FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: “Death solves all problems."

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fp_grodd_cv1_rgbSean Ryan’s one-shot, FLASHPOINT: GRODD OF WAR, takes its readers on a trip to a war-ravaged Africa. Led by his hunger for violence and power, Grodd has successfully taken over the continent and has been made king of all the land. With plans for expanding his empire globally, Grodd is not a character to be overlooked. We talked to Sean about his tortured protagonist and what the ramifications of his rule of Africa might have on the FLASHPOINT universe:

THE SOURCE: While Grodd gives off a very tough exterior, he's clearly tortured by his own personal demons. Why is Grodd such a haunted figure, even in a world without a Flash?

SEAN RYAN: I think because there is no Flash in this world, that's why Grodd feels like crap most of the time. He's missing that challenge, or at least, that person who could give him a challenge. Stuff is coming too easily for Grodd in this world and he sort of hates that. He's a smart dude, Grodd. He likes to be intellectually stimulated. And he's not getting that.

gow2-3What motivates Grodd?

SR: Power. He craves power over things. I think it mainly comes from a sense that he knows he's smarter than everyone else, so why shouldn't he be in charge? I certainly think that's what motivated Grodd to start his conquest of Africa. Now that the conquest is nearly over...His motivation is starting to change.

Tensions between Aquaman and Wonder Woman have had global ramifications. How does Grodd fit into the hierarchy of international super powers?

gow05SR: He really doesn't. They ignore him. A thing I wanted to touch on in the story is how Africa is often ignored. There's awful things happening in Africa all the time in our own world and we don't really know about it. It usually takes some kind of celebrity to point it out to us. So that's sort of what's going on in Africa in Flashpoint. Grodd has taken over Africa and turned it into a mass grave, but the world could care less. They're more focused on Aquaman and Wonder Woman.

Grodd is a world leader. How does he rule Africa? Is he an isolationist?

SR: He rules Africa not very well, but he's not terribly concerned with running it very well. Grodd's not really one to enact wide ranging social programs. And he's an isolationist at the start of the story...But by the end of the story, you'll see Grodd start to look out at the rest of the world and see an incentive for joining the bigger war, but for reasons you might not have expected.

If Grodd's Africa had a motto, what would it be?

SR: I was looking up famous quotes and mottos for this question and found this insane quote from Joseph Stalin that sums Grodd's Africa and the story pretty well: "Death solves all problems."

Who's the Fastest?

SUPERMAN #709 provides an exhilarating new twist on the classic question of who’s faster: Superman or Flash? Who will outrun the other and what the heck is that thing on Flash’s head that’s making him speak Kryptonian and recite the planet’s history?

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Roberson, with artwork by Eddy Barrows & J.P. Mayer and a cover by John Cassaday, SUPERMAN #709 continues the Man of Steel’s “Grounded” storyline -- this time bringing Superman to the vast landscapes of Boulder, Colorado.

SUPERMAN #709 lands in comic book stores today.

Who do you think is faster, SOURCE readers? Superman or Flash? Place your bets.

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FLASH FACTS about THE FLASH: THE DASTARDLY DEATH OF THE ROGUES

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As a longtime FLASH fan, one of my favorite things about the series has always been the FLASH FACTS. So what better way to celebrate the release of THE FLASH: THE DASTARDLY DEATH OF THE ROGUES in comic book stores everywhere today (and in bookstores next Tuesday) than to run a few behind-the-scenes Flash Facts about the book's stunningly talented artist Francis Manapul?

FLASH FACT: In THE FLASH: THE DASTARDLY DEATH OF THE ROGUES, New York Times best-selling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns has teamed up acclaimed artist Francis Manapul to capture the essence of the Flash, just as he’s done in his epic six-year run on Green Lantern.

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FLASH FACT: As intriguing as the mystery at the heart of the book is the story behind rising superstar Francis Manapul, who may be best known for his work outside comics.  As the co-host of Beasts Legend (which aired on History TV, Syfy and currently airs on both ChillerTV in the US and National Geographic Canada), Manapul traveled the globe, chasing down the stories of legendary monsters.

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FLASH FACT: Born in the Philippines and currently based in Toronto, Manapul was inspired by the work of superstar artist Jim Lee to become a comic book artist, and by 2008 he was working on some of DC Comics’ biggest characters, including SUPERMAN, BATMAN, and GREEN LANTERN.

