If any hero should worry amidst the events surrounding BLACKEST NIGHT, it should be Batman. Boasting one of the strongest, creepiest and deadliest Rogues Gallery in the DCU, just the idea of some of the fallen villains returning as Black Lanterns sends a chill up my spine. Will the new Batman's career be cut short? Will Red Robin have to face off against his own father? You'll have to pick up the issue to find out. We'll have an extended, lettered preview out for the world to see soon, but in the meantime, click below to check out a few pages from the second issue of BLACKEST NIGHT: BATMAN, from writer Peter Tomasi and artist Adrian Syaf. The issue hits 9/9.

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Monday's winding down, and while there are still four more work days looming, let's take a glance at some of the notable bits in the press from the last few days:

• Over at EW.com's shiny new book blog, SHELF LIFE, Ken Tucker talks up the first issue of BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN, calling the issue this week's "smartest, grisliest mainstream comic book."

• AIN'T IT COOL NEWS reviews the first issue of ADVENTURE COMICS, by Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul, succinctly summing up the issue: "This is the good stuff."

• Speaking of ADVENTURE COMICS #1, THE ONION AV CLUB reviews the issue, along with the first issue of DOOM PATROL. Both debut issues nabbed a "B+" rating.

• NEWSARAMA's posted their latest 20 Questions and 1 Answer with Dan DiDio, which is well worth reading if you're looking for a few newsbits. Two words for you: BATMAN BEYOND?

The BLACKEST NIGHT is upon us, and the dead are rising across the DCU. No one is unaffected, and some teams -- like the TITANS -- have seen more than their share of fatalities over the years. Later this month, writer J.T. Krul and artist Ed Benes will bring you the first issue of BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS, which spotlights how the heroes deal with the sudden return of some of their most tragic members. But, to tide you over until then, we've got a look at some interiors from Benes. And, because we asked him nicely, BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS editor Brian Cunningham was kind of enough to give us the skinny on the mini-series. Take it away, Brian:

“Working on these characters is something Ed Benes has wanted for a very long time, so we are more than happy to oblige him! And he has a wonderful script to draw from. J.T. Krul worked closely with Geoff Johns to stay true to the spirit of the ‘Blackest Night’ event, and what they came up with is a horror movie on paper. I really feel both ‘Blackest Night’ fans and Titans fans will be VERY happy with this mini-series.”

BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS #1 hits 8/26.

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Yeesh, then what are you waiting for? San Diego is in full swing – the crowds are flowing, the energy is high and I’m sitting down in anticipation of what has become a staple event at comic conventions across the country: Dan’s DC NATION panels.

If you’re at the con – hop to Room 6DE. A DC NATION panel is not to be missed. Part circus, part press conference and all energy and fun, these panels are a highlight for fans and talent alike.

In addition to Dan, we’ve got Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler, writers James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka and a few surprises on the panel, prepared to talk about anything and everything of note in the DCU -- ::cough:: BLACKEST NIGHT ::cough:: WEDNESDAY COMICS ::cough:: BATMAN ::cough – and take fan questions, of course.

If you couldn’t make it out this year, be sure to visit our convention hub to download photos and audio from the panel, which should give you some idea of what all the fuss is about. Then book your ticket for next year. Might as well be ahead of the game, no?