Batman | DC Comics

Batman visits Jason Todd in Arkham in BATMAN AND ROBIN #23

Batman drops in on his former sidekick, Jason Todd, who's been imprisoned in Arkham Asylum for several months, known only under the name of his anti-hero identity, The Red Hood. Todd's prepping for a transfer to a lower-security prison, and this could mean trouble for Batman... and for that prison's inmates.

The first part of Judd Winick's "The Streets Run Red" starts this week in BATMAN AND ROBIN #23.

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Tags:

arkham asylum, Batman, batman and robin, jason todd, judd winick, the red hood

Two-Face has lost his coin - can Batman stop his rampage before he kills again?

Two-Face has always been at least half-insane, but the loss of the scarred coin that keeps him semi-balanced has sent him reeling over the edge. The commissioner calls on Batman's help to stop Two-Face's murderous quest before more innocent lives are lost.

Tony Daniel and Steve Scott's BATMAN #710 is on sale this week.

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Batman, steve scott, Tony Daniel, two-face

BATMAN solicits for August

Here’s a first look at the BATMAN titles coming out in August:

BATMAN INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN #713

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by JAY FABOK

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!

RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1

Written by VARIOUS

Art by VARIOUS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

DETECTIVE COMICS #881

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Cover by JOCK

This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN AND ROBIN #26

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by GREG TOCCHINI

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES

Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS

Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY

1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!

And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!

Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3

Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17

4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5

Written by PAUL DINI

Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA

The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.

On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,

$2.99 US • RATED T

BATGIRL #24

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN BEYOND #8

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew... and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!

On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

RED ROBIN #26

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life... The time has come for him to return to the grave!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!

On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BIRDS OF PREY #15

Written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI

In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them...and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The hit animated series YOUNG JUSTICE comes to DVD this July

YOUNG JUSTICE, the hit Cartoon Network series from Warner Bros. Animation, will come to DVD for the first time on July 19th with Young Justice Season 1 Volume 1. Fans of the teenage super team can revisit the first season’s exciting adventures – and if you haven’t seen the series yet, here’s your chance to catch up!

From the official description of the series:

In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over — to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? How much harder will it be to prove yourself in a world of super powers, super villains and super secrets? Are you ready to come of age in such a world? Are you ready for life or death rites of passage? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice — Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis — will find out: whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.

These teenage heroes collectively become the Justice League’s secret weapon against the forces of evil. The young protégés must put their super hero education to the test and band together to covertly fight the evildoers that exist on Earth-16. Utilizing The Cave as their home base, the teen heroes will take on under-the-radar missions that would be impossible for the league’s famous and identifiable elders to handle secretly.

While the team works to take on more super hero responsibilities, they are in constant training by the Justice League to eventually take their place alongside the great heroes. Red Tornado is their supervisor; Black Canary is in charge of their training; and Batman determines and directs their assignments. Of course, in true teenage fashion, the members of the team push the limits of their missions, often turning a simple assignment from Batman into something significantly larger.

Tags:

aqualad, artemis, Batman, black canary, cartoon network, justice league, kid flash, miss martian, red tornado, robin, superboy, warner bros. animation, young justice

Superman and Batman claim the top two spots on IGN's list of the Top 100 Heroes in Comics

Last week, we were following IGN's countdown of the top 100 heroes in comics all week on THE SOURCE. They've now posted the top twenty selections--and DC's secured eleven of those spots, with Wonder Woman landing at number five and Batman and Superman claiming the top two spots.

Here's the breakdown of the DC heroes who crack the top 20:

20 - Catwoman

19 - Jim Gordon

17 - Barbara Gordon

16 - Rorschach

15 - Dream of the Endless

11 - Dick Grayson

8 - Wally West

7 - Hal Jordan

5 - Wonder Woman

2 - Batman

1 - Superman

Head on over to IGN for the full rundown.

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barbara gordon, Batman, catwoman, dick grayson, dream of the endless, hal jordan, IGN, jim gordon, rorschach, Superman, wally west, wonder woman

YOUNG JUSTICE/BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD Super Sampler Available on Free Comic Day

When you rush to Free Comic Book Day, you’ll be picking up a copy of the second chapter in Geoff Johns’ GREEN LANTERN: SECRET ORIGIN. You’ll be super excited to see an exclusive first preview of FLASHPOINT #1. But what will your kids be reading?

In addition to the GREEN LANTERN title, we’ll also be releasing a super sampler featuring two all-new, exclusive YOUNG JUSTICE and BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD stories by the regular creators of the monthly series. In YOUNG JUSTICE, Psycho-Pirate will figure out a way to weaken the team by manipulating their emotions and causing them all to doubt their abilities. And since much of FLASHPOINT centers around the world of forensics detective Barry Allen, it is only fitting that BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD zooms in on the friendship he has with Batman, the world’s greatest detective.

