Exclusive First Look at Carlos D'Anda's Variant Cover for JUSTICE LEAGUE #9
Take an exclusive first look at Carlos D'Anda's variant cover for JUSTICE LEAGUE #9!
First BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY digital-first chapter available today!
The first of the previously-announced digital-first BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY stories is now available exclusively in our Digital Store!
In this eight-page story that serves as an interlude between the regular issues (but isn’t necessary to follow the miniseries), Paul Dini reunites with his fan-favorite Detective Comics collaborators Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs to expand on the events and characters in the ARKHAM CITY comic - particularly on Batman's many villains as they vie for power in this chaotic new city-within-a-city.
Head over to our online store to check it out!
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
GameSpot posts exclusive first look at BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #1
Popular gaming site GameSpot posted the exclusive fist look at next month's BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #1, the comic book miniseries that bridges the storyline gap between the critically acclaimed BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM video game and the highly anticipated sequel, BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, which hits stores this October.
Check out the preview to get your first look at Paul Dini's script and Carlos D'Anda's stellar interior work!
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY Debut Gameplay Trailer Released
IGN posted an exclusive first look at a new gameplay trailer for the highly-anticipated BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY video game, giving fans a first look at the game in action. Featuring cameos by The Joker, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Two-Face and Hugo Strange, I guarantee the trailer will make October 18th feel so much farther away than it already does.
If you haven't watched it yet, catch the video here.
On Monday, Kotaku unveiled the cover to BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #3, the five-issue miniseries launching this May that fills the events that occur between the first game, BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM, and the upcoming sequel, ARKHAM CITY.
The first issue of the comic miniseries will land in May. The video game is in stores October 18th.
BATMAN Solicits for May
Excited about today’s earlier post, announcing BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM? Well, that’s not all, May’s going to be a major month for BATMAN – here’s your first look at May’s solicits, after the jump.
BATMAN INCORPORATED #7
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING
Man-of-Bats and his protégé, Red Raven, continue to aid the Dark Knight in tracking down a shadowy, sophisticated killer. Will these two members of The Club of Heroes become the newest additions to BATMAN INCORPORATED? Or will they die before they can even be offered the chance?
On sale MAY 25 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
Etrigan the Demon’s loyalties are stretched to their breaking point, and when he chooses sides, an epic battle ensues with Batman! The victor can only be decided with the help of a new friend, but there’s no time to spare for infighting, because Gotham City is being overrun by a demon horde…
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information. This issue is resolicited. All previous orders are cancelled.
Resolicit • On sale MAY 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
DETECTIVE COMICS #877
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JOCK
Batman plunges deeper into the mystery surrounding the brutal murder of a young woman whose body was found in the belly of a killer whale. But his detective skills lead him into a deadly trap set in motion by some of the Gotham Underworld’s newest and most fearsome players. Don’t miss the finale of “Hungry City!”
On sale MAY 25 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
BATMAN #710
Written by TONY DANIEL
Art by TONY DANIEL & RYAN WINN
Cover by TONY DANIEL
Two-Face is back! As an unknown villain targets Two-Face and other Gotham City crimelords for extermination, Batman discovers that Kitrina Falcone, a.k.a. “CATGIRL,” is next on the hit list! Can he save the junior mobster in time? And will helping Kitrina force Catwoman to get involved?
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
BATMAN & ROBIN #23
Written by JUDD WINICK
Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH
1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA
Jason Todd - Batman’s one-time sidekick, currently the anti-hero known as Red Hood - has been imprisoned in Arkham Asylum for the past several months. But after a period of good behavior, will a transfer to a lower-security prison mean reformation for Jason Todd . . . or is trouble waiting in the wings for Batman and Robin? Don’t miss “The Streets Run Red” part one of three!
On sale MAY 11 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
BATWOMAN #2
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER
Horror! A terrifying new villain stalks the innocent children of Gotham City.
Intrigue! A threatening government agency is hot on Batwoman’s trail.
Romance! Kate Kane’s new relationship is heating up.
It’s all here for our heroine! Can Batwoman stop the new evil rising from the damp back alleys of Gotham’s barrios and overcome the many challenges she faces as both Batwoman and Kate Kane? 2011’s most anticipated new ongoing series intensifies in this exciting second installment of the 5-part “Hydrology” storyline!
Resolicit • On sale MAY 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
RED ROBIN #23
Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY
The “7 Days of Death” begin with assassination attempts on Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox by the international assassin Scarab – but isn’t she in jail? To find the killer, Red Robin may have to spring the real Scarab from prison! Is this an assault on Wayne Enterprises, or do the first two days of death signal the start of a deeper conspiracy?
On sale MAY 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #23
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
Breakout at Arkham! With Harley Quinn in danger, can Catwoman and Poison Ivy put aside their tumultuous history and work together to save Harley? Guest-starring The Joker, Clayface and Jeremiah Arkham!
On sale MAY 25 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
BATMAN BEYOND #5
Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by RYAN BENJAMIN and JOHN STANISCI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Rioting workers are threatening to close down Wayne-Powers Industries and send stock prices spiraling down the tubes! There’s only one thing Batman can do in this situation: Track down Paxton Powers, just released from prison, and see what he knows about it! “Industrial Revolution” begins here!
On sale MAY 4 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US • RATED T
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #40
Written by DAN DIDIO
Art by KEITH GIFFEN and SCOTT KOBLISH
Cover by PHILIP TAN
Batman arrives in an attempt to unite Black Lightning’s team with Geo-Force’s for the final battle against Veritas. But as one teammate is lost and others leave, Batman must determine if it’s time to disband The Outsiders forever.
