The Best of 2011

There’s still glitter on the streets. Fridges are filled with half-empty bottles of champagne and gyms are extra crowded due to people working on their resolutions. And while we celebrate the beginning of a new year, there’s no better way to ring in 2012 than to reflect on the successes of 2011.

The DC offices were closed all of last week, but that doesn’t mean that press didn’t continue to roll in. Below, take a look at some of the year-end “best of” lists that ran.

CNN’s GEEK OUT highlighted ANIMAL MAN, BATWOMAN, THE FLASH, I, VAMPIRE and JOE THE BARBARIAN in an article about the “unprecedented creativity” in comic books in 2011.

THE ONION’s A.V. CLUB’s list of the best comic books of 2011 included DETECTIVE COMICS, BATMAN, BATWOMAN and ANIMAL MAN. The article also gave individual honors to WONDER WOMAN, O.M.A.C. and JIMMY OLSEN.

GAWKER’s IO9 featured SPACEMAN, ANIMAL MAN, SWAMP THING, BATMAN and FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.HA.D.E. on their list of the best science fiction and fantasy comic books of 2011.

COMPLEX MAGAZINE’s list of top 25 comic books of 2011 included FLASHPOINT, JUSTICE LEAGUE, NORTHLANDERS, SWAMP THING, WONDER WOMAN, BATWOMAN, ACTION COMICS, DETECTIVE COMICS, BATMAN and ANIMAL MAN.

BLOODY DISGUSTING’s list of top 10 comic books of 2011 included SWEET TOOTH, DETECTIVE COMICS, BATWOMAN and ANIMAL MAN.

AFTER ELLEN highlighted BATWOMAN in their 2011 review of books.

SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE named DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 the biggest comic book story of 2011.

POPDOSE included BATWOMAN, SCALPED and XOMBI on their list of favorite comics of 2011.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES’ list of top 100 comics of 2011 included BATMAN INCORPORATED, HELLBLAZER, XOMBI, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E., THE UNWRITTEN, SWEET TOOTH, THE SHADE, ALL-STAR WESTERN, JONAH HEX, AMERICAN VAMPIRE, FLASHPOINT: BATMAN KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE, O.M.A.C., FABLES, IZOMBIE, BATGIRL, BATMAN, AQUAMAN, ACTION COMICS, SWAMP THING, WONDER WOMAN, BATWOMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, SCALPED and ANIMAL MAN.

IFANBOY declared DC Comics as their “Publisher of the Year.” Their list of best new books in 2011 included ANIMAL MAN, SPACEMAN, BATMAN and ACTION COMICS. Meanwhile, their list of the top 10 comic events of 2011 included DC: RETROACTIVE and the STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES crossover, while FLASHPOINT and DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 took the top two spots. And their list of 2011’s best comic book writers included Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN/FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E./SWEET TOOTH), Brian Azzarello (WONDER WOMAN/100 BULLETS/SPACEMAN), and taking the #1 spot was Scott Snyder (BATMAN/SWAMP THING/DETECTIVE COMICS/AMERICAN VAMPIRE).

To be continued …

The Best of 2011

The end of the year means a lot of things: traffic around Times Square, midnight kisses and the clinking of champagne flutes across the globe and gyms full of people looking to stick to their resolutions. But in the publishing industry, one thing that the end of the year also signifies is the publication of various “best of the year” lists.

USA TODAY just published their story on the best things to happen in the comic book industry in 2011. Best writer? Scott Snyder. Best superhero artist? J.H. Williams. Best artist return? Jim Lee. Best worst Super hero? Aquaman. It's all there--and more, with multiple name checks for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

THE VILLAGE VOICE included ANIMAL MAN and SPACEMAN on their list of the best comic books and graphic novels of the year while NPR's MONKEY SEE BLOG's list featured DEMON KNIGHTS, ANIMAL MAN, DAYTRIPPER, AQUAMAN and WONDER WOMAN.

Over on THE TORONTO STAR’s list of the top 10 graphic novels of the year, you’ll find DC COMICS: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS and the deluxe edition of JOE THE BARBARIAN.

Meanwhile, IGN dubbed the launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 the “best moment of the year.” AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST was also named the “best miniseries,” SECRET SIX #36 won the award for “best single issue” and Scott Snyder was again crowned the “best writer.”

And while you’re at IGN, be sure to check out their list of the Best Vertigo and Icon comics books of 2011. AMERICAN VAMPIRE came in at #1 with THE UNWRITTEN, SWEET TOOTH, SCALPED, IZOMBIE, FABLES, and NORTHLANDERS all making the Top 10 list.

To be continued …

The SCREAM 2011 nominees include…

We’re pleased to announce that the following Vertigo and DC Comics titles were nominated for The 2011 SCREAM AWARDS:

DAYTRIPPER by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon and AMERICAN VAMPIRE by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque for Best Comic Book or Graphic Novel

Grant Morrison: JOE THE BARBARIAN and BATMAN INCORPORATED for Best Comic Book Writer

Mark Buckingham: FABLES for Best Comic Book Artist

Scream is the first and only worldwide annual event dedicated exclusively to honoring the Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Comic Book genres.

