Dan DiDio | DC Comics

Your BATMAN solicits for November

It’s that time again folks – your chance to peek into the future of the Dark Knight. A future which is pretty bright, actually. What’s in store? Well, we’ve given you a sense of it over the last few weeks: BATMAN INC., THE DARK KNIGHT, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATWOMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS will be launching or sporting new creative teams this month. Click below for the specifics and a ton of new art.

BATMAN, INC. #1

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:200 Sketch variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can’t-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don’t miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH

Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATWOMAN #0

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III and AMY REEDER with RICHARD FRIEND

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER

“I suspect that Batwoman is socialite Kate Kane. I intend to prove it beyond a shadow. I need to know if she can be trusted, what her motivations are. I’m going undercover.” – Batman: Mission Log Entry 2756

Featuring a unique story composition that combines the art of Eisner Award-winner J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS, PROMETHEA) and Amy Reeder (MADAME XANADU), this special #0 issue acts as a new introduction into the life of Batwoman! Things pick up roughly where the BATWOMAN: ELEGY HC left off, and this issue acts as a primer for the upcoming new series featuring multiple award-winning creators!

Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN #704

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Welcome back Tony Daniel as regular writer/artist on BATMAN!

When an aging but wealthy technology developer comes to Gotham with his beautiful daughter, it turns out he’s in search of a joint project with WayneTech. DNA tracking is the name of his game, and there are others interested in his proposal. But when the developer goes missing, Batman finds that his tracks stop in the city’s violent Chinatown neighborhood, where a new deadly Triad gang has taken root. Guest-starring I-Ching!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #871

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by JOCK

Co-feature art by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Up-and-coming writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and acclaimed artist Jock (THE LOSERS) make their debut as the new ONGOING creative team of DETECTIVE COMICS!

In “The Black Mirror” part 1 of 3, a series of brutal murders pushes Batman’s detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.

Plus, in the start of a COMMISSIONER GORDON second feature also written by Scott Snyder, when a figure from the past returns to Gotham, Jim Gordon must face some of his darkest demons. Featuring art by Francesco Francavilla (GARRISON).

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN & ROBIN #17

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

From the pages of the best-selling BRIGHTEST DAY and GREEN LANTERN CORPS comes the new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason! Kicking off the action is “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 1 of 3, as Bruce Wayne returns from the dead, and Gotham City finds itself locked in the grip of chaos! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne come face-to-face with what could possibly be the strangest Bat Villain yet. Who is the White Knight, and why is he hell-bent on making Gotham City into Heaven on Earth?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

KNIGHT & SQUIRE #2

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHAEL LACOMBE

In this second issue, our trusty heroes venture into rural England – or as they know it, home. But when someone starts using dangerous dark magic, they spring into action only to face a surprising and unassuming enemy. Can they take down a powerful magical enemy and still make it home for supper?

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 2 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

BATMAN/CATWOMAN: FOLLOW THE MONEY #1

Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN

Art and cover by HOWARD CHAYKIN

The Cavalier – that’s the Z-lister with the swords, right? So how’d he manage to frame Catwoman for a run of burglaries? And how on Earth did he manage the more spectacular crime of cleaning out the Wayne Enterprises pension fund and framing Bruce Wayne for the deed? However impressive he may appear to be, The Cavalier will quickly learn that frame-ups like that cut both ways, as both Batman and Catwoman begin tracking the Gotham City villain in this stand-alone one-shot from comics legend Howard Chaykin!

ONE-SHOT • On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

BATMAN: ODYSSEY #5

Written by NEAL ADAMS

Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

1:25 Black and white variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

Batman knows his Odyssey must happen soon before he loses himself, but Deadman invades The Dark Knight’s world and only sees the inevitable crash and burn of his old friend. Should Deadman add to Batman’s “crash” – or hold off and give the Caped Crusader a few last moments of relative peace? This is Deadman we’re talking about – of course he’s going to step in!

Oh, and there’s one more thorn in Batman’s side – in this issue, The Joker arrives!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 5 of 13 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #17

Written by PAUL DINI

Co-feature written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Co-feature art by TBD

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

With Bruce Wayne soon to return to Gotham City, the secret past lives of his parents Thomas and Martha have come back to haunt the family legacy! What bizarre experience in their past is connected to the horrible plan that Tommy Elliot has set in motion? Find out here in part 2 of the 5-part sequel to the best-selling “Heart of Hush”!

