Tag: new 52

Geekscape Comics Reviews: Grayson Vol. 1: Agents of Spyral

by Karson

As I sat down with my coffee and the trade of Grayson Vol. 1: Agents of Spyral I planned to read a couple issues and then go onto something else. That wasn’t quite what happened. I read the first issue then decided I would read the second, then the third… next thing I knew I was through all seven of them.

Dick Grayson, who is no longer Robin, Nightwing or even believed to be living anymore is recruited to become an agent for the shady organization called Spyral. However, it is clear by the end of the first issue that he is a double agent for Batman. The first issue also provides a great summary of Grayson’s history that both old and new fans of the character will appreciate. It serves to immediately connect readers with Grayson. If you aren’t one of the many fans who already love him, after reading a few issues of this you probably will be as Seeley and King do a great job of creating a character that is easy to admire and cheer for. Grayson is fun, positive and possesses a great sense of humor. However there are still plenty of moments where we see him struggling with decisions that he is forced to make on the job.

The book itself could be described in much the same way as Grayson; it’s fun and never takes itself too seriously. It is an easy book to read but still provides deep moral questions and concepts to study and discuss if you wanted to. With each issue the series seems to pick up steam. Seeley and King always seems to leave just enough unanswered questions in each issue to make you want to jump into the next one.

Janin’s provides great art throughout each issue. From the beginning he does an awesome job showing off Grayson’s acrobatic ability and finesse. During the books more powerful moments his art and ability to capture the character’s emotion on the page makes the moments all the more powerful. From the headquarters of Spyral to many different outdoors and cityscapes, the settings and the backgrounds are always gorgeous.

The only complaint I’d have about this trade is that it doesn’t end on much of a cliffhanger. Each issue left me wanting more except for the last one but maybe I was just getting tired of reading?

If you’re looking for something new to read be sure to checkout Grayson Vol. 1: Agents of Spyral when it hits shelves June 9th or pick up a few single issues now!

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‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’ Gets Three New Images!

by Derek Kraneveldt

The holiday weekend means that news is slow (well, essentially non-existent), but Warner Bros. Animation has just released a trio of cool new stills from the upcoming release of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.

DC readers are bound to be familiar with the events of Flashpoint, the acclaimed event that launched DC’s New 52 and rebooted the entire DC Universe. The animated adaptation features Justin Chambers as Barry Allen, Kevin McKidd as Batman, Michael B Jordan as Cyborg and C. Thomas Howell as Reverse Flash. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is set to premiere at SDCC on July 19th, and will hit DVD/Blu Ray on July 30th.

Take a look at the new stills below, and let us know what you think! Miss the trailer? Watch it here!

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The world is turned upside down as one of earth’s greatest super heroes – Flash – wakes up devoid of his super powers in the all-new Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox – the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies. Produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, this all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives July 30, 2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP), DVD ($19.98 SRP) and Digital Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.

Geekscape Comics: Damian Wayne Returns To DC This October!

by Derek Kraneveldt

That didn’t last long.

Damian Wayne suffered a pretty horrific death in Batman Inc. #8 back in February, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing him around.

A new Damnian Wayne centric miniseries titled Damnian: Son of Batman is set to launch this October. The four issue series is written and illustrated by Andy Kubert, and heads into a future where Damian survives and eventually takes on the role of Batman.

Whether Damian permanently returns following the series is still unknown, but of course it wouldn’t be the first time that a character came back from the dead.

In speaking to the New York Post, Kubert States “I had a big affinity for Damian when I drew Batman issue #666 (in 2007). I really liked that Batman and always wanted to revisit him. Damian is a bit different than the ‘Bruce Wayne’ Batman. Grant Morrison tweaked his character in a way that made it very endearing for me to draw. And to write. Basically, what I’m doing is exploring the path that Damian has taken to become Batman. I think readers will see him in a different light than before.”

The first issue of Damian: Son of Batman  will release on October 30th. Take a look at some key art for the series below, and let us know if you’ll be adding it to your pull list!

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Source:The New York Post

Geekscape Comics: Villain Month This September, 3D Covers For All Books!

by Derek Kraneveldt

We’ve all known about DC’s impending “Villain Month” for some time, but now that we’re just a few short months away from the event, the publisher has started releasing official details.

