Missed out on nabbing a copy of BATMAN AND ROBIN #1? There's still hope, dear Source readers. After selling out in just a week, BATMAN AND ROBIN #1 is going back to press for a new second printing.
Set to arrive in stores on July 8, this issue features a recolored version of the original cover by Frank Quitely. And if you have a copy already, well, here's a great reason to buy one more, no?
Over at AOL/Asylum's COMICS ALLIANCE site, our own Dan DiDio takes a moment to chat with CA's Laura Hudson about how the Batman universe will be shaping up post-BATTLE FOR THE COWL.
ComicsAlliance: What's been the reaction to the recent revelation that Dick Grayson, the original Robin, is now the new Batman?
Dan DiDio: We had a lot of speculation about who was going to be the new Batman, and one of the things that I found most surprising was that most people were trying to guess in a different direction. But from our standpoint, we were always pretty locked in on the fact that Dick Grayson was going to be the new Batman... the legacy aspect plays into everything that makes DC great, where we have so many characters that have moved from one generation to another. People have become very invested in [Dick Grayson] character over the years, and interested to see how he accepts the mantle.
• THE NASHUA TELEGRAPH had kind words for the FINAL CRISIS hardcover.
• Speaking of Grant Morrison and Batman, the writer talks to NEWSARAMA's Zack Smith about BATMAN AND ROBIN and his plans for the Caped Crusader.
• And, speaking of BATMAN AND ROBIN, IGN has a nice review of the first issue, where they call the book "an outrageously fun start for this new series. "
Try not to get mad at us, folks, but we decided it'd be a nice kick-off to the weekend to throw you another cool BATMAN AND ROBIN image.
This morning, you saw the cover to BATMAN AND ROBIN #4, by Frank Quitely, And, as some of you know, Philip Tan will be stepping in for a three-issue arc on the series, pairing him with writer Grant Morrison. Imagine how pleased I was to get a note from BATMAN Group Editor Michael Marts letting me know he'd just gotten the pencils for Tan's variant cover to #4. It's almost like we planned it this way.
So, not only will you be getting Quitely cover goodness for the series, but Tan will be creating stunning variants for his time on interiors. But enough of my mutterings. Here's the image.
Happy Friday, Source readers. By now, you've probably picked up your copy of BATMAN AND ROBIN #1, and seen the preview pages and commentary across the web. But why not finish off the week with something more? Here's the cover to #4.
Bruce Wayne is trapped in the past. The Caped Crusader is missing.
As Earth's heroes and the citizens of Gotham City struggle to face a world without a Batman, Dick Grayson -- the first Robin -- dons his mentor's cowl to try and stem the tide of crime threatening to drown the city Bruce Wayne spent years protecting.
Today, THE NEW YORK TIMES bestselling team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely will launch BATMAN AND ROBIN, a new ongoing series.
Morrison crafts an energetic, fast paced and punchy issue that brings to mind the lost elements of the Dark Knight's past while injecting the characters with new, energetic twists. And what more can you really say about Quitely's amazing artwork?
In case you missed it, pages from the first issue have appeared at AIN'T IT COOL NEWS, MYSPACE, IGN, WIRED and NEWSARAMA, plus a very cool mention on MTV's SPLASH PAGE blog.
But that's not all. Wondering what's coming up in the book in the next year? Click below and see for yourself.
Here's hoping everyone had a relaxing weekend. In case you weren't chained in front of your computer, here are a few of the things you may have missed while enjoying two days or rest.
• AIN'T IT COOL NEWS unveiled an exclusive first look at BATMAN AND ROBIN #1, by Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. Keep your eyes peeled for a few more sneak peeks at the first issue in the coming days.
• Pete Tomasi talks to NEWSARAMA about the road to BLACKEST NIGHT. The site also talks to writer Keith Giffen about the newly-announced MAGOG series, and to the supremely talented J.H. Williams about Batwoman's upcoming stint in DETECTIVE COMICS.
• COMIC BOOK RESOURCES' Jeff Renaud chats up artist Mark Bagley to discuss the conclusion of TRINITY, while the folks io9 explain why TRINITY is a 'metaphysical epic done right.
