DC Comics unleashes a revamped website!

In lieu of the changes and directions the company has made to their logo and comic book universe, DC Comics has gone the extra mile and restructured themselves online by updating their official website! With The New 52 universe on the roll and the last Christopher Nolan Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" on the horizon, much is happening with DC Entertainment and its products and characters that warrant this update as necessary! New subpages have opened up for heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the publisher's official blog "The Source" has also gotten a new look!

Be sure to visit the new DC Comics website for news, info, and goodies!

First Look: Batman # 8 and the Court of Owls back-up!

Announced in DC Comics' official blog The Source, here is a first look at what's coming in a few months time with Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque's epic DC The New 52 run on Batman. Starting with issue #8, a new back-up feature will be included in the series, entitled "The Secret History of The Court of Owls", focusing on the society that has been hounding The Dark Knight and his home Gotham City. It will lead to a mega crossover called "The Night of The Owls" The roots of the group extend longer than Batman realizes, and how it connects to the Wayne family's own history will be explored as the series progresses, particularly when issue #9 rolls around, starting a new arc called "The Fall of the House of Wayne". For more information and preview pics, read it up at the source post at DC The Source!

DC The New 52 Teasers: The Final Week of #1 teasers step in

As the final week of September rolls in, so will the final wave of DC Comics' New 52 #1 launch titles. Among the bunch will be Batman: The Dark Knight # 1, Aquaman #1, The Flash #1, and Superman #1, so there's still a lot of books readers new and old will be gunning for. In fact, over at their official blog site The Source, DC has posted up some new teaser images and quotes to give hungry fans a taste of things to come for the final week. Here are some of them:

"You are the parent of your own fear." - Bruce Wayne

There you go. The David Finch penned and drawn teaser to Batman: The Dark Knight #1. Looks good visually so far, but I want to see how it does story-wise. The last one was plagued with delays, and Finch wasn't even able to draw the last issue even! Here's hoping it does well. It looks really good in the art department.

"How's it feel to be nobody's favorite Superhero?" - Unnamed Blogger

I don't know if that holds true for majority of the DC fanbase. Aquaman may not be one of the best cash cow heroes of the DC universe, but he's certainly a recognizable figure, and he had quite the run back in the day with Peter David at the writing helm. Now, Green Lantern and The Flash Rebirth scribe Geoff Johns is going to do his thing and take Arthur in a new and serious direction when his new #1 issue hits this week, and I'm sure people will be talking, especially with these stellar visuals presented by Blackest Night and GL penciller Ivan Reis. A lot of ridicule and jokes can be thrown to Arthur Curry, but there's no denying that he's one of the best creations DC has chugged up in their heroic repertoire. I'm looking forward to good things with Aquaman #1.

The last wave of DC The New 52 books hit this week. For more info and stories, visit the source post at DC The Source!

DC The New 52 Teasers: Nightwing and Red Hood and the Outlaws

With all that's been happening in the new DC Universe and how people have been reacting to first half of  "The New 52", it's pretty safe to say that DC Comics has had a successful reboot so far in terms of numbers and attracting a new audience into the comic book world. However, the lines are divided and mixed when it comes to the issue of continuity, and while majority of the books are rebooting most of their history, some are thankfully intact. Case in point, the Green Lantern and Batman universes have carried over their histories, and while the latter series has Barbara Gordon back in the cape and cowl as Batgirl, her time being paralyzed as a result of the Joker's attack in Batman: The Killing Joke and becoming Oracle still happened despite getting her mobility back in the DCnU.

With that said, we come over to the two other books that faithful Batreaders are surely going to keep their eye on: Nightwing and Red Hood and the Outsiders. For one thing, I have mixed feelings in regards to Dick Grayson returning to the role he's best known for. I enjoyed his stint as Batman, and while I'm not particularly sad about him downgrading back to Nightwing, I can't say I'm too inclined with the new costume design. I miss the simple blue and black jumpsuit he sported prior to inheriting the mantle of the Bat, and this one just screams "forcing a mixture of the old and the new". Take a look at the spread provided by DC's blog The Source, as well as the teaser line below.

"Just when I've set up a new life, my old one comes back. Well played, Gotham." - Dick Grayson/ Nightwing

Can't say I blame Dick for saying that. Nightwing #1 hits shelves next week.

