5.2 Reasons We're Excited for Injustice

We’ve all be there. Discussing our favorite super heroes with our friend (let’s randomly say, oh, Jimmy) and suddenly the conversation turns to who would win a fight. Not between us and Jimmy (obviously, that’d be us—what now, Jimmy?!) but in match-ups between Superman and Batman, Wonder Woman and SHAZAM!, the Flash and Green Lantern. The debate rages, and even though Jimmy is clearly wrong because he’s a big, stupid, jerkface, you never come to an agreement.

Well, things are about to change because with the release of the Injustice: Gods Among Us video game on April 16, you can finally take the debate to the ring by pitting your favorite super heroes and super villains against one another in a scenery-smashing, face-punching, level-exploding brawl across the DC Universe.

The early videos got us buzzing and the more we’ve seen—between online reveals and convention demos—the more that buzzing became an all-out electrocution of anticipation. With the game’s release less than a week away, we’re breaking down the 5.2 Reasons We’re Excited for Injustice!

 

1. The Story

Yes, we realize Injustice is a fighting game and generally speaking, who needs a story when Catwoman is dropkicking Solomon Grundy in the face—but we’re actually really interested to play through the story mode and explore a world where Superman and other members of the World’s Greatest have taken over, turning the Earth into a totalitarian regime. And have Catwoman dropkick Solomon Grundy in the face while doing so.


2. The Battles

There’s just no getting around it. We’re really excited to pit these characters against one another, to finally settle these debates once and for all... at least until the next round. And for those who have been joining us each week for Injustice Battle Arena—which culminates on Monday night in a final fight between Batman and Superman—and demanding rematches, well, now you can have it! There’s definitely going to be a lot of “best two out of three,” “best six out of ten,” “okay, okay, best eleven out of twenty.”


3. The Cast

Sure we’ve got the basics we all wanted—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Cyborg—but some revelations about the extended cast got us incredibly excited: Nightwing, Raven, Ares, SHAZAM! AND Black Adam, Hawkgirl, Sinestro and more. Not to mention who knows who else they’ll bring out for DLC.


4. Interactive Environment

Each level comes equipped with a multitude of environmental weapons at your disposal with unique usages depending on your particular character build. Powerhouses like Doomsday and Bane can pick up cars and bash them into their opponent’s heads while acrobats like Nightwing and Deathstroke can utilize overhead items to escape from a tricky situation. Not to mention being able to knock your opponents through buildings or floors of the Batcave into a whole new section of the level.

 

5. Multiple Game Modes

We’ve mentioned the Story Mode and of course there’s your standard versus mode, but Injustice also includes Battle Mode, an online “King of the Hill” mode, and S.T.A.R. Labs, which include 240 character-specific challenges.

 

5.1 Super Moves

In Superman’s Ultimate Attack, he punches you into freaking space!


5.2 Alternate Costumes

Nothing quite beats Red Son Wonder Woman uppercutting the hell out of Blackest Night Batman.

 

What are you most excited for and what characters would you love to see as DLC? Let us know in the comments! In the meantime, we’re going to prepare to prove to Jimmy once and for all that Harley Quinn could totally beat Doomsday in a fight!

So You Want to Date a Super Hero

Ah Valentine’s Day. That time of year where love saturates the air like cheap air freshener in a dorm the day of a parental visit. You literally can’t escape it. No matter how hard you try. It’s everywhere. Every. Where.

 

In the spirit of this wonderful love-filled holiday (and in the midst of our lonely nights eating ice cream on the couch while watching back-to-back marathons of Justice League Unlimited and Love Connection) our cookie-dough addled brains began to wonder: what would it be like to date in the DC Universe?

 

DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 certainly has quite a few options for romance—from super men and wondrous women to vengeance-fueled vigilantes and alien beings (to each their own; we won’t judge)—and to help prepare you for any potential surprise Valentine’s Day super hero dates, we’re giving you some tips for dating some of the World’s Greatest Super Heroes.

 

SUPERMAN

Pros: Arguably the world’s most famous super hero. Super nice. Both powerful and confident yet also willing to act dorky and vulnerable. Can uppercut a mountain into space.

Cons: 2 to 1 odds he leaves in the middle of dinner a few times to save someone and come back. At one point he enjoyed having life-like statues of friends and family on display in his home.

Good First Date Topics: The state of journalism. Life on a farm. Corn. The crazy stuff in his Fortress of Solitude.

Topics to Avoid: Kryptonite. The fact that he’s an alien. Taking off his glasses.

Ideal First Date Venue: County Fair

 


BATMAN

Pros: Incredibly intelligent. Ripped. More money than he knows what to do with. Enjoys a multitude of activities. Owns a T-Rex and a Giant Penny.

Cons: Really, really, really obsessed with “work.” Constantly comes up with contingency plans for taking down even his closest friends. Likely researched everything about you already. Might be crazy.

Good First Date Topics: Justice.

Topics to Avoid: His dead parents.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Circus

 


GREEN LANTERN

Pros: Has been to space and seen countless alien life forms. Very imaginative. Accomplishes things he sets his mind to by sheer strength of will. Chance you will find yourself surrounded by multi-colored Lantern Corps.

Cons: Emotionally immature. Co-workers can be a bit intimidating. Chance you will find yourself surrounded by multi-colored Lantern Corps.

Good First Date Topics: Himself.

Topics to Avoid: Himself.

Ideal First Date Venue: Planetarium

 


THE FLASH

Pros: Honest. Noble. Very friendly. Full of random facts. Job title is “Police Scientist.” How awesome is that?

Cons: Habitually late despite being the Fastest Man Alive. Has a strange relationship with his Rogue’s Gallery. Could leave, go do about 10 other things, and come back and you wouldn’t even notice.

Good First Date Topics: CSI. How long it takes him to do things. Treadmills. The existence of Gorilla City and how that’s a thing.

Topics to Avoid: His mom. Explaining the Speed Force.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Flash Museum

 

 

CYBORG

Pros: Knows everything there is to know about technology. Former star athlete.  Can hack into anything, anywhere. Free wi-fi.

Cons: Is a cyborg. Knows every MP3 you’ve ever downloaded and your entire browsing history.

Good First Date Topics: Football. The latest tech news. Various gadgets and gizmos that he comes equipped with.

Topics to Avoid: Robocop. The Terminator. Blade Runner.

Ideal First Date Venue: Reddit Meetup

 

 

WONDER WOMAN

Pros: Intelligent. Strong. Expert tactician. Compassionate. Expert in hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, archery, and a multitude of other skills. Loves learning about culture. She’s Wonder Woman.

Cons: Family of ancient Greek gods tend to be petty and cruel and will mess with her and her life in ways you can’t even conceive. Owns a lasso that will make you tell the truth.

Good First Date Topics: Favorite weapons. How to kill a Harpy. Ice Cream.

Topics to Avoid: Her family—both father’s side and mother’s. Pants.

Ideal First Date Venue: Medieval Times Restaurant

 

 

BATGIRL

Pros: Smart and extremely well-read. Very nice. Expert at computer sciences and programing. Friends with Bruce Wayne. Has connections in the GCPD.

Cons: Father is the Gotham City Police Commissioner. Brother is an Arkham Asylum inmate. Decided to become Batgirl on her own—questionable decision.

Good First Date Topics: Recently read books. Life at 20-something.

Topics to Avoid: The Joker. That time she got shot.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Ballet

 

 

BLACK CANARY

Pros: Expert martial artist. Rides a motorcycle. Caring. Witty. Cool friends. Awesome leather jacket.

Cons: Sonic cry that can shatter glass and destroy your eardrums. Once dated Green Arrow.

Good First Date Topics: Who she’s beat up/trained with. Being a team leader.

Topics to Avoid: Past relationships. Poison Ivy.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Opera

 

 

ZATANNA ZATARA

Pros: Fishnet enthusiast. Has one of the greatest names in the history of anything ever. MAGIC! Arguably one of the most powerful people in the world.

Cons: Has a tendency to talk backwards. Often associates with demons, monsters, and other magical creatures—and John Constantine. Can set you on fire with a word.

Good First Date Topics: Magic tricks. Rabbits. Top hats.

Topics to Avoid: Her dad. Mind-wipes.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Magic Castle

 

 

HARLEY QUINN

Pros: Cute. Funny. Degree in psychology and psychotherapy. Very wild and adventurous. If she falls for you, will love you FOREVER.

Cons: Is clinically insane.

Good First Date Topics: Funny jokes. Her pet hyenas. Her friendship with Ivy.

Topics to Avoid: The Joker. Batman. Her makeup.

Ideal First Date Venue: The Laff Factory

DC Digital Comics: Celebrating Black History Month

From the honor and strength of John Stewart, to the pure techno power of Cyborg, to the energy and humor of Static Shock, DC’s African-American heroes have become both inspirations and favorites of DC fans the world over. John Stewart first joined the Green Lantern Corps in the 1970s and remains the definitive Green Lantern to a generation of fans who grew up with the Justice League animated series. Cyborg has overcome great injury and physical change and now fights alongside Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in the Justice League. Static Shock has appeared in multiple DC Comics universes and headlined his own hit animated series. These three favorites have joined with other pioneering African-American super heroes in representing the best in all of us, blazing new trails while defending our world and the universe as a whole from injustice.

