Previews of Wednesday’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Releases

On Wednesday, we kick off the fourth issues of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. Previews of the various issues being released have been running for the past few days across the Internet and we’ve compiled them all here on THE SOURCE for your convenience.

USA TODAY interviewed BATWING writer Judd Winick to accompany their exclusive preview of issue #4. “It's almost as if he didn't have any choice," Winick explained of Batwing’s origins, which are revealed in this week’s issue. “Fate and destiny got together and you survived this horror, but now what are you going to do with it? There's this horrible thing that fuels you — how do you make it count?”

The Green is at war! But without Alec Holland on their side, do they stand a fighting chance? Find out in SWAMP THING #4, previewed exclusively at ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY.

Earlier today, we told you about the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 debut of Steel in ACTION COMICS #4. Now, head on over to MAXIM for a full preview of the issue.

AIN’T IT COOL NEWS chatted with DETECTIVE COMICS writer/artist Tony Daniel. “The Doll Maker is kind of like a twisted reflection of Batman, where his father was taken and he went the other route where in his own mind he wanted to do some good,” Daniel revealed to them. “They have two different philosophies, but there are some similarities in their scenario, but are in two completely opposite directions.” Read the full interview for an exclusive preview of issue #4.

It’s time for Buddy Baker to learn the truth about his daughter’s destiny in ANIMAL MAN #4. GAWKER’s IO9 has an exclusive preview of the highly-anticipated issue.

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE previewed STATIC SHOCK #4. “Villains are tougher, smarter, and meaner in New York, which will make Static strong," series editor Harvey Richards told them. "Heroes are only as good as their villains make them."

IGN debuted interior pages from GREEN ARROW #4, which finds Oliver Queen traveling to Japan to battle a mysterious woman named Blood Rose.

In HAWK AND DOVE #4, Dove must save the man she loves, Deadman. MTV GEEK has your first look at the issue.

An unstoppable alien antibody is eating earth alive in STORMWATCH #4. COMIC BOOK RESOURCES has your exclusive preview of the issue.

Betrayal plagues Sgt. Rock and his men as they forge ahead into unknown enemy territory. COMICVINE has a sneak peek at MEN OF WAR #4.

While traveling back home, Kevin Kho accidentally disconnects from Brother Eye. Discover the consequences of Kevin’s freedom in O.M.A.C. #4, previewed exclusively at IFANBOY.

A new galactic threat makes its debut in JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #4. Check out NEWSARAMA’s first look at the issue.

Are you a fan of Green Lantern on FACEBOOK? If not, head on over to ‘like’ the page and to see a preview of RED LANTERNS #4.

To be continued …

LEGION LOST: A PASSING OF THE TORCH

Hello, DC Nation!

No doubt you’ve already heard that issue #6 of LEGION LOST will be Fabian Nicieza’s last as writer.

His schedule just couldn’t keep up with a monthly series right now. It’s a bummer because Fabian and I had discussed some really cool ideas for the series, but I understood his reasons, and we parted on a positive note with hopes that someday we can reteam on something else down the road.

So I needed to hire a new writer, someone I felt could take the groundwork laid by Fabian and strive for even greater heights. No small task!

In discussions with my fellow editors, one name came up that intrigued the heck out of me: Tom DeFalco.

A master storyteller, not to mention Marvel Comics’ former Editor-in-Chief, Tom seemed the ideal candidate. He understands how to build characters from the inside out and make us care about them. He makes the fantastic feel gigantic and yet at the same time all too human and flawed. He puts his characters through the wringer, crafting entertaining tales that compel us to keep reading.

Lord knows, I’m a sucker for anything Tom writes. He hooked an 11-year-old me with a doomed romance between two a.i. robot characters — let me say that again: robots! — and I think I’ve read practically everything else he’s written ever since.

