Interview: Brett Booth talks Batman/Superman

I recently caught up with DC Comics artist, Brett Booth, to talk about his new project, Batman/Superman, written by Greg Pak. Check out the interview below and enjoy!

 

The first thing to ask about is your upcoming project, Batman/Superman. What's it like to be drawing two of the greatest comic book characters of all time at the same time?

 

A lot of fun! I wasn't sure how it would go. I usually have problems when I first start working on the more iconic characters. And I did, but after that it's been mostly smooth sailing. I'm really enjoying Superman, I don't have to hold back, I can go as big as I want!

 

Batman/Superman #5 Cover

Your first issue on the series is horizontal, why was this decision made?

 

Right before I started the first cover, [editor] Eddie Berganza called me up and pitched me the idea. I thought it was a fun idea so I said cool. When I started the issue wasn't sure. After the first Double Page Spread I hated it, but after that I started to love it! It's like drawing 22 double page spreads in miniature! 

 

And to let you know ALL 3 are this way. I liked working this way so much it seemed odd to just do one this way so the whole arc is now sideways! 

 

What are the advantages of drawing an issue that way?

 

The big one is it's easier to read, you naturally read from left to right so you automatically follow the flow of most of the pages. Also, for some reason vertical panels are faster to draw... I have NO idea why, but they are, so I save a bit on time which I needed for 6 and 7, holiday deadlines are killers!

 

Batman/Superman #6, with Mongul

Is there a particular villain for your arc, if so what can you say about them?

 

Mongul! He's trying to take over the world! OK, not exactly, but I don't want to spoil it!

 

If you could draw any other duo of characters, who would you pick?

 

It would be a toss-up. Wally West Flash and Nightwing OR Blue Beetle (Ted) and Booster Gold.

 

What's your favourite part of drawing this series?

 

Bruce and Clark’s relationship... It's not exactly what we've seen before but it feels quite real, Greg's done an excellent job with them! And of course the action!

 

Which of the two characters do you think is more challenging to draw?

 

Superman. When in doubt you can simply cover Bats with his cape, close him off. With Clark, he needs to be open, larger than life. So it's big and bold, you can't skimp and toss him in a shadow.

 

What can you tell us about what's to come for the series?

 

From what I've been told it will be about exploring the greater DC U so expect lots of guest stars! Eddie and I had talked about doing an undersea arc with sea monsters.. only time will tell!

 

When both characters are together do you have to exaggerate an aspects of them separately to make them both stand out in different ways?

 

Nope, they are basically opposites so they seem to automatically do that. 

 

Batman/Superman #1 cover, by the second
series artist, Jae Lee

You've said in a previous interview that you and your fellow Batman/Superman artist, Jae Lee, would be taking turns with the art duties for this series, is that still happening and if so, what will be the difference between your two arcs, apart from the obvious?

 

Yes and no, I can' really say more. The arcs will be more tailored to the artist so the ones I'll be doing are action oriented. 

 

If you had to sum up this arc of Batman/Superman in one word, what would it be?

 

3-D. Not sure if that's one word or not. But it's the feel I'm trying to give the pages.

 

The last time we did an interview it was on Justice League of America, the time before that it was Nightwing, can it be refreshing have short runs on loads of different projects?

 

Batman/Superman #7 cover

Yep, it's fun to draw lots of different characters, that way you never get bored with anything. BUT I do miss the longer run, getting to really know the character/s!

 

Can we expect to see some other projects after this?

 

Since I'm not doing the next arc, I'll be doing a few issues on another book then back to Batman/Superman! 

 

Brett Booth took over the art duties on Batman/Superman ( along with Inker, Norm Rapmund and colourist, Andrew Dalhouse ) with #5, which is in stores now! You can also check out his blog and his twitter page.

DC Comics announce Forever Evil: Blight

DC have been making a big deal out of their current event, Forever Evil, and understandably so, it's been pretty great so far, revolving around the Crime Syndicate of Earth 3 ( effectively an evil Justice League, consisting of Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick, Deathstorm and Atomica ) claiming to have killed the main earth's Justice League, and that "The World is Theirs".

The Crime Syndicate's presence has had impacts on every corner of the DC Universe, and now it's heading for Constantine, with who DC claim to be the physical manifestation of evil, named Blight.