 

In February, millions of us nationwide take time to remember and celebrate our African-American heritage in what’s become known as Black History Month. With so much of our history here at DC Comics now available digitally, there’s never been a better time to discover or rediscover DC’s African-American trailblazers. Throughout all of February, look for discounted prices on the titles that helped forge new territory in comics. Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time, or rediscovering classic tales that you may not have read in a while, we hope you join with us in celebrating Black History Month and appreciating the important role these African-American characters have played in our comic books and popular culture as a whole.

 

Look for different titles available each week in February—all only 99 cents an issue. Starting 1/31/13 in the DC Comics Digital Store.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE SKETCHBOOK: CYBORG

From New York Times bestselling writer Geoff Johns and legendary artist Jim Lee, JUSTICE LEAGUE launched DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 by introducing the dawn of the age of superheroes and the shared universe that they inhabit. But JUSTICE LEAGUE VOLUME ONE – ORIGIN contains than more just the story of the World’s Greatest Super Heroes’ first meeting. Exclusive back-up material by Lee and other artists illustrate the design process for the iconic characters – and we’re featuring those designs all this week right here on THE SOURCE.


JUSTICE LEAGUE VOLUME ONE – ORIGIN is available in comic book stores now.


Get Your Photo Taken at the DC Entertainment Booth at WonderCon

Earlier today, we shared with you our panel schedule for WonderCon.
 
This morning, we’ve got more exciting things to share with you lucky people who will be attending WonderCon this weekend. At the DC Entertainment booth, we’ll have three different green screen backgrounds for you to take your picture in front of. For the first time, you’ll be able to have your photo taken with Alfred E. Neuman. You’ll also get a chance to have a picture of you snapped in front of the artwork of industry legend Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and the artist of the bestselling JUSTICE LEAGUE. But that’s not all!
 
The first green screen background for you to take a picture in front of will be a mural of JUSTICE LEAGUE characters by some of your favorite artists from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. Stand front and center with:

  • Aquaman (illustrated by Ardian Syaf)
  • Batman (illustrated by Andy Kubert)
  • Cyborg (illustrated by Gene Ha)
  • The Flash (illustrated by Francis Manapul)
  • Green Lantern (illustrated by Ivan Reis)
  • Superman (illustrated by Jim Lee)
  • Wonder Woman (illustrated by Adam Hughes)

 

The second green screen background to take your photo with is the image you’ve seen associated with the We Can Be Heroes campaign. Stand out in the Justice League against a silhouetted roster of the world’s greatest superheroes, as drawn by Jim Lee.
 
And if you’ve ever wanted to have your picture taken with MAD’s Alfred E. Neuman, now you finally have that chance. In the third green screen background, Alfred will be wearing his classic “I’m With Stupid” t-shirt and point to you! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the Usual Gang of Idiots over at MAD Magazine.
 
As always, you will be given physical print-outs of the photo as well as a unique digital redemption code so you can share the photos with family and friends and post them to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest and wherever else you desire.
 
Check out this gallery to take a peak at what the screens will look like and see you behind the cameras at booth #501 this weekend!

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC Comics-The New 52, Wednesday Afternoon (ET) Edition

With the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, DC Comics-The New 52 officially kicked off. Coverage has been widespread today. Looking for a comprehensive overview? Look no further.

THE NEW YORK TIMES ran a major feature story on the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 on the front of the Arts section and on their homepage. “We’re not looking for a way of going back to what we did before,” DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras told them. “We like to say here, ‘No trap doors.’ This is what we are going to do.”

TODAY.COM interviewed DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. (You might have seen the story on MSNBC, too.) “It’s all about getting comics into the hands of new readers,” Lee said. “We’re trying to introduce these characters to new audiences.”

Last night’s Midnight Madness event with JUSTICE LEAGUE creative team Geoff Johns and Jim Lee at Midtown Comics in New York City had an incredible turnout and was a huge success. MSNBC was on location taking photos of everything from fan costumes to BATMAN and SWAMP THING writer Scott Snyder mingling with fans to Geoff and Jim distributing pizza to those who waited in line for hours to get their hands on JUSTICE LEAGUE #1.

ABC NEWS interviewed Geoff and Jim, who discussed everything from new costumes to their collaborative process. “In the case of JUSTICE LEAGUE, we’re actually completely retelling and re-envisioning how they met and why they met and why they stayed together,” Geoff Johns explained. “The goal is to actually have more personality, more conflict, more tension. Everyone knows them as the super-friends, but we’re showing that they’re not actually friends – not yet.”

WIRED MAGAZINE posted a gallery of various JUSTICE LEAGUE character designs by Jim Lee. Take an exclusive look at Jim’s designs for Superman, The Flash and Aquaman and be sure to check out WIRED’s analysis of these characters’ fresh costumes and looks.

With so much excitement about the 52 titles being released, it’s hard to pick a favorite. “The best part is that for all of the different members of [the DC Comics team] that have read all of the books,” DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio told THE WASHINGTON POST, “I can’t find two people with the same Top-Five list. That’s what’s great for me.”

