Remember last week how there was no news? Yeah…things have changed. Normally, before I start to write, the column is about 4 or 5 pages with the links and short blurbs and formatting pieces and such. This week: 11. And I haven’t even written one word yet. With that in mind, let’s get to it. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and take frequent rest breaks. This much news can leave you dehydrated.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side…erz
DC has released a preview of J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell’s Wildsiderz #1, which hit stores this week.
In April, Campbell gave us the “Hollywood pitch” for the new series, starting with a question:
“I’ll pose my pitch as a question. Do you miss that buzz of excitement you got when you went to a comic book store as a kid or a young teenager, when it seemed that comics were just so more fun and exhilarating? A time when it wasn’t all about the “Shock Factor” all of the time. Are you like me, and you find that there’s less and less of a place for those of us who enjoy feeling young when we read a comic? Are you sick of the heavy handed, slow paced, grim and serious, photo-realistic dramas that have replaced our once fun fueled medium? Are you craving some real excitement again? Well, then this one’s for you…
With all due respect to Lou Reed, please visit Newsarama
I’m pretty sure this book isn’t for the likes of me, but that Campbell sure does have a nice cartoony style. If there’s a niche out there for it, I’m sure this book will settle nicely into it.
Testify Rushkoff!
Vertigo’s latest look at religion, Testament by Douglas Rushkoff and Liam Sharpe is due to hit in November, and given if it’s content, it will be a surprise if it’s not heavily protested by several groups.
Now clap your hands and sway at Newsarama
It’s been some time since I’ve seen any art work from Sharpe and I’m happy to say that this looks better than I remember his work being.
Story wise, I’m intrigued, but probably not enough to pick it up monthly. That has less to do with this title though and more to do with the fact that I just finished The Traveler and am a bit burned out on that whole vibe which this sounds like it would fit nicely in. Eventually, I’ll probably come around, but for now, I need a break.
The Temptation of Teens Proves Too Much for Daniel
And the exclusives keep coming. The latest – announced today by DC, Tony Daniel.
The artist has signed a two-year contract with DC, which, as he told Newsarama, was exactly what he wanted. “I told [Teen Titans editor] Eddie Berganza early on that I wanted to dedicate myself to DC. No one had to pull my arm.”
Daniel’s most recent work for DC – Teen Titans #26 and Superman #220, both came from Berganza’s office, which in and of itself is due to an introduction made last summer. “My friend, Carlos Pacheco, introduced me to Eddie last year at the Wizard World Chicago Con and I expressed to him my interest in returning to the mainstream,” Daniel said. “I told him how much of a Teen Titans fan I was, and a fan of Geoff Johns. I love the way the characters are written. I feel like I’m at home with these characters. I’m very grateful for getting the opportunity to bring these characters to life. I’m having a lot of fun.”
Yay for inappropriate headlines! Yay for exclusive contracts at Newsarama
Good pick up DC. A round of applause for you.
All the World is Waiting for You and the issue #219 You Possess
DC has released the second printing cover to Wonder Woman #219, the final part of the “Sacrifice” arc. Keeping with quasi tradition, the cover to the second printing doesn’t leave many questions remaining about the outcome of the story.
She’s a sales wonder, sales wonder woman at Newsarama
That’s a pretty weak cover, but I’m too mad about the guy who has the gall to complain that this spoils the issue for him. Yeah, no kidding. How about the fact that people have been talking about it since it hit the shelves three weeks ago. That didn’t spoil it for you? You somehow missed all of that?
I swear, some people’s misplaced indignation knows no bounds.
Too Much Just Ain’t Enough
With the first incredible issue of INFINITE CRISIS solicited in the August issue of Previews (Volume XV #8), DC Comics reveals more comic books tying into INFINITE CRISIS, DAY OF VENGEANCE, THE OMAC PROJECT, RANN-THANAGAR WAR and VILLAINS UNITED.
These issues will feature cover blurbs reflecting which miniseries they tie into. Watch for announcements of more tie-ins in the coming weeks.
More tie-ins at Newsarama as promised.
Twenty four new tie-ins?! You poor, poor completists. Literally.
Silent Diggle
Andy Diggle isn’t slowing down. After a stellar six-issue launch to Swamp Thing, the continued success of his sleeper hit The Losers and the recently-completed Adam Strange mini, you’d think Diggle would take a minute or two to take a breather, or a vacation.
Not so.
The prolific former 2000 A.D. editor is moving full steam ahead with a new six-issue mini-series from WildStorm Signature: Silent Dragon which debuted last week, which will bring him together with the uber-detailed pen of artist Leinil Yu.
