5.2 Reasons to Look Forward to 2013 So Far

Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of 5.2 Reasons in 2013! After taking a week off for the holidays, your favorite DCComics.com number-and-decimal-based weekly column is back and ready to list the heck out of things!

We all survived the impending apocalypse, drank copious amounts of eggnog, stayed up all night to watch the ball drop, and then passed out for 12 hours out of sheer exhaustion and enthusiasm over counting down the numbers (the Count and us need to hang out more often). But now we're awake and excited for the brand new year! Why? Well, we're about to tell you.

Last year was a great year for comics, with some all-around fantastic moments. But as awesome as 2012 was, 2013 is already shaping up to be a great one, which is why we're giving you the 5.2 Reasons to Look Forward to 2013 So Far!

1. Joker's Last Laugh
Writer Scott Snyder simultaneously put a smile on our face and a scream in our throat when he brought the Joker into the spotlight and kicked off the "Death of the Family" crossover event running through the various Bat-books. Systematically and psychotically, the Joker has personally attacked every member of the Batman Family, striking them at their deepest core. However, that was all the setup to the punchline that finally plays out in BATMAN #17.
 

 
2. Jeff Lemire Goes Green
Since the launch of DC COMICS—THE NEW 52, writer Jeff Lemire has been dealing with the Red in the pages of Animal Man. Starting in February, he'll be adding another color to his repertoire by picking up the bow as the ongoing writer on Green Arrow. We've long been fans of Lemire's work, so seeing him take aim with Oliver Queen gets us all aquiver. Oh, also, yadda yadda yadda, something about a bulls-eye. (We're required to do that whenever we talk about archery.)
 

 
3. The Wrath of the First Lantern
First introduced in the GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #1, the mysterious First Lantern enters the galactic playing field in a big way following the conclusion of the "Rise of the Third Army" crossover currently running through the various Lantern titles. Not much is known about the "Wrath of the First Lantern" arc, which begins in GREEN LANTERN #17, but if Johns' previous work is any indication, it's sure to be game-changingly brilliant.
 

 
4. Morrison, Exit Stage Awesome
In a very, very bittersweet moment, writer Grant Morrison wraps up both his Action Comics run and his Batman magnum opus in 2013. While we greatly look forward to seeing how his two epics—starring the two biggest characters in comics—conclude, we're even more excited to be able to go back and read both from start to finish in what is sure to be one mind-bending, awe-inspiring sitting. We can only imagine afterward that it will be like in "2001: A Space Odyssey." Only, instead of stars, it’ll be, "My god. It's full of awesome."
 

 
5. Justice League of America
Geoff Johns brought together the World's Greatest Heroes in the pages of Justice League. Now, he's bringing together another team, consisting of heroes like Green Arrow, Stargirl and Green Lantern, along with some other characters with more questionable moral standards (we're looking at you Catwoman—really, who could blame us?). The reason behind this new team and the role they'll play remains an enigma for now, but the cast of characters and the teaming of Johns with artist David Finch already has us intrigued.
 

 
5.1 Anyone Else Notice SHAZAM! in This?
 

 
5.2 Vibe. Clearly.
 

 
Seriously though, we're actually pretty excited to see what Geoff Johns and Andrew Kriesberg can do. What are you all excited for this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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5.2 Reasons, Batman, scott snyder, Death of the Family, Green Arrow, jeff lemire, Wrath of the First Lantern, grant morrison, action comics, justice league of america

New Talent Portraits from New York Comic-Con

What do Grant Morrison, Greg Capullo and Dave Gibbons have in common? All three men have created comics for DC and all three have photos included in our latest batch of DCComics.com talent portraits.

 

If you’re not sure what we’re talking about, allow us to recap a bit. Over the past year, we’ve been taking our mobile photo studio and crack team of professional photographers to some of the biggest comic book conventions in the country to capture our talented creators on film. Our first convention was Wondercon, then C2E2, and then San Diego Comic-Con. Throughout it all, the response to the portraits has been phenomenal, so to make sure we ended the year on a good note, we sent our studio to one final 2012 convention: New York Comic-Con.

