DC Reboot Thread
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nicky the don
Members Posts: 502 ✭✭✭
I didn't see one, so let's get a thread on the DC reboot going. We can post all info here, and what you think about it.
For those that don't know, DC is relaunching their whole line after their flashpoint storyline. Exactly how much or complete is unknown at the moment. It is stated that some stuff will remain.
From IGN:
At last, DC Comics has shown their hand after weeks of speculation. The rumors of a massive DC Universe reboot have been confirmed. In September, comic fans will be the recipients of 52 #1 issues as the entire line of DC Universe titles gets a relaunch. Everyone from Superman to Booster Gold will be getting a revamp, which includes redesigns and a "younger" continuity.
DC Comics co-publisher Dan Didio told USA Today, "We looked at what was going on in the marketplace and felt we really want to inject new life in our characters and line. This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."
Among the 52 new #1s will be Justice League written by DC superstar Geoff Johns and drawn by DC co-publisher Jim Lee. This new Justice League will mark Johns and Lee's first ever collaboration, and will reunite the iconic lineup of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Aquaman. Justice League #1 will launch on August 31, alongside the final issue of Flashpoint. The relaunch of the DCU means that Lee will be handling about 50 redesigns of iconic costumes, similar to what he did with Wonder Woman just over a year ago.
In addition, with this new DCU will be an increased focus on digital publishing, as every single DCU superhero title will be delivered day-and-date. This means that when the new Superman #1 releases, it will be available simultaneously in your local shop and on digital platforms. Despite your concerns/enthusiasm about the DCU reboot, it's undeniable that DC's re-focused digital plan is commendable.
"We're allowing people who have never bought a comic book in their lives to download them on portable media devices and take a look," Lee told USA Today. "Having the ability to give people access to these comics with one button click means we're going to get a lot of new readers."
There has been no specific details released yet in regards to what will happen to things like Batman, Inc., Lois and Clark's marriage, ? Grayson as Batman, etc., but we will post any information as soon as we have it.
UPDATE: In a letter to comics retailers, DC's SVP of Sales Bob Wayne said, "We have taken great care in maintaining continuity where most important, but fans will see a new approach to our storytelling. Some of the characters will have new origins, while others will undergo minor changes. Our characters are always being updated; however, this is the first time all of our characters will be presented in a new way all at once."
Sound off readers, we're positive you've got some things to say. Also feel free to speculate conspiracy theories about the fact that there are 52 #1s planned (the number of Earths in the multiverse).
For those that don't know, DC is relaunching their whole line after their flashpoint storyline. Exactly how much or complete is unknown at the moment. It is stated that some stuff will remain.
From IGN:
At last, DC Comics has shown their hand after weeks of speculation. The rumors of a massive DC Universe reboot have been confirmed. In September, comic fans will be the recipients of 52 #1 issues as the entire line of DC Universe titles gets a relaunch. Everyone from Superman to Booster Gold will be getting a revamp, which includes redesigns and a "younger" continuity.
DC Comics co-publisher Dan Didio told USA Today, "We looked at what was going on in the marketplace and felt we really want to inject new life in our characters and line. This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."
Among the 52 new #1s will be Justice League written by DC superstar Geoff Johns and drawn by DC co-publisher Jim Lee. This new Justice League will mark Johns and Lee's first ever collaboration, and will reunite the iconic lineup of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Aquaman. Justice League #1 will launch on August 31, alongside the final issue of Flashpoint. The relaunch of the DCU means that Lee will be handling about 50 redesigns of iconic costumes, similar to what he did with Wonder Woman just over a year ago.
In addition, with this new DCU will be an increased focus on digital publishing, as every single DCU superhero title will be delivered day-and-date. This means that when the new Superman #1 releases, it will be available simultaneously in your local shop and on digital platforms. Despite your concerns/enthusiasm about the DCU reboot, it's undeniable that DC's re-focused digital plan is commendable.
"We're allowing people who have never bought a comic book in their lives to download them on portable media devices and take a look," Lee told USA Today. "Having the ability to give people access to these comics with one button click means we're going to get a lot of new readers."
There has been no specific details released yet in regards to what will happen to things like Batman, Inc., Lois and Clark's marriage, ? Grayson as Batman, etc., but we will post any information as soon as we have it.
UPDATE: In a letter to comics retailers, DC's SVP of Sales Bob Wayne said, "We have taken great care in maintaining continuity where most important, but fans will see a new approach to our storytelling. Some of the characters will have new origins, while others will undergo minor changes. Our characters are always being updated; however, this is the first time all of our characters will be presented in a new way all at once."
