Exclusive Preview of KATANA #4

After being trapped inside Katana’s sword for years, The Creeper has finally been set free and is on a ruthless mission to stop anyone who can trap him back inside this weapon that killed him years ago. Desperate to exact his revenge, he finds a body to ride – Jack Ryder’s. But can Katana protect her soultaker from The Creeper before he completely destroys her greatest weapon?

Written by Ann Nocenti and illustrated by Alex Sanchez, Art Thibert, Matt Yackey, Gary Major and Pete Pentazis, KATANA #4 lands in stores tomorrow. Check out the gallery above for an exclusive preview of the issue.

Preview Monday: KATANA #2 and SAUCER COUNTRY #13

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at KATANA #2 and SAUCER COUNTRY #13.

Spinning out of the pages of BIRDS OF PREY and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, KATANA reveals the secrets behind the elusive former assassin and her mythical sword that she believes is inhabited by the spirit of her deceased husband. And after the exciting events of her inaugural issue, Katana is back and ready for more action! This month, Katana finds an unlikely ally in the Sword Clan, and begins her mission to infiltrate their ranks. But will they lead her to the truth about the Soultaker? Plus, what does Steve Trevor want with Katana? Find out in KATANA #2, in stores this Wednesday, written by Ann Nocenti and illustrated by Alex Sanchez. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

Also this week, in part two of “President’s Day,” Arcadia’s chances of reaching the oval office are too close to call … just like Professor Kidd’s chances of holding on to his sanity! But before he can make an irreversible decision, Kidd decides to follow the Pioneer Couple one last time in hopes of discovering the truth about extraterrestrial life. And the truth will shock you! Be sure not to miss SAUCER COUNTRY #13, in stores this Wednesday, written by Paul Cornell and illustrated by Ryan Kelly. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.  

5.2 Reasons We're Excited for More of the Justice League of America

You know that scene in movies where one person says to the other “This town isn’t big enough for the both of us” and then there’s a face off and one person either ends up dead or run out of town?

 

Well, we don’t get to say this often, but boy are we glad real life isn’t like the movies.  We’re incredibly glad there’s enough room for two things in this town because it means we can not only get the ongoing Justice League title featuring Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and more—but also the brand new titles Justice League of America, Katana and Justice League of America’s Vibe, whose first issues all hit comic shelves this month.

 

Reading these comics has left us bouncing up and down like a two-year-old on a sugar rush for more, which made us realize that the life-not-like-movies philosophy also applies to Willy Wonka. He nonchalantly tortures children and has a whistle that summons a bunch of creatures that do his bidding and sing songs about your demise. The man’s clearly a super-villain.

 

Actually, we have quite a bit to say about super-villains this week (we’ll get back to this), but right now, we’re looking for something to help alleviate some of the eagerness coursing through us while we wait for the next issue of these three new titles. And since we also have to put together this week’s 5.2 Reasons column, guess what we’re going to talk about?! We’re going to give you the 5.2 Reasons We’re Excited for More of the Justice League of America!

 

1. Katana

From her early role in Birds of Prey, we already sort of knew Katana kicked ass. Now that she’s flying solo in her own title, we severely underestimated how much butt she can kick. It’s a lot. With KATANA #1, writer Ann Nocenti managed to really capture an anime-esque feel in the title—and it’s freaking awesome. There’s a guy in the first issue that feels like he’s straight up out of Rurouni Kenshin (if you have any interest in anime, watch that series!), and Katana even manages to take out nearly an entire squad of assassins with just her clothes and jewelry.

 

 

2. Vibe

Look, even we’ll admit we’re pleasantly surprised here. As fans of Geoff Johns, we knew if there was anyone that could make Vibe a character we’d end up liking, it’d be him. And by Hawkman’s giant mace, Johns, co-writer Andrew Kreisberg and artist Pete Woods did it. The ending of that first issue alone gave us tingling chills. We’ve got questions and we can’t wait for the answers!

