THE DARK Group Solicits

CONSTANTINE #3

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art by RENATO GUEDES

Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

1:25 B&W Variant cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

John Constantine’s quest to find the last piece of a powerful mystic artifact before his enemies do brings him to a city that could kill him the moment he sets foot in it: London!

 

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #8

Written by DAN DIDIO and J.M. DeMATTEIS

Art by PHILIP TAN

Cover by GENE HA

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The Phantom Stranger investigates his past and is quickly reminded of the price he must pay for being part of The Trinity of Sin!

 

SWORD OF SORCERY #8

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Art and cover by AARON LOPRESTI

On sale MAY 15 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

Eclipso brings destruction to the heart of House Amethyst in an epic 30-page story! Will Amaya finally master her heritage? On this day, a princess dies!

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN

On sale MAY 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

The Flash and Swamp Thing guest-star as the team struggles to recover the stolen House of Mystery from Dr. Destiny!

 

ANIMAL MAN #20

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by JOHN PAUL LEON and STEVE PUGH

Cover by JAE LEE

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

The battle against the Rot has left Buddy’s family in ruins, and now they must withstand another force trying to subvert him: his own celebrity!

 

SWAMP THING #20

Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by KANO

Cover by ANDY BRASE

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

It’s Swamp Thing vs. Superman for the fate of Metropolis—and why are all of Swamp Thing’s worst nightmares coming true? Plus: Who is the mysterious Capucine?

 

DIAL H #12

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN

Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

On sale MAY 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

Nelson and Roxie are on the run from the Centipede and The Fixer! Their only hope of rescue lies in the hands of Open Window Man! But who is that masked avenger?

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #20

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by ROBSON ROCHA and OCLAIR ALBERT

Cover by BERNARD CHANG

On sale MAY 8 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

After decades of questing, the Demon Knights have a lead on the resting place of the Holy Grail—but are they ready for what they’ll have to fight through to get it? And has time run out on one knight’s immortal life?

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20 cover by Mikel Janin)

THE DARK Group Solicits

CONSTANTINE #2

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art by RENATO GUEDES

Fold-out cover by JUAN JOSE RYP

1:25 Variant cover by RENATO GUEDES

On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Which ghostly menace haunts Constantine today?

 

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #7

Written by DAN DIDIO and J.M. DeMATTEIS

Art and fold-out cover by GENE HA and ZANDER CANNON

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Do you dare ask who slayed the Stranger?

 

SWORD OF SORCERY #7

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Backup story written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and fold-out cover by AARON LOPRESTI

Backup story art by ANDREI BRESSAN

On sale APRIL 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• What is the great evil Constantine unleashes on Gemworld, and why is Amethyst powerless to stop him?

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art and fold-out cover by MIKEL JANIN

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The House of Mystery is under seige—can special guest star The Flash help Justice League Dark battle this unexpected threat?

 

ANIMAL MAN #19

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by STEVE PUGH

Fold-out cover by JAE LEE

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• As Animal Man's popularity grows, the paparazzi follow him everywhere. But is there one place he wishes they just wouldn't go?

 

SWAMP THING #19

Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by KANO

Fold-out cover by ANDY BRASE

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What could Swamp Thing possibly fear more than The Scarecrow?

 

DIAL H #11

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN

Fold-out cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

On sale APRIL 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• What? The? Flash?

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #19

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art and fold-out cover by BERNARD CHANG

On sale APRIL 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• What undead menaces threaten the lives of the Demon Knights?

 

I, VAMPIRE #19

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV

Art by FERNANDO BLANCO and ANDREA SORRENTINO

Fold-out cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

On sale APRIL 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+ • FINAL ISSUE

• With this, the final issue, will Andrew Bennett survive to dawn’s light?

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 by Mikel Janin)

Preview Monday: THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3 and FAIREST #10

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3 and FAIREST #10.

 

Following the exciting events of THE PHANTOM STRANGER #2, our hero hangs on the verge of death. This week in “Family Matters,” The Phantom Stranger battles The Haunted Highwayman for the life of Terrence Thirteen. But can he save him from The Highwayman’s vendetta against the Thirteen family? Or will his curse prevail and force him to betray all those he encounters? Find out in THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3, in stores this Wednesday, written by Dan DiDio and illustrated by Brent Anderson, Philip Tan and Rob Hunter. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

 

The last issue of FAIREST left us with the Rapunzel and her hairdresser, Joel, narrowly escaping from the CEG building. This week, “The Hidden Kingdom” continues … and we finally discover how Rapunzel lost her children! Meanwhile, the couple encounters a mysterious cat who offers to take them to the kids. Is it a trick or will our heroine finally be reunited with her family?  From writer Lauren Beukes and artist Inaki Miranda, FAIREST #10 hits stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

THE DARK Group Solicits

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #5

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by BRENT ANDERSON and PHILIP TAN

Cover by JAE LEE

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Phantom Stranger’s family has gone missing!