The SCREAM 2011 winners will be announced on SPIKE on Tuesday, October 18. For the full list of nominees click here.

Vote now!

DC Nation heads to Chicago for C2E2 this weekend!

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Chicago! The home of deep dish pizza and deceptively good burgers will play host to the second annual Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, better known as C2E2. Last year's inaugural show was a blast, and this year's should be even bigger and better.

If you're coming to the show this weekend, please swing by, say hello and check out the giveaways and creator signings we'll be holding in our booth throughout the weekend! DC will be in booth #811, where you'll get the chance to make small talk with such DC creators as Scott Snyder, Paul Cornell, Tony Daniel, Gail Simone, Bill Willingham, Jill Thompson, Art Baltazar, Franco, Cliff Chiang, Phil Hester, Tyler Kirkham, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Doug Mahnke, Yildiray Cinar, Ryan Benjamin, Gene Ha, Don Kramer, Mike Norton and more!

And be sure to check out some of the DC panels we'll be holding - a full schedule of these is below.

See you at the show!

Austin

FRIDAY

GREEN LANTERN

4:30-5:30pm, Room 474

What's in store for Green Lantern's comics adventures in 2011? War! Join DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Doug Mahnke, Tyler Kirkham, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and others to get a sneak peak into the future of GL in the DCU!

DC NATION

6:30-7:30pm, Room 470b

The DC NATION returns to Chicago! Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and some of comics' top talents give you the inside scoop on what's new from DC Entertainment. DCU, VERTIGO and MAD will all be discussed, so come on by and join the nation!

Creator Signings  for Friday, 3/18:

2:30-3:30 PM

Christian Alamy, Doug Mahnke, Ivan Reis, Tyler Kirkham, Joe Prado, Rod Reis

3:30-4:30 PM

Tony Daniel, Scott Snyder, Ryan Benjamin, Gail Simone

3:30-4:30 PM

Yildiray Cinar, Kevin Maguire

4:30-5:30 PM

Paul Cornell, Don Kramer, Phil Hester

4:30-5:30 PM

Art Baltazar, Mike Norton, Franco

4:30-5:30 PM

Brian Azzarello, Bill Willingham

SATURDAY

DC UNIVERSE

11:30-12:30pm, Room 474

What will happen to your favorite DCU characters during this year's major events? Join DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza and SVP - Sales Bob Wayne, along with Yildiray Cinar, Art Baltazar, Franco, Mike Norton, Kevin Maguire and others to hear about upcoming highlights from the DCU.

VERTIGO

1:30-2:30pm, Room 470b

Find out what compelling tales comics' edgiest imprint has in store for you in the months to come! Join Senior Group Editor Shelly Bond, Scott Snyder, Bill Willingham, and others for a discussion of your favorite VERTIGO titles.

DC ICONS

2:30-3:30pm, Room 474

DC's top heroes are the topic of this panel spotlight. Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Tony Daniel, Paul Cornell, Scott Snyder, and Phil Hester lead the discussion on the latest Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman news.

DRAWING DC

5:30-6:30pm, Room 474

Superstar artists Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke and Tyler Kirkham show off their distinctive styles while drawing on a machine that projects their work on a giant screen. Check out this unique presentation that will give you an inside glimpse into the artistic process!

Creator Signing  for Saturday, 3/19:

12-1 PM

Bill Willingham

1-2 PM

Joe Prado, Ivan Reis, Rod Reis, Christian Alamy, Tyler Kirkham, Doug Mahnke

2-3PM

Brian Azzarello, Gene Ha

2-3 PM

Franco, Mike Norton

3-4 PM

Yildray Cinar, Kevin Maguire

4-5 PM

Tony Daniel, Scott Snyder, Ryan Benjamin, Gail Simone

4-5 PM

Paul Cornell, Don Kramer

SUNDAY

BRIGHTEST DAY

1:00-2:00pm, Room 474

Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and others will reveal insights and hints about the epic Brightest Day story - and where the event will lead next!

FABLES: THE FIRST 100 - ONE-ON-ONE WITH BILL WILLINGHAM

4:00-5:00pm, Room 470a

The mind behind Vertigo's mega-popular series comes to Chicago! Bill Willingham is joined by VP - Marketing, John Cunningham, for an in-depth look back at the first 100 issues of Fables - as well as a glimpse at what's to come!

