Paul Cornell steps in for a three-issue arc on BATMAN AND ROBIN

A body unceremoniously dug out of its grave. A link to Bruce Wayne’s romantic past and tension among the Dynamic Duo of Batman Dick Grayson and Robin.

Writer Paul Cornell sprinkles a handful of tantalizing clues with artist Scott McDaniel and in the process builds to one of the coolest villain reveals of the last year.

We’ve got a first look at the action packed opening of the issue. Can you say Batman and Robin crash a wedding? Well, now you can.

BATMAN AND ROBIN #17 hits Wednesday.

[gallery link="file"]

A few variants for Friday

Well, more like a slew. A slew of goodness.

Where to begin? Well, let’s cut to the chase so you can close out the week with a bunch of pretty pictures that’ll ease you into the weekend. First up we have a bunch of Batman covers, including Carlo Barberi’s cover to BATMAN: ORPHANS #2, Guillem March and Gene Ha’s respective BATMAN AND ROBIN #18 covers, J.H. Williams III’s takes on BATMAN INCORPORATED #2 and #3, a lovely Felipe Massafera variant for GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS #5 and Sami Basri’s variant for SUPERMAN #706. Enjoy!

[gallery link="file"]

A few links of note: IGN puts the spotlight on BATMAN in November

bmtdknov

Over at IGN, there’s a ton of BATMAN excitement going on. If you missed it, the site announced plans for Paul Cornell and Scott McDaniel to step onto BATMAN AND ROBIN for three issues, gave readers a first look at David Finch’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT and talked to BATMAN writer/artist Tony Daniel and Batman Group Editor Mike Marts.

And there’s more on the way. Hm, seems like November is shaping up to be a big month for the Dark Knight, huh?

What? Too on the nose? Well, I’m not the detective here.

And now…DC COMICS PRESENTS

The DC Universe has a long and storied history, touching upon a myriad number of characters and teams, not to mention the company’s rich creative history. So why not take a moment and look back at some of these issues? Welcome to DC COMICS PRESENTS – a series of one-shots and specials geared to do just that. Embracing history and stories that connect with the present day activities of our favorite heroes, villains and creators.

Here’s a complete rundown of the DCU titles that will fall under DC COMICS PRESENTS:

dccp-bday-cv1-copy

DC COMICS PRESENTS: BRIGHTEST DAY #1

Written by NEIL GAIMAN, ED BRUBAKER, JUSTIN GRAY, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, SCOTT KOLINS and ARNOLD DRAKE

Art by CARMINE INFANTINO, TEDDY KRISTIANSEN, SCOTT KOLINS, JOE BENNETT, SEAN PHILLIPS and RYAN SOOK Cover by RYAN SOOK

Spotlighting Hawkman and Deadman – two of the characters who returned after BLACKEST NIGHT to usher in BRIGHTEST DAY to the DC Universe! This volume collects several hard-to-find stories including tales from HAWKMAN #27, 34 and 36, SOLO #8, DCU HOLIDAY ‘09 and STRANGE ADVENTURES #205. Everything from the first appearance of Deadman to a team-up between he and Hawkman can be found here!

On sale OCTOBER 13 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-ethanvs-cv

DC COMICS PRESENTS: ETHAN VAN SCIVER #1

Written by ANN NOCENTI

Art and cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

Batman and Catwoman face off in the streets of Gotham City as they search for the ultimate weapon – a gun that never misses! Collecting BATMAN AND CATWOMAN: TRAIL OF THE GUN #1 and 2, this volume features the stunning artwork of superstar Ethan Van Sciver as he brings to life two of the most iconic characters in the DC Universe.

On sale OCTOBER 13 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-superman-cv1

DC COMICS PRESENTS: SUPERMAN #1

Written by GEOFF JOHNS and JEPH LOEB

Art by IAN CHURCHILL, ARIEL OLIVETTI, TODD NAUCK and BRENT ERIC ANDERSON

Cover by ED MCGUINNESS

DC Comics is proud to present these hard-to-find stories by best-selling writers Geoff Johns (BRIGHTEST DAY, GREEN LANTERN) and Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: HUSH, Hulk)! Collecting SUPERMAN #179-185 and SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #121, this volume pits The Man of Steel against the Royal Flush Gang, Major Force and...Dracula?

On sale OCTOBER 27 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-jack-cross-cv-copy

DC COMICS PRESENTS: JACK CROSS #1

Written by WARREN ELLIS

Art and cover by GARY ERSKINE

Now, terror has something to fear – and his name is Jack Cross! This massive special features JACK CROSS #1-4, a never-collected volume introducing Warren Ellis’s one-man anti-terrorist unit Jack Cross and his special brand of violence and civil protest, gorgeously illustrated by Gary Erskine (THE FILTH).

