November 2011 | DC Comics

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Monday Afternoon (ET) Edition

It’s hard to believe that DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 is already getting ready to kick off its fourth month. “There is no denying that the initiative actually got people excited about comics again, and sent them into the comics stores,” MTV GEEK wrote of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, which took the top spot on their list of “Best Geek Moments of 2011.”

But before we start getting ready for the fourth issues, we’ve still got a week’s worth of third issues coming at you this Wednesday. Check out some of the exclusive previews of this week’s books that recently ran.

USA TODAY interviewed BLACKHAWKS writer Mike Costa and previewed issue #3. “It's coming from a more evolutionary place where technology is changing the way we live our lives and eventually it's going to become so integrated with us as people,” Costa said of the series. “People feel like, well, we're grafted to our phones right now, but there'll come a day where we actually literally are, and the people who live in Bespoke have already taken that leap. The idea is that they got there first but we're all on our way there. They're trying to accelerate that process, and is that a good or bad thing?”

POPMATTERS has your first look at Jonah Hex's continuing adventures in Gotham City with their exclusive preview of ALL-STAR WESTERN #3.

As The Trench begin to reveal themselves, it’s up to Aquaman and Mera to figure out their intentions and deal with the situation. Head on over to IGN for your first glimpse at this week’s AQUAMAN #3.

Who is Helix? Find out in THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #3, previewed exclusively at COMIC BOOK RESOURCES.

It’s Voodoo vs. Green Lantern Kyle Rayner in VOODOO #3! The official Green Lantern page on Facebook has a sneak peek at the issue.

And for a special preview of BATMAN #4, check out below Mike Choi's awesome never-before-seen variant cover for the issue, which hits stores next month.

To be continued …

Tags:

aquaman, Batman, Blackhawks, comic book resources, DC Comics-The New 52, facebook, green lantern, IGN, Mike Choi, Mike Costa, MTV Geek, The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men, usa today, Voodoo

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC Entertainment, Monday Afternoon (ET) Interview Edition

Did you happen to catch The Simpsons last night? If you did, you know that industry legend Neil Gaiman was prominently featured. COMIC BOOK RESOURCES’ SPINOFF ONLINE interviewed Gaiman about his experiences working on the episode. When asked about what it was like receiving the script, Gaiman said, “I started to read it and discovered that I was in it all the way through and I was actually having to act and that stuff happens! It was enormously fun and kind of weird and kind of wonderful.” As for awards recognition for his appearance on the show? “I think if they ever hand out Oscars for Best Person Playing Neil Gaiman, I have a shot!” Gaiman joked.

And while you’re at COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, read their interview with MISTER TERRIFIC writer Eric Wallace. “The Kryl will definitely challenge Mister Terrific on a physical level,” Wallace revealed of the series’ newest villains. “They are a very brutal warrior race, bent on ruling the Ninth Dimension. However, they are not above using psychological methods to learn pertinent details about their opponents. Which is bad for Mister Terrific, because he is definitely their most formidable opponent yet!”

Last week saw the release of WONDER WOMAN #3, which included a new and much-discussed origin story for the Amazon princess. The conversation continues with NEWSARAMA, who interviewed the creative team behind the book about what this new origin means for Diana. “The whole reason for all this stuff is story, and adding this stuff to the origin gives us a huge family of hers to play with. She has responsibilities. This is blood we're talking about now. And it gives her a supporting cast that's tied so closely with her that it provides lots of story for us. And I think that's the most important thing,” said artist Cliff Chiang. “It brings the stakes home," writer Brian Azzarello agreed. "She's got a family now, you know? She's got a dysfunctional family now ... and how she deals with that family is what we're going to be dealing with for the next year."