 

Considering how many of our writers and artists live in or near New York, we knew this would be a big convention for us, and we weren’t disappointed. All told, we added over 30 new portraits to our talent directory.

 

You can see a few of them below, but why don’t you take a pass through our directory and see how many you can find? Then come back to THE SOURCE on Wednesday for the full list.

 

Grant Morrison

 

Andy Kubert

 

Phil Jimenez

 

(All photos by Mike Jara Photography)

Tags: 
new york comic-con, talent portraits, andy kubert, grant morrison, phil jimenez

DC COMICS AND NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON PUT KRYPTON ON THE MAP WITH HISTORIC SUPERMAN STORY

World Renowned Astrophysicist Makes Guest Appearance In ACTION COMICS #14 And Helps Pinpoint Icon’s Home Planet In Our Known Universe


BURBANK, Calif. (November 5, 2012) – Fact and fiction merge in the newest issue of DC Comics’ ACTION COMICS #14, bringing real world implications to the iconic Superman story. In the explosive back-up story for ACTION COMICS #14 titled “Star Light, Star Bright”, world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson helps Superman find his home planet of Krypton on its final day of existence. Today, Dr. Tyson announces an actual location for a Krypton-like system in our known universe. ACTION COMICS #14 hits stores on November 7.

 

"This is a major milestone in the Superman mythos that gives our Super Hero a place in the universe,” said DC Entertainment co-publisher, Dan DiDio. "Having Neil deGrasse Tyson in the book was one thing, but by applying real world science to this story he has forever changed Superman’s place in history. Now fans will be able to look up at the night’s sky and say – ‘that’s where Superman was born’."

 

The red dwarf star designated for having the ability to support a Krypton-like planet is located in the constellation Corvus 27.1 light years from Earth. The star, designated LHS 2520, possesses a red, highly turbulent surface, somewhat cooler and smaller than the Sun. To find it in the night’s sky, amateur astronomers and Superman fans can follow these coordinates:

 

J2000

Right Ascension: 12 hours 10 minutes 5.77 seconds

Declination:  -15 degrees 4 minutes 17.9 seconds

Proper Motion: 0.76 arcseconds per year, along 172.94 degrees from due north

 

Dr. Tyson has a well-documented history applying science to entertainment in order to make the subject accessible and exciting to the public. He is the Director of Hayden Planetarium at the AmericanMuseum of Natural History, which since its founding in 1935 has served as the premier conduit between the frontier of cosmic discovery and the public's appreciation of it.  Tyson also recently made headlines by getting film director, James Cameron, to alter the night’s sky as seen in The Titanic due to inaccuracies. The adjustment was made and can be seen in the re-release of Titanic 3-D.

 

Tyson noted, “As a native of Metropolis, I was delighted to help Superman, who has done so much for my city over all these years.  And it’s clear that if he weren’t a superhero he would have made quite an astrophysicist.”

 

 “Star Light, Star Bright” is written by Sholly Fisch, a veteran in the educational media field and longtime comic book writer. Fisch and DC Comics editor Wil Moss collaborated with Dr. Tyson on the creation of this epic tale and its real world applications. The story is supported by the stellar art team of Chris Sprouse and Karl Story. “Star Light, Star Bright” appears at the end of ACTION COMICS #14, which features a lead story  penned by comic book industry superstar Grant Morrison with art by Rags Morales and Mark Propst. 

Tags: 
Superman, neil degrasse tyson, action comics, sholly fisch, chris sprouse, rags morales, grant morrison, karl story

Grant Morrison Named Member of the British Empire

Congratulations are in order!

 

Today, Prince Charles of Wales presented legendary writer Grant Morrison (ACTION COMICS; BATMAN, INCORPORATED; MULTIVERSITY) with the honor of becoming a Member of the British Empire (MBE). Recognized for “services to film and literature,” the Scottish writer was awarded with this ranking as part of the celebrations of the Queen’s birthday that are currently taking place in the United Kingdom.

 

To learn more about the Queen’s honorees, click here. Congrats, Grant!

 

(Photo credit: Kristan Morrison)

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grant morrison

MULTIVERSITY Is Coming!

Fans attending MorrisonCon in Las Vegas this weekend were treated to a very special announcement this morning.

