DC Comics’ Road to San Diego: Wayne Casinos Poker Chips

In the world of FLASHPOINT, Thomas Wayne is Batman. He funds his crime efforts in part by being the head honcho of Wayne Casinos. Now it’s your chance to buy in.

To celebrate FLASHPOINT, we will be distributing 5 different collectible Wayne Casinos poker chips as exclusive giveaways at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on these limited chips because they’ll each only be available on specific dates. The colors, dollar denominations, and availability dates for the chips are as follows:

$1 Chips (White) – Wednesday, July 20th

$5 Chips (Red) – Thursday, July 21st

$10 Chips (Blue) – Friday, July 22nd

$25 Chips (Green) – Saturday, July 23rd

$50 Chips (Orange) – Sunday, July 24th

$100 Chips (Black) – These will be given away at DC panels throughout the convention to attendees who ask the best questions!

Stop by the DC Booth to grab these rare collector’s items. Are you ready to play?

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: ABIN SUR, EMPEROR AQUAMAN, AND REVERSE FLASH SELL OUT

The second printing of BOOSTER GOLD #44 is already in stores. The second printing of FLASHPOINT #2 hit stores this week. The second printings of FLASHPOINT: BATMAN - THE KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #1 and BOOSTER GOLD #45 arrive next week, and the third printing of FLASHPOINT #1 will be released on July 20th.

Today, we can announce that joining the ranks of these sold out FLASHPOINT titles are FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR #1, FLASHPOINT: EMPEROR AQUAMAN #1 and FLASHPOINT: REVERSE FLASH.

Congratulations to the creative teams.

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: A first look at the cover for FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – THE KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #3

If you haven’t already picked up your copy of FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – THE KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #2, then whatever you do, do not click on the jump (major spoiler alert!).

On the final page of FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – THE KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #2, the shocking reveal that Martha Wayne is The Joker was made. Below, take a first look at the cover for FLASHPOINT: BATMAN – THE KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #3, showing Thomas and Martha together as Batman and The Joker. Will The Dark Knight have it in him to take down his ultimate nemesis … even if she is his wife?

 

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “We have to move from here as soon as we dignify our dead.”

While en route to an undisclosed location in Norway, The Ravager is attacked by Aquaman and his army. As his crew is brutally massacred before his eyes, Deathstroke must struggle to fight for his own life before continuing the hunt for his treasure. And with the influx of enemies continuing to roll in, Deathstroke might require a little help to get his mission back on track. But who will be the one providing it?

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and featuring art by Joe Bennett, Tony Shasteen and The Hories, FLASHPOINT: DEATHSTROKE AND THE CURSE OF THE RAVAGER #2 sails into stores next week.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “Bullets are not our primary weapons. Only a distraction.”

As Frankenstein and his creature commandoes embark on their journey to find the cure for their afflictions, they’ll find themselves seeking Nina’s father’s old lab in Gotham. Unfortunately for them, however, a tracking device placed in their system in 1945 leads monster hunter Miranda Shrieve directly to their whereabouts. As Miranda reveals the origins of her vendetta, the creatures receive a surprise visit and assistance from a mysterious ally. But will that be enough for the entire crew to survive the attack by Miranda and her army?

FLASHPOINT: FRANKENSTEIN AND THE CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN #2 is written by Jeff Lemire and features art by Ibraim Roberson, Alex Massacci, and Pete Pantazis.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “Every second brings Lisa closer to death.”

Citizen Cold is known by Central City as a hero. But when an entire gallery of Rogues kidnaps his sister, Lisa Snart, they’ll use her as bait to lure him into a deathtrap. Will Citizen Cold be able to save both Lisa and himself? And what does Wally West’s disappearance have to do with all of this?

Written and illustrated by Scott Kolins, FLASHPOINT: CITIZEN COLD #2 is colored by Mike Atiyeh and comes out on Wednesday.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “If we take no risk, General, how will we ever avenge my queen?”

The war between the Atlanteans and Amazons is almost here as Aquaman invades New Themyscira. With Mera dead, Aquaman has his heart set on revenge. He sends Mera’s sister, Siren, and his brother, Prince Orm, into the Palace of Furies and onto the frontlines of battle. Will the two of them manage to avenge Mera’s death and get out alive or will Arthur have to step up and fight for himself?

