The hit animated series YOUNG JUSTICE comes to DVD this July

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YOUNG JUSTICE, the hit Cartoon Network series from Warner Bros. Animation, will come to DVD for the first time on July 19th with Young Justice Season 1 Volume 1. Fans of the teenage super team can revisit the first season’s exciting adventures – and if you haven’t seen the series yet, here’s your chance to catch up!

From the official description of the series:

In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over — to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? How much harder will it be to prove yourself in a world of super powers, super villains and super secrets? Are you ready to come of age in such a world? Are you ready for life or death rites of passage? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice — Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis — will find out: whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero.

These teenage heroes collectively become the Justice League’s secret weapon against the forces of evil. The young protégés must put their super hero education to the test and band together to covertly fight the evildoers that exist on Earth-16. Utilizing The Cave as their home base, the teen heroes will take on under-the-radar missions that would be impossible for the league’s famous and identifiable elders to handle secretly.

While the team works to take on more super hero responsibilities, they are in constant training by the Justice League to eventually take their place alongside the great heroes. Red Tornado is their supervisor; Black Canary is in charge of their training; and Batman determines and directs their assignments. Of course, in true teenage fashion, the members of the team push the limits of their missions, often turning a simple assignment from Batman into something significantly larger.

Artist for RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘80S #1: Jerry Bingham

DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN– THE ‘80s #1

Artist Jerry Bingham and writer Mike W. Barr come together to tell the story of someone using the name, appearance and methodology of The Reaper and is stalking the streets of Gotham City and killing off mobsters. The catch? Both men who previously masqueraded as The Reaper are dead. Can Batman get to the bottom of the identity of this mysterious killer while simultaneously shepherding an untried Robin (Jason Todd)?

ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Your White Knight is here, Gotham!

After a strange cloud of glowing white bats save them from a sudden attack by Man-Bat, Batman and Robin begin to unravel the mystery behind Gotham's fallen angel. But how is Man-Bat involved, and what did he mean when he said "Stay away from the light?"

Answers begin to come to light in BATMAN AND ROBIN #21, the second part of "Dark Knight vs. White Knight" by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason, in stores March 9.

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Batman Live Storyline Announced

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BATMAN LIVE - WORLD ARENA TOUR

STORYLINE ANNOUNCED - THE STORY OF DICK GRAYSON (ROBIN)

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), DC Entertainment and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions Ltd (WLP) announced today, that BATMAN LIVE – a unique action-packed live show – will focus on the story of young Dick Grayson (Robin), a circus performer who loses his parents to organised crime.

Faithfully adapted from the DC Comics characters and stories, BATMAN LIVE focuses on Robin’s quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero, the mysterious vigilante known as the Batman – much to the dismay of his protective guardian, millionaire Bruce Wayne – who secretly happens to be Batman.

This dynamic triangle resolves itself in a non-stop thrill-ride across Gotham City that transforms Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into the legendary crime-fighters Batman and Robin and transports the audience from the Big Top of Haly's Circus to the lower depths of Arkham Asylum – from the glittering peaks of the Penguin’s Iceberg Lounge to the subterranean wonders that await inside the Batcave, which features a revolutionary, all-new Batmobile designed exclusively for BATMAN LIVE.

A dazzling celebration of storytelling and stagecraft, BATMAN LIVE is at its heart an affecting coming of age story. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson – both orphaned at an early age – must first learn to overcome their own fears and forge their own family – along with Police Commissioner James Gordon and Bruce’s trusted butler, Alfred Pennyworth – if they’re going to survive the combined forces of Batman’s larger-than-life rogues gallery: The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

BATMAN LIVE will tour arenas for the first time ever across the UK and Europe, beginning in summer 2011 and arriving in North America by summer 2012. Opening in Manchester on 19th July 2011 and visiting Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Nottingham, Dublin and Belfast, tickets for BATMAN LIVE are on sale now.

BATMAN LIVE, a unique and innovative theatrical experience, is an arena spectacular that combines acrobatics, daredevil stunt work, illusions, and cutting-edge design to bring the adventures of Batman and Robin to life on stage for the first time in the characters’ history. BATMAN LIVE will be written by Allan Heinberg, with the original story by Stan Berkowitz & Alan Burnett, and Allan Heinberg.

“The passion the creative team behind BATMAN LIVE shares for the character can be seen throughout every aspect of this production,” said Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer, DC Entertainment. “And the storyline, the origin of Robin, is something that is going to create a truly unforgettable live show.”

Allan Heinberg said: "I am delighted to be joining a team as committed to delivering an unparalleled visual spectacle, as they are to telling a compelling, emotional story. BATMAN LIVE is lovingly faithful to the characters and their distinguished history and it provides a unique opportunity for new and lifelong fans to experience Batman and his world as they never have before."

Allan Heinberg’s writing and producing credits include: Party of Five, Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, The OC, Grey’s Anatomy and The Amazon’s Voice, his first play. Heinberg also developed the animated series Legion of Super Heroes for Warner Bros. Animation. He is the writer and co-creator of Marvel Comic’s Young Avengers and currently writes Marvel's Avengers: The Children's Crusade. His other comics work includes JLA (with Geoff Johns), Superman/Batman, Wonder Woman, and Uncanny X-Men.