Sound off readers, we're positive you've got some things to say. Also feel free to speculate conspiracy theories about the fact that there are 52 #1s planned (the number of Earths in the multiverse).
Comments
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New Justice League -
Green Lantern News
Though there are three new Green Lantern titles (plus the previously announced Red Lanterns ongoing), the creative teams previously handling the GL titles remain intact. Along with DC's official text for the announcements, the new titles are below.
Green Lantern #1 by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke and Cristian Alamy
Geoff Johns has been charting the adventures of Hal Jordan and the GREEN LANTERN Corps since GREEN LANTERN: Rebirth, collaborating with such major artists as Ethan Van Sciver, Darwyn Cooke, Prentis Rollins, Marlo Alquiza and ? Gray.
This fall, Johns reunites with artists Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy, as the series begins anew with GREEN LANTERN #1 with cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Together they will continue to thrill readers and expand the Green Lantern mythos.
Change is coming. But set aside your fear. It'll be worth the wait.
Green Lantern Corps #1 by Peter Tomasi, Fernando Pasarin, and Scott Hanna
When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it's up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace.
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 will be written by Peter J. Tomasi with art by Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna. The cover to #1 is by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.
Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1 by Tony Bedard and Tyler Kirkham
Who are The New Guardians?
The power of Rage, Avarice, Fear, Will, Hope, Compassion and Love combine to be the most powerful (and colorful) team in the corps under the leadership of Kyle Rayner. Beware their power . . . and their volatility!
GREEN LANTERN: THE NEW GUARDIANS #1 will be written by Tony Bedard and illustrated with cover by Tyler Kirkham and Batt.
Red Lanterns #1 by Peter Milligan and Ed Benes
Going solo. Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series, battling against injustice in the most ? ways imaginable. This Lantern Corps takes no prisoners, they are judge, jury and executioners!
RED LANTERNS #1 will be written by Peter Milligan with art and cover by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter. -
as long as they dont cancel superman's marriage, everything that happened in GL, or the status of the bat-family, im ok with it.
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Considering I havent read comics in over 10 years but always wanted to get back into them Im cool with this.
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They're saying not at the beginning, but at a point where they're younger.
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nicky the don wrote: »
New Justice League
IMO Superman looks young as ? compared to the others....looks more like superboy. -
i think its just the picture. superman looks normal here, except for the changes to his costume. -
Batman News from IGN
"In both Batman and Detective, Bruce Wayne is going to be the main star as Batman," Marts confirmed. "Bruce Wayne will once again be the only character to be wearing the Batman costume."
What that means for the Batman of the past two years, ? Grayson, is coming in an announcement later today, as is the fate of Batman Inc. However, keep in mind what was said above about DC not wanting to isolate longtime readers. In terms of the tone of each Bat-book, Marts said, "Each of the Batman titles is different in their own way. The different creative voices that we have on the Batman titles will have all of them feeling distinct and special. At the same time, all playing within the same sandbox, the same way that we have been. It's a shared world where a lot of the titles will interact with one another."
For fans of Damian Wayne as Robin, you'll be happy to hear that he'll be returning as the Boy Wonder in the pages of Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's Batman and Robin #1. In the new volume of Batman and Robin, it will be Bruce and Damian Wayne parading as the titular characters, protecting Gotham City as father and son.
"This is the first time we're seeing Bruce Wayne and his son Damian acting as a team, together, as Batman and Robin. Previously, it had been just a father/son role or mentor and student, but this is the first time they are actually working together as a team," said Marts. "That's going to be very interesting because here you have a family dynamic of father and son who have the most unique relationship, and not the most perfect of relationships. That will provide for a lot of interesting stories." -
I gotta say duns....ive been done with monthlies for awhile...but DC Comics will not get a ? cent from me anymore. Not even on back trades.
This is some ? . Ima go into it more later on cuz i gots important ? to do, but I can't support DC anymore and ive been a DC loyalist for most of my life. ? 'em. Make mine Marvel. -
The Women Of Gotham City:
From IGN
Alongside the major Batman announcements from earlier today, DC unveiled plans for the peripheral characters of the Bat-family. Alongside these primary Batman titles will be Batgirl #1, Catwoman #1, Birds of Prey #1, and the previously announced Batwoman #1 by J.H. Williams III, Haden Blackman, and Amy Reeder.