To be continued …

Tags:

brian azzarello, cliff chiang, comic book resources, eric wallace, Mister Terrific, neil gaiman, Newsarama, Spinoff Online, the simpsons, wonder woman

‘Tis The Season! Holiday Gift Guides, Monday Afternoon (ET) Edition

This week is Thanksgiving, which amongst many other things, means that it’s time to start shopping for the holidays! With Black Friday deals beginning today, there’s no better time to cross off gifts on your holiday shopping lists. Need some ideas? THE LOS ANGELES TIMES’ HERO COMPLEX’s Holiday Gift Guide features various DC Entertainment products such as BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR and the hit video game Batman: Arkham City.

Meanwhile, MTV GEEK published a list of great comic books to gift to someone who’s not necessarily into the genre … yet! Their list of must-haves consists of titles like BATMAN: YEAR ONE, BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR, ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS, GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT.

To be continued …

Tags:

all star superman, batman: arkham city, Batman: the Black mIRROR, batman: year one, green lantern rebirth, green lantern: first flight, Holiday Gift Guide, MTV Geek, Superman For All Seasons, The Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex

3 Things You Need To Know About the 31st Century

Some have said that three is the magic number. If that’s the case, November should be a fascinating month. Here at THE SOURCE, we’ll spotlighting key third issues from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 with an ongoing series of posts titled “3 Things You Didn’t Know About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.” Expect the unexpected–in threes. THE DOMINATORS ARE RESTLESS

If there's one thing history shows us, it's that bottling evil up only makes the pressure rise. It's like shaking a soda and opening the cap... but in this case, instead of you ruining your best pants, the entire galaxy would be crushed under the brutal boot heel of an alien race whose whole culture is about eradicating free will. They've been trapped on the margins of United Planets space for too long, and the invasion you've seen in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3 is just the tip of the iceberg...

THE LEGION AREN'T WHAT THEY USED TO BE

The Legion aren't strangers to rolling with the punches, but losing seven of their finest - and replacing them with untested rookies - isn't doing miracles for team cohesion. Brainiac 5 is nearing open revolt against the team leader, Mon-El; Shadow Lass is barely containing her grief; Colossal Boy has quit the team completely... and the new kids need a lot more hand-holding than anyone expected. When Dragonwing leaves the nest for a visit home to China in LEGION #6, she's going to get her nose into some Legion-level trouble... but is she too proud to call for help when she so badly needs it?

THE APARTMENTS ARE FABULOUS

As you know, DC Comics is based in New York City, so we know a thing or two about apartment envy. Just check out the spread that magical new member Glorith has carved out for herself - literally! - in Legion headquarters, as beautifully rendered by our issue #5 guest artist, the legendary Walter Simonson. In his own words --

"It is principally wood and organics, with the exception of the holo of Blok and the Witch. The round metal frame on the floor is the holo boundary with the beams rising from the floor surrounding the image.

“I know Jim (Lee) redesigned Glorith's costume with a tree in mind running up her body and out through her arms; I liked the thought. So I've put a living tree in the room as its core. A small representation of the world axis. There's that old Norse mythology rearing its ugly head."

Tags:

chris conroy, DC Comics-The New 52, jim lee, legion of super-heroes, walt simonson

A First Look at THE RAY

Well-known for their run on the critically-acclaimed ALL-STAR WESTERN for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, co-writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti are now shining a light on another classic DC Comics character – THE RAY.

In a four-issue miniseries coming in December, Lucien Gates is transformed into a human ray of light by a mysterious beam of energy, and he takes on the identity of The Ray – much to the chagrin of his girlfriend.

Check out a preview in this week’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 issues – and right here on THE SOURCE.

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Tags:

jimmy palmiotti, justin gray, The Ray

Watch the Series Finale of Batman: The Brave and the Bold Tonight

Tune in tonight to see the series finale of BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Here's a sneak peak of tonight's finale.

Tags:

batman: the brave and the bold

3 Things to Know About the Birds of Prey

People have been asking me why I’m so quiet when it comes to Birds of Prey. It’s true; I haven’t done many interviews. When friends stop me on the street and ask about the book, I usually scream “HOLY CAT WHAT IS THAT BEHIND YOU” and scramble in the opposite direction. Um, yeah… I’ve been a bit cagey when it comes to this comic. Thing is, while Birds of Prey is about the great characters… it’s also about the surprises, and I’m serious about not wanting to ruin any of the twists and turns that lie ahead.

But last week, when I visited the DC Comics HQ in New York City, my editor Bobbie Chase spiked my Diet Coke, and the last thing I saw was David Hyde filling a syringe with sodium pentothal. Hours later, on my train back to Philly, I realized they’d pried these three details out of me…

1. Batgirl is back on the team.

Sure, Barbara Gordon (a.k.a. Batgirl) was reluctant at first. She didn’t necessarily want to be hanging out with a gang of outlaws (see next “Thing to Know #2”), and she has serious doubts about at least one member of team (see “Thing to Know #3”). But to Batgirl, friendship trumps everything, and you’ll see exactly how she finds her way to a permanent spot on the team in issues #4 and 5.

2. Black Canary, Starling and Katana can’t show their faces in public.

That’s because they’re outlaws to one degree or another. Dinah Lance (a.k.a. Black Canary) is wanted for murder. The rumor is she killed a dude with a single punch, but the truth is far darker and stranger than that…

Evelyn Crawford (a.k.a. Starling) is wanted by at least six different intelligence organizations for knowing too much about how the world really works. How did she land in this predicament? Well, wait until you meet her Uncle Earl—a former spy who raised her, and also tries to kill her every now and again. (He has Alzheimer’s.)

And finally, Tatsu Yamashiro (a.k.a. Katana) is wanted by Japan’s National Police Agency for her blood-splattered mission of vengeance against the Yakuza for killing her husband. Criminal profilers in her country think she’s insane because she believes the soul of her husband resides in her sword. Thing is, her own teammates aren’t so sure, either…

3. Poison Ivy has turned over a new leaf.

Okay, not really. Pam Isley (a.k.a. Ivy) is still very much a dedicated eco-terrorist, targeting the people and corporations that mess with Mother Earth. So why’s she hanging out with a bunch of do-gooders like Black Canary and Batgirl (who doesn’t like, trust, and really even tolerate Ivy)? Pretty soon—say, around issue #5—you’re going to see that Ivy has a little side deal going on. Her enhanced biosuit amplifies her metahuman powers to an insane degree, but also comes at a price. And wait until you see how she plans on paying the tab…

Hnnnnnuh? What just happened? Why am I on this moving train? Man, I hope I didn’t say too much back at the DC offices…

-- Duane Swierczynski (BIRDS OF PREY)

Tags:

birds of prey, DC Comics-The New 52, Duane Swierczynski

DETECTIVE COMICS #5 TO FEATURE ONE-SHOT BACK-UP

DETECTIVE COMICS #5 will feature a one-shot back-up story, highlighting an alternate, gutter-level view of the Penguin’s plot against Gotham. Written by Tony S. Daniel (writer/artist of DETECTIVE COMICS) and drawn by Szymon Kudranski, the eight-page story will offer another perspective on the unfolding events of the series, tying back to DETECTIVE COMICS’ primary arc – and will also feature a surprise guest appearance by another Gotham regular.

DETECTIVE COMICS #5 won’t hit shelves until January, but we’ve got a look at the back-up’s atmospheric first page right here on THE SOURCE.

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, detective comics, szymon kudranski, Tony S. Daniel

DETECTIVE COMICS #1 GOES BACK TO PRESS

DETECTIVE COMICS #1, by writer/artist Tony S. Daniel, will be going back to press for its fourth printing. This makes DETECTIVE COMICS the second title from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 to reach four printings, following JUSTICE LEAGUE.

