(Everybody's Talkin' About) DC Comics-The New 52, Early Tuesday AM Edition

As I type this blog post, the halls of 1700 Broadway are mostly quiet. Quiet, that is, save for the sounds of Jim Lee and Geoff Johns doing another round of morning radio interviews.

With less than 24 hours to go before tonight's midnight launch of DC Comics-The New 52, the press coverage continues to roll in. Among the late night/early morning highlights?

* THE ADVOCATE has an exclusive preview of BATWOMAN # 1.

* Check out Grant Morrison's interview with FAST COMPANY. As the internet noted last week, Grant provides some of the best pull quotes in the comic book industry and his FAST COMPANY interview is no exception. The feature also comes with an exclusive page from ACTION COMICS # 1, which shows Superman transforming into Clark Kent.

* Jim Lee was interviewed by the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.

* TIME OUT CHICAGO interviewed local retailers about DC Comics-The New 52 and the impact of digital on the comic book industry.

Oh and those morning interviews?

Here's a rundown of who Geoff and Jim will be talking with this morning:

8:40-8:50 am--WOCM-FM (OCEAN CITY RADIO)

9:00-9:10 am--WELI-AM (ARTFORD RADIO)

9:15-9:30 am--KRCL (SALT LAKE CITY RADIO)

9:30 – 9:40 am--KNX-AM (LOS ANGELES RADIO)

9:40-9:50 am--WKXL-AM (CONCORD RADIO)

10:10 – 10:20 AM--KFXR-AM (DALLAS RADIO)

10:20-10:30 AM--FOX NEWS RADIO (NATIONAL RADIO)

To be continued...

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee announce identity of JUSTICE LEAGUE’s first villain

There’s been a lot of talk over the past few weeks about the villains in DC Comics-The New 52. You’ve probably noticed that we’ve been using the hashtag, “#thenewvillains,” both here on THE SOURCE and on Twitter . There will certainly be plenty of villains making their debuts in the coming weeks. While by now many of these villains have already been introduced, not all of them have been fully revealed just yet.

On Friday, writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee appeared together on Sirius XM’s “Geek Time” to discuss the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 and their first ever collaboration -- JUSTICE LEAGUE. During the interview, they revealed the identity of the series’ first villain. What threat is so big that it brings together the team for the first time? If you don’t want to know who it is just yet, then whatever you do, don’t click after the jump (major spoiler alert!).

In the first story arc of JUSTICE LEAGUE, the villain needs no introduction: Darkseid.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 goes on sale August 31st.

 

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.

DC ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES TOP TALENT FROM DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 TO ATTEND NEW YORK COMIC CON

Top talent from DC Comics-The New 52 will be attending this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC). The annual pop culture extravaganza will include guests Mahmud Asrar, Brian Azzarello, Greg Capullo, Cliff Chiang, Tony Daniel, Dan DiDio, Keith Giffen, Paul Levitz, Francis Manapul, Fabian Nicieza, Joe Prado, Amy Reeder, Ivan Reis, Ardian Syaf, Scott Snyder, Peter Tomasi, and more.

Previously announced Guests of Honor, Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, and Jim Lee, Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, the creative team for JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (August 31, 2011), will also be in attendance.

DC Entertainment will once again occupy a 3000 square foot booth on the show floor where fans will have an opportunity to mix and mingle with creators and staff. The preeminent publisher will be participating in several panels over the course of the weekend and officials at DC note that “behind-the-scenes” information about DC Entertainment will be revealed over the course of the weekend. The centrally located booth will feature talent signings, free giveaways and early peeks at the newest action figures, statues, busts and other amazing collectibles on display from DC Direct. The official New York Comic Con poster celebrates DC Comic’s JUSTICE LEAGUE in all their glory set against the iconic NYC backdrop of the Statue of Liberty. The poster is designed by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Rod Reis. The posters are not for sale, but signed copies are included in the NYCC VIP packages.

New York Comic Con, which will occupy the entire Javits Center in New York City, has quickly grown to be an industry leading event, attracting close to 100,000 fans eager to see the latest in comics, movies, TV, games, toys, fashion and a range of other product and trends which define the pop culture universe. New York Comic Con will take place October 13 - 16, 2011.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

MAHMUD ASRAR: Mahmud Asrar, an artist hailing from Turkey, has drawn BRIGHTEST DAY: THE ATOM, DYNAMO 5, SHADOWLAND: POWER MAN, and NOVA, among others. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Asrar is drawing SUPERGIRL.

BRIAN AZZARELLO: Brian Azzarello is the Eisner Award winning writer of 100 BULLETS. The New York Times Best Seller’s other notable DC Comics work include JOKER, LUTHOR, HELLBLAZER, FILTHY RICH, DOCTOR 13, SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW, BATMAN: BROKEN CITY, KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE and the upcoming series SPACEMAN to be published by Vertigo. As part of DC Comics- The New 52, Azzarello is writing WONDER WOMAN.

GREG CAPULLO: Greg Capullo is the artist on BATMAN as part of DC Comics-The New 52. He’s best known for his comic book work, as the quintessential penciler of Todd McFarlane’s SPAWN. He has also worked on Robert Kirkman’s HAUNT. Other credits include Marvel’s X-FORCE, QUASAR and his own creation, The CREECH, as well as many other titles. Capullo is a regular contributor to Blizzard’s World of Warcraft and is responsible for designing and painting the wrap around CD cover art for Disturbed’s “Ten Thousand Fists,” and penciling the CD cover art for Korn’s “Follow the Leader.”

TONY DANIEL: Born and raised in the streets of South Chicago, a love for comics, and drawing them, kept young Tony Daniel out of trouble. By the age of 20 he was already a working professional in the comic’s community. His list of penciling credits include such hits as X-FORCE, THE TENTH, TEEN TITANS, and BATMAN. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Daniel is the writer and artist on DETECTIVE COMICS and he’s the writer of THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN.

CLIFF CHIANG: Cliff Chiang’s artwork has been hailed for its “fluid and confident storytelling” and “sweeping linework and nuanced style.” Graduating from Harvard University with a joint degree in English Literature and Visual Arts, he worked in editorial at Disney Adventures Magazine and Vertigo/DC Comics before making the leap into freelance illustration. His work for DC Comics includes GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY, HUMAN TARGET, DOCTOR 13, and the original graphic novel NEIL YOUNG’S GREENDALE published by Vertigo. As part of DC Comics-The New 52 Chiang is illustrating WONDER WOMAN. He lives in New York City.

DAN DIDIO: Dan DiDio is the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment. He was formerly the VP Executive Editor of DC Comics. DiDio’s writing credits include SUPERBOY and THE OUTSIDERS. As part of DC Comics-The New 52 he is writing OMAC.

KEITH GIFFEN: Keith Giffen is an American comic book artist and writer. His credits include LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, LOBO, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL, AMBUSH BUG, BLUE BEETLE and DOOM PATROL. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Giffen will be illustrating and co-writing OMAC.

PAUL LEVITZ: Paul Levitz, served as President of DC Comics from 2002 to 2009. He is currently a Senior Advisor and Contributing Editor at DC Entertainment. Levitz has written many DC Comics classic characters and series including the JUSTICE SOCIETY, SUPERMAN (in both comics and the newspaper strip), and an acclaimed run on THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, a series he is returning to as part of DC Comics-The New 52. He is also the author of the Eisner Award nominated 75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking, published by Taschen.

FRANCIS MANAPUL: Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was a TV Presenter on SyFy’s Beast Legends, in which he and a team of scientists and adventurers traveled the globe in search of scientific data to create mythical beasts. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

FABIAN NICIEZA: Fabian Nicieza is CCO for the FunGoPlay virtual world and Lead Writer for intellectual property managers, Starlight Runner Entertainment, but is best known as a comic book writer whose work includes Marvel titles such as X-MEN, NEW WARRIORS, CABLE & DEADPOOL. His DC Comics writing includes ROBIN, ACTION COMICS, TRINITY and RED

ROBIN. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Nicieza is writing LEGION LOST.

JOE PRADO: Joe Prado is a Brazilian artist whose work for DC Comics includes ACTION COMICS, BIRDS OF PREY, SUPERMAN, TEEN TITANS, BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY. He co-designed this year’s NYCC poster and as part of DC Comics-The New 52 he will be working on AQUAMAN.

AMY REEDER: Amy Reeder got her start at Tokyopop where she wrote and drew the original English language manga FOOL’S GOLD. She went on to become the ongoing series artist on Vertigo’s MADAME XANADU and her other work for DC Comics includes SUPERGIRL covers. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Reeder will be drawing BATWOMAN, beginning with the second arc.

IVAN REIS: Ivan Reis is a Brazilian comic book artist who is best known for his work on GREEN LANTERN: SECRET ORIGIN, which was used as reference for the recent Warner Bros Pictures film Green Lantern. Other credits include GHOST published by Dark Horse, CAPTAIN MARVEL, IRON MAN, DEFENDERS and AVENGERS published by Marvel Comics as well as the DC Comics titles TEEN TITANS, SUPERMAN, INFINITE CRISIS and the mini-series BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY. Reis co-designed this year’s NYCC JUSTICE LEAGUE poster and as part of DC Comics-The New 52 he’s drawing AQUAMAN.

SCOTT SNYDER: Scott Snyder is the writer and co-creator of the New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award winning comic book series AMERICAN VAMPIRE published by Vertigo, which he launched with Stephen King in October 2010. Snyder began his writing career with a collection of stories, VOODOO HEART (Dial Press) and is currently writing DETECTIVE COMICS and GATES OF GOTHAM for DC. Snyder teaches writing at Columbia University, NYU and Sarah Lawrence College and is working on a novel called THE GOODBYE SUIT, to be published by Dial. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Snyder will be writing SWAMP THING and BATMAN. He lives in the New York City area.

ARDIAN SYAF: Ardian Syaf is an Indonesian artist, whose work for DC Comics includes GREEN LANTERN CORPS and BRIGHTEST DAY. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Syaf is drawing BATGIRL. NYCC marks the first time he will be attending an American comic convention.

PETER J. TOMASI: Peter J. Tomasi proudly helped usher in new eras for GREEN LANTERN, BATMAN, and JSA during his tenure as a DC Comics Senior Editor. He is now writing comics and screenplays, with his recent work including such DC titles as BRIGHTEST DAY, GREEN LANTERN EMERALD WARRIORS, NIGHTWING, THE OUTSIDERS, BATMAN: BLACKEST NIGHT, BLACK ADAM and the critically acclaimed creator-owned projects LIGHT BRIGADE and THE MIGHTY. As part of DC Comics -The New 52 Tomasi will begin anew with BATMAN AND ROBIN and THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS.

Exclusive First Look at JUSTICE LEAGUE #3

Last week on THE SOURCE, we unveiled the covers and teased the stories of many of our November titles. Today, take an exclusive first look at the solicitation information and the cover for JUSTICE LEAGUE #3.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

1:25 Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

1:200 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE

On sale NOVEMBER 16 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

The superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee continue to make history as they unleash the amazing Amazon, Wonder Woman, who joins the battle against a bizarre threat! And the not-yet World’s Greatest Heroes need all the help they can get!

This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.

GEOFF JOHNS AND JIM LEE TO BE GUESTS OF HONOR AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Creative Team for JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

To Appear in Panels and at DC Booth

Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, and Jim Lee, Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, will head the list of top talent who will be attending New York Comic Con (NYCC) on behalf of renowned comic book publisher DC Entertainment.  Mr. Johns and Mr. Lee will both be Guests of Honor at the annual pop culture extravaganza, where they will be joined by other leading DC guests who will be announced in the near future.  Johns and Lee, the extraordinary creative team of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (August 31, 2011), will participate in panels and will be on hand at the DC Entertainment booth along with other members of their creative team.  JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 is scheduled to go on sale October 19, 2011, just three days after New York Comic Con concludes. Meanwhile, the official poster for the 2011 New York Comic Con has been released and shows the new incarnation of DC's JUSTICE LEAGUE as rendered by superstar artists Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Rod Reis, who will also be in attendance at the show.  The posters are not for sale but signed copies of the poster are included in the NYCC VIP packages this year.

Once again, DC Entertainment will occupy a 3000 square foot booth on the NYCC show floor where fans will have an opportunity to mix and mingle with creators and staff and where “behind-the-scenes” information about DC Entertainment will be revealed over the course of the weekend.  The centrally located booth will feature talent signings, free giveaways and early peeks at the newest action figures, statues, busts and other amazing collectibles on display from DC Direct.

“It is always a privilege and an honor to welcome DC back to our show,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC.  “DC has been a loyal supporter of our event from the very beginning and star creators and industry leaders like Geoff Johns and Jim Lee add enormous luster to our show.   The fans who attend New York Comic Con are especially eager to see new content and product from major publishers and entertainment companies like DC and we look forward to providing a quality atmosphere where both business and entertainment co-exist and thrive side by side.”

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.

Announcing the Midnight Releases of FLASHPOINT #5 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #1

We’re only four weeks away from the highly anticipated final issue of Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s series FLASHPOINT and the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 with Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #1.

For months, we’ve been teasing bits and pieces of what’s in store for these titles. As a “thank you” for your patience, FLASHPOINT #5 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 will be officially available starting at 12:01 A.M. on August 31st. So be sure to check your local comic book store for any special events that may be occurring.

On August 31st, don’t wait a minute longer to read these two game-changing books.

Standard final version of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 cover revealed

It’s already August which means that we’re less than a handful of weeks away from the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 with Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #1, in stores August 31st.

Throughout the day today, we’ll be debuting four different versions of the cover to JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 on THE SOURCE, ranging from an array of variants to the digital combo pack edition.

Below, check out the final standard cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams.

SDCC - The Day After

(Grant Morrison, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns at the Warner Bros. party on Friday night.)

Well, it's done. Another San Diego Comic-Con in the books.

We met so many fantastic fans (many of whom got Wayne Casino Poker Chips and an assortment of our other fantastic giveaway items) and want to thank them all for their feedback, their comments, their questions and most of all their passion. You all are the reason we keep doing what we're doing and seeing so many assembled in one place is a great experience for all of us here.

The centerpiece of Sunday's panel lineup was the last of a series dedicated to "Designing the New DC Comics." This time the big reveal given to those in the room (and then to those who are friends of ours on Facebook) were looks at the new designs characters will be sporting after September. From BATGIRL to MISTER TERRIFIC to GRIFTER and more, the new outfits and overall looks of the characters was on display and the response was great.

After that the last in a series of panels focusing on DC Comics The New 52 was held and new villains for BATGIRL, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, and FIRESTORM were discussed

The focus then turned back to artwork with a panel featuring Jim Lee, Cully Hammer and Adam Hughes as they shared how they do their artistic work month after month.

And that's that! We'll continue to share in more detail some of the news that came out of Comic-Con but thanks to everyone for another great year. Look for us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with DC Entertainment day in and day out.

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