lee bermejo | DC Comics

DC ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.

“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “After twenty five years, the Watchmen are classic characters whose time has come for new stories to be told. We sought out the best writers and artists in the industry to build on the complex mythology of the original.”

Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).

BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:

RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo

MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke

COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones

DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes

NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert

OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee

SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

“The original series of WATCHMEN is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire,” said Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist.

“Comic books are perhaps the largest and longest running form of collaborative fiction,” said DiDio and Lee. “Collaborative storytelling is what keeps these fictional universes current and relevant.”

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Special Edition Preview

FREE PREVIEW FEATURES SNEAK PEEK OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION.

Just in time for Free Comic Book Day, don’t miss STIEG LARSSON’S THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Special Edition Preview! This FREE advance look at the Vertigo graphic novel adaptation of the international best-selling thriller, scheduled to hit shelves November 2012, features the work of acclaimed author Denise Mina, artists Leonardo Manco and Andrea Mutti and cover artist Lee Bermejo.

This Special Edition Preview (scheduled to arrive in stores on April 18) introduces the dark mystery of the Vanger family, as disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired to uncover the truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance over forty years ago. But before Blomkvist can take on the case, he’s going to be thoroughly investigated by hacker extraordinaire Lisbeth Salander...

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andrea mutti, denise mina, lee bermejo, leonardo manco, Stieg Larsson, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO GRAPHIC NOVEL TO HIT SHELVES IN NOVEMBER 2012

(THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO graphic novel cover by Lee Bermejo).

DC Entertainment Announces Top-Notch Creative Team Including Denise Mina, Lee Bermejo, Leonardo Manco and Andrea Mutti

Best-selling comic book and graphic novel publisher DC Entertainment announced today the creative team for the highly-anticipated new graphic novel based on Stieg Larsson’s international sensation THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. Crime author Denise Mina will write the book, with the cover image created by Lee Bermejo and art from Leonardo Manco and Andrea Mutti. DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint is working closely with the estate of Stieg Larsson and Hedlund Literary Agency to adapt the book, which will be released in November 2012.

“We’re thrilled to be adapting this incredible story into a series of graphic novels,” stated Karen Berger, executive editor, Vertigo. “Denise, Lee, Leonardo and Andrea have such great passion for the material and stylistically they’re a perfect match to bring it to comics life. Their beautifully dark and visceral work will certainly blow us all away.”

Scottish writer Denise Mina is the acclaimed author of DECEPTION and FIELD OF BLOOD, and is considered a leading international crime fiction novelist. Mina has also written for Vertigo’s HELLBLAZER series and most recently, she wrote A SICKNESS IN THE FAMILY graphic novel, also for Vertigo.

Lee Bermejo is fresh off the critical and sales success of graphic novel BATMAN: NOEL, a New York Times best-seller and follow-up to the 2008 hit JOKER. Bermejo has also worked numerous comic series including Vertigo’s HELLBLAZER and the Vertigo Crime graphic novels, among others.

Argentinean artist Leonardo Manco has worked extensively on Vertigo’s HELLBLAZER comic, while Italian artist Andrea Mutti first worked with Vertigo on graphic novel THE EXECUTOR, and then worked on the imprint’s popular DMZ comic series.

DC Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing best-selling graphic novels and comic books, including best-selling Vertigo titles SANDMAN, FABLES, 100 BULLETS and ROAD TO PERDITION.

Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy is an international publishing juggernaut, with more than 60 million books sold worldwide and reaching the top of numerous best seller lists. Published by Knopf in the U.S., sales for all three books exceed 17 million copies, including digital sales of 3.5 million copies. Since September 2008, when THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was published in hardcover, Larsson’s books have been a constant presence on bestseller lists across America.

The various storylines in Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy revolve around enigmatic and dangerous computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative reporter Mikael Blomkvist.

Tags:

andrea mutti, denise mina, graphic novels, lee bermejo, leonardo manco, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

DCE CO-PUBLISHER JIM LEE’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

I collaborated with Brian Azzarello on SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW, so that might make me a little biased, but I think he's one of the best writers in the comic book industry. His work is smart, funny and crisp. The kind of stuff that makes an artist look good.

Back in 2008, he teamed up with an artist named Lee Bermejo for an original graphic novel called JOKER. Lee's work is jaw-dropping already; he doesn't need anyone to make him look good, and the pairing was magic. They'd worked together on the LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL miniseries years before, but on this graphic novel they brought their collaboration to a whole new level. It's raw, gorgeous and provocative and it would make for one mean holiday gift.

