francesco francavilla

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

Now In Hardcover, the Critically Acclaimed BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR

“Because no matter how good you think you are at drawing a line between work and home, there will always be some cases that stay with you … cases that come howling back at you out of the darkness, like phone calls in the middle of the night.” – Commissioner James Gordon

Few understand the extent of darkness that dwells within the heart of Gotham City like Batman and Commissioner James Gordon do. But when the grave threats that torment Gotham may lie within Gordon’s own bloodline, he’ll be put to the test like never before.

With Dick Grayson behind the cape and cowl of the Dark Knight, it’ll be up to Batman and Commissioner Gordon to embark on one of their most personal missions yet to protect Gotham before the fate of the entire city is completely doomed.

From the acclaimed creative team of Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla, BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR collects DETECTIVE COMICS #871-881 and is quickly shaping up to be one of the hottest gifts for comic book fans this holiday season.

“Though his run as Batman is over, THE BLACK MIRROR will remain the defining chapter of Dick Grayson's stint as the Dark Knight,” IGN wrote of the book. “Perhaps more importantly is the story's contributions to Jim Gordon and Gotham City itself – two of DC's most underappreciated characters – which Snyder and company give a defining appearance not seen in such stunning display since BATMAN: YEAR ONE. By all accounts, THE BLACK MIRROR is the Batman story to beat for the next generation of superhero comics.”

“Snyder knows how to make things disturbing and mysterious while keeping a strong level of action driving the plot forward. He brings a level of sophistication and class to the title,” continued YAHOO! ASSOCIATED CONTENT.

Check out the gallery below for a sneak peek at some of the rare sketches and designs included in the back of the book. BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR is available in bookstores everywhere now.

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Tags:

Batman: the Black mIRROR, dick grayson, francesco francavilla, IGN, James Gordon, jock, scott snyder, Yahoo! Associated Content

Everybody’s Talking about (the Already Sold out!) Issue 881 of DETECTIVE COMICS

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the final issue of Scott Snyder’s run on DETECTIVE COMICS with artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla, well, you’re not the only one. Issue 881 is one of the best reviewed issues in recent memory.

Witness:

IGN gave the issue a 9.5 and noted, “When all is said and done, this creative team has delivered one of the greatest Batman epics I've ever read.”

Josh Flanagan from iFANBOY declared issue #881 his Pick of the Week.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES called the run “historic.”

COMIC VINE awarded the issue a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars and called the issue “amazing.”

And here’s what NEWSARAMA had to say… “Detective Comics #881 represents the culmination of the single greatest run of Detective Comics in decades. Perhaps of all time.”

The issue went on sale yesterday and, like 880 before it, is already sold out. If you see a copy at your local comic book store, don’t hesitate. Just pick it up.

Tags:

Batman, comic book resources, comic vine, detective comics, francesco francavilla, ifanboy, IGN, jock, Newsarama, scott snyder

“One of the greatest Batman epics I've ever read” - IGN

Everyone’s been talking about Batman recently. Tomorrow marks the release of the final issue of DETECTIVE COMICS prior to the launch of DC Comics-The New 52. The current run by Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francesco Francavilla has been one of the most critically acclaimed runs the title has ever had.

“When all is said and done, this creative team has delivered one of the greatest Batman epics I've ever read,” wrote IGN in their review of tomorrow’s issue #881. In case you missed it, check out what Scott Snyder shared with us yesterday about his experiences on working on the series.

And to wrap up the day, we thought we’d share the exciting news that BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #2 and BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #3 have officially sold out. Congratulations to all of the creative teams involved in putting these books together.

Tags:

Batman, batman: arkham city, batman: the dark knight, DC Comics-The New 52, detective comics, francesco francavilla, IGN, jock, scott snyder

“It's a run I couldn't be prouder of.” – Scott Snyder

In the gripping final issue of Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francesco Francavilla’s critically acclaimed run on DETECTIVE COMICS, all bets are off. We caught up with series writer Scott Snyder to discuss the epic finale and what the experience of working on this book has been like for him.

