So, about last week. Sorry. My computer was wracked with a bout of viruses and spyware that I have never encountered in my life. It took the use of approximately 9 anti-virus or anti-spyware programs to clean my computer entirely. It was ridiculous and at times made it so difficult to use the machine that if I tried to open and run two programs at once, the whole machine essentially frozed. It sucked. But all is well now and thus, I have NEWS for thee!
It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Diggle
Andy Diggle is a hot commodity.
With titles like The Losers and Silent Dragon under his belt and a buzz slowly forming around him with a short stint on DC’s revitalized Swamp Thing and the recent Adam Strange: Planet Heist mini-series, you probably couldn’t blame the writer for sniffing around after his DC exclusive contract ran out. And while the grass is always greener, Diggle re-upped with DC for another year, citing the publisher’s knack for working with creators and the relative freedom he’s been given. Newsarama caught up with Diggle to talk about his new deal and what he plans to do in 2006.
Find out how Diggle-icious the new year will be at Newsarama
“I know the fans love that all stuff, but convoluted spandex continuity soap just makes me want to kill things.”
I can understand that idea because lots of things make me want to kill things. Corduroy pants, non-mint toothpastes, possums, opossums (what is the difference?!), small Venus fly traps (they should be large and hunger for human blood), people who read Ernest Hemingway for enjoyment, …well, you get the idea.
As far as his shiny new project that dares not speak its name, I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that it will be…Sovereign Seven. You know the world is just aching for the return of that title. ACHING!
A Family Affair
Superstar artists Adam and Andy Kubert have created two spectacular alternate covers for SGT. ROCK: THE PROPHECY #1, the first part of the 6-issue miniseries written and illustrated by their father, comics legend Joe Kubert.
The issue, set to arrive in stores on January 18, will be delivered to retailers in quantities of approximately 50% Joe Kubert covers and 25% each Adam and Andy Kubert covers.
Sly never managed to get down like these cats do at Newsarama
Overlooking the whole “variant covers are EEEEEEEEEEVIL” thing for a moment, I think this is neat. I’m sure both brothers got a considerable kick out of providing variant covers for their dad’s comic.
On the Road Again
In March, as part of the creative shuffle that accompanies the “One Year Later” shift of all the DC Universe titles, Bruce Jones is taking over Nightwing with issue #118, joined by the art team of Joe Dodd and Bit, with covers by Jock. The first issue, as the cover shows, gives Nightwing a possible/probable change in location, and a role as something more like a fugitive than a hero. Jones agreed to answer a few questions for Newsarama about his new gig, and where Nightwing might be headed.
Join Nightwing, going places he’s never been (like Newsarama) and, possibly, being someone he’s never been?
This has nothing to do with Nightwing specifically, but is more of a general comment on the OYL flip. On the one hand, it would be very silly if DC did this and did not have a bunch of changes occur in its characters. However, on the other, with all this change taking place, I cannot help but think that most of the OYL books will be driving towards one specific thing: a return to the status quo. For example, if there is a new Nightwing, the book will be about the return of Dick Grayson to the mantle. I’m not saying that they won’t still end up with interesting stories, I’m just saying that I’d hate to have the whole DCU (or a noticeable hunk of it anyway) dedicated to returning things to the way they were.
As far as this specific book, it is undoubtedly time for Devin Grayson to move on (although whether it is her or DC that made the situation such is nigh impossible to gauge) but I am always wary when the solution is “Bruce Jones”. In my experience, he starts out very promisingly, but tends to go off track. But I love the character of Nightwing. So, I’m conflicted. I guess I’ll pick up the first issue after the flip and decide how far down the rabbit hole I’ll go after that.
It’s Much Much Better, Where it is Wetter
Let’s all play comic book detective…
Yesterday, we reported that Kurt Busiek will soon be leaving the regular writing duties of Dark Horse’s Conan.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, DCU Executive Editor Dan DiDio told us that, as of issue #40, Aquaman would change its title to Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis. Going back even further, DiDio told us that, frankly, Aquaman was on the cusp of cancellation until a fairly radical pitch came in that literally, save the series bacon.
Oh, and Jackson Guice hasn’t been seen as a regular artist on a series recently.
Now, connect the dots.
Is the seaweed always greener in someone else’s lake? Newsarama and an all new Aquaman may have the answer.
