Bold, inspiring and powerful, much like the famous figure it adorns, the logo for MAN OF STEEL was released yesterday on the film’s Facebook page and quickly amassed thousands of "likes" while sparking hundreds of comments from Superman fans. A modern new spin on the iconic red and yellow symbol, expect to see a lot more of the big S when Man of Steel soars into theaters in 2013.
Earlier today, DC Entertainment announced the launch of a new MAD Magazine iPad app. The app will be available for download beginning this Sunday, which also happens to be April Fool’s Day … as well as the birthday of MAD’s infamous mascot, Alfred E. Neuman.
“A lot of people have said over the years they wouldn't be caught dead with a copy of MAD," MAD Editor John Ficarra told NEWSARAMA. "So we figure this is a way that they can have a copy of MAD, without having to hold copy in their hands."
To read more about the new MAD app, check out CNET and NEWSARAMA’s coverage. And this Sunday, don’t be the last fool who hasn’t downloaded the new MAD app.
New MAD app will include exclusive content,
interactive stories, MAD videos and access to MAD library
BURBANK, CA, March 30, 2012 – DC Entertainment today announced plans to release a new MAD Magazine iPad app complete with interactive features and exclusive content. The app will be released on April Fool’s Day, an appropriate date since it’s also the birthday of MAD’s infamous mascot, Alfred E. Neuman. The app will be free to download through the App Store and will include a mixture of free and paid content, including a free preview of the magazine.
“We’re delighted to bring MAD to the iPad,” said MAD Editor John Ficarra. “We think the MAD app may be just the thing to turn the struggling iPad around and make it successful –though most experts think it may be just the thing that kills it altogether.”
The MAD app will include interactive versions of all current issues, access to a library of back issues and books, animated covers and “fold-in” pages, promo videos from the hit Cartoon Network show, MAD, and a link to MAD’s popular blog The Idiotical. In addition to the regular issue interactive “fold-in,” digital issues will also include a second, classic interactive “fold-in” from a past issue. Fans of Sergio Aragones’ MAD Marginals will enjoy a feature that allows readers to “pop-up” the margin artwork for a larger, more detailed view.
While the app will mirror all editorial components in print issues, many digital versions will include interactive elements. For example, the digital version of the current issue’s “MAD’s Make Your Own Twilight Movie” lets readers create multiple storylines and highlights their choices as they make them for a ridiculous visual punch line.
“With this app we’ve taken everything that MAD readers like in the print magazine, and added entertaining digital design and fun interactivity,” stated Hank Kanalz, senior vice president of digital, DC Entertainment. “The app also creates a one-stop destination for all things MAD, from TV to the magazine to the blog.”
After downloading the free app, readers can purchase new digital issues of MAD Magazine for $4.99, or back issues for $1.99. Digital readers can also choose a per issue digital subscription for $1.99 per issue, or pay an upfront annual fee of $9.99. Current print subscribers will receive a free digital subscription. All future print issues of the magazine will be available for purchase day-and-date within the app.
The MAD Magazine app was developed by 1K Studios, a Cinram Digital Media company, that develops and markets popular entertainment, media, software and consumer electronic products.
We started off this week by proudly celebrating diversity in comics as BATWOMAN was honored by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community before announcing our plans for the LA Times Festival of Books and this weekend’s Emerald City Comicon. But this week will likely go down in DC history as the week that everyone was dialing H.
Here’s what went down on the DC Comics website this week…
The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards recognized BATWOMAN as the year’s Outstanding Comic Book. Unfortunately, Kate Kane couldn’t make it to the ceremony to accept the award, but we’re all extremely honored on her behalf.
We gave you a first look at the cover for AQUAMAN #8 along with Bernard Chang’s variant cover for THE FLASH #8. (We call them “first looks,” but if you’re like us you’ve gone back and looked at them a second, third or possibly fortieth time by now.)
Karen Berger, Paul Cornell, Jeff Lemire, Bob Wayne and all shared their enthusiasm for China Miéville’s upcoming DIAL H. And later, Mr. Miéville himself dropped in to share a few words along with a wonderfully eerie page by Mateus Santolouco. Make sure you pick up the first issue on May 2nd to see what all the buzz is about.
We gave a tour of our New York office to a special group of teenagers, and Phil Jimenez told them the secret to success in comics. If you want to know what that is, you’ll have to click here.
This weekend is Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, and DC will be there with some of our best artists, writers and editors in tow. We’ll also be at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April with a BEFORE WATCHMEN panel and a Director’s Cut screening of the WATCHMEN film.
Editor Pat McCallum gave us a crazed and furious update on what to expect in upcoming issues of RED LANTERNS. And possibly spent a day in a padded room afterwards. Possibly.
