“BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE” #1 (DC): Back in May, Kevin Smith told Splash Page that this could be the last Batman story he ever writes–which should be reason enough to pick it up. Having previously authored “Batman: Cacophony” (which featured my favorite new villain, Onomatopoeia, created by Smith during his “Green Arrow” run), Smith promises to introduce a brand new character in “Widening Gyre,” which he’s writing alongside his frequent collaborator in both comics and film, artist/actor Walt Flanagan.

With the combined comics cred of Smith and Flanagan and a new character in the wings, this one’s a can’t-miss pickup for readers this week.

Can’t sleep or wait until you local comic shop opens? How’s about a nice look at some finished pages from the new series, eh? DC’s Source presents the two covers for issue #1 and some colorful looks at key moments. Click the pages here for a bigger look, or visit DC Source. Enjoy issue #1!