Creator Signings for Sunday, 3/20:

12-1 PM

Jill Thompson, Bill Wilingham

12-1

Brian Azzarello, Gene Ha

1-2 PM

Ryan Benjamin, Tony Daniel, Gail Simone

1-2 PM

Paul Cornell, Don Kramer, Jamal Igle

2-3 PM

Joe Prado, Rod Reis, Christian Alamy, Tyler Kirkham, Doug Mahnke, Ivan Reis

2-3 PM

Franco, Mike Norton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DC COMICS LAUNCHES DIGITAL PUBLISHING

PARTNERS WITH COMIXOLOGY AND PLAYSTATION®NETWORK DIGITAL COMICS

ONLINE SALES AND DC COMICS APP FOR IPHONE®, IPAD® AND IPOD® TOUCH LAUNCH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23 WITH UNPRECEDENTED RETAILER AFFILIATE PROGRAM, CONSUMER PLATFORM CONVERGENCE AND PROMOTION OF EAGERLY ANTICIPATED SUPERMAN STORYLINE

NEW YORK / BURBANK, Calif., June 23, 2010 - DC Comics, publisher of Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and Fables, is partnering with comiXology and PlayStation®Network for two separate digital comics distribution deals launching today, Wednesday, June 23. In addition, a DC Comics App for the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® Touch is available allowing consumers an easy way to access DC Comics’ content. The announcement was made jointly today by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

“At DC Comics, it has been a top priority that DC forges a meaningful, forward-looking digital strategy,” said Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. “As both a comic book creator and Co-Publisher, it was incredibly important that our plan includes not only creator incentive payments, but also an innovative component that supports comic shop owners. We see digital as an opportunity to grow our entire business.”

Both the comiXology and the PlayStation Network Digital Comics launch offerings will include classic titles from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm, such as Batman: Hush, Green Lantern: Rebirth, Fables: Legends in Exiles and Planetary: All Over the World and Other Stories. Both programs will share a tiered pricing format, with digital comics priced from $.99 to $2.99 per issue. The Justice League: Generation Lost mini-series will be available through both platforms day and date with each issue’s print edition on-sale date, with both the digital and print editions priced at $2.99. Several comics will be available for free at launch, including the first installment of the ZUDA series Bayou and select stories from Batman: Black & White.

To further promote today’s announcement, DC Comics is offering a free 10-page preview of the 700th issue of Superman available through both platforms, day and date with the issue going on sale in comic book stores. The 10 page story is a prelude to writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eddy Barrows’ highly anticipated “Grounded” storyline that will be published in Superman which will examine how Superman sees America, and how America sees Superman.

“Grounded is a major turning point in the history of Superman,” said Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher of DC Comics. “This storyline has the potential to generate national headlines and bring new readers the series.”

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About the comiXology program: The comiXology program will launch with over 100 issues, from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm, including the first issue of All Star Superman. Beginning with launch, one issue of Neil Gaiman’s critically acclaimed Sandman will be available digitally exclusively through comiXology each week and over 100 additional issues from the company’s diverse imprints will be made available through the comiXology program each month. The digital comics, priced from $.99 to $2.99 per issue, will be available through:

• DC Comics app for the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® Touch;

• DC Comics-branded storefront, located in the Comics by comiXology app for the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® Touch;

• DC Comics-branded storefront on the web at Comics.comiXology.com.

www.dccomics.com, later this year.

“Once readers download an issue, they will be able to read it on all DC Comics-branded Comics by comiXology-supported platforms,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "DC's taking a bold approach to platform convergence, and we're thrilled to be their solution of choice.”

Staying true to comiXology’s support of comic retailers, DC’s partnership with comiXology also includes a first-of-its-kind Retailer Affiliate Program, which will collect a portion of digital revenues to be invested back to and on behalf of comic book retailers in a variety of initiatives.

“The ComicsPRO Board of Directors is looking forward to continuing our dialog with DC Comics to figure out how their digital strategy can lead to new customers for storefront retailers,” said Joe Field, owner/operator of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff, an Eisner-Award winning comic book shop in Concord, California. “We're pleased to be part of this important conversation about the future of the comics business.”

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About PlayStation Network Digital Comics: The PlayStation® program will launch with over 80 issues from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm, including the first 25 issues of Superman/Batman. Comic book titles based on videogame properties, including Free Realms, God of War and Resistance, will be made available digitally exclusively on PlayStation®Store for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Over 50 additional issues will be made available each month, priced from $0.99 to $2.99 per issue, available through PlayStation Network.

“With the PlayStation Network digital comics available for all PSP models, the user is able to explore a huge range of more than 1600 comics and we look forward to working with DC Comics to continue to add even more titles,” said Susan Panico, senior director, PlayStation Network, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “PlayStation Network is the premiere entertainment destination and we are excited to provide users with exclusive content and continue to expand our growing library of comics.”

About the DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution partnership:

DC Comics is working with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to leverage its global digital platform expertise and key partner relationships with companies such as Apple, Microsoft and other online distributors. Through these efforts WBDD will help DC Comics grow their digital publishing business.

“We’re very pleased to be working with the exceptionally talented team at DC Comics to help bring digital comics to consumers,” said Thomas Gewecke, President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “This innovative offering breaks new ground, and makes some truly great works available in digital form for the first time."

“Today’s launch provides an additional opportunity to convert new readers and recapture lapsed readers while serving existing fans,” said John Rood, Executive Vice President, DC Entertainment. “We look forward to working with our partners in the industry—the creators, the retailers and the fans—as we experiment with our digital strategy, in a manner that remains additive to our traditional business models.”

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