• He’ll stop at nothing to find them, even if it means going up against Pandora and the vengeful wrath of The Spectre!

 

SWORD OF SORCERY #5

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Backup story written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art by AARON LOPRESTI

Backup story art by ANDREI BRESSAN

Cover by AARON LOPRESTI

On sale FEBRUARY 20 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• Amy learns how her father died and is forced to test her skills when she’s attacked by assassins from House Onyx!

• Plus: In the backup story: STALKER, the immortal warrior without a soul, must beat Lucifer at his own game!

 

ANIMAL MAN #17

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and SCOTT SNYDER

Art by STEVE PUGH

Cover by STEVE PUGH with YANICK PAQUETTE

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• The epic climax of “ROTWORLD” starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17!

• All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world?

• Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family.

 

SWAMP THING #17

Written by SCOTT SNYDER and JEFF LEMIRE

Art by MARCO RUDY

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE with STEVE PUGH

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• The epic finale of “ROTWORLD” continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17!

• What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your mind.

 

DIAL H #9

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN

Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

On sale FEBRUARY 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• DIAL M for MINOTAURA! Friend or foe? Rescuer or captor?

• Nelson and Roxy continue to uncover secrets of the H-dial in Canada while evading the appendages of the Centipede.

• And introducing THE GLIMPSE, a fleeting yet deceptively powerful new hero.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #17

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN

On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• Constantine and the others are trapped on a world where magic has been outlawed, and Tim Hunter is king!

• Their only hope of returning home is in the hands of Colonel Steve Trevor—but will the A.R.G.U.S. chief decide to protect the Earth by leaving Team Dark where they are?

 

I, VAMPIRE #17

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV

Art by DENNIS CALERO

Cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

On sale FEBRUARY 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Vampire love triangle! Cain and Mary are getting a little too close for comfort as the plan to rescue Andrew Bennett nears its end.

• However, Andrew’s got a plan of is own for Cain...

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #17

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art and cover by BERNARD CHANG

On sale FEBRUARY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• How can things get worse for Jason Blood, the man bonded for eternity to the Demon Etrigan? Let’s start with decades of brutal torture…

• Vandal Savage is on the scene to rescue Blood, which may not be a good thing.

• And where is Madame Xanadu?

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The covers for ANIMAL MAN #17 and SWAMP THING #17 by Steve Pugh and Yanick Paquette)

THE DARK Group Solicits

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #4

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by BRENT ANDERSON and PHILIP TAN

Cover by BRENT ANDERSON

1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRENT ANDERSON

On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• John Constantine and Justice League Dark are about to learn the hard way why it’s never a good idea to make the Phantom Stranger angry!

• But why do the defenders against the dark arts need the Stranger’s presence in the first place?

 

SWORD OF SORCERY #4

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Backup story written by MARC ANDREYKO

Guest art by TRAVIS MOORE

Backup story art by ANDREI BRESSAN

Cover by WALTER SIMONSON

1:25 B&W Variant cover by WALTER SIMONSON

On sale JANUARY 23 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• Amaya travels home to Earth from Gemworld only to find new trouble! What will happen to her powers when she becomes Amy Winston again?

• Guest-starring John Constantine!

• And in the new backup story, enter a world of modern magic and terror with Stalker, the man without a soul!

 

ANIMAL MAN #16

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by STEVE PUGH, TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOSEPH SILVER

Cover by STEVE PUGH

On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• “ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM” part four!

• Animal Man has Constantine, Steel, Black Orchid, Beast Boy, Frankenstein and a whole army of patchwork men and women at his back — but is that enough to go up against Anton Arcane at the heart of the Rot?

• Team Red sets off for Metropolis to recruit a powerful new ally!

 

SWAMP THING #16

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• “ROTWORLD: THE GREEN KINGDOM” races toward its epic conclusion!

• It’s Swamp Thing vs. Rotmonster as Superman as Arcane’s ultimate plan is revealed!

• What sacrifice must Swamp Thing make to cleanse the Earth of the Rot?

• And what secret did Batman leave behind in the ruins of Gotham City?

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #16

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art and by MIKEL JANIN

On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The team is trapped on a magic-less planet that makes a horrible mockery of their powers!

• With time running out, Tim Hunter may be the team’s last chance to escape…if Steve Trevor doesn’t seal their fate first!

