FLASHPOINT – THE MAKING OF A BESTSELLER: S!H!A!Z!A!M

FLASHPOINT was one of the most eagerly anticipated events in recent memory. For months leading up to the series’ release, we teased various character designs here on THE SOURCE – but we held off on some. Now, for the first time, we’ll be revealing some of Andy Kubert’s never-before-seen character designs each day leading up to the wide release of the hardcover collection of all 5 issues of FLASHPOINT, available everywhere next week and in comic book stores today.

Spoiler warning: if you haven’t read FLASHPOINT and don’t want to know who these characters are, do not click on the jump.

Legendary artist Andy Kubert to join DC COMICS-THE NEW 52

Fresh off of his bestselling FLASHPOINT miniseries, industry legend Andy Kubert will be joining critically acclaimed writer Grant Morrison for a special, two-issue arc of ACTION COMICS in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. Issues #5 and #6 will guest star the Legion of Super-Heroes, while also laying groundwork for things to come much, much later in Superman’s story. And keep an eye out for Krypto!

“When Editor Matt Idelson asked if I would be interested and/or able to fit into my schedule two upcoming issues of Action Comics with Grant, I couldn’t say no,” said Kubert. “I don’t know of any other artist that would have. Drawing the latest incarnation of Superman and working with one of the best writers on the planet made it a very easy decision for me. And in this story, I get to do some VERY iconic stuff! I gotta admit, I’m a little nervous... Fun Fact for those keeping score: I had never drawn Superman in a comics interior for an entire issue. I had done inking over Dan Jurgens and Jerry Ordway for an issue each over their beautiful pencils way (and I mean WAY) back when but this is my first opportunity to pencil the Man of Steel interior pages for my very own!”

After Kubert’s two-issue take on ACTION COMICS, Rags Morales will return as the series’ regular artist.

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC Comics-The New 52, Tuesday Noon (ET) Edition

We’re twelve hours from the launch of DC COMICS: THE NEW 52. Here’s the very latest on today’s coverage:

· AM NEW YORK highlights tonight’s highlight’s tonight’s Midnight Madness event at Midtown Comics’ Times Square location. DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio tells reporter Scott Rosenberg that “not only do we have two of the top talents in the industry launching our premier superhero team book, but it really does set a style and tone that people should be expecting throughout the line as we get into the new 52.”

· THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE interviews Dan DiDio about the increased diversity of DC Comics-The New 52 and interviews local PA retailers about our same day digital plans and the changes to DC Comics continuity.

· THE PATRIOT NEWS interviews local retailers and Dan DiDio about DC Comics-The New 52.

· IGN lists two books you might have heard of, JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1 and FLASHPOINT # 5, on their list of 10 Comics to Watch This Week.

To be continued…

From The Editor’s Desk: Eddie Berganza on FLASHPOINT

This Wednesday marks the release of the final issue of the bestselling FLASHPOINT mini-series. FLASHPOINT #5 brings an action-packed, jaw dropping and emotionally charged conclusion to this summer’s game-changing series. Take my word for it: you won’t be disappointed.

If you happen to be at Fan Expo Canada, stop by the Final Flashpoint Friday panel. I’ll be there with Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert, Francis Manapul and James Robinson to talk about all things FLASHPOINT. See you in Toronto!

And I’d also like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of who have provided the series and all of its’ tie-ins with such overwhelming support. Everything you knew changed in a FLASH.

FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: Kid Flash vs. The Speed Force

In order to catch up to his grandfather, Bart Allen will have to race against the speed force itself. As he is bounced around through time collecting multi-dimensional speed force energy from various members of the Flash family, Bart needs to gain all of the necessary tools to reach Barry in time to deliver a message that could save the universe. But will he be able to reach the world’s last hope for restoration before the speed force catches up to him?

In FLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST #3, Bart Allen finally realizes the personal sacrifice he must make in order to save his family and the people he loves. By Sterling Gates, Oliver Nome, Scott Kolins and Trevor Scott, the final issue in this miniseries races into stores on Wednesday.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: The End of Hal Jordan?

Assigned to drop the Green Arrow Industries bomb, Hal Jordan has the chance to become the ultimate hero. The only obstacle? Carol Ferris refuses to let him take on the risks of this challenge alone. As the two of them embark on their mission, Hal will stop at nothing to drop the bomb and keep Carol out of harm’s way – no matter the personal sacrifice.

FLASHPOINT: HAL JORDAN #3, by Adam Schlagman and Cliff Richards, delivers a bittersweet conclusion to Hal Jordan’s most dangerous undertaking yet. Look for it when it hits stores next week.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: Subject Zero vs. Subject One

Neil Sinclair is no more. His transformation into Subject Zero has destroyed his former self and turned him entirely into a merciless warrior with an unquenchable thirst for power and vengeance. As he sets out to destroy all meta-humans who pose as threats to his dominance, it’ll be up to Kal to protect Lois from this monster seeking to exact revenge on the Lane family. But when Subject Zero tracks them down and their reunion is interrupted, Kal will have to become the Superman he is inside to take on the battle. The question is: can he do this in time to save Lois?