“881. I can't believe we're here... The end of our 11-issue run. It's so strange,” series writer Scott Snyder told us. “It was literally a year ago, at San Diego Comic Con 2010 that -after introducing myself on the phone a week earlier- I tracked Jock down in person (I'd never met him) and told him how I thought he'd be perfect for the run. He suggested we talk story and we headed to a bar near the convention center with Dave Baron (our great colorist). I explained the entire run to them both: this notion of Gotham being a Black Mirror to its heroes, the inclusion of James Jr. and the Joker finale. Jock and Dave Baron couldn't have been cooler or more enthusiastic about the ideas and the story. I, for one, was so excited I went back to my hotel room, typed an email to Mike Marts (our editor) that said "I had a great meeting with Jock and Dave B. I think they're in!"

As for Francesco Francavilla, I knew he was perfect for the Jim Gordon parts of the story and so I pushed him hard to Mike Marts. Mike (being the great editor he is) was receptive, but Francesco was also less of a known quantity a year ago, and so he asked to see some pages. In response, Francesco sent this:

And the rest is history.

Anyway, from that suspicious start came our "Black Mirror" run. And it's a run I couldn't be prouder of. It's about something that's at the core of my love of Batman - Gotham, and the way it generates nightmares for Batman and his allies: the way it creates villains and events that speak to their personal greatest fears, trying them by some kind of holy fire over and over again. And more than this, I'm proud of the work my teammates on this book have done. We've all become friends over the past year, and it's been a joy and a constant inspiration working with these guys. They worked around the clock for double ships, they did covers, they did everything and then some - because they believed in the story, and I can truly say this is our book, something we made as a team, in contact and collaborating every step of the way, and so I want to thank them - Jock, Francesco Francavilla, Dave Baron, and Jared Fletcher too.

But most of all, I - and we - want to say thanks to you, the fans. The comments and reviews and discussions we've gotten from you have been an inspiration to us all. For those if you who've been there with us from the start - thanks for taking this journey down the dark, and twisted rabbit hole with us. And for those of you just now picking us up, thanks for giving us a chance. The truth is, we're Batman- super-fans, too, and just hearing that you think we did Batman (whether Dick or Bruce) justice, means the world to all of us. Can't thank you enough. This has been a dream from true for all of us. Now, to our crazy finale!

Jim Gordon's estranged son, James Jr. has poisoned his mother, framed the Joker, all to get to his half-sister, Barbara (Oracle). At the end of the last issue, he attacked her, and now, at the start of this issue, no one knows where he has taken her. All they know is that they're dealing with someone very deadly. And that they're running out of time. So, to Gotham!”

DETECTIVE COMICS #881, the follow up to the sold out DETECTIVE COMICS #880, goes on sale this Wednesday.

DC Comics

Tags:

barbara gordon, Batman, Dave Baron, detective comics, francesco francavilla, James Jr., jim gordon, jock, scott snyder

James Jr.’s Plans Revealed

For years, Jim Gordon tried to deny to himself the possibility that his son, James Jr., could be a cold-blooded serial killer. But when Barbara Gordon figures out her brother’s dark plan, Jim will have no choice but to accept his son’s identity and stop him before he corrupts Gotham City from the inside out. And with The Joker managing to break free from the chains locking him up, Gotham City is in need of a hero more than ever before.

Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Francesco Francavilla, DETECTIVE COMICS #879 lands in stores on Wednesday.

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Tags:

barbara gordon, detective comics, francesco francavilla, gotham city, James Jr., jim gordon, scott snyder, the joker

Jock's process art for the cover of DETECTIVE COMICS #881

We've had a lot of fun showing off behind-the-scenes material from artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla from their current classic-in-the-making run on Detective Comics with Scott Snyder. These guys have been so generous with sending over material - you can check out some of the process art we've posted already here, here, here, and here.

This week brings some new behind-the-scenes art that we're excited to share with you. Check out Jock's DETECTIVE COMICS #881 cover idea in sketch form, as inked art, and the final color piece below.

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Tags:

detective comics, francesco francavilla, jock, scott snyder

BATMAN solicits for August

Here’s a first look at the BATMAN titles coming out in August:

BATMAN INCORPORATED #10

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:25 Variant cover by FRAZER IRVING

In “LEVIATHAN STRIKES,” Batman realizes to his horror that he’s been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him. Is his deadly adversary an old foe with a grudge to settle, a new face of evil or something completely different? One thing is for sure: The surprise ending will not soon be forgotten!

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN #713

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art by STEVE SCOTT and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Over the years, Dick Grayson has worn several guises: First, he was Robin the Boy Wonder, then Nightwing, and finally Batman. But now that Bruce Wayne has donned the cape and cowl once again, Dick finds himself at an identity crossroads.

On sale AUGUST 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by JAY FABOK

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

David Finch’s brilliant take on Batman continues to explore the darker corners of Gotham City in the penultimate chapter of “Golden Dawn,” now featuring art by Jay Fabok (Soulfire)! As The Dark Knight suffers one of his worst defeats, Jason Blood makes an unexpected move. With a surprise funeral and guest appearances by Etrigan, the Demon and Ragman, this series continues to heat up!

RESOLICIT • On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2011 #1

Written by VARIOUS

Art by VARIOUS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Don’t miss this new helping of short stories featuring Batman and his partners in crimefighting, told by some of comics’ newest voices and freshest talents.

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T

DETECTIVE COMICS #881

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by JOCK and FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

Cover by JOCK

This is it – the finale so twisted, so shocking we can’t even begin to give away details here! Be there for the extra-sized conclusion of the acclaimed run by Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla. DETECTIVE COMICS #881 is the issue everyone will be talking about. Believe it.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN AND ROBIN #26

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by GREG TOCCHINI

Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

1:10 Variant cover by J.G. JONES

Le Jardin Noir – France’s very own Arkham Asylum – falls under siege! Someone has freed the lunatics, and unless they can be stopped, they’ll turn Paris into a surreal Hell on Earth! Batman and Robin join Nightrunner in a mind-bending battle with the strangest lineup of villains this side of Bizarro World.

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM #4-5

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and KYLE HIGGINS

Art and covers by TREVOR MCCARTHY

1:25 Variant covers by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman, Red Robin, Robin and Black Bat are all thrown into a race against time as The Architect’s true plan is revealed! But what does that mean for Oswald Cobblepot and Tommy Elliot? And just how does the first Super Villain of Gotham City factor into The Architect’s plot to destroy the city’s first families? Be here for the exciting penultimate issue!

And in issue #5, it’s Batman vs. The Architect! The downfall of a major Gotham family! The betrayal of Damian Wayne! It’s all here in this final issue, plus the untold fate of Gotham City’s first Super Villain! Be here as GATES OF GOTHAM sets the stage for a bold new direction in the Bat books!

Issue #4 on sale AUGUST 3

Issue #5 on sale AUGUST 17

4 and 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY #5

Written by PAUL DINI

Art and cover by CARLOS D’ANDA

The miniseries that leads you into the video game comes to its dramatic conclusion. The die is cast and the criminal gulag known as Arkham City is now in place. But even with its imposing walls and security measures, is anyone in Gotham City really going to feel safe with a legion of criminals living next door? Batman’s determined to enter the belly of the beast and find out just who is pulling the strings.

On sale AUGUST 24 • 5 of 5, 32 pg, FC,

$2.99 US • RATED T

BATGIRL #24

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears’ mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl’s going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BATMAN BEYOND #8

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Batman’s slipperiest foe steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a “Legends of the Dark Knight” issue that reveals, for the first time, the full story of Inque! Her past is blacker than anyone ever knew... and considering the new ally she’s fallen in with, her future could be darker still!

On sale AUGUST 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

RED ROBIN #26

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO and RAY MCCARTHY

Ready to operate from his new HQ, Red Robin knows that before he can fulfill his crimefighting destiny, he must close out one outstanding issue. His father’s killer, Captain Boomerang, was brought back to life... The time has come for him to return to the grave!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #26

Written by PETER CALLOWAY

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and LORENZO RUGGIERO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

A secret that goes back to the very first issue of GOTHAM CITY SIRENS will be revealed at last! But will it spell the end of the Sirens? One thing is certain – none of them will be the same!

On sale AUGUST 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

BIRDS OF PREY #15

Written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and cover by BILLY TUCCI

In the concluding chapter of “War and Remembrance,” Lady Blackhawk and the original Phantom Lady are in the clutches of an enemy whose evil has lain dormant for decades! Can the Birds of Prey find and rescue their captured compatriots before it’s too late for them...and the world? This is the thrilling conclusion to a story fifty years in the making! Written by fan-favorite MANHUNTER scribe Marc Andreyko and featuring breathtaking artwork by the amazing Billy Tucci!

On sale AUGUST 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

A look at Scott Snyder and Jock’s collaborative process on DETECTIVE COMICS

Here on THE SOURCE we spend a lot of time talking to writers about where they get their ideas; we also have the pleasure of showing off a lot of pieces of process artwork from our many talented artists. These are nice peeks behind the scenes, but we sometimes overlook the important process that happens in between these two steps. How does the writer work with the artist to put together a cohesive comic story?

Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla have been putting together a killer story in their current DETECTIVE COMICS run. But how does Scott’s Point A get to Jock’s Point B?

Let’s look at an excerpt of Scott Snyder’s script for page 11 of next week’s DETECTIVE COMICS #876. Check out the direction he gives, but also the room for creativity he leaves for Jock to go wild in:

PAGE 11

11.1

JOCK, I’d like this to be a page where you show off! The idea is that the first panel is an aerial view of Gotham, with BATMAN dropping towards the roofs. We are directly above BATMAN, as though we’re falling right behind him. The next panel, BATMAN (and WE) have dropped closer to the city, the next closer… And in each panel, you can pose BATMAN differently, highlighting DICK’S acrobatic style with the PARACAPE. In the final panel – and feel free to do 3, 5, 7, anything you want]. We should see a penthouse patio beneath him. Like he’s been dropping towards it the whole time. This is the patio/balcony of SONIA ZUCCO’S penthouse apartment. The place should be sleek, modern, with a rooftop pool, steaming in the cold, a table, a bar, tasteful, sharp … Something along these lines?

Of course, as always, if you have an idea for a better composition – go for it!

As you’ll see from the image masterfully colored by David Baron below, Jock did end up taking a slightly different approach to composition with this page:

Jock explains his approach to the piece:

Basically the script called for something a little different (multiple panels - with the viewer following Batman down) which was super cool - and something I'd like to do again at some point - but I went for a splash idea. Hopefully keeping all of Scott's original intent!

When a page turns out as dynamic as that one, you have to imagine everyone’s thrilled with the results!

For more behind-the-scenes on Detective, check out our cover design posts from Francesco Francavilla here and here. DETECTIVE COMICS #876 is on sale April 27th.

Tags:

Batman, detective comics, francesco francavilla, jock, scott snyder

Jock shows off a killer splash from DETECTIVE COMICS #876

Man, you have to love the art team on Detective Comics - both Jock and Francesco Francavilla have been filling my inbox with sneak peeks at some great Batman art from upcoming issues. Jock just sent over the amazing splash above from DETECTIVE COMICS #876 - I'll let him tell us about it:

"This is a page from DETECTIVE COMICS #876 - the first issue of a new arc 'The Hungry City' and a great opportunity to show our Batman, Dick Grayson, in full acrobatic mode. One of the elements writer Scott Snyder and I talked about while planning our issues is Dicks gymnastic background, and how it's important to distinguish between Bruce and Dick under the cowl. So I'm drawing a completely different Batman to the more thick set, monolithic figure I'd draw if it were Bruce Wayne.

This page called for a quick descent into Gotham, and I hope I captured some of the movement and vitality that Scott and I are keen to bring to the character during our run. I drew the art as two separate pieces so colorist David Baron has full control over the city and the figure shots as different elements. I can't wait to see what he does with it."

Be sure to check out the full issue when it hits stands April 27th!

Tags:

Batman, detective comics, dick grayson, francesco francavilla, jock, scott snyder

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