It’s a great year to be a Superman fan.

 Earlier this week, USA TODAY profiled the Last Son of Krypton by discussing – amongst other things – his two brand new monthly series, SUPERMAN UNCHAINED from the acclaimed creative team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Jim Lee, and BATMAN/SUPERMAN by writer Greg Pak and artist Jae Lee.

 Now, the comic that started it all, ACTION COMICS, will be taken in a bold new direction by the all-star creative team of writer Andy Diggle (THE LOSERS; GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE) and artist Tony S. Daniel (DETECTIVE COMICS; JUSTICE LEAGUE). And it all kicks off with next month’s issue #19!

 “Even in an industry dominated by superheroes, Superman is THE superhero – the original and best - and I’m flattered, daunted and inspired in equal measure at being given the opportunity to build on such an incredible and historic legacy,” Diggle recently told DC Comics’ official blog, THE SOURCE. “The word ‘iconic’ is bandied around a lot in comics, but Superman defines the term. I’m excited to be working with Tony Daniel, whose artistic and storytelling skills will be bringing the world(s) of Superman to stunning visual life. Together we’ll be carving out spectacular new adventures that respect the past while redefining the future of the Man of Steel.”

 ACTION COMICS #19 doesn’t fly into stores until April, but we’ve got your exclusive first look at the eagerly anticipated comic book right here on THE SOURCE! Click here to check out the 5-page preview, which you’ll also be able to find in the back of all of the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 releases hitting spinner racks on March 20.

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at JUSTICE LEAGUE #14 and FABLES #123.

Following the exciting events of JUSTICE LEAGUE #13, Superman has turned against his team after being bitten by the Cheetah. This week, “The Secret of the Cheetah” concludes as the Justice League ventures deep into the Congo in search of Barbara Minerva. Without the help of the Man of Steel, the League must now rely on a local tribe for a way to defeat the Goddess of the Hunt and save their teammate. Will they succeed or will Superman remain a wild beast? And in the back-up story, Black Adam discovers the many ways the world has changed since his imprisonment. From the creative team of Geoff Johns, Tony S. Daniel, Gary Frank, and Richard Friend, JUSTICE LEAGUE #14 hits stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

In FABLES #123, “The Destiny Game” reaches its conclusion. In the issue, Ambrose continues his story about the early adventures of his father, Bigby Wolf. After meeting a mysterious green woman who reveals his terrible fate, Bigby has become depressed. It takes a soft-spoken turtle to lift his spirits once again by revealing the woman’s secret. But can the wolf use this secret to change his fate or is it too late? Also included is the continuing back-up story, “A Revolution in Oz”. All is brought to you by acclaimed writer Bill Willingham and artists Gene Ha and Shawn McManus, FABLES #123 arrives in stores this Wednesday. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

Every day until the start of Comic-Con, we’re bringing you something cool to help you count down the days to the start of the big show. Last week we debuted our new Comic-Con print ads. For this week, we reached out to some of our favorite writers and artists to ask them what they enjoy most about San Diego Comic-Con.

Our last Countdown to Comic-Con creator is Tony S. Daniel, the insanely talented writer and artist who recently relaunched Batman: Detective Comics as a part of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52. (The series’ first trade collection is in stores now.) Here are Tony’s thoughts on Comic-Con:

“San Diego Comic-Con is the biggest and greatest show on earth for fans and creators alike. It is the largest, most spectacular round up of the world’s greatest fans and the industry’s greatest talents. They come from all corners of the globe to experience what so many comic book and movie fans have made an annual pilgrimage. If you’re a fan, you’re in absolute science fiction and comic book heaven. If you’re a creator, you can’t help but become energized off of all the sights and sounds of the show. It is such a wonderful experience witnessing all of the excitement and passion from so many people in one giant place. I always leave inspired from looking at all the great art at the show, as well as talking with other artists whose work I admire. It’s the one place where I get to have fun as a professional and as a fan. San Diego Comic-Con is a must do and a must see.”

Tony will be signing in the DC booth and will also be a part of the Batman: Beyond the Night of Owls panel on Thursday, July 12th at 2 p.m. (Room 6DE) and the Drawing DC panel on Friday, July 13th at 3 p.m. (Room 11AB). But if you can’t make Comic-Con, you don’t have to worry about missing out. We’ll be covering DC’s slate of panels live as they take place on DCComics.com.

Next week, we’ll continue our countdown with some Comic-Con Survival Tips, all leading up to the start of our official Con Away From Con coverage on Thursday. See you there!

The Joker has gone missing from Arkham Asylum, but not even Batman can comprehend the grisly evidence the notorious madman left behind. Something strange and terrible is happening in Gotham City, and it all seems to revolve around a new villain known as Dollmaker.  

The relaunch of DC’s flagship title for the first time ever, DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 1: FACES OF DEATH comes to you from acclaimed writer and artist Tony S. Daniel. In addition to compiling issues #1-7, this hardcover collection also includes an exciting array of bonus features in the back of the book. Keep checking back to THE SOURCE every day this week for a sneak peek at some of these supplemental materials, including some of Daniel’s sketches and layouts.

DETECTIVE COMICS, VOL. 1: FACES OF DEATH is available in bookstores everywhere now.