mikel janin | DC Comics

This Just Happened: The Doctor Is In

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 yet and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!).

This summer, the highly-anticipated “Trinity War” crossover event will pit the Justice League, Justice League of America, and Justice League dark in an epic showdown that will have monumental effects on the entire DC Universe.

This week, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 hit stores and kicked off “House of Misery,” the final story arc for the series before it heads into “Trinity War.” Guest-starring both The Flash and Swamp Thing, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 ended with the New 52 debut of a major villain: Doctor Destiny!

“Basically, it’s a new villain for The New 52, but is actually an old face for Justice League fans," JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK co-writer Ray Fawkes recently teased to MTV GEEK about Doctor Destiny entering the series. "He’s going to be a really big problem. In many ways, he’s their nightmare come true. So they’re going to be psychically handling being changed so radically. For instance, Madame Xanadu aging so fast, then coming back to her youth; she’ll be grappling with that at the same time this insane new threat surfaces ... I think readers will be really excited when we have the reveal of the villain in this arc at the end of the issue. It is going to blow some minds, and they’re going to be really into it. It is a really exciting reveal … I think readers will want to take a look at this because [artist] Mikel Janin has pulled out all the stops. This will be packed full of wild stuff and it’s like nothing else being put out right now.”

Above, take a look at the final page of “House of Misery, Part One” as Doctor Destiny reveals himself to Swamp Thing in the House of Mystery. And in the comments section below, sound off on what impact you think Doctor Destiny will have on the members of the Justice League Dark during this time of great turmoil!

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19, written by Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes and illustrated by Mikel Janin and Vicente Cifuentes, is available in stores now.

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Justice League Dark, ray fawkes, jeff lemire, mikel janin, Vicente Cifuentes

Exclusive Preview of DETECTIVE COMICS #19

Ever since its debut in 1937, DETECTIVE COMICS has been a staple of the DC Universe. Responsible for introducing the world to iconic characters such as Batman, Robin and Batgirl, it’s no wonder that DC Comics is pulling out all the stops by making this month’s issue of the series a special 80-page spectacular to celebrate a very important milestone for the series.

In stores tomorrow, the 900^th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS (DETECTIVE COMICS #19) features a magnificent collection of stories featuring the Dark Knight and the citizens of Gotham City.

“The 900,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Jason Fabok, reveals a previously unmentioned corner of Gotham City now forced into the spotlight when the residents are infected by the deadly Manbat virus.

Next up is “Birth of a Family,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Andy Clarke, where Francine Langstrom makes a shocking decision in order to save her husband Kurt (a.k.a. Manbat) from himself.

Then in James Tynion IV’s “War Council” illustrated by Mikel Janin, Bane reveals discovers another enemy standing in the way of his quest to rule Gotham.

After that, Mr. Combustible reveals Emperor Penguin’s dastardly deeds to his former employer in “Birdwatching,” written by John Layman and illustrated by Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea.

And finally in “Through a Blue Lens,” written by John Layman and illustrated Jason Masters, the members of Gotham’s finest reveal their true feelings concerning Batman.

Plus, don’t miss additional pin up art placed throughout the issue from artists such as Dustin Nguyen, Chris Burnham, Brett Booth, and Francesco Francavilla! Check out the gallery above for an exclusive preview of this landmark issue.

Tags:

detective comics, Batman, John Layman, Jason Fabok, andy clarke, James Tynion IV, mikel janin, Henrik Jonsson, Sandu Florea, Jason Masters, dustin nguyen, chris burnham, brett booth, francesco francavilla

This Just Happened: The House of Secrets Arrives

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13 yet and do not wish to know what happens, stop reading this post now (major spoilers ahead!).

Deep in the jungles of Peru, Zatanna and Deadman feel a shift in the energy around them. A house has fallen out of the sky and it’s not the House of Mystery. No, it’s the House of Secrets and it’s making its first appearance in JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13!

But if you think the arrival of the House of Secrets should make the Justice League Dark team nervous, wait until you see who’s inside. Returning from Hell, it’s Nick Necro (check out JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #0 for more about him and his relationship with Zatanna and Constantine), more powerful than ever and hungry for revenge. But how will he be able to get his hands on Timothy Hunter and the Books of Magic? Plus, don’t miss a high-speed chase as the House of Mystery follows the House of Secrets into Limbo!

Setting the stage for this storyline’s epic finale that takes place in next week’s JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1 (which we spotlighted here on THE SOURCE yesterday), JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13 comes to you from writer Jeff Lemire and artists Mikel Janin and Victor Drujiniu. Below, check out the arrival of the House of Secrets and don’t forget to pick up the issue, in stores now.

Tags:

Justice League Dark, jeff lemire, mikel janin, Vicctor Drujiniu

Annuals Spotlight: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1

This Halloween, DC Comics will release its next batch of Annuals. These special oversized issues will not only build off of the events in their respective series, but will also greatly impact the expanding DC Universe. Leading up to their October 31 releases, we’ll be putting individual spotlights on each of these Annual issues by giving you special sneak peeks at what’s to come! First up? JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1.