 

 

3. Justice League of America

As great as Vibe and Katana are on their own, we can’t wait to see them continue to interact with the entire team Johns’ has brought together in the coming issues. It’s certainly an eclectic group, but already the new takes on Hawkman and even our beloved Stargirl has us itching to see where things are going to go. Especially with...

 

4. The Secret Society

We told you this would come back around. Most comic fans might recognize the term “The Secret Society.” For those that don’t, know that those three words are often followed by “of Super-Villains.” Who’s part of the society? Who is in charge? And are these killer robot versions of the Big Three??

 

 

5. Amazing Artists

Between Pete Woods, Alex Sanchez and, of course, David Finch, all three JLA-related titles are burst at the stapled together seams with eye-popping visuals. Sanchez’s art perfectly matches Katana’s anime-inspired feel, Woods’ Vibe brings with it a feel of ::ahem:: vibrant youth and exuberance, and Finch’s dark style fits flawlessly with the tone of the new League and their morally questionable mission statement.

 

5.1 This Spread Full of Cameos

Can you figure out who is who?

 

 

5.2 JL vs. JLA: Place Your Bets!

 

 

How about you all? What excited you the most from the debut issues and what are you most looking forward to as the Justice League of America titles continue?

This Just Happened: Welcome to the Tightrope

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read KATANA #1 and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!)

 

Spinning out of the pages of BIRDS OF PREY and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, KATANA reveals the secrets behind the elusive former assassin and her mythical sword that she believes is inhabited by the spirit of her deceased husband. Last month, writer Ann Nocenti teased a little bit about the series, which launched with this past Wednesday’s release of KATANA #1.

 

In the first issue of her new ongoing series, Katana removes herself from the Birds of Prey and embarks on a personal journey to Japantown in San Francisco. There, she sets up a base of operations and begins her mission of vengeance and enlightenment.

Hidden from the people of J-Town, Katana starts a rigorous training regimen. It is during a combat session that she realizes that she is not ready to avenge her husband just yet. She needs more training to master her Katana (a.k.a Soultaker) and needs a teacher to guide and educate her in the art of sword fighting.

 

After a night of restless sleep, Katana searches for a young woman named Shun, whose skin tells the story of the stealthy rise and mad decline of the ancient clans of Japan. When she locates the girl, she discovers a stunning picture of her sword and its place in ancient history. It seems like Katana is on the right track to discovering the history behind the Soultaker.

 

At that moment, Shun’s caretaker rushes Katana out of the house and she is left to wander through a park reflecting upon her innocent childhood. Suddenly, her thoughts are interrupted by the Sword Clan! Not only are they the men that killed her husband, but they also claim to be the rightful owners of the Soultaker!

 

In an epic battle, Katana uses her wardrobe to her advantage and defeats the men with her piercing hair sticks, earrings sharp as daggers, lethal necklace, and her dress stitched with razors. But only one of these warriors is skilled enough to face this unstoppable woman: the master of the spiral sword, Coil!

 

Coil attacks and the Soultaker takes control of Katana’s actions in order to assure victory. In the midst of the battle, Coil observes that Katana is no longer in control of her actions. Instead of continuing the fight, he offers her a spot in the Sword Clan so she can train safely and learn to control her weapon.

 

Naturally, Katana refuses to join her corrupt enemies. But if she wants to master the sword while insisting doing it without Coil’s help, then she risks madness and defeat. This is the tightrope she must walk.

 

Below, take a look at the final page of KATANA #1 (in stores now) as Coil and Katana face off. And make sure to pick up JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1, on sale next week, for the continuing adventures of Katana!

 

KATANA #1, in stores now, is written by Ann Nocenti, illustrated by Alex Sanchez, and features a cover by David Finch.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE Group Solicits

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Backup story written by MATT KINDT

Art and cover by DAVID FINCH

Backup story art by SCOTT CLARK

Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

1:100 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale MAY 8 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

The League uncovers the leader of The Secret Society of Super-Villains—but can such a diverse group of heroes defeat the collective might of the Society? And in the backup story, Manhunter goes behind the scenes to learn more about the Secret Society!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

GREEN ARROW #20

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Komodo and The Outsiders have destroyed Green Arrow’s life, but how far will Ollie fall before he’s forced to take desperate measures?