With a reveal that makes the war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman far more personal, FLASHPOINT: EMPEROR AQUAMAN #2 is written by Tony Bedard and features art by Vicente Cifuentes, Diana Egea, and Kyle Ritter. Check out the exclusive preview pages below and be sure to pick up the book when it hits stands next week.

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Fabian Nicieza on LEGION LOST

(The cover for LEGION LOST #1 by Pete Woods)

In LEGION LOST #1, seven heroes from the 31st century will find themselves in the present day. Their purpose? To save the future from being annihilated by the mistakes of the contemporary world. We talked to writer Fabian Nicieza (BATMAN, RED ROBIN) and got an insider’s pass into what to look out for when the book is released on September 14th.

THE SOURCE: What about DC's new 52 titles excites you the most?

FABIAN NICIEZA: The fact that I'm writing one. There are only 52 slots and Lobdell has 49 of them, so the odds were stacked against me.

How and why are you shaking up the series' status quo?

I'm among the rarities who don't have to worry too much about shaking up the status quo. The Legion's status itself remains stable in the future. The real shake up comes from the fact that my group is trapped in the present day and they can't go back without risking destroying Earth in the future … and they can't stay here for fear of destroying Earth in the present!

What new characters will debut in the series?

Lots and lots of new characters as villains and antagonists. The premise for my book is that a pathogen has been released into the atmosphere which is creating Hypersapiens -- human beings transformed by alien DNA into hybrid beings. That in and of itself allows me to create a host of new characters.

Will we see new character designs?

For the Lost themselves, Pete Woods and Jim Lee have modified many of their costumes just enough to make them seem new, but with plenty of touches from long-established looks.

What's the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

"Please -- let us help you -- "

But I'd rather tell you the last line, which is a million times cooler... but I won't.

What's the biggest surprise you've had working on this character/book?

No surprise at all. The greatest pleasure is in reigniting my love of the Legion characters and the chance to reread a truckload of great comics with great writing by Cary Bates, Jim Shooter, Paul Levitz and others with great art by Dave Cockrum, Mike Grell, Pat Broderick, Keith Giffen, Steve Lightle and more!

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

I'm not trying to keep any secrets, really. It doesn't need too many, outside of exactly why characters form the future would or could be stranded in the past with no way to get back home and with great trepidation about contacting the people they know in the present day.

I have an ongoing QnA thread on the Legion DC Board where, short of giving away actual story details, I'm more than happy to talk about the characters and the approach to the book itself.

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

“They came back in time to save Earth. They failed.”

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

I think it's great, quite honestly.

Paul Levitz and Francis Portela on LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES

(The cover for LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1 by Karl Kerschl)

Writer Paul Levitz and artist Francis Portela are no strangers to one another. The duo has worked together before on books such as ADVENTURE COMICS and LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. This September, they reunite to give LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES a fresh, new look. They spoke to us about what they’re brewing up for the Legion and teased at what’s to come in the series:

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excited you the most?

PAUL LEVITZ: The sheer scale of the project… larger than any launch I can recall in comics.

FRANCIS PORTELA: Day and date digital, by far and large!

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

PL: The Legion's membership mix changes a lot--between the characters departing for LOST, and incorporating some from the Academy, and a few changes that we won't reveal for a few issues. Hopefully the new mix will create new dramatic opportunities, and also let us emphasize some of the younger members.

FP: I think this is probably one of the books where the status quo is going to stay more or less the same, but my goal is to do the best possible job and let's see how things evolve from here!

What new characters will debut in the series?

PL: In the first issue you'll see Glorith, Chemical Kid and Dragonwing move over from the Legion academy, all only about a year old as characters...

FP: No new characters yet, but some Legion Academy members will graduate and become full members of the Legion. We'll also meet a new villain by the end of issue 1!

Will we see new character designs?

PL: Absolutely.

FP: Sure, some characters will have a new suit, but not all of them, some will keep their current look.

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

PL: How the lost got lost.

FP: Nothing in particular. Now, wait, there was one - being offered the gig!

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

FP: Nothing more, nothing less than not being able to tell my friends and colleagues what book I was working on.

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

PL: “Welcome to the future.”

FP: “New blood for the Legion!"

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

FP: As you can imagine reading my first answer, I thought that was the most important part of the relaunch announcement. It's big, it's a game changer, and I hope it benefits creators as much as it benefits DC!

