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DC Feature Articles - November 2002 |
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| DC Feature Articles |
Batman | Superman |
DC Universe | Beyond
the Universe/Mad Magazine | JLA/JSA: VIRTUE
& VICE A time-honored tradition is updated — and upgraded — for a new generation of heroes!
JLA/JSA: VIRTUE & VICE, advance-solicited this month for arrival in December, is an epic that fans have been clamoring for! The talents of acclaimed writers David S. Goyer (JSA) & Geoff Johns (THE FLASH, Avengers) combine with the powerhouse art team of Carlos Pacheco & Jesús Meriño (Avengers Forever, Fantastic Four) for a tale with real, dramatic impact on the lives of the two popular super-hero teams. Villains from the rich histories of both groups hatch an insidious scheme that lays waste the heroes and the world they defend. But of course, these are no ordinary heroes... What starts as a friendly get-together between the JLA and JSA degenerates into a destructive mêlée…and from the ashes rises a villainous uber-team made up of select members from each team. What’s made these heroes of virtue turn into agents of vice? And who can possibly stop them once they get really mad? It’s up to the remaining members of both teams to save the day. But they’ll have to defeat their friends to do it!
This project is supported with a full-color poster, a preview in Wizard: The Comics Magazine, house and trade ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. JLA/JSA: VIRTUE & VICE is a 96-page hardcover edited by Dan Raspler. It is advance-solicited to arrive in comic-book stores December 4 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. Note: A softcover version will be available no earlier than June, 2003. JLA/JSA SECRET FILES #1 is a 64-page one-shot edited by Ivan Cohen arriving in comic-book stores November 6 with a cover price of $4.95 U.S. [New Release Date (Secret Files): November 20]
10
years after the comics event of the era A decade ago, the unthinkable happened: Superman, one of the most widely recognized icons on the planet, was killed at the hands of the unstoppable force known as Doomsday. Superman’s death was not only a major shock to the populace of the DC Universe, but to the rest of the world as well.
The story begins in DAY OF DOOM #1, where we meet Ty Duffy — a new reporter for the Daily Planet assigned to do a story on the anniversary of Superman’s death. Duffy starts by interviewing those who suffered through Doomsday’s rampage, beginning with former JLA members Booster Gold and Blue Beetle. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel himself is investigating some random accidents that may not be so random after all — and they seem to be happening along the same path that led Doomsday to Metropolis… Then, in DAY OF DOOM #2, the Planet’s new reporter continues his interviews, this time widening his subjects to the ordinary civilians who were there that day and the horrors they saw. It wasn’t just Superman who died that day. Duffy also interviews the Prankster and other lower-tier villains who tried to take credit for that day’s tragedy. Meanwhile, Superman continues to investigate more mysterious accidents, as the clues to an emerging threat become clearer.
This project is supported with house and trade ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. SUPERMAN: DAY OF DOOM is a 4-issue weekly miniseries edited by Eddie Berganza. Issues #1, 2 and 3 are 32 pages and arrive in comic-book stores November 13, 20, and 27, respectively. The 32-page issue #4 is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-book stores December 4. All issues have a cover price of $2.95 U.S. [Issue #4 New Release Date: December 11] JLA:
SECRET ORIGINS
SECRET ORIGINS features an all-star lineup of DC’s greatest icons: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, the Atom, Hawkman & Hawkgirl, Plastic Man, and Captain Marvel! It contains a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the members of the Justice League and how they became the heroes they are today, as interpreted by Ross and Dini. This graphic volume reprints the double-page origins of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel (a popular feature from their previous collaborations), and includes eight all-new origin spreads, plus an original 5-page framing sequence focusing on the team’s commitment to helping humankind through all forms of adversity. Plus: exclusive interviews with the creators, reprintings of classic Alex Ross artwork, as well as preview art and sketches for the upcoming JLA: LIBERTY AND JUSTICE — all in an oversized format that’s a feast for the eyes! Also solicited this month, for arrival in February, is the JLA: SECRET ORIGINS BY ALEX ROSS POSTER, featuring Ross’s amazing cover art on a 24” x 36” poster! This project is supported with a postcard, house and trade ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. JLA: SECRET ORIGINS is a 48-page oversized softcover (10” x 13 1/2”) coedited by Charles Kochman & Joey Cavalieri. It arrives in comic-book stores November 13 with a cover price of $7.95 U.S. JLA: SECRET ORIGINS BY ALEX ROSS POSTER is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-book stores February 26 with a price of $7.95 U.S.
In the wake of “Bruce Wayne: Fugitive,” Batman is busily attempting to reconstruct his life. But between a spiking crime spree that could leave countless innocents dead, and a newly arrived vigilante whose violent methods border on the extreme, the Dark Knight must rely on his extended “family” more than ever before.
