EVERYONE’S TALKIN’ ABOUT “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

It's official. BEFORE WATCHMEN has officially been announced. To see the covers and read exclusive interviews with the writers of the seven mini-series, as well as the CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR back-up story to be featured in each issue, visit the following media outlets.

USA Today: RORSCHACH – Interview with writer Brian Azzarello

LA Times Hero Complex: MINUTEMEN – Interview with writer/artist Darwyn Cooke

The New York Times: THE COMEDIAN – Interview with writer Brian Azzarello

Entertainment Weekly: SILK SPECTRE – Interview with writer Darwyn Cooke

The Hollywood Reporter: NITE OWL – Interview with writer J. Michael Straczynski

Wired: OZYMANDIAS – Interview with writer Len Wein

Comic Book Resources: DR. MANHATTAN – Interview with writer J. Michael Straczynski

• Associated Press: CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR – Interview with writer Len Wein and artist John Higgins

To be continued...

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.”

John Stewart’s Identity Unmasked

Green Lantern John Stewart has faced super-powered enemies and cosmic annihilation, but he has never before had to face betrayal from someone he loves. After he reveals his secret identity to his girlfriend, Tawny, he wakes up to find his named plastered all over the news. He must quickly decide if he wants to admit the truth about who he is and if the woman he loves is still worth trusting.

Industry legends Len Wein, Joe Staton and Andy Owens deliver an emotionally charged story in DC RETROACTIVE: GREEN LANTERN – THE '80s. This special one-shot also includes a classic story by Wein and Dave Gibbons, originally published in the ‘80s. Look for this issue in stores tomorrow.

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

Batman Travels Back to the 1970s

An all-new Terrible Trio tries to use the citizens of Gotham City as their own personal ATM as they attack on land, sea, and air. It’ll be up to Batman to counter The Terrible Trio’s every blow with his arsenal of bat-subs and explosive batarangs on his never-ending quest for justice.

Enjoy a nostalgic look back at a historic era in The Dark Knight’s past with DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE '70s. This one-shot issue features both a brand new story and a classic story by Len Wein, originally published in the 1970s. DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN - THE '70s features art by Tom Mandrake, John Calnan and Dick Giordano and blasts into stores tomorrow.

[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="2"]

Artist for RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘70s #1: Tom Mandrake

DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘70s #1

From artist Tom Mandrake and classic writer Len Wein comes a new story that sets Batman in the heart of the ‘70s, a decade that transitioned him from TV’s campy Caped Crusader into today’s Dark Knight Detective.

ONE-SHOT • On sale JULY 20 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

retro_batman_1970s_r1Please note that this art is style guide art and is not artwork from the actual issue.

This Just Happened: BRIGHTEST DAY #23

If you haven’t read your copy of BRIGHTEST DAY #23 yet, then whatever you do, do not click on the jump (major spoiler alert!).

With the reveal of Swamp Thing as the Dark Avatar, BRIGHTEST DAY gears up full-force to its epic finale. A plant/human hybrid, Swamp Thing first appeared in 1971 in the early-20th-century-based HOUSE OF SECRETS #92, written by Len Wein, fan-favorite for his super hero adventures, and legendary horror artist Berni Wrightson.  A year later, he returned as the star of his own series set in the contemporary DC Universe.

In this series, it was revealed that Swamp Thing was once completely human, in the form of scientist Alec Holland. When a bomb went off in his lab, Holland retreated to a nearby swamp and materialized as the plant elemental, Swamp Thing.

Throughout the years, there have been many different takes on Swamp Thing’s origins. In Alan Moore's historic run, it is revealed that he was not in fact a reincarnation of Alec Holland, but rather a member of an ancient group of plants called the Parliament of Trees, and had only absorbed all of Holland’s memories and personality. It is this same Parliament of Trees that The Elementals must now protect in BRIGHTEST DAY.