DC Comics’ Road to San Diego: SDCC Panel Schedule

Attending San Diego Comic-Con this year? Don’t miss DC’s panels throughout the course of the convention. Check out the schedule below:

Thursday, July 21

10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

11:30-12:30 DC: Flashpoint

Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Eddie Berganza

Everything you know will change in a Flash! Flashpoint, the blockbuster comics event of the summer, has turned the DC Universe inside out! Join DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, and some of the amazing talent behind Flashpoint, for a panel that’s sure to pose new questions about this explosive event even as it answers others! Room 6DE

1:00-2:00 DC Direct

Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Fletcher

DC Direct has long been known as one of the most creative companies that produce collectibles for the direct market. Come and join DC Direct Director of Product Development Jim Fletcher and artist Adam Hughes, along with DC exclusive sculptors, and more, as they discuss their line of current projects, as well as the future plans revolving around the new DC Universe! Room 5AB

2:00-3:00 DC Comics – The New 52

Moderators: Eddie Berganza/Dan DiDio EDITORS: Bob Harras, Eddie Berganza

DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

3:15-4:15 DC: Batman

Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts

Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman and the rest of Gotham City’s greatest crimefighters take things to the next level in September with new battles and new titles! Now, get to know the writers and artists behind these exciting new comics, including Batman Group Editor Mike Marts, Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Scott Snyder (Detective Comics), Peter Tomasi (Batman & Robin) Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Judd Winick (Batwing, Catwoman) and others answer your questions at this exclusive Bat-panel! Room 6DE

5:45-6:45 Vertigo Editorial

Moderator: Karen Berger/John Cunningham

They come from the cutting edge of comics… and Vertigo has never been edgier, with thought-provoking titles from some of comics’ most acclaimed creators. Don’t miss this panel featuring Bill Willingham (Fables) Scott Snyder (American Vampire), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Michael Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Les Klinger (Annotated Sandman), Rebecca Guay (A Flight of Angels), Colleen Doran (Gone to Amerikay), and many others – this is your opportunity to learn more about the entire Vertigo line! Hosted by Vertigo Executive Editor Karen Berger. Room 6DE

Friday, July 22

10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search

Moderators: Mark Chiarello

Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

10:00-11:00 DC: MAD Screening and Q&A

Moderator: John Ficarra

Often imitated but never duplicated, MAD is more than just the country’s best-selling humor magazine – it’s also the inspiration for the outrageous animated series from Warner Bros. Animation. Featuring short animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos and classic gags inspired by the iconic magazine, MAD is currently one of the highest-rated series on Cartoon Network … and back at Comic-Con to share more laughs and explore the world of MAD. Join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and “Spy vs. Spy” artist Peter Kuper, along with MAD series producers Kevin Shinick and Mark Marek, for a sizzle reel of laughs from season one, a sneak peek at season two and a wise-cracking Q&A that’s bound to be, well, MAD. MAD airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Room 25ABC

11:15-12:15 DC Comics – The New 52

Moderator: Eddie Berganza/Dan DiDio Editor: Bob Harras, Eddie Berganza

DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC Superman

Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Matt Idelson

How does The Man of Tomorrow fit into the new DC Universe that rises in September? Find out as Group Editor Matt Idelson joins new Action Comics writer Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Batman Incorporated) and author of the best-selling Superman: Earth One graphic novel J. Michael Straczynski (Superman, Wonder Woman) to take fans new and old up, up and away to give readers a sneak peak at what’s in store for Superman. Room 6DE

4:15-5:15 DC: Justice League

Moderator: Bob Wayne Editor: Eddie Berganza

Comics’ top talents – writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee – team up for the first time ever to bring you the new Justice League, making its debut as part of the new DC Universe! Join Johns, Lee and DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza as they bring together the talents behind the new JLA titles, including writers Dan Jurgens (Justice League International), JT Krul (Green Arrow), Eric Wallace (Mister Terrific), artists Francis Manapul (The Flash), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), Philip Tan (The Savage Hawkman) and more! Room 6DE

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: American Vampire

Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Mark Doyle

The acclaimed Vertigo series American Vampire – nominated for a 2010 Eisner Award as “Best New Series” – introduced Skinner Sweet and a whole new type of undead, blazing a blood-drenched new trail! Join the creator of this series, as well as the new miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest for an undead discussion with writer Scott Snyder, artist Rafael Albuquerque and Editor Mark Doyle. Room 6DE