On sale OCTOBER 6 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-batman-cv1

DC COMICS PRESENTS: BATMAN #1

Written by ED BRUBAKER

Art and cover by SCOTT MCDANIEL

Collecting BATMAN #582-585 by Ed Brubaker (GOTHAM CENTRAL, SLEEPER, Captain America) and Scott McDaniel (NIGHTWING)! These lost tales feature Batman vs. The Penguin in an epic showdown!

On sale OCTOBER 20 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-yj-cv1-copy

DC COMICS PRESENTS: YOUNG JUSTICE #1

Written by TODD DEZAGO

Art and cover by MIKE MCKONE & HUMBERTO RAMOS

Because you demanded it! Collecting the out-of-print JLA: WORLD WITHOUT GROWN-UPS 2-issue miniseries, this is the story that started it all for Young Justice. Featuring Robin, Impulse, Superboy and the JLA and art by Mike McKone (TEEN TITANS) and Humberto Ramos (IMPULSE, Wolverine)

On sale OCTOBER 27 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

dccp-gl-cv1

DC COMICS PRESENTS: GREEN LANTERN #1

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art by DARRYL BANKS and DALE EAGLESHAM

Cover by DARRYL BANKS

Kyle Rayner and Jade take the stage in this special collecting GREEN LANTERN #137-140. Now that Jade is back as part of BRIGHTEST DAY, take a peek back in time to when her relationship with Kyle was in full bloom!

On sale OCTOBER 6 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

A look at BATMAN in September

September marks the conclusion of BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE — but what does that mean for the Dark Knight? We’re not telling, but click below for a few clues.

bm_cv703_solicitcmyk

BATMAN #703

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

1:10 “DC 75th Anniversary” Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

Celebrating the “Return of Bruce Wayne”! Those closest to The Dark Knight look back on the legacy he has created. Featuring appearances by Alfred, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Selina Kyle and more!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

bmody_cv3

BATMAN: ODYSSEY #3

Written by NEAL ADAMS

Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

1:25 Sketch variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

Batman legend Neal Adams returns to The Dark Knight! In the third chapter of Adams’s epic Batman tale, Bruce Wayne and Alfred strategize the next steps on The Dark Knight’s odyssey…but appearances by both The Riddler and Talia al Ghul might spoil their plans!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 3 of 6 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

dtc_cv869

DETECTIVE COMICS #869

Written by DAVID HINE

Art by SCOTT MCDANIEL & ANDY OWENS

Cover by PETER NGUYEN

“Impostors” continues here! Madness and mayhem face off against law and order for control of Gotham City, and not even the Batman is safe! With The Joker Impostor leading the charge of chaos and filling the streets of Gotham with his army of Jokerz, the ranks of the Batman Impostor’s army grow thanks to regular citizens choosing sides and taking up arms. But what is Impostor Joker’s ultimate goal – and what does it have to do with the real Dark Knight and Clown Prince of Crime?

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

bmsog_cv16

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #16

Written by PAUL DINI

Co-feature written by IVAN BRANDON

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN & DEREK FRIDOLFS

Co-feature art by RAMON BACHS & JOHN LUCAS

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

With Bruce Wayne soon to return to Gotham City, the secret past lives of his parents, Thomas and Martha, have come back to haunt the family legacy in chapter three of this 6-part sequel to “Heart of Hush”! What bizarre experience in their past is connected to a horrible plan that Tommy Elliot has set in motion?

And in the co-feature, Two-Face’s desperate grab at power continues as he and his gang hold an entire subway train hostage! But how could he possibly escape capture with the FBI waiting for him at the next stop?

On sale SEPTEMBER 22 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

bmrbw-cv6

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #6

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by LEE GARBETT & WALDEN WONG

Cover by ANDY KUBERT

1:25 variant cover by LEE GARBETT

Grant Morrison and BATGIRL artist Lee Garbett deliver the final chapter of this time-spanning epic! With Bruce Wayne just steps away from returning to present day Gotham City, the timestream might have a few more surprises in store for The Dark Knight! Do not miss this issue, as it paves the way for the shocking future era of Batman!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 6 of 6 • 40 pg, FC $3.99 US

bnr16_solicit

BATMAN AND ROBIN #16

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by CAMERON STEWART

Cover by FRANK QUITELY

1:25 variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

Don’t miss this fantastic finale as BATMAN AND ROBIN’s storyline connects with THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE! The climactic showdown between Batman and the Black Glove is finally here. It’s payback time for The Dark Knight as Batman and Robin face the ultimate evil. Will Damian betray his father’s legacy? Will Bruce Wayne return just in time to see Dick Grayson die? Plus, The Joker and Professor Pyg!

