On Tuesday, DC announced they would be releasing a Teen Titans Annual in May. As I was going to bed, I noticed that they had made two more announcements for annuals comics in May, so I dragged myself out of bed to report on them. I hope you guys appreciate my dedication!
First up, we have Batman Annual #1:
Coming this May, BATMAN ANNUAL #1 features the hotly anticipated introduction of Mr. Freeze into DC COMICS-THE NEW 52. But what is the icy villain’s role in the machinations of the sinister Court of Owls and their plot to control Gotham City? Is he friend or foe, ally or enemy?
“Mr. Freeze is a character full of pathos and tragedy and at the end of the day, he’s one of Batman’s deadliest,” said writer Scott Snyder. “So as you can imagine, I’m very excited to be able to do a story that establishes him in the new DCU, with rising stars James Tynion IV and Jay Fabok. This will be tale that really digs into Freeze’s psyche, explaining his connection to the Court of Owls in the present, and exploring dark secrets about his past. Really thrilled to see what you guys think!”
Critically acclaimed for his work on the ongoing BATMAN series, Snyder will be joined by artist Jay Fabok for the oversized issue, with James Tynion IV co-writing.
Skitch Commentary: Batman under Scott Snyder has been brilliant, and I am definitely looking forward to Night of the Owls. On top of that, we get to see Mr Freeze and how he fits into the DC Relaunch universe. This definitely sounds like it will be a must read!
BUT WAIT! There is more! We also have Animal Man Annual!
The ANIMAL MAN ANNUAL #1 written by ongoing series writer Jeff Lemire with art by up and coming artist Timothy Green, II arrives in May!
This oversized stand alone story details the history of the epic struggle between the forces of The Red, The Green and The Rot as seen in the pages of ANIMAL MAN and SWAMP THING.
“There’s nothing I love more than writing ANIMAL MAN. Since the book launched in September, Joey Cavalieri and the team at DC have given me an incredible amount of trust to craft a big sprawling story about life, death, family and pets. So I was especially excited when they asked me to write a new 48 page ANIMAL MAN story for the upcoming ANIMAL MAN ANNUAL #1. I saw it as a great chance to expand upon the mythology of The Red, The Green and The Rot, but also to tell a satisfying story that can stand on it’s own as well,” said Jeff Lemire.
“In many ways this Annual is like a prequel to the crossover storyline that Scott Snyder and I have planned for ANIMAL MAN and SWAMP THING. But the best part is that I get to work with Timothy Green II. I’ve been a fan of Timothy’s since I first saw his work a few years back and I was really excited when Joey told me he would be drawing the Annual. I’ve seen the first few pages of art and man, is it gorgeous. He draws a great Swamp Thing and an even better Maxine!”
Skitch Commentary: Clearly DC has been reading my love notes, because all three annuals announced have been books I love. Not sure how I feel about Swamp Thing’s new look. Sort of reminds me of an Ood from Doctor Who…Pretty sure this is the first time they’ve actually shown Swamp Thing’s new look!
I like the idea that this issue will step back some and show us more of the history of the Red, Green, and Rot. The few teases we’ve gotten about the past battles have been great, and I definitely am looking forward to seeing more.
It’s a shame Travel Foreman isn’t drawing this annual. He really taps into some dark and disturbing imagery on Animal Man!
BTW, it looks like these annuals will be at least 48 pages long, so I am expecting a 4 or 5 dollar price tag. I hope DC proves me wrong on that, but I am not hopeful.
