The BRIGHTEST DAY is almost here, and to keep you sated with cool, fresh art, we've got two covers that'll be hitting stores later this month.
First up is the variant cover to JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #44, from painter David Mack:
And next is a first look at GREEN LANTERN CORPS #47's regular cover, from artist Patrick Gleason:
The dead shall rise.
The concept was simple yet precise. What happens when the fallen - hero, villain, friend, enemy -- rose up from the ground to torment those still left standing?
But a concept alone can't make up the critically acclaimed blockbuster that is BLACKEST NIGHT. It's all down to execution, and the book was blessed with two spot-on and inventive talents in writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reis, and an extended crew of A-list talent that included - but is not limited to - Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Doug Mahnke, J.T. Krul, Tony Bedard, James Robinson and many more.
Starting off with the creaking, nervous tension that was more old school horror movie than superhero epic, BLACKEST NIGHT never catered to expectations, veering from answering "Who'll come back next?" to posing the arguably more interesting question of "Who will wear the rings?" before steamrolling to the epic, jaw-dropping conclusion you now hold in your hands.
How many stories cover so much ground so capably and so well? From chilling thriller to galaxy-spanning epic, it's not a stretch to say BLACKEST NIGHT had it all - drama, humor, action and, most importantly, heart.
Because, in many ways, BLACKEST NIGHT is the story of one man's redemption. Geoff Johns took the character of Hal Jordan and returned him to form, re-energizing him by going back to the two words that made the character so compelling before: No fear. Through REBIRTH, SINESTRO CORPS WAR and now BLACKEST NIGHT, the readers have literally been to hell and back with Hal. They're invested and excited, and that's a testament to Geoff Johns' creativity and ability to weave what's come before and use it to his benefit.
And it's contagious. Whether you're watching Peter Tomasi pit a Red Lantern Guy Gardner against Kyle Rayner or watching across the DCU as heroes like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman face off against their deadliest enemies and most-missed loved ones, BLACKEST NIGHT was more than just a crossover. After you finish reading the final issue you'll see very clearly - there's no easy reset button. Things have changed.
It's been remarkably interesting to not only sit and read - and thoroughly enjoy - the comics tied into BLACKEST NIGHT as they came out, but see the process from behind the scenes. Whether it was sitting in on a meeting and listening to Geoff break down the story's major beats and just sitting back, psyched about what was coming to walking into the offices of editors Eddie Berganza and Adam Schlagman and cherry-picking awesome pieces of artwork hanging from their walls to tease and tantalize a hungry and eager audience. From day one, I think it's safe to say that everyone involved in the process - from top to bottom - knew that BLACKEST NIGHT was going to be special. The momentum, the story, the amazing art - it was all there.
Now, if you're anything like me, and you've just finished the final issue, you don't want it to end. What happens to this character? How does this affect X and Y? The final issue will not answer every question, but it'll end with a bang so loud your ears will be ringing for a while.
And you know what? This is only the beginning.
Hey comics fan, got any plans this weekend? If you're like me you're at a bit of a crossroads during this time of year. The NFL season is over, the Olympics are over, Oscar Season is over...what are you supposed to do? Well fear not because Convention Season has just started! That's right, chances are that we'll be bringing the 2010 DC Nation Tour to a town near you sometime soon and trust me when I tell you that it's a show you won't want to miss.
I leave for our first stop this week and I am STOKED. We'll be at the Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington on March 13th & 14th. If you're anywhere near the area please come out and see us. As if the chance to meet myself and Group Editor Eddie Berganza wasn't enough there are some special guests at the convention that you've maybe heard of. Check it out:
Brian Azzarello, Kurt Busiek, Sterling Gates, Patrick Gleason, Brandon Jerwa, Geoff Johns, Aaron Lopresti, Kevin Maguire, Doug Mahnke, Dustin Nguyen, Mike Norton, James Robinson, Greg Rucka, Philip Tan, Pete Tomasi, Eric Trautmann, Jen Van Meter, Len Wein, JH Williams III and Pete Woods.
I hope your face is OK after it was melted off by the sheer awesomeness of that list of artists and writers!
If you are planning to attend the show, please come by and get all kinds of cool stuff from us at the DC booth and be sure to check out our panels:
DC NATION!
Saturday, 1-2pm
GREEN LANTERN: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Saturday, 3-4pm
SUNDAY CONVERSATION
Sunday, 12-1pm
SUPERMAN GOES TO WAR
Sunday, 2-3pm
And listen Seattle - no pressure but you guys are the first convention of 2010 and the Canadian fans have started to bring us potato chips so I hope you guys are ready to step it up.
See you in Seattle!
Things aren't looking too relaxing for Guy, eh? Courtesy of GLC artist supreme Patrick Gleason.