Plus, don’t miss the start of a new Ragman co- feature, written by Fabian Nicieza (RED ROBIN)! This 5-part story finds Rory Regan starting a new job at the city morgue as his tenement neighborhood is threatened by the Mayor’s “renewal plan” and Firefly, an arsonist who might be on the city payroll!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #17

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Catwoman’s been kidnapped, and now Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn must team up with Talia al Ghul and Zatanna to free her before she gives up her most valuable secret – a secret that will force Talia to desperate measures!

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATGIRL #15

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s a new year and a new look for Batgirl as superstar artist Dustin Nguyen (DETECTIVE COMICS) joins the creative team! The unsinkable Stephanie Brown’s second semester at Gotham U. starts like any other – new classes, new allies, a vigilante stalker – everything a gal could want! But what Gotham City’s Batgirl isn’t prepared for is the arrival of the mysterious “Order of the Scythe.” Who are they, and why have they set their sights on her? “The Lesson” begins here!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BIRDS OF PREY #6

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ALVIN LEE

Cover by ALINA URUSOV

Dinah Lance struggles to clear herself of murder charges, leaving Huntress and Lady Blackhawk in Thailand to face the invincible Shiva without the aid of the Black Canary! And a major moment occurs in the lives of Hawk and Dove!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

AZRAEL #14

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Azrael returns to Gotham City! Now he must decide whether to continue his mission alone or accept the mysterious invitation to join the ranks of Batman, Inc.!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

OUTSIDERS #34

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by KEITH GIFFEN

Cover by PHILIP TAN

Geo-Force goes on the offensive and leads Markovia’s army into battle, only to come face-to-face with the male Amazon known as The Olympian. Meanwhile, after narrowly escaping death at the hands of Simon Stagg, secrets are revealed as Freight Train leads Metamorpho and Owlman across the northern border into Canada in search of their missing teammate, Black Lightning.

On sale NOVEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN BEYOND #6

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Hush is about to take care of Batman’s Super-Villain problem forever – so why is Terry risking everything to stop him? Maybe it’s the “scorched Earth” plan Hush hopes to unleash to complete his mission! It’s the earthshaking conclusion to our first trip back to Neo-Gotham – better hope it’s not the last!

On sale NOVEMBER 17 • 6 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #6

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art by JEREMY HAUN

Cover by BILLY TUCCI

In this series finale, Jason Todd takes his final steps to becoming the Red Hood, and his last lessons are about to be learned. Confronting Talia al Ghul and meeting a new player who’s calling himself Hush are the tip of the iceberg as Jason readies himself to confront the one who “made this all possible” – The Joker. Witness the end of the beginning right here!

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 6 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED ROBIN #17

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

How does the return of Bruce Wayne and the beginning of Batman, Inc. work into Red Robin’s plan to initiate an international stranglehold on crime? If Batman approves of everything Red Robin has set in motion, what will he do when his protégé decides to release the gang-leader-and-maybe-undercover-cop Lynx from prison? And guess which surprise guest star you’ll see when Red Robin takes a quick trip to Hong Kong!

On sale NOVEMBER 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #50

Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM

Art by JERRY BINGHAM with MARK FARMER

Cover by JERRY BINGHAM

Presenting an extra-sized issue featuring the return of artist Jerry Bingham (BATMAN: SON OF THE DEMON) to The Dark Knight’s world for the first time in more than 20 years!

In “Super-Powers” part 1 of 5, we flash back to an adventure starring a younger, more maverick Batman as he faces a foe who had once tangled with the Justice League of America in the Orient!

As an added bonus, you’ll also get a lost tale of the JLA featuring their first encounter with a villain from afar – the very same creature Batman tangles with in “Super-Powers”! You dare not miss: “The Case of the Vampire from Outer Space”!

On sale NOVEMBER 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

SDCC 2010 – in photos

And you thought we were done with SDCC 2010 posts! Well, far from it. While at the show, we managed to snag a number of pictures – of fans, creators and other assorted highlights from the show. So, scroll below for a visual recap of the event, courtesy of my cellphone camera and others. Click below to begin.

