DC Comics unleashes a revamped website!

In lieu of the changes and directions the company has made to their logo and comic book universe, DC Comics has gone the extra mile and restructured themselves online by updating their official website! With The New 52 universe on the roll and the last Christopher Nolan Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" on the horizon, much is happening with DC Entertainment and its products and characters that warrant this update as necessary! New subpages have opened up for heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the publisher's official blog "The Source" has also gotten a new look!

Be sure to visit the new DC Comics website for news, info, and goodies!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Via their official blog The Source, DC Comics has revealed their variant cover to Justice League #1, which is illustrated by David Finch. The book, penned by Geoff Johns and pencilled by Jim Lee, will usher in "The New 52" continuity of DC Comics, and will see official release on newsstands and comic book shops come August 31. Check out Finch's variant covers (colored and sketched versions) below.

For more info and news, visit the source post at DC The Source!

Comic Book Review: DC The New 52 #1

Technically this isn't a "comic book" per se, but with all the hype and buzz building up, plus the fact that it has a #1 numbering attached to it, I have every reason to believe that DC Comics may start producing a series of "preview books" each month that are similar to the competition (i.e Marvel Previews). So without further ado, let's begin the review proper.

Since the big announcement last month that they were going to revamp the universe and relaunch majority of their books, DC Comics has earned both the ire and admiration of its entire fanbase. After over 70 years of publishing comics and characters that have remained mostly true and unchanged in structure, the publisher (under the direction of co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee) has decided to give a complete makeover to their titles and heroes, paving the way for a bold and new direction which they have dubbed "The New 52".

First Look: DC Reboot's Flash #1 cover!

While I do have my reservations about the impending DC Reboot, there's no denying that I still love good artwork when I see it. That's exactly what artist Francis Manapul provides here with this first look at the cover to the newly relaunched first issue of "The Flash". Along with the rest of the DC Universe's heroes post Flashpoint, Barry Allen will be getting a new #1 title and a newly redesigned costume, which looks very 90's inspired and has traces of Wally West's costume design as well. This is one of the few reboot adjustments I don't mind, but seeing as how years of continuity are going to literally go down the drain with many titles, it's still hard coming to terms with the inevitable relaunch in a few months time. Still, if you're a Flash fan, here's something new to look forward to. For more info, check out DC's The Source blog and Comic Book Resources!

The Flash #1 races into comic stores along with the rest of the new DC titles come September!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Reboot Changes: The Superman Titles...

Alright, I know there's a line divided between people's opinions about DC Comics' imminent reboot come September, and everyone's entitled to their own opinions. However, since I'm a bonafide "Post-Crisis" reader and one who grew up appreciating certain characters retaining classic looks and costumes, I wasn't expecting EVERY HERO to get a mandatory update in their fashion wear. Case in point, Superman himself and his circle undergoes the reboot and revision treatment, and while I'm thankful he still has the overall red, yellow, and blue and basic S Shield, I am not pleased with the "90's Renaissance" styled makeover. Again, this is just me voicing my own concerns, and regardless of what I think, these changes will happen. Let's take a look at the Superman titles revealed as posted in DC The Source and Newsarama.

Action Comics #1 presents us with a very SIMPLE LOOK of the Superman costume. It's basically a S T-Shirt with a short cape, and he's wearing Farmer's pants and clothes. I guess this symbolizes his "very first outing" as Superman in the title, reintroducing us to his origin where he doesn't have a complete costume to go and kick ass with. Thankfully, the writing duties will be handled by the legendary Grant Morrison (Batman, All-Star Superman), and illustrated by Rag Morales. This one is ok in my book so far, but I can't say the same for the other big Supes book.

Superman #1, written by the legend George Perez and illustrated by Jesus Merino, is one book I'm trying to find some a shred of optimism in. First off, the new costume bothers me, and as a friend of mine best described it, it feels like "overaccessorizing" the Man of Steel too much. The lines and futuristic weren't necessary, and it looks like a concept straight from "Reign of the Supermen". Possibly they did this to emphasize his Kryptonian roots, but it makes me miss the classic look all the more. The solicit also states a new "status quo" that will affect Superman's circle. Supposedly it may refer to him being single again, but that's expected already.

I don't know what to make of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. I've long appreciated, admired, and loved the look created and illustrated by the late great Michael Turner, and this change is hard to appreciate. However, a lot of people seem to take to it, save for the holes in the knee pad area. Given that Power Girl is nowhere to be found as of the moment, I surmise that Kara and Karen have merged to form the rebooted Supergirl. I may be wrong, but her smile echoes PG a lot. Supergirl #1 will be written by the duo of Michael Green and Mike Johnson, with art duties falling to Mahmud Asrar.

Ah Superboy, I hardly knew ye. So many changes to the look of Conner Kent over the years, and just when I already settle down with the modern "Black T-Shirt and jeans" look, here comes the reboot and, as a dear friend put it, a very "Ghost in the Shell" design. I dunno if I can adjust to these changes, but maybe some will be more open to this than I am. Superboy #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell and illustrated by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

Well, there you have it with the Superman titles. I'm getting more discouraged by what I see, but I'm trying my darn best to be optimistic about these changes. The company's co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee have ushered in a new age which will certainly alienate fans of the classic looks and origins, but it will definitely entice new readers into the new DC Universe. I can only wish the best at this point. For more, visit the source posts at DC The Source and Newsarama.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Comics unleashes more Batman reboot books!

Following the previous post's news, Looks like Detective Comics #1 and Batman #1 won't be the only batbooks coming out of the DC reboot phase, as there are two additional titles added to the roster readers can expect this September: Batman and Robin #1, and Batman: The Dark Knight #1. Via The Source, we get a glimpse and good look at these books and what they have to offer to readers of the Caped Crusader.