Saying today was busy would be an understatement, gang, but it was worth it. Tons of cool news to get you through the weekend. But why stop there? Click below and get the full list of BRIGHTEST DAY solicits hitting in May. We've saved a few surprises for you. Enjoy.
BRIGHTEST DAY #1-2
Issue #1 on sale MAY 5 •Issue #2 on sale MAY 19 • 40 pg (#1), 32 pg (#2), FC, $2.99 US
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI • Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO • Covers by DAVID FINCH • Issue #1 1:50 variant cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT •Issue #2 1:25 variant cover by IVAN REIS & OCLAIR ALBERT
BRIGHTEST DAY continues, but in ways you can’t possibly expect! What does BRIGHTEST DAY mean to the DC Universe? Is everything from here on out going to be bright afnd shiny? No, BRIGHTEST DAY means something else entirely, something we can’t tell you...yet. But we can tell you our heroes will need to rise up more than ever to combat the forces of evil, and a select few will uncover a secret that binds them ALL. It all begins in the specially priced issue #1!
Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
GREEN LANTERN #54
On sale MAY 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by GEOFF JOHNS • Art by DOUG MAHNKE & CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Cover by SHANE DAVIS & SANDRA HOPE
BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on the “New Guardians” who have been forced to make Earth their new home! Why? You’ll have to read it to believe it. While Hal is forced to deal with Larfleeze and his newfound appreciation for Earth culture, Sinestro uncovers the mystery behind Parallax’s disappearance.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #48
On sale MAY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by TONY BEDARD • Art by ARDIAN SYAF • Cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI
BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on a new “Emerald Dawn”! In the wake of BLACKEST NIGHT, the Green Lantern Corps Honor Guard has expanded to include John Stewart and former Guardian Ganthet. Can the new immortal Green Lantern and the legendary Marine help Kyle Rayner suppress the growing threat within their ranks?
JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #1-2
Issue #1 on sale MAY 12 • Issue #2 on sale MAY 26 • 40 pg (#1), 32 pg (#2), FC, $2.99 US
Written by KEITH GIFFEN & JUDD WINICK • Issue #1 art by AARON LOPRESTI • Covers by TONY HARRIS
Issue #1 1:50 variant cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE • Issue #2 1:25 variant cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
Spinning out of BRIGHTEST DAY, DC’s new biweekly event begins here! Someone is targeting the old members of the defunct Justice League International. Now, surviving members Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice have to figure out what unseen mastermind is threatening to destroy the entire Super Hero community! There are no gray areas here – it’s black and white and red with blood all over for this lost generation of Super Heroes as original JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL writer Keith Giffen is joined by superstar scribe Judd Winick (BATMAN, GREEN ARROW) for a new era in excitement! And don’t miss the monumental reteaming of Giffen and his former JLI writing partner J.M. DeMatteis on this month’s BOOSTER GOLD #32!
Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
BIRDS OF PREY #1
On sale MAY 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by GAIL SIMONE • Art and cover by ED BENES • 1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
Soaring out of BRIGHTEST DAY, the Birds are back in town! Because you demanded it, fan-favorites Gail Simone (WONDER WOMAN, SECRET SIX) and Ed Benes (JUSTICE LEAGUE, GREEN LANTERN) reunite to reinvent the book where they made their explosive debut as a team. Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress and Lady Blackhawk all return to Gotham City where they belong – and they’ve brought a couple of new friends (or are they foes?) along with them!
Guest-starring a major Bat-villain and the first appearance of the most dangerous, most twisted new Birds villain ever!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
THE FLASH #2
On sale MAY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by GEOFF JOHNS • Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL • 1:10 variant cover by RYAN SOOK
BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on the continuing saga of Barry Allen – The Fastest Man Alive! The Flash continues his investigation into the “Dastardly Death of the Rogues” as the case takes a dramatic turn and Barry corners a suspect...and can’t believe who it is!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #45
On sale MAY 19 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by JAMES ROBINSON • Art and cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
A BRIGHTEST DAY tie-in! Supergirl rejoins the JLA as incredible, ancient forces of chaos are unleashed. What could posses her and Power Girl to battle to the death? And what horrors await the rest of the Justice League and Justice Society in this prologue to “The Ghosts of Earth and Space”?!
TITANS: VILLAINS FOR HIRE SPECIAL #1
On sale MAY 12 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US
Written by ERIC WALLACE • Art and cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO
1:25 Variant cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO
It’s a new team and direction for the Titans! Deathstroke and his mercenary team including Cheshire, Tattooed Man and other surprise members burst out of BRIGHTEST DAY #0! Get in on the ground floor here as the team is hired to assassinate The Atom! And for this team, failure is not an option!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Before we get down to business, let's take a look at that amazing David Finch BRIGHTEST DAY cover one more time, shall we?