• Keep an eye out for a new character based on a winning design from SyFy’s popular show Face Off!

 

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #16

Written by MATT KINDT

Art and cover by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and WAYNE FAUCHER

On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • FINAL ISSUE

• Don’t miss this final issue finale!

• Frankenstein and his team of misfit S.H.A.D.E. agents are sent in to stop a group of superpowered biological terrorists from detonating a

dirty bomb in Central City!

 

DIAL H #8

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and DAN GREEN

Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

On sale JANUARY 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• The Centipede creeps in and strikes!

• Nelson and Roxie are on the trail to unlock the mysteries of the H-dial while being stalked by the mysterious Centipede, who may have the answers they are looking for...and his own dark and deadly motivations.

• Everything combusts when Flame War appears and ignites a confrontation that must be read to be believed!

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #16

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by BERNARD CHANG

On sale JANUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• It’s the DC debut of new writer Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar, The Surrogates)!

• It’s been thirty years since the Demon Knights last rode together — and they’re less than happy to see each other!

• What has happened during this time? Who lives? Who’s dead? Who’s going to stop the massive vampire invasion that threatens all life? The Demon Knights had better find some answers fast!

 

I, VAMPIRE #16

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV

Art by DENNIS CALERO

Cover by ALEX GARNER

On sale JANUARY 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• The true origin of vampires in The New 52 is revealed here through the life and times of Cain!

• Andrew’s plans as King of Vampires are coming together, and that’s not good for humanity.

 

Click here to see a gallery of art for the above titles.

 

Third Wave Spotlight: THE PHANTOM STRANGER #1

In September, Zero Month introduced you to four all-new ongoing series: THE PHANTOM STRANGER, SWORD OF SORCERY, TALON and TEAM 7. With these #0 issues, you got a taste of the new characters and stories that will be impacting the ever-growing DC Universe.

 

This month, each of these four series will launch their #1 issue. To celebrate these releases, we’ve been putting a spotlight on each of these new titles every day this week on THE SOURCE. Last (but certainly not least!) up is THE PHANTOM STRANGER #1. From writer Dan DiDio and artists Brent Anderson and Philip Tan, THE PHANTOM STRANGER #1 hits stores on October 10. We asked DiDio and Anderson to tell us a little bit about their creative processes and to tease what readers can expect from issue #1. 

 

How did you use issue #0 to help you launch issue #1? How were your creative approaches to these two issues different?

 

DAN DIDIO: With issue #0, we gave you a much longer look at the Phantom Stranger’s origin than we originally planned. And while that book is a look back, issue #1 sets up a number of storylines that will play out in the course of the series.


What’s been the most fun aspect of writing/drawing and launching the new series so far?

 

BRENT ANDERSON: All the characters in THE PHANTOM STRANGER so far are new to me and I enjoy seeing new characters’ personalities develop under my pencil (oh, and drawing the fedora – I love that!).

 

DAN DIDIO: The most fun (and the most difficult) part is keeping the book focused on the character of the Phantom Stranger. In past series, the stories were mostly about other characters and how the Stranger affected their lives. With this series, every story affects the Phantom Stranger.


Do you have a ritual (music you listen to or something you eat or do to get you prepped) before approaching the writing/drawing for the series? If so, what is it?

 

BRENT ANDERSON: I like to watch TV series and movies on DVD that tangentially relate to the subject matter. I listen to the soundtracks and other genres of music in the same fashion.

 

DAN DIDIO: Long morning walks to sort out the stories. And it’s probably good that it’s early in the morning – the less people who see me talking to myself, the better!

 

Below, take a first look at THE PHANTOM STRANGER #1 by taking an exclusive look at some of the issue’s interior art by Anderson and Tan.

 

THE DARK Group Solicits

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #3

Written by DAN DIDIO

Art by BRENT ANDERSON and PHILIP TAN

Cover by BRENT ANDERSON

1:25 Variant cover by PHILIP TAN

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• The Stranger vs. Haunted Highwayman vs. Dr. 13!

• The Stranger’s curse dictates that he must betray all those he encounters! Can he beat the odds this time?

• The future and past of The New 52 collide in this issue!

 

SWORD OF SORCERY #3

Written by CHRISTY MARX

Backup story written by TONY BEDARD

Art and cover by AARON LOPRESTI

Backup story art by JESUS SAIZ

1:25 Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

On sale DECEMBER 19 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

• Amethyst finally meets her murderous Aunt Mordiel in person! But it turns out that Queen Graciel has secrets of her own. Will House Amethyst be further driven apart?

• Plus: In the backup, story Beowulf leans the disturbing secret behind the war that ravaged the DC Universe!