 

After years of speculation, anticipation and expectation, DC Entertainment is proud to confirm that Grant Morrison’s love letter to superhero comics, MULTIVERSITY, will be hitting stores in late 2013. Morrison, the comic book shaman and superstar author of ACTION COMICS and BATMAN, INCORPORATED has created a series that will not only define the Multiverse for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, but will also provide a handful of new worlds, concepts, heroes and villains for comic fans to enjoy. Morrison spoke to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER and iFANBOY to discuss details of the series as well.

 

MULTIVERSITY is an 8-issue series comprising 6 one-shots and a two-part conclusion with each issue featuring a 38-page lead story followed by an 8-page backup. Each issue takes place on a different parallel world from the main DC Earth and functions as a number one issue. Each world in the Multiverse publishes comic books about the heroes on the OTHER worlds. Once the characters realize this, they then unite to respond to the villains!

 

Additionally, each universe (which have been brewing in Morrison’s mind for years) will open up an endless series of worlds and realities for future writers and creators to use, expand upon and enjoy.

 

Below, take a first look at MULTIVERSITY by checking out a piece of art from PAX AMERICANA #1. Illustrated by the legendary Frank Quitely, PAX AMERICANA takes the original Charlton Comics characters and presents them in a way that’s both new and familiar at the same time.

Tags: 
Multiversity, grant morrison, Pax Americana, frank quitely, MorrisonCon

5.2 Reasons Why J.H. Williams III Rocks Our World

The phrase "legendary artist" gets tossed around a lot these days. Picasso? He couldn't even draw a face properly. And what's up with those melting clocks, Dali? (Nah, just kidding, they're great). But considering the fact that J.H. Williams III has worked with some of the most renowned and influential writers in comic book history—Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and now Neil Gaiman—the term "legendary artist" just doesn't seem like enough.
 
So, we're coming up with a new term! Legendeawesome... Awesomedary... Legawesomedary...
 
Yeesh… This is a lot more difficult than we though. So instead, we're just going to list off the 5.2 Reasons Why J.H. Williams III Rocks Our World!
1. BATWOMAN
Every month as part of DC Comics—The New 52, Williams grabs hold of the writing reins alongside W. Haden Blackman and provides art on alternating arcs of the Batwoman series. This week sees the release of Batwoman #12, which returns Williams to penciling duties; however, he also previously worked on the character of Kate Kane during his Eisner Award-winning run on DETECTIVE COMICS #854-860 with writer Greg Rucka.
 
2. SANDMAN
One of the biggest announcements to come out of this year's San Diego Comic-Con was the news that awesomedary comic book writer and novelist Neil Gaiman will be making his triumphant return to the world of Sandman next summer with a brand-new limited series—with art provided by Williams. Already our brain cells are exploding from amazing overload just imagining this team-up. Then this happened and we lost consciousness for a while:
 


3. BATMAN
It takes a certain type of artist to delve into the mind of Grant Morrison and put onto the page the mad genius found within. Thankfully, Williams ranks as one of those artists and more than proved his ability to do so with his collaboration with Morrison on the BATMAN #667-669 arc, "The Island of Mister Mayhew."

4. PROMETHEA
Mixing magic, mythology, and mysticism, Promethea teamed Williams with writer Alan Moore. The series stands as one of the most experimental in comics—both in storytelling and especially in art—and to this day Williams' unique style, attention to detail and beautiful imagery shines through with almost blinding brilliance.
 

 
5. CHASE
Besides being a great series in its own right—focusing on the character of Cameron Chase who gives readers a different, more grounded perspective on the world of superheroes—the nine-issue Chase series first elevated Williams to prominence in the comic art community. Reading the series from its first issue to its last, you really see the evolution of Williams' art as he grows into the artist we see today that continues to wow us with every image he puts on paper.

5.1 Splash Pages Like These



5.2 He Rocks an Awesome Beard


What's your favorite work from J.H. Williams III that you think everyone should check out? Let us know in the comments section!

