UPDATE: Due to the cost of the manufacturing the 3D covers DC Comics had set the print run before final orders had been set. As a consequence many of the Villains Month titles had orders exceeding that of what will be printed. Retailers have now been allocated 3D covers on each title with the rest of the order having 2D covers to make up the difference. A 2nd printing of the 3D covers has been scheduled for December. If you are wanting a 3D cover I would contact your local retailer soon.
The villains are taking over DC Comics in September with the regular comics temporarily replaced with a villain that is well associated with the character for a one-shot story. How to Love Comics has been looking into each of the titles to see which villain will be taking over, as well letting you know a little bit about each villain if you are unfamiliar with them.
In part 2 of this guide we delve into more Batman villains, like Mr Freeze and Killer Croc, along with a variety of Superman villains like Lex Luthor and General Zod. To round of this part of the guide we also go into the Aquaman villains announced as part of the event and even the other villain as part of Earth 2.
If you want to know more about Villains Month or want to see some of the other villains involved I highly suggest you check out part 1.
Batman: The Dark Knight #23.1: The Ventriloquist
Title Replaces: Batman: The Dark Knight
Replaced with: The Ventriloquist
Official Solicitation:
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by DERLIS SANTACRUZ
3-D motion cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale SEPTEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The origin of the Ventriloquist is revealed! One of them has powerful telekinesis and the other is a cold-blooded murderer—but who’s the real dummy in this act?
Preview of Batman: The Dark Knight #23.1: The Ventriloquist
Who is The Ventriloquist?
First appearing in Batgirl #20 this new Ventriloquist is new iteration of the character. This version seems to be able to control their dummy without having physical contact with it.
Batman: The Dark Knight #23.2: Mr. Freeze
Title Replaces: Batman: The Dark Knight
Replaced with: Mr Freeze
Official Solicitation:
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by JASON MASTERS
3-D motion cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Mr. Freeze takes his obsessions over the line when he sets his sights on his newfound family and getting revenge on Batman!
Preview of Batman: The Dark Knight #23.2: Mr. Freeze
Who is Mr Freeze?
Mr Freeze is a scientist that, after a horrible accident, needs a cryogenic suit in order to survive. He wields a freeze gun that is powerful enough to freeze people in blocks of ice. Many people might be familiar with the character through Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal in the film Batman & Robin.
Batman: The Dark Knight #23.3: Clayface
Title Replaces: Batman: The Dark Knight
Replaced with: Clayface
Official Solicitation:
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art by CLIFF RICHARDS
3-D motion cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale SEPTEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
It’s the biggest audition of Clayface’s life as he attempts to impress the Secret Society and join their ranks. Desperate to prove himself more than a monster, Clayface sets a scheme into motion that quickly unravels! Will he make his mark—or dig his own grave?
Preview of Batman: The Dark Knight #23.3: Clayface
Who is Clayface?
Clayface is a Batman villain that is made out of a clay-like substance and can use his body to shape shift his body. He will often shape his fists into a weapon like a mallet or mace. Clayface was last seen in Batman #20.
Batman: The Dark Knight #23.4: Joker’s Daughter
Title Replaces: Batman: The Dark Knight
Replaced with: The Joker’s Daughter
Official Solicitation:
Written by ANN NOCENTI
Art by GEORGES JEANTY
3-D motion cover by JASON FABOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The Gotham Underground is quickly becoming a base of power in the DC Universe! After the destruction of Arkham Asylum, The Joker’s Daughter is gaining hordes of followers across the terrifying and brutal landscape! In a world where ugly is considered beautiful, what dark initiation rites befall this madwoman’s new recruits?
Who is The Joker’s Daughter?
Delusional and insane this villain claims that he is the Joker’s daughter but in the past has claimed to a number of villains’ daughter. She has yet to debut in the New 52 so her origin may in fact have changed and I am sure this issue will most likely shed some light on the matter.
Batman and Robin #23.1: Two Face
The details of this issue can be found in part 1 of this guide.
Batman and Robin #23.2: The Court of Owls
Title Replaces: Batman and Robin
Replaced with: The Court of Owls
Official Solicitation:
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by JORGE LUCAS
3-D motion cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The Court of Owls takes stock of the new world order created in the wake of Forever Evil! What horrors will they unleash in order to maintain control!
Preview of Batman and Robin #23.2: The Court of Owls
Who are the Court of Owls?
The Court of Owls are a secret society that have been in existence for hundreds of years. The organisation kidnaps children in order to train them into assassins known as Talons. Up until recently they secretly controlled Gotham City without anyone knowing of their existence.
Batman and Robin #23.3: Ra’s Al Ghul and the League of Assassins
Title Replaces: Batman and Robin
Replaced with: Ra’s Al Ghul and the League of Assassins
Official Solicitation:
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by JORGE LUCAS
3-D motion cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale SEPTEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The origin of Ra’s al Ghul in The New 52! For centuries Ra’s has had a plan for this world, and now he is faced with an offer from the Secret Society that could help him achieve what he wants…or undo everything he has worked for. Which path will the Demon’s Head choose?