On sale MAY 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FINAL ISSUE • RATED T
BATGIRL #21
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
When the Grey Ghost puts himself in harm’s way to save Gotham City from the Reaper’s sound-wielding Harmony, it’s up to Batgirl to save the day. If Batgirl has her way, her first team-up with the Grey Ghost will be her last with the Grey Ghost – assuming they both make it out alive.
On sale MAY 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
BIRDS OF PREY #12
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ
They’ve had the growing pains, the split-ups and the reunions. Now it’s time to see the Birds of Prey do the dirty jobs no one else can. When a mysterious yet familiar villain threatens to organize all East Coast criminal activity, from loan sharking to illegal arms trading, Oracle is forced to test the limits of the Batman Incorporated strategy, using her own operatives as pawns in a battle for the soul of Gotham City!
On sale MAY 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
DC COMICS PRESENTS: BATMAN – DARK KNIGHT, DARK CITY #1
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by KIERON DWYER, TOM MANDRAKE and DENNIS JANKE
Cover by MIKE MIGNOLA and GEORGE PRATT
In these thrilling tales from BATMAN #452-454, The Riddler goes on a crimepsree – but when he has the chance to kill Batman, he let The Dark Knight live. What strange game is The Riddler playing? Plus, in a story from DETECTIVE COMICS #633, Bruce Wayne returns to Wayne Manor to find no trace of the Batcave, and Alfred without any knowledge of his master’s crimefighting career. Has Bruce Wayne gone insane?
On sale MAY 18 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY comic book miniseries announced!
Batman: Arkham Asylum was one of the most successful video games of 2009, and earned a Guinness World Record for the “Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever.” This May, find out what happened between Batman: Arkham Asylum and its highly anticipated sequel in BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, a six-issue miniseries that bridges the gap between the two games, and leads into the game’s release this fall.
Written by Batman: The Animated Series writer Paul Dini (who also penned both Arkham games) and drawn by Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City concept artist Carlos D’anda, BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY picks up one year after the original game, where former Arkham Warden turned newly elected Mayor of Gotham City Quincy Sharp has decided to close down the infamous institution. In its stead, he establishes “Arkham City,” the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, inmates can roam free and do whatever they want as long as they don’t try to escape. To run this urban prison, Sharp has appointed Dr. Hugo Strange, a man who knows that Bruce Wayne is Batman.
Each issue of the miniseries will be available day-and-date digitally worldwide for $2.99 each. These releases will alternate with 8-page digital-first interludes that will expand on the story included in the miniseries. Written by Dini and drawn by a variety of artists, these digital stories will focus on The Dark Knight’s many enemies as they vie for power in this new city within a city. Each eight-page digital-first interlude will be available for .99 cents, releasing in between issues of the miniseries, and will later be included in print in the BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY collected edition.
“The digital first stories offer a unique incentive for fans to experience interesting and exciting stories beyond the pages in the printed comic,” said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher, “The additional pages will serve as interludes within the regular issues and won’t be necessary to follow the main story of the miniseries. Fans will also be able to read these interludes in print later, when we publish the collected edition.”
Read the comic before you play the game, and keep an eye out for the issue #1 variant cover, utilizing in-game graphics.
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY will double-ship in its first month, with issues 1 & 2 landing in May.
Batman: Arkham City #1 cover by Carlos D'Anda
Geoff Johns and Hank Kanalz on last night’s FRINGE alternate universe covers
Geoff: Anyone see FRINGE last night? If you did, or if you’ve read this blog this week, you saw the RED LANTERN/RED ARROW cover. And maybe the bizarre SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL RETURNS in the style of Frank Miller’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. Or the infamous cover to CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #7, but Supergirl’s holding Superman. Or the event that rocked the mid-90s, THE DEATH OF BATMAN. So where did these come from?
An alternate Earth.
For real.
A month or so ago, I was fortunate enough to take on the job of Chief Creative Officer. That meant I was charged with bringing out characters out of the comic book pages and into the vast world of television, film, animation and video games that is DC Entertainment. One of the first calls I got was from the director of the Fringe season finale – writer/producer/director Akiva Goldsman. He was shooting a scene in an alternate world where things weren’t exactly like ours. Where even the smallest details were somewhat off. Including the comics. Together with executive producer Jeff Pinker, Akiva wanted to showcase an array of DC Comics that could’ve been including the ones you can see below. He wanted them to be as authentic as possible. Something only the hardcore would really recognize. We all came up with some ideas. That’s when Hank Kanalz came in…
Hank: …and when Geoff Johns and Ivan Cohen call, you pick up the phone. The idea was so crazy, it could really work, so we set out to do just that. As I always tell people, WildStorm is more than just an imprint – it is also a full service creative studio. And yes, we also publish the Fringe comic book (a new #1 on sale June 23, end of plug).
We mobilized Batman: Arkham Asylum artist Carlos D’Anda, The Authority: Lost Year artists JJ Kirby, Michael Lopez, and Oliver Nome, and art directors extraordinaire Larry Berry and Ed Roeder to create these fun alternate reality covers. We assembled the first four covers quickly…but we really wanted to exceed all expectations for the fifth cover. With the concept of RED LANTERN/RED ARROW we had only one choice – Ivan Reis. Geez, did he and Oclair Albert deliver, or what?
Geoff: So what do you think? Do you want to see the stories behind the covers? If so, you should hit up Hank. Who knows, maybe these would be fun to write…
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