hawkman | DC Comics

5.2 Reasons We're Excited for More of the Justice League of America

You know that scene in movies where one person says to the other “This town isn’t big enough for the both of us” and then there’s a face off and one person either ends up dead or run out of town?

Well, we don’t get to say this often, but boy are we glad real life isn’t like the movies. We’re incredibly glad there’s enough room for two things in this town because it means we can not only get the ongoing Justice League title featuring Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and more—but also the brand new titles Justice League of America, Katana and Justice League of America’s Vibe, whose first issues all hit comic shelves this month.

Reading these comics has left us bouncing up and down like a two-year-old on a sugar rush for more, which made us realize that the life-not-like-movies philosophy also applies to Willy Wonka. He nonchalantly tortures children and has a whistle that summons a bunch of creatures that do his bidding and sing songs about your demise. The man’s clearly a super-villain.

Actually, we have quite a bit to say about super-villains this week (we’ll get back to this), but right now, we’re looking for something to help alleviate some of the eagerness coursing through us while we wait for the next issue of these three new titles. And since we also have to put together this week’s 5.2 Reasons column, guess what we’re going to talk about?! We’re going to give you the 5.2 Reasons We’re Excited for More of the Justice League of America!

1. Katana

From her early role in Birds of Prey, we already sort of knew Katana kicked ass. Now that she’s flying solo in her own title, we severely underestimated how much butt she can kick. It’s a lot. With KATANA #1, writer Ann Nocenti managed to really capture an anime-esque feel in the title—and it’s freaking awesome. There’s a guy in the first issue that feels like he’s straight up out of Rurouni Kenshin (if you have any interest in anime, watch that series!), and Katana even manages to take out nearly an entire squad of assassins with just her clothes and jewelry.

2. Vibe

Look, even we’ll admit we’re pleasantly surprised here. As fans of Geoff Johns, we knew if there was anyone that could make Vibe a character we’d end up liking, it’d be him. And by Hawkman’s giant mace, Johns, co-writer Andrew Kreisberg and artist Pete Woods did it. The ending of that first issue alone gave us tingling chills. We’ve got questions and we can’t wait for the answers!

3. Justice League of America

As great as Vibe and Katana are on their own, we can’t wait to see them continue to interact with the entire team Johns’ has brought together in the coming issues. It’s certainly an eclectic group, but already the new takes on Hawkman and even our beloved Stargirl has us itching to see where things are going to go. Especially with...

4. The Secret Society

We told you this would come back around. Most comic fans might recognize the term “The Secret Society.” For those that don’t, know that those three words are often followed by “of Super-Villains.” Who’s part of the society? Who is in charge? And are these killer robot versions of the Big Three??

5. Amazing Artists

Between Pete Woods, Alex Sanchez and, of course, David Finch, all three JLA-related titles are burst at the stapled together seams with eye-popping visuals. Sanchez’s art perfectly matches Katana’s anime-inspired feel, Woods’ Vibe brings with it a feel of ::ahem:: vibrant youth and exuberance, and Finch’s dark style fits flawlessly with the tone of the new League and their morally questionable mission statement.

5.1 This Spread Full of Cameos

Can you figure out who is who?

5.2 JL vs. JLA: Place Your Bets!

How about you all? What excited you the most from the debut issues and what are you most looking forward to as the Justice League of America titles continue?

Tags:

5.2 Reasons, geoff johns, Justice League, justice league of america, hawkman, Green Lantern, Stargirl, Katana, vibe, catwoman, martian manhunter

Batman and Hawkman’s Showdown in Space

When Batman and Hawkman outsmart the shape-shifting criminal Byth, they think their battle has already been won. But when the duo travels through space to lock Byth up on the planet Thanagar, their spaceship falls under attack by Byth’s associates. Can Batman and Hawkman prevent the war raging outside of their ship while simultaneously preventing the war inside with Byth?

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #9 is written by Sholly Fisch and features art by Rick Burchett, Dan Davis, and Guy Major. Look for it when it flies into comic book stores and our digital store this week.

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Tags:

Batman, batman: the brave and the bold, dan davis, guy major, hawkman, rick burchett, sholly fisch

"Valentine's Day is just a made-up day. But so is Wednesday."

Someone once said "Valentine's Day is just a made-up day. But so is Wednesday. Also, I think gravity is made up."

That someone? Gail Simone.

Hmmm, that doesn't exactly bode well for Huntress and Catman's upcoming first date, does it? We asked Gail, is this going to be a disastrous first date?

Here's what she had to say about BIRDS OF PREY issue 11:

"The most requested date in BIRDS OF PREY history happens in this issue. It's mostly about shy glances over a shared milkshake, and holding hands chastely in a lovely dewy meadow while parasols twirl slowly in the gentle breeze of Autumnal air.

"Well, no, not REALLY, these are the two lustiest, toughest members of the Birds and the Secret Six, so it's really more about sharp pointy things and bad behavior!"

Bad behavior? From Catman and Huntress?