 

KATANA #4

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by ALEX SANCHEZ

Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Devastated by the horrifying aftermath of last issue’s battle with Killer Croc, Katana struggles to set things right against impossible odds!

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #4

Written by STERLING GATES

Art by PETE WOODS and SEAN PARSONS

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Why is Vibe battling Batman? Our hero is in way over his head when he’s forced to turn against A.R.G.U.S.!

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE #20

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Backup story art by GARY FRANK

Variant cover by HOWARD PORTER

1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

On sale MAY 15 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99

The PROLOGUE TO TRINITY WAR continues as a revelation about Batman could destroy Wonder Woman and Superman’s relationship! Plus, in the backup story, the penultimate chapter of the tale of Shazam finds Billy Batson learning the shocking secret of Black Adam!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

AQUAMAN #20

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

1:25 B&W Variant cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Aquaman’s right to the throne is put to the test when an Atlantean rises up to defend the city—an Atlantean who many others believe should be King…

 

THE FLASH #20

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

1:25 B&W Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

An all-new Flash epic begins here, and the stakes have never been higher as Barry races toward a confrontation with the Reverse Flash!

 

WONDER WOMAN #20

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG

1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG

On sale MAY 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Wonder Woman was certain there was one person in her life she could trust—but she thought wrong!

 

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #20

Written by TOM DeFALCO

Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and MARC DEERING

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

Hawkman vs. Blockbuster round two! Hawkman transforms his Nth metal armor into a new berserker mode! Blockbuster’s true identity is revealed! Plus, don’t miss an appearance by the new JLA!

 

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MAN #20

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

Overwhelmed and beaten by a crew of Super-Villains, Ronnie and Jason are about to find out how bad things can get when Firestorm is labeled a living weapon of mass destruction and slated for dissection!

 

EARTH 2 #12

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The drums of war begin to sound as the heroes of Earth 2 rally behind Dr. Fate—and a threat from Apokolips becomes all too real!

 

EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by YILDIRAY CINAR, CAFU and JULIUS GOPEZ

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

On sale MAY 29 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

The new Batman of Earth 2 debuts as The Atom begins a mission to lead a new team of heroes—but are any of them prepared for the threat they’re about to face?

 

WORLDS’ FINEST #12

Written by PAUL LEVITZ

Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE and GERALDO BORGES

Cover by RYAN SOOK

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

As Power Girl returns to her classic look, DeSaad wreaks havoc on her tech empire—and PG and Huntress find themselves hunted by the talented torturer from Apokolips.

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1 cover by Andy Kubert)

Ann Nocenti Talks KATANA #1

Next month, a DC Comics heroine will step into the spotlight in her own all-new ongoing solo series. Spinning out of the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA and BIRDS OF PREY, KATANA comes to you from the creative team of Ann Nocenti and artist Alex Sanchez. But who is this elusive former assassin and why does she believe that the soul of her deceased husband is trapped in her sword?

 

“Katana is a trained, disciplined martial artist. She removes herself from Birds of Prey to go on a personal journey in Japantown, San Francisco, and pursue a quest for vengeance against the Sword Clan, the men that killed her husband,” Nocenti explained to MTV GEEK. “In KATANA #1, she fights COIL, who has a spiral sword, a whip of a sword, and she realizes she's not just up against him, but legions. She is allowing herself to let loose, to unravel a bit, to fight this battle. But when the JLA calls -- she's all business. She's a soldier in an army for them. Back to the restrained, disciplined fighter. She brings that to the team -- a reliable, fearless martial arts master. But as things change in her solo book, that might change in JLA also.”

 

“The first issue you see that she’s got new villains – really nasty new villains,” she continued to IGN. “She pretty much hooks up with a new supporting cast in Japantown right off the bat. We set the scene and then everything starts to change with issues #2 and 3. She’s also going to be very connected to the DC Universe. She’s got guest stars in issues #2 and 3 who are surprising. I want her to be connected to the DCU, even in her solo missions.”