The only reason I'm here is 'cause is if anything happens to you-that would make me the worst former sidekick ever." - Jason Todd/ The Red Hood"

Ah Jason Todd, aka Robin II and now The Red Hood. He died at the hands of the Joker in the 80's, and then was miraculously resurrected thanks to Superboy Prime's "Magic Punch" that sent ripples in time and caused changes in the old DCU's history. Well, he's still alive and kicking in the DCnU, and he's going to team up with a young Roy Harper/ Red Arrow and Starfire to form "Red Hood and the Outlaws". I'm not sure if I'm going to follow this book, but I can't argue about the team dynamic getting me curious either. Watch out for this one next week as well.

For more info, visit the source link at DC The Source!

DC The New 52: More awesome teasers to show for the DCnU!

DC Comics has updated their blog The Source and posted some rather interesting teasers for more of the upcoming "New 52" books that will be released in the coming weeks ahead. I've reviewed some of the initial new books that are already in shelves (or sold out), primarily Justice League #1, Action Comics #1, and Detective Comics #1, and as of the moment I'm pretty satisfied with what I see. In the meantime, here's a couple of new things to look forward to come next week and beyond:

"You're not my partner. You're my son" - Bruce Wayne

Awww... Bruce Wayne having a "tender moment" with his son Damian Wayne while they're off in patrol as Batman and Robin. The new series kicks off next week with Batman and Robin #1, which goes on sale on the 14th.

"Hee... That's so cute. You think you're scary. But muster, I've seen scary. And you ain't got his smile" - Harley Quinn

An obvious reference to The Joker right there. Still, I'm not favoring this new, slutty like "Typhoid Mary" look Harley Quinn has got for her as a member of the new DCnU's iteration of the Suicide Sqaud. Evidently it also takes inspiration from her recent costume change in the Batman Arkham Asylum/ Arkham City video games, but I miss my Animated Series look too much. Whether or not you look forward to this adventure, Suicide Squad #1 comes out on September 14 as well.

There you have it. The variant cover to Action Comics #2, which goes on sale next month. It brings a whole new meaning to "strange visitor from another planet" when I look at this piece by Ethan Van Schiver. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore what I just read with Action Comics #1 by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales, but this isn't working for me as heroic posing at all.

For more info and updates, visit the source post at DC The Source!

DC The New 52: The Flash #1 gets cool ads

He's the hero who played a MAJOR PART in Flashpoint and the way things are now in The New 52, so with his upcoming new relaunched series coming up later this month, DC Comics has officially posted these ads from their blog The Source to promote the release of The Flash #1!

Like what's being teased here for the new adventures of Barry Allen and his alter ego? For more info, visit the source post over at DC The Source!

The Flash #1 runs into comic book shops this September 21st!

DC Teaser: DC shows off Batman's look in Detective Comics #1!

Revealed in their post via their blog The Source, DC Comics has posted this image of Batman and revealed where one of the one-liners they teased will originate from... in the all-new Detective Comics #1 by Tony S. Daniel! The one liner associated with this fantastic art piece is "He's the worst kind of killer. One with no true pattern". Also, we finally get a glimpse of how Daniel, along with guest artist Ryan Winn, will illustrate his Dark Knight in his run, and the new look appears to be a hybrid of Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" look with "Batman Inc."! For more on the story, visit the source post at The Source!

The all new Detective Comics #1 surfaces on September 7!

DC Teaser: DC Comics teases the new 52 with quotes and collage poster!

This is it. The road to change begins, and there's no turning back.

Over at the official blog "The Source", DC Comics has collected together a series of "quotes" that come straight from their comics - 52 teaser lines to be exact, and sample among them are the ff:

"He's the worst kind of killer. One with no true pattern,"

"Flaspoint effect has definitely closed off time travel"

"I remember a time when you would have begged me to stop playing superhero!"

"How's it feel to be nobody's favorite superhero?"

"We are too late."

Teasing that they are. You can view them all at the official post link below. 

Interpret them as you will, but things will offically start next week when Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League #1 hits shelves back to back with the last issue of Flashpoint! Also, above is their newest poster promoting the upcoming event, which is literally a collage of all the covers of the new #1's hitting this September! For more info, visit the source post at The Source!

Comic Book Review: DC The New 52 #1

Technically this isn't a "comic book" per se, but with all the hype and buzz building up, plus the fact that it has a #1 numbering attached to it, I have every reason to believe that DC Comics may start producing a series of "preview books" each month that are similar to the competition (i.e Marvel Previews). So without further ado, let's begin the review proper.

Since the big announcement last month that they were going to revamp the universe and relaunch majority of their books, DC Comics has earned both the ire and admiration of its entire fanbase. After over 70 years of publishing comics and characters that have remained mostly true and unchanged in structure, the publisher (under the direction of co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee) has decided to give a complete makeover to their titles and heroes, paving the way for a bold and new direction which they have dubbed "The New 52".