This is only the beginning of a startling new status quo for the Batman…

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

rhood_cv4

RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #4

Written by JUDD WINICK

Art by JEREMY HAUN

Cover by BILLY TUCCI

Jason Todd’s journey has taken him all over the world in search of those who can help him train for his revenge on Batman. But something has begun to change inside him, and the blood and destruction he leaves in his wake is becoming far too risky. Now, he finds himself in London, learning at the feet of an expert bomber. But when Jason learns that the pyrotechnic genius is planning “something big” for the city, it may be something Jason’s better nature won’t tolerate...

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC

$2.99 US

bmbeyond-4

BATMAN BEYOND #4

Written by ADAM BEECHEN

Art by RYAN BENJAMIN and JOHN STANISCI

Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

This is it! The mystery killer is unmasked! The secret of the new Catwoman is revealed! Gotham City is under siege! Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne are at odds! And Batman is torn between duty, doubt, and a vengeance-crazed super-villain!

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

azr_cv12

AZRAEL #12

Written by DAVID HINE

Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

In “The Killer of Saints” part 3 of 4, truth and faith come into conflict when Azrael risks everything to save the life of the keeper of the True Shroud. If he fails, the secret of the shroud will be lost forever. If he succeeds, he must face the fact that everything he ever believed in is a lie.

On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

gotham-sirens-16-cover-not-final

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #16

Written by TONY BEDARD

Art by ANDRES GUINALDO

Cover by GUILLEM MARCH

Secrets involving the “Return of Bruce Wayne” affect all three Sirens and set the girls against each other in a brutal display of their villainous roots! Guest-starring Zatanna and Talia al Ghul.

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

rrob_cv16

RED ROBIN #16

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA

Art and cover by MARCUS TO & RAY MCCARTHY

The new Anarky has his own version of Red Robin’s Hit List! Ulysses Armstrong has made a record of Gotham City teens who could be Red Robin – and he’s murdering them one by one. With an incapacitated Tim Drake crossed off his list, can Red Robin stop Anarky before the villain attacks his next target? And with the deaths of innocents weighing on his conscience, how far will Red Robin go to cross Anarky off his own Hit List?

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

bgv2_cv14-copy

BATGIRL #14

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER

Art by LEE GARBETT & TREVOR SCOTT

Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU

It’s terror in the third dimension starring Batgirl, Supergirl and Dracula…and Dracula, and Dracula! When Supergirl decides to get away from it all and visit Stephanie Brown on the campus of Gotham City University, a quiet, relaxing weekend turns into a monster movie mash-up! After a science experiment goes horribly wrong, 24 black-and-white Draculas are brought to life, and Batgirl and Supergirl are forced to become vampire hunters in order to stop an army of the celluloid undead!

On sale SEPTEMBER 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

osiders-33

OUTSIDERS #33

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art and cover by PHILIP TAN & JONATHAN GLAPION

The mystery of the vault is revealed as the horror of Geode is set loose on the streets of Markovia. And while the country prepares for war, Geo-Force must choose between protecting his armies from the might of The Olympian or re-uniting with a lost love.

Plus, discover why Simon Stagg is doing all those horrible things to Black Lightning...

On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

bmcon_cv48

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #48

Written by KEVIN VANHOOK

Art and cover by TOM MANDRAKE

It’s Batman and Superman vs. the undead! The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel join forces with a vampire and a werewolf to stop the nefarious Professor Combs from unleashing a vile Voodoo spell upon the world. But will even the combined might of the World’s Finest be enough to stop the powers of Hell? Be here to find out!

On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

NYT Bestselling Pop-Up creator Matthew Reinhart unveils DC SUPER HEROES: THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK

Part of the wonderful thing about DC's library of characters is their versatility -- whether they're presented on the big screen, television, in comics or in other forms of media, they still continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Case in point: DC SUPER HEROES: THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK.

From bestselling pop-up creator Matthew Reinhart, the book presents a 3-D experience of heroic proportions. Hitting this fall from Little, Brown and Company (with a one-day laydown date of October 5th) , the book presents a stunning and fun take on the DC Universe, from the New York Times-bestselling author of such pop-up titles as Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Universe.

Reinhart's latest celebrates the history, heroes and villains of the DC Universe in his popular and fun 3-D style which is sure to please super hero fans new and old.

Featuring 25 impressive pop-ups illustrated by an all-star cast of artists including Bernard Chang, Scott McDaniel, Freddie E Williams II and Aaron Lopresti -- DC SUPER HEROES: THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK also includs a light-up Bat-Signal and a final spread that features the most characters Reinhart has ever included in any one pop-up. Curious? You should be.

