DC Comics

Top 10 Comic Books & More For June 2016

Diamond Announces Top Products For June 2016

(BALTIMORE, MD) — (July 8, 2016) — An Inhuman with the power to predict the future brings conflict to the heroes of the Marvel Universe in Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez’s Civil War II from Marvel Comics, the best-selling comic book of June 2016 according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors, the world’s largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise.

Their sales powered by Civil War II, Marvel Comics was June’s top publisher with a 40.08% dollar share and a 44.17% unit share. With strong Rebirth sales, DC Entertainment was the month’s number two publisher with a 29.93% dollar share and a 31.69% unit share. At number three was Image Comics with a 7.88% dollar share and a 7.64% unit share. IDW Publishing was fourth with a 5.22% dollar share and a 4.15% unit share, followed by Dark Horse Comics with a 2.81% dollar share and 1.76% units share.

Marvel Comics had three of June’s best-selling comics; beyond Civil War II #1, Marjorie Liu and Mark Brooks’ Star Wars: Han Solo #1 ranked #4, and Bendis and Marquez’s Civil War II #2 ranked #5. DC Entertainment took the other seven spots in the top ten, led by Tom King and David Finch’s Batman #1 at #2; Tom King, Scott Snyder, and Mikel Janin’s Batman Rebirth #1 at #3; Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert, and Klaus Janson’s Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5 at #6; Miller, Azzarello, John Romita, Jr., and Peter Steigerwald’s The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade at #7; Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Makhke’s Superman Rebirth #1 at #8; Greg Rucka and Liam Sharp’s Wonder Woman #1 at #9; and Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s Superman #1 at #10. Among the premier publishers, Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead #31 was Image Comics’ top book for June at #31. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #1, the first part of a new mini-series, was IDW Publishing’s top book at #119. Finally, Hellboy in Hell #10, the final chapter of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy saga, ranked #140 as Dark Horse Comics’ top-selling comic book.

A new era opens in Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga Volume 6 from Image Comics, the best-selling graphic novel of June and one of their three titles in the top ten. DC Entertainment had five titles in the top ten, led by Paul Dini and Eduardo Risso’s original graphic novel Dark Night: A True Batman Story at #2. Marvel Comics’ adult coloring book Color Your Own Young Marvel by Skottie Young ranked #5. Rounding out the top ten, Dark Horse Comics’ graphic novel Neil Gaiman’s How to Talk to Girls, an adaptation of Gaiman’s short story by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba, ranked #10.

IDW Publishing’s Danger Girl: Permission to Thrill Coloring Book was June’s best-selling book for June. Scholastic’s young adult novel, Harley Quinn: Wild Card, ranked #2.

An alternate universe Deadpool joined Diamond Select Toys’ Marvel Gallery line-up with June’s Marvel Gallery: Lady Deadpool PVC Figure, the best-selling toy product of June and one of Diamond Select Toys’ two products in the top ten. DC Collectibles had six products in the top ten, led by the Batman v. Superman: Armored Batman Statue at #2.

IDW Games’ Back to the Future: Adventures Through Time Board Game, based on the fan-favorite movie trilogy, was June’s best-selling game product. Also in the top ten from IDW Games was The X-Files: The Board Game at #2. Also of note, Diamond Select Toys’ Back to the Future Monopoly, a custom version of the venerable board game, ranked among June’s top ten games at #4 for the month.

Movie Trailers

Watch: Batman: The Killing Joke Clip

DC All Access released a clip for the upcoming animated Batman: The Killing Joke movie as well as unboxed the new Suicide Squad geek box and more. See below.

“All it takes is one bad day.” But don’t worry, today’s going to be a great day for DC fans. At least if we have anything to do with it. In today’s all new episode of DC All Access, we’re giving you an exclusive clip from the highly anticipated Batman: The Killing Joke animated movie. Plus, we look at our newest Rebirth comic, Justice League: Rebirth, preview the debut issue of The Flintstones, look at the latest chapters of Batman and The Sheriff of Babylon and get a sneak peek at the newest Legion of Collectors Box…before giving you a chance to win it!

“Batman: The Killing Joke” arrives August 2, 2016 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition, Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.

Synopsis:

Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, Batman: The Killing Joke takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.

The celebrity-laden cast is led by Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League) and Mark Hamill (Star Wars franchise) as they reprise their seminal roles as the voices of Batman/Bruce Wayne and The Joker, respectively. The cast also features Tara Strong (Teen Titans; Batman: Arkham games), as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop) as Commissioner Gordon.

Movie News

Get Free Tickets To LEGO Justice League: Gotham City Breakout Premiere

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents Special Saturday, July 9 West Coast Premiere of

LEGO® DC COMICS SUPER HEROES – JUSTICE LEAGUE: GOTHAM CITY BREAKOUT at THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA in LOS ANGELES

Family-Friendly Event set for Saturday Afternoon includes Screening, Film Talent Panel, Signed Posters & LEGO® Toys for All Kids; Free Tickets Available to Fans on First Come, First Served Basis

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment invites Los Angeles area fans to the West Coast Premiere of its newest animated brick-tastic adventure – LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Gotham City Breakout – with a family-friendly event on Saturday afternoon, July 9, 2016. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend the event for red carpet media interviews, premiere screening, a post-screening panel discussion and plenty of interactive fun with the fans and families in attendance.

The screening will commence at Noon (12:00pm) at the The Paley Center for Media (465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills). The event will include a post-screening interactive panel discussion, special LEGO® prizes for all kids in attendance, photo opportunities with LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes standees, and an autograph signing on collectible posters.

Many members of the cast and filmmaking crew will be on hand for the festivities. Confirmed to attend the event are Batman Beyond star Will Friedle (Nightwing) Young Justice star Jason Spisak (Joker), The Adventures of Puss in Boots star Eric Bauza (Bane), producer Brandon Vietti, director Matt Peters and writer Jim Krieg. Additional talent will be announced as confirmed.

The cast of LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Gotham City Breakout includes some of the top voice actors in the industry playing Super Heroes and Super-Villains alike: Troy Baker (Batman), Nolan North (Superman), Grey Griffin (Wonder Woman), Khary Payton (Cyborg), John DiMaggio (Deathstroke), Tom Kenny (Penguin), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn), Vanessa Marshall (Poison Ivy), Greg Cipes (Beast Boy), Scott Menville (Robin) and Hynden Walch (Starfire). Amy Hill adds to the fun as the voice of Madame Mantis, and Modern Family star Sarah Hyland joins the LEGO Super Heroes fun as Batgirl.

Free tickets are available to the general public, and families are encouraged to enjoy the film and festivities. Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on July 9 must RSVP via email to [email protected].

The body of all fan RSVP emails MUST include the first & last name of the entrant, a valid email address, and how many tickets are being requested. No need for pleas, no begging, no extra words – just three simple lines of information. And please only apply once.

Here’s an example of EXACTLY how the body of the RSVP email should appear:

Arthur Curry
[email protected]
Number of Tickets

Tickets to the event will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis, and fans will be notified via email promptly.

In LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Gotham City Breakout, Batgirl and Nightwing take Batman on a trip down memory lane – literally – to visit one of the key mentors from his formative years – leaving the Justice League to keep Gotham City crime-free. But neither situation proves to be a “vacation” as the Bat trio encounters old nemeses on their adventure, and the Justice League discovers just how busy Batman is on a regular basis. It’s a brick-tastic battle on two fronts as Batman, Batgirl and Nightwing take on Bane and Deathstroke, while the Justice League – with some help from a few Teen Titans – fends off an assault by Joker and many of Batman’s infamous adversaries to ensure Gotham City’s safety.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and the LEGO Group, LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Gotham City Breakout is distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film is now available for purchase via Digital HD, and July 12, 2016 on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD. The Blu-rayTM and DVD releases will include an exclusive Nightwing LEGO® figurine, while supplies last.

TV News

Watch: Powerless Cast Reveals DC Characters

Check out DC All Access checking in with the cast of the upcoming new DC NBC comedy series, Powerless, where they reveal a few of the DC Comics characters involved including Jack O’Lantern and more.

Powerless looks to premiere next Mid-Season (Winter 2016/Spring 2017).

Powerless will also be featured at Comic-Con.

Synopsis:

In the first comedy series set in the universe of DC Comics, Vanessa Hudgens (“Grease Live,” “High School Musical”) plays Emily, a spunky young insurance adjuster specializing in regular-people coverage against damage caused by the crime-fighting superheroes. It’s when she stands up to one of these larger-than-life figures (after an epic battle messes with her commute) that she accidentally becomes a cult “hero” in her own right … even if it’s just to her group of lovably quirky co-workers. Now, while she navigates her normal, everyday life against an explosive backdrop, Emily might just discover that being a hero doesn’t always require superpowers.

Movie News

Watch: Batman Vs. Superman “101” Videos

With the Batman Vs. Superman Ultimate Edition becoming available tomorrow, get caught up on all the characters and info from DC All Access’ Jason Inman with three “101” videos.

Watch BVS 101: “In the Shadows of Gods,” “Rise of the Metahumans,” and “Origins of Justice” below.

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is directed by Zack Snyder starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Ray Fisher as Cyborg with Callan Mulvey, Holly Hunter as Senator Finch and Tao Okamoto as Mercy Graves.

Synopsis:

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

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Movie News

Watch: Kevin Conroy Talks Batman: The Killing Joke

Kevin Conroy returns to voice the Dark Knight in the upcoming animated DC movie, Batman: The Killing Joke.

Check out video below of Conroy talking about how the movie expands upon the comic book story.

You can watch the trailer here.

Batman: The Killing Joke makes its premiere at Comic-Con next month.

“Batman: The Killing Joke” arrives August 2, 2016 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition, Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.

Synopsis:

Batman: The Killing Joke is seen by many as the definitive Batman and Joker story. So perhaps it’s fitting that two of the most definitive actors to ever voice the roles are returning for its animated adaptation. In this DC All Access animation clip, we talk to Kevin Conroy about voicing Batman in the highly anticipated, R-rated film based on the acclaimed one-shot. How does he feel about bringing this particularly dark tale of the Dark Knight to life?

roland-emmerich-slams-marvel-dc-superman

Marvel Movie News

Roland Emmerich Slams Superman, DC & Marvel Movies Again

Once again, Independence Day director Roland Emmerich slams comic book movies with specific mention of DC, Marvel and Superman.

Emmerich goes so far as to claim the comic book movies have been ripping him off (via Loaded Online).

“I felt that when I saw some of these Marvel movies, or DC movies from Warners, I felt, ‘Oh my, God, that looks familiar to me. Why is Superman bashing so many buildings?'”

“I was actually warned already by Steven Spielberg that this will happen. He said Independence Day will be the most imitated film of the next 20 years, and he was right. Smart man.

Emmerich also is asked if he would be interested in directing a comic book movie and responds as follows:

“Very early in my career I was offered one or two of those, but it’s not my kind of film. I grew up in Germany and we weren’t big on superheroes to begin with. Actually, they didn’t work as well as everywhere else in the world. Only now they work very well. I just also felt that I wanted to make my own films. I pride myself to make originals. Even Independence Day: Resurgence is, I think, quite original for a sequel because it’s more the continuation of the story.”

Emmerich also previously said he doesn’t like capes.

Independence Day: Resurgence opened this week in theaters at #2 behind Finding Dory and is currently rated 34% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Movie News

WB Partners With American Greetings For Justice League, Wonder Woman & More

American Greetings Expands Long-standing Warner Bros. Consumer Products Partnership New Greeting Cards Featuring Popular Licensed Characters to Hit Retail in 2017

Cleveland (June 21, 2016) – American Greetings has proudly partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products for many years, and the greeting card industry-leader is excited to expand this partnership in 2017 with brand-new greeting cards featuring popular characters from the entertainment industry powerhouse. Ranging from iconic feature films and television series to classics and exciting new properties, the lineup of Warner Bros. Consumer Products licenses will be an impressive addition to the already-unmatched portfolio of relevant brands, licenses and content partners at American Greetings.

Complementing the robust offering of stickers, party goods and seasonal gift wrap already available at your favorite national retailer, and highlighting choice characters, such as the inspirational DC Super Hero Girls and action-packed Justice League, this on-trend selection of new greeting cards will be available beginning January 1, 2017. Consumers can celebrate everyday and seasonal occasions – including Birthday, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween and Christmas – with brand-new greeting cards featuring the beloved The Wizard of Oz, fan-favorite Big Bang Theory, the silly sleuthing Scooby-Doo, the extraordinary Wonder Woman, and many more epic Warner Bros. Consumer Products properties.

“For many years, our relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products has allowed American Greetings to provide consumers with superior products to help them make meaningful connections with the important people in their lives, and we are thrilled to expand on our successful work with the talented Warner Bros. Consumer Products team,” said Mike Wovna, Vice President of Licensing and Sales at American Greetings. “This opportunity to deliver more of the amazing Warner Bros. and DC characters that are adored across generations promises continued success in 2017 and beyond.”

The holidays will bring additional surprises and cheer to the American Greetings card department with Warner Bros. Consumer Products notable array of seasonal properties, such as Elf, A Christmas Story, Polar Express and Frosty the Snowman.

Consumers can find these Warner Bros. Consumer Products cards and products, in addition to a great selection of inspiring cards and products from American Greetings, at participating drug chains, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Those who enjoy sending ecards can share American Greetings cards online from www.americangreetings.com.

Comic Book News

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Pop! Figures Revealed

Diamond, Funko Celebrate 30 Years of the Dark Knight Returns with PREVIEWS Exclusive Vinyl Figures

(BALTIMORE, MD) – (June 14, 2015) – Frank Miller’s groundbreaking and acclaimed graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016, and Diamond Comic Distributors and Funko have teamed up for a line of PREVIEWS exclusive Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures.

You’ll find four impressive depictions of Batman from The Dark Knight Returns in the urban stylized design of Funko POP! Heroes Vinyl Figures, with a design that could only be inspired by the mind of Frank Miller. The line continues in the months ahead with PX figures of the Joker (available October 2016), government agent Superman (available January 2017), and Carrie Kelly’s Robin (available February 2017)!

The seven PX figures will be available to preorder from the July PREVIEWS for a suggested retail price of $11.99 each:

• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS BATMAN BLUE PX VINYL FIG (JUL162701)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS BATMAN BLACK PX VINYL FIG (JUL162702)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS ARMORED BATMAN PX VINYL FIG (JUL162703)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS UNMASKED AMORED BATMAN PX VINYL FIG (JUL1620704)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS JOKER PX VINYL FIG (JUL162706, Available OCT 2016)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS SUPERMAN PX VINYL FIG (JUL162707, available JAN 2017)
• POP DC HEROES DARK KNIGHT RETURNS CARRIE KELLY ROBIN PX VINYL FIG (JUL162705, available FEB 2017)

Fans are encouraged to pre-order their own The Dark Knight Returns Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures at their local comic book shop from the July PREVIEWS catalog to ensure they get each when they are released in early September.

To find a comic shop to order, visit www.comicshoplocator.com.

Comic Book News

DC Comics Announces Batman Rebirth Crossover

THE FIRST CROSSOVER OF THE “REBIRTH” ERA BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER WITH “NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN!”

Six-Part Crossover Debuts in the Pages of BATMAN, NIGHTWING, DETECTIVE COMICS

Gotham City is the battleground for the first crossover since the beginning of REBIRTH this past June! “Night of the Monster Men” spans the BATMAN, NIGHTWING and DETECTIVE COMICS issues on sale late September and early October, pitting the heroes of Gotham against a mystery-shrouded foe from the Dark Knight’s past!

Night of the Monster Men – September

Part One – BATMAN #7

On sale September 21

Co-Written by Steve Orlando and Tom King

Art by Riley Rossmo

As a huge storm approaches, Batman, Batwoman and Nightwing try and prepare Gotham City for the worst, but nothing can prepare the heroes for the enormous monsters rampaging through the streets! Batman will need all of his allies to unite in order to stop these mad science monsters from tearing Gotham apart!

Part Two – NIGHTWING #5

On sale September 21

Co-Written by Steve Orlando and Tim Seeley

Art by Roge Antonio

The Monster Men are stomping their way through Gotham City! How can the Bat-team take on both these monsters and the storm of the century? And when Nightwing goes behind the scenes to discover where these monsters originated, what he finds lurking in the shadows might be worse than the monsters themselves!

Part Three – DETECTIVE COMICS #941

On sale September 28

Co-Written by Steve Orlando and James Tynion IV

Art by Andy MacDonald

Batman and Batwoman take to the streets in a motorcycle death race against a monster that transforms faster than either of them can keep up! And at Blackgate Prison, something truly terrifying is growing in the prison’s darkest depths… and its eggs are hatching!

Parts Four through Six of “NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN” concludes the storyline in the pages of BATMAN #8, NIGHTWING #6 and DETECTIVE COMICS #942, to be solicited next month.

Comic Book News

Watch: Green Lanterns Reveals New Power: Emerald Sight

Wednesday’s issue of Green Lanterns #1 revealed a new power for Simon Baz — Emerald Sight.

Watch DC All Access talk about the power below.

Spoiler pages have also hit the net.

Two rings are better than one, right? In this DC All Access comics clip, we talk to Green Lanterns writer Sam Humphries about leaving the new kids in charge of Sector 2814. Will Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz learn to work together without destroying the Earth in the process? What role does the mysterious new Guardian have to play? And what’s the deal with Simon’s cryptic new vision? You don’t need to ask your power ring for answers, we’ve got them right here!

TV News

DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow Gets Citizen Steel

DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow is getting Citizen Steel.

Deadline reports Minority Report‘s Nick Zano is playing Dr. Nate Heywood and will be a series regular.

In the series, Citizen Steel is described as a historian whose grandfather was Commander Steel, a member of the Justice Society of America.

It’s further said: In the comics, “Nate becomes Steel/Citizen Steel, a former member of the Justice League of America. The producers of the CW series are being ambiguous whether Nate will walk in his grandfather’s super heroic footsteps but, given the superhero nature of the show, that appears almost certain.”

In addition to Nick Zano, DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow will cast a second series regular.

Ciara Renee, who play Hawkgirl, left the show with the final episode of Season 1, and Wentworth Miller’s Captain Cold will now be a recurring character on both The Flash and Legends next season.

DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow Season 2 will return in the Fall on The CW.

TV News

Arrow Season 5 Casts Rick Gonzalez As Wild Dog

It’s learned that in Arrow Season 5, Oliver Queen will have a new sidekick with the DC Comics character Wild Dog.

EW.com reports Rick Gonzalez will play Jason Seaborn, a.k.a. the DC Comics character Wild Dog, in the upcoming fifth season of Arrow.

Wild Dog in the series is decribed as: “A new vigilante in Star City whose reckless and cocksure nature prompts Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) to take him under his wing.”

It’s further said that Rick Gonzalez will appear in multiple episodes.

Gonzalez is known for Mr. Robot, Rush, and Rosewood.

Arrow Season 5 returns in the Fall starring Stephen Amell.

Movie News

Wonder Woman Coming To Comic-Con; Batman Vs. Superman Featurette Announced & Logo

DC officially announces plans for Wonder Woman‘s 75th anniversary, which includes Comic-Con, a Batman Vs. Superman Blu-Ray featurette and more (Suicide Squad will be at Comic-Con as well).

See below.

Info:

New Commemorative Logo Kicks Off Festivities Leading to First Solo Film in 2017

To mark the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s best-known Super Heroes, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment today unveiled plans for a year-long celebration of Wonder Woman. The character has transcended the pages of comics to become a powerful global symbol of justice, equality and peace.

Beginning with a new commemorative logo honoring the Amazon Princess’s legacy, highlights of the year will include the relaunch of her comic book series; new graphic novels; convention panels; and consumer products, including apparel, toys and other exclusive merchandise. These and further anniversary events will culminate in the release of the very first “Wonder Woman” feature film on June 2, 2017.

First seen in October 1941 in All-Star Comics #8 in a back-up story meant to test her appeal at a time when female superheroes were rare, Wonder Woman quickly broke out and headlined her own title by the next year. Subsequent generations came to know the star-spangled heroine with metal bracelets on her wrists and a magic lasso by her waist via her hit 1975-79 television series and roles in animated shows and movies, as well as her historic appearance on the cover Ms. Magazine #1 in 1972. This past March, Wonder Woman was seen for the first time in a live action motion picture with her introduction in the global blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“Wonder Woman is a legend around the world and one of the most valuable franchises at our studio, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this anniversary,” said Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. “Millions of fans already know her from comic books, television, and her big screen debut in ‘Batman v Superman,’ but the upcoming year building to her first solo film will be the most dynamic and exciting in the character’s history.”

Over the decades, Wonder Woman has run for president, organized a union, flown an invisible plane, lost and regained her powers, studied martial arts, battled Ares, the God of War, worked at a fast food chain, and had a romantic relationship with Superman. Her diverse history will be integrated and celebrated in a new comic book series launching this month as part of DC Universe: Rebirth that honors what fans love most about the character.

Written by fan favorite Greg Rucka and on sale June 22nd, Wonder Woman #1 will be the first print debut of the new Wonder Woman 75th commemorative logo. Other variations of the new logo created for various products merge the character’s name and traditional “W” symbols with the number 75, set alongside a striking blue silhouette of the iconic character in a warrior stance.

“Wonder Woman has long stood with Batman and Superman in the trinity of DC’s most iconic Super Heroes, but she also stands alone as a symbol of equality, justice and female empowerment and is more relevant today than ever,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, and President and Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “With her roots in Greek mythology and American feminism, Wonder Woman is one of the most unique and compelling characters in comic book history; her longevity is a testament to her global appeal and the special place she holds in the hearts of generations of girls who have imagined wielding their own lassos of truth.”

Created by William Moulton Marston, a psychologist who invented the lie-detecting polygraph machine, Wonder Woman was conceived as a new type of superhero who used wisdom and compassion, not just her fists, to triumph over evil. Daughter of the queen of the all-female Amazon tribe from Greek mythology, Wonder Woman was imbued by the gods with powers, including super-strength and a lasso that compels anyone it surrounds to tell the truth. Wearing a costume inspired by the flag of a downed American pilot, she travelled to “patriarch’s world” to fight for such values as peace and equality. She is the only female comic book character to have her own stories continuously published for the past three quarters of a century.

Among the events and products Wonder Woman fans can look forward to over the next year from Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment are:

• At long last, June 2, 2017, will see the long-held hopes of millions of fans fulfilled as the first “Wonder Woman” movie is released in cinemas worldwide, starring Gal Gadot in the title role, Chris Pine as Captain Steve Trevor, Robin Wright as the Amazonian General Antiope and Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, directed by Patty Jenkins.
• A “Wonder Woman 75” panel at San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2016 will celebrate the history and future of the Super Hero, along with displays at DC’s booth of Lynda Carter’s original costume from the 1970s television series and numerous additional costumes, including the one worn by star Gal Gadot in the upcoming film.
• A commemorative box set of Wonder Woman’s greatest stories to be released by DC in July, as well as a hardcover special edition celebrating her 75th anniversary to be released in October and available through the holidays.
• A life-size Wonder Woman invisible jet will be on display at San Diego Comic-Con and the rare plane will illuminate at night for fan photos, along with one-of-a-kind Wonder Woman-inspired graffiti-art pieces. WBCP and Mattel will offer an exclusive anniversary DC Multiverse™ Wonder Woman Action Figure and Invisible Jet combo set (available exclusively on Mattycollector.com beginning June 17) designed especially for the 75th celebration.
• A wide range of new Warner Bros. Consumer Products licensed merchandise, including The Barbie™ Collection Amazon Princess Wonder Woman™ Barbie® Doll (available exclusively on Mattycollector.com beginning June 17), fashion and accessories from partners such as Valentino, Under Armour and Converse, luggage and backpacks from Pottery Barn, and a line of Wonder Woman-inspired beauty products available exclusively at Walgreens.
• New toys and webisodes from the recently launched DC Super Hero Girls line prominently featuring Wonder Woman, as well as an original animated movie, “DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year,” coming to Digital HD on August 9 and DVD on August 23.
• Included on the home entertainment release of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” coming to Digital HD on June 28th and Blu-ray Combo Pack on July 19th, is a 22-minute featurette called “The Warrior, The Myth, The Wonder” which explores Wonder Woman’s history, origin, evolution and powerful impact on popular culture.
• Curated Spotify playlists from top female talent in music, film, TV, sports, and more. WaterTower Music and DC’s weekly playlists showcase the music that inspires these ladies to be Wonder Women in their daily lives. Listen to the first curated list from musician Brandy Clark here and follow the WW75 playlist to receive weekly updates.
• Wonder Woman returns as a major player in the upcoming video game “Injustice 2,” the highly anticipated sequel in development by NetherRealm Studios to be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2017.

Comic Book News

DC Comics Announces Batman Day Returns

DC Comics has announced the return of Batman Day on September 17th.

Find all the details below.

Info:

2016’s Annual Celebration for World’s Most Popular Super Hero Slated for September 17

DC Entertainment will join millions of fans in celebration of the pop culture phenomenon as Saturday, September 17th is officially announced as BATMAN DAY 2016.

Celebrating Batman’s endearing legacy with generations of fans, DC Entertainment will once again fete the iconic legend with festivities at thousands of comic book retailers, bookstores, schools and libraries across the country. Retail activities include free comic book giveaways and talent signings. Confirmed signing events feature blockbuster talent like Frank Miller, Scott Snyder, Tom King, James Tynion IV, and Greg Capullo with many more to be announced.

In addition to DC Entertainment, BATMAN DAY participating partners include many Warner Bros. divisions, as well as Warner Bros. Consumer Products licensees — Capstone Young Readers, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, DK Licensing, Bendon, and HarperCollins. These partnerships provide the unique opportunity for retail and digital promotion across various media in celebration of the Dark Knight.

The annual fan-favorite event, now in its third year, was first introduced to honor the iconic character’s 75th anniversary. Continuing the BATMAN DAY tradition, DC Entertainment will present Bat-centric promotions, fan giveaways and more, all to honor the character that has become a Super Hero to many generations and continues to inspire fans across the globe.

The official BATMAN DAY event kit will include activity sheets, trivia, and games and will be available for download on www.dccomics.com/batmandaykit.

Comic Book News Marvel

Top Ten Comic Books For May 2016

Diamond Announces Top Products For May 2016

The original Wally West’s return to the DC Universe ushers in a new era and a new mystery for the heroes of the DCU in Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Ivan Reis, Ethan Van Sciver, and Phil Jimenez’s DC Universe: Rebirth #1 from DC Entertainment, the best-selling comic book of May 2016 according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors, the world’s largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise.

Marvel Comics was May’s top publisher with a 39.64% dollar share and a 44.80% unit share. DC Entertainment was the month’s number two publisher with a 26.45% dollar share and a 26.34% unit share. At number three was Image Comics with an 8.38% dollar share and a 7.95% unit share. IDW Publishing was fourth with a 5.70% dollar share and a 4.99% unit share, followed by Dark Horse Comics with a 3.25% dollar share and 2.31% units share.

Marvel Comics had seven of May’s top ten best-selling titles, led by led by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel’s Civil War II #0 at #2. Also in the top ten for Marvel were Becky Cloonan and Steve Dillon’s The Punisher #1 at #3, Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 from Nick Spencer and Jesus Saiz at #5, Jason Aaron and Leinil Francis Yu’s Star Wars #19 at #6, Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s Darth Vader #20 at #8, Ta-Nahesi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze’s Black Panther #2 at #9, and Dan Slott and Giuseppe Camuncoli’s Amazing Spider-Man #12 at #10. DC Entertainment had three titles among the top ten; in addition to DC Universe: Rebirth in the top spot, James Tynion IV and Riley Rossmo’s Batman #52 ranked #4 and Justice League #50, the conclusion to Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s “Darkseid War,” ranked #7. Among the premier publishers, Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead #154 was May’s top Image Comics book at #13. IDW Publishing’s top book for the month, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #58, ranked #120. Finally, Hellboy in Hell #9, the penultimate issue of Mike Mignola’s final Hellboy story, was Dark Horse Comics’ top book at #132.

Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s Batman: The Killing Joke Special Edition from DC Entertainment returned to the top of the sales charts as May’s best-selling graphic novel. Also in the top ten from DC Entertainment, The Joker: Endgame ranked #7. Image Comics had four titles in the top ten, led by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s Descender Volume 2 at #2, followed by Black Science Volume 4: Godworld at #4, Brian K. Vaughan and Steve Skroce’s We Stand on Guard at #5, and Chew Volume 11: Last Suppers at #6. Marvel Comics rounded out the top ten with four titles, led by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s Civil War at #3, followed by Star Wars: Kanan Volume 2 at #8, Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez’s Spider-Gwen Volume 1: Greater Power, and Spider-Man/Deadpool: Don’t Call It a Team-Up at #10.

Penguin’s Doctor Who Official Annual 2015 was May’s best-selling book. Image Comics had two titles among the top ten; The Walking Dead Adult Coloring Book ranked #2 for the month, and Frank Cho’s artbook, Apes & Babes Book 1, ranked #5.

Square Enix’s DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai: Timeless Batman “Sparta” Figure, a redesign of the Dark Knight as an ancient Spartan warrior, was May’s best-selling toy product. DC Entertainment had three products in the top ten — the Batman Arkham Knight: Red Hood Figure at #2, the DC Comics Bombshells: Cheetah Statue at #6, and the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Superman Statue at #7. Diamond Select Toys’ top product for the month, Marvel Minimates Series 66: Captain America: Civil War, ranked #21 for May.

Wizkids/NECA’s Marvel Heroclix: Uncanny X-Men Booster Brick was, for the second month in a row, the month’s best-selling game product.

Comic Book News

Joe Madureira Justice League: Rebirth Variant Revealed

Check out the awesome variant cover by Joe Madureira for DC’s Justice League: Rebirth #1.

The issue will be in stores July 6th written and drawn by Bryan Hitch.

Synopsis:

Spinning out of the events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1, a new day dawns for Earth’s greatest heroes as they welcome three new members to the team, including…Superman? Who is this strange visitor from a dead world-and can he be trusted? Batman and Wonder Woman aren’t so sure.

(via Gamespot)

TV Trailers

DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year Trailer

WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL FEMALE SUPER HEROES NAVIGATE THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF HIGH SCHOOL AS WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: HERO OF THE YEAR ON DVD AUGUST 23, 2016

BURBANK, CA (June 9, 2016) – Where can you find the most powerful and prominent Super Teens in the galaxy? Super Hero High of course! Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumblebee, Poison Ivy and Katana band together to navigate the twists and turns of high school in DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) on August 9 on Digital HD and August 23, 2016 on DVD (SRP $19.98).

These young Super Heroes discover unique abilities, develop powers, and combat an abundance of overwhelming, exciting and awkward moments to master the fundamentals of being a hero – one day at a time! The group includes:

• Wonder Woman was raised on Themyscira, a paradise island overflowing with female leaders. This natural born leader has super strength, the power of flight and a magic lasso that forces anyone to tell the truth.
• Batgirl is crazy smart – she was accepted to Super Hero High based on her brainpower alone (she wasn’t born with super powers). But this crime-fighting sleuth may be the most influential of all! Her unparalleled intellect, expert martial arts skills, photographic memory and legendary detective skills are a formula for an incredible Super Hero.
• Supergirl is the most powerful teen on earth, but also incredibly clumsy. She has super strength, super hearing and super speed but will need to be sure she doesn’t trip over her own two feet en route to saving the world.
• Harley Quinn is the resident class clown who lives for jokes and over-the-top pranks. Nonetheless, this quick-witted gymnast is sneaky and full of surprises.
• Bumblebee has the ability to shrink, allowing her to sneak around without being spotted. She makes sure her team is never surprised by any villains or enemies up to no good.
• Poison Ivy, got caught up in a botched lab experiment, and now has the ability to control and summon plants. She’s gradually adapting to her amazing new powers and blossoming into her new life.
• Katana is an artist with an edge – this fearless martial arts fashionista is up for any crime-fighting test and is never without her sword.

Together, these seven fearless Super Heroes prove that we all have the power to make the world a better place – even while school is in session!

Girls around the world now have their very own Super Hero world to play, watch, read and be inspired! To further bring this all-new universe to life, DC Super Hero Girls animated shorts and TV specials will continue to release over the next year, allowing girls 6-12 to continue reaching their full potential alongside these superstars. Additionally, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, in partnership with Mattel, have brought the DC Super Hero Girls to life, beyond the animated shorts and website, with the first-ever line of 12-inch Action Dolls, 6-inch Action Figures, as well as role play and playsets now available exclusively at Target in the U.S., along with other product, including apparel, accessories, publishing and more. The DC Super Hero Girls global merchandise program will hit retail worldwide, beginning in July 2016, offering a wide range of product to fans around the world. Random House and DC Comics are also releasing an exciting array of DC Super Hero Girls books and graphic novels. Fans can discover more at DCSuperHeroGirls.com and through dedicated social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year features some of the top voice actors in the industry. Grey Griffin (Wonder Woman), Anais Fairweather (Supergirl), Mae Whitman (Batgirl/Barbara Gordon), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy) Teala Dunn (Bumblebee), and Stephanie Sheh (Katana) join forces to portray some of the newest students to attend Super Hero High.

“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is thrilled to team with DC Entertainment to release DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year on DVD,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “We’re excited to bring DC Super Hero Girls to life and create an immersive world to help inspire young women like never before. These characters were developed with girls 6-12 in mind and will deliver epic story lines featuring strong females. It truly embraces and celebrates girls as they discover their own unique abilities.”

SPECIAL FEATURES
• Six Animated Shorts:

o Hero of the Month: Wonder Woman
o Fall into Super Hero High
o Hero of the Month: Bumblebee
o Hero of the Month: Poison Ivy
o Clubbing
o Saving the Day

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting August 9, DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

BASICS
Street Date: August 23, 2016
Run Time: 72 minutes (approx.)
DVD Price: $19.98 SRP
DVD Audio – English

TV News

Stephen Amell Teases Arrow Season 5 & Villain Details Become Known

While Arrow Season 4 was uber disappointing, the good news is that the show sounds like it is going back to its roots with Season 5.

DC All Access caught up with Stephen Amell who offered:

The only thing that I can tease is that it’s only a villain we could do if we were in Season 5 of a show because it calls back to what has happened in yesteryear or yester-season as the case may be…

Of course everything is going to change. If you seen the finale, you know there is going to be a whole element for me professionally that we really haven’t seen yet, and we have been in this cycle of introducing shows for a couple of years now. Obviously Supergirl is coming to the network, but we don’t have to introduce Supergirl. I think we are going to focus a lot on just getting back to some of the stuff that Arrow does really well.

TV Line also has additional info on the villain of Arrow Season 5:

• It’s said the new villain will be loosely inspired by Idris Elba’s Wire drug kingpin Stringer Bell.

• The character is tentatively named “Anton Church,” described as: “a ruthless crime lord who sets out to fill the sizable void left by Damien Darhk and H.I.V.E.”

• The casting notice describes him as an “apex predator” who “cuts his way through the shadows” by taking down “the biggest threat first.”

• Stephen Amell also said the villain won’t have super powers.

dave-gibbons-dc-rebirth-batman-vs-superman-marvel-1

Movie News

Watchmen Co-Creator Dave Gibbons Slams Batman Vs. Superman & DC

Watchmen co-creator Dave Gibbons attended the recent MCM London Comic-Con where he talked about DC and Marvel.

Last week saw DC Comics release their big Rebirth issue which tied the DC Comics universe directly into the Gibbons and Alan Moore’s Watchmen universe.

Gibbons didn’t seem too pleased by that.

“I wouldn’t make the question too long. All I’m going to say is no comment,” Gibbons said when Rebirth and Doctor Manhattan were brought up. “I have no comment.”

Gibbons was then asked if he consulted on Rebirth or if DC bothered to drop him an e-mail.

“No, they didn’t. And that’s all I’m going to say,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons then went on length about his thoughts on the DC film universe, Batman Vs. Superman, and the Marvel Universe (watch the full video below):

“I feel that what is happening now with the DC characters in film, to my mind, is going in the wrong direction… What Marvel has seemed to have done is take their characters, with a dark side and a light side, and their humor and their pathos, and their human emotion, and they actually have a long vision of what they’re going to do. They put together films that are really entertaining, that are exciting, that do have threat and jeopardy, but have humor and a human quality to it, and a sense of hope.

But I feel what DC has done particularly with the Superman vs. Batman movie is they really have taken a misstep on it. I mean, I wrote a comic book called World’s Finest, which was Superman vs. Batman, and what I homed in, and I am not saying this is the only take, but it might have helped, was you have Batman who is a dark hidden creature who lives in a dark evil city whose antagonist is a brightly colored clown. You got Superman who is a brightly colored figure, the yang if you like to Batman’s yin, he lives in a bright hopeful city, but with a villain, an opponent, who is a dark grey scheming business man. So the whole universe’s are completely complimentary. When I wrote my story, I got a lot of mileage out of crossing those over, and it turned out Luthor went to Gotham, and the Joker went to Metropolis, and the Joker wanted to black out Metropolis, and Luthor wanted to set Gotham on fire.

So to me if you are doing Superman vs. Batman, the first thing, which is implied by the “vs,” is there has to be a difference, and I think where the latest film suffered was because they were both these dark opaque angsty creatures. I thought, I have to say that Ben Affleck’s Batman was brilliant. I thought if he’d been in a Batman film on his own… I also think DC sort of lost their nerve because Superman Vs. Batman, which is basically Frank Miller’s Dark Knight story, is enough for a movie without putting Doomsday in it, which is another complete Superman movie, without shoehorning The Flash and the Cyborg, and without Wonder Woman, she’s a movie in her own right.

Perhaps at the moment, I’m less than 100% thrilled with DC. I’m certainly not coming down on Zack, but to my taste, they kind of missed the [inaudible] there. I think also Marvel have been really bold. They introduced the characters slowly, so when they put them all in a movie together, it gave me that same thrill as I had when a kid when they put all the characters into the Avengers. ‘Wow! They’re all in one comic!’ And the latest Captain America [Civil War] movie, the bit when the two teams run toward each other with all their powers blazing was just ‘Oh! Yeah! This is what comics are all about!’ I think Marvel have done it with verve and wit. DC kind of missed out on that.”

Comic Book News

DC Comics Rebirth Checklist

Below you can check out the DC Comics Rebirth checklist from this past week’s issue.

This coming Wednesday, June 1st, sees Rebirth issues for Batman, Green Arrow, Green Lanterns and Superman.

Previews for Batman and Superman can be found here.

Comic Book News

DC Comics Rebirth Gets Special Second Printing

DC Comics has announced Rebirth will get a second printing that comes with updated cover artwork in a square bound format at a higher price.

See details below.

Our own Chris Bushley had this to say about Rebirth and more:

From page one you are immersed in a tale that weaves in and out of current DC stories and, instead of denying that they ever existed, enhances them to a point that they form one grand story that surpasses them all.

DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH SPECIAL TO GET 2ND PRINTING!

New Edition Available June 8 Featuring Updated Cover, Square Bound Format

DC Entertainment is proud to announce that this 80-page blockbuster, written by Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Phil Jimenez and Ivan Reis is headed into its second printing, featuring updated cover art (by Gary Frank) and a new, square bound format at a price of $5.99. This version will be produced in limited quantities and are sure to go fast once they hit retailers on Wednesday, June 8!

This epic tale of legacy, love, life, return of a much beloved character and an ending that NOBODY saw coming is the gateway for DC’s line wide title re-launch beginning June 1. With 17 titles shipping twice monthly and an additional 14 monthly titles, all at a new lower price of $2.99. REBIRTH is a return to the themes of optimism, hope and incredible superhero storytelling that has made DC and its characters the favorite of fans the world over for more than 80 years!

Comic Book News

Review: DC Comics Rebirth #1

WARNING: SPOILERS DEAD AHEAD!

(If you have not read Justice League #50, do so BEFORE you read this review…you won’t regret it!)

Superman is dying, Darkseid is a baby, Wonder Woman has a twin brother, there are THREE Jokers, Sector 2814 gets ANOTHER Green Lantern and Lex Luthor is the new Man of Steel! You may think DC is really pushing the envelope with Rebirth after hearing all of that, then you realize, you just read Justice League #50 and haven’t even started Rebirth yet!

Geoff Johns has become the spokesperson for DC’s new Rebirth project, and whether you believe this isn’t a “reboot” or not, I have to say that he has truly convinced me that this story is well beyond the standard “reboot” fundamentals. From page one you are immersed in a tale that weaves in and out of current DC stories and, instead of denying that they ever existed, enhances them to a point that they form one grand story that surpasses them all.

Our narrator, the original Wally West, pulls us along as he tries to reconnect with those who may remember him, since he has been trapped in the Speed Force since the Flashpoint storyline. He takes us through various points of the current DCU, “eavesdropping” upon heroes, and we see that the universe we know is already in flux, eliminating some characters while setting others on center stage. Johns gives us a huge story, eighty pages worth, that could have quickly become a convoluted mess of overlapping arcs that eventually lead to nowhere. Instead, he gives the readers just enough to pacify the curious and ensnare the enthralled, leaving both clamoring for what comes next. He bounces the tale from point to point, never losing sight of the eventual shocking payoff and never cheapening the way to get there. Johns, through Wally, asks questions that DC fans have asked since the “New 52″started and in a way, though veiled, we are given some answers that are not glazed over and eventually, promise to be fleshed out thoroughly.

To give away all of Johns surprises, would only do a disservice to the book and the reader. It is so rich in both detail and surprise that it can only be enjoyed properly by reading it yourself. You will be so shocked and enamored by the dynamic tale Johns lays out before you that, you can’t help but resent the days until all the Rebirth books are released!

On the “Rebirth” promotional tour, Geoff Johns would always read this quote, “I love this world. But there’s something missing.” Well, Mr. Johns, DC may have been missing something, but I think you just found it again!

Movie News

Dan Abnett Now Exclusive With DC Comics

Fan-favorite writer Dan Abnett has signed exclusively with DC Comics.

Abnett, known for penning Marvel Cosmic, Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova, will be writing Aquaman and Titans for DC.

Brad Walker, Abnett’s artist on Guardians, also returns for Aquaman.

See the full announcement below.

Good move, DC.

More Aquaman scripting today.

— Dan Abnett + Nik (@VincentAbnett) May 26, 2016

‘AQUAMAN’ AND ‘TITANS’ WRITER DAN ABNETT SIGNS WITH DC ENTERTAINMENT

Fan-Favorite Writer to Pen AQUAMAN and TITANS as Part of DC Universe: Rebirth

BURBANK, Calif. (May 26, 2016) – DC Entertainment continues to add top-flight talent to its creative roster, announcing today that it has reached an agreement with writer Dan Abnett to create comic book content solely for the company’s DC and Vertigo imprints. In addition to writing Aquaman: Rebirth #1 and Aquaman #1 in June, Abnett will also pen Titans: Rebirth #1, continuing threads from his storyline in his current Titans Hunt miniseries. Shipping twice monthly, the Aquaman art team includes talented artists Phil Briones, Scot Eaton, Oscar Jimenez, Jesus Merino and Brad Walker, while the monthly Titans will see artist Brett Booth accompany Abnett on the book.

“Dan Abnett is the perfect fit for Aquaman and Titans,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. “He skillfully balances great dialogue and high-octane action, making for great reads every time. DC is excited that he’ll be giving fans more great stories in both books as we enter into our line wide REBIRTH re-launch in June and beyond.”

Aquaman continues the story of Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis, as he seeks to reconcile his dual heritage of land and sea. A citizen of both worlds, Arthur seeks to unite Atlantis with the rest of the global community. But his plans will be thrown into chaos with the return of his arch-nemesis Black Manta, who seeks to destroy the careful balance of peace, and bring Aquaman’s world crashing down.

Titans continues story beats from Abnett’s run on Titans Hunt, with teammates Wally West, Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith and Nightwing all reunited after the disastrous consequences of having their memories lost. Now, with their memories intact they will attempt to reunite as a team, and stop the demon that broke them apart and is a threat to reality itself.

“I was delighted by Dan DiDio’s invitation to sign exclusively with DC,” said Abnett. “My recent work for DC, on projects like He-Man, Earth 2 and Titans Hunt have been both rewarding and enjoyable, and now with Aquaman’s Rebirth in the mix, and the Titans as a new series, it seems like the ideal time to really focus on DC work and do my best to knock each and every issue out of the park. Not that we have baseball parks in the UK. We have cricket pitches. But the point stands, anyway…”

Abnett makes his REBIRTH debut on Aquaman: Rebirth #1 (on sale June 8) and Aquaman #1 (on sale June 22) beginning an all-new story arc, blasting out of the events of the DC Universe: Rebirth #1 special, written by Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern: Rebirth, Flash: Rebirth), that went on sale May 25. As part of the REBIRTH line wide re-launch, Aquaman will ship twice monthly, and at a lower price of $2.99.

Comic Book News

Watch: Geoff Johns Talks DC Comics Rebirth

Spoilers follow.

DC Comics and Geoff John’s big issue of Rebirth hits today!

My LCS quickly sold out of at least 250 copies leaving some readers to travel miles and miles in an attempt to find a copy.

You can always read the issue digitally, which is well worth the price of $2.99 for 80 pages of content.

I thought the issue was really great, and contrary to a few comic book sites’ spoiler/speculation articles, the end isn’t exactly clear: Did Dr. Manhattan create the entire DC Universe? I didn’t think so. He may have been responsible for the New 52, in that he got involved at an opportune time (Flashpoint Paradox), but exactly what are his motivations remains to be seen. What’s coming ahead should be pretty good (and all the DC issue are now $2.99!).

Check out video below featuring Geoff Johns talking about the Rebirth issue. Johns makes a great point that the issue isn’t about deconstructing comics (which we’ve been through at least 10 years or more of), but just the opposite.

Comic Book News

Geoff Johns Offers Personal Money Back Guarantee For Rebirth

The big DC Comics Rebirth issue hits this week, which is a whopping 80 pages for $2.99.

Spoilers, of course, have already hit the net via leaked images and official press.

Now the writer on Rebirth, Geoff Johns, is putting his money where his mouth is by offering a personal money back guarantee on the book.

“It’s $2.99 for 80 pages. It’s not a lot,” Johns said, reports Newsarama. “If anyone wants to check out comics, wants to check out DC Universe Rebirth #1 and doesn’t like it, they can mail [the comic book] to Warner Bros., to me, and I will send them a check, I literally will, for both postage and for the book. I will buy all these books back because I believe in this issue a lot. I think it’ll do very well. I hope it does well. But I seriously will, I’ll buy back this book.”

Rebirth will become available digitally and in local comic shops tomorrow.

It all begins here. Do not skip to the last page. Do not let a friend or message board ruin this comic for you. The future (and past) of the DC Universe starts here. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

THEY SAID IT: “Rebirth is about focusing in on the core of the character and their respective universe,” says writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. “It brings back what has been lost: the legacy of the characters, the love and the hope of the DCU!”

Movie News

Geoff Johns Confirms Working On Solo Ben Affleck Batman Movie

Geoff Johns, who was recently said to have been appointed to co-run DC films, confirms involvement in the new Ben Affleck Batman movie.

Johns also talks a bit about being the DC Entertainment chief creative officer, but it’s noted he wouldn’t confirm being the new head of DC movies.

My job is to help other Warner Brothers divisions work with DC. I work with Warner TV and producers to get these shows up and running, in particular with ‘The Flash,’ where I co-created the show, wrote a few episodes, wrote the pilot episode.”

“I work with other people, Ames Kirshen in games, the studios like Rocksteady and Netherrealm, go in there on character choices, story they’re going to do and brainstorm on that, try to keep it true to comics.

“I do get to say I’m working on ‘Batman’ with Ben Affleck. That gets the Thanksgiving table excited, especially my brother.”

No release date has yet been announced for the new Batman movie, which is said to possibly feature a Red Hood storyline or even all the Batman villains. According to previous reports, Johns co-wrote the script with Affleck, who is also supposed to direct. A few years ago we were even first told the title might be “The Batman.”

(via CBR)

Comic Book News

DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers Leak Online

Spoilers follow for DC Comics Rebirth #1 that is due out next week.

A user on Reddit, which has since been backed up by Bleeding Cool, posted some scans and info.

The info states:

Wally West is back (looks like pre-New 52/post-Crisis version in Kid Flash costume).

There are three Jokers.

The original JSA is back.

And the big kicker:

The Watchmen are now a part of the DCU and are said to be responsible for the loss of time(?).

It’s further said Doctor Manhattan was directly responsible for the creation of the New 52 and Rebirth.

Comic Book News

DC Comics Gets New Logo

DC Comics has announced the release of a new logo (pictured above), which follows the recent redesign of the “folding” logo with the launch of the New 52.

Details below.

New Logo Design Celebrates DC Brand’s Past, Present and Future

Logo to Debut on May 25 Release of ‘DC Universe: Rebirth Special #1’ by Geoff Johns

DC Entertainment announced a new identity and logo for its iconic DC brand. The new DC logo is a mark that leverages over 80 years of heritage with an eye toward the future.

“While comics continue to be the heart and soul of DC, the brand has evolved to now stand for powerful storytelling across so many different forms of media. DC is home to the greatest Super Heroes and Super-Villains, and the new logo has the character and strength to stand proudly alongside DC’s iconic symbols,” stated Amit Desai, DC Entertainment Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Franchise Management.

“The launch of the new logo is the perfect tribute to DC’s legacy, exciting future and most importantly, our fans.”

The new logo will debut on the cover of the highly-anticipated DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH SPECIAL #1 comic book written by Geoff Johns releasing May 25 and available in comic book shops and digitally. REBIRTH represents the next chapter in the ongoing saga of the DC Universe, mixing traditional values and a modern aesthetic.

“I’m very proud that REBIRTH will be the first comic book published with the new DC logo.” stated Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer. “To me, REBIRTH and the new DC logo are built on what’s come before while looking to what will come tomorrow. I can’t wait for people to see it on the cover.”

The new DC branding will be introduced immediately on various digital platforms, including DC websites, social media channels, DC All Access webseries, and DC All Access app and will continue to rollout worldwide across all DC content and products. One of the many benefits of the new logo design is its versatility to showcase DC’s iconic and timeless characters and stories across all media. Look for the new logo to come to life at key events in the coming months.

The new identity and logo were developed in partnership with Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy.

Movie News

Watch: Batman: The Killing Joke Trailer Breakdown

A few days ago saw WB reveal the official release date, art and trailer for the Batman: The Killing Joke animated movie.

Now DC All Access takes a look at the trailer in a breakdown video.

“All it takes is one bad day…” Fortunately, today doesn’t qualify as that because in this exclusive DC All Access animation clip, we’re breaking down the new trailer for Batman: The Killing Joke, the highly anticipated, R-rated animated adaptation of one of the most infamous Batman tales of all time. What’s in the graphic novel and what’s new for this adaptation? Watch and find out!

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