GOT VARIANTS?

Here are some variant covers to close out your day. First up? Alex Garner 's cover of WONDER WOMAN #608. Then, as always, Kevin Maguire delivers a great cover to JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #21. [Updated] Yildiray Cinar (not Scott Kolins) has a variant to FLASH #10 as the prelude to FLASHPOINT continues. Last and certainly not least? A stunning variant of BATMAN AND ROBIN #21 by Tony S. Daniel.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: First Look at DC Direct FLASHPOINT Action Figures

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From IDENTITY CRISIS and INFINITE CRISIS through BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY, DC Direct has created action figures based on the DC Universe’s biggest events.

Today, we’re unveiling FLASHPOINT action figures based on DC Comics’ superhero publishing event of the summer. DC Direct’s Jim Fletcher, Shawn Knapp, Evan Metcalf, John Santagada, Brian Walters and Bryon Webster have worked closely with FLASHPOINT writer Geoff Johns’ concepts and artist Andy Kubert’s designs to bring you four awesome figures based on characters central to the FLASHPOINT story.

Sculptors Derek Miller (Wonder Woman), Karen Palinko (Batman and Flash) and Jonathan Matthews (Cyborg) have captured the energy and excitement that drives FLASHPOINT. But you don’t have to take my word for it: here’s the exclusive first look at DC Direct’s FLASHPOINT figures.

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Better Living Through Time Travel

As December winds down and folks make resolutions for the New Year, it's not uncommon to daydream about how things might have worked out differently. What decisions do you regret? What would you make differently, if you had a chance to change your life?

FLASH 8, on sale next Wednesday, takes those questions one bold step further. What would you do if you could actually go back in time? Would you be a better person? Would you work on your relationship with your family? Would you tell the woman you love how you really feel?

Eobard Thawne gets his chance in Reverse Flash: Rebirth.

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Source Open Thread: Who's your Captain?

A hero is often defined by his or her  villains. And few heroes have villains as cool and colorful and flat out weird as the Flash.

The Rogues define the Flash and he  defines  them: Mirror Master, Heat Wave, Weather Wizard, the Trickster and most especially the two Captains Captain  Cold and  Captain Boomerang.

In FLASH 7, the  spotlight falls on Captain Boomerang. How did Boomererang first fall in with the Rogues? Why has he returned from the dead? And does he still have  what it takes to be a Rogue?

You'll find out the answers to  at least two  of those questions on Wednesday. In the meantime, FLASH fans, we'll leave you with a question or two of of our  own -- who's  your favorite Rogue? Digger? Or Cold? Or somebody else altogether?

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Look ahead to Spring 2011

Every now and then we get the chance to give you a quick peek at what’s coming from DC beyond the next few months. This time, we have a chance to peel back the curtain for a bit to show you some of the more notable collections that’ll be hitting stores next Spring — including an interplanetary war and the return of a much-loved hero.

DC Universe highlights for spring 2011 include:

SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN HC

Writers: Sterling Gates and James Robinson

Artists: Eddy Barrows, Aaron Lopresti, Jamal Igle, Eduardo Pansica, CAFU, Bernard Chang and others

In stores: January

Collects: SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #0-4 and SUPERMAN #700

$19.99 US, 144 pages

THE FLASH: THE DASTARDLY DEATH OF THE ROGUES HC

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Francis Manapul and Francis Manapul

In stores: February

Collects THE FLASH #1-7 and material from THE FLASH SECRET FILES AND ORIGINS 2010

$19.99 US, 208 pages

BRIGHTEST DAY solicitations for June

It's that time again, gang -- where we take a sneak peek at the books heading to your local comic shop in June. First up we have BRIGHTEST DAY and the event's related titles, including JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, TITANS, FLASH and a new launch. Click below for more info. And swing back later for a first look at the BATMAN titles for June as well.

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BRIGHTEST DAY #3-4

Issue #3 on sale JUNE 2 • Issue #4 on sale JUNE 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI • Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO • Covers by DAVID FINCH

1:25 variant covers by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT

If this is the BRIGHTEST DAY then what is Black Lantern Firestorm doing on our cover?!