First Look: DC Reboot's Flash #1 cover!

While I do have my reservations about the impending DC Reboot, there's no denying that I still love good artwork when I see it. That's exactly what artist Francis Manapul provides here with this first look at the cover to the newly relaunched first issue of "The Flash". Along with the rest of the DC Universe's heroes post Flashpoint, Barry Allen will be getting a new #1 title and a newly redesigned costume, which looks very 90's inspired and has traces of Wally West's costume design as well. This is one of the few reboot adjustments I don't mind, but seeing as how years of continuity are going to literally go down the drain with many titles, it's still hard coming to terms with the inevitable relaunch in a few months time. Still, if you're a Flash fan, here's something new to look forward to. For more info, check out DC's The Source blog and Comic Book Resources!

The Flash #1 races into comic stores along with the rest of the new DC titles come September!

DC Reboot Changes: The Superman Titles...

Alright, I know there's a line divided between people's opinions about DC Comics' imminent reboot come September, and everyone's entitled to their own opinions. However, since I'm a bonafide "Post-Crisis" reader and one who grew up appreciating certain characters retaining classic looks and costumes, I wasn't expecting EVERY HERO to get a mandatory update in their fashion wear. Case in point, Superman himself and his circle undergoes the reboot and revision treatment, and while I'm thankful he still has the overall red, yellow, and blue and basic S Shield, I am not pleased with the "90's Renaissance" styled makeover. Again, this is just me voicing my own concerns, and regardless of what I think, these changes will happen. Let's take a look at the Superman titles revealed as posted in DC The Source and Newsarama.

Action Comics #1 presents us with a very SIMPLE LOOK of the Superman costume. It's basically a S T-Shirt with a short cape, and he's wearing Farmer's pants and clothes. I guess this symbolizes his "very first outing" as Superman in the title, reintroducing us to his origin where he doesn't have a complete costume to go and kick ass with. Thankfully, the writing duties will be handled by the legendary Grant Morrison (Batman, All-Star Superman), and illustrated by Rag Morales. This one is ok in my book so far, but I can't say the same for the other big Supes book.

Superman #1, written by the legend George Perez and illustrated by Jesus Merino, is one book I'm trying to find some a shred of optimism in. First off, the new costume bothers me, and as a friend of mine best described it, it feels like "overaccessorizing" the Man of Steel too much. The lines and futuristic weren't necessary, and it looks like a concept straight from "Reign of the Supermen". Possibly they did this to emphasize his Kryptonian roots, but it makes me miss the classic look all the more. The solicit also states a new "status quo" that will affect Superman's circle. Supposedly it may refer to him being single again, but that's expected already.

I don't know what to make of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. I've long appreciated, admired, and loved the look created and illustrated by the late great Michael Turner, and this change is hard to appreciate. However, a lot of people seem to take to it, save for the holes in the knee pad area. Given that Power Girl is nowhere to be found as of the moment, I surmise that Kara and Karen have merged to form the rebooted Supergirl. I may be wrong, but her smile echoes PG a lot. Supergirl #1 will be written by the duo of Michael Green and Mike Johnson, with art duties falling to Mahmud Asrar.

Ah Superboy, I hardly knew ye. So many changes to the look of Conner Kent over the years, and just when I already settle down with the modern "Black T-Shirt and jeans" look, here comes the reboot and, as a dear friend put it, a very "Ghost in the Shell" design. I dunno if I can adjust to these changes, but maybe some will be more open to this than I am. Superboy #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell and illustrated by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

Well, there you have it with the Superman titles. I'm getting more discouraged by what I see, but I'm trying my darn best to be optimistic about these changes. The company's co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee have ushered in a new age which will certainly alienate fans of the classic looks and origins, but it will definitely entice new readers into the new DC Universe. I can only wish the best at this point. For more, visit the source posts at DC The Source and Newsarama.

DC Reboot Misgivings...

While the DC Reboot news continues to make waves and shock viewers with its announcements, I can't help but feel more disappointed with most of my favorite characters undergoing unnecessary changes, case in point being members of the Bat-Family. While Bruce Wayne is going back to patrolling Gotham as its one and only Dark Knight, his proteges are a different story. Some have regressed back to roles that were once highlights of their career, while others have simply established new trends in their status quo. I don't know if that will work for the most part, but you'd best take a look for yourselves what I mean...

First up, Dick Grayson returns to the role that he established for himself and made iconic: Nightwing. While I have no problems about seeing Dick back in this guise, I can't say I won't be missing his tenure as Batman II. He did pretty well there, and even if Damien Wayne remains as Robin alongside Bruce, the dynamic won't be the same... EVER. Heck, I'm surprised they coughed up this "new" getup for him... It just doesn't look or feel right. If there's one thing about the DC Reboot I can say, it's "never change what already works", and they get minus points for this look for Grayson.

WHAT? BARBARA GORDON WALKS AGAIN?! I mean I loved her as Batgirl and all... BUT SHE BECAME BETTER AND A MORE EMPOWERED WOMAN BECAUSE OF HER TENURE AS ORACLE! This is so wrong on so many levels, and even one writer via Newsarama voiced out her disappointment over this big change in continuity. Barbara should have remained as Oracle through and through, and heck, there's Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown who can take up the mantle of Batgirl! What happens to them now? I'm afraid to find out the answer to my own question.

That... is... RED ROBIN!? Tim Drake turned over the Kingdom Come costume for THIS?! Again, I cannot express my disappointment, and even the other Teen Titans seem to be experiencing a "90's renaissance makeover" with the changes effected by DC. No words can be said here.

I guess the only one to come out decent and fair is Jason Todd. At least he gets to stick on as Red Hood and team up together with Arsenal and Starfire! Wonder how that happened, but I guess DC wants to redeem these guys and give them roles in their rebooted universe.

With the negatives outweighing the positives, I can't say I'm too happy with what I'm seeing here for the DC Reboot. There's a lot here to make me pack my bags and finally retire from my DC Comic collection, but I'll just have to give it the benefit of the doubt for now and see why these changes were enacted. I'm holding my breath here. This is worse than Spider-Man's One More Day storyline altogether, and speaking of that storyline's repercussions, a certain Man of Steel could become single again.

For more on these stories, visit DC The Source. I'm still having a hard time accepting this reboot as reality...

UPDATE: This spoof video comes to mind regarding my feelings.

DC Comics unleashes more Batman reboot books!

Following the previous post's news, Looks like Detective Comics #1 and Batman #1 won't be the only batbooks coming out of the DC reboot phase, as there are two additional titles added to the roster readers can expect this September: Batman and Robin #1, and Batman: The Dark Knight #1. Via The Source, we get a glimpse and good look at these books and what they have to offer to readers of the Caped Crusader.

In Batman and Robin #1, written by Peter Tomasi and illustrated by Pat Gleason, Bruce Wayne/ Batman will team up with his son, Damien, as they protect the streets of Gotham as Batman and Robin!

Sadly, this means there's two brooding vigilantes now, and since Dick Grayson won't be Batman anymore, no reverse of the Dynamic Duo combination either. I'm gonna miss Dick Bats all the more...

The other new book, Batman: The Dark Knight #1, will be helmed by David Finch will write and illustrate Bruce Wayne's alter ego as he explores the innards of Arkham Asylum! Collaborating with Finch on pencils will be Jay Fabok, so expect more dynamic illustrations with the new book!

Still feeling mighty detached because of continuity concerns, but I guess I'll look out for these soon. For more info, visit DC's official blog post at The Source.

Batman and Robin #1 and Batman: The Dark Knight #1 will be out with the rest of the DC Reboot wave this September.

DC Comics reveals Batman #1 and Detective Comics #1!

The recent news of DC Comics rebooting their entire continuity was both a shocker and disappointment to most comic book readers out there, including myself. The fact that FLASHPOINT's outcome will spell the end of certain storylines and established continuities leaves a bitter taste for the dedicated fanbase, and I find myself mourning the loss of certain books, including that of a certain Dark Knight.

However, I can't deny the fact that I am somewhat excited with the reboot of a certain character I've come to love and respect over the years... And that is none other than DC Comics' one and only dark detective, The Batman.

Yes folks, DC Comics has officially revealed the covers and details for their relaunch of Batman #1 and Detective Comics #1! As posted in DC's The Source Blog, the two original books solely dedicated to the Caped Crusader will join the reboot list, and reveals that Bruce Wayne will be THE ONE AND ONLY Batman once more (so long Batman Inc. It was fun while it lasted. *sad face*)

In the first Batman #1 since 1930, Scott Snyder will team up with new artist Greg Capullo, as they chronicle the adventures of the one and only Batman, Bruce Wayne!

