Batman and Robin Turn Abstract

In an issue full of illusions, twists, and misdirection, Batman and Robin must cling to reality in order to survive. After four murderous psychopaths are released from Le Jardin Noir, the French equivalent to Arkham Asylum, the ensuing chaos is as much of a visual trip as it is a mental one. But who is the ringleader of this insanity and can Batman, Robin and Nightrunner stop him from turning the whole world abstract?

BATMAN AND ROBIN #26 is the final issue of this run on the series. Written by David Hine and featuring art by Greg Tocchini and Andrei Bressan, the issue goes on sale this Wednesday.

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BATMAN solicits for August

Here’s a first look at the BATMAN titles coming out in August:

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN #713

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by JAY FABOK

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!

RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1

Written by VARIOUS

Art by VARIOUS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

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DETECTIVE COMICS #881

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Cover by JOCK

This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN AND ROBIN #26

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by GREG TOCCHINI

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES

Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS

Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY

1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!

And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!

Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3

Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17

4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5

Written by PAUL DINI

Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA

The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.

On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,

$2.99 US • RATED T

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BATGIRL #24

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BATMAN BEYOND #8

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew... and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!

On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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RED ROBIN #26

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life... The time has come for him to return to the grave!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!

On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

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BIRDS OF PREY #15

Written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI

In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them...and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Artist Spotlight: Moritat on THE SPIRIT

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Genre art must follow very specific rules. With noir, the art needs to reflect the dark, ominous tone of the story. Moritat, ongoing artist of THE SPIRIT, has done a superb job of capturing writer David Hine’s mysterious characters and storylines. We caught up with him and touched base on everything from Facebook chat to how he got involved with the series to how he turns scripts into the stunning art in the pages of THE SPIRIT:

On the tools he uses:

Chris Conroy told me that a Japanese brush maker by the name Kimitake Hiraoka makes a pretty good inking brush. He had also told me that several creators were using these brushes and that they were getting really good fan responses. I flew to Japan and sought out Hiraoka sensei. It turned out to be one of those 'wait in front of the temple until you were ready' or were 'pure in mind' scenarios. I'm not into all of that Eastern philosophy stuff. But, there were these cute Japansese girls who were working on their manga waiting and praying out front. So, I hung out with them and creeped in with them … when they were ready.

On how he got involved in the series:

A few years ago, I was catching the train at Broadway Junction to come into the city. Will Eisner walks up and we started talking. He said, “you should come work for me.” I said, “I would love to.” We talked a few times, but then I got drafted and I went off to Vietnam. So, it's a pleasure to finally work with Mr. Eisner.

On how he turns script pages into art:

I print out the script. I place each page around me and meditate on the meaning. I boil down certain words that come to me in my subconscious. When I feel ready, I ride my motorcycle very fast at night until it finally clicks in a cohesive artistic pattern that I am comfortable with. Sometimes I can't find the meaning. I confer with Joey Cavalieri and Dave Hine until I get maybe 90%. It's not a perfect process but I'm getting it to where it works.

On how panels are arranged:

Ladronn arranges most everything. I then convince Rob Leigh to draw for me … while I chat on Facebook.

On the noir genre:

I love the noir genre. It is the field I fancy. The characters are flawed. They carry around some kind of hidden shame. There is something wrong with these people. The environment is barely hanging on. A few steps away from post-apocalyptic hell. The color has been washed away or moved to the suburbs. Gabe Bautista, the colorist on THE SPIRIT, would call me some nights and complain that working on noir was too depressing for him and that he had to quit (he lives in the suburbs). I would spend hours lying to him that it was going to get better.

THE SPIRIT #13 hits stores this Wednesday.

A final post to leave you in the holiday Spirit (pun intended)

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I'd run Mike Ploog artwork on here every day if it were up to me, but the holidays gave me the perfect excuse to post this piece. (This particular splash is from his backup story with Paul Dini in The Spirit #9.)

The DC Comics offices are closed from the 24th through the 31st while we all take a much-needed break, and the Source will be temporarily shutting down for that week. Have no fear, however: The Source will be back in January and we've got a ton of cool stuff planned for you. So, until then, folks...

Happy new year!

Batman, The Question and another Batman team up in BATMAN ANNUAL #28

Batman Annual #28 cover

You know something bad is brewing when you've got not one but TWO Batmans are on the scene and they still have to call on The Question for some mystery-solving assistance. Check out what happens when three of the DC Universe's best detectives must combine their skills to solve a string of murders in Paris.

BATMAN ANNUAL #28 is on sale next Wednesday. (This story is continued from this month's Detective Comics Annual #12.)

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Pardon me while I gush over The Spirit for a moment

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I eagerly anticipate the next issues of Green Lantern, Action, Detective and Brightest Day each month as much as the next guy, but I'll take a few paragraphs here to talk about a book that's quietly snuck its way to the top of my read pile each week it's been released.

For the past nine issues of the series, David Hine and Moritat not only created a comic that captures the spirit (no pun intended) of what makes the The Spirit fun, but also a series that's very accessible to comic fans who haven't been lucky enough to read all of Will Eisner's original Spirit (I'm about 1/3rd of my way into that epic undertaking myself, courtesy of a pile of The Spirit Archives volumes tracked down around the office.)

And if that weren't enough, I'd be remiss not to talk about the great black & white co-features by guest creators that make up the back of each issue.

I mean, we had a Harlan Ellison and Kyle Baker co-feature story a few issues back. HARLAN ELLISON. Really, the talent they round up to do those second stories is pretty sick. Walt Simonson and Jordi Bernet. Joe Strnad and Richard Corben. Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. David Lapham and Michael WM. Kaluta. Marv Wolfman and Phil Winslade. Denny O'Neil and Bill Sienkiewicz. Michael Uslan, FJ DeSanto and Justiniano. This issue's co-feature is by Paul Dini and Mike Ploog. That's a group of creators that you'd be really hard-pressed to beat in just one year's worth of a single monthly comic title.

Et tu? Are you reading The Spirit? Which co-feature's been your favorite?

THE SPIRIT #9 is in stores today.

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

The inmates take over Arkham Asylum in DETECTIVE #864

You read that headline right, folks. Newly-announced AZRAEL writer David Hine kicks off "Beneath the Mask" in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS. It's Black Mask vs. Jeremiah Arkham for control of the asylum. But what of the enigmatic Three Beauries, and how does Batman fit in? Everything teased in BATTLE FOR THE COWL: ARKHAM ASYLUM and ARKHAM REBORN comes to a head here, but the answers may drive you mad...

DETECTIVE COMICS #864 hits 4/28.

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Crash into the final issue of ARKHAM REBORN

I hate to sound like too much of a broken record, but one of the perks of wandering around the DCU editorial floor is you get to slyly scan over all the cool art and sketches the editors have on their desks and in their offices. It's always a treat to see what stuff is coming in from our various and hugely talented creators. Case in point: If you haven't been reading writer David Hine and artist Jeremy Haun's ARKHAM REBORN, you're truly missing out on the reimagining of a key component of the Bat-mythos. Still not sold? Well, check out this two-page spread from the final issue, by the aforementioned Mr. Haun.

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