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Inside the numbers: JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1 is officially the best-selling comic book of 2011

(The cover to JUSTICE LEAGUE #4 by Jim Lee and Scott Williams)

Earlier today, Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise, officially announced that JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Jim Lee and Scott Williams, is the bestselling comic book for the month of August—and to date, all of 2011.

That's the headline—and it's a good one—but, for those interested, here's a further look inside the numbers for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52:

· With a first printing exceeding 200,000 copies, JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 was the highest first printing of any DC Comics' title since 2006's JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 1 by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer Brad Meltzer, Ed Benes and Sandra Hope.

· The 200,000 first printing figure includes the digital combo pack and all variant editions, but not digital sales. The first printing was sold out at Diamond within hours of going on sale. The second printing of JUSTICE LEAGUE also sold out in less than 24 hours and the issue is now in its third printing.

· The DC Comics App peaked at # 4 on iTunes for Top Grossing I-Pad Apps. during the first week of The New 52.

· JUSTICE LEAGUE is one of ten titles so far from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 with print runs of more than 100,000 (ACTION COMICS, BATGIRL, BATMAN, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, DETECTIVE COMICS, FLASH, GREEN LANTERN, SUPERMAN).

· All 13 of the Week 2 titles from DC Comics: The New 52 have sold out from Diamond and are going back to press—ACTION COMICS, ANIMAL MAN, BATGIRL, BATWING, DETECTIVE COMICS, GREEN ARROW, HAWK & DOVE, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL, MEN OF WAR, OMAC, STATIC SHOCK, STORMWATCH and SWAMP THING.

· With its second printing, ACTION COMICS, joins JUSTICE LEAGUE as the second title to date from DC Comics-The New 52 with more than 200,000 copies in print.

· All 13 of the Week 3 titles from DC Comics: The New 52 have sold out from Diamond in advance of publication and are going back to press, including BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATWOMAN, DEATHSTROKE, DEMON KNIGHTS, FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E., GREEN LANTERN, GRIFTER, LEGION LOST, MISTER TERRIFIC, RED LANTERNS, RESURRECTION MAN, SUICIDE SQUAD and SUPERBOY.

DC Comics

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

The Labor Day weekend didn’t slow down the publicity wave for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, including high profile exclusive previews:

USA TODAY has the exclusive first look at DETECTIVE COMICS #1 and an interview with writer/artist Tony S. Daniel who told the paper that “fresh, brand-new villains are the ones who will give Batman challenges he's never faced before.”

AIN’T IT COOL NEWS caught up with STORMWATCH writer Paul Cornell and featured a preview of the series’ first issue. Cornell offered a tease of what to expect from the series and hinted at the specific roles of the team’s members. “Sometimes he finds it best to be a hero, working with the Justice League,” he said of Martian Manhunter. “Sometimes he finds it best to be a warrior, working undercover with Stormwatch. There he can indulge his terrifying side.”

The recently launched CHAMPION! has the first look at BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT issue #1. “I thought there’s no better way to bring something grand scale to Batman than having a mass-level breakout at Arkham Asklym, everybody from high-level important villains to low-level guys that nobody has heard of,” said series writer and artist David Finch. “By the end of the issue, they’re swarming over Gotham City, and it hast to be dealt with, not just by Batman but by a lot of characters.”

CBR had the very first look at JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL issue #1.

IO9 previewed O.M.A.C. #1 and spoke with series writer Dan DiDio, who teased an upcoming crossover with O.M.A.C. and FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. “I've always been attracted to the eclectic parts of the DC Universe and so has Frankenstein writer Jeff Lemire, so it feels like a natural fit,” said DiDio. “So much of my story is built on the war of Brother Eye and O.M.A.C. versus Checkmate, and S.H.A.D.E. gets brought into the middle of it.”

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES’ Hero Complex debuted the first five pages of GREEN ARROW #1, written by L.A. based J.T. Krul. (The piece also included coverage of last week’s midnight event at comic book shop House of Secrets in Burbank for the official launch of DC Comics-The New 52.)

Meanwhile, SALON.COM interviewed DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and JUSTICE LEAGUE artist Jim Lee about DC Comics-The New 52 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #1.

Each week, IGN will be conducting interviews with the DC Comics-The New 52 creative teams. So far, they’ve posted interviews with DETECTIVE COMICS writer/co-artist Tony Daniel and with JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL creative team Dan Jurgens and Aaron Lopresti. “We want to construct fun, entertaining stories that capitalize on bigger-than-life events with a strong mix of characters,” Jurgens said.