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #15

Written by JEFF LEMIRE and RAY FAWKES

Art by MIKEL JANIN

Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• A new story arc starts here!

• Trapped in a technologically advanced dimension where magic is outlawed and magic users are hunted and executed, the team must find Zatanna and Tim Hunter within 48 hours or be trapped there forever!

• Rules have never stopped this team before, but their attempts to use magic in this issue are met with terrifying results.

 

DIAL H #7

Written by CHINA MIEVILLE

Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI

Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• A new storyline begins as Nelson and Manteau are off to Europe in search of a relic that might hold the answer to their secret powers!

• Meanwhile, a powerful stranger arrives in Littleville to await their return.

 

ANIMAL MAN #15

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by STEVE PUGH, TIMOTHY GREEN II and JOSEPH SILVER

Cover by STEVE PUGH

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• “ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM” part three!

• Trapped in a horrible future controlled by The Rot, Animal Man battles Grodd and his Gorillas in a city they’re claiming for their own!

• Frankenstein joins the fight!

• Guest-starring Steel, Black Orchid, Beast Boy and John Constantine!

• Plus: Find out what happened to Maxine after Buddy left with Swamp Thing to enter Rotworld. Hint: It’s not good…

 

SWAMP THING #15

Written by SCOTT SNYDER

Art by MARCO RUDY

Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

On sale DECEMBER 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+.

• “ROTWORLD: THE GREEN KINGDOM” part three!

• Batman’s fate in the Rotworld is revealed!

• Guest-starring the inmates of Arkham Asylum who have been dramatically affected by battling the Green, the Red and the Rot!

 

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #15

Written by MATT KINDT

Art and cover by ALBERTO PONTICELLI and WAYNE FAUCHER

On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• “ROTWORLD: SECRETS OF THE DEAD” finale!

• Frankenstein vs. the last of the Colossi for possession of the soul-grinder, Victor Frankenstein’s unholy machine of destruction — but it’s the only hope against The Rot!

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #15

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art and cover by BERNARD CHANG

On sale DECEMBER 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

• EVERYTHING changes this issue!

• Merlin, Lucifer and a connection from the past to Stormwatch are all here…right before the team enters what could be their final battle!

• So what happens next? Or should the question be when? And whose hands will the Black Diamond fall into?

 

I, VAMPIRE #15

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV

Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

On sale JANUARY 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+

• Mary and company continue to piece together the secret of what turned Andrew evil — and the answer lies with Cain, the first vampire!

• More secrets continue to flow from the events of issue #0.

 

Click here to see a gallery of covers for the above titles.

 

(The cover for SWORD OF SORCERY #3 by Aaron Lopresti)

Who’s Who in the New 52: Week One

Today marks the release of the first week of DC Comics’ #0 issues. Each of these special issues is filled with everything from secrets to revelations to origin stories. These will both explain what happened before the launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 last summer, as well as plant seeds for future story arcs!

 

If you’ve already picked up your #0 issues today, you’ve probably noticed that in the back of each book (and now online!) is a Who’s Who entry on a major character in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. These pages share information such as each character’s first appearance, base of operations, powers, history, and other appearances. Below, check out the list of which character is being spotlighted on each of this week’s releases and be sure to click on their names to read up on who they are!

 

ACTION COMICS #0 – Superman

ANIMAL MAN #0 – Animal Man

BATWING #0 – Batwing

DETECTIVE COMICS #0 – Commissioner James Gordon

DIAL H #0 – The H-Dial

EARTH 2 #0 – The history of Earth 2

G.I. COMBAT #0 – The Unknown Soldier

GREEN ARROW #0 – Green Arrow

GREEN LANTERN #0 – Green Lantern

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #0 – The Phantom Stranger

STORMWATCH #0 – Stormwatch

SWAMP THING #0 – Swamp Thing

WORLDS’ FINEST #0 – Power Girl & Huntress

 

Exclusive First Look at the Covers for the First Week of ZERO MONTH!

Timed to the one year anniversary of the launch of the historic DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 initiative, DC Comics will introduce 0 month.

 

Below, take an exclusive first look at the final covers for all of the 0 month issues hitting stores on September 5th!

 

ACTION COMICS #0!

 

 

ANIMAL MAN #0!

 

 

BATWING #0!

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #0!

 

 

DIAL H #0!

 

 

EARTH 2 #0!

 

 

G.I. COMBAT #0!

 

 

GREEN ARROW #0!

 

 

GREEN LANTERN #0!

 

 

THE PHANTOM STRANGER #0!

 

 

STORMWATCH #0!

 

 

SWAMP THING #0!

 

 

And last but certainly not least, WORLDS' FINEST #0!

 

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