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SHINING A LIGHT ON THE RAY

(The cover for THE RAY #3)

With the first of its four issues out this week, THE RAY has been shining light on a classic DC Comics character – with an all-new identity. Lucien Gates is the newest hero to take on the identity of THE RAY, brought to life by co-writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray.

YAHOO! VOICES featured a two-part interview with Palmiotti and Gray, where the two discussed the tone of the miniseries, and why it’s important to have a character that enjoys the lighter side of superheroism. “If you're interested in superhero comics and looking for something different from the themes that are taking place across the board then this is for you,” said Gray. “It's lighter but it's not silly. It's got a joy to it. There's a certain pleasure in it. It carries that old school feeling of, 'It's fun to be a superhero!’” Click here for Part One and Part Two.

In an interview with IGN, Palmiotti emphasized the point, stressing the fun of the series as well as the character’s approach to being a superhero. “What we tried to inject into the book is a sense of joy; a sense that he has this power and look at all the cool stuff he can do with it and how it affects his life,” said Palmiotti. “We're trying to handle the character in a way that's sort of classic but also contemporary in a positive way. He's a character that always looks at the lighter side of things. He's actually a loving character and has some fun with his powers. I mean, this stuff obviously gets him into trouble, but his outlook is pretty positive. We wanted to do a book that actually showed the joy of having powers.”

And given that Lucien Gates is the latest incarnation in a long series of Rays, NEWSARAMA looked at the hero’s aesthetic through the years, concluding that “This outfit is sleek and simple but not so simple that it’s a big body stocking. Lucien is his own light source, but still has elements of break up that light and provide some contrast. It’s a very modern suit but its simplicity and line design makes it seem like some classic superheroes such as Spider-Man (which is a good thing).”

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IGN, jimmy palmiotti, justin gray, Newsarama, The Ray, Yahoo! Voices

Previews of Wednesday’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Releases

Tomorrow, the next batch of fourth issues from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 hits stores. Previews of the various issues being released have been running for the past few days across the Internet and we’ve compiled them all here on THE SOURCE for your convenience.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY continued their previews of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 by debuting an action-packed sequence from GREEN LANTERN #4.

USA TODAY ran an exclusive preview of BATGIRL #4 and interviewed series writer Gail Simone. “Where Batgirl struggles to do good with her survival experience, Mirror goes the other way and inflicts his pain on the rest of the world," Simone said of this issue’s final showdown between Batgirl and Mirror. “It's about identity and what we do with the lives we are given. That's a theme that runs throughout Barbara's adventures. You're given your fondest wish — what do you do with that gift?”

Need a little more bat to help you get through your Tuesday? COMIC BOOK RESOURCES previewed BATMAN AND ROBIN #4 and IFANBOY previewed BATWOMAN #4.

Or maybe you want something with a little more edge (see what I did there)? IGN has the first four pages of DEATHSTROKE #4, GAWKER’s IO9 has your first look at SUICIDE SQUAD #4 and MTV GEEK previewed GRIFTER #4.

If you’re looking for something slightly more on the dark side, MAXIM has an exclusive preview of DEMON KNIGHTS #4, BLOODY DISGUSTING has a first look at RESURRECTION MAN #4 and PASTE MAGAZINE debuted an interior sequence from FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #4. “Issue #4 wraps up all the plotlines from the first three issues and sets the next arc in motion,” series writer Jeff Lemire told PASTE. “It’s a big fun science-fiction adventure with lots of monsters killing other monsters. At the end it sets up Frank’s team, the Creature Commandos, with S.H.A.D.E., and we go with that for a few issues.”

Over at UGO, there’s an exclusive preview of SUPERBOY #4. TOR.COM has a look at MISTER TERRIFIC #4 and NEWSARAMA has your first sneak peek at LEGION LOST #4.

And just in case you’re still craving more of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 after all of that, take a sneak peek at BATMAN #5 below with Chris Burnham’s a-maze-ing variant cover.