Check out what the people saying about the series so far:

"Detective Comics is head-spinningly spectacular from top to bottom.” – MTV Geek

“Perfect.” – COMPLEX MAGAZINE

“A great Batman story with some truly killer art.” – IGN

So if you’re not reading already, you’ve got a chance to start from the beginning; DETECTIVE COMICS #1 will be back on shelves on 12/21. And if you’re among those who’ve already discovered the series, issue #4 hits stores on 12/7.

Tags:

Complex Magazine, DC Comics-The New 52, detective comics, IGN, justice league, MTV Geek, Tony S. Daniel

Critics and Scott Snyder Talk BATMAN

This week marked the release of the third issue of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s bestselling BATMAN series. Well, the critics have spoken and it looks like BATMAN #3 is a hit!

In addition to giving the book a perfect 5-star star review, IFANBOY has named it their “Pick of the Week.” “BATMAN #3 is expertly crafted … The Court of Owls have arrived. Batman’s rattled. I’m rattled. That’s a good thing,” they wrote of the book.

But IFANBOY wasn’t the only outlet to give BATMAN #3 a 5-star review. COMICVINE gave the book a perfect ranking as well. “It's a great ride that you're going to want to sit back and savor every tiny bit,” they said. “Reading this series just makes me happy to be a Batman fan.”

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES agree. “BATMAN after the relaunch has been a strong series, and this issue is no exception. It's a good time to be a Batman fan.”

“Snyder and Capullo reach new heights of collaboration here,” wrote IGN in their review. “The final scene of BATMAN #3 is the best in the series to date, as we witness Batman uncovering the truth behind the Court of Owls and realizing that everything he thought he knew was wrong.”

“Snyder is crafting a mystery that calls the Dark Knight's recent adversaries into question and reveals an ancient conspiracy that his family has faced for decades,” described COMPLEX MAGAZINE. “It’s gripping, unpredictable, intelligently plotted, and, most of all, incredibly illustrated thanks to Greg Capullo.”

So what can we expect in the next issue of this acclaimed series? We asked Scott Snyder to tease a little bit about what’s to come in issue #4.

“DC Nation! I just wanted to say how much it means to all of us - the kind things said about BATMAN,” Snyder exclusively told THE SOURCE. “Greg Capullo and I are having a blast with this story. Jon Glapion and FCO, too - and it's one we both care a lot about. And as a thanks to everyone out there who picked us up, here's a hint of what's coming... Because next issue we're finally going to learn Bruce's reason for being so resistant to believing in the Court - a reason that dates all the way back to his childhood, and some of the blackest days of his young life. And The Court of Owls (if it exists?) will finally spring its most deadly trap on Batman - a trap buried deep beneath the city, in the darkest bedrock. Okay, to Gotham. And remember, The Court is always watching!”

BATMAN #4 flies into stores on December 21st. Check out your exclusive first look at the issue below.

Tags:

Batman, comic book resources, Comicvine, Complex Magazine, DC Comics-The New 52, Greg Capullo, ifanboy, IGN, scott snyder

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Friday Morning (ET) Edition

OUT MAGAZINE previewed TEEN TITANS #3, which features the introduction of a new gay character, Bunker. “We wanted to show an interesting character who’s homosexuality is part of him, not something that’s hidden,” artist Brett Booth told them.

This week, SUPERMAN #3 joins the ranks of the other eight DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 books to have an exclusive preview featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s homepage.

As the mystery surrounding Madame Xanadu’s plan thickens, the Justice League Dark team continue to come together. For a sneak peek at what’s coming next week, head over to GAWKER’s IO9 for their exclusive preview of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #3.

The colors and powers of the Green Lantern universe continue to meld together in GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #3. MTV GEEK has your first look at the issue.

Morphicius’ powers won’t stop growing and it’s up to Carter Hall to figure out how to stop him before he becomes invincible. Check out COMICVINE’s exclusive preview of THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #3.