 

Tony Daniel posts pencils to his "Damian: Son of Batman" variant

DC Comics artist, Tony S. Daniel set up a new twitter account recently, this has been a great place to go for first looks at the interiors of his upcoming series, Superman/Wonder Woman ( written by Charles Soule ), but today the artist posted his pencils to a variant cover for the first issue of Andy Kubert's Ex-Robin centred October miniseries, "Damian: Son of Batman", check out the image below...

This looks pretty impressive, definitely want to pick this one up, I'd also suggest keeping an eye on Daniel's Twitter page for some preview pencil pages.

"Damian: Son Of Batman" #1, written and pencilled by Andy Kubert is set for release next month, also being released next month is Tony Daniel and Charles Soule's new series "Superman/Wonder Woman"

Source: Tony S. Daniel's Twitter page

DC Comics' 'Superman' solicits for December 2013

Here are DC Comics's solicitations for all of the "Superman" group books being released this December...

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #3
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
1:25 Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
1:100 B&W Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Zod unleashed! Can Superman and Wonder Woman stop this madman before he gains full power under the Earth’s yellow sun? Guest-starring the JLA, and featuring a shocking conclusion that could mean the end of Superman and Wonder Woman together!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.







SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #6
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:300 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS“We Can Be Heroes” Blank variant cover available
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
 The Man of Tomorrow and the Superman of yesterday go at it—no holds barred! Supes goes full throttle after his would-be ally, Wraith, in a seismic battle ranging from deep space to the ocean’s floor and ultimately the core of the earth! Meanwhile, Lois Lane holds the key to defeating Ascension, but she needs to reach the Fortress of Solitude to ensure its safekeeping—not to mention hers! And she’s being pursued by a heavily armed force, and it isn’t Ascension!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.


ACTION COMICS #26
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
All hell breaks loose as Superman is caught between an alien menace and the super-powered soldier the U.S. Army has sent to kill it!












SUPERMAN #26
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT
Cover by KEN LASHLEY
1:25 B&W Variant cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
In the aftermath of “Krypton Returns,” a distraught Man of Steel returns to find that the Parasite is back—and he is very hungry. First on the menu: Lois Lane!











SUPERGIRL #26
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and CAM SMITH
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 Following the stunning conclusion of “Krypton Returns,” Supergirl arrives back on Earth with a new mission and a clearer understanding of her place in the universe. But a striking new foe prepares to welcome Supergirl home: LOBO! What could the mysterious new character want from Supergirl? Find out as the hot new creative team of writer Tony Bedard (GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS) and artist Yildiray Cinar (EARTH 2) launch Supergirl into the next stage of her life in the DC Universe!




 SUPERBOY #26Written by
 FRANK HANNAH and MARV WOLFMAN
Art by ANDRES GUINALDOCover by RAFA SANDOVAL
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 Lost in time with the Teen Titans, Superboy comes to some startling revelations about his origins and future! Can he and the team rescue Kid Flash and find the way back to their own era?











BATMAN/SUPERMAN #6
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:100 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US Throughout the cosmos, one name commands respect and fear above all others. That name is MONGUL, and the world-conquering despot has his eyes set on Earth! And unless Batman and Superman can take down the mad, monstrous might of Mongul, the whole world will suffer!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.





I'm really excited to see what Marv Wolfman's going to do with the Superboy series when he takes over, you don't have to know much comics history to know he's a comic book legend, especially if you're a Teen Titans fan, he  helped creat Raven, Cyborg, Starfire, Tim Drake and loads more. I wrote a bit more about this here.

(Source: DC Comics)

DC Comics' 'Batman' solicits for December 2013

Here are DC Comics' solicits for all of the Batman group books being released this December, but I would lower your expectations of Christmas Spirit in these stories if I were you, this is Batman, after all...

FOREVER EVIL: ARKHAM WAR #3
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by SCOT EATON and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by JASON FABOK
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T As the battle for control over Gotham City escalates, a new protector rises. But first, it’s the face-off you won’t want to miss: Killer Croc vs. Bane!