First, all books will be $3.99 (yes, groan, groan, mumble, mumble), but each confirmed book will also feature a cool 3D cover. We’re not talking trading-card sized hologram or a small piece of the image either, but the entire cover. It’s pretty cool, and I’m sure that any book you pick up regularly will be worth the extra dollar that month. Confirmed books at this time are Lex Luthor #1, Joker #1, First Born #1, Bizarro #1, Two-Face #1, Metallo #1, Relic #1, Desaad #1, Darkseid #1, Ventriloquist #1, Cyborg Superman #1, H’El #1, Creeper #1, Grodd #1, Poison Ivy #1, and Parasite #1.

Buzzfeed has a fantastic interview with Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about what Villain Month means for the DC Universe. It’s a great read, and if you weren’t excited for September before, maybe it can turn you around.

Check out some covers from Villain Month below, and let us know what you’re planning to pick up!

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Source: Buzzfeed

First Trailer For ‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Long-time DC readers are bound to be familiar with the events of Flashpoint, the acclaimed event that launched DC’s New 52 and rebooted the entire DC Universe. But what if you’re new to comics, and used the New 52 launch as a jumping-on point to these classic characters?

Enter Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Warner Bros. Animation’s video treatment of Geoff John’s insane DC event. The film hits DVD this July, and features Justin Chambers as Barry Allen, Kevin McKidd as Batman, Michael B Jordan as Cyborg and C. Thomas Howell as Reverse Flash.

The first trailer for The Flashpoint Paradox has just been unveiled, and it certainly looks like a DC animated feature that you won’t want to miss. Watch the trailer below, and let us know what you think!

The world is turned upside down as one of earth’s greatest super heroes – Flash – wakes up devoid of his super powers in the all-new Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox – the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies. Produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, this all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives July 30, 2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP), DVD ($19.98 SRP) and Digital Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.

Damian Wayne – R.I.P.

by Derek Kraneveldt

Tomorrow’s edition of Batman Incorporated will feature a very unexpected death. Damian Wayne, the 10 year old son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul will fall victim to an assassin cloned from his very own genes. Dang.

 

If he has to go… at least he goes out a hero, writer Grant Morrison confirmed that “He saves the world. He does his job as Robin. He dies an absolute hero.”

 

Damian’s death has been crafted to focus how parents can lose sight of their children when they fight. It’s certainly an interesting time to kill the character off, as the current Boy Wonder is much loved by fans of the DC Universe.

 

Again, Damian will lose his final fight in tomorrow’s Batman Incorporated #8; the death will be reflected throughout the DC Universe. Check out the issue’s cover below (a clear homage to Morrison’s Batman RIP), let us know what you think! How will you handle Damian’s death? How do you think that Bruce will take it?

 

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Here’s Morrison’s Batman RIP cover for comparison.

 

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Source: New York Post

 

 

New 52 Batman/Superman Team Up Series Coming This June

by Shawn Madden

Were you a fan of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness Superman/Batman series from 2003? Been hoping that the New 52 would see another team-up series between the two characters? Well, you’re in luck because Batman/Superman is coming to the New 52, from the creative team of Greg Pak (X-Treme X-Men) and Jae Lee (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias), that will deal with the early days of the two iconic characters and how they first crossed paths.

 

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Source: USA Today

Geoff Johns Stepping Down As Writer On ‘Green Lantern’

by Shawn Madden

After nearly 10 years on the book, Geoff Johns will be stepping down as the writer of Green Lantern. The writer, who was tasked with making Green Lantern relevant again and influenced the big screen adaptation of the character, has announced he will be leaving the title this May to focus on other titles that he is currently writing. Johns stated:

 

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“I’m really proud of all the stuff we’ve built with Green Lantern, from Larfleeze to the different corps. The universe has expanded and will live well past my run. It was more than just telling another story, but really giving back to the character by expanding and adding to their mythology.”

 

Johns will be focusing more of his effort on Justice League, Justice League Of America, and Aquaman.  Johns has promised a huge departure issue for the series when his run ends with issue #20, which will be a 64 page issue drawn by Doug Mahkne.

 

Source: HP

‘Justice League’ Film To Be Based On A Certain 1980’s Storyline?

by Shawn Madden

Yet another Justice League movie rumor has surfaced. According to Latino Review, the same source that recently revealed that Darkseid would be the villain the in DC Comics team-film, has revealed a new piece of information about the film. Word is that the screenplay written by Will Beall (Gangster Squad) is being influenced by a particular Justice League storyline from the 1980’s that took place in issues #183-185 of Justice League Of America.

The story, which was written by Gerry Conway and drawn by George Perez, saw the JLA team-up with the Justice Society Of America and involves Darkseid “planning the destruction of Earth by blasting it with a ray that’ll move Apokolips into the Earth’s place”. Wait, Justice League: Dark Of The Moon? Yes, that was a Transformers joke.