To be continued …

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC Comics-The New 52, Thursday Late Night (ET) Edition

As we prepare for the first full week’s worth of releases of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, national press coverage continues to roll in.

Want exclusive previews?

Head on over to G4 for their interview with Geoff Johns and exclusive first look at GREEN LANTERN #1. Then check out MODERNMAN.COM's exclusive preview of HAWK AND DOVE #1 and interview with Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras about DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

Want video footage? Tune in to CNN, THE NEW YORK POST and BUZZFEED.

Wish you were at the Midnight Madness event for JUSTICE LEAGUE? Well, THE WASHINGTON POST put up a slideshow of images from Wednesday’s Midnight Madness event in New York with Geoff Johns and Jim Lee at Midtown Comics.

Can't wait for WONDER WOMAN # 1? USA TODAY’S “Pop Candy” blog caught up with WONDER WOMAN artist Cliff Chiang.

Not sure what DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 is all about? THE WALL STREET JOURNAL’s “Speak Easy” blog ran an overview.

To be continued...

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Buzzfeed, cliff chiang, cnn, DC Comics-The New 52, g4, Geoff Johns, green lantern, hawk and dove, jim lee, Midnight Madness, Midtown Comics, Modernman.com, sinestro, The New York Post, the wall street journal, The Washington Post, usa today, wonder woman

Jim Lee talks with NPR/All Things Considered

Melissa Block, host of NPR's All Things Considered interviewed DCE Co-Publisher and JUSTICE LEAGUE artist Jim Lee today about DC Comics-The New 52 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (on sale today).

The show airs in New York on WNYC at 4pm and 7pm on 93.9 FM and AM 82. The segment on DC Comics-The New 52 will air around 5:20pmET.

If you miss the show live you can listen online after 7:00pm ET on npr.org.

Tags:

Geoff Johns, jim lee, justice league, The New 52

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

With the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, DC Comics-The New 52 officially kicked off. Coverage has been widespread today. Looking for a comprehensive overview? Look no further.

THE NEW YORK TIMES ran a major feature story on the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 on the front of the Arts section and on their homepage. “We’re not looking for a way of going back to what we did before,” DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras told them. “We like to say here, ‘No trap doors.’ This is what we are going to do.”

TODAY.COM interviewed DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. (You might have seen the story on MSNBC, too.) “It’s all about getting comics into the hands of new readers,” Lee said. “We’re trying to introduce these characters to new audiences.”

Last night’s Midnight Madness event with JUSTICE LEAGUE creative team Geoff Johns and Jim Lee at Midtown Comics in New York City had an incredible turnout and was a huge success. MSNBC was on location taking photos of everything from fan costumes to BATMAN and SWAMP THING writer Scott Snyder mingling with fans to Geoff and Jim distributing pizza to those who waited in line for hours to get their hands on JUSTICE LEAGUE #1.

ABC NEWS interviewed Geoff and Jim, who discussed everything from new costumes to their collaborative process. “In the case of JUSTICE LEAGUE, we’re actually completely retelling and re-envisioning how they met and why they met and why they stayed together,” Geoff Johns explained. “The goal is to actually have more personality, more conflict, more tension. Everyone knows them as the super-friends, but we’re showing that they’re not actually friends – not yet.”

WIRED MAGAZINE posted a gallery of various JUSTICE LEAGUE character designs by Jim Lee. Take an exclusive look at Jim’s designs for Superman, The Flash and Aquaman and be sure to check out WIRED’s analysis of these characters’ fresh costumes and looks.

With so much excitement about the 52 titles being released, it’s hard to pick a favorite. “The best part is that for all of the different members of [the DC Comics team] that have read all of the books,” DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio told THE WASHINGTON POST, “I can’t find two people with the same Top-Five list. That’s what’s great for me.”

DiDio also caught up with THE VILLAGE VOICE. “We want to get back down to the core characters and rebuild the fiction around them,” he said of DC Comics-The New 52. “This isn't about rehashing stories, but providing things that new readers can relate to."

EBONY.COM looks at diversity in DC Comics-The New 52, including characters like Voodoo, Static Shock, Cyborg, Mister Terrific and Batwing. “When we go to conventions, we see people of all races and genders,” DiDio told them. “We want a real sense that these characters are participating in the same world that exists outside our window.”

DigiDay ran a piece about same-date digital publication. According to Hank Kanalz, SVP of Digital, “What we heard anecdotally is that people have been coming into comic book stores and buying more titles and asking about digital delivery.”