Allan Heinberg is joined by comic book legends, Stan Berkowitz and Alan Burnett, in the creation of the original story.

“We are very excited and privileged to have the opportunity of working with such an outstanding and passionate team of writers” said Nick Grace, Executive Producer of BATMAN LIVE. “The story that has been created for this show is truly inspiring and will appeal to audiences of all ages.”

Stan Berkowitz’s animated TV writing credits include The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Spider-Man, Batman Beyond, Justice League, Ben 10 and The 99. He won Daytime Emmys® in 1998 and 2001, and in 2009, he received the Writers Guild of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Animation Writing. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Teagan Clive.

Alan Burnett (four-time Emmy® Award winner) scripted episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, the Emmy®-winning production. He began his animation career at Hanna-Barbera Studios with Super Friends in 1981. His awards include four Emmy® Awards, three Annie Awards and two Humanitas Prizes. His work within the Batman realm includes series producer on Batman and Superman and Batman Beyond, and most recently as supervising producer and story editor for Warner Bros. Animation’s award-winning series The Batman. Burnett also co-produced and co-wrote the animated feature film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, was supervising producer and writer for Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, and served as producer on the feature-length Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker. He also served as story editor and wrote one of the segments of the DC Universe animated original movie, Batman Gotham Knight, and scripted the DCU film Green Lantern: First Flight.

BATMAN LIVE is a live-action, super-heroic spectacle of unprecedented scale that is every bit as human, touching, and inspiring as it is spectacular.

Tickets for UK and the Republic of Ireland are on sale now.

For more information go to www.batmanlive.com

Robin vs. Red Robin! J.T. Krul breaks down Damian Wayne and Tim Drake

They both carry the Robin namesake, but Damian Wayne and Tim Drake have very different ways of doing things. So different, that when they cross paths in the upcoming RED ROBIN / TEEN TITANS crossover, things are sure to get interesting.

Here’s the first page of TEEN TITANS #92, on sale now, where we get to see how the two Robins think of each other a la Batman and Superman.

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It’s a pretty… complicated relationship, so we asked TEEN TITANS writer J.T. Krul to elaborate on the Robin dynamic:

"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"

by J.T. Krul

"For some reason, when I think of Red Robin (Tim Drake) and Robin (Damian Wayne), I can't help but recall that great scene in City Slickers (am I dating myself?) where Daniel Stern and his wife are fighting at a party. 'I hate you,' she screams. To which Daniel replies, with every fiber of his being:

"'I hate you more! If hate were people, I'd be China!'

"On a very primal, visceral level that's how Tim and Damian feel towards one another. They loathe one another's existence. Yet as with any great sibling rivalry, there are layers upon layers of feelings and attitudes that ebb and flow over time.

"Obviously, Tim is not thrilled about Damian taking on the role of Robin in Gotham, and he's even less thrilled about him joining the rest of the gang at Titans Tower. Tim sees Damian as damaged goods, as a potential risk to those around him. Naturally, he would not want to see those closest to him harmed because of the little runt's impulsive and aggressive nature. But let's be honest, Damian came out of nowhere as the literal son Bruce never had. Tim could not help feeling somewhat brushed aside as Bruce adapted to his arrival. In a way, he was replaced. The last thing Tim would want to see is the same thing with the Titans. This is his family. At least, he was here first.

"As for Damian, he's gone to great lengths to express his low opinion of most everyone he comes into contact with (who knew arrogance could be such a virtue), and Tim tops the list. Again, it's sibling rivalry played out to the Nth degree. To Damian, he's the true son of Batman. He's better than the others in every way - at least every way that matters. However, something I keep coming back to when it comes to Damian is that he accepted the role of Robin. If he truly felt Dick and Tim (and Jason for that matter) were nothing but poor substitutes, if he truly felt he deserved a different standing for being Bruce's flesh and blood, then why would he take that costume? Why would accept what could be called hand-me-downs? Sure, he got rid of the booties and the green underwear, but he's still Robin. He can say what he wants, but at the end of the day - Damian is trying to emulate the others to a certain extent. In the grand scheme of things, they are all the sons of Batman, and Damian cannot help but identify some worthwhile traits in those that came before him.

"In the pages of the TEEN TITANS crossover with RED ROBIN, we get to catch a glimpse of their team dynamic as both Tim and Damian bury their attitude to focus on the task at hand. From a practical standpoint, they each want the same thing - to save the day and make sure their issues do not interfere with that goal. They want to be professional, so to speak. Red Robin wants to show that he can treat Robin just like any other member of the team - bringing the tactical leadership and detachment that Batman seems to master so easily. But more importantly, or rather more personally, Tim wants to show (and perhaps even convince himself) that he doesn't feel threatened by Damian - that he doesn't fear being replaced in the eyes of the titans. As for Robin, he wants Tim to see that he can do just as good of a job as he ever did - that he can be a team player when needed. In other words, he wants to show his big brother that he's no child.