So Tom came into my office with his infectious enthusiasm, and we just talked about LEGION LOST for over an hour. I really loved what I heard. And then we got on the phone with series artist Pete Woods, and the ideas kept flowing. Carrying over subplots that Fabian had been developing, Tom’s inclinations felt so completely fresh that we were sold instantly. Here’s a taste:

A crossover with TEEN TITANS involving the organization known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E. — with a revelation that will change the entire course of LEGION LOST!

A Timber Wolf romance that could rip the team apart!

A power struggle for leadership!

Tyroc has a deadly secret…and the team isn’t happy when they learn it!

And a traitor lurks in their midst!

I gotta say, I didn’t think it possible, but Tom has me even more excited for the series’ future! I really hope you’ll join us to see his ideas come to fruition.

(The cover to LEGION LOST #5)

STEEL JOINS DC COMICS-THE NEW 52

One of the most prominent and popular African-American super heroes, STEEL will be making his debut into the world of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 on December 7.

Equal parts Superman and folk legend John Henry (to whom the name of his alter ego, John Henry Irons, is an homage), Steel will appear in ACTION COMICS #4 – written by critically acclaimed, bestselling author Grant Morrison and illustrated by Rags Morales.

When Terminauts threaten to lay waste to Metropolis in search of Superman, it falls to Steel to come to the aid of the beleaguered hero – and the Man of Steel will sure need the help of this steel-drivin’ man. But their team-up isn’t all we’ll get from Steel in this issue. ACTION COMICS #4 also features a special backup story written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Brad Walker. The eight-page story continues the action of ACTION, showcasing a heavy metal battle between Steel and Metal-zero.

Debuting in ACTION COMICS #4, Steel will return for ACTION COMICS #7, where he will star in another backup by Fisch and Walker.

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THE SECRET OF THE INDIGO TRIBE IS REVEALED

“Tor lorek san, bor nakka mur,

Natromo faan tornek wot ur.

Ter Lantern ker lo Abin Sur,

Taan lek lek nok--Formorrow Sur!”

-Oath of the Indigo Tribe

Not much is known about the mysterious Indigo Tribe; even their oath is all but impenetrable to anyone not of their numbers. But the upcoming storyline of GREEN LANTERN will explore their secrets, revealing shocking truths that will shake the foundations of the entire Lantern universe.

Wielding the light of Compassion, the reclusive Indigo Tribe will be the focus of an ongoing story which begins with GREEN LANTERN #7 – written by fan-favorite, critically acclaimed author Geoff Johns and illustrated by artists Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.

In “The Secret of the Indigo Tribe,” the uneasy alliance of Hal Jordan and Sinestro continues, as they are taken to the Indigo homeworld to uncover the truths behind a heinous crime. But what crime could keep this unlikely duo together, driving them to investigate a corps ostensibly dedicated to the spread of goodwill throughout the galaxy? And what dark secrets will Hal and Sinestro discover out in the unknown reaches of deep space?

(Inks for the cover of GREEN LANTERN #7)

DC Comics Free Comic Book Day for 2012

Every year the comic book industry celebrates Free Comic Book Day on the first Saturday of May. It’s a fantastic day for professionals, creators, retailers and fans to come together to celebrate our passion and enthusiasm for comic books out into the world at large.

In 2011, DC COMICS—THE NEW 52 took the industry by storm! Now get an exclusive look at what’s happening in 2012.

Written and illustrated by the today’s top creators, DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 FCBD EDITION will give you a first look at the hottest new comics of 2012.

And just to whet your appetite, check out Jim Lee, Adam Hughes and Andy Kubert’s official cover for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 FCBD EDITION.

Holiday Gift Guide Round-Up

It’s time to make a list and check it twice because you don’t want to forget all the wonderful comic book fans in your life. To help you find some great ideas for presents, many outlets have begun publishing their annual Holiday Gift Guides.

Timed to Black Friday last week, THE NEW YORK TIMES and CNN GEEK OUT published their lists. THE NEW YORK TIMES highlighted BATMAN: NOEL, which also made CNN GEEK OUT’s list along with AMERICAN VAMPIRE, GREEN LANTERN CHRONICLES: VOL.1 and various DC Entertainment themed accessories and merchandise.