Io9 and MTV GEEK also shed some light on the heralding in of DC Comics-The New 52 with the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. MTV GEEK also announced a special Twitter competition in which you can win each #1 issue being released as part of DC Comics-The New 52. For information on how to enter the contest, click here.

Much, much more to come as major interviews are being conducted as I load this blog post.

Congratulations are in order to Geoff, Jim, Scott Williams and everyone else behind JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. The issue hasn’t even been out for a full day yet and is already sold out. Here's a first look at the cover of the second printing.

Counting Down To DC Comics-The New 52: A Note from Jim Lee

The time for words has come to an end. JUSTICE LEAGUE launches at Midnight tonight.

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words. What will YOU say about DC Comics-The New 52 come tomorrow?

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, jim lee, justice league

(EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’ ABOUT) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, TUESDAY AFTERNOON (ET) EDITION

This afternoon, we’re going to take a look at what the comic book trade press is saying about JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 and The New 52 – including their interviews with some of the talented people behind the launch.

* ICV2 featured a three-part piece on The New 52 – featuring interviews with DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee, conducted in advance of San Diego Comic-Con. Said DiDio: “Our numbers are up in the mass market over-all in conjunction with graphic novel sales.” Check them out here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three.

* COMIC BOOK RESOURCES showcased a Comic-Con video interview with BATWING and CATWOMAN writer Judd Winick, who discusses his extensive research for the BATWING book and the timeless appeal of CATWOMAN. Also featured is an interview with writer Paul Jenkins about redefining Deadman in DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS.

* Newsarama offered a comprehensive primer on The New 52 as whole, and also served up some interviews with the writers behind the various series – including writer J.T. Krul (Captain Atom) and Paul Cornell (DEMON KNIGHTS).

* Over at iFanboy, Ron Richards and Conor Kilpatrick each listed their top five (and bonus five) picks for the most anticipated New 52 titles – with JUSTICE LEAGUE topping both lists.

* Comic Vine offered their own perspectives and interpretations of the new Batgirl pages that debuted in the NY Post, while writer Scott Lobdell (TEEN TITANS, SUPERBOY) provided some insider insights on the launch.

* ComicBook.com listed the five things they love most about The New 52 – including greater ethnic diversity, more women, day-and-date digital releases and DC’s confidence in the launch.

* DreadCentral.com picked up The Source’s preview of The New 52’s ANIMAL MAN, with extensive art. Also included was a full breakdown of New 52 titles that may be of interest to horror fans.

There’s more rolling in by the minute, and we’re expecting even more once JUSTICE LEAGUE hits the shelves. Stay tuned.

(Everybody's Talkin' About) DC Comics-The New 52, Early Tuesday AM Edition

As I type this blog post, the halls of 1700 Broadway are mostly quiet. Quiet, that is, save for the sounds of Jim Lee and Geoff Johns doing another round of morning radio interviews.

With less than 24 hours to go before tonight's midnight launch of DC Comics-The New 52, the press coverage continues to roll in. Among the late night/early morning highlights?

* THE ADVOCATE has an exclusive preview of BATWOMAN # 1.

* Check out Grant Morrison's interview with FAST COMPANY. As the internet noted last week, Grant provides some of the best pull quotes in the comic book industry and his FAST COMPANY interview is no exception. The feature also comes with an exclusive page from ACTION COMICS # 1, which shows Superman transforming into Clark Kent.

* Jim Lee was interviewed by the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.

* TIME OUT CHICAGO interviewed local retailers about DC Comics-The New 52 and the impact of digital on the comic book industry.

Oh and those morning interviews?

Here's a rundown of who Geoff and Jim will be talking with this morning:

8:40-8:50 am--WOCM-FM (OCEAN CITY RADIO)

9:00-9:10 am--WELI-AM (ARTFORD RADIO)

9:15-9:30 am--KRCL (SALT LAKE CITY RADIO)

9:30 – 9:40 am--KNX-AM (LOS ANGELES RADIO)

9:40-9:50 am--WKXL-AM (CONCORD RADIO)

10:10 – 10:20 AM--KFXR-AM (DALLAS RADIO)

10:20-10:30 AM--FOX NEWS RADIO (NATIONAL RADIO)

To be continued...