Exhibit #2 in the “Return to the Status Quo” case? Possibly. But this looks like it could be something that is being done for keeps, at least in the short term.
Sadly, I do not think I will be aboard. I like the creative team, but the concept interests me less than a typical Aquaman book does (and I rarely pick those up). I do not tend to dig fantasy stories in my comics, so this change does not get my toes a tapping and my fingers reach for my wallet to remove some of my cash.
All of this being said, I’m glad that DC is giving this idea a shot. Aquaman, with the exception of a brief upturn when Pfeiffer took over, has been limping along sales-wise since about midway through Peter David’s run. It is clear that he is a banner character in need of a stiff shaking and I’m hoping that this will finally be that. We shall see.
A VERY BEETLE HOLIDAY
It’ll be a Blue, Blue Christmas
Cully Hamner has been the go to guy for specials, one-shots and miniseries for the last ten years now he is going to become a monthly guy as he joins the post-Infinite Crisis/”One Year Later” DC Universe as the artist of the new Blue Beetle series, co-written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers. And just so we’re all on the same page – nope, it’s not Ted Kord. As Giffen told us late last month, Kord is dead…snuffed…finito…el dead-o.
But at least it won’t be without Blue Beetle who is waiting to meet you at Newsarama
First off, I have to salute the man in the talkbacks who is clinging to the idea that it will be Ted Kord in the suit. I admire your dedication, sir. Hats off to you.
Second, this design may not be very reminiscent of previous Blue Beetle costumes, but I like it. I like it is a very sharp and distinctive look. I sort of do not like how we now know more about the costume than the man or woman inside, but I am guessing that that has to do with some Infinite Crisis plot points and therefore is being held back on.
Despite the great design, I’m still fairly sure that I will not be picking up this book. For one, while I respect Giffen, I cannot recall anything he’s done that has made a distinct impression on me. For two, I know nothing about the plot. It may seem silly, but until I know what a book is “about” I am hesitant to put down my money to buy it. Hopefully DC will find some better way to talk about this book without talking about it before it is set to ship.
It’ll be a Blue Blue Christmas, Redux
You want more new Blue Beetle? We’ve got more new Blue Beetle. After seeing the vigorous response for the debut of the new Blue Beetle costume, series artist Cully Hamner graciously dipped into his notebook when we asked him for more, and pulled out two model sheets for the new character. Though Hamner was loathe to give away too many details about the costume’s design when we spoke with him yesterday, the notes on the sheets offer a little insight into what was going on in Hamner’s head when he was putting pencil to paper to design the new hero’s look.
The Beetle is now drinking some eggnog at Newsarama and telling quite the bawdy tale.
I know it’s different, but after a second look, I still like it. Go Cully!
OMAC!!!!
Oh, like you didn’t think this was going to continue?
Along the lines of Bill Willingham’s Shadowpact continuing the threads from Day of Vengeance and Secret Six will follow from Villains United, a new, ongoing Checkmate series will debut from DC in April, telling the further stories of the DC Universe’s most secretive organization.
Greg Rucka will write the new series, teaming again with his OMAC collaborator, Jesus Saiz on art.
I never get tired of yelling that. See if The Rucka gets tired of me calling him at all hours to yell it at him at Newsarama
Queen and Country meets the DCU? If The Rucka can pull it off (and if he can’t, who could) than it will be excellent. I just hope Sasha does not look quite so garish by the time we reach OYL. I get that’s she’s half robot and such, but her current design was difficult to look at and more than a little distracting. Plus, half robot? Wasn’t that one of the problems that DC had with Max Lord when he went all cyborg and didn’t they just decide to throw it out before Countdown? It may be too soon, but perhaps following that example is not such a bad idea.
A Revealing Adams
Legendary comics artist Neal Adams returns to one of his signature heroes with a special variant cover to GREEN LANTERN #8! The issue, which features the team of Green Lantern and Green Arrow on its cover, is scheduled to arrive in stores on January 25.
See the spoilicious cover at The Pulse
Wow…I really do not care for that cover. Cool to see the Black Mercy though. (Unless that’s Itty’s offspring, in which case…baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad).
Can a Man be Mayor and Queen, At the Same Time?
He’s spent years railing against the man, standing up to the man, and fighting the man, and now, One Year Later, Green Arrow is the man?
