USA TODAY has the exclusive first interviews about the decision to launch 52 first issues over a five week period, the designing of more than 50 new costumes and what it all means for the World's Greatest Superheroes.
This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.
On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.
DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer's comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry's premier superhero team.
In the hours, days and weeks to come, we'll have more news about the other titles. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about this momentous occasion. Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates about the other first issues.
This year, make history with us.
We've had a lot of fun showing off behind-the-scenes material from artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla from their current classic-in-the-making run on Detective Comics with Scott Snyder. These guys have been so generous with sending over material - you can check out some of the process art we've posted already here, here, here, and here.
This week brings some new behind-the-scenes art that we're excited to share with you. Check out Jock's DETECTIVE COMICS #881 cover idea in sketch form, as inked art, and the final color piece below.
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The crisis at Wayne Powers has escalated to new heights. Blight is back and will stop at nothing to get revenge on Terry McGinnis for turning him into a translucent, radioactive monster. And to top it off, Terry learns a deep secret about someone he thought he trusted. Crisis. Villains. Vengeance. Betrayal. Nobody said being Batman was easy.
Written by Adam Beechen with art by Ryan Benjamin and John Stanisci, BATMAN BEYOND #6 hits stores tomorrow.
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Like the saying goes, everything you know will change in a flash.
It goes without saying that Geoff Johns is a talent to be reckoned with. For the past several years, Johns has been writing numerous FLASH titles – including the recently released THE FLASH OMNIBUS Vol. 1.
As he did with Hal Jordan and GREEN LANTERN, Johns has completely reinvigorated the character of Barry Allen and THE FLASH. Working with such incredible artists including Scott Kolins, Ethan Van Sciver, Angel Unzueta, Andy Kubert and rising stars like Francis Manipul, Johns has solidified The Flash’s place in the DC Universe. In fact, he’s placed Barry Allen front and center of this summer’s bestselling event, FLASHPOINT.
But like issue #12 was the final issue of THE FLASH by Johns, the final issue of FLASHPOINT will conclude Johns’ run on FLASH titles for the foreseeable future.
What happens post FLASHPOINT you ask?
As Johns says, “the first rule about FLASHPOINT is, don't talk about what comes after Flashpoint.”
So for now, we thank Geoff Johns for his run on THE FLASH and look forward to what he’s got planned next.
Stay tuned.
There are many things to consider when selecting what to preview from an upcoming issue. You have to find pages with just the right amount of action, but not too many spoilers. It’s a good “problem” to have to consider.
And let’s just say that the first issue alone of FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR – THE GREEN LANTERN has a number of significant story developments that shouldn’t be revealed in advance. These story beats will be of interest to FLASHPOINT readers, of course, but also to Green Lantern and BLACKEST NIGHT fans.
Below, check out these action-packed (and hopefully spoiler free) sequences from the pages of FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR – THE GREEN LANTERN #1:
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In FLASHPOINT: THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT, protagonist Traci 13 will travel around the globe to try to save it. Since the world’s greatest superheroes never existed, it’ll be up to this 15-year-old girl to try and protect our planet. But does she have what it takes to save the world?
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FLASHPOINT: SECRET SEVEN #1 comes to us from a distinguished creative team indeed. Peter Milligan is the writer of many acclaimed titles, notably SHADE THE CHANGING MAN, the cult classic published by Vertigo in the ‘90s. From CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS to INFINITE CRISIS, artist George Perez is no stranger to major events. Joining them on the project are artist Scott Koblish, who has worked on various DC titles for decades, including SUPERMAN, FINAL CRISIS, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, and WONDER WOMAN, and Fernando Blanco, the artist of FALLEN ANGEL.
When it comes to a series written by Milligan starring Shade the Changing Man, the “leader” of the Secret Seven, one might expect a level of otherworldly weirdness. The first four pages certainly pave the way for a surreal journey to come….
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Next Wednesday, the first four of the FLASHPOINT miniseries will hit shelves. Keep checking back to THE SOURCE today, as we provide a sneak peek at each one.
