sterling gates | DC Comics

NYCC 2010: Meet your new SUPERGIRL creative team

Hey, it’s New York Comicon. Did you expect a quiet few days?

First off, I’d like to give a huge tip of the hat to writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle. As many fans have said across the web, they’ve done a masterful job with SUPERGIRL and you can be sure their names will be popping up on the credits of many books to come. But more on that later.

Who’s taking over the reins of SUPERGIRL?

Starting in January, writer Nick Spencer (T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS and the JIMMY OLSEN co-feature in ACTION COMICS) will hop into the driver’s seat with artist Bernard Chang (SUPERMAN). As some of you faithful Source readers have noticed, Nick’s quickly risen up the ranks and become one of our busiest and most engaging creators. His knack for getting to the heart of the character – whether it’s the newly-introduced Chloe Sullivan (yeah, from “Smallville”!), Jimmy or the myriad heroes and characters that will populate T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS – and well-paced action are a classic recipe for success with a modern twist. Seriously. His stuff’s a treat.

You saw the SUPERGIRL #57 art we teased not long ago, right? Bernard’s got a knack for drawing Kryptonians, and has put together an impressive resume of late involving a number of key issues in the SUPERMAN family. So, Supergirl’s going to continue to look stellar, you can bank on it.

Let’s ping SUPERGIRL Assistant Editor Wil Moss for more, shall we?

“How do you follow a character-defining run like Sterling and Jamal had on SUPERGIRL? Beats me – that’s Nick and Bernard’s problem! But if anyone can do it, it’s these two guys. Get ready for a deadly new version of an old threat (one with ties to Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul’s run on ADVENTURE COMICS), and a laundry list of guest stars – the promo piece doesn’t even show half of ‘em! So while Supergirl the character has never been in more trouble, rest assured that SUPERGIRL the title has never been stronger!”

Tags:

bernard chang, blue beetle, damian wayne, francis manapul, Geoff Johns, miss martian, nick spencer, nycc 2010, sterling gates, supergirl

Bernard Chang steps in for a SUPERGIRL cameo

We swung by SUPERGIRL Assistant Editor Wil Moss’ office last week and got a chance to get a sneak peek at his usually impressive wall of covers, but also at a bit of news. Looks like the hyper-talented Bernard Chang will be returning to the Superman books with a guest spot on SUPERGIRL #57, pairing him with regular writer Sterling Gates. We’ve got a first look at some of the finished pages (which are lovely, but click below to find out for yourselves), but before we show ‘em off, let’s touch base with Wil to get a sense of why his issue merits some special attention.

“SUPERGIRL #57 is the conclusion of the ‘BizarroGirl’ arc, and Bernard Chang took over art duties for an issue to end things in high style! (And to give Jamal Igle & Jon Sibal a well-deserved break!) Writer Sterling Gates threw everything he could at Bernard to try to trip him up – Bizarro versions of practically the entire DCU, a planet-destroying monster with tons of smaller symbiotic monsters, an army of Bizarro Kryptonians, even a vulnerable Cat Grant! – but nothing could stop him. See for yourself!”

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Tags:

bernard chang, sterling gates, supergirl

Sterling Gates on SUPERMAN #700

I just remember how much it hurt.

Superman was dead.

I remember my dad explaining to me that these things happen, and nothing we say or do can stop them. I remember telling a kid in my Scout troop the news and watching tears well in his eyes. I remember wearing a black armband with a red s-shield on it to school. I remember being sad.

Superman was dead. He’d saved us all.

As fans of pop culture, we all have turning points -- moments when passing knowledge blossoms into a full-blown, all-out fandom. “The Death of Superman” was my turning point with Superman. The Man of Steel’s epic battle with Doomsday was captivating, and Superman’s eventual sacrifice to save Metropolis secured his place in my heart as one of the DC Universe’s greatest heroes. It was bittersweet to realize his greatness only after he was gone.

Then, he was back.

Superman’s return to life was a story that I couldn’t get enough of. Week to week I would tear through the next part of the “Reign of the Supermen,” desperate to find out what would happen next. By the time the “Real Steel Deal” showed up in Metropolis and proved his claim (wearing one of my all-time favorite costumes, the black Kryptonian Life-Suit!), I was officially a Superman fan for life. I mean, Superman fought his way back from the dead. Not even Batman could do that, right? (How little I knew back then!)

Superman returns.