The con floor, before the flood of fans. It will never be this quiet again.

Who lifted the White Lantern power battery? From the DC DIRECT booth.

Our very own Dan DiDio MC’s the Thursday DC NATION panel.

Kevin Smith makes a surprise appearance at the BATMAN: WIDENING GYRE panel. Batman Group Editor Mike Marts looks on.

Smith signs at the DC booth.

Ian Sattler looks on during the Grant Morrison spotlight panel.

Geoff Johns and Grant Morrison wait for Dan to call them up to the stage.

Wonder Woman writer J. Michael Straczynski with Wonder Woman (sporting her new duds!) and a blurry Darkseid.

A few shots from the How to Draw Batman panel, which was a real treat for fans, as they got to see Jim Lee, David Finch and Dustin Nguyen take turns sketching the Dark Knight on a projector. Very cool look at the artistic process.

Jim polishes off a sketch for a fan after the How to Draw panel.

Grant Morrison signing at the DC booth.

Hey, Identity Crisis writer Brad Meltzer stops by to say hi to Grant as he signs!

A Catman doll made especially for Gail Simone. This photo was taken during a rare lunch break!

ACTION COMICS writer Paul Cornell poses with a fan dressed up as Vertigo’s Death, who’ll be appearing in ACTION COMICS #894. Hat tip to GRAPHIC CONTENT’s Pamela Mullin for the photo.

A few shots from the dramatic reading of WONDER WOMAN #601, which took place at the JMS Spotlight panel, and featured pages from the issue being projected onto a screen as actors read the dialogue.

Dan and Jim close out the show with the DC Town Hall Meeting panel on Sunday.

Tags:

Batman, brad meltzer, Dan DiDio, david finch, dustin nguyen, Geoff Johns, grant morrison, ian sattler, j. michael straczynski, jim lee, sdcc 2010, Superman, wonder woman

‘THE GREAT DIVIDE’ continues in OUTSIDERS #31

Separated by two continents and personal differences, the two Outsiders teams are pushed to their limits. Black Lightning, Owl Man and newest member Freight Train take on the combined might of Chemomorpho while Geo-Force and his army invade a neighboring country – only to come face-to-face with that country's defender, The Olympian.

OUTSIDERS #31 hits today.

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Tags:

Dan DiDio, outsiders, philip tan

SDCC 2010: DC TOWN MEETING

It’s Sunday at Comic-Con and we’re in the final lap of what’s been an epic, fun and unforgettable show. So slide into a chair and get comfy, as DC Comics Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee get the ball rolling on what promises to be a relaxing Sunday conversation. Got a burning question? Now’s your chance to ask Dan and Jim.

Tags:

Dan DiDio, jim lee, sdcc 2010

SDCC 2010: DC NATION CONVENTION KICKOFF

It’s not San Diego without a DC NATION panel, and we’ve got a doozy to kick things off. We checked in with DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio for the lowdown on what fans can expect:

“The fun of San Diego Comic-Con begins tonight with the DC NATION CONVENTION KICK OFF PANEL. Join Jim Lee and myself as we talk some Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and much, much more. Who’ll be on it? What surprises are in store? Well, you know the rules — what’s said in DC NATION stays there, so make a point to get the show off to a good start. See you there.”

The DC NATION CONVENTION KICKOFF starts now in room 6DE.

Tags:

Dan DiDio, dc nation, sdcc 2010

Want to meet Dan DiDio? Now you can, thanks to the HERO INITIATIVE

Our very own Dan DiDio will be doing a very limited meet-and-greet with a few lucky fans at San Diego Comic-Con next week, at the Hero Initiative’s very own hotel suite. Got a burning question about DC Comics you want to toss at Dan? This is your chance.

There are only five slots available, though, so you’ll have to act fast. Each of the winners will be escorted to the suite by Hero Initiative personnel, where they’ll then get to chat with Dan. You even get snacks and beverages – it’s your own personal DC NATION!

Please note that this admittance is for ONE person ONLY! You may see multiple auctions, and they are all for the same event.

More details below, courtesy of The Hero Initiative:

WHO: Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher of DC Comics

WHAT: A chance to meet and talk with Dan. (Limited to five people.)

WHY: To support the Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated to helping comic book creators in need.