 

To read more from Ann Nocenti about the launch of KATANA, see the full interviews that ran this morning with the writer on MTV GEEK, IGN, AOL’s COMICS ALLIANCE and COMICOSITY, and Katana’s character profile on NEWSARAMA. And don’t forget to visit all five of these outlets for your first looks at Alex Sanchez’ interior art for KATANA #1.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE Group Solicits

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Backup story written by MATT KINDT

Art and fold-out cover by DAVID FINCH

Backup story art by SCOTT CLARK

MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

1:100 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale APRIL 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• A new Secret Society is forming-—but which of its members has the power to attack the Justice League from within?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

GREEN ARROW #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art and fold-out cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What startling secret is revealed on the island that gave Green Arrow birth?

 

KATANA #3

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by CRISTINA CORONAS and BILL SIENKIEWICZ

Fold-out cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• If Katana’s sword is shattered, whose souls are escaping?

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #3

Written by ANDREW KREISBERG

Art by PETE WOODS and SEAN PARSONS

Fold-out cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the one super power that is more than a match for Vibe and how can it tear the universe apart?

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE #19

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and fold-out cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Backup story art by GARY FRANK

MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

On sale APRIL 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Who is the one person dangerous enough to use Kryptonite against Superman?

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

AQUAMAN #19

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and fold-out cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Dead King takes the throne as the true king of Atlantis—but who will be the first to kneel before him?

 

THE FLASH #19

Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Art by MARCIO TAKARA

Fold-out cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the latest and greatest threat to The Flash and all those closest to him?

 

WONDER WOMAN #19

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art by TONY AKINS and DAN GREEN

Fold-out cover by CLIFF CHIANG

1:25 MAD Variant cover by The Usual Gang of Idiots

“We Can Be Heroes” blank variant cover also available

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What is the one way Wonder Woman can stop Orion?

 

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #19

Written by TOM DeFALCO

Art and fold-out cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Secret Society strikes again—but who is the one member strong enough to ground The Savage Hawkman?

 

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MAN #19

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art and fold-out cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What’s more deadly to fire than a Killer Frost?

 

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #19

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by JESUS SAIZ

Fold-out cover by JESUS MERINO

On sale APRIL 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

• In this final issue, what time displaced-hero has arrived on our world—and is the destruction he brings the herald to a great disaster?

 

EARTH 2 #11

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• As Dr Fate emerges as the latest hero on Earth 2, what other heroes make a most unexpected appearance?

 

WORLDS’ FINEST #11

Written by PAUL LEVITZ

Art by BARRY KITSON and others

Cover by BARRY KITSON

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Mr. Terrific and Power Girl reunited? But if Michael Holt is still on Earth 2, who is kissing Karen Starr?

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for KATANA #3 by Juan Jose Ryp)

JUSTICE LEAGUE Group Solicits

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #2

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Backup story written by GEOFF JOHNS and MATT KINDT

Art and cover by DAVID FINCH

Backup story art by SCOTT CLARK

Variant cover by SCOTT CLARK

1:100 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale MARCH 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• The new Justice League of America team continues to form, but the question remains: What do these heroes want in return for their membership?

• Secret motives are everywhere, and the outcome will have a huge impact on this team and the rest of The New 52!

• Plus, the alien MANHUNTER’s back-up series begins revealing more about J’onn’s plans for this team...and the other Justice League.

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

GREEN ARROW #18

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

On sale MARCH 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Oliver Queen has lost everything: His company, his money, his friends and most of his arrows. It’s all because of one man: Komodo, who has come to tear Ollie’s life to shreds!

• From the ashes, Ollie must uncover the secrets of his father’s past — secrets of the island and Ollie’s own uncanny ability with the bow.

 

KATANA #2

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art by ALEX SANCHEZ

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale MARCH 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Katana has joined the deadly Sword Clan in the hope that they’ll lead her further down her path to vengeance!

• Katana has been contacted by Steve Trevor—but what does the Justice League of America want with her?