We took a minute to chat with DC Comics Licensed Publishing Editor John Morgan for more info on the book. Take it away, John:

“The best part about producing this book has been the collaboration between the comic book artists and Matthew Reinhart," said John Morgan, DC Comics Editor, Licensed Publishing. “Working closely with our talented team, Matthew transformed 2-D comics art into 3-D pop-ups that showcase dynamic poses and crazy perspectives. This is a really unique and striking book that's also incredibly true to DC's characters and comics."

Some Tuesday news: THE GREAT TEN

It's a short week here at The Source, what with our last summer Friday looming. Then it's back to the drain of five-day work weeks. Frightening, huh?

But we've got a ton of stuff lined up to show off in the next few days, so no worries. And we know how much you like teaser art. What's better than that? Well, teaser art and news, no?

You've heard rumblings about this here and there, but we can now officially confirm that starting in November, THE GREAT TEN will star in their own 10-part mini-series, from writer Tony Bedard and artist Scott McDaniel, with covers by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau.

At the dawn of the Chinese Century, the 10 official "super-functionaries" of the People's Republic face their greatest challenge as the gods of Ancient China return to destroy communist rule. Will the most populous nation on Earth drag the rest of the world down with it? Do its heroes even want to save a government that treats them like pawns?

Want more? We got Bedard to give us the basics on  the new series. Take it away, Tony:

“When I went off to college, I really got into Eastern philosophy -- Taoism, Buddhism, Zen, etc. Around the same time, I picked up ANIMAL MAN and I've been a hardcore Grant Morrison fan ever since. So I leapt at the chance to do a GREAT TEN series, to flesh out these characters Grant dreamed up and tap the amazing storytelling potential in both them and their country. It's a chance to do a different take on super-heroes, and just like my R.E.B.E.L.S. series, I think THE GREAT TEN is going to take a lot of people by surprise.”

THE GREAT TEN #1 hits 11/4. And, wait, here's some dandy preview art, including the cover to #1.

[gallery link="file"]

Have some pencils from THE SHIELD

Back when we chatted with RED CIRCLE editor Joey Cavalieri, we showed off new art from three of the four RED CIRCLE one-shots. In our continued efforts to show off as much cool art as we can, we snagged four SHIELD pages by artist Scott McDaniel, who, along with inker Andy Owens, will be handling art chores on the one-shot. SHIELD looks pretty angry, huh?

All four RED CIRCLE one-shots are hitting in August.

[gallery columns="4"]

The official word on THE RED CIRCLE

You've seen the amazing designs. You've seen Jesus Saiz's cover art. But there are more details to reveal, and more art to show. That's what The Source is for, no?

This August, writer J. Michael Straczynski pairs with an all-star cast of artists to introduce a new wave of heroes into the DCU with four one-shots, each spotlighting one of the four. THE HANGMAN pairs JMS with artists Tom Derenick and comic legend Bill Sienkiewicz, while INFERNO features the gritty linework of Greg Scott. THE SHIELD showcases the work of former SUPERMAN and BATMAN artists Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens while THE WEB features the team of Roger Robinson and Hilary Barta. A pretty impressive lineup, huh? But that's not all. We corralled Joey Cavalieri -- and JMS -- who along with assistant Chris Conroy is editing the RED CIRCLE books, to give us the lowdown on these reinterpreted characters and what their deal is. Take it away, Joey:

"Join the Red Circle: four books about four super heroes who are brand new to our universe. Everything goes in circles, and while these mighty crusaders have their roots in another time, J. Michael Straczynski has made sure that these guys’ colorful costumes aren’t empty suits. They’re fully rounded ndividuals, inhabited with the ethos of our modern era.

hangman-pg-08

There’s the Hangman…a doctor who’s been spared the executioner’s noose (a circle of rope, get it?) only to be confronted with a choice that condemns him o roam around Earth forever, aiding everyone in his orbit.

web-pg-02

And the Web, a man who’s had a life of ease and selfishness…but is forced to cast the resources of his, er, surroundings outward, to embrace and encircle everyone who needs his help!

inferno-pg-14

Inferno has incendiary powers, but no memory other than a single name…which may not even be his. He must circle back and discover who he is, where he came from, and why everything around him goes to blazes…

shield1

The Shield is the spearhead of a program meant to encompass America’s borders, but quickly becomes a link in a bigger chain. That chain becomes a chain reaction. As J. Michael said in a note to me ‘n Dan: 'This is where it gets really interesting. All four books are connected. One book sets up the next, then sets up the next, via interrelated actions. Each book slides off the next, showing the interconnectedness of the world, how fate can launch a bank shot from one person to the next. The Circle of Life, again reinforcing the Red Circle motif.'

Get the connection? We’ll show you how the circuit gets completed this summer. Circle your calendars: the Red Circle Revolution begins August 5th!"

Pages

Subscribe to scott mcdaniel