The series — which is creator-owned and being published by WildStorm’s Homage-like creator line, WildStorm Signature – takes readers forward to Tokyo, 2063 and tells the tale of Renjiro, a Yakuza advisor caught between his loyalties to his gangland cronies and nation of Japan itself.
Watch up your Monkey’s Paw against Diggle’s Tiger Strike at the Newsarama dojo
So, I don’t think there is a genre Diggle can’t write. I, personally found Losers a bit…uninteresting, but there is no denying that many have responded to it and many of those folks are a bit over the moon about it. Then Adam Strange almost single-handedly dragged the cosmic back to the DCU. His Swamp Thing revitalized that property as well. Now he tackles future storytelling AND ninjas with equal aplomb. The man just can’t be stopped!
I am so psyched for his upcoming romance comic. It’s gonna be TIGHT!
Please Insert Your Own Trojan Condom Joke Here
Jeff Trojan has been named Vice President, Business Development for DC Direct, it was announced today by Paul Levitz, DC Comics’ President & Publisher.
In this newly created position, Trojan will concentrate on the growth and day-to-day management of DC Comics’ DC Direct’s business activities, one of the top toy and collectible suppliers in the specialty market.
When you’re done giggling at your amusing send up of the new VP, why not head on over to Newsarama
Congrats to Mr. Trojan. And umm…yay for DC Direct?
WildCats, Prepare for Morrisonization!
It’s kind of like dad coming home after a long time away.
In July of 2006, Jim Lee will return to the WildStorm Universe to pick up the pencil for a brand new WildCats series (the fourth since the WSU started in 1992), and he’s bringing a friend along for the ride – Grant Morrison as writer.
See the Morrisonizer roll off the assembly line at Newsarama
I’ve never read a single issue of WildCATS (yay for acronyms).
I did end up reading Casey’s stuff on Wildcats, but came to that party too little too late to make a difference. I thought Casey’s stuff was great, a really unique approach to the book. But I never really felt any connection to the book beyond the concepts. The characters mattered little to me.
So I am faced with a bit of a question here. I like Morrison, as you probably already no. In the past few years I’ve read damn near everything he’s done and bought most of that (I dodged the New X-Men for buying, but I did read it). Sometimes he let’s me down, but, let’s say, 8 out of 10 times he delivers. However, I still don’t have any real interest in Wildcats or WildCATS or (apparently, this time) WildCats as characters. So what’s a fella to do?
I suppose I’m probably just going to wait to see what Morrison’s vision is and see if I want to be aboard for that. I also have to admit I’m interested in seeing what Lee’s new approach to this book will be that will make it easier for him to draw despite there being several characters.
The Cool Jock
Most people know Jock for his collaboration on the Andy Diggle penned Vertigo series, The Losers, which is ending at issue # 32. He’s getting some superhero mainstream attention by returning to the mean streets of Gotham City. Jock’s the cover artist for the four-part Batman/Detective Comics crossover, War Crimes which ships weekly this August. He’s also taking over as the regular Batman cover artist. With so much on his plate, it seemed the right time to track him down for a few questions.
Make sure you do some heavy stretching before you meet Jock over at The Pulse Gym.
Although, as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t go head over heels for Losers, there is no denying that Jock has talent to spare. His interior work is excellent and his covers are always genius. That Un-American cover with the red, white, and blue syringe is so powerful. His covers for War Crimes are the only aspect of that series I have any interest in. He’s a find and a half and I’m looking forward to that OGN he hinted at.
Deciphering Troy
Donna Troy was one of the most beloved members of the DC Comics Teen Titans. Fans mourned her death in the “Graduation Day” mini-series and rejoiced when DC announced the four-issue “DC Special: Return of Donna Troy” mini-series by writer Phil Jimenez and artist Jose Garcia Lopez. However, when some readers picked up the first issue of the series they found it wasn’t quite what they expected and some were left confused. CBR News chatted with Jimenez by phone last week for some clarification and background on the series and some hints on how it ties into the looming “Infinite Crisis.”
It’s always a good sign when a miniseries needs to be explained at Comic Book Resources
I have sympathy for Jimenez. It must be rough to be told that your story is going to be put in one format and then have it changed to another. It has to stink that you’ve got to incorporate aspects of another mini after the fact. All of that said…the book is still so over cluttered it made my brain hurt to even read this interview.
