Dan DiDio | DC Comics

DC ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.

“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “After twenty five years, the Watchmen are classic characters whose time has come for new stories to be told. We sought out the best writers and artists in the industry to build on the complex mythology of the original.”

Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).

BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:

RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo

MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke

COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones

DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes

NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert

OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee

SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

“The original series of WATCHMEN is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire,” said Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist.

“Comic books are perhaps the largest and longest running form of collaborative fiction,” said DiDio and Lee. “Collaborative storytelling is what keeps these fictional universes current and relevant.”

Remembering Eduardo Barreto

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Eduardo Barreto. His work helped to chart the course of many DC Comics' characters, from Superman to the New Teen Titans. Personally, I was a fan of his work from his time here at DC Comics." - Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

"With his impeccable draftsmanship and attention to nuance and detail, Eduardo Barreto was a true artist's artist. A mainstay of DC Comics, he was one of the key artists during the 1980s who not only helped define the look and feel of the DC Universe but got me hooked on the Teen Titans. His incredible work and vision will be missed." - Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

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Dan DiDio, eduardo barreto, jim lee

Remembering Joe Simon

“Joe Simon was a true legend in the comic book industry. So much of what we are today is owed to him and his amazing creativity. In addition to one of the great writers of the Golden Age, he was also an editor at DC Comics. We appreciate all of his contributions to DC Comics and the industry as a whole, both on the page and behind the scenes.” – Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

“We lost another of the Titans this week. A creative virtuoso, Joe Simon will be best known for co-creating Captain America with legendary artist Jack Kirby but his many contributions to DC Comics, both as a writer and an editor, are legion and will continue to be cherished by longtime fans, this one included. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends and many, many fans.” – Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

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Dan DiDio, jim lee, Joe Simon

Remembering Jerry Robinson

“Jerry Robinson illustrated some of the defining images of pop culture’s greatest icons. As an artist myself, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by his body of work. Everyone who loves comics owes Jerry a debt of gratitude for the rich legacy that he leaves behind.”—Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and artist of BATMAN: HUSH

“Jerry Robinson was one of the greats. He continued to be a vibrant, creative force, with ideas and thoughts that continue to inspire. Jerry was a great advocate for creators. It was my pleasure to meet and work with him. He will be missed.”—Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment

“It’s impossible to work at DC Entertainment without feeling the impact of Jerry Robinson’s contributions to the industry. His influence continues to resonate today.”—Bob Harras, DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief

“Jerry Robinson was an innovator, a pioneer in storytelling. His artwork was always astonishing, but his contributions to the Dark Knight mythology go far beyond art. The streets of Gotham City are a little lonelier today...Jerry will truly be missed.”—Mike Marts, BATMAN editor

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bob harras, Dan DiDio, jerry robinson, jim lee, mike marts

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS: A new arc and a new creative team beginning with Issue #6

A spotlight series starring a different hero in each story arc, DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS will be getting a new creative team with issue 6 – co-writers Dan DiDio and Jerry Ordway, with Ordway providing art. After the conclusion of the current, paranormal narrative starring DEADMAN, DiDio and Ordway will explore a science-fiction setting with a new take on CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN – created by the legendary Jack Kirby.

DiDio is no stranger to adapting Kirby’s work for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, having written the critically acclaimed sleeper hit O.M.A.C., which is drawn with a distinct Kirby-flair by Keith Giffen.

(Ryan Sook's cover to DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #6)

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Challengers of the Unknown, Dan DiDio, DC Comics-The New 52, DC Universe Presents, jack kirby, jerry ordway, keith giffen, ryan sook

3 Things You Didn't Know About O.M.A.C.

Some have said that three is the magic number. If that’s the case, November should be a fascinating month. Here at THE SOURCE, we’ll spotlighting key third issues from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 with an ongoing series of posts titled “3 Things You Didn’t Know About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.” Expect the unexpected–in threes.

1. Brother Eye and Mother Box are related.

2. There are secrets inside Cadmus that even Max Lord is unaware of.

3. Simyan And the Evil Factory are hidden away from all human eyes somewhere in Toledo.

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Dan DiDio, DC Comics-The New 52, O.M.A.C.D

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Friday Afternoon (ET) Edition

MAXIM chatted with AQUAMAN writer Geoff Johns who spoke in the defense of Aquaman and his cool cast of characters. . “Her background is really interesting,” Johns said of Mera. “She felt very strong to me, her hydroconnect powers are very interesting - controlling the water is visually beautiful and I felt the character was very appealing. That’s why we introduced her in BLACKEST NIGHT and had her stand on her own before we brought Aquaman in. You know, I think people respond to the character because she is such a strong, confident kickass superhero.”

