DC UNVEILS BATMAN #619's THREE COVERS [Archive]

MattBrady

09-02-2003, 08:50 AM

Friday afternoon, DC unveiled all three covers for this month’s Batman #619, the conclusion of the “Hush” storyline by Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb. All three covers (one regular and two triple gatefold) will be by Jim Lee and Scott Williams.

<center><a href="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRN_t.jpg" width="175" height="287" border="0" alt="standard edition"></a></center>

DC’s press release for the covers reads:

<blockquote>BATMAN #619 ships with two astounding triple-gatefold covers by Jim Lee & Scott Williams. The first showcases the Dark Knight's allies in the fight against crime, while the second spotlights Batman's many foes. Note: All orders on this edition will be filled with covers featuring Batman allies (50%) and Batman villains (50%).

<center><a href="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRA_t.jpg" width="350" height="196" border="0" alt="cover A"></a></center>

The cover to the BATMAN #619 STANDARD EDITION uses a segment of the Batman allies gatefold cover. The STANDARD EDITION is distinguished by its coloring, which differs dramatically from the coloring on the gatefold version.

"Given the fan response and the success of the story, we felt that we needed to do something really big to close it out," says Lee. "I thought it would be really cool to create two covers - one for the heroes and one for the villains. The only way to squeeze them all on there without just doing headshots was to create these gatefolds. I love the fact when you open the cover you get to see more of the images unfold like a mystery. It's a way to thank the fans, by putting out the final issue with these fantastic covers for not a penny more than a normal issue!"

<center><a href="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRB.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRB_t.jpg" width="350" height="196" border="0" alt="cover B"></a></center>

"I couldn't be happier that as Jim and I go off for new adventures, DC was kind enough to give us a fireworks display the likes of which fans, retailers and collectors have never seen," says Loeb. "Thank you all, and good night!"

BATMAN #619 (JUL030146) and BATMAN #619 STANDARD EDITION (JUL030148) are both available for advance reorder. Both are scheduled to be in stores on September 24, each with a cover price of $2.25 U.S.</blockquote>

L'Zoril

09-02-2003, 09:02 AM

cool covers. I haven't read the Hugh storyline so I have a question. Who is the man in both long covers with a raincoat? Is he just from Hush or a constant character I have somehow missed?

Mellow Doubt

09-02-2003, 09:05 AM

Already seen these at www.comicbookresources.com , but what the hell, I don't mind drooling again...:D

Apparently Jim's going to draw The Authority when Ed Brubaker takes over as writer, so we have much more Jim Lee-goodness in store. Kudos to the man for keeping on a monthly schedule.

xdemon

09-02-2003, 09:07 AM

And when you put the two gatefold covers together, you get the Bat version of "Challenge of the Superfriends"! :D

L'Zoril

09-02-2003, 09:08 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
Already seen these at www.comicbookresources.com , but what the hell, I don't mind drooling again...:D

Apparently Jim's going to draw The Authority when Ed Brubaker takes over as writer, so we have much more Jim Lee-goodness in store. Kudos to the man for keeping on a monthly schedule.

yeah I saw them too, but shhhh... don't tell anybody man. you're making newsarama look bad.

Mellow Doubt

09-02-2003, 09:10 AM

Originally posted by L'Zoril
cool covers. I haven't read the Hugh storyline so I have a question. Who is the man in both long covers with a raincoat? Is he just from Hush or a constant character I have somehow missed?

He's to 'Hush' what Holiday was to 'The Long Halloween'. Great curveball thrown by Jeph Loeb in issues #617-618. Just when I thought we had Hush's identity figured out, the script got flipped again.

L'Zoril

09-02-2003, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
He's to 'Hush' what Holiday was to 'The Long Halloween'. Great curveball thrown by Jeph Loeb in issues #617-618. Just when I thought we had Hush's identity figured out, the script got flipped again.

thanx, maybe i'll get the trade.

Mellow Doubt

09-02-2003, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by L'Zoril
yeah I saw them too, but shhhh... don't tell anybody man. you're making newsarama look bad.

Ah, well...win some, lose some...;) For what it's worth, I've lost count of how many times Newsarama was ahead of the pack...

