THE DARK Group Solicits
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #4
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by MIKEL JANIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale DECEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Madame Xanadu’s plan is working! Zatanna, John Constantine, Shade the Changing Man, Mindwarp and Deadman are all being brought together. But will Xanadu’s manipulations blow up in her face when she learns that Enchantress has grown too powerful to be controlled?
SWAMP THING #4
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by VICTOR IBANEZ
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
On sale DECEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
All across the world, those with a primal connection to the forces of life and death can feel that something is very wrong. The war between The Green and The Other has begun, and the knights of decay walk the Earth unchecked – but without Alec Holland, the Green has no champion strong enough to fight back!
FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #4
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale DECEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
“Monster Planet” comes to its world-shattering conclusion as Frankenstein and Nina take on the massive Sea Monster, while Lady Frankenstein and the rest of the Creature Commandos go head to head with the colossal Ogre Titan. Plus: Don’t miss the debut of the G.I. Robot Squadron and the new War Wheel!
ANIMAL MAN #4
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN
On sale DECEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
After coming face to face with the mysterious Totems, Buddy learns the truth about Maxine’s destiny – but it may be too late, as The Red is infiltrated by agents of The Other, and Buddy struggles to control his new, unfiltered powers with deadly results! Meanwhile, Ellen and Cliff must face the last Hunters alone!
I, VAMPIRE #4
Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO
Cover by JENNY FRISON
On sale DECEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Straight from the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK comes John Constantine! Problem is, rather than help Andrew in his war against the Queen of Blood, Constantine figures it would make more sense to just wipe out all of the vampires, including Andrew!
RESURRECTION MAN #4
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale DECEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Who is the Transhuman? And why is he risking his life for the Resurrection Man? And even with his help, will our hero be able to fend off the bounty-hunting Body Doubles and the forces of both Heaven and Hell?
(Not final cover)
DEMON KNIGHTS #4
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by MIKE CHOI and DIOGENES NEVES & OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by MIKE CHOI
On sale DECEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It wasn’t a coincidence that the Shining Knight found herself in Little Spring as the Horde massed at the village gates. She’s on a quest, and has been all her long life – whether she’s known it or not! Now, a powerful vision will reveal to her the true stakes of the battle for Little Spring and pull back the curtain on one of the biggest secrets in the DC Universe! Don’t miss “Merlin Watches The Storm,” featuring guest art by the sensational Mike Choi (X-Force)! And yes, “storm” is a hint.
Who’s Who At DC Comics-The New 52: Mikel Janin
THE SOURCE: How do you draw a first panel of a first issue?
MIKEL JANIN: I try to draw not only what is in the script, but to stablish, as much as I can, the story mood and setting. For example, in the first panel of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1, I included more characters in the cards of Madame Xanadu that were in the script to present the team to the reader, even if we don't know yet who they are. But this is not only me. The editors (Rex Ogle and Eddie Berganza) and Peter Milligan were involved in such things.
How do you introduce a new hero?
Giving him/her a good shot! I usually draw him/her in full body and then a shorter view so we can see the face, or maybe first the face then a full shot.
How do you introduce characters?
Full body shot and face, in the same page if it's possible. And hands. Corporal language is important to define a character. I try to give them personality, and set any character apart of the others.
How do you draw a first appearance?
It all depends on the script, but I like to give room in the page for a first appearance, and add atmosphere to it.
How do you introduce a new villain?
Villains are the pepper in the story! I try to make them scary and dangerous. I am lucky to be in JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK where there are really creepy villains!
What was the first comic you ever worked on?
As a professional, Les Aventures d'Antonin Phylifandre, a graphic novel for the French market.
Who was the first character you followed?
Superman! When I was a child I went to the theater to see Richard Donner's Superman II in a Superman costume!
What was the first series you collected?
I think they were the Tintin books. I still love them.
Who was the first artist you followed?
So many at the same time! I think Francisco Ibáñez. But I can say hundreds.
What was the first convention you attended as a fan?
Barcelona Comic Con, in 1993 or 1994, I'm not sure.
What was the first convention you attended as a professional?
Will be NYCC this October!
What was the first comic book you read?
Mortadelo y Filemón, from Francisco Ibáñez. I know because I learned to read with them, when I was 4 years old.
What was your first job in the comic book industry?
A short story published in the Heavy Metal Magazine.
What was the first piece of original art you bought?
I didn't buy art, but I got some original pieces of Antonio Bernal he gave to me. Amazing, I love them.
Today’s The Dark and The Edge panel at SDCC
During today’s panel for The Dark and The Edge at SDCC, we premiered art from ANIMAL MAN, BLACKHAWKS, DEATHSTROKE, FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E., JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, MEN OF WAR, OMAC, RESURRECTION MAN, SUICIDE SQUAD, SWAMP THING, I, VAMPIRE, and VOODOO. Click through the gallery to see all this new art.