BATMAN/SUPERMAN #6
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:100 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Throughout the cosmos, one name commands respect and fear above all others. That name is MONGUL, and the world-conquering despot has his eyes set on Earth! And unless Batman and Superman can take down the mad, monstrous might of Mongul, the whole world will suffer! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.





HARLEY QUINN #1
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by CHAD HARDIN
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
1:25 Variant cover by ADAM HUGHES
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 Harley is set to begin her new life, but she needs a job first! Enter the Coney Island Roller Derby! It’s game time as Harley sets out to destroy her competition—literally!










DAMIAN: SON OF BATMAN #3
Written by ANDY KUBERT
Art and cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:25 Variant cover by PATRICK GLEASON
1:100 B&W Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 4, $3.99 US • RATED T
 Damian Wayne has been bruised and beaten to a pulp…but nothing before will compare to his latest confrontation with the horde of villains in this issue. When pitted against Professor Pyg, DC villain’s month darling Jakanapes and other baddies, how will Damian survive—especially when he finds a certain clown waiting for him at the finish line?

BATMAN #26
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
1:25 Variant cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:100 B&W Variant cover by GREG CAPULLO
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
 ZERO YEAR continues! With Gotham City thrown into total chaos by The Riddler, Batman and Jim Gordon must learn to work together!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.







DETECTIVE COMICS #26
Written by JOHN LAYMAN
Art by AARON LOPRESTI
Cover by JASON FABOK
1:25 B&W Variant cover by JASON FABOK
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
 Batman works to contain a swarm of genetically altered killer bats, as well as She-Bat and other humans who have been mutated into bat-people. This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.



BATGIRL #26
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art and cover by FERNANDO PASARIN and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by ALEX GARNER
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 The shocking conclusion of “Batgirl: Wanted”! Can Barbara save her father’s life without compromising the truth about her brother’s death?

BATWING #26
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by EDUARDO PANSICA and JULIO FERREIRA
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Luke’s journey to Italy gets him deeper into the criminal underworld – unfortunately for him, that means fighting superpowered villains in a death tournament where he can’t use the Batwing armor!










BIRDS OF PREY #26
Written by CHRISTY MARX
Art by ROMANO MOLENAAR and JONATHAN GLAPION
Cover by JORGE MOLINA
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 The Birds strike back! Canary cuts loose against Regulus! Condor cuts loose on Tsiklon! Batgirl and Strix cut loose on everybody! Will it be enough for them to escape with their lives?











NIGHTWING #26
Written by KYLE HIGGINS
Art and cover by WILL CONRAD
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 With the events of FOREVER EVIL looming, Nightwing enters the final stages of life as he knows it!














CATWOMAN #26
Written by ANN NOCENTI
Art by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA
Cover by TERRY DODSON and RACHEL DODSON
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Catwoman’s adventure in the Gotham Underground comes to a deadly end as she tries to pull off a heist by pitting Doctor Phosphorus, Warhog and The Joker’s Daughter against each other!










 BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #26
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Art by ALEX MALEEV
Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:25 B&W Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 A sweeping visual tale of Gotham City’s forgotten citizens: the abused and the voiceless. Will these desperate souls find their angel in The Dark Knight? Find out in this special mostly silent issue.









 BATMAN AND TWO-FACE #26
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 It’s double trouble as Batman investigates Harvey Dent’s past to try to find him in the present—but is he ready to face the dark truth behind Two-Face’s origin?












 BATWOMAN #26
Written by MARC ANDREYKO
Art by JEREMY HAUN
Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
1:25 Variant cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
 Kate Kane's life has always been one of intrigue and adventure, but since she took on the mantle of Batwoman, things have been in overdrive with no sign of slowing down! Join us as Batwoman starts her next chapter and faces a threat that might just have her rethinking her career as a hero!








TALON #14
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by EMANUEL SIMEONI
Cover by EMANUEL SIMEONI
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 The Court of Owls’ machinations threaten to tear Gotham City apart, and no one but Calvin Rose can take them down once and for all!












RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #26
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by JULIUS GOPEZ and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 The last stand of Jason Todd? Ra’s al Ghul is back and more powerful than ever! The Outlaws are being held captive and Jason Todd has lost his memories…can things get any worse for the team?










No, not looking very Christmassy, not Christmassy at all...