“The Death and Return of Superman” is, for me, one of the greatest Superman tales in the modern age of comics. As a boy, it showed me who Superman is, and as a creator I still read it for inspiration. Superman never gives up and he never gives in, not even in the face of death. He’s inspirational, someone we can all draw strength from, and he fights for everyone, down to his very last breath.

He died once upon a time, though, and a Superman fan was born. I haven’t looked back since.

Happy 700th issue, Superman. I hope I never have to wear that black armband again, but if I do, I know it will be because you went down fighting for all of us.

Tags:

death of superman, sterling gates, supergirl, Superman

STERLING GATES ON SUPERGIRL #53 AND BEYOND

“It’s been a hard year for SUPERGIRL. The WAR OF THE SUPERMEN resulted in the tragic loss of New Krypton, thousands of Kryptonian lives, Supergirl’s mother, Alura, and her best friend, Thara Ak-Var (a.k.a. FLAMEBIRD). For the next story arc, Supergirl will be wrestling with guilt over her own perceived culpability in New Krypton’s destruction.

“Supergirl will discover that no matter how hard we try to run from our problems, our lives make other plans for us. While Supergirl struggles with her inner demons, a strange and twisted version of herself appears in Metropolis: BIZARRO-GIRL! Bizarro-Girl will take Kara on a terrible journey across dark regions of space, eventually leading back to Bizarro World. There, Supergirl confronts an enemy that threatens not only to wipe Bizarro World out of existence, but every other populated planet in the galaxy, too! Will Supergirl be able to stop it in time?

“Speaking of time, fans of LAST STAND OF NEW KRYPTON saw the first meeting between Supergirl and the time-traveling Legionnaire named BRAINIAC 5. But Brainy seemed to know Supergirl, as if they’d met before…

“We’ll be picking up the threads of that dynamic this fall in SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #2, when Supergirl meets the LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES for the first time! Yes, she’s met them a few times before, but the statement stands (and will make total sense when you read it). Supergirl and the Legion will square off against one of the scariest Legion villains of all, as a tear in the fabric of time leads to horrible consequences on Halloween in 30th-century Metropolis.

“Kara’s supporting cast will continue to play a major part in SUPERGIRL. LANA LANG, JIMMY OLSEN, NATASHA IRONS, INSPECTOR HENDERSON, DR. LIGHT, even GANGBUSTER – they will all influence Supergirl’s life. Daily Planet reporter CAT GRANT will launch a massive new campaign against our Girl of Steel this fall, and she’ll be surprised when fan mail starts coming into the office. When some of that mail turns deadly, though, Cat will have to ask a certain teenaged superhero for help…

“Across 2010 and 2011, readers will see: SUPERWOMAN’s fate; the invasion of Supergirl’s home, Hammersmith Tower; syllabus day at METROPOLIS UNIVERSITY; the biggest mistake in Lana Lang’s life; the tragedy of the terrible TOYMAN; Supergirl’s ever expanding rogues gallery; and just what happens when Brainiac 5 and Supergirl kiss!

“By the time we reach the mid-point of 2011, Supergirl will have a much more defined sense of who she is and where her life is heading. Right around then, though, just as Supergirl’s happier with her life than ever before…that’s when her greatest enemy returns … and brings along friends.”

SUPERGIRL #53, featuring art by JAMAL IGLE & JON SIBAL, is on sale now.

Tags:

sterling gates, supergirl, superman #700

This week, it’s all about Superman

If you thought we had a blog packed with creators, news and excitement when BATMAN #700 came out, you’re in for a treat. As some of you know, this week marks the 700th issue of SUPERMAN. The anniversary issue not only features a first look at J. Michael Straczynski and Eddy Barrows’ “Grounded” storyline, but is full of clues and hints about the other titles in the SUPERMAN family, including ACTION COMICS, SUPERGIRL and the new SUPERBOY series from Jeff Lemire.

Before we dive into all the goodies, here’s a hint of what’s to come:

• Comments from Superman writers and artists, past and present, talking about the charater, his significance.

• A sneak peek at not only SUPERMAN #700, but beyond – including Paul Cornell and Pete Woods’ upcoming run on ACTION COMICS, Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle’s SUPERGIRL and the new SUPERBOY series.

• And – well, that’d be telling. Suffice to say, we’ve got a handful of surprises that’ll keep you on your toes and near a computer.

Speaking of, we’ve got a SUPERMAN-centric image that’ll knock your socks off. But more on that later.