Featuring a shocking ending that raises the stakes for FLASHPOINT #5 in major ways, FLASHPOINT: PROJECT SUPERMAN #3 comes from the creative team of Scott Snyder, Lowell Francis and Gene Ha. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping conclusion to this miniseries when it goes on sale next week.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: Britannia vs. Wonder Woman

The Resistance has found their ultimate weapon: Britannia. Listen as Penny Black tells the story of her origins as the biotechnologically armored warrior and watch as she joins the Resistance to bring down those who’ve destroyed her homeland. But when she comes face to face with Wonder Woman, a shocking realization will impact the Queen of the Amazons more than even Britannia could have anticipated. Which one of these femme fatales will emerge as the victor of their showdown?

FLASHPOINT: LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #3, by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Christian Duce and Walden Wong, brings the miniseries to its cliffhanging final issue (to be continued in FLASHPOINT #5), is on sale this Wednesday.

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FLASHPOINT FRIDAY: Fan Expo Canada Exclusive - FLASHPOINT #1 Variant Cover

If you attended San Diego Comic Con last month, you may have picked up a copy of FLASHPOINT #1 with a rare, wraparound SDCC exclusive cover. Well don’t worry if you missed out because next week at Fan Expo Canada, DC Entertainment will be selling another brand-new, awesome wraparound variant cover edition of the issue.

Featuring a black background with a lightning surge of color across the center, this stunning cover comes courtesy of series artists Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope and Alex Sinclair. And with Andy Kubert attending the convention, you may even get the chance to have your copy of this collector’s item signed.

The exclusive Fan Expo Canada variant cover edition of FLASHPOINT #1 will be available at the Fan Expo Canada Exclusives Booth for $10.00. Fan Expo Canada will be taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 25th through 28th.

Super Hero Fans Expected to Line-Up Early as DC Entertainment Launches New Era of Comic Books

Writer & Artist Super-team Headline Midnight Madness Festivities at Midtown Comics in NY Times Square August 30th

Come August 30th, the streets of New York may be getting some extra super heroes, as hundreds of costumed fans are expected in-line outside of New York’s Midtown Comics (200 West 40th street) in anticipation of DC Comics midnight launch of its new No. 1 titles.

The midnight event will give fans an exclusive opportunity to purchase “Justice League” No. 1, the new historic title from DC Comics, starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and others. Fans who wait in-line will also have the opportunity to meet the comic book icons behind the title, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns, as well as purchase the conclusion to this summer’s blockbuster series, “Flashpoint” No. 5. The Midnight Madness event and historic launch are all in support of DC Entertainment’s goal of giving casual and long-time fans an opportunity to enjoy comics in an easy, accessible way.

“For us, it’s always been about the fans and we wanted to channel all of the excitement they’ve shown by giving back with a big event,” said Dan DiDio, co-publisher, DC Entertainment. “We’re really excited about the New 52 and we think all fans—old and new—will love the new journey we’re about to embark on.”

Since announced in June, the comic book industry has been buzzing about DC Comics-The New 52. In case you haven’t heard, DC Entertainment, the publisher of the world’s most iconic and recognizable super heroes, is renumbering the entire DC Comics line of comic books and releasing 52 new first issues this fall, including ACTION COMICS, DETECTIVE COMICS and BATWOMAN (to name only a few).

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 will officially kick off DC Comics-The New 52. JUSTICE LEAGUE will be set at the dawn of the age of super heroes. The first storyline explores the team’s origins as they ultimately become the world’s greatest super heroes, featuring such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

FLASHPOINT #5 is the final issue in Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s bestselling series that has kept everyone talking this summer and the months leading up to it. In addition to the story’s shattering conclusion, the issue provides an exciting bridge from the current events of FLASHPOINT to the upcoming events of DC Comics-The New 52, ushering in a historic new era for the comic book industry.

This will be an event like no other, with festivities going on inside and outside the store all evening, leading up to midnight! After all, what better way to commence DC Comics-The New 52 than with a party?

Watch this space and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more info. Midtown Comics is located at 200 W. 40th Street (on the corner of 7th Avenue) in Manhattan, New York. For updates about the event, please visit Midtown Comics’ official website, www.midtowncomics.com, Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information about how to subscribe to DC Comics, visit our digital store or locate a comic book shop near you, please visit www.read.dccomics.com.

GEOFF JOHNS: Geoff Johns is one of the most prolific and popular of contemporary comic book writers, and the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. He’s written highly acclaimed stories starring Superman, Green Lantern, the Flash and more, and is currently the writer of FLASHPOINT and GREEN LANTERN. After leaving Detroit to work for director Richard Donner in Los Angeles, Johns began writing for DC Comics in the late 90s, and has since written defining runs on THE FLASH and, most recently, GREEN LANTERN. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Johns will be writing JUSTICE LEAGUE, GREEN LANTERN and the new AQUAMAN series.

JIM LEE: Jim Lee is a renowned comic book artist and the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment. Prior to his current post, Lee served as Editorial Director, where he oversaw WildStorm Studios and was also the artist for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic books and graphic novels, including ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER, BATMAN: HUSH, and SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW. He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the DC Universe Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Lee is drawing JUSTICE LEAGUE.

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