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brian azzarello, jim lee, joker, lee bermejo, Lex Luthor: Man of Steel

Amazon’s OMNIVORACIOUS Blog’s Holiday Gift Guide for the Superhero Reader

It’s finally that time of year! Lace up your boots, snag a gingerbread cookie from the jar and slip on your mittens because the holidays are here again!

In case you’re still looking for some last minute gift ideas, AMAZON’s OMNIVORACIOUS BLOG has just published a great holiday gift guide for the superhero reader in your life.

Among their selections, you’ll find that they recommend that if you want to “go big” this year, DC COMICS: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS is the way to go. “It’s the perfect gift if you are at all unsure of which superheroes he or she follows since this one collects them all,” they wrote of the collection that contains every first issue from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

But if you’re looking for something a little smaller, OMNIVORACIOUS also suggests picking up BATMAN: NOEL by Lee Bermejo. “The images are unbelievable,” they wrote. “Bermejo’s love for detail and attention to, well, everything from cityscapes to Batman’s boot treads is something to behold. It’s a fine addition to the usual holiday reads and will no doubt be a favorite over a glass of eggnog.”

To be continued …

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Amazon's Omnivoracious Blog, Batman: Noel, DC Comics-The New 52, DC COMICS: THE NEW 52 OMNIBUS, lee bermejo

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: BATMAN: NOEL

The holidays come but once a year – but they do come every year and, let’s face it, some of those same old winter wonderland traditions have long since worn out their welcome. But if you find yourself feeling fatigue at the prospect of enduring a repeat of countless Christmases past, there’s no need to resort to bah humbugs just yet. BATMAN: NOEL offers a fresh, new way to celebrate the season with a classic carol – albeit with a Gotham facelift and a uniquely Batman twist.

From writer/artist Lee Bermejo, BATMAN: NOEL is an oversized, original graphic novel that’s a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone in danger of losing their holiday spirit. Tracing the trajectory of Dickens’ seasonal fable, it’s a cautionary tale warning of the dangers of a frozen heart - with the Dark Knight standing in for Ebenezer Scrooge. It’s the best of both worlds, because even tidings of comfort and joy can sometimes benefit from an injection of gritty Bat-action.

But don’t take my word for it. Here’s what people are saying about BATMAN: NOEL:

“Amazing. This book is a visual treat.” – The New York Times

“Simply terrific.” – Scripps Howard News Service

“The caped crusader channels the gravelly paranoia of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns while a desperate father working for the Joker lends the story its moral weight and inevitable humanitarian payoff.” – Paste Magazine

“Absolutely exquisite… I'd be more than happy to add reading "Batman: Noel" and watching it to my yearly yuletide festivities.” – Yahoo! Movies

"Bermejo has simply created an instant classic with BATMAN NOEL that is larger than any holiday." – Ain’t It Cool News

“Surprising, new, gorgeous to look at, and also incredibly heartfelt. So you know, the perfect stocking stuffer.” – MTV GEEK

“[Bermejo]’s incorporating his unique style to create a fresh kind of Batman tale, lending it a distinctive flavor that would be impossible for any other artist to replicate.” – IGN

“More than just a regular graphic novel.” – UGO

“Gorgeously illustrated.” – io9

Tags:

Batman: Noel, lee bermejo

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Friday Morning (ET) Edition

OUT MAGAZINE previewed TEEN TITANS #3, which features the introduction of a new gay character, Bunker. “We wanted to show an interesting character who’s homosexuality is part of him, not something that’s hidden,” artist Brett Booth told them.

This week, SUPERMAN #3 joins the ranks of the other eight DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 books to have an exclusive preview featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s homepage.

As the mystery surrounding Madame Xanadu’s plan thickens, the Justice League Dark team continue to come together. For a sneak peek at what’s coming next week, head over to GAWKER’s IO9 for their exclusive preview of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #3.

The colors and powers of the Green Lantern universe continue to meld together in GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #3. MTV GEEK has your first look at the issue.

Morphicius’ powers won’t stop growing and it’s up to Carter Hall to figure out how to stop him before he becomes invincible. Check out COMICVINE’s exclusive preview of THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #3.