To be continued …

Previews of Wednesday’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Releases

On Wednesday, we kick off the fourth issues of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. Previews of the various issues being released have been running for the past few days across the Internet and we’ve compiled them all here on THE SOURCE for your convenience.

USA TODAY interviewed BATWING writer Judd Winick to accompany their exclusive preview of issue #4. “It's almost as if he didn't have any choice," Winick explained of Batwing’s origins, which are revealed in this week’s issue. “Fate and destiny got together and you survived this horror, but now what are you going to do with it? There's this horrible thing that fuels you — how do you make it count?”

The Green is at war! But without Alec Holland on their side, do they stand a fighting chance? Find out in SWAMP THING #4, previewed exclusively at ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY.

Earlier today, we told you about the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 debut of Steel in ACTION COMICS #4. Now, head on over to MAXIM for a full preview of the issue.

AIN’T IT COOL NEWS chatted with DETECTIVE COMICS writer/artist Tony Daniel. “The Doll Maker is kind of like a twisted reflection of Batman, where his father was taken and he went the other route where in his own mind he wanted to do some good,” Daniel revealed to them. “They have two different philosophies, but there are some similarities in their scenario, but are in two completely opposite directions.” Read the full interview for an exclusive preview of issue #4.

It’s time for Buddy Baker to learn the truth about his daughter’s destiny in ANIMAL MAN #4. GAWKER’s IO9 has an exclusive preview of the highly-anticipated issue.

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE previewed STATIC SHOCK #4. “Villains are tougher, smarter, and meaner in New York, which will make Static strong," series editor Harvey Richards told them. "Heroes are only as good as their villains make them."

IGN debuted interior pages from GREEN ARROW #4, which finds Oliver Queen traveling to Japan to battle a mysterious woman named Blood Rose.

In HAWK AND DOVE #4, Dove must save the man she loves, Deadman. MTV GEEK has your first look at the issue.

An unstoppable alien antibody is eating earth alive in STORMWATCH #4. COMIC BOOK RESOURCES has your exclusive preview of the issue.

Betrayal plagues Sgt. Rock and his men as they forge ahead into unknown enemy territory. COMICVINE has a sneak peek at MEN OF WAR #4.

While traveling back home, Kevin Kho accidentally disconnects from Brother Eye. Discover the consequences of Kevin’s freedom in O.M.A.C. #4, previewed exclusively at IFANBOY.

A new galactic threat makes its debut in JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #4. Check out NEWSARAMA’s first look at the issue.

Are you a fan of Green Lantern on FACEBOOK? If not, head on over to ‘like’ the page and to see a preview of RED LANTERNS #4.

To be continued …

Now In Hardcover, the Critically Acclaimed BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR

“Because no matter how good you think you are at drawing a line between work and home, there will always be some cases that stay with you … cases that come howling back at you out of the darkness, like phone calls in the middle of the night.” – Commissioner James Gordon

Few understand the extent of darkness that dwells within the heart of Gotham City like Batman and Commissioner James Gordon do. But when the grave threats that torment Gotham may lie within Gordon’s own bloodline, he’ll be put to the test like never before.

With Dick Grayson behind the cape and cowl of the Dark Knight, it’ll be up to Batman and Commissioner Gordon to embark on one of their most personal missions yet to protect Gotham before the fate of the entire city is completely doomed.

From the acclaimed creative team of Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla, BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR collects DETECTIVE COMICS #871-881 and is quickly shaping up to be one of the hottest gifts for comic book fans this holiday season.

“Though his run as Batman is over, THE BLACK MIRROR will remain the defining chapter of Dick Grayson's stint as the Dark Knight,” IGN wrote of the book. “Perhaps more importantly is the story's contributions to Jim Gordon and Gotham City itself – two of DC's most underappreciated characters – which Snyder and company give a defining appearance not seen in such stunning display since BATMAN: YEAR ONE. By all accounts, THE BLACK MIRROR is the Batman story to beat for the next generation of superhero comics.”

“Snyder knows how to make things disturbing and mysterious while keeping a strong level of action driving the plot forward. He brings a level of sophistication and class to the title,” continued YAHOO! ASSOCIATED CONTENT.