The reason other continuity clearing up stories or minis have worked is because they choose simplicity over complication. Johns’ reworking of Hawkman was so smart because it was so simple. Hawkman gets reincarnated. Period, end of sentence. Here though, Jimenez seems to be further muddying up the waters of Donna’s already ridiculously overcomplicated continuity. That’s no way to solve anything.
I know he says that this is a miniseries for Donna fans, but it can’t just be for them, can it? Is the goal really not to appeal to anyone else? It seems unlikely. If it is though, congratulations to everyone involved on a job well done. Cause this thing is near incomprehensible to me and I sort of kind of like Donna.
BUGS!!!!
In the event of nuclear Armageddon, scientists have stated that the only creature which will survive is the cockroach. At that point, the earth will be theirs. But what if the cockroach – and their insect brethren – didn’t want to wait for this eventuality? What if they decided to take over our planet now? Who would stop them? This is where “The Exterminators” come in.
See how the Twinkie takes the news of cockroaches taking over at Comic Book Resources
Any interview that ends with the phrase “and of course, exploding people,” is probably describing a product I would be interested in reading. I’m not sure if that makes me weird or what, but it is true. I won’t feel shame for it!
This is a neat premise that we’ve seen well done before (The Birds, anyone?) so there is no reason to expect it can’t be well done again. I’m concerned with the character descriptions that it might turn out to be too quirky for its own good. For now though, I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and grant it at least a flip through when it hits shelves.
Loeb, Pre-Chicago
Jeph Loeb has worked on everything in comics from The Challengers of the Unknown to Superman and Batman. We caught up with him as he ends his run on Superman/Batman and begins the new Supergirl series.
Drink deep of this ironic interview at Silver Bullet Comic Books
“Go…where?”
Oh, I don’t know. To Marvel, maybe Jeph?! Sorry, sorry. We’ll get to that later in the column.
The two Spirit projects sound cool. It’ll be excited to see them. Especially with Sales on the Holiday Spirit. Good stuff.
I bite my tongue in reference to Supergirl.
See, I can be a big boy.
Here’s an Eyeful of Ross Justice!
Alex Ross has pushed comic book art to new heights of respectability with his realistic painting style that will take anyone’s breath away.
So at the peak of his popularity, with Justice, the first issue of a 12-part series on the Justice League of America about to come out, what artistic world is left for Ross to conquer?
Straight off his highly well received Wizard interview here’s Alex Ross at Newsarama
There’s a weird bit in the beginning of this interview where Ross mentions Wolverine. The writer didn’t include the question that led to Ross’s answer, so it might be that the question name checked Wolvie in some way. As it stands though, it seems like Ross just choose to randomly mention him. Odd.
Besides that, Ross was on his best behavior here. And I hear his new book is good. Could this be a Ross renaissance?
And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
CONVENTION CRAZINESS
DC Comes to the Windy City Bearing Little News
On the opening day of Wizard World: Chicago 2005, DC Comics held court with their traditional preview of upcoming projects. DC Sales Vice President Bob Wayne opened the panel with the audience, primarily seated on the right side of the room, listing towards the left side of the room which housed the functional slideshow screen. Bob Wayne joked, “We’ll wait for the audience to finish listing from one side to the other.” Once the audience resettled closer to the screen, Wayne introduced artists Doug Mahnke and Phil Hester, recent exclusive writer Mark Waid, editor Mike Carlin and the “master architect” Dan DiDio. The panel was primarily review of projects that have been already announced, with a few new tidbits tossed in.
See what news there was at Comic Book Resources
-In regards to The Death of Magic, is that a new series or is that just describing what is happening in Day of Vengeance
-Hmm… methinks that you should scramble to reserve a copy of JLA #119 now. If for no other reason than to dodge another lousy cover ala the second printing of Wonder Woman #219.
-Nothing new cover art wise, except that JSA Confidential one which I like.
500,000 OMACS Go By
Bob Wayne was the host of the DC Universe panel. Dan DiDio, Mark Waid, Mike Carlin, Phil Hester, and Doug Manhke were on the panel answering questions about the future of the DCU. During the panel it was announced that Darwyn Cooke was exclusive to DC Comics.
I think of you and I let them go…to The Pulse
-500,000? That would seem like enough.
-I’ll almost certainly pick up the next JSA Confidential arc. It’s got villains, after all.
-I am submitting my suggestion for Brave and the Bold now. Batman…and…Superman. What do you think? Too obscure?
-So…wait. If Hush is Jeph Loeb’s story that what is going on in Gotham Knights? Are we really going to watch as DC spins its wheels on the Hush front until Loeb’s exclusive contract with DC expires? Ugh.
-I like the Didio response on downloading comics. “Oh, we aren’t worried. No biggie. But if you know someone who does it, let us know. Because I will destroy them with my own two mitts.”
You Know That Adage About Blood From a Stone?
Although DC’s afternoon panel was rather light on new announcements, but there were strong hints that much will be revealed at tomorrow’s Crisis Counseling session. One announcement that arose a day early due to a fan’s question, it appears that the Green Lantern Corps: Recharge miniseries will be followed by an ongoing, written by Dave Gibbons.
In attendance: Mark Waid, Mike Carlin, Bob Wayne (VP Marketing), Dan DiDio (VP Executive Editor), Phil Hester, and Doug Mahnke. Greg Rucka was scheduled to attend, but had fallen ill.
Watch Silver Bullet Comic Books try to make a mockery of that axiom
-An attack you say? On Paradise Island? You don’t think that might be fallout from a recent neck snapping, do you?
-Good news on the Showcase front. Nice of DC to cut fans a seven dollar break.
-Anyone getting a sinking feeling with the lack of Flash comments?
-Nice to see Waid joke about Kingdom. It would also be nice of him to give me my money back for it.
Time for Your Counseling Appointment
Bob Wayne, Greg Rucka, Dan DiDio and Joan Hilty were on the Infinite Crisis panel at Wizard World Chicago. Not a lot of new announcements were made, but the panelists did say that Ted Kord, Max Lord, Sue Dibny, and Barry Allen would not be making a return to the DCU after the Infinite Crisis.
Take a seat on the couch at The Pulse
-To the man in the talkbacks who wants the multiverse to return. Do shut up. That is all.
-About five titles unaffected by Crisis? That makes sense. I just hope that doesn’t mean a plethora of more “Red Sky” tie-ins.
-Glad to hear Dibny and Kord won’t be back (at least any time soon). Whether or not you agree with their demises, I think we can all agree that it would be pretty lousy of DC to bring ’em back so quick, especially given how important their deaths were to current goings on.
-See, people, they don’t hate Giffen and Giffen doesn’t hate them. Can we please let it go.
Oh that DC, Such a Tease
Featuring panelists Dan DiDio, Greg Rucka, VP of Sales Bob Wayne, and editor Joan Hilty, DC’s Saturday evening “Crisis Counseling” panel at WizardWorld: Chicago offered a little in terms of upcoming information, a touch in terms of teases, and more often than not, the phrase, “All will be revealed” to fans’ questions about upcoming stories, endings of stories, fates of characters, and more.
Some highlights from the generally good natured, but occasionally contentious panel…
See if DC wears the short skirt at Newsarama
-What a weird disclaimer.
-Well so much for that 99 cent dream for 52. I’m not sure that the 52 to Countdown minis comparison is entirely accurate or fair. Especially since I’m not buying all four. And it is only lasting 6 months not twelve. And I don’t have to buy all four minis if I don’t want to get a full story.
-OMAC artist Ivan Reis? Isn’t he doing Rann/Thanagar? Is it musical chairs time?
-Oops, looks like Games is on hold again. That’s no surprise in light of what Wolfman said in SDCC, but it is still too bad.
-Joker and Villains United tease…intriguing.
-It’s weird that now people are getting up in arms about Max not being a cyborg. This is at least the fourth time DC has offered up a quote of this nature in reference to that decision. I know not everyone reads the internet, but the people who comment on internet stories obviously do, so how did they miss it up until now? Beats me.
DC Will Tell You When You’ve Had Enough Counseling, Damn It!
Overflowing into the hallway, the bustling audience for DC’s Crisis Counseling panel through out several question about plot points and character deaths, most of which granted a “no comment” from the panelists. To put certain rumors to rest (or not), Dan DiDio stated “You will not see Ted Kord coming back,” which elicited some booing from the crowd. Greg Rucka rushed in to explain, “He was shot between the eyes. His body was incinerated. What makes you think he’s coming back?” Also in attendance were OMAC Project editor Joan Hilty and Bob Wayne, DC’s VP-Sales.
With acceptance of your new existence comes happiness at Silver Bullet Comic Books
– No, Mr. Didio, I don’t want my 50 cents back. But if you could ask Waid about my money for Kingdom, that’d be great.
-Fourth World characters are overexposed? Really? Besides Darkseid? Is this happening in that magic invisible book I’ve heard so much about?
An Honorable Arc
When DC launched the new title “JSA Classified,” it got off to a rip roaring start. The series began last month with a story written by Geoff Johns that provided fans with the origin of Power Girl. That four issue story ends in October, to be followed up in November with “Honor Among Thieves,” a three-issue story that sees the return of the Injustice Society written by Jen Van Meter with art by Patrick Oliffe, as announced today at Wizard World Chicago. CBR News caught up with Jen Van Meter by phone earlier this week to find out what she has in store for this group of DC villains.
Is there really honor amongst thieves? Why don’t you ask Comic Book Resources
Is that the Gentleman Ghost? Is that Prometheus’s Key (poor, poor Prometheus. Remember when you were awesome?)?
Are we talking the computer virus version of the Thinker as being part of this team? Cause that would be very cool.
Anyway, I’m onboard. Power Girl, I can take a pass on. Villains? Nope…I just can’t say no.
The Frank Miller Show
Saturday’s DC All-Stars panel effectively became an All-Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder/Meet Frank Miller program due to the appearance of Miller and Jim Lee, with most of the questions geared towards Miller, making a rare con appearance and his first in years at a Wizard show.
The ticketed event, held in the convention center’s largest room (the Eisner Auditorium), was about ¾’s filled and Lee and Miller were joined by All-Star editors Bob Schreck and assistant editor Brandon Montclair.
Starting a bit late due to a slightly tardy Miller, the panel moved directly into a Q&A session, and the following are some brief highlights:
Read all about the man who once bought me a beer at Newsarama. And yes, I know he wrote Year One and the Dark Knight Returns and Born Again. But let’s be honest, all that pales in comparison to buying me a beer.
– Good on you Frank. That’s a great response to the “where are comics going” question
-Wasn’t there already a DC book called Holy Terror? An Elseworlds, I think. Not that this project doesn’t sound good. It just might need a different title.
-I find it funny that people wonder if this All Star story will lead into Robin being a villain in DK2. Everyone knows there is like 50 years between each book right?
Heavy on Personality? Why That Sounds Like Me
The DC All-Stars panel, attended by Jim Lee, Frank Miller, editor Bob Schreck and his assistant Brendan Montclaire, was light on news but heavy on personality as the creators fielded a full hour of questions from the audience.
Got your fill of “personality” at Silver Bullet Comic Books
-That fan should be honored to be glared at!
-Of course the next All Star project would be Wonder Woman. Anything else would be silly.
Grey Skies are Passing Over Head
In attendance: Jim Lee, Bob Wayne (VP Sales DC), Hank Kanalz (VP WildStorm), J. Scott Campbell, Gene Ha, Ben Abernathy (Editor).
The wind is whipping up at Silver Bullet Comic Books
-Ex Machina #17-20…can’t wait.
-Planetary sort of ends in April? Exciting!
-No more 21 Down after all? That’s a shame. Not surprising, but a shame. And now Garth Ennis’s intro to the TPB is a lie.
Shouldn’t Gen13 be Gen14 by Now?
Wildstorm started off a busy first con day with their panel and the big news to come out of that program was an upcoming new Gen 13 series written by Gail Simone and drawn by Talent Caldwell, with covers by Jim Lee and J. Scott Campbell.
Praise Simone at Newsarama
-Morrison is now the keeper of two universes? This could get…interesting.
-Great choice on Gen13 team. It’s just a shame I don’t remember a thing about that book.
Danger Girl? Isn’t That That Romeo Division Knock Off?
Just because creator J. Scott Campbell’s years-in-the-making new project Wildsiderz kicks off this week with the premiere of its #1 issue, that doesn’t mean his first creator-owned property isn’t getting any Wildstorm love.
DC took the opportunity of Friday afternoon’s Wildstorm panel to officially announce Danger Girl: Back in Black, a new four-issue limited series debuting in November by Danger Girl co-creator Andy Hartnell, with art by up-n-comer Nick Bradshaw and covers (of course) by Campbell.
See if AC/DC provides the soundtrack at Newsarama
People like this. It’s fun. Good call Wildstorm.
That’s it, I’m done. I’ve been working on this for like 6 hours. My head hurts, my brain is all sloshy. Besides, if I go any further, I don’t think it will fit and I’ll have to split into two columns. Just consider this a little lesson in why not to mainline four days of convention coverage into one reading and writing session. Especially one with so much noise and so little news on your side of the table. (Damn you Marvel and your dominance of Chicago!) Reviews and such will return next week. See you then.
Un Gajje Can’t Wait to Take Some Ibuprofen