We asked about the constant delays of Batwoman, which was scheduled to hit in February 2011, and if that it was in fact due to the upcoming September relaunch. "Batwoman is a huge priority for DC. That played into our decision making as far as our September initiative," said Batman group editor Mike Marts. "It's very important in several different ways. Not only do we have fan-favorite and critically acclaimed writer J.H. Williams III taking charge, this is also the first time that we have a superhero title from a major publisher that features a lesbian protagonist." There are even more announcements concerning the diversity of the Batman line coming later in the day.
Catwoman #1 will be written by Judd Winick with art from Guillem March. DC's description of the series reads, "Meet Catwoman. She's addicted to the night. Addicted to shiny objects. Addicted to Batman. Most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can't help herself, and the truth is – she doesn't want to. She's good at being bad, and very bad at being good." Sounds like good ol' Catwoman, no?
Birds of Prey is taking on a bit of a change, however. Now billed as "Gotham City's covert ops team, taking down the villains other heroes can't touch,"
And finally, in the announcement that will likely generate the most chatter from DC die-hards, is Batgirl #1, written by fan favorite Gail Simone with artists Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes.
In the announcements made for Catwoman, Birds of Prey, and Batgirl, DC was pretty particular about not revealing the actual names of the characters involved. In the case of Batgirl, the released art would suggest that Barbara Gordon is going to be making her way back to the mantle, though DC wouldn't confirm.
"We've got to save some surprises for September!" said Marts. "I will say that there are several surprises up and down the line within the Batman group. That's also playing up the diversity of the Batman group. We feel that the female members of the Batman group are just as important as the male. That's why we're offering several different titles from Batgirl to Batwoman to Catwoman to Birds of Prey. A lot of times those characters have proven to be more popular than their male counterparts."
We brought up the legitimate fan concern that many have about returning Barbara Gordon – a character that has long acted as a shining achievement in diversity -- to the role of Batgirl. "We're always conscious of fan reaction and how the stories are being taken," Marts replied. "Our first priority is to tell great stories and that's why we hire the best creators to work on these books. That's first and foremost our goal."
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Red Lanterns FTW
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Barbara Gordon IS the New Batgirl
The original Batgirl returns.
"Barbara Gordon is pretty much my everything. Because of the Batman TV show, she was the reason I fell in love with superheroes. Because she was a redhead who could kick ass, she is the reason I fell in love with comics. She was always forward-looking as Batgirl, a girl who was smarter than the male characters, who had class and elegance and style, as well as tough-as-nails grit. For a long time, there was simply nothing else like her in comics, and for me and a lot of other readers, her every appearance was joyful and explosive.
For many years, I got to write the character as Oracle, and there is to this day, no character who means more to me. This is classic Barbara as she was originally conceived, with a few big surprises. It's a bit of a shock, to be sure, but we're doing everything we can to be respectful to this character's amazing legacy, while presenting something thrilling that a generation of comics readers will be experiencing for the first time...
...Barbara Gordon leaping, fighting, and swinging over Gotham. Now, when citizens of that city look up, they are going to see Batgirl.
And that is absolutely thrilling."
The decision is sure to be met with a lot of controversy, as Barbara Gordon has long stood out as a figure of diversity amongst the superhero community, bound to a wheelchair for over 20 years and serving from behind the scenes as Oracle. It remains to be seen if DC will be addressing the drastic change within the book, or simply continuing forward as though she had never been paralyzed.
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Exclusive: ? Grayson Returns as Nightwing
The original Robin returns to his former mantle in a new series.
? Grayson, original Robin and current Batman, will be returning to the mantle of Nightwing with DC's relaunch of superhero titles in September.
"There will be a Batman and there will be a Nightwing," said DC Comics Batman group editor Mike Marts. "And ? Grayson will be returning to his role of Nightwing."
The news comes on the heels of DC confirming that Barbara Gordon is returning to the mantle of Batgirl.
Nightwing #1, a new ongoing series written by Kyle Higgins with art by Eddy Barrows, finds ? dealing with the return of Haley's Circus to Gotham City – the same big top attraction that he once performed under with his parents. In DC's official announcement, the publisher confirms that ? 's time as the Dark Knight is still relevant. It reads, "After a tenure as the Batman of Gotham, ? Grayson resumes his mantle as Nightwing! As ? embraces his identity, Haley's Circus, the big top where he once performed with his family, returns to Gotham – bringing with it a history of murder, mystery and superhuman evil. Nightwing must confront friends and enemies from his past as he searches for the source of an even greater evil."