With all of March’s “One Year Later” jumps in the DC Universe titles, Green Arrow makes the most political one. As the solicitation for issue #60 reveals, One Year Later, Oliver Queen, one of the most socially and politically active superheroes in the DCU is the newly elected mayor of Star City (with his exploits being drawn by the new series art team of Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens).
We spoke with series writer Judd Winick for a little more on Mayor Queen.
Just what we need, another unrepentant philanderer in politics. See Ollie bring disgrace to his office at Newsarama
All right, I’m just going to come out and say it. This is a good idea. It is a good idea that has been done or proposed before, yes, but it is still a good idea. Doesn’t mean that Winick can’t right a bad story using it, but it also does not mean that he is going to write a story that is a rip off of another comic.
A few quick observations: Ollie has ditched the feathered hat for the hooded look. I support that. Good call.
One vigilante? Mia is going to be fine, I’m sure, but Connor? I hope he’s just returned to the ashram or something and not gotten himself croaked. I’m fairly certain he won’t end up dead (just a feeling I have, call it a hunch) but the fact that he won’t be kicking around GA anymore concerns mean. I hope if it is a trip to the ashram that it is not also a trip to limbo and ambiguity.
Scott McDaniel on art? I never get tired of those sweet sweet words.
It’s So Hard to Find Flame Retardant Clothes These Days
With many of DC’s titles for March offering little – if any – details in what’s to come when things move forward by one year, The solicit copy for Firestorm #23 is particularly lean cuisine.
“It’s One Year Later…and Firestorm must stop a deadly nuclear accident and a threat to his very existence! And more importantly, just who was behind this “accident”?”
See? Very light.
That said, there’s something that can’t quite be hidden, thanks to the cover by Brian Stelfreeze – Firestorm’s costume is a return, of sorts, to the more original look. Not quite what readers have come to know since the series restarted, and not quite the full-on return to the togs worn by Ronnie Raymond for years.
We caught up with series penciler – and costume redesigner Jamal Igle to talk about what’s going on with DC’s nuclear man.
It’s like a fashion show over at Newsarama. A red, yellow, and white fashion show.
It’s funny that an article all about the new costume depicted on Stelfreeze’s cover does not show you Stelfreeze’s cover. But where Newsarama drops the ball, I pick it up. Here it is:
And it does not look all that different to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the DC folk at their words, but…not so different.
On the topic of Firestorm, however, go Jason! This continues to prove to be one of those little titles that could (like Manhunter). After Dan Jolley left, I was convinced that the death knell was sounding, but here it remains, even surviving the OYL culling. Good stuff. Congrats to all involved.
THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES IS MORE DEADLY THAN THE MALE
A Hawk That Did Not Hang Out with Spenser
This March, it’s one year later and Hawkgirl, not Hawkman is starring in her own DC series. Although secretive about what’s coming up in the series, we did get some answers from new series writer Walter Simonson about soaring with this Hawk.
Find out if anything not involving Robert Urich is worth following at The Pulse
No, changing the character of focus from Man to Girl still does not get me excited for a Hawk title. Simonson and Chaykin involvement does raise my interest a bit, but that is the most you are getting out of me.
She’s a Girl, Certainly Not a Man
Walter Simonson is a name long associated with quality comic books. Water has come back to mainstream comics to write Hawkgirl. We caught up with Walter and talked to him about the changes readers can expect as the title changes from Hawkman to Hawkgirl.
Is that a Britney Spears reference in the headline? Only Silver Bullet Comic Books know for sure.
That was similarly not helpful in getting me excited. Good team, but they are playing their cards so close to their vest, I can’t make a decision. So I’ll stick with not picking the book up.
BEWARE THE FUTURE’S AWESOME MIGHT
Feel free to follow along with my thoughts with the full solicitation scorecard presented by Comic Book Resources. And since it is “ONE YEAR LATER” (dun, dun, daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa), you may want to do just that.
Batman: Secrets #1– Another Batman/Joker comic that will turn their relationship on its head?
Another secret from Bruce Wayne’s past?
Wow…way to go for the unexpected, DC.
Batman Annual #25– Am I the only one who does not care how Jason Todd is back and being a dick as the Red Hood? I’m looking forward to this issue, sure, because I’ve dug everything associated with this move so far, but I’m just enjoying a good story. I do not need how that good story came to be over-explained to me.
