detective comics | DC Comics

This Just Happened: Emperor Penguin's New Title

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read DETECTIVE COMICS #20 yet and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

Who could forget when, a few months back, Ignatius Ogilvy pulled a fast one on Oswald Cobblepot by declaring himself Emperor Penguin?

“I wanted to explore the idea that once in a while a henchman comes along with a brain and some ambition, and rises above the others,” series writer John Layman recently teased to NERDIST while discussing Ogilvy. But how much more can the character rise after Cobblepot exacts his revenge and takes him down at the end of the main story in DETECTIVE COMICS #20?

Well, based on the issue’s back-up story, “Empire of The Son,” it seems that Ogilvy’s devious plans are far from over. A new inmate at Blackgate Penitentiary, Ogilvy meets the prison’s “Boss,” and reveals not only some previously untold details about his origin, but also about what specifically triggered him to take control of Cobblepot’s empire. But just as the Boss tells him that he’s willing to help him rank highly within the power structure of Blackgate, Oglivy pulls another unexpected move: he murders him with his bare hands!

As Ogilvy is escorted to his own cell, the other inmates exchange whispers about how he killed the Boss. It is then that Ogilvy retires his Emperor Penguin moniker and embraces his new self-appointed title: Emperor Blackgate!

Above, take a look at the final page of “Empire of the Son” as Ogilvy settles into his new home at Blackgate Penitentiary and declares himself Emperor Blackgate. What could this mean for the prison – and for Gotham City at large? Place your bets in the comments section below.

DETECTIVE COMICS #20, in stores now, comes to you from the creative team of writer John Layman and artists Jason Fabok and Andy Clarke.

Tags:

detective comics, John Layman, Jason Fabok, andy clarke

DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 2 Debuts at #1 on THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Hardcover Graphic Books Best Seller List

On Friday, THE NEW YORK TIMES published their Graphic Books Best Sellers Lists, and debuting at #1 on the Hardcover list was BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 2: SCARE TACTICS!

An armed robbery carried out by gunmen dressed as Batman. A string of similar-looking corpses turning up in morgues … then disappearing. An experiment gone dangerously awry, carried out in Bruce Wayne’s own company tower. Somehow, all of these events are tied together, orchestrated by a terrifying killer known as Mr. Toxic, and the fate of Gotham City—and the world—is on the line. Can the Dark Knight piece together the mystery, while also dealing with a gang of fear-gassing Scarecrows, an attack on Arkham Asylum by the Court of Owls and the escape of one of Arkham’s most dangerous inmates—the hypnotic Black Mask?

In BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 2: SCARE TACTICS, writer/artist Tony S. Daniel (SAVAGE HAWKMAN) and artists Ed Benes (RED LANTERNS), Szymon Kudranski (PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE), Julio Ferreira (TEEN TITANS), Romano Molenaar (BIRDS OF PREY), and Pere Perez (BATGIRL) put Batman to the fearsome test in the new DC Universe! Plus, witness the deadly final lesson in Bruce Wayne’s training before he became Batman, from writers Gregg Hurwitz (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT) and James Tynion IV (TALON) and artists Tony S. Daniel and Henrik Jonsson! This hardcover books collects DETECTIVE COMICS #8-12 and #0, and DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #1.

Click here to read THE NEW YORK TIMES’ full list of Hardcover Graphic Books Best Sellers, which also includes BATMAN, VOL. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS, 100 BULLETS: DELUXE EDITION BOOK FOUR, AMERICAN VAMPIRE, VOL. 5, BATMAN, VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS, and BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE. And click here to see THE NEW YORK TIMES’ list of Paperback Graphic Books Best Sellers, which includes the debuts of SWAMP THING, VOL. 2: FAMILY TREE and WORLDS’ FINEST, VOL. 1: LOST DAUGHTERS OF EARTH 2, as well as PUNK ROCK JESUS. Congratulations to all!

Tags:

detective comics, Tony S. Daniel, ed benes, szymon kudranski, Julio Ferreira, Romano Molenaar, pere perez, Gregg Hurwitz, James Tynion IV, Henrik Jonsson, Batman, 100 bullets, american vampire, batman: the killing joke, swamp thing, Worlds' Finest, punk rock jesus

Announcing New Annuals for July

What better way to celebrate the summer than with a brand new set of special, oversized Annual issues of some of your favorite comics? This July, ANIMAL MAN, BATMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, THE FLASH, and SUPERMAN will be releasing their second Annual issues, and we’ve got your first looks at their solicitation info and covers right here on THE SOURCE!