Continued from this week’s JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1 not only concludes writer Jeff Lemire and artist Mikel Janin’s epic premiere story arc, but also guest-stars three faces: the Agent of S.H.A.D.E. himself, Frankenstein, I, VAMPIRE’s Andrew Bennett, and SWORD OF SORCERY’s Amethyst!

“This Annual fulfills the promise of Jeff Lemire’s run so far on JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK — big stakes, big guest stars, and an even bigger climax. Seriously, this tale has everything but the kitchen sink — although there is a kitchen sink in the House of Mystery, so there’s that, too!” teased editor Brian Cunningham.

“I don’t say this often about a story, but there are single moments in this one that will completely shock and thrill even the most jaded of readers. This 38-pager takes the mystical and macabre to the mainstream. From the regular JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK creative team, this Annual ends the story that they began six months ago. Which, of course, only serves to set up our next amazing arc!”

“One of the biggest reasons why I’m excited by this issue is the spectacular art of our series artist Mikel Janin, who has quickly become one of my favorite artists working in comics — and, as many can attest, I’m not always an easy editor to please!” Cunningham continued. “Mikel took a terrific tale and elevated it to an entirely new level of bold, in-your-face, dynamic art, reminiscent of some of the great masters in comics. If you’re not reading JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK right now, you are missing out on a future master in the making, and you heard it here first!”

Below, take a sneak peek at JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1 by checking out some of Janin’s interior art. And don’t forget to pick up the issue when it hits stores next Wednesday!

Tags:

Justice League Dark Annual, jeff lemire, mikel janin, brian cunningham

Preview Mondays: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28

For this week's installment of Preview Mondays, we're giving you exclusive first looks at JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 and AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28!

Setting up shop in their new headquarters – Thoe House of Mystery – John Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, Andrew Bennett, Black Orchid and Dr. Mist continue their hunt for The Books of Magic. But as Constantine gets outfoxed at every turn by the villainous Faust, his sometimes ally Madame Xanadu sees a prophesy that could signal the violent death of the entire team if they DON'T find the Books! The second issue from new ongoing series writer Jeff Lemire and artist Mikel Janin, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #10 is in stores this Wednesday. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.

“The Blacklist” begins here! With her husband, Henry, in the hospital due to an attack from rival vampires, Pearl finds herself once again being recruited by the Vassals of the Morning Star. What irresistible proposition do they offer her in exchange for her cooperation? And which person from her past do they dig up to be her partner? Set in 1950’s Hollywood at the height of the “Red Scare,” AMERICAN VAMPIRE #28 sets the stage for the series’ next epic. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque, the issue hits stores this week. Click here to see an exclusive preview.

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Preview Mondays, Justice League Dark, american vampire, jeff lemire, mikel janin, scott snyder, rafael albuquerque

Mikel Janin exclusive to DC Entertainment

There’s been no shortage of big news here on THE SOURCE, and today’s certainly no exception. And as we continue to make headlines and generate buzz with DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, we’ve got another announcement of our own right here.

Mikel Janin, the artist behind JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, has signed an exclusive contract with DC Comics. Paired with writer Peter Milligan, he will continue to draw the adventures of the team tasked with fighting evil too twisted for our regular heroes to handle. Janin cut his teeth with JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, and went on to illustrate FLASHPOINT: DEADMAN & THE FLYING GRAYSONS.

And how’s Janin feel about his new contract? Let’s ask him.

“I'm so happy and proud to announce I've signed an exclusive agreement with DC. It was exactly one year ago when I met DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza in Avilés Comic Con. Pepe Caldelas, from Nutopia Agency, introduced my work to him, since other well known Nutopia artists, such as Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes or Ulises Arreola were already working for DC. When Eddie gave me my first assignment, seven pages for JLA, it was a dream come true. But I didn't expect that these pages will lead so quickly to such important assignments like FLASHPOINT: DEADMAN & THE FLYING GRAYSONS, and specially The New 52 series JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, teaming up with no less than Peter Milligan. DC has put its trust in me and my art, and I feel grateful and honored. Signing exclusively with them is just a way to strengthen the great relationship between the two of us.”

Check out this exclusive piece of art from the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, which hits comic book stores today!

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, Justice League Dark, mikel janin

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.

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, Justice League Dark, mikel janin

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.

Tags:

Justice League Dark, mikel janin, peter milligan

FLASHPOINT TUESDAY: The Show Most Go On

Ragdoll? King Shark? Dr. Fate? All three cult favorite characters have joined the Circus, along with the Flying Graysons? Yes, it's issue one of FLASHPOINT: DEADMAN AND THE FLYING GRAYSONS by writer J. T. Krul and artist Mikel Janin.

The bold, circus poster cover by Cliff Chang and Jared Fletcher promises thrills and excitement and issue one, on sale tomorrow, delivers.

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

Tags:

cliff chang, flashpoint, flashpoint: deadman and the flying graysons, j.t. krul, jared fletcher, mikel janin

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