Lots of exciting things happening over at POPMATTERS! “If you think about it, what worse horror is there, than having the person you love turn into a monster? And not losing the love?” I, VAMPIRE writer Joshua Hale Fialkov said in an exclusive interview. “And that to me is the drive of I, VAMPIRE. It’s the idea that he loves her beyond words. And he doesn’t love old her, her before the transformation. He loves her as a vampire. And that’s the real point. If Andrew were in love with this 500-year-old version of Mary that no longer existed, he would have just cut off her head a long time ago. But the fact is, he still feels the love and he still has this desire for her. And his hope, is not even to ‘cure’ her, it’s to ‘fix’ her.”

“My take on the character is, to Buddy Baker, his family always comes first,” Jeff Lemire told POPMATTERS about ANIMAL MAN. “There are really dark things trying to tear them apart. We’re going to see how far they can stretch before they break, and if they don’t break, they’re going to have to evolve into something new as a family to survive.”

And while you’re at POPMATTERS, be sure to read their profile of Superman in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

COMIC BOOK RESOURCES chatted with James Robinson, Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone about their upcoming collaboration, THE SHADE #4. “The whole thing is linked together, past and present, so that there is a story in the present, which concerns the Shade's past and a family you didn't realize that the Shade had,” Robinson revealed. “Each of the ‘Times Past’ issues play out that way. The first one jumps back into the 1940s, the second one is set in Paris in 1901 and the third one is in 1830s London for the Shade's origin. Each time, you learn more about the family and more about what is going on. As I did with Darwyn's story, I took great pains with each of the other ‘Times Past’ tales with Jill Thompson and Gene Ha, to make them stand alone, even though they're a part of the bigger picture.”

NEWSARAMA spoke with Josh Williamson, who will be taking over as the writer of VOODOO in 2012. “I think people will be surprised by the direction we’re taking the character, how it works with what came before but also takes her into new dangerous territory,” Williamson said of his upcoming run.

Feeling festive? BATMAN ON FILM interviewed BATMAN: NOEL writer/artist Lee Bermejo about his creative process, how BATMAN: NOEL came into fruition and some teases at a project he’s contemplating set in what he calls, “the JOKER-verse,” that’ll be “a different take on a very classic character.”

If you’re still looking for some gift ideas, MTV GEEK just published a list of what they deem to be the 10 best Batman graphic novels. And if you like Batman-themed countdowns, NEWSARAMA has their list of the greatest villains Batman has ever faced.

To be continued …

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Monday Evening (ET) Edition

All afternoon, THE SOURCE has been rolling out your very first look at DC Comics in February 2012.

February still seems a long ways off. But this Wednesday? That's right around the corner and we've got a whole new batch of third issues from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 hitting stores. For ease of reading, we've compiled a comprehensive rundown. Tell your friends.

USA TODAY interviewed writer Brian Azzarello to accompany their exclusive preview of WONDER WOMAN #3, in which Diana’s new origins are revealed. "I can't wait to start really, really playing with the gods," Azzarello told them. "Look who she's immediately gaining as siblings — suddenly, the god of war is her half-brother … Now instead of protecting a mortal from the gods, she's also protecting her half-brother or sister."

POPMATTERS has your first look at I, VAMPIRE #3. “I, VAMPIRE is mythic in every way,” POPMATTERS wrote of the series. “It is the story of how the whole world is threatened by a love story that just darkens the character of each individual involved in that poisoned relationship. In some of the finest storytelling ever to grace the character of Andrew and his struggles with Mary, Josh Fialkov singularizes the character and the title among the recent crop of DC’s New 52. It is very much the evolution of the romantic vampire’s we’ve come to enjoy seeing on screen over recent years.”

MAXIM previewed DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #3. The issue by Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang continues Deadman’s journey of self exploration as he attempts to gain answers on how to gain control of his “life.”

Now that he’s bonded with his armor, can Jaime Reyes learn how to control it? Find out in BLUE BEETLE #3 by Tony Bedard, Ig Guara, Ruy Jose and J.P. Mayer, previewed exclusively at MTV GEEK.

It’s time for a fourth team member in BIRDS OF PREY #3! Head on over to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES for your exclusive preview.

With the Intruders neutralizing the ring powers of the Green Lantern Corps, it’ll be up to Guy Gardner and John Stewart to figure out how to stop this grave threat. Check out IFANBOY’s exclusive preview of GREEN LANTERN CORPS #3 by Peter J. Tomasi, Geraldo Borges and Scott Hanna.