? isn't the only former Robin to be returning to the big time though, as the one and only Jason Todd gets an ongoing title of his own. Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell and drawn by relative newcomer Kenneth Rocafort. In it, Jason Todd finds himself as a leader of a team of antiheroes – including "Green Arrow's rejected sidekick Arsenal and Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war."
"He's proven to be such a popular character over the last several years with our DVD and also the recent limited series," Marts said of Jason Todd. "The success of those stories helped in earning him his own new title and we're lucky to have Scott Lobdell writing that storyline and Kenneth Rocafort on art, who is a great new talent that we've brought into the DC fold. Jason Todd's group will have several different exciting characters from the DC Universe – some we've seen before and some we haven't."
These are definitely interesting new roles for some familiar characters, so sound off in the comments below with your thoughts!
[IMG]http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/117/1172824/exclusive-? -grayson-back-as-nightwing--20110606055821329-000.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/117/1172824/exclusive-? -grayson-back-as-nightwing--20110606055834031-000.jpg[/IMG] -
All covers from new Batman books. -
Huge Slap In The Face To Long Time Readers...Good Thing Ive Always Made Mine Marvel....? Looks Like The Ultimate Universe In The MU But Atleast Marvel Kept the 616
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I mean, honestly I've just begun reading DC comics in the last year. I got A BUNCH of Batman comics, so I was able to read whole story arcs at one time. But I am interested in seeing how they play this out. They're saying younger, but how old are Bruce Wayne, ? Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake?
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All of this is from IGN
Exclusive: DC Focuses on Diversity in Batman Titles
Who is Batwing?
Along with the other Batman announcements made today, DC revealed plans for a more diverse line of Batman comics. Alongside Batwoman, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Birds of Prey will be Batwing #1, starring the first ever black character to don the mantle as the Batman of Africa [Editor's note: mistakenly originally reported as African-American, Batwing is African]. Written by Judd Winick with art from Ben Oliver, Batwing #1 should answer the question about whether or not Batman Incorporated is still relevant.
"Batwing #1 is a series that spins right out of Grant Morrison's Batman Incorporated storyline. This is the first time that we have an in-continuity black character wearing the Batman costume," said Batman group editor Mike Marts. "Grant has provided us with so many new characters and concepts. He's really just been a fountain of ideas and energy for the Batman group of titles. We have so many different cool things to choose from what Grant creates, and we go with what we think is going to provide readers with the most story and the most excitement. And with this, Batwing won out."
DC Comics is making a push in many different directions with their September initiative, and it's great to see that diversity and appeal to all readers is a primary focus.
Wrapping up DC's round of blockbuster Batman announcements, Marts added, "There's never enough time to put something of this magnitude together. It's something we've been working extremely hard on for quite a while, but for something this big you always hope for more time. But in the time that we've had we've been able to assemble just a superstar roster of talent and everyone is bringing unique and new ideas to the table."
DC Comics also announced that ? Grayson will be retuning as Nightwing, and Barbara Gordon will be returning as Batgirl. In addition, they've revealed the Batman of Africa, spinning out of Batman, Inc.
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Batman Inc. Returns With New #1
Does this answer your question?
Even after all the Batman announcements that we dropped today, DC Comics went one further: they've announced the return of Grant Morrison's Batman Incorporated, scheduled for early 2012.
The series will debut with a brand new #1, written by Morrison with art by Chris Burnham. Morrison released the following statement with DC's The Source blog:
"Batman, Incorporated will continue through to Issue #10 and August's shocking season finale that changes the Batman status quo yet again. The series will take a brief hiatus while I work on a major new project to be announced shortly. Batman, Incorporated returns next year with me, Chris Burnham and Batman: Leviathan, the epic 12 part conclusion to my 6 year Batman saga. Don't miss it!" -
The Batman of Africa? Just pretending that Damian and Grayson didn't happen? This ? is a hot mess.
Really the Batman of an entire continent? He couldn't be the Batman of Nigeria or an actual country, but the entire continent? SMMFH. -
DC's Next-Gen Justice Titles Revealed
Teen Titans, the Legion, and more all have new #1s.
Continuing the daily trend, DC opened the day with a slew of new announcements for their upcoming September relaunch initiative. Those of you that were clamoring for intel on the whereabouts of Tim Drake when he didn't appear in the Batman announcements, DC has got you covered for today.
Today's announcements featured the younger heroes of the DCU, including mainstays like the Legion and Teen Titans. Listed below are the new titles announced, along with DC's official text from The Source.