Check out the gallery below for a sneak peek at some of the rare sketches and designs included in the back of the book. BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR is available in bookstores everywhere now.

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Batman: the Black mIRROR, dick grayson, francesco francavilla, IGN, James Gordon, jock, scott snyder, Yahoo! Associated Content

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Tuesday Afternoon (ET) Edition

In BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #3 (out tomorrow), Batman must battle both the physical and mental threats that the White Rabbit brings. MAXIM has your exclusive first look at the issue.

Tomorrow also marks the release of AQUAMAN #3. “In this week's issue, you'll actually see a character that was first mentioned in the back matter of JUSTICE LEAGUE #3 that plays a pretty important role,” series writer Geoff Johns revealed to IGN. “It's a new character but it's a character that has to do with Aquaman's past and ties into a bigger story that we're building. So all the clues are there for what we're doing next and the first big tease starts this week.”

Earlier this morning, writer Scott Lobdell told you three things you need to know about Bunker, the newest member of the Teen Titans. COMIC BOOK RESOURCES chatted with Lobdell about the openly gay character. “I'd say that definitely the point of Bunker's embracing things is that he enjoys everything about life,” Lobdell said of the character. “He enjoys being alive, he enjoys his sexuality, and he enjoys that he's been gifted with these super powers. To some degree, I don't think we see a lot of characters enjoying their super powers the same way that you and I would. I think it's great to see the drama of characters burdened by that which separates them from society, but there's also the idea that many people solely enjoy and celebrate every day that which makes them different instead of being fearful or angsty or regretful.”

And while you’re at COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, be sure to also check out their interview with Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti about THE RAY, which we previewed here on THE SOURCE yesterday. “We started thinking about Lucien as represented by light, and with that came the need to do something optimistic and bright, the kind of superhero who is modern and yet still retains some of the old school action hero comics,” Gray disclosed about series protagonist, Lucien Gates. “Much of the series is grounded in Lucien's life outside the costume and how it often serves as an escape. It’s like bungee jumping; people do that for the rush and the excitement. Sometimes, they do it to escape their personal lives.”

To be continued …

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aquaman, batman: the dark knight, comic book resources, DC Comics-The New 52, Geoff Johns, IGN, jimmy palmiotti, justin gray, Maxim, Scott Lobdell, teen titans, The Ray

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Monday Afternoon (ET) Edition

It’s hard to believe that DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 is already getting ready to kick off its fourth month. “There is no denying that the initiative actually got people excited about comics again, and sent them into the comics stores,” MTV GEEK wrote of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, which took the top spot on their list of “Best Geek Moments of 2011.”

But before we start getting ready for the fourth issues, we’ve still got a week’s worth of third issues coming at you this Wednesday. Check out some of the exclusive previews of this week’s books that recently ran.

USA TODAY interviewed BLACKHAWKS writer Mike Costa and previewed issue #3. “It's coming from a more evolutionary place where technology is changing the way we live our lives and eventually it's going to become so integrated with us as people,” Costa said of the series. “People feel like, well, we're grafted to our phones right now, but there'll come a day where we actually literally are, and the people who live in Bespoke have already taken that leap. The idea is that they got there first but we're all on our way there. They're trying to accelerate that process, and is that a good or bad thing?”

POPMATTERS has your first look at Jonah Hex's continuing adventures in Gotham City with their exclusive preview of ALL-STAR WESTERN #3.

As The Trench begin to reveal themselves, it’s up to Aquaman and Mera to figure out their intentions and deal with the situation. Head on over to IGN for your first glimpse at this week’s AQUAMAN #3.

Who is Helix? Find out in THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #3, previewed exclusively at COMIC BOOK RESOURCES.

It’s Voodoo vs. Green Lantern Kyle Rayner in VOODOO #3! The official Green Lantern page on Facebook has a sneak peek at the issue.

And for a special preview of BATMAN #4, check out below Mike Choi's awesome never-before-seen variant cover for the issue, which hits stores next month.