DiDio also caught up with THE VILLAGE VOICE. “We want to get back down to the core characters and rebuild the fiction around them,” he said of DC Comics-The New 52. “This isn't about rehashing stories, but providing things that new readers can relate to."

EBONY.COM looks at diversity in DC Comics-The New 52, including characters like Voodoo, Static Shock, Cyborg, Mister Terrific and Batwing. “When we go to conventions, we see people of all races and genders,” DiDio told them. “We want a real sense that these characters are participating in the same world that exists outside our window.”

DigiDay ran a piece about same-date digital publication. According to Hank Kanalz, SVP of Digital, “What we heard anecdotally is that people have been coming into comic book stores and buying more titles and asking about digital delivery.”

Io9 and MTV GEEK also shed some light on the heralding in of DC Comics-The New 52 with the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. MTV GEEK also announced a special Twitter competition in which you can win each #1 issue being released as part of DC Comics-The New 52. For information on how to enter the contest, click here.

Much, much more to come as major interviews are being conducted as I load this blog post.

Congratulations are in order to Geoff, Jim, Scott Williams and everyone else behind JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. The issue hasn’t even been out for a full day yet and is already sold out. Here's a first look at the cover of the second printing.

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “With Cyborg finally gone, we can burn this place to the ground.”

In this final issue of FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM, Heatwave has escaped his prison and is dead-set on getting his revenge against Cyborg. But first, he plans on burning the city of Detroit to the ground to send his nemesis a warning. Will Cyborg be able to stop Heatwave before thousands of innocent lives are lost?

FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM #3, in stores on Wednesday, is written by Adam Glass and features art by Rodney Buchemi and Jose Marzan Jr.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: THE PROPHECY OF FLASHPOINT

Abin Sur finds himself on Earth to retrieve the white entity. Yet his priorities change when he meets Hal Jordan and realizes how valuable and worth saving Earth is. As he forms an allegiance with Cyborg to save the doomed planet, Abin Sur is secretly visited by Sinestro. How will his old friend’s reveal of the prophecy called “Flashpoint” affect Abin Sur’s mission to protect Earth? And what does it mean for their relationship?

FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR – THE GREEN LANTERN #2 is written by Adam Schlagman and features art by Robson Rocha, Felipe Massafera, Joe Prado, and Rod Reis. To view exclusive preview pages, head over to IGN and be sure to look for the issue when it hits stands on Wednesday.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: A Call For Questions

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Do you like to play questions?

Do you know the rules?

Will I answer your questions about FLASHPOINT?

Isn't that why you're here?

Whatever *did* happen to the World's Greatest Heroes?

Was Cyborg created to be their leader?

Who will the Resistance summon?

When do six become one?

These are all good questions. Here's the thing: if everything you know will change in a Flash—and it will—then there are a lot of questions to be answered. Really interesting questions.

So it's our good fortune that in the weeks and months to come, writer Geoff Johns, artist Andy Kubert and editor Eddie Berganza will all be making guest appearances to answer questions about FLASHPOINT, right here on THE SOURCE, as part of FLASHPOINT FRIDAY. Many of the answers will lead to new questions and that's part of the fun.

 

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Consider this an official open call for questions for you, the fans. Post your questions in the comments thread of this post, tweet them (#Flashpoint) or post them on the wall of the DC Nation Facebook page or the wall of the Flash Facebook page.

Be creative.

Be specific, but not too specific.

Have fun.

We'll be answering at least five of the very best questions here on THE SOURCE in advance of issue 1.

The DC offices are closing early today and are closed Monday so this will be the last post on THE SOURCE til Tuesday morning when the offices re-open. With luck, as this post goes live, I'll be flying out of the country for an international, off the grid vacation. But in my absence, we have lots of great stuff in store for next week on the Source and Graphic Content, including next week’s FLASHPOINT FRIDAY.

Ready?

Do you have a question to ask?

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: First Look at DC Direct FLASHPOINT Action Figures

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From IDENTITY CRISIS and INFINITE CRISIS through BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY, DC Direct has created action figures based on the DC Universe’s biggest events.

Today, we’re unveiling FLASHPOINT action figures based on DC Comics’ superhero publishing event of the summer. DC Direct’s Jim Fletcher, Shawn Knapp, Evan Metcalf, John Santagada, Brian Walters and Bryon Webster have worked closely with FLASHPOINT writer Geoff Johns’ concepts and artist Andy Kubert’s designs to bring you four awesome figures based on characters central to the FLASHPOINT story.

Sculptors Derek Miller (Wonder Woman), Karen Palinko (Batman and Flash) and Jonathan Matthews (Cyborg) have captured the energy and excitement that drives FLASHPOINT. But you don’t have to take my word for it: here’s the exclusive first look at DC Direct’s FLASHPOINT figures.

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