The star of four of his own series (1972, 1982, 2001, and 2004), Swamp Thing has had his stories intertwine with other supernatural characters in the DC Universe, including Phantom Stranger, Demon, Deadman, and on occasion, the Justice League of America. He has also repeatedly crossed paths with Batman, has lived alongside Pamela Isley (a.k.a Poison Ivy), and has taken on Lex Luthor (in issues 52-53 of SWAMP THING VOL. 2) in the mid-80’s – around the same time he visited the abandoned Cambridge mansion in Crisis on Infinite Earths. His “American Gothic” storyline was just re-published in the hardcover, Saga of the Swamp Thing: Volume 4.

With the ability to regenerate by turning any matter into his own body mass, Swamp Thing is a creature of monumental power and is quintessential to the DC Universe. After having been absent for so many years, what does his return signify?

RETRO-ACTIVE Writers and Concept Announced

This past weekend at WonderCon, VP of Sales, Bob Wayne, announced RETRO-ACTIVE. Published throughout July and August 2011, these are exactly the kinds of one-shots people often associate with summer. RETRO-ACTIVE reunites classic writers and artists with classic characters Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Justice League of America, returning to the interpretations they are best known for. Each of these series will have 3 one-shots that pay homage respectively to the‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

Curious to know who will be writing these?

70s

The 70’s

Superman: Martin Pasko

Wonder Woman: Dennis O’Neil

The Flash: Cary Bates

Justice League of America: Cary Bates

Green Lantern: Dennis O’Neil

Batman: Len Wein

80s

The 80’s

Superman: Marv Wolfman

Wonder Woman: Roy Thomas

The Flash: William Messner-Loebs

Justice League of America: Gerry Conway

Green Lantern: Len Wein

Batman: Mike W. Barr

90s

The 90’s

Superman: Louise Simonson

Wonder Woman: William Messner-Loebs

The Flash: Brian Augustyn

Justice League of America: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis

Green Lantern: Ron Marz

Batman: Alan Grant

Each title in the series will feature 26 new story pages with 20 pages of classic stories, running at $4.99 a piece. Keep checking back to THE SOURCE as we reveal full creative teams, artwork, and more details about RETRO-ACTIVE in the coming weeks and months.

Join DC Comics at Wondercon this weekend!

San Francisco is home of The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and of course, Wondercon!

If you’re heading to the show this weekend, stop by the DC Booth to say hello and pick up some giveaways. And be sure to attend the fantastic panels and creator signings we’ll be hosting throughout the weekend!

Check out the schedule below; for ease of reading (and planning) we’ve even highlighted all the GREEN LANTERN events taking place this weekend in that very color. Don’t miss them!

FRIDAY, April 1

DC NATION

1-2pm, Room 103

The DC NATION returns to the Bay Area! Executive Editor Eddie Berganza and Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and some of comics’ top talents give you the inside scoop on what’s new from DC Entertainment. DCU, VERTIGO and MAD will all be discussed, so come on by and join the nation!

GREEN LANTERN

2-3pm, Room 103

What’s in store for Green Lantern’s comics adventures in 2011? War! Join Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Geoff Johns and others to get a sneak peak into the future of GL in the DCU!

5:00-6:00 Warner Bros.: Green Lantern Green Lantern will shine bright at WonderCon, beginning with an opening day panel with the stars of the upcoming feature film, in theaters June 17. The highly anticipated Green Lantern movie will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers. Join Ryan Reynolds and other special guests from the film for a look at Warner Bros.' superhero actioner: Green Lantern! Esplanade Ballroom