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE interviewed BATWING writer Judd Winick. Head on over to their website to read what he had to say and to check out an exclusive preview of issue #3, which hits stores next week.

Speaking of previews, IGN has your exclusive first look at STORMWATCH #3. And while you’re on their site, be sure to check out their list of eight comic book writers to put on your radar, including Joshua Hale Fialkov, J.T. Krul and Sterling Gates.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES did the Monster Mash with Dan DiDio, Keith Giffen and Jeff Lemire, who teased the upcoming crossover between O.M.A.C. and FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. “The real subtext that's going on here -- and there's actually not that much subtext -- is seeing a little a bit of what Checkmate versus S.H.A.D.E. is about. How the two different agencies compare to each other or how they look at each other,” DiDio said. “The other subplot that is really interesting is, without giving too much away, Brother Eye might want something from S.H.A.D.E. and this might be a way of putting up a big distraction,” Lemire continued. “Trying to slip in the back door.”

Fan of The Big Bang Theory? Then head on over to ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY to check out Jim Lee’s awesome sketch of Leonard as a ThunderCat. Meanwhile, WIRED’s UNDERWIRE named The Joker as comics’ greatest supervillain.

To be continued …

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aquaman, batwing, comic book resources, Dan DiDio, entertainment weekly, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Geoff Johns, IGN, jeff lemire, jim lee, judd winick, keith giffen, Maxim, O.M.A.C., Stormwatch, The Big Bang Theory, the joker, TV Guide Magazine, Wired's Underwire

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Monday Evening (ET) Edition

(DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio catches up with his old friend, Solomon Grundy at New York Comic Con)

Everyone from Solomon Grundy to DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio was at New York Comic Con this past weekend. In case you’ve been unplugged from the Internet all day, there are ton of recaps from the convention.

MTV GEEK chatted with the rock star creative team of JUSTICE LEAGUE, Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. “It’s really about how you tell the stories,” said Lee of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. “It’s interesting – there was a lot of skepticism going into September but then once the books came out, the whole nature of the dialogue changed from ‘I hate what you’re changing’ to ‘I love what you’ve changed. I love the new directions.’”

“I think we’ve turned a lot of the skeptics around,” continued Johns. “I think there’s a lot of people that have turned around and said, ‘wow, this is really exciting,’ and are on board.”

DAILYMOTION spoke with DC Entertainment Co-Publisher writer Dan DiDio on the NYCC floor. “What I love about what we’re doing right now is that it’s not just about superheroes,” DiDio said of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. “We’ve got Westerns, we’ve got science fiction, we’ve got horror – so we’ve got such a wide array and I think that shows diversity and the strength of DC and I think this is what makes the company great.”

KOTAKU reported on the statues on display in the DC Entertainment booth at New York Comic Con. Check out their coverage to see your favorite heroes and villains as well as MAD Magazine’s take on some of the most iconic DC characters.

Following New York Comic Con, lots of outlets ran their exclusive previews of the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 titles being released this Wednesday. Here’s a rundown:

USA TODAY ran their exclusive preview of BIRDS OF PREY #2. "Yes, she's been a bad guy, but every villain has a great motivation,” said series writer Duane Swierczynski when asked about Poison Ivy. “They see themselves as the good guy in their own stories, and she's doing what she's doing for a good reason. It may sound strange but you can be there for your friends and still be a not-so-great person."

MAXIM has your first sneak peek at WONDER WOMAN #2. “Already one of the best-reviewed books of the new 52, Azzarello's take on Wonder Woman is doing, er, wonders for the character,” MAXIM wrote in the introduction of their exclusive preview. “Showcasing her bad-ass warrior side as well as a sense of humor … Azzarello is also rebuilding the mythology of Wonder Woman, simplifying it and making it more accessible to new readers while explaining her powers and attitude.”

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE debuted the first five pages of SUPERGIRL #2. "She has the same core basics: flight, strength, invulnerability, heat vision, x-ray vision," series co-writer Mike Johnson told TV GUIDE MAGAZINE of Kara. "And then we're going to reveal a new power in issue 3 that is unique to her and also a result of her new origin story."

