UPDATED: DC NEWS TOUR DE FORCE

[MichaelDoran]

<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">All fired up for some DC Comics news? The publisher obliged gangbusters this weekend in Los Angeles at an annual program for members of the retail community. DC showed off many of their 2003 wares for the first time to create a buzz among the retailers, and Newsarama has a plateful of info, interview and previews of the program’s highlights … just click on any of the following links…

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/dc.html>CLICK HERE</a> to take a leisurely stroll through a round-up of DC’s full preview program, featuring dozens of brand new images. Bring a beverage though, you may be there a while…

Like a fine sorbet or an after-dinner mint, DC saved a few more morsels of news until after their formal program was over. <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000048>[/b]CLICK HERE[/b]</a> to learn about a new Superman project from one of the Knights Why Say Nee… no foolin’…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 1"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_AUTH2_promo.jpg width="100" height="100" align="right" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> The wait is almost over … <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000041>The Authority</a> finally returns next year in a new ongoing series. Who is the creative team and is the writer up for the challenge? We asked him in a Newsarama interview…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 2"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_OUTSIDERS.jpg width="100" height="100" align="left" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> Although Young Justice and The Titans are coming to an end early next year, a pair of new superteams will be born in their wake. Check out our interviews with the <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000042>Teen Titans</a> Geoff Johns and <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000042>The Outsiders’</a> Judd Winick… yes, we said the Outsiders…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 3"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_Smsicv1.jpg width="100" height="100" align="right" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> Creators Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen re-team to tell a very usual Superman tale <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000043>Secret Identity</a> , about a guy named Clark Kent who develops superpowers. Doesn’t sound unusual at all you say? Read on…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 4"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_Bmdm103.jpg width="100" height="100" align="left" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> Missing Greg Rucka being in the Batman family? How about Klaus Janson? Has DC got the thing for you. Rucka and Janson team for <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 4>Batman: Death And The Maiden</a> , a 9-issue limited series once again putting Batman against Ra’s Al Ghul…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 5"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_TRINITYCV1.jpg width="100" height="100" align="right" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> Creator Matt Wagner is talking more about <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000045>Trinity</a> , the upcoming mini-series that he’ll write and draw teaming Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman in the early stages of their careers, and he’s talking to Newsarama.

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 6"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_Losers.jpg width="100" height="100" align="left" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> What do you do when you’re targeted for assassination by the CIA, and you’re on their side? Writer Andy Diggle and artist Jock say its time for some pay-back, Vertigo-style, in their new ongoing series <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000046>The Losers</a> .

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 7"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_PLASTICMAN.jpg width="100" height="100" align="right" border="0" alt="click for the full story"></a> As they’re apt to do, DC is opening the doors of the DC Universe to some of comics’ most diverse creators. Creator Kyle Baker is currently bending and shaping an upcoming <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000047>Plastic Man</a> original graphic novel, while the new ongoing anthology title <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000047>Solo</a> will give creators more freedom than they might know what to do with. We got details on both…

<a href="http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 9" target="_top"><img src=http://classic.newsarama.com/DC/RRP/ff_Tcats_botp.jpg width="100" height="100" align="left" border="0" alt="T-CATS/BotP cover by J. Scott Campbell - click for the full story" vspace="2" hspace="2"></a> You knew it would happen eventually, didn’t you? With the continued success of \those revived 70s & 80’s animated/toy properties, it was just a matter of time before they started crossing over with one another. <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&amp;f=1&amp;t=00004 9>THUNDERCATS/BATTLE of the PLANETS</a> will be one of the firsts, and we have details from its creator Kaare Andrews.

All that PLUS … we’ve reposted and updated previous feature stories with brand new artwork, including:

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000020>Superman: Birthright</a> with Mark Waid

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000023>Superman/Batman</a> with Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000021>Formerly Known as the Justice League</a> with Keith Giffen

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000008>JSA All-Stars</a> with editor Pete Tomasi

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000005>Green Lantern/Green Arrow</a> with Judd Winick and Ben Raab

<a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000022>Orbiter </a> with Colleen Doran


Got something to say about any of this news? <a href=http://classic.newsarama.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=agree>CLICK HERE</a> to register and join one of comics' most active online communities. Registration is fast and easy.</font>

[gOgIver]

I hope we hear about the AZZ-Man's and Risso's Batman book.

[quote]Originally posted by michaelDORAN:
<strong>Sunday Afternoon...</strong><hr></blockquote>

OOOOh, cryptic...

