My brain is on official geek overload, with Free Comic Book Day (and reviews), Wolverine premiering this weekend, anticipation over seeing the new Star Trek movie (this Wednesday, I unfortunately missed the Saturday screening), and working on my own comics and things (found over at operationcomics.com), it’s been a looooooooong weekend.

Be that as it may, I still managed to find some time to hunker down and read this week’s haul of DC comics.

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE UNDERGROUND

Better than I’d expected, as much resistance as I had to the idea of Penguin attempting to take control as crime lord of Gotham, it’s actually working. Plus, my biggest concern being that Eddie Nigma, AKA the Riddler was going to go back to being another Batman stock-villain, as he’s a far greater character as a “celebrity” detective than he ever was bouncing back and forth in his villain style often presented as a Joker knock-off. He’s far more believable as he is now in addition to being somewhat sympathetic as a not necessarily heroic for the right reasons crime-solver.

Also following that theme, it’s great to see Harley, Holly (former Catwoman stand-in), Ivy, and Selena team up as a Scooby gang to solve the myriad of mysteries floating about in a post-Bruce Gotham.

And in brief

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #4 (OF 5)

If you don’t know by now, I can hardly be blamed for spoilers. The “plan” going back some time in DCU comes to fruition with the return of an “S” clad hero previously taking a dirt-nap. But that’s not the only twist…

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26

As sad as it is to see this title go, it was the greatest ending to the run in the best way possible. Touching and really focusing on what the JSA is all about, it’s going to be hard to even come close to the greatness of the series when the new teams take over.

BATGIRL NEWS!

Over on The Source (http://dcublog.dccomics.com), speculations are already running amuck on “Who’s that Batgirl”?

Frankly, your guess is as good as mine. With all the rampant speculation, who are the usual suspects? Here are the suggestions I’ve been hearing.

Betty Kane (Formerly Flamebird, currently???)

Barbra Gordon (Former Batgirl, current Oracle appearing in Oracle: The Cure)

Casandra Cain (Current Batgirl? Curently appering in Battle for the Cowl?)

Stephanie Brown (Former Spoiler, former Robin. Curently Spoiler???)

Helena Bertinelli (Currently Huntress, former Batgirl)

Vicki Vale (Former girlfriend of former beau Bruce Wayne, currently reporting news)

Charlotte “Charlie” Gage-Radcliffe (Yes, another albeit “briefly” Batgirl, currently Misfit)

Regardless who’s picked, someones gonna be disappointed (I’m hoping for Betty teaming up w’ Batwoman, or Barbra for different reasons). We’ll just have to wait and see.

Now, on to this week’s comics!

DC Comics available on 5/6/2007

DC/ JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE NETWORK

* BATMAN: THE RESURRECTION OF RA’S AL GHUL

* DEAD ROMEO #2 (OF 6)

* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN! #1 (OF 6)

* THE FLASH PRESENTS: MERCURY FALLING

* THE FLASH: REBIRTH #2 (OF 5)

* GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

* JONAH HEX #43

* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE SECOND COMING

* LOONEY TUNES #174

* THE MIGHTY #4

* POWER GIRL #1

* SOLOMON GRUNDY #3 (OF 7)

* STRANGE ADVENTURES #3 (OF 8)

* SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #6

* SUPERMAN: ESCAPE FROM BIZARRO WORLD

* SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #3 (OF 12)

* TRINITY #49

* THE WARLORD #2

VERTIGO

* BANG! TANGO #4 (OF 6)

* SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #2 (OF 3)

* Y: THE LAST MAN: THE DELUXE EDITION VOL. 2

* YOUNG LIARS #15

WILDSTORM

* ASTRO CITY: DARK AGE BOOK 3 #1 (OF 4)

* THE AUTHORITY #10

* POINT BLANK-NEW EDITION

* PROTOTYPE #2 (OF 6)

As always, thanks for reading!