Paul Jenkins | DC Comics

Preview Mondays: STORMWATCH #8 and SWEET TOOTH #32

For this week’s installment of Preview Mondays, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at STORMWATCH #8 and SWEET TOOTH #32.

Apollo is missing and earth is being attacked from the inside out. In order to retrieve their friend and save the universe, the Stormwatch team is left with no option but to defy the laws of science and travel through space and time. But can they do this before it’s too late? STORMWATCH #8 is written by Paul Jenkins and features art by Ignacio Calero, Daniel HDR and Sean Parsons. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.

And in the conclusion to “Unnatural Habits,” Jepperd will need to make his way back to the dam after being held captive in the woods. But when his return is greeted by the fall of one of his friends, it’s hardly a welcome homecoming. SWEET TOOTH #32 is written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire. Click here to see an exclusive preview of the issue.

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Preview Mondays, stormwatch, sweet tooth, Paul Jenkins, Ignacio Calero, daniel HDR, sean parsons, jeff lemire

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4 and BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #2 go back to press for second printings

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4 and BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #2 have sold out and are going back to press for second printings.

In BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4, Batman must face off against a chemically enhanced army of super-criminals looking to destroy him. From the creative team of David Finch, Paul Jenkins and Richard Friend, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #4 has sold out a week after we announced that issue #5 of the series would also be going back to press for another printing.

Meawhile, BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #2 has taken a queue from its preceding issue and has flown completely off the shelves immediately upon its initial release. Featuring the adventures of BATMAN BEYOND and JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND, this oversized collection of digital-first stories comes to you from Adam Beechen, Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyen and Norm Breyfogle.

Look for the second printings of these issues in stores on April 25th, 2012.

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batman: the dark knight, batman beyond unlimited, david finch, Paul Jenkins, richard friend, adam beechen, derek fridolfs, dustin nguyen, norm breyfogle

BATMAN #6, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5 and SUICIDE SQUAD #7 Go Back to Press

BATMAN #6 has sold out and will be going back to press for its second printing. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion, the story paves the path for next month’s “Night of the Owls” crossover event.

Also receiving a second printing are BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5 and SUICIDE SQUAD #7. Written by Paul Jenkins and illustrated by Richard Friend, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #5 reintroduces Batman to one of the most feared members of his gallery of rogues. And released only last week, SUICIDE SQUAD #7 explores the history and origins of the notorious Harley Quinn. The issue is written by Adam Glass and features artwork by Ig Guara, Clayton Henry and Scott Hanna.

Look for the second printings of these three issues on April 18th.

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Batman, batman: the dark knight, suicide squad, scott snyder, Greg Capullo, jonathan glapion, Paul Jenkins, richard friend, adam glass, ig guara, clayton henry, scott hanna

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1 and #6 GO BACK TO PRESS

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1 has also sold out again, and will be going back to press for its third printing. Written by David Finch and Paul Jenkins and featuring art by Finch, the story kicks off a series of confrontations with some of Batman’s greatest rogues as the Dark Knight follows a mysterious White Rabbit from foe to foe. Also, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #6 was released just last week, and is already going back to press for its second printing. The issue explores Batman’s greatest fears, after the Dark Knight has been injected with a hallucinogenic toxin. But his drug-induced phobias are nothing next to the true mastermind behind the plot: Bane. The third printing of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1 and the second printing of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #6 will be available in comic book stores on March 28, 2012.

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batman: the dark knight, david finch, Paul Jenkins

Paul Jenkins to pen STORMWATCH two-part story

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ongoing series writer Paul Jenkins joins STORMWATCH for a two-part adventure beginning with issue #7.

When a scientific experiment tears a hole in the barrier between dimensions, miners from a forbidden universe arrive to steal Earth’s gravity! Can Stormwatch—with their ranks depleted after recent cataclysmic events—find a way to repel alien excavators that shred our reality with every touch?

“The Stormwatch crew can’t ever catch a break — no simple threats like bloodthirsty monsters or world-dominating supervillains to stop, it’s always some mind-cracking knot that Apollo, Midnighter and the rest of the crew have to untie,” says editor Pat McCallum. “This time out, Stormwatch have to solve the puzzle of dimension-stepping gravity miners, creatures so alien they’re not even technically alive. The last stand of humanity or, as Stormwatch calls it, 'Monday.'”

Pick up part one in March 2012.