L'Zoril

09-02-2003, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
Ah, well...win some, lose some...;) For what it's worth, I've lost count of how many times Newsarama was ahead of the pack...

yeah that's true. good ol' newsarama, you can always count with it.

MaxPower

09-02-2003, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by L'Zoril
cool covers. I haven't read the Hugh storyline so I have a question. Who is the man in both long covers with a raincoat? Is he just from Hush or a constant character I have somehow missed?

Actually, I hadn't noticed that. I wonder, why is Hush on the good guys cover? Maybe there's still a major surprise in store for who he is?

aphterburn

09-02-2003, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
Apparently Jim's going to draw The Authority when Ed Brubaker takes over as writer, so we have much more Jim Lee-goodness in store. [/B]

And where did you get this information?

Tom Daylight

09-02-2003, 09:34 AM

http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRA_t.jpg

That Superman looks strangely familiar...

http://www.newsarama.com/WWChicago03/Supe_Lee2_t.jpg

Mellow Doubt

09-02-2003, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by aphterburn
And where did you get this information?

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=13 , this week's Lying In The Gutters installment. Note the green light, which means you can bet on it.

IanZL

09-02-2003, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=13 , this week's Lying In The Gutters installment. Note the green light, which means you can bet on it.
I don't buy it. Why would Jim go to the Authority instead of something, you know, worth his time.

DocBrass

09-02-2003, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by L'Zoril
thanx, maybe i'll get the trade.

its going to be a while for the complete trade. DC plans on releasing a complete package, 1 year after the Vol. 2 hardback that comes out a Christmas.

Mellow Doubt

09-02-2003, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by IanZL
I don't buy it. Why would Jim go to the Authority instead of something, you know, worth his time.

Well it's a Wildstorm book (perhaps their flagship), and one that hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire in its latest incarnation. By being on The Authority, he'll be doing his own company a big favor, as well as trying to prove that his name alone can make any book a top-seller. Plus, I guess he's been itching to work with Ed Brubaker.

MattBrady

09-02-2003, 09:58 AM

Folks, if you want to speculate about Burbaker and Lee on The Authority, head over here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5437), and do it to your heart's content.

Let's try to keep this thread on topic.

MattB

Zeus

09-02-2003, 11:41 AM

I'm a total Jim Lee mark, i thought the Hush storyline was great, its like a "Who's Who" of the Batman family...everyone that could make an apperance did...i mean..Clayface? Thats so awesome.

And of COURSE, Lee's awesome talent...i'm gonna end up buying both gatefolds...just looks so diesel.

kcekada

09-02-2003, 12:31 PM

About two months ago, I hypothesized that Hush is the Riddler--although that is looking unlikely, the cover could be interpreted as revealing that Riddler is indeed Hush.

Cpt.Americafan

09-02-2003, 12:35 PM

So I guess DC wants to make sure that they have the top selling book with three covers.Ah yes it reminds me of when they did this same stunt with a little book call y-men or something and I believe that jimbo was the artist there as well.I hope this is not the clarion call to bring back extra covers to fool the marks.I know I know this is one time and I am probably getting worried for no reason but I still wonder,how many times will these companys stick their respective hands into a boiling pot of water to get that little bit of gold at the bottom?
But like I said before I could be worried about something that will not come to pass.;)

MattBrady

09-02-2003, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by Cpt.Americafan
I still wonder,how many times will these companys stick their respective hands into a boiling pot of water to get that little bit of gold at the bottom?

Uh, as long as there is gold at the bottom?

MattB

DrCool976

09-02-2003, 12:53 PM

What? No Azrael in any of those covers?

Cpt.Americafan

09-02-2003, 01:01 PM

I was refering to the million book sales of old you know the gold at the bottom of the boiling pot was will they hurt themselves to do that again.

nacdeadking

09-02-2003, 01:43 PM

ive read this hush storyline and every issue my mind keeps changing.. who it is ... i still have a feeling it might be clayface still or even better yet his dead old friend that died during this series who batman thought joker killed him.. sorry i cant recall the guys name now.. but whatever happens u know its going to be holy $^**!!! like look at the halloween books that have been written

mpg

09-02-2003, 02:22 PM

GUYS! I just thought of a way we can triple our profits!

