deadman #1. 

Gotham Academy: First Year #6 Preview

 

 

When she couldn't learn what happened to her mother, Olive pushed away everyone and everything that offered her a future she didn't believe she deserved. She sought refuge in Professor Crane's pills, but they trapped her in a nightmare, and fractured her identity. Can Batman rescue Olive Silverlock again? Or will another hero arise to help Olive be the hero of her own story?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Gotham Academy: First Year #6 Preview

Writers: Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl & Becky Cloonan

Artist: Marco Ferrari

Cover Artist & Variant Cover Artist: Karl Kerschl

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 40 Pages

Series Length: 6 Issues

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

Siblings. Side Quests. Scarecrows.

 

Olive Silverlock has vanished, and Maps Mizoguchi is ready to roll for rescue. With Kyle in tow—and a not-so-helpful ghost on her heels—Maps must brave the halls, the catacombs, and the shadowy secrets of Gotham Academy. Just a normal Tuesday, really.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Gotham Academy: First Year #5. 

For what happened before that, see my review of Gotham Academy: Year One #4.

For how this series started, see my preview of Gotham Academy: First Year #1. 

 

 

 

Supergirl: Survive #3 Preview

 

The Lanterns rescued them after the destruction of Krypton. But then they let Kara and Kal-El get lost among a flood of refugees. The Lobo Gang knew an opportunity when they saw one. With only 2 surviving Kryptonians, they could score a payday. But when the Lanterns followed the Lobo Gang to Terra Arcana, their path once again intersected with Kara and Kal-El.

How will Kara and Kal-El's lives change after the Blue Lantern's death? And can Kara control the rage inside her?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Supergirl: Survive #3 Preview

Writers: Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan

Artist & Cover Artist: Rod Reis

Variant Cover Artists: Taurin Clarke & Stephen Byrne

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 40 Pages

Series Length: 6 Issues

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

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

 

Memories Of Krypton!

 

 

After their run-in with the Lantern Corps, Kara has taken Kal back to Krypton…but the real Krypton no longer exists. This one is of her own making. A shimmering city of blue constructs that shelters them from the pain of their loss. Kara could call it home and keep her cousin safe…but she’d be living a lie.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Supergirl: Survive #2.

For how the series started, see my review of Supergirl: Survive #1.  

 

 

Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 Review

 

Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 Review

Writers: Mark Waid & Joshua Williamson

Artist: Miguel Mendonça

Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Steve Wands

Editors: Ben Mears & Rob Levin

Cover Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico

Variant Cover Artists: Juan Ferreyra; Mark Spears; Javi Fernández with Marcelo Maiolo

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US

Release Date: July 29, 2026

 

Batman may believe in preserving life. He may admire genius. But that doesn't mean Batman wants Lex Luthor in the Justice League. And after Lex Luthor inflamed the Brainiac Queen crisis, Batman doesn't want Lex anywhere near the Watchtower control room.

 

But when Batman tried to throw Lex out, both men shared a vision. Will Batman and Lex Luthor establish an interstellar empire like Aquaman? Or will they awaken a dragon as they tinker with potentially planet-destroying forces like Cyborg in Mount Titans? Let’s leap into Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 and see!

 

Story

When gunrunners want to meet with their buyer in Gotham, they opt for Slaughter Swamp to avoid Batman's scrutiny. Thanks to their shared vision, Batman and Lex Luthor find the miscreants regardless. But before the Justice League teammates can arrest the weapons dealers, a house appears in Slaughter Swamp. And although Batman tries to warn them, the gunrunners flee inside the house.

 

In Justice League Knight Vision Special #1, Lex Luthor claims this mission is an unwelcome task. Batman argues that the visions are designed to prepare them for Darkseid’s return. Still, Lex can't wait to get inside the house. And Lex seems more interested in learning how much Batman knows about its occupant than sharing information with his partner.

 

Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson’s story contrasts Bruce Wayne’s approach to life with Lex Luthor, his socioeconomic equal. It also compares Batman's origins with those of Prometheus. As the fast-paced story follows Lex and Bruce, the men test each other. And even when they confront the house's owner, both men expect the other to let them down in Justice League Knight Vision Special #1.

 

Art

As the gunrunners arrive in their airboat, Batman and Lex Luthor descend from the Batwing. While Batman spreads his arms wide to support his cape, Lex Luthor crosses his arms over his armored chest and frowns. When Batman lands atop the propeller cage, his cape emulates wings as he crouches. But when the arms dealers raise their weapons, Lex fires an energy burst from his hand. Then a twisted tower erupts from the water, hurling the combatants and the boats into the air.

 

As Miguel Mendonça depicts Batman and Lex obeying whatever force gifted them their shared vision, Romulo Fajardo Jr. adorns Justice League Knight Vision Special #1 with a bright palette. While the weapons dealers dress to melt into the green and blue Slaughter Swamp, Lex's green armor and Batman's blue suit, cowl, and cape shine brightly. The brown door, outlined with white, adopts a 2D cartoony appearance when the gunrunners enter. As Batman realizes the twisting nature of the interior, white lines and a turquoise background fill a panel. Yet when the weapons dealers reappear, they bring the yellow, orange, and red of Gotham to Slaughter Swamp.

 

While large white letters identify locations, black uppercase letters fill white dialogue balloons. Steve Wands shrinks and grays dialogue for lowered voices, and warps words when navigating Prometheus' inner sanctum. Lex Luthor and Batman's offscreen dialogue appears as white letters in green versus black boxes. Sound effects accompany fighting, weapon fire, and the strange house doing what a strange house does. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

While Batman and Prometheus endured similar trauma, Bruce has more in common with Lex Luthor than he would care to admit. After the Omega Tournament and Lex's recent actions aboard the Watchtower, Bruce knows he can never trust his partner. But while Bruce must find a way to combine their differences to fulfill their shared vision, he and Lex confront a villain with a different type of vision in Justice League Knight Vision Special #1.

 

Rating: 10/10

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Justice League Unlimited #21. 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Justice League Unlimited #17. 

JSA #22 Preview

 

Jim Corrigan once bonded with the Spectre. But when Darkseid tried to command this aspect of the Presence, he broke that bond. Now, as Metron guides four young heroes in search of the former police detective, one of Alan Scott and Jay Garrick's charges has bonded with the Spectre. Will she form a lasting bond with the Spectre? And how wisely will she wield the Vengeance of God?

Here's all the info from DC Connect: 

JSA #22 Preview

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Diego Olortegui

Cover Artist: Pete Woods

Variant Cover Artist: Rafael De Latorre

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

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

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

 

Who Will Take on the Mantle of The Spectre?

 

 

The wrath of the Spectre has ravaged the JSA. As the dust settles, one hero will step up and take on the mantle of the Spectre, but will they be able to control its fury?

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of JSA #21. 

For what happened before that, see my preview of JSA #20.

For what happened even before that, see my review of JSA #19. 

For how the Spectre helped Jay Garrick and Alan Scott in 1940, see my review of JSA #18. 

For Darkseid's attack on the Spectre, see my preview of DC All In Special #1.