Let's recap what we know about BRIGHTEST DAY, the twice-monthly epic heading your way in May: It's written by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi. It features covers by superstar artist David Finch. It follows up on the events of BLACKEST NIGHT, currently wreaking havoc on the DCU.
Now we can reveal the art team for the first two issues, hitting in May. And it doesn't get bigger than this:
Ivan Reis.
Patrick Gleason.
Ardian Syaf.
Scott Clark.
Two superstar artists paired with two rising stars on the biggest book in the DCU. How can you say no?
Reis and Gleason are decorated veterans of the GREEN LANTERN titles and Reis will be hot off his work on BLACKEST NIGHT -- how will he up his game for BRIGHTEST DAY? Wait until you see. Syaf, as mentioned earlier, will be pulling double-duty by handling the art chores on writer Tony Bedard's first GREEN LANTERN CORPS arc and contributing here, and Clark's work has been seen in the pages of the most recent issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE.
There you have it, folks. Keep checking back in the coming weeks for a first look at the art of BRIGHTEST DAY.
We figured you'd need a few hours to fully process how awesome that David Finch Aquaman image is. But it doesn't end there. And we did promise you more news, right? Well, here we go.
As you know, BRIGHTEST DAY affects a number of titles, including GREEN LANTERN and GREEN LANTERN CORPS. And it's no surprise that some of the changes affecting the post-BLACKEST NIGHT DCU will hit these titles.
So, say hello to the new GREEN LANTERN CORPS writer: Tony Bedard.
Bedard's not a newbie to the DCU's sci-fi side, having blazed an impressive trail of chaos and drama with his epic work on R.E.B.E.L.S. He should feel right at home overseeing the adventures of the no. 1 interstellar police force in the universe. And his deft handling of the R.E.B.E.L.S. BLACKEST NIGHT tie-ins show he's no stranger to all things Oa. But don't take my word for it. Tony?
“This is far and away the most exciting gig of my career. When they called to offer me the job and Geoff literally said, ‘Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps’ I felt like I'd put on a power ring. Now I just have to play up to Pete Tomasi's impossibly high standards--!“
Oh, and who'll be starring in GREEN LANTERN CORPS? Well, some names you might be familiar with: John Stewart, Kyle Rayner and Green Lantern Ganthet. Yup. You read that correctly.
On the art side, we have Source “Artist to Watch” Ardian Syaf taking point on Tony’s first arc. His detailed style and dynamic camera angles are reminiscent of some of the biggest names in the industry. In less than a year, Syaf has put together a remarkable resume, including BLACKEST NIGHT: BATMAN, PHANTOM STRANGER and an arc on SUPERMAN/BATMAN. Not too shabby, eh?
But before you hit the panic button, let me calm your fears about the super-talented team stepping away from GREEN LANTERN CORPS -- they're not going very far. This is where the drumroll starts in my head.
We're proud to announce that, starting in a few short months, there'll be a new ongoing GREEN LANTERN series joining the shelves: GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS, starring everyone's favorite ring-wielding hot head, Guy Gardner -- with regular appearances from Kilowog. And who better to handle Guy's adventures than Peter Tomasi, who's knocked it out of the park on a monthly basis with his sharp dialogue and plotting on GREEN LANTERN CORPS? Hard to argue with that, I think.
On art duties we have Fernando Pasarin, who, like Ardian, has built a solid list of credits here in the DCU in a very short amount of time -- from JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA to THE OUTSIDERS. Pasarin's modern and kinetic style make him a perfect candidate to chronicle the new, monthly Guy Gardner series. We'll have some snazzy Pasarin art right here in no time.
But enough from me. What's Pete got to say about it all?
“I’m really excited to be working on this new series, expanding the mythology and franchise of the Green Lantern Universe.”
Thanks, Pete! And, as for Mr. Gleason, well, like I said, it’s a busy day here at The Source...
First the Black Lantern Corps rose from the Crypt on Oa decimating the planet and many Lanterns in their horrific path.
Then Kyle Rayner's brush with death and a Black Lantern ring resulted in Guy Gardner being blinded by great rage as he transformed into a Red Lantern killing machine.
All this tragedy and devastation led to the collapse of the Green Lantern Central Power Battery.
How could writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason make things any worse for our Emerald Warriors?
How about the return of one of the greatest threats the DC Universe has ever known: THE ANTI-MONITOR?
Thanks, Adam. Now, let’s sit back and stare at that amazing Greg Horn cover, shall we?
Not long ago, we showed off upcoming variant covers for GREEN LANTERN #51, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45 and BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH #3. We thought we'd give you a little bit to process those before we unveiled the main covers. So, ready?
GREEN LANTERN CORPS by Patrick Gleason:
GREEN LANTERN by Doug Mahnke:
BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH by Scott Kolins:
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45 by Brian Bolland.
BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #3 by Francis Manapul.
GREEN LANTERN #51 by Greg Horn.