Come to think of it, most of the time, these relationships seem destined to end in tragedy.

Superheroes rarely have much luck with romance, but it can happen...

Tags:

aquaman, birds of prey, brightest day, catman, hawkgirl, hawkman, huntress, mera, valentine's day

DCU in 2011: ENTER THE STAR SAPPHIRES

Today is Green Lantern day on THE SOURCE, and we're continuing with a tease from BRIGHTEST DAY #17 featuring the Star Sapphires.

What happens in that issue?

According to GL Editor Adam Schlagman, "Carol Ferris and the Star Sapphires join Hawkman and Hawkgirl in a fight for the survival of Zamaron and the purity of love, but with the Hawks' connection to the cosmic corps, it looks like this meeting may end in bloodshed."

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Tags:

adrian syaf, brightest day, carol ferris, dcu in 2011, Geoff Johns, hawkgirl, hawkman, ivan reis, joe prado, patrick gleason, peter tomasi, scott clark, star sapphire

BRIGHTEST DAY #13 asks: Who will be the Earth’s protector?

High above the clouds of the Nth City on Hawkworld, Hawkman takes center stage, as he begins an all-out assault to save his beloved.

But back on Earth, who will the White Lantern ring choose as its bearer and, in turn, the protector of the planet? The last page will shock you.

All in an issue’s work from the all-pro team of Geoff Johns, Peter Tomasi, Ardian Syaf, Ivan Reis and Joe Prado.

BRIGHTEST DAY #13 arrives tomorrow.

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Tags:

ardian syaf, brightest day, Geoff Johns, hawkman, ivan reis, joe prado, peter tomasi

An epic piece of BRIGHTEST DAY art

By now, you’ve seen a few of these lovely White Lantern covers, featuring Aquaman, Firestorm and more — but did you know that together, the covers form a massive, amazing piece of art that shows many of BRIGHTEST DAY’s key players while also teasing at what may be to come?

Featuring figures by the very talented Ryan Sook, with additional artistry from Fernando Pasarin and Joel Gomez (and a guiding hand from Co-Publisher Jim Lee, natch) the complete image is a true thing of beauty, and the perfect brain tease. What does it all mean? Too early to tell, but all the more reason to spend a few more minutes enlarging the image below.

Tags:

aquaman, blackest night, brightest day, captain boomerang, fernando pasarin, firestorm, Geoff Johns, hawk, hawkgirl, hawkman, jade, jim lee, joel gomez, peter tomasi, reverse-flash, ryan sook

New questions arise and secrets revealed in BRIGHTEST DAY #8

Writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi continue to turn up the pressure on our heroes, as the Hawks face separate danger in Hawkworld. Who is Queen Shrike? And Miss Martian aids the Martian Manhunter in making a startling discovery. All this while more clues surrounding the mysterious White Lantern are hinted at. Plus, where’d Deadman and Dove go?

BRIGHTEST DAY #8 hits tomorrow.

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Tags:

brightest day, deadman, dove, Geoff Johns, hawk, hawkgirl, hawkman, martian manhunter, miss martian, peter tomasi, queen shrike

EDITOR EDDIE BERGANZA ON GOING FROM THE BLACKEST NIGHT TO BRIGHTEST DAY

It was such a good BLACKEST NIGHT (I was just lamenting in this very space how sad I was that it was over), but now come the white rays of a brand new BRIGHTEST DAY.

Mustn’t hit snooze… must get up…

…No rest for the wicked or Editors working with Geoff Johns.

Time to make the Comics.

With that bit of incentive, I leap out of bed and recharge starting off with reciting the DC oath—

“--When BRIGHTEST DAY must ship because BLACKEST NIGHT is over, no script or crossover shall escape my sight. Let those who do not obey the deadline right beware my power, an Editor’s might!”

With that my will is fully charged to deal with New York’s transit system. Aside from a hundred or more happy campers on the train, I have other company, one that will be haunting me for a while.

Deadman or currently after the events of BLACKEST NIGHT Aliveman.

“Hey, Boston.” I say. (yes, an occupational hazard for writers and editors is that we live with our characters 24/7). “What? You see me?!” he replies a bit startled. Note this is a huge deal for Mr. Brand because since he got back as the only bearer of a white ring he has been tossed from one resurrected person to another while remaining invisible as “seen” in BRIGHTEST DAY #0.

“Yeah, you doof,” I snort. “How else am I gonna tell Peter Steigerwald how to color you and add more glows to your White Ring effects?”

Noting I am not a morning person, Boston remains silent for the rest of the trip, which is good, people were starting to stare.

Finally arriving at the Dark Tower that is the fortress for DC Comics, I am greeted by my associate editor Adam Schlagman—I am convinced that Adam is a Manhunter robot as I have never seen him sleep and he is returning e-mails around the clock.

