Bat-Mite Presents: Batman's Strangest Cases!

Emmy award winning writer Paul Dini has penned an episode of BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD that should certainly appeal to SOURCE readers when the show returns with new episodes in a few weeks. It's called "Bat-Mite Presents: Batman's Strangest Cases!" and fans of the series have been salivating for it since details first emerged.

So, OK, Paul Dini's writing it and Bat-Mite returns to host a series of Batman's most bizarre adventure. You're already excited, right?

Well, check out this image of the Mad Magazine-inspired Batboy and Rubin.

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Still not convinced?

How about an adventure of the Batman of Japan?

Can I watch this episode now? And can I watch it with Grant Morrison? I mean how amazing would that be? (Sometimes you have to ask for what you want...)

DCU in 2011: El Gaucho and the Batman of Africa join BATMAN, INCORPORATED.

A new status quo. Those words are thrown around, a lot, in the comic book industry. But that’s exactly what New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison and team have created with BATMAN, INC.

Bruce Wayne has extended Batman’s mission—and brand—globally.

So far, we’ve met England’s Knight & Squire, Mr. Unknown (the Batman of Japan) and El Gaucho from Argentina's Batman. Judging from this advance look at Yanick Paquette’s gorgeous art from an upcoming issue of BATMAN, INCORPORATED, the international action and intrigue are only ramping up in the coming months.

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Grant Morrison sent a few words to share with SOURCE readers about what lies ahead:

“Bruce Wayne's back from the dead with barely a moment to catch his breath before he must prepare for the battle of his life in BATMAN INC.

“On the way towards this ultimate confrontation, Batman and El Gaucho, Argentina's No.1 crimebuster, face a terrifying new villain whose world-shaking masterplan stretches across 2 decades, 3 countries and 3 interlocked issues, which also feature Batwoman, a whole new team of British heroes and the debut of The Batman of Africa, in a dark and twisted super-espionage thriller.

“And waiting in the wings are team-ups with Chief-Man-of-Bats, Batgirl and a mind-blowing CGI adventure with Oracle, as piece by piece, we learn the secrets of Batman Inc. and find out what Bruce is REALLY up to!”

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT ALL-STAR SUPERMAN

It is based on a book that is an Eisner Award winner and a New York Times bestseller. It’s a personal story with an epic scope. It’s iconic and classic, yet modern and daring. Yes, we’re talking about ALL-STAR SUPERMAN.

It’s no hyperbole to say that Warner Home Video’s upcoming animated ALL-STAR SUPERMAN film is eagerly anticipated and the good folks at WHV have been kind enough to send THE SOURCE an exclusive still. . .

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We’re getting closer and closer to the release date, February 22. I’ve had the good fortune to see a number of clips from the film. It looks stunning. And how about that voice cast? James Denton is Superman. Christina Hendricks is Lois Lane. Anthony LaPaglia voices Lex Luthor. Emmy Award winner Ed Asner is Perry White

There’s also an amazing documentary with Grant Morrison and Dan DiDio talking about the making of the ALL-STAR SUPERMAN comic books.

Grant’s enthusiasm for Superman, for the comic books and for the animated film are undeniable. But who am I to speak for Grant?

"It took only a single viewing for ALL-STAR SUPERMAN to become one of my all-time favourite superhero movies. The adaptation by Bruce, Dwayne and the team is quirky, epic and heartbreaking and I don't think I've seen anything else quite like it. A triumph, as they say!"

Hey, Mad Men fans, did I mention Christina Hendricks is Lois Lane? Some things deserve repeating… Am I right?

I’ll be watching this one on February 22nd, along with everyone else.

DC Comics and Vertigo take home seven of IGN's Best of 2010 Awards

Seven, they say, is a magic number. And this morning, we can't disagree.

Because DC and Vertigo have put on an impressive showing, combining to win seven, yes seven of IGN's thirteen awards for the Best of 2010.

Here's the rundown...

Best New Series: Vertigo's AMERICAN VAMPIRE

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Best Art Team: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon & Dave Stewart (DAYTRIPPER)

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Best Series Revamp: ACTION COMICS

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Best Moment of the Year: BATMAN & ROBIN 13

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Best Story Arc: "Batman and Robin Must Die" from BATMAN AND ROBIN

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Best Series: BATMAN & ROBIN

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Best Writer: Grant Morrison.

Here's IGN on Grant's many accomplishments in 2010:

"The writer wrapped up his run on Batman and Robin in grand fashion. He brought Bruce Wayne back to the present where he belongs. He celebrated the legacy of Batman as a whole in Batman #700. And luckily, Morrison did find time to weave his own original stories with Joe the Barbarian. Any of these projects numbered among the most unique and memorable of the year. Taken together, it's clear Morrison is still at the top of his game."