WHERE: The appearance will take place in conjunction with Comic-Con International in San Diego. You must be present at the convention and report to the Hero Initiative booth (#5003) if you’re a winner.

WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 22 at 3:00 p.m.

IF YOU WIN…

• Please come to the Hero Initiative booth (#5003) at Comic-Con International in San Diego promptly at 2:30 p.m. Bring your photo ID to claim your berth. You will be escorted to the suite by Hero Initiative!

FAQ:

Q: Whoo-wee! How much ya think I can scalp my ticket for?

A: Big donut. Winner’s names will be recorded, and they must be redeemed by the winner. Berths are non-transferable, and any tickets transferred are immediately null and void, and will not be honored. Fairly warned be thee.

Q: Is this tax deductible?

A: Yes, to the extent allowed by law. The Hero Initiative is a nonprofit organization recognized by the federal government under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.

Q: Okay, what’s that mean?

A: We cannot legally give tax advice. According to IRS regulations, we cannot determine the value of this donation. That is between you and your accountant. According to the IRS, the amount of deduction is based on the price that a "willing buyer" will pay for your item. We will happily issue a donation receipt, and will specify when your donation was made and what was paid.

This auction is a benefit for The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and entrée back into paying work.

For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call (626) 676-6354.

Tags:

Dan DiDio, hero initiative

J. Michael Straczynski on SUPERMAN #700 and beyond

For me, Superman was, is and shall forever be America's hero. Yes, his mandate is to protect the people of the world, he doesn't take sides, he's not overtly political...but like jazz and comic books themselves, he is inexorably tied to our culture and way of life. He stands for all the things we like to believe we stand for, especially when standing is the most difficult, when it would be simpler and easier to turn away.

While there is always a place for vast, sprawling, interstellar stories about distant worlds and other civilizations, the farther Superman travels from America, from Earth, from us, the more he begins to lose focus. In issue 700, he is reminded -- starkly and plainly -- that his long absence from Earth has caused pain and distress, that he has not been here when we needed him, because he was out there somewhere.

So when DC's Dan DiDio approached me about re-invigorating Superman, my first thought was, take him back to his roots. Bring him back to the soil that nourished him, literally and figuratively. "Pin him to the Earth," I said. Let him set out on a journey across America, on foot, so that we can see ourselves in his eyes and he can see himself in ours, and gain a better understanding on both sides as to who we are, who he is, and where we're going. It's not so much that he has lost touch, it's that he needs to re-engage. From time to time, many married couples renew their vows. In some ways, this is a more important ceremony than the first one, because now time has passed, and all the flaws and failures and weaknesses on each sides have been revealed to the other, and there are no illusions about what the relationship might be. They know what is, and with that knowledge they create a new and deeper covenant that looks down the road to where they are going, and why, and what their hopes are for the day that they finally arrive, together.

In Superman, that road is made manifest as he travels through the streets and alleys, cities and towns of America. To further bring Superman into the heart of the country, we will invite fans and readers and average follks across the country to invite Superman to visit their towns and cities on his travels, visits that will be realized in the pages of Superman. (DC will have more information about this elsewhere.)

It should be mentioned that this journey is not intended as a blind paean: as he moves across rich areas and poor ones, though the midwest and the rust belt, through cities on the rise and those on the downward slide, we will be honest in what we show: there will be casual cruelties and drive-by selfishness, as well as problems and difficulties that even he can't solve. Powerful as he is, he cannot defeat poverty, or inequity, or our blind, headlong drive toward self-destruction. But alongside those faults we will feature the charity, the decency, the compassion and the stubborn, noble courage of the human race, and rediscover why he has come to represent the best of us while never shrinking from the worst of us.

When Siegel and Shuster first created Superman, he was the ally of those who had no allies, no recourse, no chance and no hope. In those early issues of Action Comics and Superman, he fought against arsonists, extortionists, saboteurs, spies, war criminals, the violent, the pathological, against anyo9ne who preyed upon those without the benefit of well-paid guardians or low friends in high places. He was the avenger of the average guy, and it is our intention in "Grounded" to re-engage with Superman on that level and return him to his roots.

Along the way, he will also encounter threats and menaces and dangers that are far from average -- one never knows who, or what, has taken residence in the shadowed corners of abandoned factories, foreclosed homes or towns that don't seem to appear on any map -- but we will not lose sight of our mandate: to re-engage, reconsider, and re-examine.