In the new Detective Comics #1, Tony Daniel will pull off double duty once again, bringing Batman to life anew as he tracks down a serial killer known only as the Gotham Ripper!

Ok, I guess I'm looking forward to the reboot after all! As long as it's Batman, I'm all for it! For more info, visit the source post at DC The Source!

Batman #1 and Detective Comics #1 find their way to comic book shops and retailers this September!

DC Comics reboots their continuity, with landmark day digital distribution!

Looks like the rumors weren't kidding after all... And what news to kick off the first day of June!

Via USA Today and their own blog The Source, DC Comics has officially announced that beginning this 31st of August, most of their titles will be renumbered and restructured to be released on the same day both in print and digital media altogether. Through its 76-year long history of publishing characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and The Flash, the company will revamp their titles for "a more modern and diverse 21st century"

The first book announced and to be launched in this new #1 direction will be Justice League #1, to be written by DC Entertainment scribe and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, while illustrations will be handled by DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. This will be the only issue, aside from the final issue of Flashpoint (the storyline the ends the old DC universe continuity and brings forth the new), that will see publication on August 31, offering a new beginning for new and contemporary DC readers to catch up on. Personally, I'm not so surprised about the news, but it is a landmark and historic moment to behold indeed. For more on the story, visit USA Today, The Source, and Newsarama!

UPDATE: More details on the story and on other #1 books emerge from Comic Book Resources! Check out the link here!

Rumor: DC rebooting the DCU?

Rumors have been swirling that DC is planning to reboot their ENTIRE universe once their newest Flash-centric event, Flashpoint, screeches to a halt and leaves definite changes in its aftermath. With that prospect, what's the sense of restoring certain characters and their status quo after everything that transpired in the pages of Blackest Night and Brightest Day? Comic news blog site Newsarama has an interesting post regarding the matter, and even though I'm not collecting the newest crossover event once again penned by writer Geoff Johns, my eye hasn't escaped the events transpiring right there and now. One can only hope that the DCU doesn't change completely and the new #1 issues to be a reboot for established characters. I'm enjoying my "Batman Inc." Batman status quo, and I'd like it to stick around for the next few years. For more insight on the matter, follow Newsarama and DCU The Source.

The Aftermath of the Green Lantern War teased...

As teased in DC The Source earlier today, nothing will ever be the same again after the "War of the Green Lanterns" saga has come to an end and the War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath begins this July. Get more info and details on this two part series via the official DC blog itself.

A War Of Green Is Coming...

And it doesn't look pretty...

An epic looking teaser to "War Of The Green Lanterns", as unveiled and shown in DC's official blog The Source. With the sides divided and brothers who once fought together at each other's throats, which faction will prevail? Only time will tell when the story unleashes itself in the weeks ahead...

DC announces Batman: Arkham City Tie-In!

DC Comics has dropped quite the bombshell announcement on their blog The Source, as they have announced a new miniseries starring Batman that ties directly to one of their upcoming games of this year, Batman: Arkham City! This six issue comic book series that shares the same name as the hotly anticipated game will be penned by Batman: the Animated Series scribe Paul Dini, and will bridge the gap between its prequel, the 2009 smash hit Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Arkham City itself. Taking place one year after the events of the first game, former Arkham warden turned Gotham City mayor Quincy Sharp closes down the institution, and in its place puts up a new facility in the heart of Gotham called "Arkham City". Inmates are free to do as they please within the fortified walls of this new Arkham as long as they don't attempt escape, and appointed by Sharp to run the madhouse is none other than Dr. Hugo Strange, a man who knows Batman's secret identity.

Set to be released and available in both print and digital formats this May, Arkham City is a story no Batman comic or video game fan would want to miss. Also announced is a series of "8-paged digital firsts", interludes that will alternate with the main issue released digitally, which will expand the story and give fans a look at the inmates who try to wrestle each other for power over Arkham City! For more info on the prices and details on the miniseries, visit DC's official blog The Source!

A First Look at DC's "Flashpoint" Poster!

In case you missed it, DC has releases the first pencils of what looks to be the first cover/ poster promoting their next big event this summer - "Flashpoint". Penned by legendary writer Geoff Johns and illustrated by Andy Kubert, this five issue miniseries will chronicle the drastic time altering changes in the DC Universe that affect our world, and it ties directly to an event involving The Flash. In effect, everyone and anyone you know in the DCU won't be the same. Next to the main story, a series of tie-ins have been announced, expanding the tale and giving readers a chance to catch up with their favorite characters... who are barely recognizable at this point. For the complete list of books and more info, visit DC's official blog The Source!