Legion Lost #1 by Fabian Nicieza and Pete Woods
Seven heroes from the 31st century have traveled back to the present day. Their mission: Save their future from total annihilation. When the future tech they brought with them fails, they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish world and an ultimate struggle to survive. LEGION LOST #1 will be written by Fabian Nicieza and illustrated by Pete Woods, fresh off an acclaimed run of Action Comics.
Legion of Superheroes #1 by Paul Levitz and Francis Portela
In the 31st century, the Legion of Superheroes is reeling from the loss of seven of their finest — and trying desperately to keep their youngest recruits alive against a series of terrible new threats. LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #1 will be written by fan-favorite Legion writer Paul Levitz and illustrated by Francis Portela.
Teen Titans #1 by Scott Lobdell, Brett Booth, and Norm Rapmund
Tim Drake is forced to step out from behind his keyboard when an international organization seeks to capture or ? super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he must team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and a hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash in TEEN TITANS #1, by Scott Lobdell and artists Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund.
Static Shock #1 by John Rozum, Scott McDaniel, and Jonathan Glapion
Virgil Hawkins has been gifted with incredible electrical powers. Adopting the persona of Static, he faces super-powered street gangs, raging hormones, homework, and girls in STATIC SHOCK #1, co-written by John Rozum and Scott McDaniel, with McDaniel also illustrating along with Jonathan Glapion.
Hawk and Dove #1 by Sterling Gates and Rob Liefeld
It's up to the living avatars of war and peace to root out the hidden forces who look to plunge the country into a deadly civil war in HAWK AND DOVE #1. The exciting new series will be written by Sterling Gates and illustrated by legendary superstar comics artist Rob Liefeld. -
With Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League launching at the end of August, DC has unveiled ten additional titles that will be spinning out of it in September. With some very interesting, exciting creative teams attached to these books, it's clear that DC is going all out. Interestingly, the titles announced suggest that things like Brightest Day and Justice League: Generation Lost are still very much important. It'll be interesting to see how DC incorporates the recent stories with a brand new set of continuity.
Wonder Woman #1 by Brian Azzarello & Cliff Chiang
New York Times bestselling writer Brian Azzarello, author of The Joker and 100 Bullets, teams up with the immensely talented artist Cliff Chiang (Neil Young's Greendale) for WONDER WOMAN #1, an exciting new series starring the DC Universe's greatest superheroine. The cover to issue #1 is by Cliff Chiang.
Aquaman #1 by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
Geoff Johns, one of comics' greatest storytellers, reunites with GREEN LANTERN and BRIGHTEST DAY collaborator Ivan Reis to bring you a thrilling new take on the fan-favorite hero of the sea in AQUAMAN #1. The cover to issue #1 is by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado.
The Flash #1 by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Rising superstar Francis Manapul, fresh off his acclaimed run on THE FLASH with Geoff Johns, makes his comics writing debut in THE FLASH #1, sharing both scripting and art duties with Brian Buccellato. The Flash knows he can't be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who can? The cover to issue #1 is by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato.
The Fury of Firestorm #1 by Ethan Van Sciver, Gail Simone & Yildray Cinar
Welcome to a major new vision of the Nuclear Man as writers Ethan Van Sciver and Gail Simone team up with artist Yildiray Cinar to deliver THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #1. Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond are two high school students, worlds apart – and now they're drawn into a conspiracy of super science that bonds them forever in a way they can't explain or control. The cover to issue #1 is by Ethan Van Sciver. -
The Savage Hawkman #1 by Tony Daniel & Philip Tan
Batman writer Tony Daniel will team up with artist Philip Tan (GREEN LANTERN: AGENT ORANGE, THE OUTSIDERS) for THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1. Carter Hall's skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor's latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his cowl and wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive. The cover to issue #1 is by Philip Tan.
Green Arrow #1 by JT Krul & Dan Jurgens
Oliver Queen is an orphan who grew up to fight crime as the Green Arrow, a billionaire playboy who uses his fortune to become a superhero – able to fight the most powerful super-villains in the universe with nothing but a bow and arrow. JT Krul will write GREEN ARROW #1 with art by superstar artist Dan Jurgens. The cover to issue #1 is by Brett Booth.
Justice League International #1 by Dan Jurgens & Aaron Lopresti
A team of internationally-drafted superheroes fight each other and their bureaucratic supervisors as much as they do global crime in JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1 from writer Dan Jurgens and artist Aaron Lopresti. The cover to issue #1 is by Aaron Lopresti. -
Mister Terrific #1 by Eric Wallace & Roger Robinson
The world's third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in MISTER TERRIFIC #1, the new series from writer Eric Wallace and artist Roger Robinson. The cover to issue #1 is by J.G. Jones.