For twelve issues, he will walk the streets among us, sharing our joys, our failures, our rages and our hopes as seen from the ground up, not from the distant sky down. At the end of "Grounded," we hope that we will have helped to draft a newly-minted covenant between Superman and those he has sworn to protect.

And if you'd like to walk that long road beside us, we'd more than welcome the company....

J. Michael Straczynski

Tags:

Dan DiDio, eddy barrows, grounded, j. michael straczynski, Superman, superman #700

A look at BATMAN in September

September marks the conclusion of BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE — but what does that mean for the Dark Knight? We’re not telling, but click below for a few clues.

BATMAN #703

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

1:10 “DC 75th Anniversary” Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

Celebrating the “Return of Bruce Wayne”! Those closest to The Dark Knight look back on the legacy he has created. Featuring appearances by Alfred, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Selina Kyle and more!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN: ODYSSEY #3

Written by NEAL ADAMS

Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

1:25 Sketch variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

Batman legend Neal Adams returns to The Dark Knight! In the third chapter of Adams’s epic Batman tale, Bruce Wayne and Alfred strategize the next steps on The Dark Knight’s odyssey…but appearances by both The Riddler and Talia al Ghul might spoil their plans!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 3 of 6 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

DETECTIVE COMICS #869

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by SCOTT MCDANIEL & ANDY OWENS

Cover by PETER NGUYEN

“Impostors” continues here! Madness and mayhem face off against law and order for control of Gotham City, and not even the Batman is safe! With The Joker Impostor leading the charge of chaos and filling the streets of Gotham with his army of Jokerz, the ranks of the Batman Impostor’s army grow thanks to regular citizens choosing sides and taking up arms. But what is Impostor Joker’s ultimate goal – and what does it have to do with the real Dark Knight and Clown Prince of Crime?

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #16

Written by PAUL DINI

Co-feature written by IVAN BRANDON

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Co-feature art by RAMON BACHS & JOHN LUCAS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

With Bruce Wayne soon to return to Gotham City, the secret past lives of his parents, Thomas and Martha, have come back to haunt the family legacy in chapter three of this 6-part sequel to “Heart of Hush”! What bizarre experience in their past is connected to a horrible plan that Tommy Elliot has set in motion?

And in the co-feature, Two-Face’s desperate grab at power continues as he and his gang hold an entire subway train hostage! But how could he possibly escape capture with the FBI waiting for him at the next stop?

On sale SEPTEMBER 22 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #6

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by LEE GARBETT & WALDEN WONG

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:25 variant cover by LEE GARBETT

Grant Morrison and BATGIRL artist Lee Garbett deliver the final chapter of this time-spanning epic! With Bruce Wayne just steps away from returning to present day Gotham City, the timestream might have a few more surprises in store for The Dark Knight! Do not miss this issue, as it paves the way for the shocking future era of Batman!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 6 of 6 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

BATMAN AND ROBIN #16

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by CAMERON STEWART

Cover by FRANK QUITELY

1:25 variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

Don’t miss this fantastic finale as BATMAN AND ROBIN’s storyline connects with THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE! The climactic showdown between Batman and the Black Glove is finally here. It’s payback time for The Dark Knight as Batman and Robin face the ultimate evil. Will Damian betray his father’s legacy? Will Bruce Wayne return just in time to see Dick Grayson die? Plus, The Joker and Professor Pyg!

This is only the beginning of a startling new status quo for the Batman…

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #4

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art by JEREMY HAUN

Cover by BILLY TUCCI

Jason Todd’s journey has taken him all over the world in search of those who can help him train for his revenge on Batman. But something has begun to change inside him, and the blood and destruction he leaves in his wake is becoming far too risky. Now, he finds himself in London, learning at the feet of an expert bomber. But when Jason learns that the pyrotechnic genius is planning “something big” for the city, it may be something Jason’s better nature won’t tolerate...

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC

$2.99 US

BATMAN BEYOND #4

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN and JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

This is it! The mystery killer is unmasked! The secret of the new Catwoman is revealed! Gotham City is under siege! Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne are at odds! And Batman is torn between duty, doubt, and a vengeance-crazed super-villain!