Tags:

action comics, eddy barrows, grounded, j. michael straczynski, jeff lemire, paul cornell, pete woods, sterling gates, superboy, supergirl, Superman, superman #700

To-do tomorrow: Robinson, Gates signing at Speeding Bullet Comics

Going to be in or around Norman, Oklahoma tomorrow? Got a few hours free? Then why not swing by Speeding Bullet Comics? The Oklahoma store will be celebrating its 12th anniversary in a major way, by hosting the superstar writing team of the hit WAR OF THE SUPERMEN mini-series, James Robinson and Sterling Gates.

The duo will be meeting with fans to discuss the aftershocks of the War and signing books from 3-6pm on Saturday, June 12. Speeding Bullet Comics is located at 614 N Porter Ave., in Norman, Okla.

For more info on the event, visit the Speeding Bullet website.

Tags:

James Robinson, speeding bullet comics, sterling gates, Superman, war of the supermen

Close out the week with another open thread: Favorite DC storyline?

Did you think we’d stop at just one?

We liked the idea of polling creators on their favorite covers so much – and based on their response, they liked it, too – we decided to expand the question a bit: What’s your favorite DC Comics storyline of all time?

So, Source readers, let your wheels start turning. What’s that one issue, storyline, etc. that stands above and beyond the others as your favorite DC Comics storyline? I know what mine is. Share yours in the comments below.

And click below to see what Co-Publisher Dan DiDio and some of the biggest names in the comic book industry. have to say. And if that’s not enough, swing by GRAPHIC CONTENT and THE BLEED for another round.

Have a great weekend.

DAN DIDIO, DC Comics Co-Publisher

My favorite storyline -- from my time here -- has to be INFINITE CRISIS. Knowing the effort the team here put into the series and how tightly executed the story was from beginning to end, its everything I hoped it would be and just great comic book story telling.

DAVID FINCH, BRIGHTEST DAY cover artist

My favorite DC comics storyline is LOBO: THE LAST CZARNIAN, by Kieth Giffen, Alan Grant and Simon Bisley. I think I've read this book aout 500 million times now, and it always has something new that cracks me up. It's ideal reading for teenagers and misfits with deep set anger management issues.

STERLING GATES, SUPERGIRL writer, SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN co-writer

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #’s 171 and 172

“The Murderer Among Us: Crisis Above Earth-One” and “I Accuse…”

I fell in love with “The World’s Greatest Superheroes” as a result of this classic 1970’s Gerry Conway/Dick Dillin JLofA two-parter.

“Mr. Terrific was strangled,” Superman says. “And since the Flashes proved that no one else is onboard but the JLA and the JSA, that leaves us with only one conclusion…one of US is a murderer.”

And that’s just the end to part one! What a great cliffhanger!

My father gave me #171 as we were getting in the car to leave for a family vacation one summer, and for the rest of the trip I was dying to know what happened in issue #172. I sat in the back of my dad’s car, pouring sweat in the Texas heat, trying to figure out whom amongst the heroes could possibly be the killer. It had to be one of the Justice Society, right? I mean, they wouldn’t make any of the Justice Leaguers killers, would they? Would they?!

Unfortunately, back issues weren’t easy to come by at that point (pre-eBay, mind you), so it was a couple years before I found out just who murdered poor Terry Sloane.

When I did find out?

Did not see it coming. At all.

(And no, I’m not gonna spoil it for you here.)

JUDD WINICK, JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST co-writer

My favorite story line is not a story line, it's 2 issues. DC COMICS PRESENT: SUPERMAN #13 and 14. It's INSANE in it's concept, BUT incredibly emotional. An adult Pete Ross' son is kidnapped by aliens. Pete FINALLY tells Clark that he KNOWS he's Superman ( Clark NEVER knew!), and Pete begs Supes to save his son. BUT Superman "fails" to save Pete's boy. Pete, distraught, takes revenge by--dig this--pulling Superboy out the past, swamping minds with Superboy, and then goes off AS Superboy and puts a beating on Superman. Who saves the day? Krypto.

It was wonderfully insane, BUT hits so many emotional beats that even as a 9 year old, I was deeply moved. I haven't read it 30 years, but it has always stayed with me.

BRIAN AZZARELLO, FIRST WAVE writer

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21- "The Anatomy Lesson". Alan Moore's second Swamp Thing issue literally blew up- or should I say "grew up" comics. Reading it is one of the "I remember where I was when I" moments in my life.

JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JONAH HEX co-writer

My favorite batman storyline ever is BATMAN : YEAR ONE. it features both frank miller and dave mazzucchelli at their peak. this is the book i have read and re-read so many times i have two copies and both are worn out. its the best batman story ever told and as far as art goes, its the textbook in teaching new artists how to tell a story.

DUSTIN NGUYEN, BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM artist

Besides the classic BATMAN: YEAR ONE and such, i did like the NO MAN'S LAND crossover event a lot. Gotham was always a bit more on the realistic side of cities within comics, and a natural disaster like an earthquake was just a fitting way to shake up events for the Batman Universe. Honestly though, i'd have blown out both of Joker's knee caps."

FRANCO, TINY TITANS writer/artist

The storyline that sticks out in my head? So many that I love!!!!! As I'm thinking, the first one that pops into my head is the new JUSTICE LEAGUE series by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis! It didn't have any of the big guns in it except for Batman but it was soooo good! It was funny too ( I'm a humor guy as if you couldn't tell) but the best part and why it sticks out in my mind? Batman takes down Green Lantern with just one punch!

JT KRUL, GREEN ARROW writer

Probably going to be on many people's list, but I have to go with THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. Just an incredible game-changing story. It redefined not only Batman but essentially comics in general in terms of what they could be - and it's impact is still apparent to this day. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Tags:

batman: no man's land, batman: the dark knight returns, batman: year one, brian azzarello, Dan DiDio, dc comics presents, dustin nguyen, infinite crisis, j.t. krul, jimmy palmiotti, judd winick, justice league international, justice league of america, sterling gates, the saga of the swamp thing

OPEN THREAD: What’s YOUR favorite DC Comics cover…ever?

It’s been a celebratory week here at The Source, what with our string of lovely 75th anniversary variants, the TASCHEN news and the first look at DCU: LEGACIES #1.

But we’re not done. As we continue to celebrate DC’s 75th anniversary, we thought it’d be a great time to look back at the company’s illustrious history and see what you, the fans had to say. But this isn’t your usual open thread, folks.

Let’s talk covers. To say that the cover image is important would be a huge understatement. It's what draws you in. Everyone remembers their first cover. Everyone has a favorite. That one image that just screams “Comics!” and takes us back to a simpler time where our biggest concern was how many copies of a certain title we’d be able to lug home from the shop that day. I can think of a few that stand out for me in an instant. So, Source readers, here’s the question: What’s your favorite DC Comics cover? Why?

But that’s not what makes this open thread special. Not only do we want to hear what your favorite cover is, we’ve got comments from some of the biggest names at DC.

Curious to hear what they’ve got to say? Click below, and don’t forget to check Vertigo’s GRAPHIC CONTENT and WildStorm’s THE BLEED for even more creators chiming in.

DAN DIDIO, DC Comics Co-Publisher

I stuck to books that came out during my tenure. As far as covers go, THE FLASH #207 by Michael Turner. The Flash has never looked so fast standing still.

DAVID FINCH, BRIGHTEST DAY cover artist

My favorite DC cover is by Alex Ross, and it's for BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE. It's got Bruce standing with his back to the viewer and he's running his hand over the scars that crisscross his whole back. It just captures everything that Batman is about for me. He's not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and he's willing to sacrifice his own body and mind to the cause.

BRIAN AZZARELLO, FIRST WAVE writer

OUR FIGHTING FORCES #150. Joe Kubert's covers told stories that were sometimes better than the one's in the books.

JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JONAH HEX co-writer

My favorite comic cover has to be JONAH HEX #27 by Jordi Bernet. There is so much storytelling packed into this single image as well as

brilliant composition by one of Europe's greatest illustrators. Jordi is and will always be one of my favorite artists.

JT KRUL, GREEN ARROW writer

Tough call. I could easily rattle off a bunch of the obvious ones: Killing Joke, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Watchmen, etc. But one that always stuck with me was Denys Cowan's cover for THE QUESTION #34. It was the first Question comic I bought (don't ask me how the book managed to elude me until then). There's a such a haunting quality to the man without a face, but it's the masses behind him that really help set the mood. That cover, not to mention all the Question covers drove me to spend money I didn't have in college on back issues to fill my run. Each week, I'd tell myself I'm only going to get one or two, but I always walked out the door of my LCS with five or six. But who needed food, when you had great comics, right?