(The cover to STORMWATCH #7)

Tags:

DC Comics-The New 52, pat mccallum, Paul Jenkins, Stormwatch

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 …

(Everybody’s Talkin’ About) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, Thursday Afternoon (ET) Edition

Lots of big things this afternoon, folks!

ROLLING STONE featured their exclusive preview of next week’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 on their homepage. “So how do we get from that world to the world we all kind of know DC to be, which is a one of hope and where these characters are more champions than outcasts?" DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and JUSTICE LEAGUE artist Jim Lee told ROLLING STONE. "That's what JUSTICE LEAGUE is about. It's about showing when these characters come together to save humanity, and humanity accepts who they are. Then there's that transition from that kind of dark world to one that has a little bit more hope and a brighter future."

VARIETY published an article about the widening of the Batman franchise via the marketing campaign behind the BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY video game, calling out the game’s accompanying comic book series.

Entertainment website UGO has your first look at DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #2 by Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang.

And the day has finally come. IFANBOY broke their six-week consecutive selection of titles from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 as their “Pick of the Week.” Some upstart named Scott Snyder claimed the title this week with his terrific Vertigo series, AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. Seven weeks in a row of DC Entertainment titles? Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

To be continued …

Tags:

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, batman: arkham city, bernard chang, DC Comics-The New 52, DC Universe Presents, ifanboy, jim lee, justice league, Paul Jenkins, Rolling Stone, scott snyder, ugo, Variety, vertigo

From The Editor’s Desk: Wil Moss on SUPERGIRL and DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS

I dunno how many of you have sisters, but when mine was a teenager, she was, as they say, hell on wheels. Always getting into trouble, always getting into fights (usually more with her friends than with her enemies), always managing to outthink authority figures (be they cops or parents), always hanging with a questionable crowd, always a new piercing or tattoo – just drama at every turn, and usually of her own making. Nowadays she’s a morally upright citizen. She’s got a dog and a cat, a boyfriend and she even just completed jury duty! But back then? Hell. On. Wheels.

And that’s a lot like the Kara Zor-El you’ll meet in a couple weeks in SUPERGIRL #1. This Supergirl is someone with all the power of Superman, yet all of the drama and lust for life of a real teenager. And whereas I quickly learned to stay out of my sister’s way, Superman hasn’t learned that lesson yet -- though if you’ve seen the cover of SUPERGIRL #2, you know he’s about to …

Writers Michael Green & Mike Johnson (responsible for a truly great run on SUPERMAN/BATMAN) have packed SUPERGIRL with enough spectacle to give Michael Bay a run for his money. Yet at the same time, you’ll find yourself empathizing with The Girl of Steel like never before. I mean, if you just crash-landed on Earth, found out your family and your entire freakin’ planet were gone, and you had these strange new powers, wouldn’t you have a pretty tough time adjusting? And trust me, Mike & Michael have some fun surprises in store, both for you readers and Kara -- not the least of which is the mystery surrounding her true origin …

And the artist who will really sell both that level of high visual spectacle and emotional nuance is the one and only Mahmud Asrar. Folks, Mahmud has done some fine, fine work over the years -- from his recent Star Wars gig to some Marvel work to the great Dynamo 5 series to his ATOM story here at DC with Jeff Lemire (make sure to read ANIMAL MAN #1 and FRANKENSTEIN #1!) – but people will soon look back at SUPERGIRL #1 and cite it as the comic where Mahmud started his transition from comic book artist to superstar comic book artist. Seriously, the guy’s got the grace of Alan Davis, the fluidity of Stuart Immonen, the figurework of José Luis García-López, and an overall look and style that’s 100% Asrar. (And hey, inker Dan Green, colorist Dave McCaig, and letterer John J. “Hollywood” Hill are no slouches either!)

So do not miss this book, OK? SUPERGIRL #1! On sale 9/21!

And speaking of books you should not miss that are on sale 9/21 (FYI, I totally flunked “Subtle Transitions 101”), lemme quickly work in mention of another title I’m editing, DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS – a showcase for some of the best characters and talent DC has to offer.

First up is a five-part Deadman story by Paul “I made the Inhumans cool” Jenkins and Bernard “The Inhumans were always cool” Chang. This one’s got everything you’d ever want in a comic – late night hook-ups, bar brawls, monsters, mobsters, monster mobsters, existential roller coaster rides with the devil, body-hopping (which is different than the late night hook-ups), massive explosions, and of course, evil librarians.

Created by the legendary Arnold Drake and recently brought back to prominence in BRIGHTEST DAY, Deadman is one of the DC Universe’s best, most unusual heroes -- come find out why in DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1. (Or you can go body-hop yourself.)