Congratulations to everyone on IGN's list.

A few blind items

How do I know that it's almost 5 o'clock on Friday? The big tip off is that fellow SOURCE blogger and all around good guy Austin Trunick already has his NFL game day face on. On Friday. For Sunday's games. Let's just say, Mr. Trunick takes his football very seriously.

So we're gonna have to wrap things up here this week on THE SOURCE before Austin actually puts on shoulder pads or something.

Let's end our Friday with three blind items...

* Which superhero team is losing their headquarters?

* What classic cult favorite DC horror series is getting the DC Comics Presents treatment next year

* Who is pulling the strings of the Legion of Super-Villains?

...And a look at this stunning cover to BATMAN INCORPORATED issue 5. Amazing.

See you all next week.

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A few variants for Friday

Well, more like a slew. A slew of goodness.

Where to begin? Well, let’s cut to the chase so you can close out the week with a bunch of pretty pictures that’ll ease you into the weekend. First up we have a bunch of Batman covers, including Carlo Barberi’s cover to BATMAN: ORPHANS #2, Guillem March and Gene Ha’s respective BATMAN AND ROBIN #18 covers, J.H. Williams III’s takes on BATMAN INCORPORATED #2 and #3, a lovely Felipe Massafera variant for GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS #5 and Sami Basri’s variant for SUPERMAN #706. Enjoy!

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Grant Morrison and David Finch team up to bring Bruce Wayne back in style

In addition to being a comic fan, I’m also a sports and music nerd. And like any fan, my imagination tends to wander. What if singer X played with guitarist Z? What if QB so-and-so had WR what’s-his-name to throw to? Would they have made one great, epic album? Would they have won the Super Bowl? The same kind of logic applies to comics. What if this writer worked with that artist on character X for an issue?

Well, I can check one of those fantasy team-ups off my list. This week, writer Grant Morrison -- who has masterminded the adventures of Batman to unforeseen heights over the last few years -- joins forces with superstar artist David Finch for BATMAN: THE RETURN.

The one-shot issue leads into Morrison’s ongoing BATMAN INCORPORATED series and gives fans a quick taste of what Finch has in store when he launches his own Batman title – December’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT – as an artist and writer. But it’s so much more than that.

In classic Morrison fashion, we’re presented with a collection of tantalizing clues, a mysterious new villain and the comfortable and flowing characterization that makes it seem much too easy. All expertly illustrated by one of the modern masters in Finch.

This is the first chapter of the next stage of the Batman books – a new status quo, a future in peril and your favorite characters presented through the mind-blowing imaginations of Grant Morrison and David Finch. Is more convincing needed?

Probably not. But here’s a first look anyway. BATMAN: THE RETURN hits tomorrow.

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A sneak peek at BATMAN in February

If that stack comics on my desk (which I’ve kindly reposted above) from yesterday wasn’t clue enough, let me be frank: it’s an exciting time for Batman, and for Batman fans, like me. November lit the fuse and things are not slowing down. Come February, we’ve got the launch of J.H. Williams III and co.’s BATWOMAN ongoing, featuring co-writer W. Haden Blackman. The much-loved GREEN LANTERN CORPS creative team of Peter Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason step in as the regular team on BATMAN AND ROBIN and we get to see COMMISSIONER GORDON artist Francisco Francavilla stretch out and handle the art chores for an entire issue of DETECTIVE COMICS, with AMERICAN VAMPIRE creator Scott Snyder. Did you see that cover and layouts we teased earlier this week? Lovely stuff. So, yes. February is a big month for all things Batman. Click below for more clues and details.

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BATWOMAN #1

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER

The multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS) and W. Haden Blackman (Star Wars, Force Unleashed) launch the first, chilling arc of the ongoing series fans have been clamoring for! In the 5-part “Hydrology,” Batwoman faces bizarre new challenges in her war against the dark underworld of Gotham and new trials in her personal life as Kate Kane. She quickly finds herself in the deep end facing truths about her past and her future. Who – or what – is stealing children from Gotham’s barrio, and for what twisted purpose? Can she train her cousin Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird) as her new sidekick? How will she handle dark revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? How is she dealing with the supposed drowning of her sister, the villain known as Alice? And why is a certain government agency suddenly taking an interest in her? The road to the answers begins here!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: EUROPA #2

Story by BRIAN AZZARELLO and MATTEO CASALI

Written by MATTEO CASALI

Painted art and cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

1:10 Variant cover by TBD

Forced to work closely with his greatest foe, The Joker, Batman reaches Prague just as the virus he’s been infected with starts to make its deadly effects felt – and the Czech capital will welcome this strange duo in a most unusual way. While the Czech version of Mardi Gras is in full swing, Batman and The Joker search for the mysterious Trojan Horse, a man who knows the secrets of the Colossus virus...but they will find more than they bargained for!

