Flashpoint Friday: Andy Kubert Takes you behind the Scenes on Wonder Woman

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New FLASHPOINT details come to light in Newsarama's exclusive interview with Geoff Johns. Head on over to check out what Geoff has to say about the series, including the important role Batman will take in it.

But we won't leave you high and dry here on The Source. Last Friday we broke out some designs from FLASHPOINT by Jim Lee and Andy Kubert. Andy Kubert was so excited that he got into the act and wanted to provide more of his behind-the-scenes takes on additional characters. Take it away, Andy.

"Character designs are a unique thing...some just roll off the top of the pencil, and some take some time, which can turn into weeks, to figure out. With the three characters shown here, I tried to provide my insights without spoiling the Flashpoint storyline, which isn't an easy thing to do since their stories reflect their looks...but here it goes."

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"When Geoff and I were going over the characters and their backgrounds for the Flashpoint series, he told me that Wonder Woman would be wearing medieval armor and that it's an integral part of her background story (she leads an army!). I LOVE drawing armor. I immediately knew what she should look like and the attitude I wanted to give her was akin to the Ripley character Sigourney Weaver played in the Alien movies. And I wanted to put her in a helmet but not make the helmet too knight-ish but something that would be a bit more appropriate for her at the time Flashpoint was taking place. After the sketch was completed, I sent it to Geoff, Eddie and Adam Schlagman for approval and feedback. They loved it, but what they really liked was the helmet which now has a great back story that goes along with it (which they would clobber me for if I spoiled it here)."

Action Comics #900 - all of the many, many details

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We're really pulling out all the stops for a milestone issue as big as ACTION COMICS #900, and the amount of talent that's been pulled together for the issue is truly outstanding.

The 51-page lead story by Paul Cornell, Pete Woods and Jesus Merino sees Superman return to ACTION just in time for both the conclusion of the critically-acclaimed "Black Ring" story starring Lex Luthor and the start of the next act of "Reign of Doomsday". As a bonus, Dan Jurgens, Rags Morales, Ardian Syaf, Jamal Igle and Gary Frank are each contributing their artistic talents to special segments of this main story.

But wait, there's more!

Action #900 will contain short comic stories by:

- Damon Lindelof & Ryan Sook

- David Goyer & Miguel Sepulveda

- Geoff Johns & Gary Frank

- Paul Dini & RB Silva

And that's STILL not enough...

Richard Donner and Derek Hoffman collaborated on a story that'll be presented in a screenplay format that we'll run alongside storyboards by Matt Camp.

Brian Stelfreeze adds in a two-page spread showing the evolution of Superman throughout the decades, drawn in the art styles of some of Superman’s most well-known artists.

And of course there's that great painted cover by David Finch, as well as variants by Alex Ross and Adam Hughes that we've already shown off here and here.

Whew.

ACTION COMICS #900 hits comic book stores on April 27th.

Join DC Comics at Wondercon this weekend!

San Francisco is home of The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and of course, Wondercon!

If you’re heading to the show this weekend, stop by the DC Booth to say hello and pick up some giveaways. And be sure to attend the fantastic panels and creator signings we’ll be hosting throughout the weekend!

Check out the schedule below; for ease of reading (and planning) we’ve even highlighted all the GREEN LANTERN events taking place this weekend in that very color. Don’t miss them!

FRIDAY, April 1

DC NATION

1-2pm, Room 103

The DC NATION returns to the Bay Area! Executive Editor Eddie Berganza and Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and some of comics’ top talents give you the inside scoop on what’s new from DC Entertainment. DCU, VERTIGO and MAD will all be discussed, so come on by and join the nation!

GREEN LANTERN

2-3pm, Room 103

What’s in store for Green Lantern’s comics adventures in 2011? War! Join Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Geoff Johns and others to get a sneak peak into the future of GL in the DCU!