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

AZRAEL #12

Written by DAVID HINE

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

In “The Killer of Saints” part 3 of 4, truth and faith come into conflict when Azrael risks everything to save the life of the keeper of the True Shroud. If he fails, the secret of the shroud will be lost forever. If he succeeds, he must face the fact that everything he ever believed in is a lie.

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #16

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Secrets involving the “Return of Bruce Wayne” affect all three Sirens and set the girls against each other in a brutal display of their villainous roots! Guest-starring Zatanna and Talia al Ghul.

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

RED ROBIN #16

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

The new Anarky has his own version of Red Robin’s Hit List! Ulysses Armstrong has made a record of Gotham City teens who could be Red Robin – and he’s murdering them one by one. With an incapacitated Tim Drake crossed off his list, can Red Robin stop Anarky before the villain attacks his next target? And with the deaths of innocents weighing on his conscience, how far will Red Robin go to cross Anarky off his own Hit List?

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATGIRL #14

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by LEE GARBETT & TREVOR SCOTT

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

It’s terror in the third dimension starring Batgirl, Supergirl and Dracula…and Dracula, and Dracula! When Supergirl decides to get away from it all and visit Stephanie Brown on the campus of Gotham City University, a quiet, relaxing weekend turns into a monster movie mash-up! After a science experiment goes horribly wrong, 24 black-and-white Draculas are brought to life, and Batgirl and Supergirl are forced to become vampire hunters in order to stop an army of the celluloid undead!

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

OUTSIDERS #33

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art and cover by PHILIP TAN & JONATHAN GLAPION

The mystery of the vault is revealed as the horror of Geode is set loose on the streets of Markovia. And while the country prepares for war, Geo-Force must choose between protecting his armies from the might of The Olympian or re-uniting with a lost love.

Plus, discover why Simon Stagg is doing all those horrible things to Black Lightning...

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #48

Written by KEVIN VANHOOK

Art and cover by TOM MANDRAKE

It’s Batman and Superman vs. the undead! The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel join forces with a vampire and a werewolf to stop the nefarious Professor Combs from unleashing a vile Voodoo spell upon the world. But will even the combined might of the World’s Finest be enough to stop the powers of Hell? Be here to find out!

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Close out the week with another open thread: Favorite DC storyline?

Did you think we’d stop at just one?

We liked the idea of polling creators on their favorite covers so much – and based on their response, they liked it, too – we decided to expand the question a bit: What’s your favorite DC Comics storyline of all time?

So, Source readers, let your wheels start turning. What’s that one issue, storyline, etc. that stands above and beyond the others as your favorite DC Comics storyline? I know what mine is. Share yours in the comments below.

And click below to see what Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and some of the biggest names in the comic book industry. have to say. And if that’s not enough, swing by GRAPHIC CONTENT and THE BLEED for another round.

Have a great weekend.

DAN DIDIO, DC Comics Co-Publisher

My favorite storyline -- from my time here -- has to be INFINITE CRISIS. Knowing the effort the team here put into the series and how tightly executed the story was from beginning to end, its everything I hoped it would be and just great comic book story telling.

DAVID FINCH, BRIGHTEST DAY cover artist

My favorite DC comics storyline is LOBO: THE LAST CZARNIAN, by Kieth Giffen, Alan Grant and Simon Bisley. I think I've read this book aout 500 million times now, and it always has something new that cracks me up. It's ideal reading for teenagers and misfits with deep set anger management issues.

STERLING GATES, SUPERGIRL writer, SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN co-writer

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #’s 171 and 172

“The Murderer Among Us: Crisis Above Earth-One” and “I Accuse…”

I fell in love with “The World’s Greatest Superheroes” as a result of this classic 1970’s Gerry Conway/Dick Dillin JLofA two-parter.

“Mr. Terrific was strangled,” Superman says. “And since the Flashes proved that no one else is onboard but the JLA and the JSA, that leaves us with only one conclusion…one of US is a murderer.”

And that’s just the end to part one! What a great cliffhanger!

My father gave me #171 as we were getting in the car to leave for a family vacation one summer, and for the rest of the trip I was dying to know what happened in issue #172. I sat in the back of my dad’s car, pouring sweat in the Texas heat, trying to figure out whom amongst the heroes could possibly be the killer. It had to be one of the Justice Society, right? I mean, they wouldn’t make any of the Justice Leaguers killers, would they? Would they?!