"On the surface, both Tim and Damian are seeking to convey the same notion - that they don't care what the other one thinks about them - When the opposite is actually closer to the truth.

"Ah, sibling rivalry."

Stephanie Brown and Damian Wayne form The Dysfunctional Duo in BATGIRL #17

Stephanie Brown's taken on her first official Batman Incorporated assignment, and it's a doozy. Making matters worse, the, er - less than cooperative - Damian Wayne has decided that the case is his jurisdiction. Can they manage to stop fighting long enough to crack a kidnapping case?

Reading the preview below is sort of like watching two speeding freight trains on a collision course, no?

BATGIRL #17 is written by Bryan Q. Miller with art by Pere Perez and hits stores next Wednesday.

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DCU in 2011: Tony Daniel dishes on upcoming BATMAN

It's rare enough that a creator comes along who can both write and draw, but it's even more impressive when one is able to deliver an outstanding product month after month on an ongoing title.

Tony Daniel's done amazing work with Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne in the pages of BATMAN, not only as artist but the current ongoing writer. Batman and Robin's lives won't be getting any easier in 2011, and Tony's provided a few words to tease some of the stories he's working on for this year:

"BATMAN in 2011 will prove rife full of challenges for Dick Grayson in Gotham City. While the Falcones are digging deeper into the business affairs of Gotham, someone has decided to help TWO-FACE return to glory. But are there ulterior motives at play? What role does Riddler play in all this and what does he want out of it? And with Catgirl being more of a menace than a hero, will she work through her nine lives before Batman to save her…from herself? Dick Grayson has a tough road ahead as Batman but he’ll forge ahead the best way he knows how—as guardian, protector, and savior of Gotham City."

Tony's next issue is BATMAN #706, which hits stores this month. Check out a preview below!

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Has The Absence gotten the best of Batman in BATMAN AND ROBIN #19?

If we've learned anything from Paul Cornell and Scott McDaniel's Batman and Robin issues, it's that The Absence isn't quite all there up in her noggin, and I'm not just talking about the giant hole in her head. The lady's scary-crazy.

You might've also learned just how well Paul Cornell can write a cool villain -- if you're a Batman fan who hasn't yet checked out his killer Lex Luthor stories occurring in ACTION COMICS, you're missing out.

BATMAN ROBIN #19 wraps up the three-part "The Sum of Her Parts" story and is on sale next week. Pete Tomasi and Patrick Gleason will be taking the Batman and Robin reigns with issue #20.

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"Don't call us sidekicks"

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I admit I had a long list of things to be thankful for, over the long holiday weekend. Good health? Check. A great family? You bet. A cool job? Are you kidding? I get to talk about things I am genuinely passionate about—namely graphic novels and comic books and some of the most recognizable characters in the world.

Now one of the tricky parts of the gig is to not always take the work home with me, but sometimes even that can be a side benefit. Case in point? This past Friday night, having just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in Western, MA, I hurried home to Brooklyn to watch Cartoon Network’s premier of YOUNG JUSTICE with the wife (who we’ll call Mrs. Hyde going forward) and our superhero enthusiast, comic book lovin’ son Jackson (who we’ll call Jackson going forward, since he’s not shy, for the most part.) Hey, nothing quite says that it’s the holidays like a family gathering around the TV to watch cartoons, right?

The show’s been highly anticipated by fans, and it more than held up to our expectations. (SPOILER WARNING: there’s very minor spoilers below, if you missed the premier.)

Mrs. Hyde liked how much character development was achieved in an hour. Superboy’s got a great back story. Robin and Kid Flash are impulsive. Aqualad is thoughtful, like a leader. Mostly, she liked the surprising way the team (and their teamwork) is coming together. He quit? she asked.

Jackson loved those “crazy” Blockbuster monsters, the “’interesting” locations and mostly the appearance of the Martian Manhunter, one of his—and Mrs. Hyde’s—favorite semi-obscure superheroes. (Besides, he’s green. Did I mention Jackson’s favorite color is green? Occasionally, kids are easy to please.)

Me? I liked fast paced superhero adventure, the nods to the fans, the spot-on characterizations, but mostly I liked talking about the episode with Mrs. Hyde and Jackson throughout the weekend, with the promise of more episodes in January.

What about you, SOURCE readers? Send us your thoughts about the premier. Oh—and parents, if you watched the show with your families, let us know what everybody was taking about after the credits.

The Teen Titans and Damian make for a combustible situation

What happens when you bring an unstable youth into the ranks of a team already on shaky ground? Fireworks, folks.

Writer J.T. Krul and artist Nicola Scott have given us all a front seat, too, as TEEN TITANS #89 gives readers a dose of what happens when Damian becomes the latest Robin to sign up for the Teen Titans. But will he be more hindrance than help when a mega-powered teen sets his sites on Silicon Valley? We’re not telling. But click on the pages below for a hint or three.

Oh, and did we mention a new character showing up? Yeah. Keep your eyes peeled for that, too.

TEEN TITANS #89 hits Wednesday.

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