5:00-6:00 Warner Bros.: Green Lantern Green Lantern will shine bright at WonderCon, beginning with an opening day panel with the stars of the upcoming feature film, in theaters June 17. The highly anticipated Green Lantern movie will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers. Join Ryan Reynolds and other special guests from the film for a look at Warner Bros.' superhero actioner: Green Lantern! Esplanade Ballroom

6:00-8:00 WORLD PREMIERE! Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Animated Original Movie— Only at WonderCon! Warner Home Video proudly presents the World Premiere of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, an all-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie that weaves six interlocking stories of the Green Lantern Corps' rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Nathan Fillion, Castle) mentors new recruit Arisia (Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal's comrades, including Abin Sur, Kilowog, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro, and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona. Other voice cast members include actor/spoken word artist Henry Rollins, Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films), Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy), Wade Williams (Prison Break), Kelly Hu (The Vampire Diaries) and professional wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper! Animation guru Bruce Timm is executive producer, and the directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva, and Christopher Berkeley. Scripting the film are comic book luminaries Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter J. Tomasi, Eddie Berganza, Alan Burnett, Todd Casey and Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim. Come for the movie and stay for the post-screening panel, which will feature filmmakers and members of the voice cast (highlighted in bold above)! Green Lantern: Emerald Knights will be distributed June 7 by Warner Home Video as part of the build-up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, Green Lantern, in theaters June 17. Esplanade Ballroom

Signings at the DC Booth:

2:00 – 3:00pm

Frank Quitely, Tony Daniel, Judd Winick, Amy Reeder

3:00 – 4:00pm

Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul

4:00 – 4:30 pm

Green Lantern Movie Cast Signing

Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Peter Sarsgaard

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

SATURDAY, April 2

DC UNIVERSE

11:30am-12:30pm, Room 103

What will happen to your favorite DCU characters during this year’s major events? Join DC’s Executive Editor – DCU Eddie Berganza along with Paul Levitz, Francis Manapul, James Robinson, Judd Winick, Marv Wolfman and others to hear about upcoming highlights from the DCU.

SCALPED: ONE ON ONE WITH JASON AARON

6-7pm, Room 104

The mind behind Vertigo's critically acclaimed series comes to WonderCon! Jason Aaron is joined by VP - Marketing, John Cunningham, for an in-depth look back at the first 47 issues of Scalped – as well as a glimpse at what’s to come!

Signings at the DC Booth:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Signing

Alan Burnett, Geoff Johns, Andrea Romano, Bruce Timm, Wade Williams & more

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

1:00 – 2:00pm

Paul Levitz, Len Wein, Sterling Gates, Philip Tan

2:00 – 3:00pm

Ryan Benjamin, Tony Daniel, Amy Reeder, Marv Wolfman, Jason Aaron

3:00 – 4:00pm

JT Krul, James Robinson, Judd Winick

4:00 – 5:00pm

Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul, Riccardo Burchielli, Chris Roberson

SUNDAY, April 3

DC ICONS

2-3pm, Room 103

DC’s top heroes are the topic of this panel spotlight. Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Tony Daniel, Amy Reeder and others lead the discussion on the latest Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman news.

DRAWING DC

4-5pm, Room 200/212

Superstar artists Francis Manapul, Ryan Benjamin and Amy Reeder show off their distinctive styles while drawing on a machine that projects their work on a giant screen. Check out this unique presentation that will give you an inside glimpse into the artistic process!

Signings at the DC Booth:

12:30 – 1:30pm

Human Target Cast Signing

Matt Miller, Janet Montgomery, Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

1:30 – 2:30pm

Paul Levitz, Marv Wolfman, Riccardo Burchielli

2:30 – 3:30pm

James Robinson, JT Krul, Francis Manapul, Philip Tan

Please check at the DC Booth for any updates. Keep in mind that all times are subject to change or cancellation. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

"Where we go in the book will surprise some people"—Geoff Johns on AQUAMAN

Geoff Johns announced over the weekend at MegaCon in Orlando that he’ll be writing a new AQUAMAN ongoing series, spinning out of the events of BRIGHTEST DAY.

Today, NEWSARAMA has the first interview on the upcoming ongoing series, with Geoff explaining, "I really want to find Aquaman's place in the DC Universe, but then also explore what he means within the rest of that world."

Head over to NEWSARAMA for plenty of teases about what’s in store for Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad, and Black Manta.

From the Editor's Desk: Brian Cunningham on War of the Green Lanterns

When I was recently handed the editorial reins to GREEN LANTERN, GREEN LANTERN CORPS and GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS, it felt admittedly daunting. I was coming on board just as all three titles raced into the massive crossover story, “War of the Green Lanterns.” It was an intimidating prospect.

At our first story conference back in December, the experience was unlike any I’ve had before. The creative energy between writers Geoff Johns, Peter Tomasi and Tony Bedard just sizzled with electricity. And riffing along with them were editors Eddie Berganza, Adam Schlagman, Darren Shan and myself.