Finally, our friends at the Cartoon Network announced BEWARE THE BATMAN, a new CG-animated series hitting the airwaves like a batarang later this year.
It’s been a busy seven days, and we’re primed to do it all again next week. See you then!
Why so serious?
This April Fool's Day, DC Digital Comics is offering a special sale on over 80 comic book issues starring the Joker that are sure to put a smile on your face.
All issues are only 99 cents each—and that's no joke!
You'll get to experience the Clown Prince of Crime's most defining moments throughout his infamous career of comic mayhem. He'll make you laugh till it hurts, whether with his very first appearance in BATMAN #1, his deadly deeds in "Death in the Family," his world-changing hijinks in "Emperor Joker," the madness of "Going Sane," and much, much more.
The 3-Day sale begins on 3/31/12! Get these comics while you can before you miss out and the joke's on you!
This December, DC Comics and 2000 AD will publish THE BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD COLLECTION, collecting the epic crossover stories featuring Judge Dredd and the Dark Knight, originally released between 1991 and 1998. Written by Alan Grant and John Wagner and featuring art by Simon Bisley, Cam Kennedy, Carl Critchlow, Dermott Power, Glenn Fabry, Jim Murray and Val Semekis, the hardcover volume will include JUDGMENT ON GOTHAM #1, VENDETTA IN GOTHAM #1, THE ULTIMATE RIDDLE #1, and DIE LAUGHING #1-2. The collection will also include LOBO/JUDGE DREDD #1.
DC Comics will publish THE BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD COLLECTION domestically (U.S. and Canada) and internationally, and Rebellion/2000 AD will publish in the UK and Ireland, with digital editions available from both publishers.
Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates.
As you know by now, award winning author China Miéville is about to debut as the writer of his first ongoing comic book series, DIAL H. Here’s what China wants you to know about it.
“The problem is, it sounds like marketing puff, it sounds too trite - but here's the thing. The reason that I'm excited about doing Dial H is because honestly and truly, it is the title that I have, for literally years, been asking DC to let me work on. And no matter how fantastic it may be to be offered a character, a title that you've read and loved for years, there can't be anything like being given the chance to restart the one of your own dreams. Which, ever since I stumbled on the 80s run of Dial H for Hero, this mythos of multifariousness, of endlessly fecund transmogrification and unlikely heroism with freakishly inappropriate powersets, has been my utter dream project. I still find it hard to believe that it is, for a while at least, mine.”
Get ready to pick up issue #1 this May.
Yesterday, Cartoon Network announced a slew of new shows including a new CG-animated series from Warner Bros. Animation, Beware the Batman. Here's the official description of the show, slated to hit the airwaves later this year:
A cool, new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise, Beware the Batman incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogues gallery of new villains not previously seen in animated form. Along with backup from ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana, the Dark Knight faces the twisted machinations of Gotham City’s criminal underworld led by the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a “Batman show.” Featuring cutting-edge CGI visuals to match the intricate twists and turns of the narrative, Batman steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for an entirely new generation of fans. With WBA’s Sam Register executive producing, and Batman Beyond’s Glen Murakami and Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated’s Mitch Watson producing, Beware the Batman, based on characters from DC Comics, is coming soon to Cartoon Network!
“Like a rotting, fetid pumpkin, with filth-filled blisters ready to burst.” So begin most conversations with the rage-fueled RED LANTERNS editor Pat McCallum. Or at least when discussing the “Death of the Red Lanterns” storyline that kicks off in issue #8, on sale this coming Wednesday.
“I can’t reveal what I’m describing in that above quote, but it’s the last page of RED LANTERNS #8 – it’s rough stuff.” Warned McCallum, “It’s big, it’s awful, and it’ll reverberate throughout the various Corps. And it’s just the beginning. Issue #8 will also see a cameo by Green Lantern Guy Gardner, the origin of the patchwork abomination named Abysmus, plus Jack Moore – the human Red Lantern called Rankorr – will pull a stunt with his power ring that no Red Lantern has EVER done before!”
When pressed for details, McCallum became agitated and had to be sedated. Hours later, he continued: “It all builds to issue #9 and the exodus of the Red Lanterns. Something forces them – all of them, even the unstoppable Atrocitus – off their homeworld of Ysmault. And yeah…that’s going to make the Red Lanterns angry. Very, very angry.”
How angry? Testing the court-ordered restraints, McCallum explained, “RED LANTERNS #10 is going to tear the house down. Atrocitus, the most powerful of all the Red Lanterns, is going to take on ALL of Stormwatch.”
Stormwatch…? How do the covert super police of the DC Universe factor into the mix? “It ties directly into the events of STORMWATCH #9,” McCallum responded, biting through the leather bit. “Red Lantern fans don’t need to read that issue of STORMWATCH to follow the RED LANTERNS storyline, but you’ll miss a sick Midnighter/Skallox fight if you don’t.”