Lots of exciting things happening over at POPMATTERS! “If you think about it, what worse horror is there, than having the person you love turn into a monster? And not losing the love?” I, VAMPIRE writer Joshua Hale Fialkov said in an exclusive interview. “And that to me is the drive of I, VAMPIRE. It’s the idea that he loves her beyond words. And he doesn’t love old her, her before the transformation. He loves her as a vampire. And that’s the real point. If Andrew were in love with this 500-year-old version of Mary that no longer existed, he would have just cut off her head a long time ago. But the fact is, he still feels the love and he still has this desire for her. And his hope, is not even to ‘cure’ her, it’s to ‘fix’ her.”

“My take on the character is, to Buddy Baker, his family always comes first,” Jeff Lemire told POPMATTERS about ANIMAL MAN. “There are really dark things trying to tear them apart. We’re going to see how far they can stretch before they break, and if they don’t break, they’re going to have to evolve into something new as a family to survive.”

And while you’re at POPMATTERS, be sure to read their profile of Superman in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES chatted with James Robinson, Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone about their upcoming collaboration, THE SHADE #4. “The whole thing is linked together, past and present, so that there is a story in the present, which concerns the Shade's past and a family you didn't realize that the Shade had,” Robinson revealed. “Each of the ‘Times Past’ issues play out that way. The first one jumps back into the 1940s, the second one is set in Paris in 1901 and the third one is in 1830s London for the Shade's origin. Each time, you learn more about the family and more about what is going on. As I did with Darwyn's story, I took great pains with each of the other ‘Times Past’ tales with Jill Thompson and Gene Ha, to make them stand alone, even though they're a part of the bigger picture.”

NEWSARAMA spoke with Josh Williamson, who will be taking over as the writer of VOODOO in 2012. “I think people will be surprised by the direction we’re taking the character, how it works with what came before but also takes her into new dangerous territory,” Williamson said of his upcoming run.

Feeling festive? BATMAN ON FILM interviewed BATMAN: NOEL writer/artist Lee Bermejo about his creative process, how BATMAN: NOEL came into fruition and some teases at a project he’s contemplating set in what he calls, “the JOKER-verse,” that’ll be “a different take on a very classic character.”

If you’re still looking for some gift ideas, MTV GEEK just published a list of what they deem to be the 10 best Batman graphic novels. And if you like Batman-themed countdowns, NEWSARAMA has their list of the greatest villains Batman has ever faced.

To be continued …

3 Things you Didn't Know About Hawk and Dove

The cosmic forces of War and Peace have ignited a war on the streets of Washington D.C. and only two heroes stand a chance at stopping the chaos--Hawk and Dove! As conduits of unimaginable power, the two young warriors are the stars of their own series from writer Sterling Gates and legendary artist Rob Liefeld and surprising new elements have turned the U.S. Capitol upside down.

1. SECRETS BEYOND THE GRAVE

In the beginning, Hank Hall and his brother Don wore the mantles of Hawk and Dove, respectively, before Don died in action. Dawn Granger became the new Dove due to seemingly accidental circumstances. But it looks like Dawn has been hiding a serious piece of the story from Hank about her involvement with Don. But what could she possibly be concealing?

2. DIRTY DOPPLEGANGERS 

Hawk and Dove believed they were the only avatars of War and Peace, but Condor and Swan, two of the most demented murderers the DCU has ever seen, have made an explosive debut and claim to be avatars, too! Condor and Swan also somehow have intimate information about the origins of the avatar powers--information which Hank and Dawn never knew existed!

3. ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST 

Technological terrorist Alexander Quirk has built and deployed a platoon of undead soldiers he calls "Monsters of Mass Destruction" and unleashed them on the nation's capitol. It's all in an effort to overthrow what he sees as a corrupt regime holding sway over political power in America. You can't beat zombies versus superheroes!

Don't miss an issue of the high-flying, in-your-face action coming at you every month in the all-new, all-intense HAWK AND DOVE!