[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="5"]
Questions About The Dark
We’re just one month after the announcement of the books in the “Dark” group of DC Comics--The New 52. There's a lot of mystery surrounding these titles and the solicitations for the second issues offer another round of questions to keep fans guessing: Can the Justice League Dark turn against one of their own? Was Alec Holland wrong about Swamp Thing’s origins? What is the S.O.M.B.I.E. appearing in FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.? Will Mitch Shelly, a.k.a. Resurrection Man, find the answers he’s looking for about his past? Find out all of these and more when the below books hit shelves this October.
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #2
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by MIKEL JANIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Madame Xanadu continues guiding the world’s darkest heroes in their struggle against evil. But will John Constantine, Zatanna, Shade the Changing Man and the others be able to join forces in time to defeat the dangerous Enchantress before she destroys the world as we know it?
SWAMP THING #2
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Alec Holland thought he knew the history of the Swamp Thing – but he was wrong. The creature’s roots run deeper than he knows, and the Parliament of Trees intends to make him understand the responsibility he wants so desperately to avoid! With this issue, the mythology of the Swamp Thing branches out in ways you never saw coming – don’t miss it!
ANIMAL MAN #2
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Maxine’s new abilities continue to terrify Ellen and Buddy Baker, and things take a turn for the worse as Buddy begins a startling transformation of his own that will lead him on a journey into the heart of The Red. Meanwhile, The Hunters Three arrive on Earth and set their sights on the Baker family. The Hunt is on as DC’s most surprising new series continues to take ANIMAL MAN in shocking new directions.
FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #2
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s all-out war as Frankenstein and his new field team, The Creature Commandos, uncover an age-old conspiracy at the heart of Bone Lake – one that will see them suit up as the world’s first “Necronauts,” traveling between worlds and through “dead space,” toward the mysterious Monster Planet. Meanwhile, the horrifying origins of the Commandos are revealed – and the S.O.M.B.I.E. makes its first appearance!
RESURRECTION MAN #2
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Mitch Shelley’s past remains a mystery. So when he goes looking for answers, will he find them? Not likely, when he has to contend with the bounty hunter femme fatales known as The Body Doubles.
I, VAMPIRE #2
Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO
Cover by JENNY FRISON
On sale OCTOBER 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
True love becomes divine hatred between the Queen of Blood and Andrew, as her vampires begin their attacks across the country. Their past behind them, they find themselves ready to battle to the death... If those feelings really are all gone. Surrounded by swarms of bloodthirsty vamps, Andrew must confront his immortal beloved in a blood-soaked battle he can’t win.
DEMON KNIGHTS #2
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The siege that will reverberate through history to the present-day DCU begins as the Demon Etrigan and his unlikely lover, Madame Xanadu, face the Horde! What five (mostly) noble souls would be crazy enough to join them? The cover gives but a hint, and the point could well be moot by the time this issue’s done. For the Horde is armed with the magic of Mordru – including some decidedly different dragons!
“I have looked into the future.”
(JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1 cover by Ryan Sook)
What do The Enchantress, Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine all have in common? This September, they’ll join forces for JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, written by Peter Milligan and featuring art by Mikel Janin, who took the time out to let us peer inside the series.
THE SOURCE: What about DC's new 52 titles excites you the most?
MIKEL JANIN: The whole idea of the relaunch is way exciting for me. I've been out of comics for a while, but I love them and I especially love DC characters. So for me as a reader, this is the best thing DC could do. I'm in for a bunch of titles. And of course, being part of this is just a dream coming true. A few months ago, I was on the other side trying to break into the comic book industry. I never dreamed I could be part of such a thing! And teaming up with Peter Milligan! What more I can say? I'm the most excited guy in the world!
How and why are you shaking up the series' status quo?
Well, it's a new series, so the status quo is new for all the characters. They're characters within the DC Universe but the approach to them is something different. Peter is really seeking deeply inside these characters. And John Constantine being part of a Justice League, even if it's a Dark one, is something worth seeing!
What new characters will debut in the series?
Mindwarp! He's a new character created by Peter. Actually, he appears in FLASHPOINT, but he is new for the readers. JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK is a good place to have him.
Will we see new character designs?
Sure! Some like Deadman or Constantine are very similar to what’s already out there, but others like Zatanna or the Enchantress have a brand new look. We have been working for a while on all the characters’ designs and we are all happy with their final looks.
What's the first line of dialogue in the first issue?
"My name is Madame Xanadu. I have looked into the future."
What's the biggest surprise you've had working on this character/book?
It's plenty of surprises, but the Enchantress is the biggest one.
What secret has been the hardest to keep?
That I'm drawing a Peter Milligan book!
What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?
I think it's the future and I'm 100% for it. I live in Spain and to buy comics is a bit more complicated than in the USA, so digital and trade paperback are my best choices as a reader.