Preview of Batman and Robin #23.3: Ra’s Al Ghul and the League of Assassins
Who is Ra’s Al Ghul and the League of Assassins?
Ra’s al Ghul (meaning Demon’s Head in Arabic) is the leader of the League of Assassins, a criminal organisation of killers. He is said to know Batman’s identity although this status might have changed in the New 52 continuity. He is able to live forever by resurrecting himself using specials pits known as Lazarus Pits.
Batman and Robin #23.4: Killer Croc
Title Replaces: Batman and Robin
Replaced with: Killer Croc
Official Solicitation:
Written by TIM SEELEY
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
3-D motion cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale SEPTEMBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
As the battle for Gotham City continues to build, the scales become unbalanced when the ferocious Killer Croc enters the fray!
Preview of Batman and Robin #23.4: Killer Croc
Who is Killer Croc?
Killer Croc became how he is today thorough an extreme case of atavism which gave him Crocodile like abilities and appearance. He is a ruthless murderer and has killed many people.
Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman
The details of this issue can be found in part 1 of this guide.
Action Comics #23.2: Zod
Title Replaces: Action Comics
Replaced with: General Zod
Official Solicitation:
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Ken Lashley
3-D motion cover by Gene Ha
On sale September 11 – 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US – RATED T
General Zod storms into The New 52! Witness the origin of this genocidal maniac, and learn how far he will go to destroy those who oppose him!
Preview of Action Comics #23.2: Zod
Who is General Zod?
General Zod is a General from the Kryptonian army who has committed many crimes. Being from Kryton he has a similar power-set and strength to Superman. General Zod is the main antagonist in the Man of Steel movie.
Action Comics #23.3: Lex Luthor
Title Replaces: Action Comics
Replaced with: Lex Luthor
Official Solicitation:
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Raymund Bermudez
3-D motion cover by Aaron Kuder
On sale September 18 – 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US – RATED T
Evil genius, sadistic businessman, sociopathic inmate — Lex Luthor is all this and more. Now released from prison, there is nothing to stop Luthor from getting his way … not even Superman!
Who is Lex Luthor?
Lex Luthor is Superman’s classic arch-nemesis. He is a hyper-genius, a businessman, extremely rich and has a deep hatred for Superman. He has dedicated his life to ridding the world of Superman.
Action Comics #23.4: Metallo
Title Replaces: Action Comics
Replaced with: Metallo
Official Solicitation:
Written by Sholly Fisch
Art by Will Conrad
3-D motion cover by Aaron Kuder
On sale September 25 – 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US – RATED T
Before he became Metal-Zero, John Corben had two great loves: his country and Lois Lane. Awakening from a coma after the events of Action Comics #8, Corben finds himself betrayed by both — and now his Kryptonite heart beats only for revenge! And when he joins up with the Secret Society, there’s no limit to the destruction he can cause!
Who is Metallo?
Through an accident involving military experimentation and Braniac, John Corben became Metallo. He has a kryptonite heart in order to stay alive.
Earth 2 #15.1: Desaad
The details of this issue can be found in part 1 of this guide.
Earth 2 #15.2: Solomon Grundy
Title Replaces: Earth 2
Replaced with: Solomon Grundy
Official Solicitation:
Written by MATT KINDT, Art by AARON LOPRESTI, 3-D motion cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
“Grundy hates green. He hates life, and he hates Green Lantern most of all! So what made Grundy this way? Find out in the secret origin of Solomon Grundy!”
Preview of Earth 2 #15.2: Solomon Grundy
Who is Solomon Grundy?
Solomon Grundy is a zombie supervillain from Earth 2. He is essentially immortal due to his undead status and invulnerability.
Aquaman #23.1: Black Manta
Title Replaces: Aquaman
Replaced with: Black Manta
Official Solicitation:
Written by GEOFF JOHNS and TONY BEDARD
Art by CLAUDE ST. AUBIN
3-D motion cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Set loose as the Secret Society’s plan unfolds, Black Manta is shocked to learn that Aquaman may be dead! Without the object of his hatred, how will Manta claim his final vengeance against the man who killed his father? Where will one of the most lethal villains alive turn his rage when he begins a new mission?
Preview of Aquaman #23.1: Black Manta
Who is Black Manta?
Probably the most well known Aquaman villains, Black Manta has a personal vendetta against Aquaman due to a horrible mistake Aquaman once made. He is a deadly assassin who can function underwater due to his helmet.
Aquaman #23.2: Ocean Master
Title Replaces: Aquaman
Replaced with: Ocean Master
Official Solicitation:
Written by GEOFF JOHNS and TONY BEDARD
Art by GERALDO BORGES
3-D motion cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS
On sale SEPTEMBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Ocean Master is freed from Belle Reve and wants no part of the Secret Society—he just wants to go home to Atlantis. But he has a long bloody journey across the surface world in front of him, and he might not make it back!