The following week, in BATMAN: FAMILY #2: ATHENA, readers will meet the mysterious leader of the new wave of criminals who vows vengeance on Batman for very personal reasons. Athena begins her assault by targeting the Spoiler, who recently lost her gig as a member of BIRDS OF PREY. Will Spoiler prove to be the weak link in Batman’s family of allies? Then, in BATMAN: FAMILY #3: BUGG & DR. EXCESS, get ready for two new terrors! Bugg has eyes everywhere in Gotham, watching, recording, learning — with the heroes of Batman’s circle in his sights. And what Bugg learns, Dr. Excess uses with terrible results. But what is their involvement in a spate of bizarre incidents in which normal people are transformed into raging psychotics? Black Canary aims to find out, and she’s not alone as the vigilante Orpheus returns to help safeguard the city.
The weekly action concludes in December, as more of Batman’s family faces a growing “family” of menacing villains. This project is supported with house and trade ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. BATMAN: FAMILY is an 8-issue weekly miniseries edited by Matt Idelson. The 48-page issue #1 is retrosolicited, arriving in comic-book stores October 30 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. Issues #2, 3, 4, and 5 are 32 pages and arrive in comic-book stores November 6, 13, 20, and 27, respectively, with a cover price of $2.25 U.S. each. “No miracles, no mercy. Above all…no redemption.” Ten years ago, an attack on Wayne Enterprises by the Children of Maya — a group of urban terrorists — left behind blood and bodies and a furious Bruce Wayne…determined to bring those responsible to justice! He is, after all, Batman. How long could these killers possibly elude him?
In the course of a harrowing journey that takes him from the Taj Mahal to the hidden temple of a great Indian saint, Batman finds all his precious concepts of crime and punishment, justice and retribution, God and man, turned inside out. His health will be shattered, and he will be near death…finding himself at the center of a literal firestorm during which he must question whether any human being can truly change — and whether a mass murderer could possibly be worthy…of absolution. This project is supported with a bookmark, house and trade ads, and a minisite at www.dccomics.com. BATMAN: ABSOLUTION is a 96-page hardcover coedited by Matt Idelson & Dennis O’Neil, arriving in comic-book stores November 27 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. JSA: THE RETURN
OF HAWKMAN He was one of the greatest heroes who ever lived — until his disappearance left a gaping void in the DC Universe. Now Hawkman’s triumphant return is the only thing that may change the tide of an epic war between the JSA and the omnipotent soul-eater of the planet Thanagar — Onimar Synn.
The JSA is pushed to the limit as the assault from Injustice Unlimited comes hard and fast from many places at once. Before the members of the Justice Society can get their bearings, Hawkgirl discovers her shocking true connection to the Hawkman lineage and her role in the search for the missing hero. It’s non-stop action, JSA-style! This project is supported with house ads. JSA: THE RETURN OF HAWKMAN is a 256-page trade paperback arriving in comic-book stores November 27 with a cover price of $19.95 U.S.
MTV and movie writer Andy Lieberman (Crazy Cool, The Jon Stewart Show) hops aboard with HARLEY QUINN #26, bringing along the amazing artistic talents of Mike Huddleston (The Coffin, Cable) & Troy Nixey (BATMAN: THE DOOM THAT CAME TO GOTHAM)! The action explodes as Harley finds herself moments from a very watery death. Meanwhile, she’s wanted for the murder of a GCPD officer and the late cop’s partner, Bishop, is going to bring her in, no matter who gets in the way. Somehow, Harley’s gotten herself into a fix again, and she barely has any time to get herself out of it! All the action, all the intrigue, and 100% more rubber ducks. It’s a new take on Harley Quinn, and it starts now! HARLEY QUINN is an ongoing series edited by Matt Idelson. The 32-page issue #26 arrives in comic-book stores November 13 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.
Time lies when you’re having fun! It’s the question you’ve been asking since reading the headline at the top of this article: “Who is Forever Maelstrom?”
In FOREVER MAELSTROM #1, we meet “the Paul Bunyan of time” as he inspires Ben Franklin, drinks with Hemingway, gives dating tips to the Marquis de Sade, and breaks…uh, bread with Queen Victoria. But just as we begin to get a handle on his time-tripping exploits, a mysterious villain known as Praetor launches an attack on time itself. With the fabric of past, present and future unraveling and reknitting simultaneously, and alternate timelines collapsing onto each other with unbelievable results, only Forever has any hope of mending the damage. But he’ll need the help of an assortment of colorful characters, including his faithful talking timberwolf (don’t ask) and a group of teenaged mutant heroes! Forever must gather five mystical gems scattered among different timelines to bring back the 21st century he remembers. But that’s not going to be easy. Forever must beat his foe to the jewels while winning motorized chariot races in a wholly modern Roman Empire, dodging velociraptors in the days of knights, surviving a world where all gods are created equal, escaping a robot-ruled New York, and, most unlikely, keeping his raging libido under wraps! We’d say time is running out, but, honestly, we don’t have the time! This project is supported with house and trade ads. FOREVER MAELSTROM is a 6-issue miniseries edited by Mike Carlin. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores November 20 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. BATMAN:
BRUCE WAYNE — FUGITIVE Volume One Bruce Wayne is missing.