September's THE DARK Solicits
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by MIKEL JANIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing forces that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. And if those heroes can’t handle the job, who will stand against this mystical madness?
Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat?
SWAMP THING #1
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
One of the world’s most iconic characters has returned to the heart of the DC Universe, and every step he takes will shake the foundations of the Earth!
Alec Holland has his life back…but the Green has plans for it. A monstrous evil is rising in the desert, and it’ll take a monster of another kind to defend life as we know it!
ANIMAL MAN #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by TRAVEL FOREMAN and DAN GREEN
Cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? Find out in this dramatic new series from writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Travel Foreman (The Immortal Iron Fist).
FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s Frankenstein as you’ve never seen him before, in a dark new series from acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Alberto Ponticelli (UNKNOWN SOLDIER)!
Frankenstein is part of a network of strange beings who work for an even stranger government organization: The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive! But can he protect the world from threats even more horrifying than himself? And since he’s vilified for who and what he is, will he even want to take on this mission?
I, VAMPIRE #1
Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO
Cover by JENNY FRISON
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
For hundreds of years, vampire Andrew Stanton kept mankind safe from the horrors of the supernatural world, thanks to a truce he made with his ex-lover Mary, the Queen of the Damned. But now that truce has reached a bloody end and Andrew must do everything in his power to stop Mary and her dark forces from going on a killing spree – and she plans to start with the heroes of the DCU!
RESURRECTION MAN #1
Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING
Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
It’s the return of Mitch Shelly – and he’s still dead.
Resurrection Man can’t stay dead for long, though – and with each rebirth comes new and unexpected powers. But his many returns have not gone unnoticed, and forces are gathering to learn what’s so special about him – and to see which of them will finally stop Resurrection Man dead.
DEMON KNIGHTS #1
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Set in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe, a barbarian horde is massing to crush civilization. It’s fallen to Madame Xanadu and Jason Blood, the man with a monster inside him, to stand in their way – though the demon Etrigan has no interest in protecting anyone or anything other than himself! It’ll take more than their own power to stop an army fueled by bloodlust and dark sorcery, and some very surprising heroes – and villains – will have no choice but to join the fray!
VOODOO #1
Written by RON MARZ
Art and cover by SAMI BASRI
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Who is Voodoo? Is she hero, villain – or both? Learn the truth about Priscilla Kitaen as she leaves a trail of violence across America. Discover the new DCU through her eyes, because the things she sees are not always what they seem…
DC Embraces Its Dark Side
DC Embraces Its Dark Side
DC Comics embraces its dark side. On the 40th anniversary of the character’s creation, the New York Times bestselling writer of AMERICAN VAMPIRE, Scott Snyder, teams up with Yannick Paquette (BATMAN, INCORPORATED) to bring horror back to the DC Universe in SWAMP THING #1. For years, one man served against his will as the avatar of nature. And while he may have been freed of the monster, he's about to learn the monster will never truly let go of him.
The World’s Greatest Supernatural Heroes
John Constantine, Deadman, Shade the Changing Man and Madame Xanadu are Justice League Dark, a band of supernatural heroes united to stop the dark things the rest of the DCU does not see in JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1, by Peter Milligan and artist Mikel Janin.
Acclaimed Creators with New Takes on Cult Heroes
Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? Find out in ANIMAL MAN #1, the start of a dramatic new series by acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire and artists Travel Foreman and Dan Green.
Set in the Middle Ages, the Demon leads an unlikely team to defend civilization and preserve the last vestiges of Camelot against the tide of history. Critically-acclaimed writer Paul Cornell and artists Diogenes Neves and Oclair Albert combine sorcery, swords and superheroes in DEMON KNIGHTS #1.
Tomorrow’s Cult Classics
Frankenstein and his network of strange beings work for an even stranger government organization: The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive. It’s the breakout hero of Seven Soldiers as you’ve never seen him before in FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF SHADE #1, the first issue of a dark new series from acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Nobody) and artist Alberto Ponticelli.
A cult favorite character returns in a new series written by his classic creative team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Joining them is JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST artist Fernando Dagnino. RESURRECTION MAN #1 is the story of a hero who wakes up with new powers each time he’s killed.
Vampires threaten to bring ruin to the DC Universe in I, VAMPIRE #1 by rising star Josh Fialkov and artist Andrea Sorrentino. Tortured by his centuries-old love for the Queen of the Damnned, Andrew Bennett must save humanity from the violent uprising of his fellow vampires, even if it means exterminating his own kind.
Priscilla Kitaen has just found out she’s a monster. A half-alien hybrid, the woman known as Voodoo must confront the secrets of her past to make sense of the nightmare her life has suddenly become. VOODOO #1 will be written by Ron Marz with art by Sami Basri.
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