There’s currently no word as far as just how much the screenplay will take from the storyline, and at the moment it’s still a rumor. The source is usually fairly reliable, but have been known to get debunked here and there. And it’s pretty surprising that they wouldn’t just pursue the recent New 52’s first story arc for Justice League, which would be a perfect and easy introduction to all of the characters, and would choose to pursue such an obscure storyline. Let’s see how this one works out.

Geekscape Comics: DC Forcing Gail Simone Off ‘Batgirl’?

by Shawn Madden

Earlier this week rumors hit that writer Gail Simone would be leaving the New 52’s Batgirl, but the writer was quick to debunk them. Well, it looks like the rumors were true and DC has taken her off of the title. Simone tweeted:

 

 

This is definitely quite unexpected due to the reponse that Simone’s run on Batgirl has received from fans. It’s expected that Simone will end her run with issue #16 after “The Death Of The Family” story arc reaches it’s end.

Superman #13: Quitting The Daily Planet And The Misuse Of Clark Kent

by Molly Mahan

Earlier last week, when I read that Clark Kent was going to quit his job at The Daily Planet, I was pretty excited. I caught the panel of the deed on Wednesday from a little forum known as Scans_Daily, and immediately I was pumped. Mild mannered reporter Clark Kent was taking a stand, and it was going to be awesome. Not to mention the newspaper industry is a dying beast, so it had the possibility of being a relevant and interesting update.

Then I picked up and read the rest of the comic. Immediately, I was disappointed and heartbroken because it became very clear to me that writer Scott Lobdell and DC editorial had made a huge mistake, and one that did not lack in irony (be it intentional or by happenstance).

In the book—Superman #13—Kent says that he reports on the news, he does not “make it”. However, as Superman, all he does is make news. Additionally, the method in which he quits—that is, a sudden decision with little to no build up—makes it look like all DC wanted to do was make a headline, rather than tell a story. This isn’t too surprising given DC’s media whoring the last couple of years (a few choice examples: Batwoman’s back and a lesbian, but it’ll take half a decade before they finally utilize her! Rebooting the universe left and right! Not to mention that Wonder Woman and Superman are now a “power couple”, etc.).

Stop bitching and write an editorial, Kent!

It’d be far more interesting if Clark actually used his position as a reporter to supplement his heroics, and not just maintain it as a lame-duck identity. If he’s only working for a paycheck, then why not be a waiter or a mechanic, something a little less public? There’s a reason he was a reporter and DC seems to have lost track of why and hence ignored that aspect of his character for some time. Even a mild-mannered reporter can rattle cages and investigate! If Superman really does stand for Truth and Justice, then he should be out there on the streets seeking those things, even when not battling aliens and evil geniuses with his fists. He would have a better and more effective time at it as a reporter than a fireman or accountant. Perhaps finally reveal Lex Luthor as an evil genius to world, rather than keeping it a secret. Remember when Lex became President? Yeah, probably wouldn’t have happened so easily if Kal El had utilized his position more effectively at The Daily Planet (you know, done his job). Granted, that part of DC’s history is no longer continuity, yet it still speaks to the illness that is present in a lot of superhero comics. And that is, not supplementing the alter-ego to aide in the character’s main goal (i.e., saving the world).

But, maybe, that’s the American Way aspect? All this information and hording it for himself as a 1%er of knowledge (though doesn’t Batman already have that kind of douchebaggery covered?). After all, he doesn’t owe us anything, and neither does DC. It’s completely selfish of me as a reader to suspect otherwise. Nevertheless, as a former, zealous reader of DC Comics, it is disappointing that they went after it from this angle. It feels like a cop out and not one with any real merit.

It may very well be interesting to see where Lobdell goes with this. How will he justify the transition; can he? Or will we see Clark back at The Planet or some other news-based gig in a couple months (after all, that’s all his resume is built for). Whatever the next step for Clark Kent is, I urge creative and editorial that his identity will supplement the character and his mission, rather than just be an ad hoc identity that serves no real purpose. After all, unless the secret identity has a purpose, why bother with it? The X-Men certainly don’t (no one in the Marvel Universe really seems to, aside from Spider-Man). The Fortress of Solitude is always available for living quarters, and surely someone would be willing to pay Superman copious amounts of money to be a part-time body guard, motivational speaker, etc.

Though maybe he meant the speech he gave, and the future of Clark Kent as investigative blogger for The Metropolitan Post (or whatever) could potentially be worth reading. We’ll see. After all, I’m not against change, I just hope it means something. Adds something. But in the past year, there doesn’t seem to be enough Blue Lanterns in the New 52 to justify my hopes.

One last thing: Lois Lane had always been the character Lobdell is trying to make Kent into in this issue. She was the tough-as-nails reporter who cared about the news and getting the information out to the people. In this issue, she cares about sales, credibility be damned. That’s a ‘fridging of character if I ever saw one. But another article for another time.

Superman#13 is written by Scott Lobdell, with art by Kenneth Rocafort. It is on sale NOW.

Six Images From ‘Arrow’ Episode 6 “Legacies” Featuring The Royal Flush Gang

by Shawn Madden

It appears after the cliffhanger ending of this weeks episode of Arrow, we will see Diggle begin to help train Oliver in his quest to save Starling City. These new promotional photos from the sixth episode of Arrow were just released and feature Oliver Queen training with bodyguard John Diggle. We also get a peak at the Royal Flush Gang’s bank heist in the episode. In the series we will see the gang given a more realistic approach versus their cyborg versions in the comics.

THE ROYAL FLUSH GANG INVADES STARLING CITY — A gang of bank robbers, dubbed The Royal Flush Gang, hits a local bank and seriously wounds an off-duty police officer during a heist. Diggle (David Ramsey) tells Oliver (Stephen Amell) he needs to deviate from his father’s list and start helping the citizens of Starling City. Meanwhile, Tommy (Colin Donnell) asks Thea (Willa Holland) for relationship advice, but things get awkward when she realizes he was asking about Laurel (Katie Cassidy). Moira (Susanna Thompson) confronts Oliver about all of his recent disappearances in the middle of family functions. John Behring directed the episode written by Moira Kirland & Marc Guggenheim (#106).

Source: GreenArrowTV

The Mark: A Weekly Look At ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

The third episode of Arrow lets off another shot and it continues down the path that this show has been on. The show has been getting progressively better with each episode with the action seeming to get stepped up a notch and the character development becoming more interesting.  In “Lone Gunmen”,  we see Oliver Queen finding himself tasked with taking down a deadly assassin known as Deadshot (played excellently by Michael Rowe), while dealing with personal crises unresolved from his time on the island.

This week’s episode brings in yet another popular DC character very smoothly and in a fashion that is acceptable to both fans as well as the general audience. I’m not quite sure if it’s the stars or the tone of the drama with this series, but with only three episodes down that are full of rich plot developments as well as perfect amounts of action, this show is becoming one of our favorites (well, some of us) of the new season.

The performances in this episode were the strongest of the three, especially for star Stephen Arnell. And while he only had a few lines (keep in mind that Deadshot doesn’t really say much in the comics) I think Michael Rowe’s performance as Floyd Lawton, aka Deadshot, was fantastic and I would hope for more of it. Well, that is if he survived that final showdown… We’re hoping he did and comes back with a vengeance. Or is that too comic cliché? Overall, the action and the performances in this episode were the best of the three so far.

One thing I feel I have to comment on, while I loved Nolan’s Bat-films, is that Arrow is doing a much better job of the detective angle. I’m really impressed by how much detail they are paying to this and I did feel it was one thing that the Bat-films lacked.

The episode ended with plenty of cliffhangers and questions that left you wanting more, including a pretty big revelation for one of the main characters.

And of course, there are the comic book references &  easter eggs that you may have missed:

– The “New 52” reference: Floyd Lawton aka Deadshot is staying in room 52 at the hotel.

– Black Canary foreshadowing: In the club scene we are introduced to Dinah Lance being proficient in hand to hand combat which could foreshadow the chance of seeing her become her DC Comics alter-ego, Black Canary.

– Felicity Smoak: This character isn’t actually a Green Arrow character. Felicity Smoak is a character who was introduced in Firestorm during the 80’s. The character was the manager of a computer software firm in New York City.

Did we miss anything this week? Let us know! And check back next week when we take a look at the next episode: “An Innocent Man”.

Geekscape Comics: DC Cancels Four More Titles

by Shawn Madden

This January will see the final issues hitting the stands for Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., Blue Beetle, Grifter, and Legion Lost. G.I. Combat will also be ending in December, but is being replaced the following month with a new cosmic series from Keith Giffen called Threshold.

Geoff Johns and David Finch’s Justice League Of America will replace one of these cancelled titles but what about the other three? It’s highly unlikely that we will see Scott Snyder and Jim Lee’s Man Of Steel by that time…so does DC have two books that they’ve yet to announce or are we about to have the New 48?

Source: Newsarama

Geekscape Comics: Jim Lee And Scott Snyder’s ‘Man Of Steel’ Series Confirmed

by Shawn Madden

It’s been a rumor that has been floating around for quite some time now that we would be seeing Scott Snyder (Batman) and Jim Lee (Justice League) teaming up to bring us a new Superman title. Earlier today it was officially announced that we will see Man Of Steel hitting shelves from the creative team of Snyder and Lee. It’s been roughly twenty years since I have a bought a Superman title after being burned as a kid by The Death Of Superman. Well, it looks like that’s about to change.

Snyder comments on where this title fits in the continuity and what we should expect from the first arc:

This will play along with the other Superman books in the sense that it’s in continuity, but we really wanted to carve out our own territory. This really is sort of the biggest, most epic Superman story we could do together while having our feet planted firmly in continuity and making sure that everyone had enough room. For us, this is an independent book and something that will challenge Superman in a big way that’s unique to our book. At the same time, I’m friends with Scott and with Andy too, so we’re really excited to play alongside each other and share ideas. I think one of the interesting things about him is that Clark is always Clark. But for Superman, the thing that makes him such a strong character is that the values he grew up with and the person he was raised to be are still at the core of what makes him the most powerful superhero on earth. This isn’t going to be a story where it’s Clark versus Superman or seeing the two of them split. It’s more about challenges for Superman that rock him to the core emotionally, psychologically and also physically. It really is going to wind up putting him up against someone who can go blow-to-blow with him and really take him down.

Source: CBR

Geekscape Comics: New ‘Action Comics’ Creative Team Revealed

by Shawn Madden

It was confirmed earlier today by DC Comics that writer Andy Diggle (Daredevil) will be joined by Tony Daniel (Detective Comics) on art duties when the duo take over Action Comics from Grant Morrison as of issue #18. Diggle is probably best known for a controversial run on Daredevil and Daniels most recently wrote a very boring run on Detective. It also appears we may be seeing Superman donning a new suit in the first look at Tony Daniels artwork.

Diggle on the working on Action Comics:

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

Source: DC

Geekscape Comics: Raven Makes Her ‘New 52’ Debut Next Week

by Shawn Madden

Have you been disappointed that fan-favorite Teen Titan member Raven has been absent from the New 52? Well, next week you’ll have to reason to be happy as the character is set to make her debut in the New 52 in Phantom Stranger #1.

It has also been revealed that at this weekend’s Las Vegas Comic Expo New 52 panel Scott Lobdell had announced her return as well as that he will be writing a Teen Titans spinoff with Raven leading the team. So, right now there’s still a few classic Teen Titan characters missing from the New 52, who would you guys like to see make their debut next?

Source: Comic Vine

Geekscape Comics: Grant Morrison Reintroducing The Multiverse To DC

by Shawn Madden

This weekend at MorrisonCon in Las Vegas, writer Grant Morrison announced that he will be reintroducing the Multiverse to DC Comics with an eight-part miniseries entitled Multiversity.

The following was said about the series on DC Comics’ blog:

“DC Entertainment is proud to confirm that Grant Morrison’s love letter to superhero comics, MULTIVERSITY, will be hitting stores in late 2013.

MULTIVERSITY is an 8-issue series comprising 6 one-shots and a two-part conclusion with each issue featuring a 38-page lead story followed by an 8-page backup. Each issue takes place on a different parallel world from the main DC Earth and functions as a number one issue. Each world in the Multiverse publishes comic books about the heroes on the OTHER worlds. Once the characters realize this, they then unite to respond to the villains!

Additionally, each universe (which have been brewing in Morrison’s mind for years) will open up an endless series of worlds and realities for future writers and creators to use, expand upon and enjoy.”

Also, each issue will be drawn by a different artist, and while DC is keeping most names under wraps, it is confirmed that Frank Quitely will be handling the art duties for the fourth book, Pax Americana. Below is a preview of PAX AMERICANA #1, eaturing The Question and what appears to be Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle. The Pax story revolves around the assassination of a president and how the Charleston characters failed him.

Source: DC

It Appears That The Rock Is Indeed Playing Lobo In The Upcoming Movie

by Shawn Madden

Yes, you read that correctly. It has been rumored recently that Warner Bros. was indeed working on a movie adaptation of one of their resident bad-asses, Lobo. And now the pretty reliable ItsOnTheGrid has given a first bit of the plot for the movie. Well, that and that it appears that The Rock, who was rumored to be up for the role recently, has signed on to play Lobo.

It appears that if their report is accurate, we won’t be seeing a space set adventure, but  rather we will see the bounty hunter travelling to Earth to hunt down some other bad asses. Maybe they didn’t want a repeat of their last failed space adventure? I’m looking at you Green Lantern. Check out the details from the site below.

So, how do you guys feel about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appearing as the bad-ass bounty hunter Lobo?

Geekscape Comics: Judd Winick Leaving ‘Batwing’

by Shawn Madden

DC has had another writer decide to depart from their creative team. Last week Rob Liefeld decided to leave and now it’s been announced that Judd Winick will be leaving Batwing. He told the following to Newsarama:

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that I’ll be leaving the DC monthly Batwing. I’ve had a terrific time on the title and have loved crafting this adventure with some phenomenal people. Artists Ben Oliver, Marcus To, and Brain Reber have made these stories come to life. I will miss telling the tales of David Zavimbe, the Batman of Africa in many ways, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done. My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.

My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.”

Winick had previously walked away from Catwoman after receiving excessive amounts of criticism for his writing of the title. His departure from the comic is definitely not as blown up and excessive as Liefeld’s and definitely hasn’t gone on to him calling out writer Scott Snyder. Oh, if you didn’t know about that one…it’s something to look up. Winick has not confirmed what his last issue will be, but DC has him as the writer on the title through November’s issue #14. No new writer has been announced by DC yet.

Geekscape Comics: After Zero Issues Rob Liefeld Is Leaving DC Comics

by Shawn Madden

We all knew that Rob Liefeld would be leaving DC but it seemed that he would be sticking it out through next year. But just today Rob Liefeld announced on Twitter than he would be gone after September’s zero issues. No, he will not be staying on any of the titles. Yes, he is leaving DC entirely. Liefeld tweeted the following:

The 0′s are my last issues. Thanks for all the love.

This is the 4th time I quit in the last 4 months. This time it will stick.

Never thought the Image section of my book would be topped. This last year was a humdinger. The DC 52 chapters will go top all of it.

Reasons are the same as everyone’s that you hear. I lasted a few months longer than I thought possible.

Massive indecision, last minute and I mean LAST minute changes that alter everything. Editor pissing contests… No thxnjs

Last week my editor said ” early on we had a lot of indie talent that weren’t used to re-writes and changes..made it hard”. Uh, no, it’s you

While, I think many people may be happy that Rob Liefeld is leaving, alot of his complaints have been stated by numerous creators working on DC’s New 52. This makes it appear that upcoming creator changes may be happening sooner than later and we may possibly even see the cancellation of some of these titles. I had heard rumors a bit back that Savage Hawkman was definitely on the chopping block and it looks like DC may either now choose to give it a new team or just cut it. Cue numerous comments about his lack of ability to draw feet.

Source: Twitter

Geekscape Comics: A First Look At Superman’s New Love Interest!

by Shawn Madden

Well, Entertainment Weekly has just posted the first look at Justice League #12, and it features the good ol’ Man Of Steel kissing someone who definitely isn’t Lois Lane. Who is it?

Well, it appears that Superman will be engaging in a romantic relationship with none other than Wonder Woman herself. One of the things that happened when DC launched the New 52 was the ending of Supermans marriage to Lois Lane. This may cause quite a bit of controversy from the people who were hoping to see them get back together. And Geoff Johns assures us that this is definitely no one-issue sales stunt right here.

“This is the new status quo.”

He also states that the relationship will have a seismic impact on all the heroes and villains in the DC universe. So, what’re your thoughts on this one?

Geekscape Comics: First Look At The Variant Covers For ‘Justice League #0’!

by Shawn Madden

This September DC Comics will be giving all of their New 52 titles “zero issues”. In Justice League #0 we will see the new Shazam’s origin story, as well as the origin of Pandora! And we should know by now that these issues will definitely be getting some variants. Take a first look at the variant covers for the upcoming issue by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado!

Source: DC

Geekscape Comics: Aquaman Getting A Special Robot Chicken Variant For Issue #12

by Shawn Madden

Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken DC Comics Special airs Sunday, Sept. 9th. If somehow you haven’t seen the trailer for this by now check it out here. In celebration of this DC has issued a special variant cover for Aquaman #12! However don’t go into this issue thinking that their will be any kind of Robot Chicken content on the inside.

Geoff Johns on the cover:

“This is the last thing I ever thought we’d put on an Aquaman cover because it’s such a bizarre collision of worlds but I think it’s one of the best covers we’ve ever done…I just love the look on Superman’s face! Aquaman will play a pretty big role in the show. In fact, the title could just as easily be How Aquaman Got His Groove Back!”

Source: TV Guide

Geekscape Comics: Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis Leaving ‘Aquaman’

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago word hit that Ivan Reis would be leaving Aquaman. Now it seems Bleeding Cool is reporting that Geoff Johns will also be leaving the title along with Reis. This news is sure to be disappointing to many due to the title is currently a fan favorite. Johns is currently writing Justice League, Green Lantern, and Aquaman as well as maintaining his responsibilities as DC’s Chief Creative Officer which definitely puts quite a bit on his plate. Reis last issue of Aquaman will be issue 16 but it is currently unknown if that will Johns last issue as well. There is also another rumor floating around that the two are not done working together quite yet and that we may see Reis taking over on Justice League after Jim Lee leaves the title.

DC is looking to reshuffle their creators once again around January of next year and with this reshuffle we may see the cancellation of more titles. This would also mean the introduction of new titles such as the rumor we may see WildCAT’s join the New 52. One can only hope right?

Geekscape Comics: The Ending Of ‘Wonder Woman #12’ Shows Something “NEW” Coming To The New 52

by Shawn Madden

It appears that at the end of Wonder Woman #12 something  “NEW” is coming to The New 52. Yes, that is a hint at what it is. No, you should not look if you don’t like spoilers. All I am going to say before I post the image is that fans of Jack Kirby’s creations have reason to get excited here.

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Orion and The New Gods and are making their way to The New 52. This is really exciting news and I don’t read Wonder Woman but I just may have to start.

‘Injustice: Gods Among Us’ Reveals Another Addition To The Roster!

by Shawn Madden

So, if you haven’t guessed by my bad pun who the latest addition is or by the picture above…it’s Catwoman. Check out the reveal trailer where she lets her claws out below!

Injustice: Gods Among Us release date TBA.

Geekscape Comics: Ocean Master Coming To The ‘New 52’!

by Shawn Madden

This November we will see Ocean Master joining the New 52 in Aquaman #14! Take a first look at the new design for Aquaman’s estranged brother!

In the aftermath of “The Others,” who lives and who dies? And what is the fate of the Atlantean relics? In stores on November 28, AQUAMAN #14 continues the acclaimed underwater adventures of Arthur Curry and introduces the treacherous Ocean Master!

And if you need even more reasons to be excited for AQUAMAN #14, joining New York Times bestselling writer Geoff Johns for a special guest issue is LEGION LOST and SUPERMAN: THE BLACK RING artist Pete Woods!

Source: DC

How DC Comics Can Save The Teen Titans Franchise

by Eric Diaz

As an Old School DC Comics fanboy, I will admit that the whole “New 52” reboot was a hard sell for me. However, this isn’t going to be one of those articles where I slam DC’s New 52 initiative wholesale; obviously the initiative has worked, at least in terms of sales. And some of the books are downright great; the Batman family of titles are strong and cohesive, and Scott Snyder’s Batman is already one of the best runs on that book ever. Geoff Johns continues to kick ass on Green Lantern and his Aquaman is one of the best comics they have. Then there is Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Action Comics, the list goes on. Having said that, I think almost a year into this New 52 though, we can now officially count the reboot version of the Teen Titans at the very least as a disappointment. The title is selling decently enough, certainly well enough to get a spin-off in the form of Ravagers, but the book gets tons of online hate from fans and the Ravagers spin off is already tanking two issues in. Scott Lobdell’s writing and (especially) Brett Booth’s art makes the whole thing look like it was an Image or Wildstorm title circa 1996. Teen Titans is a cornerstone DC title that deserves better than it is getting.

According to DC Comics Editor In Chief Dan Didio, one of the main goals of the New 52 was to return the more classic incarnations of these characters to the forefront. In other words, they want whoever is wearing the costumes in the comics to be the characters most widely recognized by the mainstream non comic book reading audience. This is why Barbara Gordon is Batgirl instead of Stephanie Brown, why Barry Allen is the Flash in place of Wally West, and for similar reasons why Clark Kent and Lois Lane aren’t married, as to most average Joe Six Packs, Clark, Lois, and Superman are still in a love triangle.

Based on this logic, it is strange that the Teen Titans books are such a hot mess right now. For a company that is all about “corporate synergy” between itself and parent company Warner Brothers, there hasn’t been much in regards to this book.  If you were to ask a kid on the street, or even a casual comic book fan, who made up the membership of the Teen Titans, chances are they would tell you the characters who made up the highly successful animated version: Robin (the Dick Grayson version) Cyborg, Raven, Starfire and Beast Boy. Those of course, are the same characters who made up the bulk of the team in the 1980’s New Teen Titans series, which for most of that decade was DC’s #1 selling title and helped keep the company afloat. If there is an “iconic” Teen Titans team, then those characters are it.

The two most successful versions of the Teen Titans have featured these characters; if there is an “iconic” version of the team, these guys are it.

Meanwhile, Young Justice on Cartoon Network currently features Robin (Tim Drake) Wonder Girl Cassie Sandsmark, Kid Flash Bart Allen and Superboy as the core group. But these are the characters who in the current comics go by the name Teen Titans, not Young Justice. Someone dropped the ball. It also doesn’t help that Teen Titans Go premieres next year on Cartoon Network, once again with the classic line-up. It all feels like DC’s right hand doesn’t know what their left hand is doing.

The current cast of Young Justice has more in common with the comic book cast of Teen Titans. So much for corporate synergy.

So here is how you fix this DC; cancel both the current Teen Titans and Ravagers comics, Ravagers being that cheesy 90’s style spin off series that no one seems to like. It has been established that in the New 52 DC Universe, this current team is the first group of teenagers to go by the name Teen Titans in the five year old new DC universe. So reconfigure the current version of the group currently going by the name Teen Titans into a new version of Young Justice instead. There has not been an in continuity Young Justice team in almost a decade at DC, and with an animated series on the air, now would be the time to do it. Have the current members of the Titans now training under the auspices of the Justice League, and doing secret missions for them much like in the animated series.

The starts of Ravagers, the Teen Titans spin off no one asked for. Hey Ravagers…1990’s Wildstorm called, and they want their look back.

Meanwhile, re-launch Teen Titans with the characters most people associate with that team. DC has stated that being Batman’s sidekick is more like an internship now, as a way to explain away how there have been four different Robins in a five year old DCU. Which means that Dick Grayson as Nightwing could still be as young as 19 for all we know. Get that weird blow up sex doll version of Starfire out of Red Hood and the Outlaws and put her back on the Titans, and correct any weird personality changes done to her along the way. Bring in Beast Boy, Raven, and have Cyborg as their “older” mentor figure (I say older as he is only 21 at best in the Justice League title) This line up of characters is what both younger and older fans recognize as the Teen Titans most, so DC should capitalize on this fact. I’d also throw in Donna Troy, as she’s a beloved Titans character and missing from the reboot, to much fanboy unhappiness. While I hate that the new DCU has erased the now classic New Teen Titans series from continuity, at least it has freed them up to all meet again for the first time, and introduce a new generation of readers to that iconic team.

Maybe the version of Starfire shown in Red Hood and the Outlaws is like, an evil clone or something.

As for who is going to be the creative teams, well…there are a ton of talented people to choose from, it isn’t a short list. But I don’t think writer Scott Lobdell’s sensibities have really worked for most of his Titans run so far, and certainly not for Starfire over in Red Hood and the Outlaws. I’d get someone like James Robinson, who is doing a great job on Earth-2 right now. Robinson wrote the previous versions of Dick Grayson and Donna Troy in the last incarnation of JLA before the New 52 reboot, and has stated that he’d love to work on Donna again in some capacity. Well, this would be the perfect chance. There are lots of great artists working at DC right now who would be perfect, but of course my #1 vote would go to Phil Jimenez who is currently working on Fables spin off Fairest for Vertigo. Whoever they get, it’ll be better than what they’ve got going on right now.

So there you have it DC, my free advice on how to fix on of your most valuable properties before it eventually gets cancelled due to fan apathy. Teen Titans was once one of your cornerstone books DC, you can make it great again.

Geekscape Comics: Scott Snyder Reveals We Will See The Riddler In 2013

by Shawn Madden

If you have not been reading it for some reason Scott Snyder’s Batman is THE book to read in the New 52. Him and Greg Capullo have been doing a fantastic job so far and just wrapped up the critically acclaimed Court Of Owls storyline and has teased us with The Joker’s return in highly anticipated Death Of The Family. Fans cannot wait to see what Scott Snyder does with The Joker (and trust me…us at Geekscape are in that group) but now he’s teased us with another villain he will be doing a storyline with directly after Death In The Family that fans will definitely be eager to read. A villain that made a brief appearance in the first issue of Batman but has not been seen since then.

That’s right we will be seeing Edward Nigma, one of the only villains to deduce Batman’s true identity, joining the New 52 in 2013. We can’t wait over here to see what kind of twisted riddles and puzzles Scott Snyder has brewing in his brain.