So, Zero Year's still going, and I'm really hoping that by the point it's reached in December I won't be tired of it, I do think eleven months of Batman's origin is a bit of a risk, but Snyder and Capullo are a good creative team, so I'm sure they'll manage it...

Also, I've noticed that DC have grouped Andy Kubert's 'DAMIAN: SON OF BATMAN' as a New 52 book, rather than "Beyond the New 52", which I guess implies it's part of main continuity, since most of the elseworlds stories are in the beyond group...

And Harley Quinn looks like quite a fun book, glad there's going to be at least one comedic book in the New 52, unless DC editorial have demanded the tone to be changed by the release date...

Finally, I'm expecting a cover change for Batwoman #26, after JH Williams III ( along with Haden Blackman ) walked off of the book after DC denied them the chance to write a story containing Batwoman's marriage to her girlfriend, causing a lot of controversy, and I'm assuming DC are going to want to bury any trace of problems when the new writer comes aboard with issue 25, which is why I'm expecting a different cover to the one shown above...

( Source: DC Comics)

DC Comics' "Justice League" solicits for December 2013

Below you'll find the solicits for DC Comics' "Justice League" series for December, Forever Evil's till going, and the Justice League are still... wherever the Crime Syndicate has left them. Anyway, check out the full solicits below!

FOREVER EVIL #4
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
1:25 Villain A cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 Villain B cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 Villain C cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:200 B&W Variant cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
On sale DECEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, 4 of 7, $3.99 US • RATED T
 Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
It’s all-out chaos as the DC Universe continues its march through darkness! War erupts across the Earth between the villains! Allegiances are formed! Rivals are murdered! And at center stage it’s Lex Luthor versus Batman—and their fight couldn’t come at a worse time as Deathstroke’s Hunting Party closes in on the world’s only hope against the Crime Syndicate!
 This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #26
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:25 Variant cover by AARON KUDER
1:100 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale DECEMBER 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
A FOREVER EVIL tie-in! Why has the Crime Syndicate really come to our Earth? What are their darkest secrets? And how will their actions fundamentally change the Justice League as we know it? Meanwhile, Grid controls the world’s power and communications, but what does he truly want from the Syndicate? Plus, a member of the League struggling to survive plots a path of return...and revenge.
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.



JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #10
Written by MATT KINDT
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIR
A1:25 Variant cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
1:100 B&W Variant cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
 A FOREVER EVIL tie-in! The survivors of the Crime Syndicate’s attack now face a world where Earth’s most dangerous criminals are in charge. Can they bring a new team together in time to combat them? This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.





FOREVER EVIL: A.R.G.U.S. #3
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by PHILIP TAN and JASON PAZ
Cover by MIKEL JANIN
1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIKEL JANIN
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, 3 of 6, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Steve Trevor and his small band of surviving A.R.G.U.S. agents track down the deadly Cheetah, who has Wonder Woman’s lasso in her possession. That lasso could be the only hope of freeing the Justice League!







FOREVER EVIL: ROGUES REBELLION #3
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by SCOTT HEPBURN
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
1:25 B&W Variant cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED T
 The Rogues continue their flight from the ruthless Crime Syndicate, who have put a bounty on their heads. But en route back to Central City, Mirror Master’s powers malfunction, and they land in the middle of the events of ARKHAM WAR with pretty much every Bat-villain around going after the bounty!








JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 #1
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by HOWARD PORTER
1:50 B&W Variant cover by HOWARD PORTER
RESOLICIT • On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow is resolicited, now with legendary artist Howard Porter (JLA) on board! But what are these heroes doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a dose of wonder from the writing team of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis!









JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA’S VIBE #10
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO and MARK IRWIN
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 Can Vibe save his brother, stop an alien invasion and stay alive? That last one may be a tall order!












KATANA #10
Written by ANN NOCENTI
Art by ALEX SANCHEZ and WAYNE FAUCHER
Cover by ALEX SANCHEZ
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Katana must choose: Side with her new Sword Clan allies or her old friend Shun as the Mad Samurai plots his revenge!












TEEN TITANS #26
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM and ART THIBERT
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Secrets are revealed and trusts tested as the Teen Titans finally begin to understand Kid Flash’s criminal actions before he became a heroic member of the team.