[arthur pendragon]

If I yawn, it's only in anticipation. ;)

[KACH]

[quote]Originally posted by gOgIver:
<strong>I hope we hear about the AZZ-Man's and Risso's Batman book.</strong><hr></blockquote>

:D

Yes please . . .

--J.

[OM]

[quote]Originally posted by michaelDORAN:
<strong>Sunday Afternoon...</strong><hr></blockquote>

...Nonono, the Moody Blues song was Tuesday Afternoon, Mikey!

[Sean Walsh]

Thanks for reminding me to get that ol' time machine of mine revved up for a little trip... :p

Sean

[Kevin T. Brown]

[quote]Originally posted by michaelDORAN:
<strong>Sunday Afternoon...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hmmm, will this be preceded with a pre-game show starring JB, Terry & Howie? :D

[COREMARK]

Firestorm please!

[Michael Eidson]

[quote]Originally posted by Rich Johnston:
<strong>
Vertigo's 10th Anniversary stuff?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Which beyond what's already been announced includes new series by Ennis/Dillon, Carey, Milligan, Morrison, Seagle, and Veitch (all this courtesy of this month's ON THE LEDGE column by Karen Berger).

[TTROY]

i have a feeling this will contain all the Dc plans from the retailers convention that is going on now... isn't it some show or forum where Dc flies out a bunchn of retailers to go over what is being published and them have a feedback and forum type discussion?

]What ever the case I think we might hear the plans for firestorm and Titans in this presentation.

[the4thpip]

A new Crisis?

Or maybe shinier staples?

[BarryWeen]

[quote]Originally posted by the4thpip:
<strong>Or maybe shinier staples?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I vote for staples and larger paper clips and tougher binders also.

[the4thpip]

So what?
It's Sunday afternoon.

Where's the announcement?

[MichaelDoran]

updated

[Tue Sorensen]

Hey! Pretty cool! Could DC be headed for the industry leadership with this salvo?!

[xdemon]

[quote]Originally posted by Tue Sorensen:
<strong>Hey! Pretty cool! Could DC be headed for the industry leadership with this salvo?!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Probably NOT.

Solo and the Losers are the only things that look interesting to me. I'll pass on everything else.

And it looks like Donna Troy will take a dirt nap in Graduation Day, based on the original Titans appearing in the new series. After all the trouble DC went through to sort out her continuity... :rolleyes:

[Tue Sorensen]

[quote]Originally posted by xdemon:
<strong>

Probably NOT.

Solo and the Losers are the only things that look interesting to me. I'll pass on everything else.
</strong><hr></blockquote>I think we have a very nice selection of stuff here. Both Teen Titans and Outsiders appear to be classic-style titles firmly set in continuity but determined to tell accessible stories. If they live up to their potential, we could be seeing the beginning, content-wise, of another batch of high-quality DCU titles like the Baxter series of '83-84 or the New Format series of the later '80s. Would be very cool, if you ask me. In fact, I'm hard put to imagine anything cooler happening on the market right now.

[Taylor Porter]

I don't see too much to get excited about here. Looks like more of the same, for the most part. SOLO is a good idea, and Baker's PLASTIC MAN should be fun, but other than that, this all looks pretty boring.

I stopped caring about the AUTHORITY a long time ago, so a writer I've never read and an artist I've never liked don't make me inclined to change my mind. The new TEEN TITANS and OUTSIDERS look extremely stupid, and I can only imagine that they will appeal to a very narrow audience. Busiek's SUPERMAN book looks about as boring as everything else he does. Rucka's BATMAN book is Yet Another Batman Mini-Series. And I know that I'll never, ever pick up the SUPERMAN/BATMAN book. The LOSERS doesn't look bad, but Vertigo is pretty hit-or-miss, so I'll probably wait until I hear more before I think about picking it up.

What happened with Firestorm and the rumored DC books that Wildstorm will be doing?

[Tom Daylight]

So... um... why announce all these things at once? It's a lot to digest in one go.

[Boink182]

I think it was announced at a retailers meeting. So that's why it's all being announced at once.

Here's my take on things so far:

Authority ongoing--cool! Doesn't look like the creative team is holding back. I think DC should challenge Marvel to do an all nekkid issue if the Authority does do this :D . Won't matter though...Marvel Zombies have Ultimates now, so don't need this anymore :D .