The mystery deepens and the stakes get higher in the second chapter of this miniseries by Brian Azzarello and Matteo Casali, featuring fully painted by Giuseppe Camuncoli.

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 2 of 4 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

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BATMAN INCORPORATED #4

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE

Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

1:25 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Superstar writer Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette have sent The Dark Knight on a trip to Japan and Argentina, but now Batman’s taking a brief breather back in his home base of Gotham City for a team-up with Batwoman! And don’t miss the first issue of BATWOMAN’s new monthly series, on sale this month!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #3

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE

Trapped with childhood friend Dawn Golden deep beneath Gotham City, Batman’s only hope for escape also happens to be one of his worst enemies! Meanwhile, Etrigan the Demon turns against his masters and confronts a twisted, evil incarnation of Ragman with the help of Alfred. Only Batman knows the secret to defeating the demon possessing Ragman – but The Dark Knight is nowhere to be found!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN #707

Written by TONY DANIEL

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Batman uncovers the secrets of Gotham City’s founding fathers and the secrets hidden within the city’s foundation. In a captivating turn of events, The Dark Knight finds that he alone holds the key to stopping the cataclysmic events that loom over Gotham. Don’t miss this stunning finale guest-starring I-Ching and Peacock, a spectacular new heroine from the Far East!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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DETECTIVE COMICS #874

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA

“There are some cases that come screaming back at you...like phone calls in the night...”

For years, Jim Gordon has been haunted by the unsolved case of Gotham’s notorious

“Peter Pan Killer.” Now, armed with new evidence, Gordon is determined to put the case to rest.

But as he digs deeper, he’ll unearth a shocking discovery about his own past – a revelation that will shake him to the core. Skeletons will be exposed and secrets revealed in this special issue featuring art by Francesco Francavilla!

On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN & ROBIN #20

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON & MARK IRWIN

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

1:10 Variant cover by GENE HA

From the pages of the best-selling BRIGHTEST DAY and GREEN LANTERN CORPS comes the new regular creative team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason! Kicking off the action is “Dark Knight, White Knight” part 1 of 3, as Bruce Wayne returns from the dead and Gotham City finds itself locked in the grip of chaos! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne come face-to-face with what could possibly be the strangest Bat Villain yet. Who is the White Knight, and why is he hell-bent on making Gotham City into Heaven on Earth?

Retailers please note: The contents of this issue were originally solicited for issue #17, but will now appear here. Also, this issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATMAN BEYOND #2

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN & JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Terry’s family is being held hostage by a crook who’s boosted technology so powerful, he doesn’t even understand what he has – and the Justice League intends to neutralize the threat with full aggression. But Neo-Gotham is Batman’s town, and Bruce Wayne doesn’t intend to give up one iota of control over the situation! With his loved ones’ lives on the line, which way will Terry turn under the pressure?

On sale FEBRUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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KNIGHT & SQUIRE #5

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by JIMMY BROXTON

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

Jarvis Poker, the British Joker, has been receiving death threats. But who would want to hurt such a sweet old villain? The lives of the Knight, the Squire and the Shrike take a turn for the cold and deadly, as fear casts its shadow over London town. Can the Super Heroes of Britain work together to resist the onslaught of gritty realism?

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 5 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

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BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #20

Written by PAUL DINI

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

“House of Hush” reaches its penultimate chapter as alliances are betrayed and shocking new secrets are revealed. Aided by Dr. Death and a sinister cabal of gangsters, Hush sets his fatal endgame into motion against Bruce Wayne and the other Bat-Family allies!

On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BIRDS OF PREY #9

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF & VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

The game-changing “Death of Oracle” storyline continues! Black Canary finally confronts her inner demons as the Calculator’s army and creepy new villainess Mortis take their ultimate revenge on Oracle. This massive story reverberates throughout Gotham City – and beyond!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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BATGIRL #18

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art and cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s Valentine’s night, and a mysterious killer literally wants to steal everyone’s hearts. Enter Klarion the Witch-boy, who’s nursing a broken heart of his own. Good luck, Batgirl!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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RED ROBIN #20

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

Red Robin finally combines forces with his former teammates in a 2-issue crossover with TEEN TITANS that kicks off right here! Is there even enough room for Tim Drake and Damian Wayne – the new Robin – on one team? Meanwhile, Catman and the Calculator have their own agendas for this highly anticipated reunion!

Don’t miss the pulse-pounding second part in this month’s TEEN TITANS #92!

On sale FEBRUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

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