 GREEN ARROW #26
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art and cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 “THE OUTSIDERS WAR” begins here! Oliver Queen finally knows the location of the Outsiders’ base, but first he must return to the place where Green Arrow was born: The Island! Secrets are revealed, new villains introduced, and a mind-blowing final page kicks off this new storyline with a bang!









WONDER WOMAN #26
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art and GORAN SUDZUKA
Cover by CLIFF CHIANG
1:25 B&W Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG
On sale DECEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 Wonder Woman’s brother and sister are being held hostage by none other than Cassandra, the sadistic sibling she hasn’t even met yet! And speaking of hostages, we’re taking bets on how long chains can hold the First Born!










SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #3
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
1:25 Variant cover by GUILLEM MARCH
1:100 B&W Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
 Zod unleashed! Can Superman and Wonder Woman stop this madman before he gains full power under the Earth’s yellow sun? Guest-starring the JLA, and featuring a shocking conclusion that could mean the end of Superman and Wonder Woman together!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.






WORLDS’ FINEST #18
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by R.B. SILVA and JOE WEEMS
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCINO
On sale DECEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
 As Power Girl’s abilities grow increasingly uncontrollable and unpredictable, Huntress finds herself without backup as she stalks a new villain preying on the upper crust of New York City glamour.

EARTH 2 #18
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by NICOLA SCOTT and TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
On sale DECEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The new Batman of Earth 2 tries to turn the tide in the war against the forces of Darkseid and Apokolips, but even as new allies reveal themselves the planet trembles before its new rulers.

AQUAMAN #26
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art and cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS
1:25 Variant cover by PAUL PELLETIER and SEAN PARSONS
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
“Sea of Storms” begins with the debut of new AQUAMAN writer Jeff Parker! The Earth’s crust is grinding to life, releasing deadly volcanoes and bizarre creatures…so humanity’s first instinct is to blame Atlantis! And as the plates pull apart, the pressures of ruling a kingdom under siege are weighing on Aquaman and Mera as well!







THE FLASH #26
Written by CHRISTOS N. GAGE
Art by NEIL GOOGE
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale DECEMBER 31 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
In this special standalone story, The Flash loses someone important to him. To catch the villain responsible, The Flash must figure out how to use his powers in the one place where they do him little good: the sky!








I've decided on a theory for the Forever Evil Batman, actually, but be warned it will contain a few spoilers for the first issue, so if you haven't read it yet, stop reading this post now... gone yet? good. Anyway, as we all read, Nightwing had his identity revealed to the entire world in the first issue of Forever Evil, and my theory is that the person under Batman's cowl in the Forever Evil covers ( who we can assume is not Bruce Wayne ) is Dick himself, after all, he probably wouldn't want to be running around as Nightwing after the events of the first issue ( Needs a bit of work, I know ), we'll have to wait and see I guess.

I have to say, though, the whole scale is of Forever Evil is starting to look pretty epic, I can't wait to see what happens when the Rogues wind up in the middle of the mass prison breakout in Gotham City...

Also, I've given in and decided to place Teen Titans in the Justice League group, considering the Young Justice group I used to have it in has been pretty much wiped out, I won't bother going into another rant, I said all I wanted to say on that matter last month.

And finally, some Creative changes, as you can probably see two major runs have already come to a close by the time we get to December, with Geoff Johns leaving Aquaman and Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul departing from Flash, both of the runs end at issue 25. Aquaman will be taken over by Jeff Parker, who's name you'll probably know from one of his current series, "BATMAN '66", then onto the Flash; no permanent creative team has been set for after Buccellato and Manapul but we do know that the issue after they've left will be written by Christos Gage ( With art from Neil Googe), who you'll probably know from his co-writing credits on Amazing Spider-Man and Superior Spider-Man, and the solicit for his one-shot story sounds pretty interesting.

(Source: DC Comics)

Review: Forever Evil #1

It's finally time for the New 52's first Universe-Wide event, Forever Evil, but was the first issue worth all the hype? Check out my review of Forever Evil #1 below! But a bit of a warning here, there will be spoilers for the series below...