And what of the other big news with RED LANTERNS #10?
“STORMWATCH artist Miguel Sepulveda takes over the art reigns of RED LANTERNS with this issue,” revealed McCallum as orderlies dragged him back to his cell. “Miguel is blowing the doors off the joint with his first issue – he’s taken his art to the next level. I can’t stress enough how berserk the Atrocitus vs. Stormwatch brawl is going to be. Martian Manhunter, Apollo, Midnighter…it’s a good thing Atrocitus brought backup,” Hinted McCallum from behind reinforced bars. “One other Red Lantern will join the fight…and I guarantee you won’t believe who!”
Check out a first look at Sepulveda's artwork in RED LANTERNS #10 below:
Emerald City Comicon officially kicks off tomorrow in Seattle, Washington, and there will be several DC Entertainment panels, with plenty of DC Entertainment editors and creators in attendance. Friday’s DC COMICS ALL ACCESS and Sunday’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 panels will be moderated by editors Mike Marts, Ben Abernathy, Brian Cunningham and Rachel Gluckstern – with special guests from the DC Comics creative teams. And Saturday’s VERTIGO: NEW BLOOD panel will be moderated by editor Shelly Bond, who will also be joined by notable Vertigo creators.
But that’s not all. Stop by the DC Entertainment booth to say hello to some of your favorite writers and artists from both Vertigo and DC Comics, including Mike Allred (IZOMBIE), Brian Buccellato (THE FLASH), Chris Burnham (BATMAN INCORPORATED), Greg Capullo (BATMAN), Aaron Lopresti (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL), Francis Manapul (THE FLASH), Dustin Nguyen (JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND UNLIMITED), Chris Roberson (IZOMBIE), Gail Simone (BATGIRL), Marcus To (BATWING), Joshua Williamson (VOODOO) and Bill Willingham (FABLES).
Visit the Emerald City Comicon website for the full panel and signing schedule. See ya there!
DC Entertainment Co-Publishers, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, to Discuss the Upcoming Release of BEFORE WATCHMEN
Followed by a Director’s Cut Screening of the WATCHMEN Film Adaptation
BURBANK, Calif. (March 29, 2012) – Revealing new details of the highly-anticipated summer release of the BEFORE WATCHMEN prequel mini-series comics, DC Entertainment will host a panel alongside a film screening of WATCHMEN at the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on Saturday, April 21, at 1:00pm. The BEFORE WATCHMEN discussion will include DC Entertainment Co-Publishers and industry legends Jim Lee and Dan DiDio and will be moderated by comic expert Geoff Boucher, editor of the Los Angeles Times’ popular “Hero Complex” site.
The BEFORE WATCHMEN prequel titles will continue to build on the complex mythology of the best-selling WATCHMEN graphic novel and will be told through the words and images of some of the comic book industry’s most celebrated writers and artists. This Los Angeles Times Festival of Books panel – DC Entertainment Presents: Watchmen - It’s Not the End, It’s the Beginning – will provide insight into the upcoming releases of the seven BEFORE WATCHMEN titles.
“The frenzy surrounding BEFORE WATCHMEN mirrors what we saw preceding our recent DC Comics - The New 52 launch, and the level of interest in the talent line-up for the prequel titles has been spectacular” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is a great opportunity for us to take a closer look at the WATCHMEN phenomenon, both in print and film, and talk about what fans can expect from the prequels.”
2012 marks the 17thLos Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest and most prestigious public literary event in the country. Located at the University of Southern California campus, the two-day event celebrates the written word in all its forms and is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees.
The DC Entertainment programs will take place at the USC School for Cinematic Arts on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 1:00pm. The event schedule includes:
· 1:00pm – DC Entertainment publishing panel, DC Entertainment Presents: Watchmen - It’s Not the End, It’s the Beginning, with Jim Lee and Dan DiDio
· 2:00pm – WATCHMEN Director’s Cut film screening
Space is limited; to purchase tickets to attend the DC Entertainment panels and screening, please visit: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/general-information/ticket-info/
For more information about media credential applications, please visit: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/press/
You’ve heard from editor Karen Berger, and writers Paul Cornell and Jeff Lemire earlier this week. Now, DC Entertainment’s Senior VP of Sales, Bob Wayne is getting in on the excitement. Here’s what he has to say about DIAL H.
“China Miéville’s series proposal for DIAL H is the most compelling one I’ve read since Neil Gaiman’s series proposal for SANDMAN. (And I’ve read a few series proposals…) He brings a unique voice to The New 52 with his wild reinvention of the Dial H concept.”