Saturday, July 23

10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search

Moderators: Mark Chiarello

Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

10:00-11:00 DC: Green Lantern

Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Eddie Berganza

Enlist in the Corps at DC’s annual Green Lantern panel! Join DCU Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Green Lantern Corps writer Peter Tomasi, Red Lanterns artist Ed Benes and others for a look at the aftermath of “War of the Green Lanterns” and more! It’s one of the most exciting panels you’ll ever see! Room 6DE

11:15-12:30 DC Comics – The New 52

Moderator: Eddie Berganza/Dan DiDio EDITOR: Bob Harras, Eddie Berganza

DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment's Co-Publisher, Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

12:45-1:45 DC: The Dark and The Edge

Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Pat McCallum

From the shadowy corners of the new DC Universe comes a startling array of new series featuring some of comics’ top creators! Join DC Editor Pat McCallum and get acquainted with new DC titles from “The Dark” and “The Edge,” including Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man, written by Jeff Lemire, Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins, Demon Knights and Stormwatch, written by Paul Cornell, I, Vampire written by Josh Fialkov, Suicide Squad written by Adam Glass, Swamp Thing, drawn by Francesco Francavilla, All Star Western by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Moritat, and more! Room 6DE

4:30-5:30 DC Focus: Jim Lee

Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Dan DiDio

Jim Lee is by far the most in-demand artist in comics, from his spectacular work on Batman, Superman, WildC.A.T.S. and so many other comics to his groundbreaking designs for the DC Universe MMO game. Now, as Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, Jim has led the way to the start of DC Comics - The New 52 with his exciting new looks for the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. Join Jim and his fellow Co-Publisher, Dan DiDio, for a profile of the artist who’s setting the tone for the entire DCU! Room 6DE

7:00-8:00 Vertigo: Fables

Moderator: Shelly Bond/John Cunningham

The annual Fables panel has become a Comic-Con tradition – and with the original graphic novel Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland on the way this fall, there’s no better time to hear what Bill Willingham, creator of the multi-Eisner Award winning series, has to say. Join Bill, artists Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha, Group Editor Shelly Bond and others for a panel that is truly legendary. Room 6DE

Sunday, July 24

12:00-1:00 DC Focus: Jeff Lemire

Moderator: John Cunningham

Jeff Lemire first made an impression on the world of comics with his award-winning Essex County graphic novel trilogy. He soon made the move to DC Comics, with the graphic novel The Nobody and comics including Superboy and the distopian epic Sweet Tooth. Lemire recently wrote the miniseries Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown, and will make a splash in September with the new, continuing series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man. Join Jeff for a special chat about his work for DC Comics and Vertigo. Room 7AB

1:45-2:45 Designing the New DCU 52

Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Lee

What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! Join DC’s Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP – Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner and others for a look as they discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC Comics – The New 52

Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts, Matt Idelson

DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join DC Comics Group Editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Matt, Mike and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

4:00-5:00 Art Masters: Drawing DC

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

Superstar artists share their secrets of drawing the DC Universe with a special projector designed so you can see their every master stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely draw ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ amongst the gathered masses! Room 30CDE

Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth on TEEN TITANS

Kicking off this September, Scott Lobdell will be writing three new series: RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, TEEN TITANS, and SUPERBOY. We caught up with him and Brett Booth, co-artist for TEEN TITANS (with Norm Rapmund), about new character designs, their creative processes, and what’s in store for this fall:

THE SOURCE: What about DC's new 52 titles excites you the most?

SCOTT LODBELL: Seeing what everyone else is doing! There are so many books that I can't wait to read -- and that's just as a fan! I haven't been at DC long enough to know if you get free books as a writer, but that's how excited I am that I'm even going to shell out money for every one of the titles. Everyone, after all, deserves a look!

BRETT BOOTH: I think it's actually getting in and reading things from (or close to) the beginning. Plus I might get a chance to draw the original Batgirl!

How and why are you shaking up the series' status quo?

SL: I find myself trimming mostly. While there are certainly some changes, I really want the first issues to FEEL like first issues... not, say, issue 101 of TEEN TITANS. Brett Booth and I want any new or lapsed readers to be able to pick up issue one and feel like they aren't walking into a story somewhere in the third reel.

What new characters will debut in the series?

