You down with R.I.P.? Yeah, you know me. If you haven’t been following Grant Morrison’s run on Batman these last few years, then maybe you don’t know about the bad times for Batman (close your eyes, Richie). I don’t wanna ruin anything, but let’s just say that the last arc (Batman R.I.P.) tore some pretty big holes in the fabric of the DCU. And someone’s gotta fix ‘em. So who’s got the biggest needle and thread? According to DC teasers, it’s probably one of the fine folks pictured above. All I can say is, I really hope Hush isn’t the new Batman.

Anyway, let’s do the comic thing. New stuff this week, some of it is coming home with me, what’ll it be?

Battle for the Cowl #1: This is the jump-off. All roads to the new Batman begin here. The main series is on hiatus while this little drama plays out in the pages of BFTC, so all you Gothamites better add this to your lists.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #2: Nice acronym, jerks. I don’t know-slash-care what it stands for, and this book is a bit too sci-fi for my usual tastes. But the art is amazing, and I dig that Braniac character from the 30th century (Brainiac 5 from the Legion of Superheroes? I can’t even keep track…fucking Multiverse). Only one issue deep so far…I hope two’s the charm.

Invincible Iron Man #11: Things have really gone to Hell in the Marvel Universe, and Dark Reign has re-focused all eyes on Norman Osborn and his continually evolving goon squad. But for my money, the most interesting predicament belongs to Iron Man. Sure, he’s Public Enemy #1, World’s Most Wanted, whatever. So why isn’t every book about him now, like it was during Secret Invasion? If anything , his position is even more perilous. So I continue to read this book, because it’s the only one that really gives a damn about Tony Stark. And maybe you should, too.

OK, pals, that’s all for now. Gotta hit ye olde shoppe. Maybe I’ll see you there? Not very likely.But holler if you hear me. Until. next time…

Bagged and Boarded,

Grip Grand