This morning, USA TODAY published their Holiday Gift Guide, which featured DC COMICS: THE NEW 52, 100 BULLETS: BOOK ONE, BATMAN: NOEL and A FLIGHT OF ANGELS.

So what are you waiting for? Start your shopping.

And from all of us here on THE SOURCE, Happy Holidays!

3 Things You Should Know About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Omnibus

‘Tis the season for giving, for decking the halls and for jingling bells. And if you’re looking to make an impression with a gift for your favorite comic book fan (or perhaps a treat for yourself), then there’s no better way than with DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Omnibus – and here are three reasons why:

1. It’s big. No, really – it’s big. Weighing in at a whopping 7.9 lbs, its heft is matched only by its magnitude and scope (see: #2 on this list). They say that the human head weighs eight pounds, and while reading DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 won’t physically increase the size of your brain, lifting the Omnibus will certainly increase the size of your muscles.

2. It’s EPIC. A lot’s been said about the scope and scale of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, and this massive tome collects it all – superhero stories and tales of horror, western yarns and chronicles of the front lines, science-fiction and even some science fact, new characters and new takes on old favorites. This represents the full width, breadth and depth of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, collecting every single first issue from the status quo-shattering release event – including JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, ACTION COMICS #1, DETECTIVE COMICS #1, SUPERMAN #1, BATMAN #1, WONDER WOMAN #1, AQUAMAN #1 and many, many, many more. There’s no better way to feel the full weight of this historic publishing initiative than by holding it your hands. And speaking of weight, did we mention that it’s heavy?

3. It’s a great way to get into comics. Whether you’re a lapsed reader overwhelmed by the weight of canon or you’ve never read a single issue, DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Omnibus provides a buffet – a veritable cornucopia! – of introductory stories, many of which have been specifically designed with new readers in mind.

DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Omnibus hits bookstores on December 13, but if you are thinking of picking one up, remember: lift with your legs!

The Science of MISTER TERRIFIC

(The cover to MISTER TERRIFIC #7)

In MISTER TERRIFIC, the third smartest man alive uses his brains as much as his superhero brawn ­and writer Eric Wallace has made a point of weaving real-world scientific concepts into the decidedly science-fiction exploits of his titular hero. THE SCIENCE AND ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE caught up with Wallace to discuss some of the scientific underpinnings behind MISTER TERRIFIC's ongoing series for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

"I always try to keep the science in Mister Terrific as accurate as possible. But yes, sometimes story trumps science when it comes to entertaining plots. A perfect example of this occurs in MISTER TERRIFIC #3," said Wallace. "The villain Brainstorm is using cognitive enhancing neurotransmitters to increase intelligence in unsuspecting humans, which he later feeds on. Okay, a villain who 'eats' intelligence? It's far out, but maybe it could happen. And there are actual theories out there about chemicals in the brain that may or may not enhance cognitive functions. So far, the science is a bit futuristic yet still plausible."

Everybody's Talking About Aquaman

Aquaman may be fighting against the tide of public opinion within the pages of his eponymous series, but his profile in the real-world media is undergoing a sea change thanks to his depiction in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. In an interview with THE HUFFINGTON POST, writer Geoff Johns dove right in to a candid conversation about the less flattering perceptions of the character ­ and how he embraced the challenge of making Aquaman relevant.

"I went back and read a lot of the old Aquaman and there's a lot of great stuff, but there was this attempt to push him as hard as he could to be cool or edgy and I thought that addressing that stuff would appeal to anybody, not just comics readers. It was different, no one had done that yet, and I thought it was more real and honest. And it's fun, working with an underdog."

Back to press (again) with JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1

JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1 is sold out and once again we're headed back to press. With this reprint, JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1 becomes the first issue from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 to receive five printings.

The new printing will be on sale in comic book stores at the start of the New Year, on January 4, 2012.

In the meantime, here's the first look at the combo pack cover to issue four.

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