Don’t forget to pick up copies of these two titles for yourself and your family on Free Comic Book Day this May 7th.

Tags:

barry allen, Batman, batman: the brave and the bold, bruce wayne, flashpoint, free comic book day, Geoff Johns, green lantern, green lantern secret origin, psycho-pirate, the flash, young justice

Artist for DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘90S #1: Norm Breyfogle

DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘90s #1

Writer Alan Grant and artist Norm Breyfogle helm a tale that spins directly off of the events of DETECTIVE COMICS #613 (reprinted in this issue). When The Ventriloquist and Scarface are released from prison after only one year, they become determined to reclaim their statuses in the upper echelon of Batman’s Rogues Gallery.

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 17 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Tags:

alan grant, Batman, detective comics, norm breyfogle, retroactive, scarface, ventriloquist

Artist for RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘80S #1: Jerry Bingham

DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN– THE ‘80s #1

Artist Jerry Bingham and writer Mike W. Barr come together to tell the story of someone using the name, appearance and methodology of The Reaper and is stalking the streets of Gotham City and killing off mobsters. The catch? Both men who previously masqueraded as The Reaper are dead. Can Batman get to the bottom of the identity of this mysterious killer while simultaneously shepherding an untried Robin (Jason Todd)?

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Tags:

Batman, jason todd, jerry bingham, Mike Barr, retroactive, robin, the reaper

From The Editor’s Desk: Eddie Berganza on Brett Booth

Ongoing JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA artist Brett Booth’s distinctive drawing style allows for some of the most exciting and eye popping work currently out there. One of my favorite things about Brett’s work is his ability to capture the subtlety of facial expressions so vividly that sometimes it’s easy to forget that you’re not looking at photos.

For instance, on page 3 of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #56, the last panel is a close-up of Batman’s face as he feels like he let Supergirl down. It is no easy feat to zoom in on the sorrow and disappointment in a face covered by a mask, yet Brett’s illustration showcases Batman’s devastation and vulnerability without question. From the tilted head to the cracked frown, Batman is undoubtedly in pain. And furthermore, his art supporting the Rise of Eclipso proved that not only can Brett give attention to subtle detail, but that he knows how to tackle events and characters of epic proportions.

It’s not just with JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA that Brett excels. Just take a look at his thought provoking cover to the upcoming FLASHPOINT title, THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT #2. Pretty cool stuff, right? Working with him has been nothing short of a pleasure, and I look forward to all the art that’s yet to come.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #56 lands in stores today.

Tags:

Batman, brett booth, eddie berganza, flashpoint, justice league of america, rise of eclipso, supergirl, the world of flashpoint

A look at Scott Snyder and Jock’s collaborative process on DETECTIVE COMICS

Here on THE SOURCE we spend a lot of time talking to writers about where they get their ideas; we also have the pleasure of showing off a lot of pieces of process artwork from our many talented artists. These are nice peeks behind the scenes, but we sometimes overlook the important process that happens in between these two steps. How does the writer work with the artist to put together a cohesive comic story?

Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla have been putting together a killer story in their current DETECTIVE COMICS run. But how does Scott’s Point A get to Jock’s Point B?

Let’s look at an excerpt of Scott Snyder’s script for page 11 of next week’s DETECTIVE COMICS #876. Check out the direction he gives, but also the room for creativity he leaves for Jock to go wild in:

PAGE 11

11.1

JOCK, I’d like this to be a page where you show off! The idea is that the first panel is an aerial view of Gotham, with BATMAN dropping towards the roofs. We are directly above BATMAN, as though we’re falling right behind him. The next panel, BATMAN (and WE) have dropped closer to the city, the next closer… And in each panel, you can pose BATMAN differently, highlighting DICK’S acrobatic style with the PARACAPE. In the final panel – and feel free to do 3, 5, 7, anything you want]. We should see a penthouse patio beneath him. Like he’s been dropping towards it the whole time. This is the patio/balcony of SONIA ZUCCO’S penthouse apartment. The place should be sleek, modern, with a rooftop pool, steaming in the cold, a table, a bar, tasteful, sharp … Something along these lines?

Of course, as always, if you have an idea for a better composition – go for it!

As you’ll see from the image masterfully colored by David Baron below, Jock did end up taking a slightly different approach to composition with this page:

Jock explains his approach to the piece:

Basically the script called for something a little different (multiple panels - with the viewer following Batman down) which was super cool - and something I'd like to do again at some point - but I went for a splash idea. Hopefully keeping all of Scott's original intent!

When a page turns out as dynamic as that one, you have to imagine everyone’s thrilled with the results!

For more behind-the-scenes on Detective, check out our cover design posts from Francesco Francavilla here and here. DETECTIVE COMICS #876 is on sale April 27th.

Tags:

Batman, detective comics, francesco francavilla, jock, scott snyder