ANIMAL MAN ANNUAL #2

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art and cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN

On sale JULY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+

Still reeling from the shocking death of his son, Buddy Baker is taking his grief out on the world around him. But in this special story, learn how the bonds of family can be stronger than the forces of evil—even when that evil is a horde of massive, slavering spiders!

BATMAN ANNUAL #2

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by AARON LOPRESTI

Cover by JOCK

On sale JULY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

A special ZERO YEAR tie-in! Bruce Wayne’s first year as the Dark Knight has just barely begun…and already dangerous elements are coalescing, leading Bruce toward his final destiny.

DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #2

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art by SCOT EATON and JAIME MENDOZA

Cover by ANDY CLARKE

On sale JULY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

It’s a terrible, dangerous time to be a cop in Gotham City. At a time when police are being targeted for assassination, Gotham’s Finest also face a threat from within, as a shape-changing identity thief has infiltrated the GCPD and threatens to destroy it from within. Will he unravel the mystery behind this secretive killer before he loses any more of the few allies he has left on the force?

THE FLASH ANNUAL #2

Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Backup story written by NICOLE DUBUC

Art by SAMI BASRI

Backup story art by CULLY HAMNER

Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

On sale JULY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Find out how The Flash and Green Lantern first met when a case they teamed up together to solve years ago rears its head again in the present! It involves a foe neither of them can defeat on their own, and they might not have much luck together either! The outcome of this will affect The Flash for years to come… Plus, a backup story by Nicole Dubuc (the Young Justice cartoon)!

SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and FRANK HANNAH

Art by PASCALE ALIXE

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

On sale JULY 31 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

What repercussions lurk beneath the surface from Brainiac’s first attack—and how does it all set the stage for the battle of Metropolis? Plus, how can the Man of Steel fight something he can’t physically stop!

Tags:

animal man, Batman, detective comics, The Flash, Superman, Annuals

Tuesday Roundup: April 2nd

Batman’s looking pretty darn sprightly for 900. Of course, we’re not talking years, but issues. If you didn’t already know, this week’s DETECTIVE COMICS #19 is actually the 900^th issue of the series, and we’re celebrating with an 80-page issue filled with insightful stories written by series writer John Layman (along with a Bane-centered one scripted by Talon writer James Tynion IV) and set in all corners of Gotham. Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a comic book extravaganza without some…er, extravganzing artists. So, along with series artist Jason Fabok, how do Andy Clarke, Mikel Janin, Dustin Nguyen, Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea strike you?

Well, hopefully they don’t literally strike you. We’ll leave that sort of striking to Batman.

But it’s sure to be one wildly memorable ride for Batman fans, and a great starting point for anyone new to reading the world’s longest running comic book.

Of course, that’s just the tip of the comic book iceberg this week. Swamp Thing enters an exciting new era with its new creative team of Charles Soule and Kano, Batwing will see changes a-plenty from this week forward as Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray take the writing reins, the intrigue grows as Green Arrow delves deeper in the conspiracy involving his father, and the Man of Steel gets a fresh start in our other long-running title, Action Comics.

Here are the DC Comics previews that hit the web this past week…

USA TODAY ran an exclusive preview of SWAMP THING #19 and interviewed writer Charles Soule.

MAXIM ran an exclusive preview of GREEN ARROW #19.

MTV GEEK ran an exclusive preview of DIAL H #11.

IGN ran an exclusive preview of BATWING #19.

CRAVE ONLINE ran an exclusive preview of THE PHANTOM STRANGER #7.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES ran an exclusive preview of EARTH 2 #11.

NEWSARAMA ran an exclusive preview of STORMWATCH #19.

GAMMA SQUAD ran an exclusive preview of ANIMAL MAN #19.

THE MARY SUE ran an exclusive preview of WORLDS’ FINEST #11.

IFANBOY ran an exclusive preview of LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #7.

The GREEN LANTERN Facebook page ran an exclusive preview of GREEN LANTERN #19.

The DC Entertainment website ran exclusive previews of ACTION COMICS #19, AME-COMI GIRLS #2, DETECTIVE COMICS #19, FAIREST #14, and SMALLVILLE: SEASON 11 #12.