6:00-8:00 WORLD PREMIERE! Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Animated Original Movie— Only at WonderCon! Warner Home Video proudly presents the World Premiere of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, an all-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie that weaves six interlocking stories of the Green Lantern Corps' rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Nathan Fillion, Castle) mentors new recruit Arisia (Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal's comrades, including Abin Sur, Kilowog, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro, and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona. Other voice cast members include actor/spoken word artist Henry Rollins, Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films), Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy), Wade Williams (Prison Break), Kelly Hu (The Vampire Diaries) and professional wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper! Animation guru Bruce Timm is executive producer, and the directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva, and Christopher Berkeley. Scripting the film are comic book luminaries Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter J. Tomasi, Eddie Berganza, Alan Burnett, Todd Casey and Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim. Come for the movie and stay for the post-screening panel, which will feature filmmakers and members of the voice cast (highlighted in bold above)! Green Lantern: Emerald Knights will be distributed June 7 by Warner Home Video as part of the build-up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, Green Lantern, in theaters June 17. Esplanade Ballroom

Signings at the DC Booth:

2:00 – 3:00pm

Frank Quitely, Tony Daniel, Judd Winick, Amy Reeder

3:00 – 4:00pm

Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul

4:00 – 4:30 pm

Green Lantern Movie Cast Signing

Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Peter Sarsgaard

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

SATURDAY, April 2

DC UNIVERSE

11:30am-12:30pm, Room 103

What will happen to your favorite DCU characters during this year’s major events? Join DC’s Executive Editor – DCU Eddie Berganza along with Paul Levitz, Francis Manapul, James Robinson, Judd Winick, Marv Wolfman and others to hear about upcoming highlights from the DCU.

SCALPED: ONE ON ONE WITH JASON AARON

6-7pm, Room 104

The mind behind Vertigo's critically acclaimed series comes to WonderCon! Jason Aaron is joined by VP - Marketing, John Cunningham, for an in-depth look back at the first 47 issues of Scalped – as well as a glimpse at what’s to come!

Signings at the DC Booth:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Signing

Alan Burnett, Geoff Johns, Andrea Romano, Bruce Timm, Wade Williams & more

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

1:00 – 2:00pm

Paul Levitz, Len Wein, Sterling Gates, Philip Tan

2:00 – 3:00pm

Ryan Benjamin, Tony Daniel, Amy Reeder, Marv Wolfman, Jason Aaron

3:00 – 4:00pm

JT Krul, James Robinson, Judd Winick

4:00 – 5:00pm

Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul, Riccardo Burchielli, Chris Roberson

SUNDAY, April 3

DC ICONS

2-3pm, Room 103

DC’s top heroes are the topic of this panel spotlight. Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Tony Daniel, Amy Reeder and others lead the discussion on the latest Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman news.

DRAWING DC

4-5pm, Room 200/212

Superstar artists Francis Manapul, Ryan Benjamin and Amy Reeder show off their distinctive styles while drawing on a machine that projects their work on a giant screen. Check out this unique presentation that will give you an inside glimpse into the artistic process!

Signings at the DC Booth:

12:30 – 1:30pm

Human Target Cast Signing

Matt Miller, Janet Montgomery, Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley

*NOTE: Wristband required. Wristbands will be given away at the start of the day through a special drawing at the Wondercon booth #140.

1:30 – 2:30pm

Paul Levitz, Marv Wolfman, Riccardo Burchielli

2:30 – 3:30pm

James Robinson, JT Krul, Francis Manapul, Philip Tan

Please check at the DC Booth for any updates. Keep in mind that all times are subject to change or cancellation. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

A double shot of Bernie Wrightson Batman? Sold.

Finally, the “lost” Bernie Wrightson Batman story has arrived. Written by veteran Ron Marz with inks by the masterful Kevin Nowlan, the story pits the Dark Knight against Solomon Grundy and features full-page illustrations throughout the issue.

But that’s not all. BATMAN: HIDDEN TREASURES also features a newly-colored Wrightson and Len Wein classic, “Night of the Bat,” which originally appeared in SWAMP THING #7. Both stories feature colors by acclaimed artist Alex Sinclair.

BATMAN: HIDDEN TREASURES hits today.

[gallery link="file"]

Pages

Subscribe to len wein