Welcome DC Entertainment fans to a brand new weekly feature where we list off 5.2 Reasons of varying subjects of greatness from across our line of books, collectibles, and more!
 
Wednesday marked the launch of BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN, and while old Eddie Blake might see the world as a dark and twisted place, we personally like to take a look at the positives—namely the existence of totally awesome comic creators like Comedian writer Brian Azzarello.
 
Already a huge fan of Azzarello, his involvement in Before Watchmen got us more pumped than Schwarzenegger—especially considering the characters he'd be working on. We took a look at the comic catalog to give you 5.2 Reasons Brian Azzarello is One of the Best Writers in Comics.

1. Wonder Woman
WONDER WOMAN #10 is out this week, but with the first issue alone, Azzarello solidified his spot in the pantheon of brilliant WW writers—embracing instead of shying away from the Amazon Princess's mythological roots. Coupled with the insanely gifted artist Cliff Chiang—who perfectly captures and balances Diana's might and beauty—Wonder Woman is like a gift from the gods.
 
2. 100 Bullets
Loaded with intrigue and blasting a non-stop barrage of action-filled slugs, Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso's 100 Bullets hits the mark as one of Vertigo's quintessential reads. Get the new Deluxe Edition trades or go digital with all 100 issues. And for more awesome collaborations from these two creators, check out BATMAN: KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE and SPACEMAN.
 
3. First Wave
Batman, Doc Savage, The Spirit—classic characters, all interacting and adventuring in the same world along with Black Canary, Rima the Jungle Girl and more. If you love pulp (the style of storytelling, not necessarily the stuff in juice, but sure, that, too) grab the softcover collection, which hit stores this week.
 
4. Joker
This comes as part of a one-two punch with the next entry, but whenever Azzarello teams with artist Lee Bermejo, the only joke is that this collaboration doesn't happen all the time. Insanely beautiful images pair with a darkly disturbing story that explores the criminal side of Gotham and features grisly realistic interpretations of Batman's famous foes.
 
5. Luthor
BATMAN/DEATHBLOW marked the first collaboration between Azzarello and Bermejo, but LUTHOR is the one that put the team on the veritable map. Originally a five-issue limited series, the graphic novel collection includes 10 new pages of material! The title takes a look at the inner workings and motivations behind humanity's self-proclaimed "savior."

5.1 He'll Be Teaming With Bermejo Once More On:

5.2 He May or May Not Be the God of War

Those are the reasons we're big fans of Brian Azzarello. What are yours? Feel free to sound off below, and we'll see you again in a week with another edition of 5.2 Reasons!

As part of the groundbreaking DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, last September’s relaunch of WONDER WOMAN gave the iconic character a new origin (Zeus is her father) and extended her family to include various Greek Gods. Since it’s debut, the series has brought darker aspects to Diana’s stories by blending superhero, mythological and horror genres to create a fresh take on the story of the Amazon warrior. Collecting the premiere storyline of this acclaimed series, WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD is available in comic book stores now and on Tuesday in book stores everywhere.

Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Cliff Chiang with art by Tony Akins and Dan Green, WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD also includes an exciting array of backup material including various character designs and cover sketches by Chiang. To celebrate the hardcover book’s release, we’ll be giving you a special behind-the-scenes tour of some of these supplemental materials every day this week right here on THE SOURCE. Today, check out some of Chiang’s cover sketches and be sure to pick up your copy of WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD!

As part of the groundbreaking DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, last September’s relaunch of WONDER WOMAN gave the iconic character a new origin (Zeus is her father) and extended her family to include various Greek Gods. Since it’s debut, the series has brought darker aspects to Diana’s stories by blending superhero, mythological and horror genres to create a fresh take on the story of the Amazon warrior. Collecting the premiere storyline of this acclaimed series, WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD goes on sale in comic book stores tomorrow.

Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Cliff Chiang with art by Tony Akins and Dan Green, WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD also includes an exciting array of backup material including various character designs and cover sketches by Chiang. To celebrate the hardcover book’s release, we’ll be giving you a special behind-the-scenes tour of some of these supplemental materials every day this week right here on THE SOURCE. Today, check out some of Chiang’s designs for Zola, Zeus, Apollo and Ares, and be sure to pick up your copy of WONDER WOMAN, VOL. 1: BLOOD!

On June 20th, BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN #1, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by J.G. Jones, will land in stores.

Here's the first look at the issue's variant cover by Eduardo Risso!

The BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN #1 variant cover by Jim Lee!

And the digital combo pack!