STERLING GATES, SUPERGIRL writer, SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN co-writer

TEEN TITANS #14. How can you look at this great Nick Cardy cover and NOT want to read this issue?

Not only have the other Teen Titans DIED, their ghosts are haunting Robin!

I always wondered if they were encouraging him to quit being a superhero, or quit life and join them six feet under. The dead can be a selfish lot, so I have no trouble imagining them trying to get Robin to come on down…

LEE BERMEJO, JOKER, LUTHOR artist

Gotta say my favorite DC cover has got to be Bill Sienkiewicz's cover to THE SHADOW #1. Just a beautiful, graphic image that is aggressive as well as elegant, modern and timeless simultaneously. Those two Uzi's unloading in your face blew my young mind and made me an instant fan of both the character and Sienkiewicz's genius. The key was in that squinted eye, though. I think it was the first time I felt like a participant as opposed to reader.

DUSTIN NGUYEN, BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM artist

Mignola's cover to BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #54 pretty much sums up everything i love about the look of Batman. Bold simple colors, plenty of drama in an otherwise static pose, and the eyes- perfectly positioned inside the silhouette of a horned cowl. And it's RED, i like red."

FRANCO, TINY TITANS writer/artist

That's an easy one! My favorite cover has always been the NEW TEEN TITANS #13!! I saw this thing and it knocked me on the floor! I knew the Titans were going to be in trouble when somebody kicked Robot Man's tin can and hung him out to dry in the middle of the Amazon forest!!! There was just so much detail here and I remember pulling it off the rack and just staring at it for a while and the guy behind the counter yelled at me and asked if I was gonna buy it or just stare at it all day. I did both! It was the first series that compelled me to go find all the back issues. Mr. Perez is the master!

ART BALTAZAR, TINY TITANS writer/artist

SUPERMAN #337. AW YEAH! WHAT? Superman quits? NEVER!

Awesome cover! The colors rock! Awesome Bad Guys too! First time I ever saw Metallo! This cover has mystery, Drama, conflict and adventure! I love how happy the bad guys are to finally defeat the Man of Steel! The Super Friends cartoon was on TV at this time, so it was cool to see Brainiac and Bizarro. PLUS! All those Bad Guys together is what we want to see!

JUDD WINICK, JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST co-writer, POWER GIRL writer

My favorite cover is ACTION COMICS #500. "The Life Story Of Superman". It's my favorite DC comic. It told the entire story Superman. It was like getting 10 pounds of Ice Cream. The cover SCREAMED to me--THIS IS SPECIAL! and it was and it is.

YILDIRAY CINAR, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES artist

The cover I picked up is BATMAN #366 by Walt Simonson. The cover speaks for itself. The layout, composition, lightning...One of my favorite covers in my entire collection since my childhood.

The 100-Minute War rages in WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #2

It’s the Battle for Mars, courtesy of writers Sterling Gates, James Robinson and artist Eduardo Pansica. With Superman having left the Kryptonian military to try and stop the war, General Zod needs to find a new Commander El – Superman’s cousin Supergirl.

THE WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #2 hits 5/12.

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Tags:

eduardo pansica, James Robinson, new krypton, sterling gates, Superman, war of the supermen

Look ahead to Spring 2011

Every now and then we get the chance to give you a quick peek at what’s coming from DC beyond the next few months. This time, we have a chance to peel back the curtain for a bit to show you some of the more notable collections that’ll be hitting stores next Spring — including an interplanetary war and the return of a much-loved hero.

DC Universe highlights for spring 2011 include:

SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN HC

Writers: Sterling Gates and James Robinson

Artists: Eddy Barrows, Aaron Lopresti, Jamal Igle, Eduardo Pansica, CAFU, Bernard Chang and others

In stores: January

Collects: SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #0-4 and SUPERMAN #700

$19.99 US, 144 pages

THE FLASH: THE DASTARDLY DEATH OF THE ROGUES HC

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Francis Manapul and Francis Manapul

In stores: February

Collects THE FLASH #1-7 and material from THE FLASH SECRET FILES AND ORIGINS 2010

$19.99 US, 208 pages

Tags:

aaron lopresti, bernard chang, don kramer, eddy barrows, Flash, francis manapul, Geoff Johns, jamal igle, James Robinson, spring 2011, sterling gates, Superman, war of the supermen

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