SL: In RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, Kenneth Rocafort and I will be introducing a young African-American who takes the name Crux -- he's made a lot of sacrifices in his effort to become the first best line of defense against hostile alien life on Earth. But all his previous notions of the dangers of aliens are challenged when he meets and almost defeats Starfire.

BB: Lots! We have some new heroes but mostly villains. TITANS has sort of only had a few notable bad guys – Trigon, Deathstroke – we're trying to come up with a whole new pantheon of evil! MWAHAHAHAHA! Plus the bad guys are just plain fun to draw. I've been sworn to secrecy … but the name Bugg has been mentioned.

Will we see new character designs?

SL: Will we?! Anyone who has seen the TEEN TITANS promo-art knows that Brett and I are the "worst offenders". But you know, when you have a team where a Robin grows into a Nightwing and Thug Superboy finds his way to getting a decent haircut and isn’t wearing a T-shirt from Hot Topic... TEEN TITANS is a book that has always been changing and redefining itself. We'll see a lot of that in oft-changing costumes. How many teenagers do you know who wear the exact same outfit every time they go out on the street or to a club? Why should these kids be any different?

BB: I don't think we kept any of the old ones, just hints and references to them here and there. So maybe.

What's the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

SL: I'll let you know! Unlike, I think, most of the other writers, the way I work is: I'll plot an issue, the artist will lay it out and then I add the script only after the pages come in. I find it the most organic way to tell a story... and it also means I get excited and inspired almost daily as Brett, Kenneth and RB Silva are constantly turning in new work!

What's the biggest surprise you've had working on this character/book?

SL: I'm surprised by how much I like Jason and Roy in RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS. Yeah, they can be a bit rough around the edges but their hearts are in the right place. Part of me wants to give them a hug and just reassure them that everything will be okay. (I don't know that it will be okay, but that's why I am a writer and not an Outlaw!)

BB: How easy Bart is to draw, character wise. He just sort of plops out!

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

SL: "Read me!"

BB: “LOBDELL!” But you have to yell it like Kirk does Kahn in Star Trek 2!

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

BB: Great!

Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang on DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS

(The cover for DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1 by Ryan Sook)

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS is a new series that shines a spotlight on some of the DC Universe’s most exciting superheroes. Beginning with a five-issue arc around Deadman, the series debuts this September from writer Paul Jenkins and artist Bernard Chang. We caught up with the duo to give us more details about the book:

THE SOURCE: What about DC's new 52 titles excites you the most?

BERNARD CHANG: Well, DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS, of course! Haha. But I’m excited to pick up some of the other books as well. Jim Lee and Geoff Johns on JUSTICE LEAGUE?! Cliff Chiang and Brian Azzarello on WONDER WOMAN?! Francis Manapul writing and drawing THE FLASH?! Philip Tan and Tony Daniel on HAWKMAN?! I haven't been this excited since I was a kid waking up Saturday mornings to watch Superfriends on television!

PAUL JENKINS: It's about time we all recognized that comics are a viable and important medium that must reach a larger audience. I have all the respect in the world for the retailers but I think they need a boost, and the digital sales ought to help. I look forward to reaching the digital audience as it grows, and kudos to DC for aiming in that direction!

How and why are you shaking up the series' status quo?

PJ: DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS is a new series, obviously. We're doing Deadman first. Such a great character. I guess it's a typical Jenkins approach: drill into the character and see what really makes him tick.

What new characters will debut in the series?

PJ: Deadman inhabits a cast of thousands!

What's the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

PJ: "I'm gonna do it! I'm goin' for it!"

What's the biggest surprise you've had working on this character/book?

BC: This is my first time working with Paul Jenkins and I’m really excited by the story concepts he has planned, as well as Deadman himself having his artistic legacy tied to two of the greatest comic book artists ever -- Neal Adams and Carmine Infantino. Paul's script is wrapped around character exploration and emotions, and that has been something I've always had a particular focus on when I draw each book. The ability to make the reader sad, happy, excited, and loved, all through mere still images and words is a powerful thing and I hope we can both carry that through in our final work.

PJ: Not really a surprise, I suppose... but another reinforcement of the idea that ALL characters are great and have potential. Deadman has such great stories to tell - I cannot wait to see the reaction.

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

BC: That Wil Moss, our editor, can out bench both Paul and me... combined!

PJ: Can't tell you. Jim Lee would have me killed.

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

PJ: "Some journeys take a lifetime. Yours is simply a journey that takes more than one."

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