Catwoman #53– Please let it be Halle Berry as the new Catwoman. Please let it be Halle Berry as the new Catwoman. Please let it be Halle Berry as the new Catwoman. Please let it be Halle Berry as the new Catwoman.
Nightwing #118– Now where have I seen that knife before?
Robin #148 – I definitely prefer the old Drakr costume to this.
Batman: Journey into Night #8– This mini is still running? Is anyone reading it? Have I asked this before?
Supergirl #7– Yay! A supersmall Supergirl (to get into the bottle city, don’t you know) is so much easier for me to ignore.
Superman/Batman #25– Hey, Darkseid’s back. Maybe Batman can hand him his eye teeth again in hand-to-hand combat. Because that made plenty of sense the first time around.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #40– A new Aquaman? Hmm…okay, I’m listening. How long will it be before the Aquaman fans (you know, the ones who probably are not buying the book right now) complain enough to get the old one back, though?
Birds of Prey #92– The lineup on the cover looks a whole lot like the lineup we already have. I hope that means that trio is staying involved and not just that the cover is an anachronism. Does thinking that make me as bad as the fans I was just mocking in the Aquaman entry above?
Manhunter #20–Is that Dr. Psycho? Cool. I’m all for this book and all for midgets. It is like two great tastes that taste great together.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #16–Yay! A Supergirl in the far flung future is so much easier for me to ignore. Poor Mathan though.
Outsiders #34– Hmm…that looks a like Dick Grayson in the Nightwing costume there. Kind of pokes a hole in the “familiar knife” theory. I’ll stick with it though.
Seven Soldiers books– Each of those just sounds excellent. Except the trade. I really cannot figure out why the heck they decide to structure the trades like this. What a nightmare for people trying to collect it that way.
American Virgin #1– Scary, scary cover or not, sign me up. This sounds brilliant. I just hope it does not devolve into an anti-Moral Majority diatribe. Sure, I’d still agree with it then, but it’d be a lot less interesting.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
GREEN LANTERN #6
Black Hand as rendered by Van Sciver. That’s all that needs to be said. Even German speaking aliens can’t keep me away.
INFINITE CRISIS #3
So far, Johns, Inc. has nicely pulled off this dangerous high wire act with noticeable aplomb. I’m anxious to see if they can keep it up.
SEVEN SOLDIERS BULLETEER #2
The first Seven Soldiers project that I have been iffy on (I wasn’t iffy on Shining Knight, I just didn’t like it), I’m interested to see what tripped me up and if it is still present in this issue. Besides the rest of the “project” has been so good that it keeps me interested in those parts that I am not 100% on.
OPINIONS ON THE WORK OF PEOPLE FAR MORE TALENTED THAN I
GOTHAM CENTRAL #38
GC really has found its footing again in these closing issues. Too bad in some ways that is has to leave now, but at least it is going out on top (as opposed to if it ended a few months ago). Someone complained that Rucka is ruining yet another strong female character with his portrayal of Renee Montoya, but, frankly, I think they’re insane. “Strong” does not have to mean perfect.
JSA #80
Eh. Strong first fill-in issue gave way to the mediocre final two chapters. Sure enough, Jakeem was never really bad in the first place. And the loss of Hector and his wife to the Dream realm? Yawn.
SEVEN SOLDIERS MISTER MIRACLE #2
Great stuff. I’ve never had much use for the New Gods, but I am digging this New Genesis/Apokolips come to earth approach. Especially psyched to see Desaad (my favorite New God) get cast in the role of therapist. Smart idea.
NIGHTWING #115
Wait…so…what? So, Dick was playing a role all along? But…huh? This might have been the world’s worst plan ever. It did not even make sense. Cool action, but goodness the story has proven wildly illogical.
UPDATE: Check out a neat little thing that Comics Should be Good points out. Yup, this is a completely different cover and story than what #115 was solicited as. Uncool, DC, uncool. To everyone really, the fans, the creators, and the retailers. Booooooooo!
TEEN TITANS #30
Nice use of Captain Carrot as an allegory for the creeping darkness of the DCU. I’m not sure if the Titans was necessarily the place to put it, but I like it. And who isn’t in favor of heroes returning as zombie villains (it was good enough for both Busiek and Bendis’ Avengers, right?).
That’s it, its over. My debt is paid. See you next week. For those of you who celebrate it, please enjoy your Christmas.
Un Gajje Loves The Holly