 

 

 

 

I have to say, just before I start the main review, I'm a little bit confused as to why DC Comics had trailer Trinity War for so long as their next massive event, when it was simply a set-up event for Forever Evil, and they couldn't have just focused on the current event that I'm talking about here, but I won't let that get in the way of what I thought about this issue...

 

Anyway, I did really enjoy this issue, which is an odd thing to say considering it's very bad for the heroes of the DC Universe, but still, a great issue, and the Crime Syndicate seem like a really interesting group of villains for the series.

I always love reading how Geoff Johns' starts these big event comics, this one begins with a rather sinister business deal being made by Lex Luthor, and it really shows you how evil and self-obsessed he is as a character, that he's perfectly happy to threaten and ruin people's lives just to expand on his empire. I think this scene is deliberately used as an example of how vile a character Luthor is, since we know this series will feature him leading a group of his fellow villains to attempt to save the planet, and I think what Johns wanted to do was demonstrate how desperate the people of Earth are that somebody this evil will have to save them, and the scene is a clever way to show this.

 

I think the method that the Secret Society use to broadcast their message to the world is interesting, and provides a good way to show reactions from characters all around the world, but I do think it's a bit too similar to the how General Zod spoke to the people of Earth, both ways including taking over every device that with a screen or a speaker, such as a phone, an earpiece, televisions...

 

Now, I think the most important part of this issue is what happens to Nightwing, and while I won't spoil what actually happened in this post, I can say that it's massive for the character, and a major change in the status quo, I hope it has an immediate effect on his solo series, which would make Forever Evil really feel like a major event. I am glad this was put in the first issue of the series, because I'm not too keen on events that take months to have a major happening, or a shocking moment, I feel like this kicks off the story well ( obviously not for Dick Grayson, though... ).

 

One problem I do have with the issue though is how annoying Power Ring is, I feel like Johns is forcing the concept that he's the opposite of Green Lantern because he's so cowardly and afraid on us, and it got a bit tedious for me...

 

Now onto the art, and I really can't seem to find any problems with the art at all; I've looked over the issue several times now and there's no fault that springs to mind with it, David Finch's pencils work brilliantly with Richard Friend's inks and Sonia Oback's colours.

 

My favourite sections of the art throughout the entire issue were the four page fold out, showing what I'm almost certain is around one-hundred DC Universe villains ( with three from the Teen Titans animated series, which made me really happy ), and the final page, featuring Lex Luthor, which sums up how lost the world seems at this point, Finch along with Friend and Oback, is a great fit for this series.

 

In conclusion, I think this was a brilliant issue, and it shows you just how powerful the villains are, reading the ways that make the Secret Society the opposites of the Justice League was really interesting. Great writing,  great art, my only real complaint is that I got a little bit bored of Power Ring, apart from that, I really enjoyed it. I definitely suggest picking up this series, a major event for the DC Universe, and a must read for all DC fans.

 

Rating: 9/10

 

 

DC Comics' Young Justice Solicit for November 2013

DC released their November 2013 solicits this week, and now it's time to see what's happening in the "Young Justice" corner of the DC Universe. And, yes, there's a reason I wrote "Solicit", not the plural in the title. Here's why:

 
 


TEEN TITANS #25 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM and ART THIBERT
Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale NOVEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
A FOREVER EVIL tie-in! The Titans’ fall through the time stream is stopped by Echo! But is this the help they’ve been looking for, or are things about to go from bad to worse? Plus: The secrets of Kid Flash’s origin begin here!







(Source: Newsarama)

That's IT!

We started off the New 52 with 6 books (Teen Titans, Legion of Superheroes, Legion Lost, Blue Beetle, Hawk and Dove and Static Shock ). By the Second wave of the New 52, Static Shock and Hawk and Dove were cancelled, but the Young Justice group was given an extra book in the form of The Ravagers. The third wave wiped out Blue Beetle, and when the fourth came, Legion Lost was cancelled as well, not long after followed by Legion of Super-Heroes. Basically, what I'm saying is, for a company who want to pull in younger readers, cancelling all but one of your teenager based comics probably isn't a good idea.

