Grant Morrison and David Finch team up to bring Bruce Wayne back in style

In addition to being a comic fan, I’m also a sports and music nerd. And like any fan, my imagination tends to wander. What if singer X played with guitarist Z? What if QB so-and-so had WR what’s-his-name to throw to? Would they have made one great, epic album? Would they have won the Super Bowl? The same kind of logic applies to comics. What if this writer worked with that artist on character X for an issue?

Well, I can check one of those fantasy team-ups off my list. This week, writer Grant Morrison -- who has masterminded the adventures of Batman to unforeseen heights over the last few years -- joins forces with superstar artist David Finch for BATMAN: THE RETURN.

The one-shot issue leads into Morrison’s ongoing BATMAN INCORPORATED series and gives fans a quick taste of what Finch has in store when he launches his own Batman title – December’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT – as an artist and writer. But it’s so much more than that.

In classic Morrison fashion, we’re presented with a collection of tantalizing clues, a mysterious new villain and the comfortable and flowing characterization that makes it seem much too easy. All expertly illustrated by one of the modern masters in Finch.

This is the first chapter of the next stage of the Batman books – a new status quo, a future in peril and your favorite characters presented through the mind-blowing imaginations of Grant Morrison and David Finch. Is more convincing needed?

Probably not. But here’s a first look anyway. BATMAN: THE RETURN hits tomorrow.

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What is the “AQUAWAR”?

Before we roll into the full list of BRIGHTEST DAY solicits, we thought this merited a mention. Heck, the name alone gave us pause. “Aquawar”? As BRIGHTEST DAY barrels toward its grand finale, things heat up for one of the main protagonists and his supporting cast — it’s too early to get into details, but how about a look at the cover to February’s BRIGHTEST DAY #19 and the other key BRIGHTEST DAY titles and a few more clues below?

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BRIGHTEST DAY #19-20

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI

Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS

The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered as this best-selling series heads toward its shocking conclusion, and fans won’t want to miss a single page of the action! “Aquawar” breaks out with Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad and a surprise guest star facing off against the terrorist forces of Black Manta and Siren to keep the vast waters of the world from sinking the United States!

Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

Issue #19 on sale FEBRUARY 2

Issue #20 on sale FEBRUARY 16

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #19-20

Written by JUDD WINICK

Issue #19 art by JOE BENNETT

Issue #20 art by AARON LOPRESTI

Covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN

1:10 Variant covers by KEVIN MAGUIRE

DC’s biweekly JUSTICE LEAGUE event continues!

In issue #19, Justice League International is finally joined by Power Girl! But even with their combined strength, will they be able to track Maxwell Lord down in time to save Blue Beetle?

In issue #20, all of the pieces are finally in place, and Max Lord’s ultimate plan finally reveals itself. This is a special can’t-miss issue featuring Max Lord’s origin and the reason he’s made it his life’s work to snuff out metahumans, aliens and the entire Super Hero community.

Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

Issue #19 on sale FEBRUARY 9

Issue #20 on sale FEBRUARY 23

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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GREEN LANTERN CORPS #57

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art and cover by TYLER KIRKHAM & BATT

1:10 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON & SANDRA HOPE

BRIGHTEST DAY lights up the battlefield this issue as Firestorm guest stars! The Green Lantern Corps is caught in the middle of all out war between Sinestro and his fear mongrels, the Sinestro Corps, against the Weaponer and the Thunderers of Qward. Can Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and the rest of the GL Honor Guard prevent the destruction of a world and save Soranik Natu at the same time? Learn why no one in the universe messes with Sinestro and lives to tell the tale in this heart-stopping finale to “The Weaponer”!

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

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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GREEN ARROW #9

Written by J.T. KRUL

Art by DIOGENES NEVES & VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI

1:10 Variant cover by SHANE DAVIS & JONATHAN GLAPION

BRIGHTEST DAY illuminates the dark mysteries of the deep forest as Green Arrow finds himself in the middle of an all-out assault on the woods from above and below! And this time, the attacks are from both friends and deadly foes!

Plus, what strange occurrence has led the hellacious Etrigan the Demon to Star City? More importantly, will his presence burn the forest to the ground?

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

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

GREEN LANTERN #63

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY

1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

In this stunning prologue to the “War of the Green Lanterns,” an unearthly alliance is made, Hal Jordan and Sinestro make a difficult sacrifice, and the power of Parallax grows!

Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS #7

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN & CAM SMITH

Cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI

1:10 Variant cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

In this prelude to the “War of the Green Lanterns,” the battle with Zardor and his Green Lantern Corps reaches its epic conclusion! Hold on to your willpower, because events in this issue spin directly into the coming war!

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

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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THE FLASH #11

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

1:10 Variant cover by SCOTT KOLINS

The road to FLASHPOINT is paved with good intentions, but the Flash is about to learn the truth behind those good intentions — and the secret of Hot Pursuit!

Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

A sneak peek at BATMAN in February

If that stack comics on my desk (which I’ve kindly reposted above) from yesterday wasn’t clue enough, let me be frank: it’s an exciting time for Batman, and for Batman fans, like me. November lit the fuse and things are not slowing down. Come February, we’ve got the launch of J.H. Williams III and co.’s BATWOMAN ongoing, featuring co-writer W. Haden Blackman. The much-loved GREEN LANTERN CORPS creative team of Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason step in as the regular team on BATMAN AND ROBIN and we get to see COMMISSIONER GORDON artist Francisco Francavilla stretch out and handle the art chores for an entire issue of DETECTIVE COMICS, with AMERICAN VAMPIRE creator Scott Snyder. Did you see that cover and layouts we teased earlier this week? Lovely stuff. So, yes. February is a big month for all things Batman. Click below for more clues and details.

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BATWOMAN #1

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

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER

The multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS) and W. Haden Blackman (Star Wars, Force Unleashed) launch the first, chilling arc of the ongoing series fans have been clamoring for! In the 5-part “Hydrology,” Batwoman faces bizarre new challenges in her war against the dark underworld of Gotham and new trials in her personal life as Kate Kane. She quickly finds herself in the deep end facing truths about her past and her future. Who – or what – is stealing children from Gotham’s barrio, and for what twisted purpose? Can she train her cousin Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird) as her new sidekick? How will she handle dark revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? How is she dealing with the supposed drowning of her sister, the villain known as Alice? And why is a certain government agency suddenly taking an interest in her? The road to the answers begins here!

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

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: EUROPA #2

Story by BRIAN AZZARELLO and MATTEO CASALI

Written by MATTEO CASALI

Painted art and cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

1:10 Variant cover by TBD

Forced to work closely with his greatest foe, The Joker, Batman reaches Prague just as the virus he’s been infected with starts to make its deadly effects felt – and the Czech capital will welcome this strange duo in a most unusual way. While the Czech version of Mardi Gras is in full swing, Batman and The Joker search for the mysterious Trojan Horse, a man who knows the secrets of the Colossus virus...but they will find more than they bargained for!

The mystery deepens and the stakes get higher in the second chapter of this miniseries by Brian Azzarello and Matteo Casali, featuring fully painted by Giuseppe Camuncoli.

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

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 2 of 4 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #4

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Superstar writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have sent The Dark Knight on a trip to Japan and Argentina, but now Batman’s taking a brief breather back in his home base of Gotham City for a team-up with Batwoman! And don’t miss the first issue of BATWOMAN’s new monthly series, on sale this month!

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

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #3

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

Trapped with childhood friend Dawn Golden deep beneath Gotham City, Batman’s only hope for escape also happens to be one of his worst enemies! Meanwhile, Etrigan the Demon turns against his masters and confronts a twisted, evil incarnation of Ragman with the help of Alfred. Only Batman knows the secret to defeating the demon possessing Ragman – but The Dark Knight is nowhere to be found!

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

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN #707

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman uncovers the secrets of Gotham City’s founding fathers and the secrets hidden within the city’s foundation. In a captivating turn of events, The Dark Knight finds that he alone holds the key to stopping the cataclysmic events that loom over Gotham. Don’t miss this stunning finale guest-starring I-Ching and Peacock, a spectacular new heroine from the Far East!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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DETECTIVE COMICS #874

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

“There are some cases that come screaming back at you...like phone calls in the night...”

For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious

“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.

But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN & ROBIN #20

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: The contents of this issue were originally solicited for issue #17, but will now appear here. Also, this issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN BEYOND #2

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Terry’s family is being held hostage by a crook who’s boosted technology so powerful, he doesn’t even understand what he has – and the Justice League intends to neutralize the threat with full aggression. But Neo-Gotham is Batman’s town, and Bruce Wayne doesn’t intend to give up one iota of control over the situation! With his loved ones’ lives on the line, which way will Terry turn under the pressure?

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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KNIGHT & SQUIRE #5

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Jarvis Poker, the British Joker, has been receiving death threats. But who would want to hurt such a sweet old villain? The lives of the Knight, the Squire and the Shrike take a turn for the cold and deadly, as fear casts its shadow over London town. Can the Super Heroes of Britain work together to resist the onslaught of gritty realism?

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 5 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #20

Written by PAUL DINI

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

“House of Hush” reaches its penultimate chapter as alliances are betrayed and shocking new secrets are revealed. Aided by Dr. Death and a sinister cabal of gangsters, Hush sets his fatal endgame into motion against Bruce Wayne and the other Bat-Family allies!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BIRDS OF PREY #9

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

The game-changing “Death of Oracle” storyline continues! Black Canary finally confronts her inner demons as the Calculator’s army and creepy new villainess Mortis take their ultimate revenge on Oracle. This massive story reverberates throughout Gotham City – and beyond!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATGIRL #18

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s Valentine’s night, and a mysterious killer literally wants to steal everyone’s hearts. Enter Klarion the Witch-boy, who’s nursing a broken heart of his own. Good luck, Batgirl!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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RED ROBIN #20

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

Red Robin finally combines forces with his former teammates in a 2-issue crossover with TEEN TITANS that kicks off right here! Is there even enough room for Tim Drake and Damian Wayne – the new Robin – on one team? Meanwhile, Catman and the Calculator have their own agendas for this highly anticipated reunion!

Don’t miss the pulse-pounding second part in this month’s TEEN TITANS #92!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

A few links of note: IGN puts the spotlight on BATMAN in November

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Over at IGN, there’s a ton of BATMAN excitement going on. If you missed it, the site announced plans for Paul Cornell and Scott McDaniel to step onto BATMAN AND ROBIN for three issues, gave readers a first look at David Finch’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT and talked to BATMAN writer/artist Tony Daniel and Batman Group Editor Mike Marts.

And there’s more on the way. Hm, seems like November is shaping up to be a big month for the Dark Knight, huh?

What? Too on the nose? Well, I’m not the detective here.

A few variants for Tuesday

It’s that time again. Your weekly dose of lovely variant cover and new regular cover art has arrived. What’s in store? How about BRIGHTEST DAY #13 by David Finch? If that’s not enough, we also have DCU: LEGACIES #7 by Brian Bolland, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #51 by Mark Bagley and ZATANNA #7 by Stephane Roux. Enjoy!

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The characters take center stage in January

This coming January, you’ll notice something unique about the cover treatments for DCU titles hitting that month.

Here, let me show you a few.

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But it’s not just about iconic poses. As you can see, each title gets a unique and yet familiar logo treatment that brings the focus on the characters and stars of their respective books. New year. New beginnings. New focus.

This January will see a handful of one-shots spotlighting some of the key players in the DCU by an A-list assortment of creators, including James Robinson, Eric Wallace, J.T. Krul and more. Here’s the breakdown:

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STARMAN /CONGORILLA #1

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by BRETT BOOTH

Cover by GENE HA

In this tie-in to the “JLA Omega” storyline, the new blue and gold team of Congorilla and Mikaal Tomas work to unlock the secrets behind the toxic Omega Man’s dark energy, which encases Washington D.C. To do this they must embark on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, encountering diverse heroes from the DCU along the way including Animal Man, Sirocco and a certain wonder dog named Rex. And all the while, Mikaal and Congorilla must outrun and outwit a cadre of terrorist assassins from Gorilla City. This is a breakneck chase through the DCU, but with a serious end-goal – saving the lives of their fellow members of the JLA!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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SHAZAM! #1

Script by ERIC WALLACE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by CLIFF CHIANG

Blaze, the current ruler of Hell, has an offer for Mary and Billy Batson that may be too good to pass up! Left powerless, will the two former heroes have the strength to deny the devil? Can Freddy Freeman save them? And how does the Titan Osiris fit into it all? Find out here, in this one-shot special written by Eric Wallace (TITANS) with art by Cliff Richards (THE ROAD HOME: BATMAN & ROBIN #1)!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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STEEL #1

Written by STEVE LYONS

Art by SEAN CHEN

Cover by ALEX GARNER

John Henry Irons is a normal human being who managed to overcome all odds and become a hero who Superman considers a peer and colleague. What kind of determination drives a man to reach such heights? Find out here as a battered and bruised Steel defiantly stands as the only thing between Metallo and the destruction of Metropolis! Doctor Who novelist Steve Lyons and artist Sean Chen (ACTION COMICS, SALVATION RUN) deliver a story that shows why Steel is a true DC Universe icon!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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WONDER GIRL #1

Written by JT KRUL

Art by ADRIANA MELO & MARIAH BENES

Cover by NICOLA SCOTT & DOUG HAZLEWOOD

Spinning out of the pages of TEEN TITANS comes this spotlight on Cassie Sandsmark, the wonderful Wonder Girl! Even though not every moment of Wonder Girl’s life is spent being a Titan, strange adventures still follow her everywhere. In this issue, she’ll cross paths with the odd new hero known as Solstice!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

We checked in with Co-Publisher Dan DiDio for his thoughts on the January theme. Take it away Dan:

“This January, we’re putting the focus squarely on the characters and iconic heroes of the DCU,” said DCU Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “Not only will we tell new stories some of the more-deserving with special one-shots, but we’ll be giving every title in the line a unique treatment that puts the spotlight on the heroes and villains that populate the DC Universe.”

NYCC 2010: A first look at BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1 and BATMAN INCORPORATED #1

Game on, folks. Starting a 1pm today, the doors to the Javits Center in NYC open up and NYCC 2010 will be in full swing. As Ian noted a few days ago, we’ll have an impressive array of talent, panels and giveaways to keep fans attending the show.

But what to do until the show starts?

How about a first look at writer/artist David Finch’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1? We’ve got a preview that’ll knock your socks off, as the kids say. And if that's not enough, we've got some pages from Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette's BATMAN INCORPORATED #1, both hitting in November. Also, if you’re attending the show, you can find the pages printed in the NYCC convention booklet.

Stay tuned to The Source all weekend for updates, panel art and info.

See you at the show!

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DC NATION: New York City!

It's good to have you loyal members of the DC Nation with us during these exciting times. As we get closer to the end of an epic 2010, we are pleased to tell you that 2011 is going to be even more amazing. We are in full gear with plans for your favorite characters, and the list of new ideas is growing every day. It's fitting, then during this period where we are working with you in mind, that we welcome you into our home city for the New York City Comic Con. It's the perfect time and the perfect show for you to come in and see what we're doing on our industry, leading panels, meet your favorite creators and hang out in the DC Comics booth. For us this is like a home playoff game in front of our fans, and we plan on making it one heck of a show for everybody in attendance.

Speaking of everybody in attendance, check out this list of DC talent who will be appearing at the show:

Neal Adams, Art Baltazar, Tony Bedard, Cliff Chiang, Amanda Conner, Darwyn Cooke, Tony Daniel, Shane Davis, Dan DiDio, David Finch, Franco, Keith Giffen, Cully Hamner, Adam Hughes, Jock, Geoff Johns, JT Krul, Andy Kubert, Joe Kubert, Jim Lee, Jeff Lemire, Paul Levitz, Francis Manapul, Dustin Nguyen, Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, James Robinson, Nicola Scott, Gail Simone, Scott Snyder, Nick Spencer, JM Straczynski, Peter Tomasi, Freddie Williams II and many, many more.

That is one serious list of writers and artists. It's pretty obvious that you should be doing everything you can to get to the Javits Center in New York City from October 8th through October 10th. If you can make it, be sure to head directly to the DC Booth (#2243), and if you can't join us please be sure to check out The Source (dcublog.com) for constant updates from the show.

Be seeing you in New York,

Ian Sattler - Senior Story Editor, DCU

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