In Batman and Robin #1, written by Peter Tomasi and illustrated by Pat Gleason, Bruce Wayne/ Batman will team up with his son, Damien, as they protect the streets of Gotham as Batman and Robin!

Sadly, this means there's two brooding vigilantes now, and since Dick Grayson won't be Batman anymore, no reverse of the Dynamic Duo combination either. I'm gonna miss Dick Bats all the more...

The other new book, Batman: The Dark Knight #1, will be helmed by David Finch will write and illustrate Bruce Wayne's alter ego as he explores the innards of Arkham Asylum! Collaborating with Finch on pencils will be Jay Fabok, so expect more dynamic illustrations with the new book!

Still feeling mighty detached because of continuity concerns, but I guess I'll look out for these soon. For more info, visit DC's official blog post at The Source.

Batman and Robin #1 and Batman: The Dark Knight #1 will be out with the rest of the DC Reboot wave this September.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Comics reveals Batman #1 and Detective Comics #1!

The recent news of DC Comics rebooting their entire continuity was both a shocker and disappointment to most comic book readers out there, including myself. The fact that FLASHPOINT's outcome will spell the end of certain storylines and established continuities leaves a bitter taste for the dedicated fanbase, and I find myself mourning the loss of certain books, including that of a certain Dark Knight.

However, I can't deny the fact that I am somewhat excited with the reboot of a certain character I've come to love and respect over the years... And that is none other than DC Comics' one and only dark detective, The Batman.

Yes folks, DC Comics has officially revealed the covers and details for their relaunch of Batman #1 and Detective Comics #1! As posted in DC's The Source Blog, the two original books solely dedicated to the Caped Crusader will join the reboot list, and reveals that Bruce Wayne will be THE ONE AND ONLY Batman once more (so long Batman Inc. It was fun while it lasted. *sad face*)

In the first Batman #1 since 1930, Scott Snyder will team up with new artist Greg Capullo, as they chronicle the adventures of the one and only Batman, Bruce Wayne!

DC Comics reboots their continuity, with landmark day digital distribution!

Looks like the rumors weren't kidding after all... And what news to kick off the first day of June!

Via USA Today and their own blog The Source, DC Comics has officially announced that beginning this 31st of August, most of their titles will be renumbered and restructured to be released on the same day both in print and digital media altogether. Through its 76-year long history of publishing characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and The Flash, the company will revamp their titles for "a more modern and diverse 21st century"

The first book announced and to be launched in this new #1 direction will be Justice League #1, to be written by DC Entertainment scribe and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, while illustrations will be handled by DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. This will be the only issue, aside from the final issue of Flashpoint (the storyline the ends the old DC universe continuity and brings forth the new), that will see publication on August 31, offering a new beginning for new and contemporary DC readers to catch up on. Personally, I'm not so surprised about the news, but it is a landmark and historic moment to behold indeed. For more on the story, visit USA Today, The Source, and Newsarama!

UPDATE: More details on the story and on other #1 books emerge from Comic Book Resources! Check out the link here!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC announces Batman: Arkham City Tie-In!

DC Comics has dropped quite the bombshell announcement on their blog The Source, as they have announced a new miniseries starring Batman that ties directly to one of their upcoming games of this year, Batman: Arkham City! This six issue comic book series that shares the same name as the hotly anticipated game will be penned by Batman: the Animated Series scribe Paul Dini, and will bridge the gap between its prequel, the 2009 smash hit Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Arkham City itself. Taking place one year after the events of the first game, former Arkham warden turned Gotham City mayor Quincy Sharp closes down the institution, and in its place puts up a new facility in the heart of Gotham called "Arkham City". Inmates are free to do as they please within the fortified walls of this new Arkham as long as they don't attempt escape, and appointed by Sharp to run the madhouse is none other than Dr. Hugo Strange, a man who knows Batman's secret identity.

Set to be released and available in both print and digital formats this May, Arkham City is a story no Batman comic or video game fan would want to miss. Also announced is a series of "8-paged digital firsts", interludes that will alternate with the main issue released digitally, which will expand the story and give fans a look at the inmates who try to wrestle each other for power over Arkham City! For more info on the prices and details on the miniseries, visit DC's official blog The Source!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Presents "Green Lantern/ Flashpoint" comic for Free Comic Book Day!

On the first Saturday of May, readers and hobbyists will be treated to free books from the various creators and publishers of the comic book industry, as they celebrate another year of "Free Comic Book Day"! The event aims to thank loyal fans who have committed themselves to the hobby, while also attracting younger and newer readers to join in and see what the industry could offer to them! For 2011, DC Comics will be giving away a book that not only promotes the upcoming Green Lantern flick starring Ryan Reynolds, but also their next big event for the year that fans will have a chance to preview! Take a look and see the cover to "Green Lantern/ Flashpoint FCBD 2011 Special Edition"!

Looking sharp, no? As posted in DC's official blog The Source, the Green Lantern/ Flashpoint book is a double feature no DC fan would want to miss come Free Comic Book Day! With both stories written by superstar scribe Geoff Johns, the GL segment is a reprint of Green Lantern #30, which was part of the "Secret Origin" storyline and illustrated by artist Ivan Reis, depicting the tale on how Hal Jordan first received his power ring. Flashpoint, on the other hand, is DC's latest event of the year penned by Johns and drawn by Andy Kubert, which happens to revolve around The Flash and something happening to him that causes catastrophic changes around the DC Universe. Sounds exciting? Be sure to pick this up when it comes out in FCBD, and visit the source post over at DC The Source for more details!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm