jesus saiz | DC Comics

This Just Happened: Meet the Candidates

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

You may have already read our “This Just Happened” post about WONDER WOMAN #18 earlier today, but with so many exciting things happening in the DC Universe this week, we couldn’t resist adding a bonus installment of this column today!

From the creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artists Jesus Saiz and Gary Frank, JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 sees the team make the difficult decision to expand their ranks after the shocking events of “Throne of Atlantis.”

Upon the team’s decision, Cyborg uses The Grid, a new database with information on nearly every super-human on the planet, to contact the heroes and heroines that they see potential in. Each candidate is then invited to The Watchtower for an informal try out.

Here’s a brief “Who’s Who” of the candidates vying to be a part of the Justice League:

Black Canary: The leader and a founding member of the Birds of Prey, this super powered heroine has the ability to produce a high-pitched sonic scream.

Black Lightning: Operating as a high school teacher by day and a hero by night, he has the ability to generate unlimited amounts of electricity from his body and use it to his advantage.

Blue Devil: After an encounter with a demon, this stuntman and special effects genius is stuck in actual demon skin, causing him to have the appearance and powers of a real demon.

Element Woman: Thrilled to just be in the same room as the League, she has the ability to transform her body into any element.

Firestorm: Two high school boys who must put their differences aside and work together to function as a powerful hero who can control fire and has the ability to alter the atomic structure of objects.

Goldrush: After winning her powers from her divorce, she can turn her skin into gold and has decided to take on the new hobby of being a superhero.

Nightwing: Formerly known as Batman’s sidekick Robin, Dick Grayson stepped out of his mentor’s shadow and has become a hero in his own right.

Platinum: An AI created by Dr. William Magnus, she is designed to mimic the properties of platinum.

Vixen: The tenacious carrier of a magical totem that gives her the ability to mimic animals.

Zatanna: Working as a stage performer and a former member of the Justice League Dark, this powerful enchantress casts spells by speaking backwards.

Take a look at the first meeting between the Justice League and all of their new candidates. Who will they choose? And how will they affect the team in the future? Place your bets in the comments section below, and find out what happens next by reading the rest of JUSTICE LEAGUE #18, in stores now!

Tags:

Justice League, geoff johns, jesus saiz, gary frank

Exclusive Preview: JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA'S VIBE #2

This week on THE SOURCE, we’re giving you a double dose of exclusive previews courtesy of the Justice League and Justice League of America!

After the shocking events of “Throne of Atlantis,” the World’s Greatest Superheroes have decided to expand their ranks. This month, Cyborg uses the Grid to summon up and coming heroes from throughout the DC Universe to the Watchtower for a once in a lifetime opportunity! Who will answer the call? And more importantly, who will be inducted as a full-time member of the League? Plus, don’t miss another thrilling chapter of Shazam! Written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jesus Saiz and Gary Frank, JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 hits stores tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE, Cisco begins his new job as Detroit’s urban hero and a member of the Justice League. But when things don’t go as planned, he begins to have doubts about being a hero in the first place. Will Cisco be able to find the hero within in time for the JLA’s first press conference? Find out in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #2, in stores tomorrow, written by Geoff Johns and Andrew Kreisberg, and illustrated by Pete Woods, Andres Guinaldo, Sean Parsons and Bit.

Tags:

Justice League, Justice League of America's Vibe, geoff johns, jesus saiz, gary frank, andrew kreisberg, pete woods, andres guinaldo, sean parsons, bit

Third Wave Spotlight: SWORD OF SORCERY #1

In September, Zero Month introduced you to four all-new ongoing series: THE PHANTOM STRANGER, SWORD OF SORCERY, TALON and TEAM 7. With these #0 issues, you got a taste of the new characters and stories that will be impacting the ever-growing DC Universe.

This month, each of these four series will launch their #1 issue. To celebrate these releases, we’ll be putting a spotlight on each of these new titles every day this week on THE SOURCE. Next up is SWORD OF SORCERY #1, which hits stores on October 17. From writer Christy Marx and artist Aaron Lopresti comes the title’s “Amethyst” story, while the “Beowulf” back-up story comes to you from writer Tony Bedard and artist Jesus Saiz. We asked Bedard, Lopresti, Marx and Saiz to tell us a little bit about their creative processes and to tease what readers can expect from issue #1.

How did you use issue #0 to help you launch issue #1? How were your creative approaches to these two issues different?

TONY BEDARD: In SWORD OF SORCERY #0, we are there for Wiglaf's first encounter with Beowulf, and we get our first glimpse of the future DC Universe they live in – a land that has reverted to a feudal, medieval society following some mysterious apocalyptic event. Issue #0 was a chance to set the stage and raise some questions. Is Beowulf a hero or a monster? Will Wiglaf survive his encounter with this guy? SWORD OF SORCERY #1 is where those questions start getting answered.

AARON LOPRESTI: Obviously there was a lot of set up to the series in the #0 issue and only about 6 or 7 pages of Gemworld. I sort of got my feet wet with the design elements and completely different tonality of Gemworld and the characters in the #0 issue, without getting overwhelmed right off the bat. Issue #1 is artistically complex and challenging and I was glad to get the opportunity to ease into it and "warm up" a little before tackling it head on.

CHRISTY MARX: My approach is holistic. In other words, each issue is part of a larger whole and part of an ongoing flow of story. The main thing about #0 is that it needed to provide a large amount of set-up. It had to quickly and efficiently establish the main characters, their worlds, and their fundamental conflicts – plus transition them to the main world where the action will take place from then on. Fortunately, after 25 years of writing for animation, comics and games, I’ve learned a lot about efficient writing.

JESUS SAIZ: There was no difference, really. With issue #0, we introduced the two main characters and the world they live in. Issue #1 is where the adventure really begins. But aside from that, at least on the art side of things, there has been no difference. I've tried to make the atmosphere and tone of one issue a direct continuation of the other, but have also added new elements to the story.

What’s been the most fun aspect of writing/drawing and launching the new series so far?

TONY BEDARD: Without a doubt, it's getting to work with Jesus Saiz and discovering that he's a bigger fan of the sword and sorcery genre than I am! And that's saying something, considering my college nickname was Tonan the Barbarian! This is a real passion project for both of us, and Jesus is knocking it so far out of the park that it's a joy every time new pages come in. I've loved the guy's work ever since MIDNIGHT, MASS. all those years ago, but I feel like “Beowulf” is shaping up into his defining moment. I'm just glad to be along for the ride.

AARON LOPRESTI: The fun part is the same thing that makes it so difficult. Designing and creating everything from scratch. I feel like I am designing something new on almost every page – whether that is a costume or a location or new character. It is definitely rewarding but also very challenging. I’m just glad that Christy Marx and editor Rachel Gluckstern have very clear and specific visions to help me.

CHRISTY MARX: I love to do world-building and craft character-driven stories. “Amethyst” is allowing me to do that to my heart’s content. Part of the fun comes from creating a cast of characters with their own hopes, dreams, ambitions, flaws and goals. The other part of the fun comes from crafting the magic system, how crystals will work within the magic system, what the geography/ecology is like, what the ancient history of the world is and how that affects the present, what the economies are, how the Cardinal Houses hold and use power … I could go on and on.

JESUS SAIZ: Absolutely everything. I've always wanted to draw something like this. I've always been a huge fan of horror and fantasy. When I started drawing comics, I was only interested in drawing warriors, swords, monsters, battles in forests and the ruins of castles. Funnily enough, my whole career has consisted of drawing stories very much anchored in reality, so “Beowulf” has been a dream come true for me. It's the first time I feel I'm drawing something that I believe is in my “home turf.” I've always preferred to draw horses over cars, cabins before apartments, mountains before towns, etc. I enjoy each and every element that makes the graphic part of this comic book. I thank the heavens for Tony Bedard!

Do you have a ritual (music you listen to or something you eat or do to get you prepped) before approaching the writing/drawing for the series? If so, what is it?

TONY BEDARD: My whole life has been preparation for “Beowulf”! I devoured the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, Robert E. Howard and Michael Moorcock in high school. The whole reason I got into reading comics was because my girlfriend bought me a copy of SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN! I own several swords, a spear and a battle-axe. In some ways this is my easiest writing gig because this stuff is in my blood and it just seems like the most natural thing in the world to spin a ripping yarn about a guy who solves every problem by hacking his way through it. If only all of life worked that way.

AARON LOPRESTI: No, not really. I rarely listen to music, but sometimes I will listen to talk radio. I have a lot of medieval references handy, but my ritual is to get up eat and get to work!

CHRISTY MARX: When I need to write, I put myself in the chair in front of the computer and I write. This comes from a long career as a professional in which deadlines are vital and must be met. Writing requires discipline as much as inspiration – sometimes more than inspiration. Also, I tend to do a lot of the writing in my head before I sit down. I’ll visualize scenes and create dialog over and over in my head (trying not to walk into walls or drive off the road while I’m doing it), so that by the time I sit down, I often have a good chunk of the work already done. Comics are a visual form of storytelling, so having strong visualization skills makes a big difference.

JESUS SAIZ: No, no ritual. Just sit down and draw. The only thing I do differently is to open my eyes very wide and pay a lot of attention every time I find something that I think can help me establish a world as visually peculiar as Beowulf's. Whether it’s a movie set in medieval times, a documentary about Hiroshima, or the Stone Age, I visually devour anything I think can give me some ideas.

Below, take a first look at SWORD OF SORCERY #1 by taking an exclusive look at interior art for “Amethyst” by Lopresti and interior art for “Beowulf” by Saiz.

Tags:

Sword of Sorcery, Christy Marx, aaron lopresti, tony bedard, jesus saiz

Artists Jesus Saiz and Andres Guinaldo on RESURRECTION MAN

The SUICIDE SQUAD / RESURRECTION MAN crossover begins next month and here's what the artists on RESURRECTION MAN have to say:

"I really wanted to tackle The Dark line of books, hoping to have the chance to depict crazier and weirder stuff than I usually do. One issue in and I’m the happiest man alive! Angels, demons, junkyard robots... can't wait to see what these crazy writers are going to challenge me with."

-Jesus Saiz

"I had never drawn these guys before, and I've loved it! They are all great characters and the story has plenty of drama. I also loved drawing Mitch in that liquid metal state and... what he does to Deadshot (Spoilers!) Now you'll have to read the story to see if he can defeat the Squad or not!"

-Andres Guinaldo

Tags:

Resurrection Man, jesus saiz, andres guinaldo, dan abnett, andy lanning, suicide squad

Artist Jesus Saiz takes on RESURRECTION MAN

Beginning with its ninth issue in May, RESURRECTION MAN will have a new artist: Jesus Saiz. Fresh from his run on BIRDS OF PREY, Saiz will pick up Mitch Shelley’s story just in time to pit the indestructible man against the Suicide Squad. Shelley may be incapable of death – but the Squad’s under orders from Amanda Waller, and “The Wall” is not one to accept excuses.

“Having Fernando leave the series is bittersweet, but gaining a talent such as Jesus will give RESURRECTION MAN a decidedly different look,” said series editor Brian Cunningham. “His style brings a very iconic superhero look. His heroes are very heroic, his villains are as nasty as they come. I can’t wait to get him started.”

“I'm going to miss BIRDS OF PREY immensely, although it's also true that I was dying to work on the Dark line of books,” said Saiz. “There's some very interesting stuff happening in these books, and I've always considered horror / creating dark settings are some of my stronger areas as an artist, and I really haven't had many chances to flex those muscles working in this genre during my career. So...I think I'm really going to enjoy working on RESURRECTION MAN! Crrrrazy fun!"

Saiz’s first issue as RESURRECTION MAN’s new artist will be #9, launching in May. Check out the cover here on THE SOURCE.

(Cover by Rafael Albuquerque)

Tags:

brian cunningham, DC Comics-The New 52, jesus saiz, rafael albuquerque, Resurrection Man

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC Comics-The New 52, Tuesday Afternoon (ET) Edition

With the second full week of releases of DC Comics-The New 52 coming out tomorrow, more and more previews continue to roll out.

TV GUIDE MAGAZINE has the first exclusive look at SUICIDE SQUAD #1. “Espionage is not pretty, it's not martinis and tuxedos, it's usually down and dirty,” series writer Adam Glass (Supernatural) told them.

COMICS ALLIANCE debuted a 5-page sequence from BIRDS OF PREY #1 by Duane Swierczynski and Jesus Saiz (and in case you missed it last week, be sure to read Editor Janelle Asselin’s blog post on what to expect from the series).

NEWSARAMA has the exclusive preview of DEATHSTROKE #1 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Bennett and Art Thibert.

IGN continued their series of interviews with the writers and artists of all the books in DC Comics-The New 52. “Slade is a strategist—he's two, sometimes three steps ahead in a fight,” Kyle Higgins said when asked about DEATHSTROKE.

“The first thing we do is show that Batwoman just wants to be the good soldier of Gotham,” described BATWOMAN writer/artist J.H. Williams III told IGN. “She’s going after crimes and villains that really don't connect to her personal story, but they quickly become personal for her mission.”

“One of the primary aspects of his character that makes him so appealing and compelling is that he makes mistakes - big, huge messes in his life, and yet he keeps going on,” GREEN ARROW writer J.T. Krul said about the series’ protagonist to IGN. “He doesn't make excuses for himself; he doesn't pass the buck - Oliver Queen freely and wholeheartedly puts the blame on his shoulders and carries the weight day in and day out.”

NEWSARAMA also debuted the cover to DETECTIVE COMICS #4. Meanwhile, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES has the first look at the cover for ACTION COMICS #4 and WORD BALLOON premiered the cover to GREEN LANTERN #4.

To be continued …

From The Editor’s Desk: Janelle Asselin on BIRDS OF PREY

Like most DC editors, I’m not just an editor - I’m also a fan. And the book that made me a DC fan was BIRDS OF PREY. I’ve read a lot of DC books over the years, but BIRDS is the book that really hooked me. So when we were originally told that DC was bringing back BIRDS OF PREY in 2010, I may have knocked a few people over in claiming editorial rights to the book. I thought I was excited then.

It’s nothing to how excited I am right now.

The new BIRDS OF PREY is thrilling, fun, and beautiful. Writer Duane Swierczynski has crafted a story that takes off from issue one and does not let you stop for breath. It’s a new take on the characters and the team, so both new and old fans will come into the book on equal footing. But the spirit of BIRDS OF PREY - the spirit of doing good against all odds and the spirit of unlikely friendships - that remains in full force.

This spirit of friendship is most evident between Black Canary and our new character, Starling. Black Canary is, for the most part, the same incredible character she’s always been. As we move forward with the series, readers will discover that Black Canary in world of the New 52 has moved to the fringes of the super-heroic world but refuses to give up trying to save the world in her own way. Her good friend Starling has been by her side since college and they make a fun duo. For anyone who’s ever had that awesome BFF that’s nothing like you but seems to understand you anyway - you’ll immediately recognize and love the dynamic between Black Canary and Starling. Katana joins the team thanks to a nudge from another of Black Canary’s old friends - and while she isn’t exactly what Canary and Starling expect, well, she delights in bustin’ evil heads the same way they do.

But how does that spirit of friendship work with Poison Ivy, you ask?

For that you’ll have to wait and see - we have to keep some aces up our sleeves, you know! I will say that Duane’s done a great job of making her part of the team in a way that’s true to the spirit of all of the characters.

All of that being said, I’d be seriously remiss to not talk about artist Jesus Saiz’s contribution to the book. Holy cow, it’s so pretty. The thing I love about Jesus’s art is that he draws women realistically. The BIRDS are sexy, don’t get me wrong. But they’re a realistic kind of sexy that is a visual representation of the dedication the whole team has to making these characters real - not just eye candy. Each character has an individual style and flair that Jesus takes pains to show in his art. From the classic, traditional style of Black Canary to the rockabilly flair of Starling to the modern-samurai-chic of Katana to the sexy organic dress of Poison Ivy, each lady looks different and matches their personality externally. Jesus did endless designs and sketches to make sure we had each character right before we started on the book. And beyond the look of the characters, Jesus’s storytelling is dynamic and eloquent.

I could not be more proud of the work the whole BIRDS OF PREY team has done to put together our portion of the New 52. We look forward to having you along for the ride.

Tags:

birds of prey, black canary, DC Comics-The New 52, Duane Swierczynski, janelle asselin, jesus saiz, Katana, poison ivy, Starling

With all these new villains, Arkham Asylum is going to need a new wing

This October, Gotham City will be overrun by new villains. In DETECTIVE COMICS, Batman will face the Gotham Ripper. In BATGIRL, Barbara Gordon will take on Mirror. Mysterious villains will be terrorizing Gotham in BATMAN, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, BATWOMAN and NIGHTWING. And around the globe, evil takes new forms in BATWING and RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS. Can the Bat family defeat all these foes or is the fate of Gotham – and the world at large – permanently doomed?

BATMAN #2

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by JIM LEE

1:200 B&W variant cover by GREG CAPULLO

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Bruce Wayne is back in the cowl, hunting a new and deadly killer in Gotham City – a killer with a vendetta against Bruce Wayne! But who is this mysterious killer in an owl skull mask? And is he the key to unlocking one of Gotham’s oldest and most terrifying secrets? Be there for their first brutal encounter!

BATWING #2

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art and cover by BEN OLIVER

On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

He is called Massacre, and he brings death. What does the soldier in service of Batman Incorporated do when he’s met his match? When he’s been brought so low and been wounded so badly? What does he do when lost Super Heroes begin turning up as victims? Batwing fights back!

DETECTIVE COMICS #2

Written by TONY S. DANIEL

Art by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL

On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman sets his sights on the Gotham Ripper, who in turn has his sights on Batman. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne explores a budding romance with television journalist Charlotte Rivers, who’s visiting Gotham City to cover the gruesome slayings – while also trying to uncover Bruce’s own mystery. But time is running out as both Commissioner Gordon and Batman work to uncover the true identity of this new serial killer.

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #2

Written by DAVID FINCH and PAUL JENKINS

Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND with JAY FABOK

Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Something sinister surges through Arkham Asylum, and Batman finds himself bombarded by his greatest foes in this second sensational issue from superstar creator David Finch!

Bigger, meaner, and more powerful than ever before, the inmates of Arkham Asylum run rampant as the entire Bat Family struggles to keep the walls from falling down, unleashing Gotham City’s worst criminals on the unsuspecting population. And you won’t believe the jaw-dropping final page! Just keep repeating, “It’s only a comic book. It’s only a comic book...”

BATMAN AND ROBIN #2

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

Cover by PATRICK GLEASON

On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman’s fears about Robin’s tendency to dish out more pain than necessary are growing! And who is the man named NoBody, visiting Gotham City to say hello to his old friend Bruce Wayne and find out where he went wrong in his battle against crime.

BATGIRL #2

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by ADAM HUGHES

On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The nightmare-inducing brute known as Mirror is destroying the lives of Gotham City citizens seemingly at random, and an explosive confrontation between Batgirl and Mirror leads Babs to question wearing the cape and cowl at all!

The riveting adventures of Batgirl continue in stunning fashion, with script by fan-favorite Gail Simone and stellar art by superstar Ardian Syaf!

BATWOMAN #2

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

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Horror! A terrifying new villain stalks the innocent children of Gotham City! Intrigue! A threatening government agency is hot on Batwoman’s trail. Romance! Kate Kane’s new relationship is heating up!

Can Batwoman stop the new evil rising from the damp back alleys of Gotham’s barrios? And overcome the many challenges she faces as both Batwoman and Kate Kane? 2011’s most anticipated new series intensifies in this exciting second issue!

NIGHTWING #2

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and JP MAYER

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

When a mysterious assassin targets Dick Grayson, Nightwing must work fast to uncover the killer’s plot before he strikes again. But as Haley’s Circus continues to perform in Gotham City, Dick finds himself torn between two lives: His old one as a circus performer and his new one as a Super Hero. And they may be more connected than he ever realized!

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #2

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT and BLOND

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Red Hood is already globe-trotting in an effort to find the ancient assassins behind the slaughter of those who taught him some of his darkest skills... and if Roy and Kori are going to be of any help, well, they’ll just have to tag along – whether Jason wants them to or not!

BIRDS OF PREY #2

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

An explosion in a secure Gotham City airport terminal hurls Black Canary and Starling headlong into a nightmare involving stolen pharmaceuticals, terrorists for hire and killers in stealth suits who can appear – and disappear – at will. When Canary calls in backup, Starling’s not so sure a vengeful samurai who talks to her dead husband in a sword is the best choice.

CATWOMAN #2

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale OCTOBER 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

She’s a thief who lives to steal just for the thrill of breaking the law. He’s The Dark Knight, obsessively driven to battle evil with every ounce of his strength. They should keep each other at arm’s length, but...they just can’t seem to help themselves! Don’t miss this issue – things are gonna get messy!

September's BATMAN Solicits

BATMAN #1

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION

Cover by GREG CAPULLO

Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and artist Greg Capullo (Spawn)! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew.

DETECTIVE COMICS #1

Written by TONY S. DANIEL

Art by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

Cover by TONY S. DANIEL

On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

DC’s flagship title is relaunched for the first time ever, with new Batman adventures from acclaimed writer/ artist Tony S. Daniel!

A killer called The Gotham Ripper is on the loose on Batman’s home turf – leading The Dark Knight on a deadly game of cat and mouse.

BATWING #1

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art and cover by BEN OLIVER

On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Africa, a land of beauty – and of great horror. A land of creation and conflict. It is in desperate need of a defender, and from the ranks of Batman Incorporated comes a soldier to carry on the legacy of The Dark Knight in the most tumultuous region on Earth. Meet Batwing, the Batman of Africa!

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1

Written by DAVID FINCH

Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

Cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The Dark Knight struggles against a deadly – yet strangely familiar – foe in this phenomenal debut issue from superstar writer/artist David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY, ACTION COMICS)!

As a mysterious figure slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum, Batman must fight his way through a gauntlet of psychos, and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected legal ramifications of Batman Incorporated!

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Battling evil with his son, Damian, at his side, Batman now realizes that the hardest part of the job may be trying to work together!

As Batman and Robin try to adjust to their new partnership, a figure emerges from Bruce Wayne’s past: His name is NoBody, and he’s not happy that Batman Incorporated is shining a light on his own shadowy war against evil...

BATGIRL #1

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES

Cover by ADAM HUGHES

On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Yes, it’s really happening!

Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl – and she’s going to have to face the city’s most horrifying new villains as well as the dark secrets from her past. You won’t want to miss this stunning debut issue from fan-favorite BIRDS OF PREY writer Gail Simone!

BATWOMAN #1

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

Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

At last! Batwoman’s new series begins, from the multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III and Haden Blackman!

In “Hydrology,” part 1 of 5, Batwoman faces deadly new challenges in her war against Gotham City’s underworld – and new trials in her life as Kate Kane.

Who or what is stealing children from the barrio, and for what vile purpose? Will Kate train her cousin, Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird), as her new sidekick? How will she handle unsettling revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? And why is a certain government

NIGHTWING #1

Written by KYLE HIGGINS

Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and JP MAYER

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Dick Grayson flies high once more as Nightwing in a new series from hot new writer Kyle Higgins (BATMAN: GATES

OF GOTHAM)! And as he embraces his destiny, Haley’s Circus, the big top where Dick once performed, returns to Gotham City – bringing with it murder, mystery and superhuman evil. Nightwing must confront his past, among former friends and enemies from his circus days, while uncovering a much greater evil!

CATWOMAN #1

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Meet Catwoman. She’s addicted to the night. Addicted to shiny objects. Addicted to Batman. Most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can’t help herself, and the truth is – she doesn’t want to. She’s good at being bad, and very bad at being good. Find out more about what makes Catwoman tick in this new series from writer Judd Winick (BATMAN: UNDER THE HOOD) and artist Guillem March (GOTHAM CITY SIRENS)!

BIRDS OF PREY #1

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

One is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a. Black Canary and Starling – and together, as Gotham City’s covert ops team, they’re taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. But now they’ve attracted the attention of a grizzled newspaper reporter who wants to expose them, as well as a creepy, chameleon-like strike team that’s out to kill them.

Don’t miss the start of this hard-hitting new series from mystery novelist/comics writer Duane Swierczynski (Expiration Date, Cable).

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

No sooner has Batman’s former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow’s rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won’t be chained again.

As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what’s he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader? Find out in this hot new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men), featuring art by rising star Kenneth Rocafort (ACTION COMICS)!

Batwoman #1, Batgirl #1, Catwoman #1 and Birds of Prey #1: The Women of Gotham City

The highly-anticipated new series from the multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III, Haden Blackman and Amy Reeder begins in BATWOMAN #1.

Batgirl’s going to have to face the city’s most horrifying new villains as well as dark secrets from her past in BATGIRL #1, the stunning debut issue from fan-favorite writer Gail Simone and artists Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes.

Meet Catwoman. She’s addicted to the night. Addicted to shiny objects. Addicted to Batman. Most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can’t help herself, and the truth is – she doesn’t want to. She’s good at being bad, and very bad at being good. Find out more about what makes Catwoman tick in CATWOMAN #1, written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Guillem March.

The Birds of Prey are Gotham City’s covert ops team, taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. Mystery novelist ands comics writer Duane Swierczynski teams up with Jesus Saiz for BIRDS OF PREY #1, the first issue of the hard-hitting new series.

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