Losers--sounds interesting

Solo--cool! This series should rock for all those asking for diversity and creative freedom. However, if sales are bad, I suspect those asking for diversity and creative freedom are mostly just asking for new direction and big names doing Marvel books :D . Vertigo, cool Wildstorm concepts, indy books, and late 90s DC have/had Marvel's supposed innovation, but Marvel Zombie don't care!

Superman minis--ok, not that exciting, but could be solid. Waid and Busiek...hopefully that's a good thing :D .

Batman minis--dito. Try Batman minis, they're pretty good. This Batman Family mini going on is surprisingly good. Rucka, Talia, Bats, Klaus...neato

Superman and Batman--if it's like Dini/Timm World's Finest, it'll be grrrreat!

Outsiders--killing Donna (assumed) is bad, but creative team is great...and concept is ok, though roster is a bit iffy...

Teen Titans--great creative team and Johns doing old Titans and Deathstroke is cool, but death of YJ series is bad...mix of YJ and 80's Titans is icky. Keep PAD/TAN characters on the team! I'm disappointed, but if Johns respects and acknowledges the PAD/TAN run, I'll probably change my mind.

FKJL--Giffen JLI was one of the best serieses in all of comicdom history. There hasn't been anything like it since. Hopefully it'll rock once again..

GL/GA--Same old, same old? Well, at least GL will be more cosmicy.

Warren Ellis stuff--Lol, I like his super-hero stuff, even though he doesn't seem to like super-heroes. I'm just can't get interested in this sci-fi suspense stuff...

Sandman: Endless Nights--Wow, wow!

Overall, I wanted better news. Firestorm announcement, where are you? My wishful thinking was expecting Ultimate Morrison Superman and Ultimate Miller Batman, lol. I would have much rather seen Johns/Raney on Titans (old and new Titans) and Winick/McKone on YJ (all YJ and not Titans). Oh well...Solo came out of nowhere though :D .

[Boink182]

Btw, those asking for Azz and Risso on Batman, are you nuts?

Why would you want this?

That would mean the end of their awesome run on 100 Bullets. Sure, Risso Batman would be cool, but would you want that at the expense of Risso 100 Bullets?

If DC wanted more money, I'd say yeah...Azz/Risso on Bats. However, 100 Bullets is different and cool and I think flexes the muscles of Azz and Risso more...

[mauer]

[quote]VERTIGO MINI-BUSTS
(D) Kevin Nowlan (S) Barsom
3Q 03
DC DIRECT
Vertigo’s 10th Anniversary celebration reaches DC Direct with a series of mini-busts! Designed by Kevin Nowlan, sculpted by Barsom, with the consultation of Neil Gaiman, the first wave of VERTIGO MINI-BUSTS includes MORPHEUS and MERV PUMPKINHEAD, then goes on to DESIRE, THE CORINTHIAN, LUCIFER, DESPAIR, DANIEL, DELIRIUM, DESTINY, DEATH, and DESTRUCTION <hr></blockquote>

Oh wow :-) This is awesome! Not that I'll be able to afford any of them, but these sound great.


AND I'm glad to hear that Astro City will be back on track. Very good news!

m.

[OM]

...Solo is an interesting concept in that it's almost DC taking Showcase and doing it in reverse - instead of being an anthology book of concepts, it's more of an anthology book of creators doing concepts. It's what the last three issues of the original Showcase run almost were before they were cancelled prior to print and turned into the first three Fourth World issues by Kirby, and what the three that did see print - the Manhunter 2070 Derek Flint knockoff that Sekowsky regurgitated to very low sales. I'm actually looking forward to it myself.

Of course, with my ffuucckking luck, they'll give issue 1 to Oliver Coipel...

(Oh lookiee here! Mikey and Matty have switched on UBB's censorship code! How droll.)

[Kevin T. Brown]

[quote]Originally posted by OM:
<strong>(Oh lookiee here! Mikey and Matty have switched on UBB's censorship code! How droll.)</strong><hr></blockquote>

Oh? what did they happen to censor out..????

[swol]

Finally a Spectre Archive...

Strangely, I was just thinkng that they should do one a few days ago.

Oh well...another large chunk of cash gone from my wallet.

I never warmed to the Hal Jordan version anyway.
:rolleyes:

[paulski]

Me, I can't wait for some of these books, Teen Titans and Outsiders especially. I've always been a sucker for the Titans done properly and this looks as close to it as anything I've seen since the late 70's series.

And just for experiment's sake: ****.

edit: hmm, I wonder what else we can't get away with saying... ;)