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #2

Written by ANDREW KREISBERG

Art by PETE WOODS and SEAN PARSONS

Cover by DAVID FINCH

1:25 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Vibe makes a massive discovery when he learns of the secret of his power!

• Plus: Vibe’s first public outing with the Justice League of America team sends him into conflict with one of his teammates.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE #18

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Backup story art by GARY FRANK

Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Variant cover by AARON KUDER

1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

On sale MARCH 20 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 US

• Cyborg takes center stage as events fall into place for next month’s massive new story arc: “OFF THE GRID”!

• Also, Batman continues to be question the Superman/Wonder Woman alliance and Aquaman’s future with the League.

• Plus: The Shazam backup story reveals the origin of Black Adam—and what it means for Billy Batson’s survival!

This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

 

AQUAMAN #18

Written by GEOFF JOHNS

Art and cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS

1:25 B&W Variant cover by PAUL PELLETIER

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The critically-acclaimed adventures of Aquaman continue with “DEATH OF A KING.”

• Unfolding out of the events of “THRONE OF ATLANTIS” comes a mystery that sends Aquaman to the ends of the Earth to solve an ancient murder—one that will reveal a horrific truth about Arthur Curry and threaten those closest to him today.

• Plus, Mera has a quest of her own involving a long-forgotten adversary of Aquaman.

 

THE FLASH #18

Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO

Art by MARCIO TAKARA

Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

1:25 B&W Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Trickster is accused of murder! Can The Flash help solve his case?

• Plus, a surprising twist ending that will rock the world of...DIAL H?

 

WONDER WOMAN #18

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art by TONY AKINS and DAN GREEN

Cover by CLIFF CHIANG

1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• We’ve seen the history Wonder Woman shares with Ares — but what does the God of War have planned for her future?

 

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #18

Written by TOM DeFALCO

Art and cover by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Hawkman and the Shadow Thief are trapped in the Shadow Realm!

• Can Hawkman trust this all-new Shadow Thief and her mysterious powers?

 

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #18

Written by JOE KEATINGE

Art by FEDERICO DALLOCCHIO

Cover by RYAN SOOK

On sale MARCH 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Writer Joe Keatinge and artist Tyler Kirkham turn the spotlight on STARFIRE!

 

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN #18

Written by DAN JURGENS

Art and cover by DAN JURGENS and RAY McCARTHY

On sale MARCH 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Introducing the all-new Multiplex!

• Now that Ronnie and Jason can become one as Firestorm, can they defeat a villain who can create an army of himself?

 

EARTH 2 #10

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art and cover by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT

1:25 B&W Variant cover by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT

On sale MARCH 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.

• As Wotan holds The Flash’s mother hostage, Khalid must finally come to terms with his destiny as Doctor Fate!

 

WORLDS’ FINEST #10

Written by PAUL LEVITZ

Art and cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

On sale MARCH 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• After being attacked by a group connected to the missing Mr. Terrific, Power Girl and Huntress take the fight to Holt Industries, where they make a shocking discovery!

• Plus: Huntress is personally affected by a tragedy in The New 52!

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for GREEN ARROW #18 by Andrea Sorrentino)

5.2 Reasons We’re Addicted to Our Super-Heroines

BATGIRL #14 hit comic shops this week, and reading that issue reminded us of exactly how strong Barbara Gordon is—both in the physical sense (we'd last about three seconds doing what she does, as that's probably how long it would take for us to fall over and curl into the fetal position) and in the sense of being just a fantastic, all-around-amazing example of a great, well-written female character.

 

In fact, we here at DC love our female characters. We love them in the totally respectable "we love to read them" way…and, uh…not in the weird "they're printed on our cuddle pillow" way. From the super-strong to the willfully powerful to even the psychotically malicious, we've got some of the most fun, creative and widely recognizable female characters in comics—heck, pop culture, even—and every week a number of them prove their awesomeness by taking center stage in some of the best titles currently on shelves.

 

Whether via comic books, toys or collectibles, it truly is a great time to be a fan of the DCU females. We’re certainly in that camp. You could even say we have a bit of a heroine addiction. It’s one addiction we’re very proud to have. So proud, in fact, that we’re listing off the 5.2 Reasons We’re Addicted to Our Super-Heroines!