First up? FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE.
[Please note: major spoilers follow for anyone who hasn’t already read FLASHPOINT issue 1.]
The reveal that Batman is Thomas Wayne in FLASHPOINT #1 left people picking their jaws off the floor, just as Brian Azzarello promised a few weeks back. The acclaimed creative team of 100 BULLETS, Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso, will be taking readers down a very twisted path in FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #1. Here’s a first look into this dark tale:
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REAL NAME: Rot Lop Fan
OCCUPATION: Green Lantern/Galactic Protector
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Sector 911
HOMEWORLD: Obsidian Deeps
HEIGHT: 5'
WEIGHT: 230 lbs
EYES: N/A (blind)
HAIR: N/A (silicone)
FIRST APPEARANCE: Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Annual #3 (1987)
AKA: Green Lantern
BACKGROUND from the comic books:
Hailing from the Obsidian Deeps, where there is no notion of color or light, Rot Lop Fan is one of the most unique members of the Corps. Unable to understand the concept of the "Green" Lantern Corps, this silicone-based life form uses a musical instrument, the F-Sharp Bell, to emit sound waves from his power ring. Though completely blind, Rot Lop Fan has impeccable hearing, able to perceive sounds from over four sectors away. This legendary Lantern prefers to remain in his sector but will always arrive when help is requested.
An interstellar slave ring dealing in selling Green Lanterns once captured Rot Lop Fan. Fortunately, he was rescued by the irascible Guy Gardner with whom he forged a bizarre friendship.
ATTRIBUTES:
REAL NAME: Isamot Kol
OCCUPATION: Green Lantern/Galactic Protector
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Sector 2682
HOMEWORLD: Thanagar
HEIGHT: 5' 3"
WEIGHT: 193 lbs
EYES: Yellow
HAIR: N/A (hairless)
FIRST APPEARANCE: Green Lantern Corps Recharge #1 (November, 2005)
AKA: Green Lantern
BACKGROUND from the comic books:
As a Lizarkon, a reptilian humanoid, Isamot Kol grew up in the slums of Thanagar. When his planet was threatened, Isamot fought alongside his fellow Thangarian warriors. But when his commanding officer attempted to surrender, Isamot killed him and seized control of his squadron. Although his teammates tried to cover it up, Isamot believes in truth no matter the situation and confessed to murdering his superior. As a consequence for treason, the Lizarkon was sentenced to execution yet fate intervened and his life was saved by the Oan power ring selecting him as a Green Lantern.
Whether creating Thangarian sword constructs, using his sharp teeth or powerful tail, Isamot Kol is a fierce Lantern in battle.
Isamot's Green Lantern partner is a Rannian named Vath Sarn. Since Rannians are the mortal enemies of Thanagarians, this alliance was a major struggle. Fortunately, they have built a truce through their mutual respect for one another and their honor of the Green Lantern Corps.
ATTRIBUTES:
The mystery of the Hollow Men has been on Superboy's mind ever since the first issue of Jeff Lemire's SUPERBOY. The Phantom Stranger knows the secrets behind this Smallville legend, and Superboy wants that knowledge – but at what price does the Stranger hold it?
"Rise of the Hollow Men" begins in Jeff Lemire and Pier Gallo's SUPERBOY #8, on sale next week!
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Children's book writer, artist and super hero fan, Ralph Cosentino (BATMAN: THE STORY OF THE DARK KNIGHT and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL) has completed the trinity with his new children's book WONDER WOMAN: THE STORY OF THE AMAZON PRINCESS, published by Viking Children’s Books.
This illustrated storybook tells of Wonder Woman’s origin. With her unbreakable silver bracelets and golden Lasso of Truth, she fights her enemies, teaches peace and respect, and shows the world how to live in harmony with nature.
Told in simple and engaging prose and illustrated with bold and vibrant art, WONDER WOMAN: THE STORY OF THE AMAZON PRINCESS is a book that both young fans and adults will enjoy.
Here's a peek inside:
