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Following Convergence, DC Comics is launching 24 all-new titles and keeping 25.
Check out a first look at the new Suicide Squad members as of June’s issue #9.
The new team consists of Parasite, the Black Hand, Poison Ivy, the Reverse-Flash, Cheetah, and a Court of Owls Talon (via Newsarama).
Convergence launches in April.
Details include Parasite will be the team’s secret weapon against ISIS in the new arc.
DC Comics’ big event, Convergence, kicks off in April.
In total, there will be 89 issues, with veteran writer Jeff King handling the main series.
The latest episode of DC All Access features an interview with King where the writer offers some teases about what’s to come.
Among the tidbits is mention that Bruce Wayne will meet his alternate universe father, Thomas Wayne.
Thomas Wayne is featured as the Batman in Earth 2 (and was the Batman in the Flashpoint event that led to the New 52).
“Convergence is an enormous story with a very small focus,” King offered. “There are heroes from World’s End and Future’s End who make the journey from the end of that series into the beginning of Convergence. From there it explodes out into a much bigger story. Brainiac has been collecting dead worlds and timelines from across the entire history of the DCU. He’s been experimenting and tinkering with them pitting heroes from timelines against each other in order to catalog their weaknesses.”
King continues with mention of why fans should hop onboard.
“I feel like it’s going to be a celebration of what you love. I feel like it’s going to shock you because there are a couple of turns of events that you will not expect will come out of it,” King said. “When was the last time you thought that Captain Carrot might be fighting Harley Quinn? When was the last time you saw every Flash from DC Continuity, from Wally to Barry to Jay to the kids? We are going to have generations of Batmen. We are going to see Bruce Wayne and Thomas Wayne meet each other for the first time.”
Jeff King finishes with another tease in that the number of issues for Convergence plays a factor.
“There are 89 issues for a reason because 89 is a prime number. It’s only divisible by one in itself and there is a reason because Convergence is that significant,” King explained. “I will say the Multiversity Guide Book is something they should maybe pay attention to because it’s going to have some direct implications for the future of the DC Universe post-Convergence.
“Convergence is going to be a game-changer.”
Convergence hits in April with #0; you can also check out a clip above for the WB animated movie LEGO Justice League vs. Bizarro Justice League.
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DC Comics released a first look at Convergence #0, which kicks off their big event that leads to the June soft relaunch.
(via EW)
CONVERGENCE #0
Writers: Jeff King, Dan Jurgens
Art: Ethan Van Sciver
Cover: Ethan Van Sciver
Variants: Adam Hughes, Patrick Zircher, Darwyn Cooke, Ethan Van Sciver
Price: 4.99
In Stores: Apr 1 2015
Description:
Where do worlds go when they die?
The Earthquakes felt round the Multiverse, Superman’s lost days after “Doomed,” the World’s End – all these points will converge as the history of the DCU is spun from a new perspective, the perspective of a mad god and his arrogant child. The biggest story in DC history ties into literally every DC story ever told – and it all begins here.
Kingdom Come, Red Son, Wild West Justice League, Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew – all the worlds you remember can still be found on Telos. Everything matters. Every story matters.
Don’t miss the start of DC’s April/May 2015 event with this special issue!
Check out a pair of new clips for the next episodes of Constantine and Gotham.
The Constantine clips happens to feature Jim Corrigan aka The Spectre.
DC All Access talks with WB’s Rotten Tomatoes about their slate of comic book shows also including The Flash and Arrow.
It’s a big week in #DCTV, but DC All Access and Rotten Tomatoes have you covered. Tiffany Smith and Rotten Tomatoes Editor-in-Chief Matt Atchity dissect this week’s Firestorm-focused episode of the Flash before previewing Friday’s Constantine season finale. Also, Gotham gives us a glimpse Scarecrow’s origin and Arrow features not one, but two Black Canaries!
Constantine airs Fridays at 8pm ET on NBC, with Gotham on Mondays at 8pm ET on FOX.
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Come June, DC Comics is doing, I guess you could say a soft reboot, as they don’t seem to be exactly ending The New 52 line, but not promoting it at the same time.
DC just announced 25 of their New 52 titles will continue, but they are launching 24 new titles with all-new #1s, which brings the total to 49.
The info also noted that DC will be “going back to basics” with characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. It’s unlcear exactly what that means, but most fans of Superman are hoping for the pre-New 52 version, I would imagine (at least I am).
Above, DC All Access released a video regarding what they feel are the top new eight DC series just announced.
There are some huge changes in store for the DC Universe this summer, and DC All Access has the lowdown. After this morning’s big comic announcement, we list off the eight new and returning summer titles you absolutely cannot miss. So which one has you counting the days till June?
Here are the 25 continuing titles:
Action Comics by Greg Pak/Aaron Kuder
Aquaman by Cullen Bunn/Trevor McCarthy
Batgirl by Cameron Stewart/Brenden Fletcher/Babs Tarr
Batman by Scott Snyder/Greg Capullo
Detective Comics by Brian Buccelato/Francis Manapul
Batman/Superman by Greg Pak/Ardian Syaf
Catwoman by Genevieve Valentine/David Messina
Deathstroke by Tony Daniel/Tony Daniel
Flash by Rob Venditti/Van Jensen/Brett Booth
Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan/Brenden Fletcher/Karl Kerschl
Gotham By Midnight by Ray Fawkes/Juan Ferreyra
Grayson by Tim King/Tim Seeley/Mikel Janin
Green Arrow by Ben Percy/Richard Zircher
Green Lantern by Robert Venditti/Billy Tan
Harley Quinn by Amanda Conner/Jimmy Palmiotti/Chad Hardin
Justice League by Geoff Johns/Jason Fabok
Justice League United, writer TBD/Travel Foreman & Paul Pelletier.
Lobo by Cullen Bunn/Cliff Richards
Secret Six by Gail Simone/Dale Eaglesham
Sinestro by Cullen Bunn/Brad Walker
New Suicide Squad by Sean Ryan/Carlos D’Anda
Superman by Gene Luen Yang/John Romita Jr.
Superman/Wonder Woman by Peter Tomasi/Doug Mahnke
Teen Titans by Will Pfeifer/Kenneth Rocafort
Wonder Woman by Meredith Finch/David Finch
Here are the 24 new titles:
Bat-Mite by writer Dan Jurgens and artist Corin Howell
Batman Beyond by writer Dan Jurgens and artist Bernard Chang
Bizzaro by writer Heath Corson and artist Gustavo Duarte (six issue mini-series)
Black Canary by writer Brenden Fletcher and artist Annie Wu
Constantine: The Hellblazer by Ming Doyle and Riley Rossmo
Cyborg by writer David L. Walker and artists Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
Dark Universe by writer James Tynion IV and artist Ming Doyle
Doomed by writer Scott Lobdell and artist Javier Fernandez
Dr. Fate by writer Paul Levitz and artist Sonny Liew
Earth 2: Society by writer Daniel H. Wilson and artist Jorge Jimenez
Green Lantern: Lost Army by Cullen Bunn, art by Jesus Saiz and Javi Pina.
Harley Quinn/Power Girl by writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, with artistStephane Roux (four issue mini-series)
Justice League 3001 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Howard Porter
Justice League of America by writer/artist Brian Hitch
Martian Manhunter by writer Rob Williams and artists Ben Oliver and Paulo Siqueira
Midnighter by writer Steve Orlando and artist ACO
Mystic U (tentative title) by writer Alisa Kwitney and artist Mauricet
Omega Men by writer Tom King and artist Barnaby Bagenda
Prez by writer Mark Russell and artist Ben Caldwell (six issue mini-series)
Red Hood/Arsenal by writer Scott Lobdell and artist Denis Medri
Robin, Son of Batman by writer/artist Pat Gleason
Section Eight by writer Garth Ennis and artist John McCrea (mini-series)
Starfire by writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, with artist EmanuelaLupacchino
We Are Robin by writer Lee Bermejo and artists Rob Haynes and Khary Randolph
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Superman #38 just saw Geoff Johns give Superman a new costume and a new power, and now it’s learned the DC Comics Chief Creative Officer is leaving the series.
Johns posted on DCComics.com that Superman #39 will be his last, with the new creative team to be announced.
Check it out:
Superman #38 came out yesterday and JR and I wanted to say thank you, because the issue sold out!
I have to admit, it’s a little bittersweet, because not only is it our final chapter of the Ulysses storyline, it’s also the penultimate issue to my short run on the title with the great and amazing John Romita Jr., as issue #39 will be my last.
I’m incredibly honored to have been the lucky writer working alongside JR on his first-ever monthly book for DC Comics and I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done, especially the final issue of the run which dives deeper into the fallout from Superman’s new power.
You’ll find out the next team on Superman very soon. As for what’s next for me in the comic world besides JUSTICE LEAGUE with the amazing and talented Jason Fabok, you’ll have to ask my longtime friend and collaborator, the great Gary Frank…
Until then, I also wanted to say thank you to everyone for watching #DCTV every week!
An all-new episode of DC All Access is back today with DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns talking Superman #38.
The issue sees Superman taking on Ulysses, with the ensuing battle causing Superman to unleash a new power – the Super Flare.
Think you know the Man of Steel? Well, think again. In this exclusive DC All Access clip, Tiffany talks to Superman writer Geoff Johns about the just released Superman #38, in which Superman unleashes a destructive new power and makes a decision that will change the series forever.
You can check out full spoilers and a look inside Superman #38 as well.
Superman #38 is in stores today.
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Yesterday saw DC Comics reveal Superman’s new power: Super Flare.
Now Superman #38 is out today revealing the full story.
I’m actually surprised JMS didn’t think of this, but as a result of Superman using his Super Flare power, his cells are completely depleted of solar energy.
The kicker?
It takes 24 hours for his cells to recharge, which leaves Superman completely powerless aka a regular ol‘ human.
More spoilers from the issue include the Superman’s heat vision was a precursor to the new Super Flare ability; that using the Super Flare destroyed Superman’s New 52 costume, so Batman and Alfred create the new one, and Superman reveals his secret identity to Jimmy Olsen (via Newsarama).
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The all-new DC All Access launched today featuring Tiffany Smith and new co-host Jason Inman.
The two go over the latest Supergirl news, chat with The Flash Grant Gustin and DC Comics writer/artist Francis Manapul, announce Harley Quinn month and the Harley Quinn Facebook page and more.
Tomorrow will see another new episode where DC All Access talks with Geoff Johns about Superman’s new powers.
This month will also see Batman Vs. Superman and Suicide Squad news announced on DC All Access.
Info:
New season. New co-host. Same awesome access! Yes, DC All Access is back, as Tiffany Smith is joined by our new co-host Jason Inman to bring you all the latest from DC Entertainment. This week, we talk to the cast of The Flash, starting with the main man himself, Grant Gustin. After that, Robbie Amell and Victor Garber give us the goods on Firestorm before things turn downright villainous with Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell and Tom Cavanagh. Then we head to Gotham to discuss the new Detective Comics storyline with artist and co-writer Francis Manapul, before wrapping up with a few words about Harley Quinn… and a chance to win a set of Harley Quinn action figures.
Todd McFarlane recently took to his Facebook page to reveal art for a Spawn/Batman crossover that never happened.
Greg Capullo was going to be on art chores and even did a promo piece.
Check out the details:
Just like BIGFOOT…here’s that mysterious comic book creature, the Spawn – Batman crossover that NO ONE has EVER SEEN!!!!!
Years ago there was a deal for DC Comics and myself to do a cool Batman/Spawn cross-over book (for those not hip to comic lingo, that’s a book in which both characters are in the same issue). I to to have written and inked it, while a talented penciller, Greg Capullo, was going to draw it. for a variety of reasons (mostly on my shoulders) the book never got off the ground, but a few pages and promo pieces were done for it. Below is one such piece drawn by Greg and inked by myself.
*** This story is different than an earlier version of Spawn/Batman that Frank Miller wrote and I drew. ***
And in a bit of fate: Years later, Mr. Capullo would take over the artistic drawing reins for the caped crusader and he would be the next hot shot artist on DC Comics’ BATMAN comic! Which is usually at the top of the best selling comics each month (ably written by Scott Snyder).
Anyway, I came across this cool cover the other day and thought that it was too good not to share.
Enjoy.
TODD
This week in DC Comics’s Superman #38, the Man of Steel will get a new power.
Now DC has released a teaser revealing the power to be – Super Flare.
I couldn’t help but think of the Watchmen, with Dr. Manhattan having been tricked into thinking he gave people cancer due to radiation.
Now is it possible Superman actually can do that?
Another comparision is that Superman can now go Super Saiyan ala Dragon Ball Z.
You can head on over here for a preview to Superman #38.
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The Batman Vs. Superman trailer has been rumored to be hitting with Jupiter Ascending on February 6th.
Now at least we have confirmation that something Batman Vs. Superman will be coming soon.
The DC All Access YouTube Channel announced that a new co-host is coming on board in February, and with it mention of Batman Vs. Superman news.
“This is going to be our biggest year, yet,” teased new co-host Jason Inman. “February is going to be all about the crown princess of crime as we are going to celebrate Harley Quinn month. Plus, the premiere of iZombie is just around the corner, and we are going to give you the low down on DC’s massive publishing event, Convergence.”
“And if that wasn’t enough,” Tiffany Smith added. “We’ve also got movie news on Suicide Squad and Batman v Superman.”
New episodes of DC All Access are set to begin next Tuesday, which is a couple of days before Jupiter Ascending premiers.
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” has a March 25, 2016 release 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 and Tao Okamoto in new character roles for the film. Justice League is to follow directed by Zack Snyder as well.
For more news on the “Man of Steel” and related movies head on over to the Cosmic Book News Superman movie hub.
March sees the end of Green Lantern Corps, Green Lantern: New Guardians and Red Lanterns, but will it also see the end of the Green Lantern ring for Hal Jordan?
A promo featured in the back of this week’s DC comics features Green Lantern editor Matt Idelson offering up teases for what’s to come following Convergence.
For Green Lantern, Idelson teases, “Let’s just say for the moment, the ring will no longer be the thing!”
We get a possible further hint about what’s going on from the March solicit for Green Lantern #40 as Newsarama points out an “ultimate betrayal” is mentioned, with “what could make Hal Jordan turn on the Templar Guardians and the Corps?” questioned, in addition to “a status quo change that will impact all the Green Lantern titles!” stated.
Is it possible either Jordan will be stripped of his ring or that he won’t need his ring to access the Green Lantern power? Or even that Hal may be replaced?
Convergence runs April and May.
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Detective Chimp was recently seen with a Rocket Raccoon message on his T-shirt, and now Wonder Woman has a Rocket-sized snack in the latest issue of Justice League 3000 #13.
Interestingly enough, Rocket Raccon was co-created by Justice League 3000 writer Keith Giffen, who brought the character back in Annihilation Conquest: Star Lord mini.
Following Giffen’s departure from Marvel, it was Marvel Editor Bill Rosemann who single handedly picked out Rocket Raccoon to be on DnA’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
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(via reddit)
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Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer and writer of DC Comics, has taken to his Twitter to tease an all-star line-up of artists for the Justice League comic book.
Johns tweeted out, “You Know what would be cool? A Justice League issue drawn by Kevin Maguire, Phil Jimenez, Dan Jurgens, Jason Fabok and Andy Kubert.”
Fans responded on Twitter with enthusiam, and Maguire tweeted back, “Yeah, like THAT’LL ever happen!”
Johns then “winked” back to Maguire.
Fabok also replied adding, “That would be cool. Would be an honor to share in a work with those legends.”
Jurgens replied, “Interesting idea. We should talk about that sometime. Just in case.”
The latest issue of “Justice League” (#38) hits January 21st.
You know what would be cool? A #JusticeLeague issue drawn by @maguirekevin @Philjimeneznyc @djjurgens @JasonFabok and #AndyKubert …
— Geoff Johns (@geoffjohns) January 11, 2015
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The CW has added another DC Comics character to its roster with Vixen, which will be an animated series set in the same universe as The Flash and Arrow.
KSite TV revealed that Arrow executive producer Marc Guggenheim will be overseeing the project, with the series set to debut in the Fall.
In addition, two promo images were revealed at today’s Television Critics Associate press tour revealing the animated version of Vixen alongside animated versions of The Flash and Arrow.
The CW also announced renewed seasons for The Flash and Arrow, as well as a new trailer for iZombie and a first look at the Robbie Amell Firestorm costume.
In the DC Comics, Vixen debuted in 1981 and is the alter-ego of Mari Jiwe McCabe. Vixen has a “mystical Tantu totem that gives her the abilities of one animal at a time.”
The character is described as follows:
“Originally from Africa, Mari McCabe’s parents were killed by local greed, corruption, and wanton violence. But the orphaned Mari refuses to succumb to the terrors surrounding her. Inhereting her family’s Tantu Totem, Mari can access the powers of animals — anything from the super-strength of a gorilla to the speed of a cheetah. As Vixen, she fights valiantly to protect the world from the threats like those that claimed her family.”
Update: Vixen will launch on the CW’s digital offshoot Seed in the Fall.
It looks as if Mister Miracle is coming to the Justice League as Geoff Johns teased the following on Instagram.
While Johns doesn’t specifically state Mister Miracle in Justice League, he does make mention of Justice League artist Jason Fabok.
Reading reference tonight. @JasonFabok
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Fabok then replied back on Twitter, “dude! Lucky! I’d love to see your collection,” with Johns responding:
@JasonFabok Here's some of it… pic.twitter.com/CylEWViwmV
— Geoff Johns (@geoffjohns) January 6, 2015
Check out the neat commercial that McDonald’s currently is running with “Archenemies.”
The gist of the commercial sees various archenemies brought together, with the obvious meaning that sharing McDonald’s will make you friends.
The McDonald’s commercial features various bad guys including:
Movie Mavens:
King Kong and the Plane & Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West & Freddy and Jason.
Cartoon Favorites:
Coyote and Roadrunner & Smurfs and Gargamel & SpongeBob and Plankton.
Animal Hounds:
Dog and Postman & Shark and a Swimmer & Grumpy Cat and his Owner.
Gamer Geeks:
Pacman and Ghost & Rock’em Sock’em & (da) Bears vs. Packers.
Hero and Villains: SuperMario and Bowser & Batman and The Joker & a Knight and dragon.
Everyday adventurers:
Lumberjack and the tree & the Donkey and the Elephant.
McDonald’s will also have a Super Bowl commercial this year. This wouldn’t have been a bad choice to go with.
The long awaited conclusion to Forever Evil is here and BIG changes are in store for the DCU! It seems as though we have been waiting “forever” for this issue to hit the stands, but it is well worth the wait!
Geoff Johns has created a tale that will bring long lasting changes to all the corners of the New 52, a feat that has been promised with other crossover events throughout comicdom but never seems to pay off well. Believe me, by the time you turn the final page, you will be gasping for air!
Beginning directly where issue six left off, this issue begins in a rush. It feels that mere seconds pass between the first few pages and the shock of issue six’s conclusion is lost just as quickly as our heroes and villains ready themselves for an even more brutal attack. It is no holds barred as all the pieces fall on the table and Johns entices readers with page after page of devastating battles that culminate in more than just a few deaths. David Finch draws some of his best work and stages the layouts in glorious ways to harness the sheer brutality of each and every fight. Every panel feels like a splash page of ferocity even though there is only a single splash page in the book and it comes at the very end!
Even though Johns is quite generous with the amount of eye popping violence throughout the tale, it is the quieter moments that truly define it. Johns finds the true voice of Lex Luthor in this issue. He is an amalgam and every tiny nuance comes into play. From his brilliant deduction skills to a deep rooted sadness over the loss of “family,” Johns makes him THE best villain in the entire DCU in a single issue. There are instances where you will be left speechless and one that will spark controversy, but all of them culminate in an epic tale that is at the pinnacle of perfection.
I could tell you TONS of spoilers, but that’s not my thing! What I do want is for you to run out, get this book and behold the beginning of a darker world. One where the line between hero and villain has become blurred, where a man who has saved them all may have more than just good intentions up his sleeve. One where Lex Luthor has become greater than he ever was before!
COVER SHOOT
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This weekly feature will take a look at THE most visually compelling comic book covers on the market today. Whether they be rare variant editions or just your standard fare, these are the top 5 covers that stand out amidst the bevy of books released each week. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” but these covers are worth more than that! No matter the storylines behind them, these covers compel you to at least check them out, which can be worth exponentially more than just words to the companies that publish them! Enjoy!
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1. Noah (Image): This movie adaption hardcover not only has a stunning cover by the world renowned, Niko Henrichon, but he does all the interior art as well! The linework and layout of this image exudes desolation, a single man bearing the weight of the world, no one could have conveyed that powerful of a thought more beautifully than Henrichon. This cover is so pristine and epic that it is overwhelming!
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2. Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9 (DC): From the foreground pose to the choice of illuminating the background in an onslaught of baby blue, Julian Totino Tedesco, made all the right choices to make this cover pop off of the racks! The slightly diluted painting scheme is truly beautiful and helps solidify the main character in her new role of warrior of the light. It is almost heavenly in scope and astonishing to behold!
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3. Daredevil #1 (Variant Edition) (Marvel): This variant edition by Paolo Rivera, was originally petitioned as a color piece with Daredevil’s suit in a crimson red. I think this stark black and white version is even more eye catching than the original thought and helps to accentuate the graphic background design that Rivera meticulously laid out. While the foreground image of DD is done very well, it is the background that makes this cover great for me. Not only does it offset with the foreground image but it also represents the story well in regards to acting as a maze. It mimics DD’s disadvantage of being in a new city perfectly, making the whole book something special.
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4. Harbinger: Bleeding Monk #0 (Variant Edition) (Valiant): Clayton Henry is a master of mixing digital and painted art to make some of the most outstanding covers on the market today. This one is no different but the layout is done so exceptionally well, that it blows everything else away! The forced perspective is amazing, making you feel as though the focal point is literally floating above you. The central image alone can sell this book, but Henry made the background colors a complete juxtaposition to the foreground, creating a solid piece that is truly stunning!
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5. Thor: God of Thunder #20 (Marvel): Do I need to say anything about this cover? Does anyone create a Thor cover better than Esad Ribic? “I say thee, nay!” This image is pure power, pure strength and pure excitement! The detail Ribic puts into “old” Thor is astounding but just look at, even “older,” Galactus in the background! The eye has so much to take in it’s dizzying! There is not one inch of this cover that doesn’t make the inner fanboy in me squeal with glee. ’nuff said!
Another Death In The Family?
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
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We have all heard the rumors before, “Nightwing is going to die!” As a matter of fact, before the New 52, it was rumored that Nightwing, Dick Grayson, was to perish in a most heroic way. This time, however, there are too many scenarios aligning to make this rumor feel like just another rumor, this time it may actually happen!
In the pages of DC’s big event, “Forever Evil,” Nightwing was captured, tortured and his true identity revealed worldwide to the shock and horror of all the remaining heroes. DC also previously announced that Nightwing will be canceled as of issue #30, arriving on stands April 9th. Just these facts alone don’t truly add up to anything, but DC always has some subtle ways of giving clues as to what may come to fruition!
Way back in November, DC placed a lovely teaser image by Jason Fabok within the pages of its “Bat” books. This was solicited as a teaser for characters and storylines that would take place in the new weekly series, Batman Eternal, that just so happens to debut in April as well. You have all seen this image before, but take a look again. There is one character that seems to be missing, yes Nightwing is not there, or is he? The blonde haired character next to Red Robin appears to be wearing a mask that looks a lot like Nightwing. Did Dick Grayson dye his hair, or could that be Calvin Rose a.k.a.. Talon taking up the mantle?
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Either way, it is still something to speculate, considering what this image has already revealed to us. In Batman #28, which takes place six months in the future, we have already seen the debut of Harper Row as Batman’s new sidekick, Bluebird, as well as the return of fan favorite Stephanie Brown — Spoiler! Both are featured here next to Red Robin and the mysterious blond hero. But there is even more!
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Once you take a good look at Jason Fabok’s cover to Batman Eternal #1, we see something even more intriguing. The cast of characters displayed within Batman’s cape are also from Fabok’s Thanksgiving teaser image as well. There are a few additions, such as the Riddler, Scarecrow, Harley and the female Talon, Strix, but the rest are the same — minus two! Which two you may ask? Both Nightwing AND Talon are missing from this picture, and with both of their series being canceled, wouldn’t one think that they would at least be brought into a book called Batman Eternal? It’s hard to think that Dick Grayson, the original Boy Wonder, would be left out of something as big as a Batman weekly series focusing on all aspects of the Bat Universe! Unless, of course, he is no longer around!
But, maybe it’s all just rumor, we truly never know until the the books hit the stands. Maybe I am just speculating too much, but then again, whose bones are those around the fire in Fabok’s teaser? As Batman stands in the pouring rain on the cover of Batman Eternal #1, whose blood is running down his chest? Maybe the cover of Nightwing #30 will help give us some answers. You decide!
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WARNING: SPOILERS DEAD AHEAD!
Geoff Johns has given DC fans a well executed tale that shines a spotlight on those we normally see through the eyes of the superhero. Villains tend to be a one trick pony but, in Forever Evil, we have the chance to delve deeper into certain individuals machinations as to why they do what they do and in this instance, see them as not so much villains but heroes no matter what their grand scheme may be!
So far, Johns’ mini series has been laced with some subtle and not so subtle nods to past storylines, the inclusion of Otis from Donner’s Superman, the creation of B Zero, Batman wearing the Yellow Lantern ring, this issue however forgoes those subtleties and focuses more on the all out action! The tale straddles two fronts, Luthor’s legion in Wayne Enterprises and Sinestro’s battle with Power Ring. Although Johns begins his story with Luthor’s monolog, it is the sheer viciousness and unyielding might of Sinestro that truly drives the story and in the end, leaves the Crime Syndicate reeling with the loss of a core member!
Johns doesn’t strictly rely on death and destruction this issue either. Power plays are exchanged, roles are reversed and an uneasy alliance between Luthor’s legion and the Bat and Cat emerge. Johns creates a well played chess match that unfolds before your very eyes, one that will leave you rife with questions and an eagerness for what is next to come! My only qualm, regarding this overall story, is that it does not unfold into other DC core books to further enhance it. There have been so many interesting pieces to Forever Evil that it would only benefit by reaching into other books, besides the Justice League titles, and emerge from just an isolated mini into an epic event!
It only took 16 artists and 2 over the top writers to tell the tale of Harley Quinn in a way that it deserves to be done! Bruce Timm, Jim Lee, Charlie Adlard, Amanda Conner, Art Baltazar, Sam Keith, Adam Hughes, Walter Simonson, Jeremy Roberts, Dave Johnson, Chad Hardin, Tradd Moore, Stephane Roux, Becky Cloonan, Tony S. Daniel and the incomparable Darwyn Cooke, all converge on one of the biggest artistic line-ups ever forged, to help tell the tale of one deranged woman and her penchant for mayhem!
Amanda Conner along with hubby, Jimmy Palmiotti, write a tale that lets the reader see exactly how disturbed our “clown princess” truly is. Not only do they let her break the 4th wall, they let Harley critique the artists renderings, ask for better plot lines and she even gets to attend Amanda and Jimmy’s wedding!
Yes, some fans are going to compare this issue as a Deadpool rip-off, but it is so much better than simply following suit on another book. The inclusion of so many talented artists truly sets this book apart from anything done before. Not only does each artist get to render their own zany version of Harley but Amanda and Jimmy’s critiquing of their work through Harley’s eyes is hysterical. The tale is laced with inside jokes, subtle jabs (sorry Jim Lee) and an overall lack of formality, which is exactly what you should get from a Harley tale! It is quirky and twisted, letting the blood flow on quite a few occasions, but it is also quite thought provoking regarding the way the comic medium sees as the “correct” way to tell a story. This tale isn’t a story that will get you from points A to B in a concise manner. This tale is a whirlwind of ideas that may seem haphazard but in all actuality, comes to an inevitable, logical conclusion. Without the seasoned guidance of Amanda and Jimmy at the helm, it could have come off as just a menagerie of Harley pin-ups instead of an amazing assault of the senses! It is a tale that is unique unto itself and will pleasantly surprise you with how easily you are swept up into the chaos of it all!
If you need something different, something irreverent, something blatantly hysterical — than look no further than this issue! It’s chock full of all the quirkiness and eye catching art you will ever need!
Scott Snyder continues to show us all that there are still plenty of amazing stories left to be told to broaden the mythos of the Caped Crusader, whether he dons the costume or not!
Though “the Bat” makes a minimal appearance this issue, Snyder weaves layer after layer of intrigue throughout his tale, building the richness of his two year take on the Batman to an even higher level than before.
The “Zero Year” storyline, that is making it’s way through several books this month, truly takes off in this issue. We have young Bruce dealing with the Riddler’s Gotham blackout and an even worse scenario of twisted death by a new threat that brings Jim Gordon face to face with Bruce. This part of the tale is where Snyder shines his brightest. He adds a level of mystery and intrigue to the tale that cannot be played out soon enough for ravenous readers. A mystery that harkens back to the day Bruce Wayne lost everything, a mystery that changes everything we knew, or thought we knew, about Bruce and Jim’s working relationship. It is something that I found unsettling, not because it is revealed, but because it is not and I NEED it to be!
This is not the only mystery that Snyder opens either. The tale is book ended by another, one that begins with a door and ends in fire, and is no less tantalizing than the other one. Plus, somehow, Snyder sneaks in some action sequences that have been flawlessly rendered by Greg Capullo, satisfying your “need for speed” in a book that is more about the building of a larger tale that pure action.
As the back-up tale goes, it was nice but by no means do you need to have it in this book. It is a subtle tale of a brother and sister having to deal with their own darkened corner of Gotham and realizing there is always a light when you need it most. Subtle and effective but not necessarily needed.
What is NEEDED is next month to get here to see what outstanding tale Scott Snyder has in store for us next!
Told from the perspective of ex-Yellow Lantern, Lyssa Drak, Green Lantern #23.4 delves deep into the forbidden history of Sinestro in an attempt to keep the destroyed Book of Parallax preserved for future generations.
Matt Kindt writes a mesmerizing tale of one of the most interesting characters in the Green Lantern mythos — Sinestro! Although it has the makings of the tried and true “origin” story, the way Kindt tells the tale in a warped perspective from Lyssa Drak’s narrative and the actual events rendered through Dale Eaglesham’s glorious art, is both fresh and invigorating! It is an enthralling tale of Sinestro’s beginning to his bitter “end,” touching upon the most important events in his lifetime and pinpointing the exact moments where the presumed “hero” began to slide into the depths of fear. Not only does Kindt re-kindle our love/hate relationship with Sinestro with this book but he also brings the amazing character, Lyssa Drak, back to the forefront as well. Twisted and forever changed by the events of this book, Lyssa Drak, is a character to look out for in the coming months in the Green Lantern family of books. For, where she goes, the legend of Sinestro is sure to follow!
Creative and beautifully drawn, Green Lantern #23.4 is one of the best books to come out of this “all villains” month event. It is smart and engaging and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to re-familiarize themselves with the greatest villain ever created in the history of Green Lantern!
All in all, DC’s grand scheme to bring about a focus on their villains has been extremely flat. Most books have been only used to tell you what to buy next without giving you a story that would actually make you want to do so! Add to that, the negative hype regarding the 3D cover shortage and the dollar price hike and DC has really painted themselves into a corner.
There have, however, been a few exceptions to the rule and Justice League #23.4 is a shinning example of what this entire event should have been!
Geoff Johns and Sterling Gates give us a glance into the villainous world of Owlman and the alternate version of Alfred Pennyworth, in which evil reigns supreme and history is twisted. Bat fans will enjoy seeing the legend they love so much be shown in a completely different light, one where Thomas Wayne has taken up the mantle of the Bat and Alfred seems to be pulling the strings of the Dark Knight. Speckled with a myriad of Bat characters, this story has that subtle “Easter egg” feel to it, but it is the tale of Alfred and his inevitable change into the character wrecking so much havoc on the Justice League that is the most compelling.
This tale is by far the pinnacle of this “event” for DC. Where other books have failed to grab the reader, partially due to a ton of fill-in writers on the stories, Johns and Gates have created something that has depth and is truly character driven. Not only does their tale deliver on developing a marvelous “new” villain but it directly leads to pertinent storylines in the “Forever Evil” mini-series. Coupled with dark and gritty art by the fabulous Szymon Kudranski, this book is the overall best effort put out so far and it will actually make you want to continue with next month’s Forever Evil #2!
There are moments in our lives that resound more than others. A special event, a tragedy or a first meeting with someone that will change our lives. These milestones define us, make us better or worse than we once were.
Greg Pak and artists, Jae Lee and Ben Oliver, use these same circumstances to bring together DC’s biggest icons for the “first” time. Their defining moments, shared tragedies along with prolific upbringings, are used to build upon their mythos and create something that is truly noteworthy. Pak portrays their rivalry/friendship in a perfect manner. Bruce Wayne, before the cape and cowl, has an instant dislike towards the future savior of Metropolis. Their brief encounter leads to immediate judgment from both parties, branding each other as the drunkard, playboy and the other, a sanctimonious blowhard. It’s nothing fans haven’t seen before, but the pristine writing form Pak and the beautiful art of Lee, bring it to a level never done quite as well as this. It will become a moment that fans won’t soon forget.
As for the first encounter of the Batman and Superman, I won’t reveal the circumstances behind it but, it is explosive to say the least! Utterly jaw-dropping visuals assault you as you take in the sheer brutality and power of these two individuals. The internal thoughts of our heroes, as they take each others measure, is pitch perfect. Pak makes them come across as arrogant and bold, passing judgment upon their foe again and underestimating each other in the process. The naive nature of the fledgling heroes is what Pak is trying to portray and he does it with panache.
Overall, the story is the perfect portrayal of Bruce and Clark, Batman and Superman, in the early days of their careers as future pillars of the DC Universe. The underlying tale of why these two are strewn together is both intriguing and thought provoking, but it is the rhetoric, both internal and external, between these two that will make this book unforgettable!
When a new origin story is announced throughout the comic world, a resounding “Ugh!” can be heard almost everywhere. The venom is spewed even more vehemently when it pertains to an iconic character. So, when it was announced that Scott Snyder would be doing a definitive “origin” story for the New 52 Batman, you could feel the shudder creep across all aspects of the genre. But, in this case, it was a shudder of excitement!
Combined with Greg Capullo’s spectacular art, Snyder continues to build upon his vision of the Dark Knight, one that new readers and the most die hard of fans can agree upon as one of the best Batman runs in the past decade!
Scott Snyder does not bring a razing to the old origin, in fact, it is done with reverence and integrity and handled with the utmost care. He brings iconic images from the Batman mythos – a coin, a car, a cane – into the tale to give a sense of nostalgia all the while creating his own niche to his ever widening classic tales of the Bat. He does not truly touch upon the continually told tale of the birth of the Batman, rather he weaves a tale within the tales of old to heighten them even further. From a boy’s love of Gotham, a young vigilante’s quest for order, to a hardened hero’s battle to bring life back to a broken city, Snyder creates a “look behind the curtain” tale of the life of one of the most iconic characters ever created.
It is heartwarming to see glimpses into a wide-eyed Bruce Wayne’s childhood, one where a father and son bond within the solidarity of a garage. And it is quite exciting seeing how that same boy grows to be a man fine tuning his driving skills in the back-up story by longtime collaborators James Tynion IV and Rafael Albuquerque. They are fantastic glimpses into the heart of a hero that builds upon the basic origin tale that has been told numerous times. But it is also these same glimpses, these finite moments that push that classic tale further than it has ever been before, stretching it from iconic to epic in a single issue!
Scott Snyder takes on DC’s “Big Blue Boy Scout” in an explosive and stunning read that will have longtime fans feeling rejuvenated and ecstatic!
The dynamic duo of Snyder and superstar artist, Jim Lee, combine their masterful talents to DC’s oldest superhero. But, does all the hype pay off, especially for five dollars? This skeptic must give a resounding — Yes!
From the first page, you can feel Snyder’s skillful presence in every word and realize this is a Superman story that goes deeper than just the flash bang heroics of years past. He gives us a character that genuinely feels epic. His motions are calculated and even though he my feel a twinge of panic internally, he does nothing but exude confidence and calm to those he is saving from imminent danger. He is a hero that would exhaust every possibility before showing the populace an ounce of doubt and that is the true core of Superman. So, what makes this book different than all the others?
The tale is one veiled in secrecy. There are many components at play and the underlying current that Snyder exudes is one of insecurity. Something is hiding in the world and it may become the catalyst that will eventually crack the Man of Steel. The best part is that it is none of the usual suspects, unless it is and Snyder has given us a red herring! This threat is deeper than anything else seen before, something that will strike true fear in the heart our hero, something that will shake his confidence in his own abilities.
What takes this particular series over the top besides Scott Snyder’s story? The inclusion of Jim Lee on art of course! Everything Lee touches exudes energy! What character is more iconic, explosive and impressive than Superman? None that I can think of! Lee is the perfect compliment to Snyder and even the “down time” character pieces seem more powerful with Lee on art chores!
My only issue with the book is the fold-out poster that contains part of the story within it. Fans will not want to remove it in order to read those parts and it hinders the story slightly. An outstanding, fold-out Jim Lee poster that could be removed and displayed without defacing the integrity of the book would have been a better option!
So, Happy 75th Superman, Snyder and Lee have made me a fan all over again!