Foobster

09-02-2003, 02:24 PM

"What? No Azrael in any of those covers?"

Azrael go bye-bye in Az. #100. Much as I liked the series (at times), he should stay that way.

Maybe ask, "What, no Orpheus?"

As though the batcave weren't crowded enough...

artiepants

09-02-2003, 02:32 PM

Can Someone tell me what happened to the Loeb/Lee follow up i heard about - that they were going to stay on for 6 more issues?

Also, I thought Lee was confired to be doing Superrman with Azzerello, not the Authority...

woodstock

09-02-2003, 03:30 PM

Alfred is the only real "ally" missing. And the bandage man Hush is the only "ally" who's questionable. And, he appears on the villains cover. Therefore: Alfred = Hush.

:D

mpg

09-02-2003, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by woodstock
Alfred is the only real "ally" missing. And the bandage man Hush is the only "ally" who's questionable. And, he appears on the villains cover. Therefore: Alfred = Hush.

:D

neat!

FIG

09-02-2003, 05:05 PM

The covers look awesome, I CANNOT wait for them.-I'm buying both of the gatefold covers, lets just hope DC doesn't jump back into doing the gimmick of the 90's by making 2-3 covers for every book.

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt ......Apparently Jim's going to draw The Authority when Ed Brubaker takes over as writer, so we have much more Jim Lee-goodness in store. Kudos to the man for keeping on a monthly schedule.

Yes!-Finally we get a worthwhile artist back on 'The Authority' since Bryan Hitch, lets hope its sooner rather than later.:D Finally, wasn't HUSH already revealed to be Dick Grayson or Tim Drake, it was the Robin that got killed by the Joker, I forget which one.-It was in the last issue wasn't it?!

09-02-2003, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by MattBrady
Folks, if you want to speculate about Burbaker and Lee on The Let's try to keep this thread on topic.

"But gee, Bulwinkle, that trick never works!"

pmginn

09-02-2003, 06:10 PM

Great Job, DC and Jim Lee... let's relive the 90's!

MichaelCoughlin

09-02-2003, 06:59 PM

People, it's one thing to produce multi covers for books all the time, but this is the final issue of a "legendary" team up (it's being billed that way at least, time will tell) and is mostly a one time deal. i don't think it's that big of a deal.

bluedevil2002

09-02-2003, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by FIG
Yes!-Finally we get a worthwhile artist back on 'The Authority' since Bryan Hitch, lets hope its sooner rather than later.:D Finally, wasn't HUSH already revealed to be Dick Grayson or Tim Drake, it was the Robin that got killed by the Joker, I forget which one.-It was in the last issue wasn't it?!

Issue before last. Last issue ended with Hush showing up once more, as he's done at the end of several issues.

pmginn

09-02-2003, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by MichaelCoughlin
People, it's one thing to produce multi covers for books all the time, but this is the final issue of a "legendary" team up (it's being billed that way at least, time will tell) and is mostly a one time deal. i don't think it's that big of a deal.

Little things mean a lot... in this case, the multiple covers is just another part of the hype that this run has been given. I can't recount the amount of redundant coverage this run has had. Loeb/Lee's stature has overshadowed the story, which didn't live up to the hype itself. And now consumers get 3 covers to choose from.

A big deal in this one instance? No. A big deal as part of the bigger picture? Quite possibly. These covers may not have a huge after-effect, but remnants from the 90's trickle down from all over the place which goes to show that some people haven't learned anything. And coming from big staples in this industry, that doesn't send a good message.

But maybe I am over-analyzing this too much...

Paul J. Lavallee

09-02-2003, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by Foobster
"What? No Azrael in any of those covers?"

Azrael go bye-bye in Az. #100. Much as I liked the series (at times), he should stay that way.

Maybe ask, "What, no Orpheus?"

As though the batcave weren't crowded enough...

Hey maybe Azrael is Hush!! You never know. It could be Bane. He's not in the villains cover either.

woodstock

09-02-2003, 09:02 PM

If Hush is Bane, then Subway has been telling the truth.

Cpt.Americafan

09-02-2003, 11:21 PM

Thank you Phillip I think we are on the same page.Apparently DC is forgetting the past and we know what happens then don't we.
As long as they don't do this for every "Legandary" stunt like maybe for his last Superman/Authority issue they can produce THIRTEEN different covers....oh wait THAT WOULD NEVER WORK.