Captain Atom #1 by JT Krul & Freddie Williams II
Captain Atom has all the power in the world, but no hope of saving himself. Charged by nuclear energy, possessing vast molecular powers, he has the potential to be a ? among men – a hero without limits. But the question is this: Will he lose himself in the process? JT Krul and artist Freddie Williams II take the character in a bold new direction in CAPTAIN ATOM #1. The cover to issue #1 is by Stanley "Artgem" Lau.
DC Universe Presents #1 (Anthology)
The anthology series gets a new look in DC Universe Presents, a new series that will focus on multi-issue story arcs each featuring a different superhero from the DC Universe's rich cast of characters, told by some of comics' most exciting writers and artitsts. DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1 kicks off the first arc of the series: a Deadman story by Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang. The cover to issue #1 is by Ryan Sook. -
Blue Beetle #1 by Tony Bedard, Ig Guara and Ruy Jose
It's not easy being Jaime Reyes. He has to deal with high school, family and all the drama that comes with being a teenager. Also, he's linked to a powerful scarab created by an alien race who seek to subjugate planets – or annihilate them. It's up to one teen hero to turn this instrument of destruction into a force for good in BLUE BEETLE #1, written by Tony Bedard (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) and illustrated by Ig Guara (FLASHPOINT: GRODD OF WAR) and Ruy Jose.
Suicide Squad #1 by Adam Glass and Marco Rudy
Harley Quinn! Deadshot! King Shark! They're a team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous – they're sheer suicide! Who will be the first to ? under the pressure? Find out in SUICIDE SQUAD #1, written by Adam Glass (FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM) with art by Marco Rudy (THE SHIELD).
Well, that leaves only 4 titles until we hit the announced 52, and we still have yet to hear about the Superman books (expected tomorrow). If you haven't seen anything about your favorite series yet (*cough*Secret Six*cough*), you can probably start worrying now. -
Superman Enters the 21st Century
Clark loses the red trunks.
Written by Grant Morrison with art from Rags Morales, DC Comics will be launching Action Comics #1 in September, the first #1 for the series since 1938, which also heralded the Man of Steel's debut. Below are images released by DC along with their official text for the new books, straight from their Source blog.
Action Comics #1 by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales
'A new era of DC Comics begins as the longest-running monthly comic of all time releases its first issue #1 since 1938.
This September, New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) joins with sensational artist Rags Morales to bring you tales of The Man of Tomorrow unlike any you've ever read before in ACTION COMICS #1. This momentous first issue will set in motion the history of the DC Universe as Superman defends a world that doesn't trust their first Super Hero.
The first Action Comics #1 is now the most sought-after comic book of all time. This September, one of comics' most imaginative storytellers will make history again in Grant Morrison and Rags Morales' ACTION COMICS #1.'
The promotional image released is certainly a different take on the Man of Steel, though I wouldn't get up in arms about Superman sporting jeans from now on.
Superman #1 by George Perez and Jesus Merino
'What is Superman's startling new status quo? How does it affect his friends, loved ones and his job at The Daily Planet? Find out in SUPERMAN #1, written by legendary comics creator George Perez (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, NEW TEEN TITANS and WONDER WOMAN) and illustrated by Jesus Merino.'
Supergirl #1 by Michael Green, Mike Johnson and Mahmud Asrar
'Supergirl's got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1.'
Superboy #1 by Scott Lobdell, R.B. Silva and Rob Lean
'They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.'
"We're trying to move not just the company but even our industry to new areas and new audiences and, hopefully, for a more healthy business — this seemed like the right time and the right moment," DC co-publisher Dan DiDio told the LA Times. "This is a refocusing of the energies of the company into a way that really pushes the medium toward the widest and best audience possible. This isn't about turning around a single character or telling a new story. This is about repositioning the company for the future. What we're trying to accomplish is to widen the breadth of our stories and the appeal of characters and go after different distribution systems."
DC's other co-publisher and chief architect of the character redesigns added, "If you do it right, you want the character to be recognized as the iconic characters they are, but at the same time you want to update some sensibilities … if you've been reading comics for a very long time, you can kind of overlook the bright colors and the design. You internalize them and see them as normal or acceptable."
Lee continued, "If you saw someone walking down the street in that, you would view it as odd … [so] when they were interpreted and put on screen and in video games, modifications were made, and now the question is why in the world of comics should we be any more beholden to these designs?