In the considerably tiny conference room, huge ideas were put forth. Giant sheets of paper were taped to a wall, and with every cool moment or scene written down with markers, we had the makings of a major turning point in the lives of Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart and Kyle Rayner. I was simply stunned at how committed the team was with pushing boundaries, asking taboo questions and taking real creative risks.

And while every single Green Lantern gets affected by the story’s outcome, none shine more brightly than franchise star Hal Jordan. Hal meets this enormous challenge the only way he knows how—head on with a healthy dose of fear that he needs to overcome. That he MUST overcome. Simply put, Hal makes choices throughout the “War” that will both thrill and chill, and that is not hyperbole. Not at all.

The post-“War” worlds of all three GREEN LANTERN titles look very little like they did before it started. Again, I stress, not hyperbole. I wish I could tell you more, but I have to save SOME surprises for you guys!

I hope you guys enjoy it as much as the teams that put it all together do.

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First look at Booster Gold and Blue Beetle in Smallville

TV Guide has the exclusive first look at Booster Gold and Blue Beetle as they appear in the April 22nd episode of SMALLVILLE written by Geoff Johns.

Geoff Johns describes Smallville's Booster Gold to TV Guide:

"The one thing Booster does prove to Clark is that  people want to look up to this guy," says Geoff Johns, the hugely popular comic book writer who penned the episode (and previously wrote Smallville's  introductions to the Legion of Super-Heroes and the Justice Society of America). "They want to be inspired, and no one's doing it for them." That's not to say that Booster's methods are 100 percent legit. "This guy always  shows up at the last second to make a dramatic rescue, which is really suspect," Johns teases.

Check out the first image and find out more about the characters' debuts on the show from Geoff Johns and actor Eric Martsolf in the full story over at TVGuide.com!

The War of the Green Lanterns Begins Here

If any Green Lantern were to be officially labeled the antithesis of the Guardians of the Universe, it would be Hal Jordan.

As a result of the death of his father, he refused to acknowledge fear, living a life of risk and insubordination. When the legendary lantern known as Abin Sur tragically died, the ring selected Hal Jordan as his replacement. Despite great debate among the Guardians on the very idea of a human drafted into the Corps, the ring had never chosen unwisely.

And for a time, many even began to believe the ring had chosen … well. [gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

DC celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a special GREEN SALE on digital comics

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There are two heroes of the DC Universe that nobody would ever be able to pinch for not wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day: GREEN LANTERN and GREEN ARROW. So whether you're Irish or not, join us as we celebrate St. Patty's with an exclusive sale celebrating DC's greenest super heroes! From 11 PM EST tonight to 11 PM EST tomorrow, you can purchase over 200 Green Lantern and Green Arrow digital comics for only $0.99 each. This offer is available at the DC Digital Comics Store and through the DC Comics and Comixology Apps (both available via iTunes).

Not only is this a rare chance to snag some of your favorite issues from acclaimed series such as BLACKEST NIGHT for a bargain price, but this promotion also serves as the digital debut of 26 newly-available titles. For the first time ever, you can read GREEN ARROW #33-35, GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS #1-3, GREEN LANTERN #58-59, the classics GREEN LANTERN #76-89, and GREEN LANTERN CORPS #36-37 and #52-53 on a digital screen. This means stories by amazing creators like Geoff Johns, Neal Adams, Denny O'Neil, Peter J. Tomasi, Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke and more!

Some of you might remember our 'Blackest Friday' and 'Batman 101 on 1/01' sales. Just like with both of those sales, these issues will return to their regular price point after one day.  This sale ends at 11 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time tomorrow.

The End and The Beginning

There are only three issues left of the bestselling BRIGHTEST DAY series. Issue 22 is cryptically titled “The End and The Beginning” and it’s all about Firestorm’s struggle to be the best hero that he can be.

I don’t want to give anything away or spoil the story, so I’ll just say that the issue has been aptly titled and leave it at that.

Written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi and with art by Scott Clark, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado, BRIGHTEST DAY #22, is on sale in stores today.

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The shape of things to come

It's been a long journey for the Martian Manhunter since his revival, including an entire lifetime of false happiness on a rejuvenated Mars. But now the veil is lifted from J'onn's eyes, and they're filled with tears of rage.

It's time to settle things with D'kay, but when given the choice between a new Mars and Earth, J'onn has to ask himself...

Where is my real home?

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BRIGHTEST DAY #21 hits stores March 2nd.

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