 

1. Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman has been around since 1941 and she still looks great—especially with Cliff Chiang drawing her monthly in the pages of the critically acclaimed and brilliantly written Wonder Woman series by Brian Azzarello. Infusing Greek mythology with superheroics, Azzarello has crafted a Wonder Woman tale that encompasses everything that makes the character great and conveys it all through a tone vastly different from what's come before—one a little more mature and sophisticated while still balancing superhero adventure and fantasy. From her compassion and strength of character to her, you know, actual strength and general badassery, it's really no wonder we love Wonder Woman.

 

 

2. Bats and Cats and Birds (Oh My!)

When it comes to strong female characters, like with all things, Batman has it covered. From the feline fatale Catwoman to the aforementioned butt-kicking Batgirl to the all-female team the Birds of Prey (whose member Katana will soon be getting her own ongoing) to the Batwoman and even the Huntress (and by extension her BFF Power Girl), the female members of the Bat Family almost make us want to go to Gotham and commit a crime just so we can experience their awesomeness firsthand. We don't think we'd be able to handle the hospital bills, though.

 

 

3. Amaya, Princess of House Amethyst

Although a newer member of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52, Amaya of House Amethyst (appearing monthly in the pages of Sword of Sorcery) had us along for the ride from the get-go—simply by way of its cool creative team—but once the story’s action took us to Gemworld, things took a turn toward Awesome Town (about 28 miles outside of Crazy Town and a few stops away from Amazingville). Amaya’s hilarious sarcasm and "what am I even doing here" attitude brings a great level of fun and teenage cynicism to an already entertaining fantasy adventure.

 

 

4. Ame-Comi

We've been really big fans of the Ame-Comi line of statues for quite some time. From the extremely creative designs to the fun little details, they're a great addition to our shrine of nerdiness (also known as, you know, our office). But what's even more excellent is that their popularity spawned a new digital first series Ame-Comi Girls, which features characters inspired by the line. It's a really fun read scripted by the All-Star Western team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, and each installment gets us excited about who is going to appear next and what twist to classic comic mythos and characters will occur.

 

 

5. Kickass Co-Stars

Whether we’re talking about the water-controlling warrior queen Mera from the pages of Aquaman, the alluring, if psychotic Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, the face-punching powerhouse Cassie Sandsmark in Teen Titans, or Horsewoman, Exoristos and Shining Knight from Demon Knights, you don't have to headline a title to steal the show.

 

 

5.1 The Awesomeness that is Supergirl

 

 

5.2 The Upcoming Return of Stargirl

 

 

Nothing like awesome comics and stunning statues to feed our little Heroine addiction. So what are your reasons for loving DC’s heroines? Let us know in the comments!

MTV Announces New Justice League of America Books for February

Back in August, we told you that in 2013, we’d be launching JUSTICE OF LEAGUE AMERICA from the superstar creative team of Geoff Johns and artist David Finch. Today, we’re pleased to tell you that the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA news only starts there.
 
Earlier this morning, MTV announced that in addition to the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1, February will also mark the launch of two new series: KATANA and JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE.
 
Spinning out of BIRDS OF PREY, KATANA will be written by Ann Nocenti (CATWOMAN) and illustrated by Alex Sanchez (JSA CLASSIFIED). And with a premiere issue being co-plotted by Geoff Johns, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE will come to you from the creative team of writer Andrew Kreisberg (ARROW) and artist Pete Woods (LEGION LOST).
 
As for JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1? MTV let you know that there will be 52 variant covers of the issue available when it arrives in stores. These variant covers will each feature the flags of all fifty U.S. states, as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
 
But there’s more! MTV also announced that starting in February, GREEN ARROW will be getting a new creative team! Kicking off with issue #17, GREEN ARROW will be written by Jeff Lemire (ANIMAL MAN; JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK) and drawn by Andrea Sorrentino (I, VAMPIRE).
 
Stay tuned to MTV GEEK throughout the day for more about each of these series from their creators. 

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