BLASTR previewed not just one but two titles with a science fiction flavor coming out this week! Head on over to their site for your first look at BLUE BEETLE #2 and CAPTAIN ATOM #2.

POPMATTERS has your first look at RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #2 and COMIC BOOK RESOURCES has an exclusive preview of CATWOMAN #2.

And be sure to head on over to DC Comics’ official Facebook page to read an exclusive preview of LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #2--and scroll through our photo galleries from each day of New York Comic Con.

Got more time to surf the web? Check out THE LOS ANGELES EXAMINER's, er, terrific review of MISTER TERRIFIC #2, written by L.A. local Eric Wallace and illustrated by Gianluca Gugliotta. “Wallace keeps the action coming and provides new and inventive ways for the hero to travel and solve the mysteries of Brainstorm,” wrote THE EXAMINER. “Gugliotta’s art also keeps to the tone of the story. This is pulse pounding adventure with a scientific background.”

To be continued …

(DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and JUSTICE LEAGUE artist Jim Lee signing at the DC Entertainment booth at New York Comic Con)

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Friday Afternoon (ET) Edition

For the sixth consecutive week, IFANBOY has selected a title from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 as their “Pick of the Week.” This time around? O.M.A.C. #2 by Dan DiDio, Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish. Check out their complete coverage to see why they “love this book” and why they’re calling O.M.A.C. “ridiculously fun.”

If you haven’t been to the DC Comics Facebook page today, head on over there to check out an exclusive preview of LEGION LOST #2. After all, what better way is there to connect to another world than through social media, right?

In anticipation of J.H. Williams III’s signing in Los Banos, California tomorrow, local paper THE MODESTO BEE profiled the BATWOMAN artist and co-writer. And be sure not to miss J.H. when he comes to San Francisco as part of the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Art Tour this December.

And speaking of events, it was just last Friday that COMIC BOOK RESOURCES and Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles hosted a wrap party for the first month of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. The writers and artists in attendance included Brian Buccellato, Bernard Chang, Mike Costa, Dan DiDio, Josh Fialkov, Sterling Gates, Adam Glass, Kyle Higgins and Scott Lobdell. You’ve already heard them talk about which titles from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 were their favorites. Today, check out this latest video interview as they all tease what to look forward to in the upcoming issues of their respective series. “The best reason you should come back for issue two and the rest of the series is basically because issue one is a pilot – it sets up the status-quo, inverts it and then tells you what the direction of the series is going to be going forward,” said NIGHTWING and DEATHSTROKE writer Kyle Higgins. “Issue two and from then on out is exploring what that direction is. So all the character development, motivations, twists and turns, the stories of these characters and the explorations of their lives (and what it means to be in Nightwing’s case, a hero in Gotham city making a life for himself or in Deathstroke’s case, the best mercenary in the DC Universe trying to reestablish his reputation and credibility) are only going to come out through long-form storytelling.”

To be continued …

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Wednesday Morning (ET) Edition

Last Friday, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES and Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles hosted a wrap party for the first month of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. The writers and artists in attendance included Brian Buccellato, Bernard Chang, Mike Costa, Dan DiDio, Josh Fialkov, Sterling Gates, Adam Glass, Kyle Higgins and Scott Lobdell. Head on over to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES to hear all of these creators talk about what titles from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 were their favorites. “It was really exciting to work with Francis on the book because he saw this book visually first,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and O.M.A.C. writer Dan DiDio about THE FLASH. “He was talking about images and speed and how he was going to be able to interpret the fastest man in the world. And when you saw the art come in, you couldn’t help but get super excited because you saw this visual interpretation that feels incredibly fresh.”

Sara Lima at COMICVINE published a piece on how DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 has made iconic leading lady Lois Lane into a powerful, self-sufficient, successful and integral female character. “This Lois finally gets to be the boss. She's smart, sassy, and has no problem standing up to the man who promoted her to Vice President,” wrote Lima. “She's certainly stronger, more interesting and has a lot more depth.”

Finally, as gamers everywhere already know, BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, the long-awaited sequel to the blockbuster game, BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM, hits stores in less than two weeks. G4 ran the first two of three segments showcasing the villains that The Dark Knight will be facing this time around. Watch the videos to catch a glimpse at how characters like Two-Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Talla al Ghul, Riddler, Catwoman, and of course, Joker, will look in the new game. And remember to pick up BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY, available for PS3, XBOX 360 and PC, on October 18th.

To be continued …

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