Unfortunately, back issues weren’t easy to come by at that point (pre-eBay, mind you), so it was a couple years before I found out just who murdered poor Terry Sloane.

When I did find out?

Did not see it coming. At all.

(And no, I’m not gonna spoil it for you here.)

JUDD WINICK, JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST co-writer

My favorite story line is not a story line, it's 2 issues. DC COMICS PRESENT: SUPERMAN #13 and 14. It's INSANE in it's concept, BUT incredibly emotional. An adult Pete Ross' son is kidnapped by aliens. Pete FINALLY tells Clark that he KNOWS he's Superman ( Clark NEVER knew!), and Pete begs Supes to save his son. BUT Superman "fails" to save Pete's boy. Pete, distraught, takes revenge by--dig this--pulling Superboy out the past, swamping minds with Superboy, and then goes off AS Superboy and puts a beating on Superman. Who saves the day? Krypto.

It was wonderfully insane, BUT hits so many emotional beats that even as a 9 year old, I was deeply moved. I haven't read it 30 years, but it has always stayed with me.

BRIAN AZZARELLO, FIRST WAVE writer

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21- "The Anatomy Lesson". Alan Moore's second Swamp Thing issue literally blew up- or should I say "grew up" comics. Reading it is one of the "I remember where I was when I" moments in my life.

JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JONAH HEX co-writer

My favorite batman storyline ever is BATMAN : YEAR ONE. it features both frank miller and dave mazzucchelli at their peak. this is the book i have read and re-read so many times i have two copies and both are worn out. its the best batman story ever told and as far as art goes, its the textbook in teaching new artists how to tell a story.

DUSTIN NGUYEN, BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM artist

Besides the classic BATMAN: YEAR ONE and such, i did like the NO MAN'S LAND crossover event a lot. Gotham was always a bit more on the realistic side of cities within comics, and a natural disaster like an earthquake was just a fitting way to shake up events for the Batman Universe. Honestly though, i'd have blown out both of Joker's knee caps."

FRANCO, TINY TITANS writer/artist

The storyline that sticks out in my head? So many that I love!!!!! As I'm thinking, the first one that pops into my head is the new JUSTICE LEAGUE series by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis! It didn't have any of the big guns in it except for Batman but it was soooo good! It was funny too ( I'm a humor guy as if you couldn't tell) but the best part and why it sticks out in my mind? Batman takes down Green Lantern with just one punch!

JT KRUL, GREEN ARROW writer

Probably going to be on many people's list, but I have to go with THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. Just an incredible game-changing story. It redefined not only Batman but essentially comics in general in terms of what they could be - and it's impact is still apparent to this day. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Tags:

batman: no man's land, batman: the dark knight returns, batman: year one, brian azzarello, Dan DiDio, dc comics presents, dustin nguyen, infinite crisis, j.t. krul, jimmy palmiotti, judd winick, justice league international, justice league of america, sterling gates, the saga of the swamp thing

OPEN THREAD: What’s YOUR favorite DC Comics cover…ever?

It’s been a celebratory week here at The Source, what with our string of lovely 75th anniversary variants, the TASCHEN news and the first look at DCU: LEGACIES #1.

But we’re not done. As we continue to celebrate DC’s 75th anniversary, we thought it’d be a great time to look back at the company’s illustrious history and see what you, the fans had to say. But this isn’t your usual open thread, folks.

Let’s talk covers. To say that the cover image is important would be a huge understatement. It's what draws you in. Everyone remembers their first cover. Everyone has a favorite. That one image that just screams “Comics!” and takes us back to a simpler time where our biggest concern was how many copies of a certain title we’d be able to lug home from the shop that day. I can think of a few that stand out for me in an instant. So, Source readers, here’s the question: What’s your favorite DC Comics cover? Why?

But that’s not what makes this open thread special. Not only do we want to hear what your favorite cover is, we’ve got comments from some of the biggest names at DC.

Curious to hear what they’ve got to say? Click below, and don’t forget to check Vertigo’s GRAPHIC CONTENT and WildStorm’s THE BLEED for even more creators chiming in.