......<cough Gen13 cough>:D

MichaelCoughlin

09-03-2003, 12:51 AM

I can't say for sure, but I'm willing to bet that there have been multiple covers for a long time before the 1990's came around. I'd be concerned if I saw this happening all the time, but it's not. A variant cover on a huge book is one thing, and IMO, OK to do. The problem with the 90's is that you were finding 15 covers on titles that would be lucky to be considered third tier.

Cpt.Americafan

09-03-2003, 01:56 AM

I guess if someone is going to buy it they are going to buy it.I just think it is silly for someone to think of it as an investment I mean think how many people are running into the Androids dungeon picking up all three thinking they are going to retire (I am speaking of all 6 noobs who started reading comics this year......oh nevermind the extinction of youngblood in comics is another discussion all together.) on them.I am the type who would look at all three covers pick the one I like and laugh at the people who pay the price for the one cover that the indvidual store decides to inflate with some ungodly markup because it has been decried that this is the RARER of them.This is giving me shivers and flashbacks to 91 :eek:

I need to Zen out and breath.........In with the fresh ideas.....out with the bad marketing ploys.......sorry gotta go Mr. Miyagi is calling.

Mellow Doubt

09-03-2003, 03:45 AM

Why all the fuss? Like it or not, Loeb/Lee's Batman has been one of the comic events of the past year. It helped re-establish Jim Lee as a monthly comic penciller, got him back to superstar status, and got Batman to no. 1 for the first time in years. Why not do something special to mark the end of the run? Don't wanna splurge on the gatefolds but want to complete the run? Just buy the standard edition. It's not like they're forcing you to buy everything (though I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you did ;) ). I agree that not every comic should get the collectible treatment, but I think Loeb/Lee's Batman was special enough (in an event sense) to deserve it.

blackandwhite

09-03-2003, 05:20 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
Why all the fuss? Like it or not, Loeb/Lee's Batman has been one of the comic events of the past year. It helped re-establish Jim Lee as a monthly comic penciller, got him back to superstar status, and got Batman to no. 1 for the first time in years. Why not do something special to mark the end of the run? Don't wanna splurge on the gatefolds but want to complete the run? Just buy the standard edition. It's not like they're forcing you to buy everything (though I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you did ;) ). I agree that not every comic should get the collectible treatment, but I think Loeb/Lee's Batman was special enough (in an event sense) to deserve it.

i agree. :)

this thing was really special to finish with a big bang and i hope the big bang (i.e. the revelation of Hush), is worth it.

Zig Zag Wanderer

09-03-2003, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by Mellow Doubt
Don't wanna splurge on the gatefolds but want to complete the run? Just buy the standard edition.

I agree.

I'll get the Allies edition if it's still available when I get to my shop, and the standard if it isn't.

Wouldn't surprise me if the gatefolds come out as posters later anyway.

mpg

09-03-2003, 11:51 AM

if they had any sense, they would have just made 3 covers for one high priced book.

having multiple covers is like selling water at a concert or a club for 8 bucks. you know what they are doing, and they dont care. bring the dough. you need this.

Cpt.Americafan

09-03-2003, 12:29 PM

Yup and the sheeple will bahhhhh I mean buy it.

mpg

09-03-2003, 12:31 PM

I JUST WANT TO BE A RESPECTED SHEEP RATHER THAN AN ABUSED SHEEP !!!! :)

Mellow Doubt

09-03-2003, 01:38 PM

It says in the article, all editions cost the regular $2.25. They're bound to sell like crazy, so DC could've slapped a bigger price on the gatefold editions, but they didn't. So all the frugal collector has to worry about is the dealer jacking up the price. But that just comes with the territory when it comes to collecting, doesn't it? If you don't want to get caught up in it all, just buy the standard version. If people want to get all three versions, then it's their $7.75 (at least) to blow.

pmginn

09-03-2003, 03:50 PM

I agree. Buy the cover you want. The event is "big."