To be continued …

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aquaman, Batman, Blackhawks, comic book resources, DC Comics-The New 52, facebook, green lantern, IGN, Mike Choi, Mike Costa, MTV Geek, The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men, usa today, Voodoo

DETECTIVE COMICS #1 GOES BACK TO PRESS

DETECTIVE COMICS #1, by writer/artist Tony S. Daniel, will be going back to press for its fourth printing. This makes DETECTIVE COMICS the second title from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 to reach four printings, following JUSTICE LEAGUE.

Check out what the people saying about the series so far:

"Detective Comics is head-spinningly spectacular from top to bottom.” – MTV Geek

“Perfect.” – COMPLEX MAGAZINE

“A great Batman story with some truly killer art.” – IGN

So if you’re not reading already, you’ve got a chance to start from the beginning; DETECTIVE COMICS #1 will be back on shelves on 12/21. And if you’re among those who’ve already discovered the series, issue #4 hits stores on 12/7.

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Complex Magazine, DC Comics-The New 52, detective comics, IGN, justice league, MTV Geek, Tony S. Daniel

Critics and Scott Snyder Talk BATMAN

This week marked the release of the third issue of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s bestselling BATMAN series. Well, the critics have spoken and it looks like BATMAN #3 is a hit!

In addition to giving the book a perfect 5-star star review, IFANBOY has named it their “Pick of the Week.” “BATMAN #3 is expertly crafted … The Court of Owls have arrived. Batman’s rattled. I’m rattled. That’s a good thing,” they wrote of the book.

But IFANBOY wasn’t the only outlet to give BATMAN #3 a 5-star review. COMICVINE gave the book a perfect ranking as well. “It's a great ride that you're going to want to sit back and savor every tiny bit,” they said. “Reading this series just makes me happy to be a Batman fan.”

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES agree. “BATMAN after the relaunch has been a strong series, and this issue is no exception. It's a good time to be a Batman fan.”

“Snyder and Capullo reach new heights of collaboration here,” wrote IGN in their review. “The final scene of BATMAN #3 is the best in the series to date, as we witness Batman uncovering the truth behind the Court of Owls and realizing that everything he thought he knew was wrong.”

“Snyder is crafting a mystery that calls the Dark Knight's recent adversaries into question and reveals an ancient conspiracy that his family has faced for decades,” described COMPLEX MAGAZINE. “It’s gripping, unpredictable, intelligently plotted, and, most of all, incredibly illustrated thanks to Greg Capullo.”

So what can we expect in the next issue of this acclaimed series? We asked Scott Snyder to tease a little bit about what’s to come in issue #4.

“DC Nation! I just wanted to say how much it means to all of us - the kind things said about BATMAN,” Snyder exclusively told THE SOURCE. “Greg Capullo and I are having a blast with this story. Jon Glapion and FCO, too - and it's one we both care a lot about. And as a thanks to everyone out there who picked us up, here's a hint of what's coming... Because next issue we're finally going to learn Bruce's reason for being so resistant to believing in the Court - a reason that dates all the way back to his childhood, and some of the blackest days of his young life. And The Court of Owls (if it exists?) will finally spring its most deadly trap on Batman - a trap buried deep beneath the city, in the darkest bedrock. Okay, to Gotham. And remember, The Court is always watching!”

BATMAN #4 flies into stores on December 21st. Check out your exclusive first look at the issue below.

Tags:

Batman, comic book resources, Comicvine, Complex Magazine, DC Comics-The New 52, Greg Capullo, ifanboy, IGN, scott snyder

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Monday Evening (ET) Edition

All afternoon, THE SOURCE has been rolling out your very first look at DC Comics in February 2012.

February still seems a long ways off. But this Wednesday? That's right around the corner and we've got a whole new batch of third issues from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 hitting stores. For ease of reading, we've compiled a comprehensive rundown. Tell your friends.

USA TODAY interviewed writer Brian Azzarello to accompany their exclusive preview of WONDER WOMAN #3, in which Diana’s new origins are revealed. "I can't wait to start really, really playing with the gods," Azzarello told them. "Look who she's immediately gaining as siblings — suddenly, the god of war is her half-brother … Now instead of protecting a mortal from the gods, she's also protecting her half-brother or sister."