IGN previewed Selina Kyle’s latest adventures in CATWOMAN #3. What trouble has the femme fatale got herself into this time? Find out when the issue by Judd Winick and Guillem March hits stores this week.

Following their exclusive preview of LEGION LOST #3 last week, TOR.COM has your first look at LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3 by Paul Levitz and Francis Portela.

And that's not all. DISCOVER MAGAZINE highlighted the science in MISTER TERRIFIC in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52.

What else is going on the internet?

ADVERTISING AGE presented a 2011 Media Vanguard Award to the BURN NOTICE digital comic for “Most Innovating Broadcast Brand Extension.” (Congratulations to all those involved with the book!)

Meanwhile, BATMAN: NOEL writer and artist Lee Bermejo was interviewed by YAHOO! ASSOCIATED CONTENT. “I like a very ‘urban warfare’ look for my Batman,” Bermejo said of The Dark Knight’s costume design in the book. “I suppose it comes from my overall need to ground things in as much reality as possible. I like to approach all design from the inside out, trying to figure out what fabrics could be used to make the thing IF it were really being constructed. I wanted there to be a point to Batman having this more modern, utilitarian look. It fit in well with what I wanted to do in the story.”

“The idea for the project pretty much came when I had finished Joker,” Bermejo continued to THE MORTON REPORT. “And I had a blast drawing Joker. I really enjoyed it. But it was a really dark, brutal piece of work, and I kind of wanted to go in the other direction. To push myself creatively, but also to try something new.”

Finally, COMICVINE listed four reasons why Sinestro is the most powerful Green Lantern.

And speaking of Green Lantern, check out Francis Manapul’s breathtaking variant cover for next month’s issue #4. Amazing, right?

To be continued …

Everyone’s Talkin’ About DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Tuesday Morning (PT) Edition

OUT.COM previewed the highly anticipated BATWOMAN #3 by J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman.

MAXIM continued their weekly previews of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. This time around? They’ve got you’re exclusive first look at GREEN LANTERN #3 by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy and Keith Champagne, in stores tomorrow.

GAWKER’s IO9 interviewed BATMAN: NOEL writer/artist Lee Bermejo. “I wanted to play around with the past juxtapositions of Gotham's characters,” Bermejo said. “It's important to make nods to the history without being nostalgic. When I was kid, I grew up watching the 1960s TV show. Because I was five, I had no idea that it was played for laughs. There's an element of that in this book, taking Batman's past history completely seriously.”

And speaking of BATMAN: NOEL, head on over to IGN for your chance to win a copy of the book.

To be continued …

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Batman: Noel, batwoman, christian alamy, doug mahnke, Gawker's IO9, Geoff Johns, green lantern, IGN, J.H. Williams III, keith champagne, lee bermejo, Maxim, Out.com, w. haden blackman

Everybody's Talkin' About BATMAN: NOEL

With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s time to start decking the halls and looking forward to the winter holidays. And who better to help ring in tidings of comfort and joy than…Batman? Yes, your read it right; the Dark Knight is starring in BATMAN: NOEL – a unique take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol set in Gotham City, with the caped crusader filling Scrooge’s miserly boots. The book debuts in comic book stores today, and writer/artist Lee Bermejo has been making the rounds to talk about his work – and share some exclusive artwork from the book.

Bermejo spoke with USA TODAY, explaining the impetus for this idea and the parallel between Batman and Ebenezer Scrooge. "Very much like the character of Scrooge, as a younger man he was presented as a disturbed but bright fellow — he wasn't quite that bitter old man. That's very easily analogous to Batman's own history," Bermejo said.

And further discussing parallels between Batman and Scrooge, Bermejo talked to IGN about the characters’ shared place in the cultural heritage. “I'm a pretty firm believer in there being a few characters that, to me, don't really fall into pop culture anymore, at least in terms of my definition of pop culture. They've just been around too long at this point and popular too long. Also what's important to know is that they're just able to adapt and evolve. They're not necessarily indicative of their time. I think that makes them more literary figures than pop culture,” he said.

Check out both sites for the complete interviews, as well as exclusive artwork from BATMAN: NOEL. And if that’s not enough for you, COMPLEX MAGAZINE, WIRED and UGO all have their own exclusive preview pages from the book, as well.

BATMAN: NOEL goes on sale in comic book stores today, and in book stores November 8.