But if DC and Loeb/Lee really wanted to do something special for their hyped-up event, they could have made a poster cover featuring both pieces, or a premium format book with extra pinups included. Variants cater more to the collector market, whereas a single issue, special edition "ending" issue is more commemorative. Variant covers simply send the wrong message, no matter the intention, and no matter how rarely done these days (relative to the 90's).

mpg

09-03-2003, 04:06 PM

that is what i was getting at. they would draw less ire for having one single but loaded book. having 3 covers is never necessary or a good idea.

Chesscub

09-03-2003, 06:54 PM

Originally posted by MichaelCoughlin
I can't say for sure, but I'm willing to bet that there have been multiple covers for a long time before the 1990's came around. I'd be concerned if I saw this happening all the time, but it's not. A variant cover on a huge book is one thing, and IMO, OK to do. The problem with the 90's is that you were finding 15 covers on titles that would be lucky to be considered third tier.

What? You don't think that Ghost Rider #15 or Cyberrad #5 warranted the glow in the dark cover, or three issues of Spectre in one year?! Eesh what kind of specula...I mean collector are you? ;)

The first instance of a variant cover I can think of (MOTA should know this off the top of his head) was Man of Steel #1. Any earlier ones?

I'll be honest, I'll get the two covers (Allies and Villains) I think both look very cool. Even if it came out in a poster, I don't get them. The last one I got was the Alex Ross/George Perez Crisis poster and before that was the X-O Manowar poster. Mind you, I would've loved to've gotten my hands on the JLA/Titans on Phil Jiminez did.

The biggest selling point on a book has to be the interior, not the exterior.

Jeff

Chesscub

09-03-2003, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by pmginn
I agree. Buy the cover you want. The event is "big."

But if DC and Loeb/Lee really wanted to do something special for their hyped-up event, they could have made a poster cover featuring both pieces, or a premium format book with extra pinups included. Variants cater more to the collector market, whereas a single issue, special edition "ending" issue is more commemorative. Variant covers simply send the wrong message, no matter the intention, and no matter how rarely done these days (relative to the 90's).

I'd agree more with you if DC had done this as a 1:4 variant or somesuch. Shops then would order alot of books and get stuck with a lot of "regular" covers.

The worst was when Fathom had variant story interiors shipped in a 2:1:1 ratio. Everyone balked at that and they ended up going back on it if I recall correctily.

My shop asked if we wanted both covers or just one, so he can better gauge buyer response and order accordingly.

Jeff

mpg

09-03-2003, 07:00 PM

Silver surfer 50 started the gimmicks...

Chesscub

09-03-2003, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by mpg
Silver surfer 50 started the gimmicks...

Actually an earlier gimmick was Legion of Superheroes V3. #1. Silver ink on the cover.

God, I retain useless information.

Jeff

Cpt.Americafan

09-03-2003, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by mpg
I JUST WANT TO BE A RESPECTED SHEEP RATHER THAN AN ABUSED SHEEP !!!! :)

Just don't let farmer DC behind you and you shalt not be abused my fellow bah bah.:D

Steve J.

09-04-2003, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by MattBrady
Friday afternoon, DC unveiled all three covers for this month’s Batman #619, the conclusion of the “Hush” storyline by Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb. All three covers (one regular and two triple gatefold) will be by Jim Lee and Scott Williams.

<center><a href="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/BAT619_CVRN_t.jpg" width="175" height="287" border="0" alt="standard edition"></a></center>

These covers are really neat, but what's with the hat Robin's wearing? Isn't that going to get in the way when he's jumping around fighting bad guys?

Mellow Doubt

09-04-2003, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by Steve J.
These covers are really neat, but what's with the hat Robin's wearing? Isn't that going to get in the way when he's jumping around fighting bad guys?

This post just made my day. :D Nice one, Steve J.!

Cpt.Americafan

09-04-2003, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by Steve J.
These covers are really neat, but what's with the hat Robin's wearing? Isn't that going to get in the way when he's jumping around fighting bad guys?

Well it all started when Lee was talking to Liefield about a possible relauch of Batman numbering and all.Jim talked him out of the renumbering but to appease Rob he had to regress to the 90's and compromised with what should be the new niche,before we had the big gun craze now we have you guessed it....the BIG HAT craze.

Know it,fear it,and most of all LOVE IT!!!:D