DAN DIDIO, DC Comics Co-Publisher

I stuck to books that came out during my tenure. As far as covers go, THE FLASH #207 by Michael Turner. The Flash has never looked so fast standing still.

DAVID FINCH, BRIGHTEST DAY cover artist

My favorite DC cover is by Alex Ross, and it's for BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE. It's got Bruce standing with his back to the viewer and he's running his hand over the scars that crisscross his whole back. It just captures everything that Batman is about for me. He's not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and he's willing to sacrifice his own body and mind to the cause.

BRIAN AZZARELLO, FIRST WAVE writer

OUR FIGHTING FORCES #150. Joe Kubert's covers told stories that were sometimes better than the one's in the books.

JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JONAH HEX co-writer

My favorite comic cover has to be JONAH HEX #27 by Jordi Bernet. There is so much storytelling packed into this single image as well as

brilliant composition by one of Europe's greatest illustrators. Jordi is and will always be one of my favorite artists.

JT KRUL, GREEN ARROW writer

Tough call. I could easily rattle off a bunch of the obvious ones: Killing Joke, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Watchmen, etc. But one that always stuck with me was Denys Cowan's cover for THE QUESTION #34. It was the first Question comic I bought (don't ask me how the book managed to elude me until then). There's a such a haunting quality to the man without a face, but it's the masses behind him that really help set the mood. That cover, not to mention all the Question covers drove me to spend money I didn't have in college on back issues to fill my run. Each week, I'd tell myself I'm only going to get one or two, but I always walked out the door of my LCS with five or six. But who needed food, when you had great comics, right?

STERLING GATES, SUPERGIRL writer, SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN co-writer

TEEN TITANS #14. How can you look at this great Nick Cardy cover and NOT want to read this issue?

Not only have the other Teen Titans DIED, their ghosts are haunting Robin!

I always wondered if they were encouraging him to quit being a superhero, or quit life and join them six feet under. The dead can be a selfish lot, so I have no trouble imagining them trying to get Robin to come on down…

LEE BERMEJO, JOKER, LUTHOR artist

Gotta say my favorite DC cover has got to be Bill Sienkiewicz's cover to THE SHADOW #1. Just a beautiful, graphic image that is aggressive as well as elegant, modern and timeless simultaneously. Those two Uzi's unloading in your face blew my young mind and made me an instant fan of both the character and Sienkiewicz's genius. The key was in that squinted eye, though. I think it was the first time I felt like a participant as opposed to reader.

DUSTIN NGUYEN, BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM artist

Mignola's cover to BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #54 pretty much sums up everything i love about the look of Batman. Bold simple colors, plenty of drama in an otherwise static pose, and the eyes- perfectly positioned inside the silhouette of a horned cowl. And it's RED, i like red."

FRANCO, TINY TITANS writer/artist

That's an easy one! My favorite cover has always been the NEW TEEN TITANS #13!! I saw this thing and it knocked me on the floor! I knew the Titans were going to be in trouble when somebody kicked Robot Man's tin can and hung him out to dry in the middle of the Amazon forest!!! There was just so much detail here and I remember pulling it off the rack and just staring at it for a while and the guy behind the counter yelled at me and asked if I was gonna buy it or just stare at it all day. I did both! It was the first series that compelled me to go find all the back issues. Mr. Perez is the master!

ART BALTAZAR, TINY TITANS writer/artist

SUPERMAN #337. AW YEAH! WHAT? Superman quits? NEVER!

Awesome cover! The colors rock! Awesome Bad Guys too! First time I ever saw Metallo! This cover has mystery, Drama, conflict and adventure! I love how happy the bad guys are to finally defeat the Man of Steel! The Super Friends cartoon was on TV at this time, so it was cool to see Brainiac and Bizarro. PLUS! All those Bad Guys together is what we want to see!

JUDD WINICK, JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST co-writer, POWER GIRL writer

My favorite cover is ACTION COMICS #500. "The Life Story Of Superman". It's my favorite DC comic. It told the entire story Superman. It was like getting 10 pounds of Ice Cream. The cover SCREAMED to me--THIS IS SPECIAL! and it was and it is.

YILDIRAY CINAR, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES artist

The cover I picked up is BATMAN #366 by Walt Simonson. The cover speaks for itself. The layout, composition, lightning...One of my favorite covers in my entire collection since my childhood.