Speaking of which, I valiantly try to catch up to the rest of the world as I check in with Spain (6 hours ahead) and Ardian Syaf’s agent Pepe Caldelas to see how the latest pages on the Hawkman sequence are doing. He tells me inker Vincente Cifuentes will have the part with _________ in just a bit. It looks amazing especially the… you’ll see.

Then only an hour ahead in Brazil I check in with designer/finisher/agent extraordinare Joe Prado to see how he and Ivan Reis are doing with Aquaman and my pal Boston.

“Don’t worry. Be Cool, all will be well,” he confidently states in a deep voice that has a hint of his Portuguese accent.

OK then, seeing jpegs, I’m happy that mine and co-writer Pete Tomasi’s time watching the Discovery Channel has paid off giving Geoff an idea for a particularly nasty scene between Aquaman and one of his finny friends.

But I’m not making up any time, so I try to get the drop on L.A. (who we’re ahead of by 2 hours).

Nope. Geoff is already awake. He wants notes on the latest GREEN LANTERN. Does the White Lantern scene work with what’s happening in BD?

Before I’m even off the phone, I now have messages from both Pete and Pat Gleason to see if we like the design on the baddie that’s gonna make J’onn J’onzz life hell on Earth.

Yup, no looking back at past wins, we’re in full BRIGHTEST DAY mode here!

And I need another recharge. No oath this time.

I stop assistant editor Rex Ogle from ballooning for a bit to take a short trip across the street for some Starbucks. He fills me in on what Maxwell Lord is doing in JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST, and then Caramel Macchiato grande in hand back to work. Have to see if the other BRIGTEST DAY books, FLASH, GREEN ARROW, BIRDS OF PREY, TITANS, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, GREEN LANTERN CORPS and the upcoming GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS are all on track with their bits that will add to explain why the twelve have returned.

They are back for a reason!

For all involved there is no slacking this BRIGHTEST DAY!

Tags:

aquaman, ardian syaf, brightest day, deadman, eddie berganza, Geoff Johns, hawkgirl, hawkman, ivan reis, peter tomasi

It's time: The dawn of BRIGHTEST DAY

Deadman. Hawkman. Hawkgirl. Reverse-Flash. Maxwell Lord. Captain Boomerang. Aquaman. Firestorm. Martian Manhunter. Hawk. Osiris. Jade.

They're back -- for a reason.

This isn't a time for words to adorn the pictures. Let's get right to the preview, courtesy of the superstar team of Geoff Johns, Peter J. Tomasi and artist Fernando Pasarin (along with those lovely covers from David Finch and Ivan Reis).

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Tags:

aquaman, brightest day, captain boomerang, david finch, deadman, fernando pasarin, firestorm, Geoff Johns, hawk, hawkgirl, hawkman, ivan reis, jade, martian manhunter, maxwell lord, osiris, reverse-flash

Some BLACKEST NIGHT news on a Monday night

As some of you know, the Baltimore Retailer Summit is in full swing. We've got some news breaking during our presentation, so what better place to unveil it than here, on The Source?

Glad you agree. Our very own Dan DiDio has the info, so we live the rest of this blog entry in his more-than-capable hands. Take it away, Dan:

How big is Blackest Night?

So big that its power to make the dead rise has now moved from expired characters to old, canceled series.

That’s right, this January, the BLACKEST NIGHT mini series skips a month to make room for a very special Blackest night event. Eight classic titles from DC’s past will return from the dead for one month only to celebrate this mega-crossover throughout the DC Universe. Each series will pick up on its original numbering and feature characters from their original runs as they deal with the events currently unfolding in the DC Universe. And I have to say, this has been one of the more fun projects we’ve put together.

We scoured the list of series from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today to find the right titles to bring back from the dead. They are, in no particular order, as follows;

- POWER OF SHAZAM #48 Eric Wallace tells the tale in which Osiris returns from the dead to “chew the fat” with a very powerless Billy and Mary Batson.

- CATWOMAN #83 Fabian Nicieza has the original Black mask explaining to Selina why shooting him in the head was a bad idea.

- SUICIDE SQUAD #67 Gail Simone and John Ostrander are ringside for the epic fight between a very dead Suicide Squad and a possibly soon-to-be dead Secret Six.

- QUESTION #37 Greg Rucka has the one answer for when two Questions meet.

- PHANTOM STRANGER #42 Pete Tomasi reveals what Blackest Night means to the Phantom Stranger.

- WEIRD WESTERN TALES #71 Dan DiDio (weirdly talking about myself in the third person) lets you know what all the dead old west characters are doing in the new west today.

- ATOM AND HAWKMAN #46 Geoff brings you the double date from Hell, The Black Lantern Hawks work to reunite Atom with his long dead love, Jean Loring.

- STARMAN #81 James Robinson returns to the book he made great and visits some old haunts.

So there you have it! Eight great issues to show the amazing reach of this amazing story. And in case you are wondering why we skipped a month BLACKEST NIGHT, well, that’s just to give the immensely talented, and immensely overworked Ivan Reis a chance to prepare the over-sized final issue of this series out this March.

How's that for fun?

To be continued…