SUPERMAN #709 provides an exhilarating new twist on the classic question of who’s faster: Superman or Flash? Who will outrun the other and what the heck is that thing on Flash’s head that’s making him speak Kryptonian and recite the planet’s history?

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Roberson, with artwork by Eddy Barrows & J.P. Mayer and a cover by John Cassaday, SUPERMAN #709 continues the Man of Steel’s “Grounded” storyline -- this time bringing Superman to the vast landscapes of Boulder, Colorado.

SUPERMAN #709 lands in comic book stores today.

Who do you think is faster, SOURCE readers? Superman or Flash? Place your bets.

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Superman's walk across the United States is taking him to a lot of interesting places. However, this isn't a landmark I recognize from any of my American history classes...

Keep reading, Superman fans.

I know I'm far from the only T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents  fan here. I've been tipped off to a few of the guest artists who'll be  contributing to upcoming issues, and they're just too cool not to share.  (Just check out the Francis Manapul cover for issue five above!) I'll let you hear the news straight from T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents editor, Wil Moss:

"Nick Spencer & CAFU have wowed everybody with the first two issues of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS so far, but trust me, they’re just getting warmed up! And continuing the string of all-star guest artists who have been providing covers and flashback sequences for the book so far, March’s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS #5 has a gorgeous Francis Manapul cover and a sublime five-page sequence by Ryan Sook! And in April, the great John Cassaday tackles the cover to #6, then starting in June with #7 the supremely talented Fiona Staples takes over as regular cover artist! And man, just wait until you see what Nick & CAFU have planned for the arc that starts with #7 ... As Toby would say, “Excited!”"

On a related note, Nick Spencer will be stepping off Supergirl to concentrate on T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, with writer James Peaty co-scripting issue #60 and then taking over for him from there. (Bernard Chang will stay on as artist for the book.) Here's what Supergirl editor Matt Idelson had to say about James Peaty:

"When I was deciding who should write this Supergirl arc, I knew I needed someone who could not just write a good story, but bring their  own unique vision to an in progress story. I've worked on and off with James  Peaty over the years and had been looking for the chance to do so again. James is no stranger to the DCU, having written adventures for Green Arrow, the Justice League, the JSA, Batman, and Supergirl."

This coming January, you’ll notice something unique about the cover treatments for DCU titles hitting that month.

Here, let me show you a few.

But it’s not just about iconic poses. As you can see, each title gets a unique and yet familiar logo treatment that brings the focus on the characters and stars of their respective books. New year. New beginnings. New focus.

This January will see a handful of one-shots spotlighting some of the key players in the DCU by an A-list assortment of creators, including James Robinson, Eric Wallace, J.T. Krul and more. Here’s the breakdown:

STARMAN /CONGORILLA #1

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by BRETT BOOTH

Cover by GENE HA

In this tie-in to the “JLA Omega” storyline, the new blue and gold team of Congorilla and Mikaal Tomas work to unlock the secrets behind the toxic Omega Man’s dark energy, which encases Washington D.C. To do this they must embark on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, encountering diverse heroes from the DCU along the way including Animal Man, Sirocco and a certain wonder dog named Rex. And all the while, Mikaal and Congorilla must outrun and outwit a cadre of terrorist assassins from Gorilla City. This is a breakneck chase through the DCU, but with a serious end-goal – saving the lives of their fellow members of the JLA!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SHAZAM! #1

Script by ERIC WALLACE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by CLIFF CHIANG

Blaze, the current ruler of Hell, has an offer for Mary and Billy Batson that may be too good to pass up! Left powerless, will the two former heroes have the strength to deny the devil? Can Freddy Freeman save them? And how does the Titan Osiris fit into it all? Find out here, in this one-shot special written by Eric Wallace (TITANS) with art by Cliff Richards (THE ROAD HOME: BATMAN & ROBIN #1)!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

STEEL #1

Written by STEVE LYONS

Art by SEAN CHEN

Cover by ALEX GARNER

John Henry Irons is a normal human being who managed to overcome all odds and become a hero who Superman considers a peer and colleague. What kind of determination drives a man to reach such heights? Find out here as a battered and bruised Steel defiantly stands as the only thing between Metallo and the destruction of Metropolis! Doctor Who novelist Steve Lyons and artist Sean Chen (ACTION COMICS, SALVATION RUN) deliver a story that shows why Steel is a true DC Universe icon!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

WONDER GIRL #1

Written by JT KRUL

Art by ADRIANA MELO & MARIAH BENES

Cover by NICOLA SCOTT & DOUG HAZLEWOOD

Spinning out of the pages of TEEN TITANS comes this spotlight on Cassie Sandsmark, the wonderful Wonder Girl! Even though not every moment of Wonder Girl’s life is spent being a Titan, strange adventures still follow her everywhere. In this issue, she’ll cross paths with the odd new hero known as Solstice!

ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

We checked in with Co-Publisher Dan DiDio for his thoughts on the January theme. Take it away Dan:

“This January, we’re putting the focus squarely on the characters and iconic heroes of the DCU,” said DCU Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “Not only will we tell new stories some of the more-deserving with special one-shots, but we’ll be giving every title in the line a unique treatment that puts the spotlight on the heroes and villains that populate the DC Universe.”