Tags:

tuesday roundup, detective comics

Exclusive Preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #19

Ever since its debut in 1937, DETECTIVE COMICS has been a staple of the DC Universe. Responsible for introducing the world to iconic characters such as Batman, Robin and Batgirl, it’s no wonder that DC Comics is pulling out all the stops by making this month’s issue of the series a special 80-page spectacular to celebrate a very important milestone for the series.

In stores tomorrow, the 900^th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS (DETECTIVE COMICS #19) features a magnificent collection of stories featuring the Dark Knight and the citizens of Gotham City.

“The 900,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Jason Fabok, reveals a previously unmentioned corner of Gotham City now forced into the spotlight when the residents are infected by the deadly Manbat virus.

Next up is “Birth of a Family,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Andy Clarke, where Francine Langstrom makes a shocking decision in order to save her husband Kurt (a.k.a. Manbat) from himself.

Then in James Tynion IV’s “War Council” illustrated by Mikel Janin, Bane reveals discovers another enemy standing in the way of his quest to rule Gotham.

After that, Mr. Combustible reveals Emperor Penguin’s dastardly deeds to his former employer in “Birdwatching,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea.

And finally in “Through a Blue Lens,” written by John Layman and illustrated Jason Masters, the members of Gotham’s finest reveal their true feelings concerning Batman.

Plus, don’t miss additional pin up art placed throughout the issue from artists such as Dustin Nguyen, Chris Burnham, Brett Booth, and Francesco Francavilla! Check out the gallery above for an exclusive preview of this landmark issue.

Tags:

detective comics, Batman, John Layman, Jason Fabok, andy clarke, James Tynion IV, mikel janin, Henrik Jonsson, Sandu Florea, Jason Masters, dustin nguyen, chris burnham, brett booth, francesco francavilla

MAD Celebrates Alfred E. Neuman’s Birthday with DC Comics Variant Covers

For some, April 1^st means a day of practical jokes and pranks.

But here at the DC Entertainment offices, this date signifies the birthday of beloved MAD icon Alfred E. Neuman. This year, Alfred turns 12 (again!), and what better way to celebrate than by giving him a shot at being a superhero?

Throughout the course of the month, various DC Comics titles will have MAD themed variant covers, injecting the magazine’s unique blend of humor and satire into The New 52. Below, take a look at where you can check out all of these covers:

AQUAMAN #19 – IGN

BATMAN #19 – THE HUFFINGTON POST

BATWOMAN – LOGO’s NEWNOWNEXT

DETECTIVE COMICS #19 – BUZZFEED

THE FLASH #19 – GAMMA SQUAD

GREEN ARROW #19 – MTV GEEK

GREEN LANTERN #19 - MAXIM

JUSTICE LEAGUE #19 – CRAVE ONLINE

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #3 – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

SUPERGIRL #19 – WIRED’s GEEK DAD

SUPERMAN #19 – COMIC BOOK RESOURCES

TEEN TITANS #19 – NEWSARAMA

WONDER WOMAN #19 – THE MARY SUE

And don’t forget to pick up the latest issue of MAD when it hits stands at the end of the month!

Tags:

mad magazine, Alfred E. Neuman, Aquaman, Batman, batwoman, detective comics, The Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Justice League, justice league of america, supergirl, Superman, teen titans, wonder woman

Meet David Finch, Jeff Lemire and Jason Fabok in Windsor, Ontario Tonight!

To kick off their 15th Birthday, CARTOON KINGDOM is hosting local DC Entertainment talent on Wednesday, February 20th!

Get the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA (in stores today) signed by artist David Finch!

GREEN ARROW signed by writer Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, SWEET TOOTH)!

DETECTIVE COMICS signed by artist Jason Fabok!

Wednesday, February 20
CARTOON KINGDOM
5:00pm-11:00pm
Provincial Plaza, 2001 Provincial Rd., Unit B
Windsor, Ontario N8W 5V7

Make your plans now. We hope to see you there!

For more information about the event, check out CARTOON KINGDOM.

Tags:

david finch, justice league of america, jeff lemire, Green Arrow, animal man, Justice League Dark, sweet tooth, Jason Fabok, detective comics

Meet David Finch, Jeff Lemire and Jason Fabok in Windsor, Ontario this Wednesday

To kick off their 15th Birthday, CARTOON KINGDOM is hosting local DC Entertainment talent on Wednesday, February 20th!

Get your copy of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA signed by artist David Finch!

GREEN ARROW signed by writer Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, SWEET TOOTH)!

