Hey DC Nation!

You know by now I love me my Red Circle books, characters and creators alike. We've got top-notch talent producing top-notch work on every issue, and everyone is deserving of the highest of praises. One of our unsung heroes is cover artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau, a rising star here at DC Comics, whose amazing work has graced titles such as FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: DANCE and THE GREAT TEN, and who makes THE WEB one of the most striking books on the shelves, month after month.

The Web's an interesting hero -- cocky, arrogant, loaded with money, looks and charm, yet he's also a compassionate man who truly wants to do good and help people. But intentions and actions can be very different things, and so far, the Web has found his worst enemy is himself, as he keeps tripping himself up thanks to his absolute hubris. Drawing a character like that requires an unbelievable level of skill and nuance, and Stanley nails it every time. I get a loose sketch one day:

...and then a stunning, fully-painted, ready-to-print cover the very next day later.

ONE DAY, people. ONE DAY. I'm actually convinced Stanley's cloned himself many times over to keep up with all his art commitments as well as his fulltime job. And you all see it, don't you? The supreme self-confidence the Web has, the cavalier attitude he brings into his superheroic feats, his money and his contemporary edge, all captured perfectly by these covers. So here's a little gallery of some of my favorites so far. Hope you all enjoy!

Thanks, Stanley!

Oh, and Stanley just shot these sketch over. Huh.

Now what the heck is this for? I guess I'll find out tomorrow!

Last week, we showed off some of the pages from the first issue of THE SHIELD, and now we have a look at THE WEB #1, featuring the main WEB feature, written by Angela Robinson with art by Roger Robinson and Hilary Barta. The issue also has a HANGMAN co-feature, from writer John Rozum and the REIGN IN HELL art team of Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Spinning out of August's "Red Circle" one-shots from writer J. Michael Stracynski comes this new ongoing series starring selfish rich-boy hero the Web, a man who has only recently come to understand the burden of true heroism. He's fighting crime on his own terms, and for his first mission he's hunting down the men responsible for killing his own brother. Talk about kicking things off on a personal note.

Plus, the Hangman stars in his own co-feature with a touch of urban noir, as the hooded vigilante haunts the streets of San Francisco and struggles to discover the true meaning of his supernatural powers. What? Words aren't enough? Well, we have some pictures below. Surely that'll entice you, no?

THE WEB #1 hits 9/23.

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We've covered the RED CIRCLE characters from pretty much every angle here on The Source, and we've got a few things to toss your way on this lovely Friday afternoon. Below, you'll see the cover to THE SHIELD #2, by Francis Manapul and the cover to THE WEB #2, by FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: DANCE cover artist Stanley Lau. Nice, eh?

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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.

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.

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 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…

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!"