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

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GREEN LANTERN #55

On sale JUNE 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by GEOFF JOHNS • Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY

BRIGHTEST DAY marches on as the Main Man, Lobo, goes head-to-head with Red Lantern Atrocitus – with Hal Jordan caught in the middle! It doesn’t get more brutal than this! Plus, Hector Hammond returns . . . to join the new Guardians?

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GREEN LANTERN CORPS #49

On sale JUNE 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by TONY BEDARD • Art and cover by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES

BRIGHTEST DAY continues scorching with “The Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns” as the Alphas seek to recruit John Stewart, Kyle Rayner and even former Guardian Ganthet into their ranks! What is their ultimate goal – and who is the mastermind behind it all?

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GREEN ARROW #1

On sale JUNE 23 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by J.T. KRUL • Art by DIOGENES NEVES • Cover by MAURO CASCIOLI

1:25 Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on Star City in this oversized first issue from up-and-coming writer J.T. Krul (BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS, GREEN ARROW #30) and future superstar artist Diogenes Neves (New Mutants)! “The Fall of Green Arrow” has ended. Now who carries the heavy bow of the Emerald Archer? Coming out of the devastation, what miraculous event has occurred in Star City and what mysteries await inside that bring the forces of good and evil in search of its lone protector? Aim for a whole new era starring Green Arrow in this exciting ongoing series!

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

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JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #3-4

Issue #3 on sale JUNE 9 • Issue #4 on sale JUNE 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & JUDD WINICK • Issue #3 art by FERNANDO DAGNINO • Issue #4 art by

AARON LOPRESTI • Covers by TONY HARRIS & J.D. METTLER • 1:25 variant covers by KEVIN MAGUIRE

DC’s biweekly JUSTICE LEAGUE event continues here! The heroes of the once-great Justice League International – Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice – have reteamed in order to stop a threat to all mankind. But will the heroes of the DCU take this group of misfits seriously? And what happens when Blue Beetle – a new hero with an old legacy – joins the team? And whose side is he really on? Be here to find out!

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

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JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46

On sale JUNE 30 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by JAMES ROBINSON • Art by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER • cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO

BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the start of an all-new, 5-part JLA/JSA crossover! The return of one hero heralds the release of the powerful Starheart that empowers Green Lantern Alan Scott. Now this chaotic force is unleashed on Earth, causing magic to go wild – and new metahumans to emerge! It’s more than one super-team can handle, but can even the combined efforts of the Justice League and the Justice Society contain the light and dark power wielded by one of their own? Witness the transformation of the moon and a journey into the Shadow Lands that will corrupt a hero!

Continued in next month’s JSA #41, this epic event features a 5-part connected cover spotlighting both teams in glorious action illustrated by Mark Bagley with inks by Jesus Merino!

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BIRDS OF PREY #2

On sale JUNE 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by GAIL SIMONE • Art by ED BENES, ADRIAN MELO & MARIAH BENES • Cover by ED BENES

Flying out of BRIGHTEST DAY, the Birds of Prey are forced to ally themselves with the worst of Gotham City’s mega-criminals while they struggle to save his life from the unspeakable horror that hunts them all! Fan-favorite writer Gail Simone (WONDER WOMAN, SECRET SIX) and superstar artist Ed Benes (JUSTICE LEAGUE, GREEN LANTERN) continue their return to the title that first brought them together!

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THE FLASH #3

On sale JUNE 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by GEOFF JOHNS • Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL • 1:10 variant cover by GREG HORN

It may be BRIGHTEST DAY, but when a mysterious group of so-called heroes turns up, another Rogue ends up dead. Plus, the mystery deepends as The Flash witness another murder — his own!

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

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TITANS #24

On sale JUNE 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by ERIC WALLACE • Art and cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

The TITANS ongoing series returns with a new direction that ties into BRIGHTEST DAY! We saw what Deathstroke and his team of mercenaries did in the TITANS: VILLAINS FOR HIRE SPECIAL #1, and it was a dark day for the Justice League of America. Hopefully their next target fares better. Good luck, Lex Luthor!

Some more BLACKEST NIGHT-related covers to enjoy

Not long ago, we showed off upcoming variant covers for GREEN LANTERN #51, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45 and BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH #3. We thought we'd give you a little bit to process those before we unveiled the main covers. So, ready?

GREEN LANTERN CORPS by Patrick Gleason:

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GREEN LANTERN by Doug Mahnke:

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BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH by Scott Kolins:

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