POPMATTERS has your first look at I, VAMPIRE #3. “I, VAMPIRE is mythic in every way,” POPMATTERS wrote of the series. “It is the story of how the whole world is threatened by a love story that just darkens the character of each individual involved in that poisoned relationship. In some of the finest storytelling ever to grace the character of Andrew and his struggles with Mary, Josh Fialkov singularizes the character and the title among the recent crop of DC’s New 52. It is very much the evolution of the romantic vampire’s we’ve come to enjoy seeing on screen over recent years.”

MAXIM previewed DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #3. The issue by Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang continues Deadman’s journey of self exploration as he attempts to gain answers on how to gain control of his “life.”

Now that he’s bonded with his armor, can Jaime Reyes learn how to control it? Find out in BLUE BEETLE #3 by Tony Bedard, Ig Guara, Ruy Jose and J.P. Mayer, previewed exclusively at MTV GEEK.

It’s time for a fourth team member in BIRDS OF PREY #3! Head on over to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES for your exclusive preview.

With the Intruders neutralizing the ring powers of the Green Lantern Corps, it’ll be up to Guy Gardner and John Stewart to figure out how to stop this grave threat. Check out IFANBOY’s exclusive preview of GREEN LANTERN CORPS #3 by Peter J. Tomasi, Geraldo Borges and Scott Hanna.

IGN previewed Selina Kyle’s latest adventures in CATWOMAN #3. What trouble has the femme fatale got herself into this time? Find out when the issue by Judd Winick and Guillem March hits stores this week.

Following their exclusive preview of LEGION LOST #3 last week, TOR.COM has your first look at LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3 by Paul Levitz and Francis Portela.

And that's not all. DISCOVER MAGAZINE highlighted the science in MISTER TERRIFIC in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

What else is going on the internet?

ADVERTISING AGE presented a 2011 Media Vanguard Award to the BURN NOTICE digital comic for “Most Innovating Broadcast Brand Extension.” (Congratulations to all those involved with the book!)

Meanwhile, BATMAN: NOEL writer and artist Lee Bermejo was interviewed by YAHOO! ASSOCIATED CONTENT. “I like a very ‘urban warfare’ look for my Batman,” Bermejo said of The Dark Knight’s costume design in the book. “I suppose it comes from my overall need to ground things in as much reality as possible. I like to approach all design from the inside out, trying to figure out what fabrics could be used to make the thing IF it were really being constructed. I wanted there to be a point to Batman having this more modern, utilitarian look. It fit in well with what I wanted to do in the story.”

“The idea for the project pretty much came when I had finished Joker,” Bermejo continued to THE MORTON REPORT. “And I had a blast drawing Joker. I really enjoyed it. But it was a really dark, brutal piece of work, and I kind of wanted to go in the other direction. To push myself creatively, but also to try something new.”

Finally, COMICVINE listed four reasons why Sinestro is the most powerful Green Lantern.

And speaking of Green Lantern, check out Francis Manapul’s breathtaking variant cover for next month’s issue #4. Amazing, right?

To be continued …

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Tuesday Morning (PT) Edition

OUT.COM previewed the highly anticipated BATWOMAN #3 by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman.

MAXIM continued their weekly previews of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. This time around? They’ve got you’re exclusive first look at GREEN LANTERN #3 by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy and Keith Champagne, in stores tomorrow.

GAWKER’s IO9 interviewed BATMAN: NOEL writer/artist Lee Bermejo. “I wanted to play around with the past juxtapositions of Gotham's characters,” Bermejo said. “It's important to make nods to the history without being nostalgic. When I was kid, I grew up watching the 1960s TV show. Because I was five, I had no idea that it was played for laughs. There's an element of that in this book, taking Batman's past history completely seriously.”

And speaking of BATMAN: NOEL, head on over to IGN for your chance to win a copy of the book.

To be continued …

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