Tags:

action comics, batwoman, DC Comics-The New 52, Fast Company, Geoff Johns, grant morrison, Houston Chronicle, jim lee, The Advocate, Time Out Chicago

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee announce identity of JUSTICE LEAGUE’s first villain

There’s been a lot of talk over the past few weeks about the villains in DC Comics-The New 52. You’ve probably noticed that we’ve been using the hashtag, “#thenewvillains,” both here on THE SOURCE and on Twitter . There will certainly be plenty of villains making their debuts in the coming weeks. While by now many of these villains have already been introduced, not all of them have been fully revealed just yet.

On Friday, writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee appeared together on Sirius XM’s “Geek Time” to discuss the launch of DC Comics-The New 52 and their first ever collaboration -- JUSTICE LEAGUE. During the interview, they revealed the identity of the series’ first villain. What threat is so big that it brings together the team for the first time? If you don’t want to know who it is just yet, then whatever you do, don’t click after the jump (major spoiler alert!).

In the first story arc of JUSTICE LEAGUE, the villain needs no introduction: Darkseid.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 goes on sale August 31st.

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, Geoff Johns, jim lee, justice league

Super Hero Fans Expected to Line-Up Early as DC Entertainment Launches New Era of Comic Books

Writer & Artist Super-team Headline Midnight Madness Festivities at Midtown Comics in NY Times Square August 30th

Come August 30th, the streets of New York may be getting some extra super heroes, as hundreds of costumed fans are expected in-line outside of New York’s Midtown Comics (200 West 40th street) in anticipation of DC Comics midnight launch of its new No. 1 titles.

The midnight event will give fans an exclusive opportunity to purchase “Justice League” No. 1, the new historic title from DC Comics, starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and others. Fans who wait in-line will also have the opportunity to meet the comic book icons behind the title, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns, as well as purchase the conclusion to this summer’s blockbuster series, “Flashpoint” No. 5. The Midnight Madness event and historic launch are all in support of DC Entertainment’s goal of giving casual and long-time fans an opportunity to enjoy comics in an easy, accessible way.

“For us, it’s always been about the fans and we wanted to channel all of the excitement they’ve shown by giving back with a big event,” said Dan DiDio, co-publisher, DC Entertainment. “We’re really excited about the New 52 and we think all fans—old and new—will love the new journey we’re about to embark on.”

Since announced in June, the comic book industry has been buzzing about DC Comics-The New 52. In case you haven’t heard, DC Entertainment, the publisher of the world’s most iconic and recognizable super heroes, is renumbering the entire DC Comics line of comic books and releasing 52 new first issues this fall, including ACTION COMICS, DETECTIVE COMICS and BATWOMAN (to name only a few).

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 will officially kick off DC Comics-The New 52. JUSTICE LEAGUE will be set at the dawn of the age of super heroes. The first storyline explores the team’s origins as they ultimately become the world’s greatest super heroes, featuring such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

FLASHPOINT #5 is the final issue in Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s bestselling series that has kept everyone talking this summer and the months leading up to it. In addition to the story’s shattering conclusion, the issue provides an exciting bridge from the current events of FLASHPOINT to the upcoming events of DC Comics-The New 52, ushering in a historic new era for the comic book industry.

This will be an event like no other, with festivities going on inside and outside the store all evening, leading up to midnight! After all, what better way to commence DC Comics-The New 52 than with a party?

Watch this space and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more info. Midtown Comics is located at 200 W. 40th Street (on the corner of 7th Avenue) in Manhattan, New York. For updates about the event, please visit Midtown Comics’ official website, www.midtowncomics.com, Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information about how to subscribe to DC Comics, visit our digital store or locate a comic book shop near you, please visit www.read.dccomics.com.

GEOFF JOHNS: Geoff Johns is one of the most prolific and popular of contemporary comic book writers, and the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. He’s written highly acclaimed stories starring Superman, Green Lantern, the Flash and more, and is currently the writer of FLASHPOINT and GREEN LANTERN. After leaving Detroit to work for director Richard Donner in Los Angeles, Johns began writing for DC Comics in the late 90s, and has since written defining runs on THE FLASH and, most recently, GREEN LANTERN. As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Johns will be writing JUSTICE LEAGUE, GREEN LANTERN and the new AQUAMAN series.

JIM LEE: Jim Lee is a renowned comic book artist and the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment. Prior to his current post, Lee served as Editorial Director, where he oversaw WildStorm Studios and was also the artist for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic books and graphic novels, including ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER, BATMAN: HUSH, and SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW. He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the DC Universe Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). As part of DC Comics-The New 52, Lee is drawing JUSTICE LEAGUE.

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DC Comics-The New 52, flashpoint, Geoff Johns, jim lee, justice league, Midtown Comics