And as a teenager myself, I can say that I enjoy reading series surrounding teenage super-heroes, they're more relatable, in my opinion, to the younger readers. My suggestion is to move "The Movement" by Gail Simone and Freddie Williams II and "The Green Team: Teen Trillionares" by Art Baltazar, Franco and Ig Guara to this group, at least give it one or two extra books, DC have a lot of teenage heroes they could use again, and I think It would help bring younger readers to the company. Teen Titans and Static Shock were what brought to reading comics when the New 52 started.

In slightly better news, Brett Booth confirmed over twitter in a conversation with me that he'll be drawing the covers to this series again for four issues after this one, which is great news because Booth was the best artist this series has had so far.

Anyway, that rounds up DC Comics' solicits for the month of November 2013, if you missed any of the groups click on the links attached to the group's name: Batman, Dark, The Edge, Green Lantern, Justice League, Superman ( and obviously, you've just read the Young Justice one ).

DC Comics' Superman solicits for November 2013

DC yesterday released their solicitations for November of this year, previewing what the characters of their fifty-two New 52 series are doing in three months time. Today, I have been posting them here, so far I've posted the Batman, Dark Edge, Green Lantern and Justice League solicits, now it's time for the Superman group. Check them out below!


ACTION COMICS #25 Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
1:25 B&W Variant cover by AARON KUDER
On sale NOVEMBER 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
This BATMAN: ZERO YEAR tie-in features the reintroduction of a major character! A cocky young Superman battles the forces of nature to save Gotham City, while a woman from his past tries to do the same thing on a smaller scale. But both are headed for a collision course...

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #2 Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
1:25 Variant cover by SHANE DAVIS
1:100 B&W Variant cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT
On sale NOVEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Whom the gods destroy, first they piss off! Seeking help against Doomsday, Diana turns to her brother Hephaestus for weapons—but a more immediate threat is Apollo and the other gods. They do not approve of Superman as a consort to Diana, and he will have to prove himself in combat!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #5 Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN
1:300 B&W Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale NOVEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with eleven covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Superman and Wraith form an alliance to rescue a hostage and strike at the heart of Ascension, but the mission goes awry when it becomes clear the Man of Tomorrow and the soldier from beyond the stars have very different methodologies—and objectives! Plus, secrets are revealed about Wraith’s people!
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.

SUPERBOY #25 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale NOVEMBER 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
“KRYPTON RETURNS,” and our heroes have been sent on missions through Krypton’s history to stop H’El from dooming the universe! Superboy’s mission? Stop H’El from tampering with the history of Krypton days before its explosion. But he must also see to it that Kara Zor-El is kept safe and that the forces of the Eradicator don’t get him first.

SUPERGIRL #25 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL and MICHAEL ALAN NELSON
Art by PAULO SIQUERIA
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale NOVEMBER 20 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
“KRYPTON RETURNS” continues as Supergirl faces the clone wars of Krypton. Just as she was starting to accept Superboy’s clone origins, she faces the horrible past of her home planet. And she must once again face H’El.









SUPERMAN #25 Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
1:25 B&W Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale NOVEMBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
“KRYPTON RETURNS” concludes! Months before its explosion, Superman finds himself locked in combat against H’El! Can he find a way to save the planet? A most unexpected foe stands in his path: Jor-El! A hero will fall during this epic adventure!

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #5 Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
1:25 Variant cover by JON BOGDANOVE
1:100 B&W Variant cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale NOVEMBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with four covers. Please see the order form for more information.
When the new Toymaster uses a secret, potentially deadly element in his new video game, the characters created by players manifest in real life! The ultimate fighting game results—and a world-wide network of players must team up to create the most powerful, skilled Super Heroes imaginable with one goal: To kill Batman. Can Superman come to the rescue before the game claims its victim? Find out in this amazing issue that’s printed in a special horizontal storytelling format.
This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue.


(Source: Newsarama)


It seems a little too soon to have another Superman crossover when the last (H'el on Earth) didn't finish all that long ago, and especially the fact that it revolves around the same villain. Seeing Superboy, Supergirl and Superman on Krypton before it's destruction should be interesting, however.

Also, I'm really looking forward to seeing what Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder can do on Action Comics. Pak's killing it on Batman/Superman right now and that Kuder cover for #25, above, looks absolutely brilliant.