• Remember that time back in March, where BATMAN Group Editor Michael Marts talked to IGN about his very neat photo board, featuring key characters heading into BATTLE FOR THE COWL? Well, now that the major event is over, the board has changed, which means Marts once again drops hints as to where your favorite characters are going, in a chat with IGN's Dan Phillips.
• And last, but certainly not least, THE NEW YORK TIMES unveiled their Graphic Novel Bestseller list for the week of May 23. Of note: SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, BATMAN R.I.P., JOKER and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS all made the list.
Well, here's hoping everyone had a reasonably relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Here at The Source, we've gathered a few links you might have missed while you were out grilling or enjoying the balmy weather (or not, depending where you're located):
• BATMAN & ROBIN writer Grant Morrison gave a lengthy interview over at IGN, discussing the post-BATTLE FOR THE COWL status quo and his plans for Gotham's villainous population:
IGN Comics: So the wait is over and now fans know the identities of the new Batman and Robin – Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne. Before we get into specifics though, I'd like to talk about the big picture. You've made no secret of the fact that this is all part of a greater, long ranging story that you're telling. How does Batman and Robin fit alongside your recent Batman work?
Morrison: It's pretty simple. It comes in straight chronological order after the recent stuff. This is the sequel to Batman RIP, which is why the first arc is called 'Batman Reborn.' It builds directly off of it, and there are threads we pick up from before. As I've said before, the main villain in the first arc has already been seen in Batman #666, which had the potential future for Gotham City in it. So it's a straight continuation and the next part in the long running story from 'Batman and Son' onwards. We'll be picking up threads from that first book as well.
• Speaking of IGN, the site also previewed GREEN LANTERN #41, which continues the build-up to July's BLACKEST NIGHT mega-event. They've also got artist J.G. Jones' stellar variant cover for BATMAN & ROBIN #1.
• Has it really been a year? NEWSARAMA has a preview of TRINITY #52, the final issue of the series, while COMIC BOOK RESOURCES ROBOT 6 blog annotates the 51st issue of the weekly series.
In a few short days, the final chapter of BATTLE FOR THE COWL hits the stands and the entire world will learn the identity of the new Batman. It’s a journey long in the making and it’s hard to believe all the hard work from all of our creators is finally paying off on the printed page.
But we’re not wasting any time resting on our butts. Nope, we’re diving straight into the next exciting phase of the Dark Knight’s life, an era which reflects the new world order for Gotham City and its favorite protector--BATMAN REBORN.
We kick things off in June, starting with a brand new monthly series by the most exciting creative tag-team in comics--BATMAN & ROBIN by Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely. Trust us, this isn’t your parents’ Dynamic Duo--expect the unexpected (including the surprising return of several characters)!
Judd Winick returns to the Bat-family to write our flagship title, BATMAN--with art by two of the most amazing artists in comics--Ed Benes illustrates our first issue back and then the great Mark Bagley draws the first big storyarc!
Over in DETECTIVE COMICS, we’re operating outside of the box with this title and allowing someone other than Batman star in the title for the first time in many years. Kate Kane--BATWOMAN--takes center stage in this long-running series, courtesy of the incomparable team of Greg Rucka and JH Williams.
The very talented Paul Dini has signed on to pen not one, but two Batman series, both brand-new monthlies. GOTHAM CITY SIRENS follows the mis-adventures Gotham’s most lethal ladies--Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. With amazing art by newcomer Guillem March, this series is a can’t-miss. And over in BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM, a series devoted to all of the other heroes in Gotham, Paul is joined by long-time DETECTIVE COMICS partner Dustin Nguyen.
RED ROBIN is another new title debuting in June (who’s behind that mask, you ask? We’re not telling!). Chris Yost writes this news series with artwork by Ramon Bachs.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg folks--Tony Daniel makes his triumphant return to the Bat-books in a short while, and later this year we have the series debut of both BATGIRL and AZRAEL!
In case you haven't seen these on IGN yet, here's an early peek at the first issue of BATMAN AND ROBIN, along with the cover to BATMAN AND ROBIN #3, from some guys named Morrison and Quitely. Nice way to kick off the day, I'd say.
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IGN already gave us a look at the inked version, but here at The Source, we're all about sharing. So, on that note, here's the color version of the cover, by Mr. Frank Quitely and Alex Sinclair. BATMAN AND ROBIN #2 hits in July.