Tags: 
5.2 Reasons, J.H. Williams III, batwoman, neil gaiman, sandman, Greg Rucka, Batman, grant morrison, Promethea

ACTION COMICS VOL. 1 Sketchbook: Day Five

This week sees the publication of ACTION COMICS VOLUME 1: SUPERMAN AND THE MEN OF STEEL. Written by the incomparable Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) and drawn by the sensational Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), this hardcover book is the premiere collection of the acclaimed series that launched with DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. This updated Superman has been re-imagined as a more vulnerable and relatable hero. Young, naïve, and with incredible powers he’s only begun to explore, Superman is waiting to be discovered by a whole new generation.        

 

Collecting issues #1-8, ACTION COMICS VOL. 1: SUPERMAN AND THE MEN OF STEEL is in comic book stores now and in bookstores everywhere on August 7th. Below, take a first look at some of the bonus material from the back of the hardcover.

 


 

Tags: 
grant morrison, rags morales, action comics, Superman, Michael Choi, gene ha, andy kubert, chris burnham

ACTION COMICS VOL. 1 Sketchbook: Day Four

This week sees the publication of ACTION COMICS VOLUME 1: SUPERMAN AND THE MEN OF STEEL. Written by the incomparable Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) and drawn by the sensational Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), this hardcover book is the premiere collection of the acclaimed series that launched with DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. This updated Superman has been re-imagined as a more vulnerable and relatable hero. Young, naïve, and with incredible powers he’s only begun to explore, Superman is waiting to be discovered by a whole new generation.        

 

Collecting issues #1-8, ACTION COMICS VOL. 1: SUPERMAN AND THE MEN OF STEEL is in comic book stores now and in bookstores everywhere on August 7th. Below, take a first look at some of the bonus material from the back of the hardcover and keep checking THE SOURCE daily this week as we unveil more sneak peeks at what this book has in store.

 

 

Tags: 
action comics, grant morrison, rags morales, Superman, gene ha

5.2 Reasons We Love Action Comics' Superman

When superstar writer Grant Morrison launched ALL-STAR SUPERMAN back in 2005, he crafted a tale that took the Man of Steel back to his more classic roots while still approaching the character with modern sensibilities. He reinvented the Superman of old for today's audience and the end result quickly became lauded as one of the greatest Superman tales ever written.

With last year's relaunch of ACTION COMICS, Morrison reinvented the Man of Steel once more—and the results were once again, in a word, super.

This week marked the release of SUPERMAN: ACTION COMICS Vol. 1, which collects Morrison’s first major arc on the title, and within those colorful comic book pages lie the 5.2 Reasons We Love Action Comics' Superman!

1. Reinvention Through Reinterpretation
With Action Comics, Morrison once again returned to an intrepretation of Superman from times past, but one even further back than in All-Star--all the way to the Man of Steel's original appearance. And by once again keeping a modern sensibility, Morrison created a younger, rasher and bolder Man of Steel, one who seems to enjoy using his powers (all while helping others, of course).


2. More Powerful Than...
As a younger version of the character, this Superman hasn't quite reached his full potential, which means when it comes to threats and dangers… Well, this beautifully chilling image that plays on the old Superman adage says it all:



3. Superman's Clark Kent's Pal: Jimmy Olsen
With Action Comics, Jimmy Olsen is now friends with Clark Kent instead of Superman, and like a butterfly flapping its wings in Metropolis causing a tornado in Smallville, a little change makes a huge difference in the logistics of their friendship.

4. New Krypton
Morrison and artist Gene Ha's interpretation of Krypton and Kryptonians is stunningly beautiful and visually breathtaking. Plus, the little tweaks Morrison made to the destruction of the planet and ultimate rocketing of the infant Kal-El off-planet make events much more realistic—or rather as realistic as a baby in a rocket from another planet facing untimely destruction can be.

5. References Abound
As any Morrison fan knows, reading between the lines is not so much a suggestion as a requirement. Morrison loves adding winks and nods to previous continuity and stories, and his Action Comics run holds no exception. Check out a few we found below, and let us know in the comments any references you may have found!





5.1 Sensational Backup Tales by Sholly Fisch

5.2 Costume of the People




Is Action Comics taking you up, up, and away into the stratosphere of awesome? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Tags: 
action comics, Superman, grant morrison, clark kent, Kal-El, rags morales, gene ha, 5.2 Reasons, All-Star Superman

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