Tags:

bernard chang, DC Comics-The New 52, DC Universe Presents, mahmud asrar, michael green, mike johnson, Paul Jenkins, supergirl, wil moss

(EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’ ABOUT) DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, TUESDAY AFTERNOON (ET) EDITION

This afternoon, we’re going to take a look at what the comic book trade press is saying about JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 and The New 52 – including their interviews with some of the talented people behind the launch.

* ICV2 featured a three-part piece on The New 52 – featuring interviews with DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee, conducted in advance of San Diego Comic-Con. Said DiDio: “Our numbers are up in the mass market over-all in conjunction with graphic novel sales.” Check them out here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three.

* COMIC BOOK RESOURCES showcased a Comic-Con video interview with BATWING and CATWOMAN writer Judd Winick, who discusses his extensive research for the BATWING book and the timeless appeal of CATWOMAN. Also featured is an interview with writer Paul Jenkins about redefining Deadman in DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS.

* Newsarama offered a comprehensive primer on The New 52 as whole, and also served up some interviews with the writers behind the various series – including writer J.T. Krul (Captain Atom) and Paul Cornell (DEMON KNIGHTS).

* Over at iFanboy, Ron Richards and Conor Kilpatrick each listed their top five (and bonus five) picks for the most anticipated New 52 titles – with JUSTICE LEAGUE topping both lists.

* Comic Vine offered their own perspectives and interpretations of the new Batgirl pages that debuted in the NY Post, while writer Scott Lobdell (TEEN TITANS, SUPERBOY) provided some insider insights on the launch.

* ComicBook.com listed the five things they love most about The New 52 – including greater ethnic diversity, more women, day-and-date digital releases and DC’s confidence in the launch.

* DreadCentral.com picked up The Source’s preview of The New 52’s ANIMAL MAN, with extensive art. Also included was a full breakdown of New 52 titles that may be of interest to horror fans.

There’s more rolling in by the minute, and we’re expecting even more once JUSTICE LEAGUE hits the shelves. Stay tuned.

Who’s Who at DC Comics-The New 52: Paul Jenkins

THE SOURCE: How do you write the first line of a new series?

PAUL JENKINS: They take many forms but I feel you have to commit early to a theme that may run through the entire series. Somewhere in the first moments of any series, I feel, you should try to give your audience a sense of what themes you're going to explore, and a sense of the style you're going to use.

How do you introduce a new hero?

First of all, make sure there is a VERY GOOD reason for that person to exist on the page. A reworking of a rehash is convenient but ultimately unsatisfying. If you cannot easily describe who this person is and why they deserve ink, then they are not worth writing about.

How do you introduce characters?

Characters can be in for a variety of reasons: to further the plot, to provide exposition, to act as cannon fodder, etc. They have to feel natural, and not forced. I often think that is an instinctive thing.

How do you introduce a new villain?

This is a part of my college lecture: The only villains worth doing are the ones we can still relate to. If you listen to what they say, or can understand why they do what they do, they are worth including in a story. That's not to say we agree with their methods but on occasion we can understand their motivations.

What was the first comic you ever worked on?

That is a long-standing secret. I've often challenged readers to try and track it down. Hint: it's not the first TMNT issue I wrote.

Who was the first character you followed?

I grew up in Britain. Our comics are very different. I think the first American character I liked a lot was Spider-Man. Since I lived as a country kid on a farm I assumed he was from London.

What was the first series you collected?

I used to buy these really odd reprints of the old EC Comics - they really made an impression on me, and as a little kid I fell in love with science fiction and fantasy comics. I also collected these very violent little digest-sized war comics that we used to buy at the beach when we were on holiday. The heroes would always kill ten thousand Nazi soldiers with one burst of their Tommy gun!

Who was the first writer you followed?

Alan Moore. No surprise there.

Who was the first artist you followed?

Brian Bolland. Another 2000 AD mainstay from the late seventies.

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

Probably some Northeastern show or other in the late 80's. At the time I had begun working for Mirage Studios, and we'd go to lots of smaller shows.

What was the first comic book you read?

The Beano, probably. It's a British thing.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

I came to the States in 1987 and began working for the TMNT in late 1988. It was a wild time... I remember shiploads of toys in the toy cupboard, and hundreds of licensing contracts piled upon each other in stacks. Such a crazy time... I was 22!

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batman: the dark knight, DC Comics-The New 52, DC Universe Presents, Paul Jenkins