DETECTIVE COMICS signed by artist Jason Fabok!

Tags:

david finch, justice league of america, jeff lemire, Green Arrow, animal man, Justice League Dark, sweet tooth, Jason Fabok, detective comics

Meet David Finch, Jeff Lemire and Jason Fabok in Windsor, Ontario, February 20th

To kick off their 15th Birthday, CARTOON KINGDOM is hosting local DC Entertainment talent on Wednesday, February 20th!

Get your copy of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA signed by artist David Finch!

GREEN ARROW signed by writer Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, SWEET TOOTH)!

DETECTIVE COMICS signed by artist Jason Fabok!

Tags:

david finch, justice league of america, jeff lemire, Green Arrow, animal man, Justice League Dark, sweet tooth, Jason Fabok, detective comics

BATMAN Group Solicits

BATMAN, INCORPORATED #11

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:100 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $3.99 US

Batman’s world has been devastated by his war against Talia, but is he willing to give up on his own humanity?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #20

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The massive fallout from the recent events in BATMAN, INCORPORATED take Batman to the very limits of his sanity…will The Red Hood pull him back—or push him over the edge?

BATMAN #20

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Backup story art by ALEX MALEEV

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by JOCK

1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale MAY 8 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

A strange visitor comes to Gotham City when tragedy delivers the team-up you’ve been asking for since the start of The New 52!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

TALON #8

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

Can the Talon escape the jaws of death? What will become of him if he doesn’t? Find out in this story that leads directly into next month’s BIRDS OF PREY #21!

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL #1

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art by SZYMON KUDRANSKI

Cover by ALEX MALEEV

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

In “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary” three of The Dark Knight’s greatest foes unite in to tackle the threat of Batman head-on! Will the diabolical scheming of Scarecrow, Mad Hatter and The Penguin be too much for

Batman to handle?

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #20

Written by GREGG HURWITZ

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

It’s the penultimate chapter of the definitive Mad Hatter story—and not everyone makes it out alive!

And in the backup story, Emperor Penguin makes a trip to Blackgate Prison he won’t soon forget!

DETECTIVE COMICS #20

Written by JOHN LAYMAN

Art and cover by JASON FABOK

Backup story art by ANDY CLARKE

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK

“We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available

On sale MAY 1 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99

The superhuman transformation of Ignatius Ogilvy is just the tip of the iceberg when an extremely unexpected character comes to The Penguin’s aid! And in the backup story, Emperor Penguin makes a trip to Blackgate Prison he won’t soon forget!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

BIRDS OF PREY #20

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Art and cover by ROMANO MOLENAAR and VICENTE CIFUENTES

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The traitor revealed! Who will aid Mr. Freeze as he continues his onslaught against The Court of Owls—and how can the Birds hope to stop him?

BATGIRL #20

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by FERNANDO PASARIN

Cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

There’s no time to catch your breath after last issue’s shocking ending as an emotionally unstable Batgirl must confront one of Batman’s most violent foes: The Ventriloquist!

BATWOMAN #20

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

Art by TREVOR McCARTHY

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 B&W Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Batwoman is being played right into a confrontation with Batman…and that’s the least of her problems after the final page of issue #20!

CATWOMAN ANNUAL #1

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by ARDIAN SYAF

Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+

It’s Cat vs. Bird for the dark heart of Gotham City! Kicking off an explosive new storyline that continues into CATWOMAN, Selina must choose work for a master—or pay a high price for her freedom!

CATWOMAN #20

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Membership in the Justice League of America is going to cost Catwoman the rest of her nine lives as Selina comes to grips with the deadly reality of her current imprisonment!

NIGHTWING #20

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

After witnessing so much death in the past few months, how will Nightwing react when he learns a key figure in his life has returned from the grave?

BATWING #20

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI

Art by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

Cover by KEN LASHLEY

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

This issue answers the question that’s been on everyone’s mind: Who is Batwing?

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS ANNUAL #1

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by AL BARRIONUEVO

Cover by KEN LASHLEY

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Arsenal finally confronts Green Arrow, but it may be a short-lived reunion as someone from their past has targeted them both. Find out what the feud between Arsenal and Green Arrow is about, along with secrets from Roy Harper’s history.

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #20

Written by JAMES TYNION IV

Art by JULIUS GOPEZ

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The return of Proctor sees Arsenal and Kori reliving Red Hood’s memories—including his battles with the League of Assassins!

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

(BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 cover by Alex Maleev)