Preview of Aquaman #23.2: Ocean Master
Who is Ocean Master?
Ocean Master is Aquaman’s half-brother and was once the King of underwater city of Atlantis. He was recently featured in a crossover arc with Aquaman and Justice League.
Detective Comics #23.1: Poison Ivy
Title Replaces: Detective Comics
Replaced with: Poison Ivy
Official Solicitation:
Written by DEREK FRIDOLFS
Art by JAVIER PINA
3-D motion cover by JASON FABOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Preview of Detective Comics #23.1: Poison Ivy
For too long, Poison Ivy has played with men’s hearts and been a pawn in their games too—but no more! Now that Batman is gone, she will grow into a force of nature unlike anything Gotham City has seen before!
Who is Poison Ivy?
Obsessed with plants and nature Poison Ivy is an eco-terrorist who uses toxins from plants as weapons. Her kiss is poisonous, but a second kiss is the antidote.
Detective Comics #23.2: Harley Quinn
Title Replaces: Detective Comics
Replaced with: Harley Quinn
Official Solicitation:
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by NEIL GOOGE
3-D motion cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
If Dr. Harleen Quinzel wasn’t crazy when she fell for The Joker at Arkham Asylum, she sure was messed up afterwards! Find out more from Harley’s time with her beloved Mr. J. and see what got her into so much trouble that she was “recruited” for the Suicide Squad!
Preview of Detective Comics #23.2: Harley Quinn
Who is Harley Quinn?
Originally Joker’s psychiatrist when he was at Arkham Asylum, she falls madly in love with him and gives up her life to follow him around. She was originally created for Batman: The Animated Series but was so popular that she was incorporated into the comics.
Detective Comics #23.3: Scarecrow
Title Replaces: Detective Comics
Replaced with: Scarecrow
Official Solicitation:
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by SZYMON KUDRANSKI
3-D motion cover by JASON FABOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
See the new Gotham City through the eyes of the Scarecrow! It’s Arkham Asylum unleashed on humanity—and it’s all the Scarecrow has ever wanted!
Preview Detective Comics #23.3: Scarecrow
Who is Scarecrow?
Scarecrow uses a specially made toxin in order to give victims living nightmares in order to exploit their fears. He is known to carry around a scythe. Most people would be familiar with his depiction in the film Batman Begins.
Detective Comics #23.4: Man-Bat
Title Replaces: Detective Comics
Replaced with: Man-Bat
Official Solicitation:
Written by FRANK TIERI
Art by SCOT EATON and JAIME MENDOZA
3-D motion cover by JASON FABOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Dr. Langstrom has given in to the Man-Bat side of his personality. Left unchecked in a world without heroes, he brutally stalks his prey in Gotham City! If Langstrom won’t stop himself…who will?
Preview of Detective Comics #23.4: Man-Bat
Who is Man-Bat?
Batman may use the Bat as a symbol but Man-Bat is part man, part bat. He has many qualities of a bat such as sonar and flight.
Superman #23.1: Bizzaro
The details of this issue can be found in part 1 of this guide.
Superman #23.2: Brainiac
Title Replaces: Superman
Replaced with: Braniac
Official Solicitation:
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by PASCAL ALIXE
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Brainiac was the first adversary Superman fought on Earth, but where did he come from? A lineage that spans the universe holds many secrets when we ask, “Who is Brainiac?”
Preview of Superman #23.2: Brainiac
Who is Braniac?
Braniac is an alien machine, obsessed with the cataloguing and destruction of worlds. He is responsible for the Superman’s home world, Krypton.
Superman #23.3: He’l
Title Replaces: Superman
Replaced with: He’l
Official Solicitation:
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by DAN JURGENS and
NORM RAPMUND
3-D motion cover by GENE HA
On sale SEPTEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
After his last battle with Superman, H’el wakes up on Krypton years before it is destroyed! Can H’el manipulate the Science Counsel, soldiers and countless others including Jor-El, to save the planet? And what does it mean for the birth of Superman if he succeeds?
Preview of Superman #23.3: He’l
Who is He’l?
A new villain introduced for the New 52 continuity, He’l is Kryptonian and is on a mission to revive Kypton no matter what it takes. Not much is known about this character so this Villains Month issue will most likely shed some light on him.
Superman #23.4: Parasite
Title Replaces: Superman
Replaced with: Parasite
Official Solicitation:
Written by AARON KUDER
Art by AARON KUDER
3-D motion cover by AARON KUDER
On sale SEPTEMBER 25 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Parasite: Noun. An organism that lives in or on another organism. Preferably Superman.
Who is Parasite?
Parasite is a Superman villain that is able to absorb strength and super powers through touch.
Keep your eyes peeled to How to Love Comics throughout the coming weeks as we bring more information on Villains Month.
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