Featuring the writing talents of Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker, Devin Grayson, and Kelley Puckett, Volume One’s impressive lineup of artists includes Scott McDaniel (who provides a new cover), Roger Robinson, Rick Leonardi, Damion Scott, Trevor McCarthy, Phil Noto, William Rosado, Dave Ross, Sean Philips, and more! Reprinted in their entirety are the following issues: BATMAN #601 & 603, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #27-28, BATGIRL #27 & 29, BIRDS OF PREY #41 & 43, and NIGHTWING #68- 69. Batman now has gone to ground — renouncing his true identity and operating deeper in the shadows than ever before. It falls to his extended family — Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, Batgirl, Spoiler, and Alfred — to figure out who really did commit the murder. While the clues point to a possible setup, no one can deny that those same clues might point to Batman’s actual guilt. This project is supported with house ads. BATMAN: BRUCE WAYNE — FUGITIVE Volume One is a 160-page trade paperback arriving in comic-book stores November 20 with a cover price of $12.95 U.S. BATMAN: YEAR
TWO — FEAR THE REAPER — NEW EDITION Why doesn’t Batman use a gun in his war on crime? And what happens when he meets Joe Chill — the man who murdered his parents? The Dark Knight’s second year on Gotham’s streets found him still fresh as a crimefighter, forging relationships with Commissioner Gordon and others while facing some of the most difficult decisions of his life.
In “Year Two,” Batman ends up in violent conflict with Gotham City’s first vigilante, the scythe-wielding Reaper — now a brutal killer. Batman has no choice but to make a desperate alliance with Joe Chill to bring the Reaper down! Then in FULL CIRCLE, the Reaper is back — spreading his menace and madness throughout Gotham! Batman must confront the secrets of his parents’ murders once again — at the risk of his own sanity… This project is supported with house ads. BATMAN: YEAR TWO — FEAR THE REAPER — NEW EDITION is a 176-page trade paperback, arriving in comic-book stores November 13 with a cover price of $17.95 U.S.
Hometown boy makes good
Combining Loeb's and Sale's masterly storytelling with sumptuous blue-line color by Bjarne Hansen (all of whom were nominated for Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS follows Clark's tenuous first steps toward the realization that even his great power has limits...and that, ultimately, the most powerful man alive is only a man. Leaving Smallville behind, he meets the woman he will one day marry, earns the hatred of his deadliest foe, and learns the lessons that will transform a simple farmboy into the greatest champion of justice the world has ever known. This project is supported with house ads. SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS is a 208-page trade paperback. It is retro-solicited, arriving in comic-book stores October 30 with a cover price of $14.95 U.S.
Look, up in the sky...and over on the toy rack! It’s Superman, and he’s the first in a new series of figures that also includes Bizarro and Brainiac 13, solicited this month. Supergirl, the Cyborg Superman and Doomsday will be offered in the months to come. Rocketed to Earth from the doomed planet Krypton, the infant Kal-El was reared by Smallville farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent to become the mighty Man of Steel, Superman! Now the World’s Greatest Hero comes to life in the SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE, standing approximately 6 1/2" tall and featuring an incredible 21 points of articulation! The line of figures continues with Bizarro, an imperfect copy of Superman with a twisted sense of logic. Created from a biological scan of Superman, but without benefit of the Man of Steel’s unique Kryptonian DNA, Bizarro is a twisted parody of the world’s most famous super-hero. The SUPERMAN: BIZARRO ACTION FIGURE stands approximately 6 5/8" tall and also features an incredible 21 points of articulation.
All three figures come packaged with an "S" Shield display base in 4-color resealable packaging. The SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE, SUPERMAN: BIZARRO ACTION FIGURE and SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC 13 ACTION FIGURE are all advance-solicited, sold separately and arrive in comic-book stores March 19, 2003. Please consult your retailer for pricing information. THE SPIRIT
ARCHIVES Volume Nine
At this point in time, Eisner had been spirited away by the United States Army for the duration of World War II. But while he was gone, the Spirit strips were executed by the more-than-capable members of Eisner’s staff: writers Manly Wade Wellman and William Woolfolk, and legendary artists Lou Fine and Jack Cole! Together they produced the further adventures of The Spirit, Ebony, Commissioner Dolan and Ellen: a mysterious murder at the circus (with a Bengal tiger tossed in for good measure); a Leading Lady facing death in the footlights; the secret of a sinister shipwreck; the return of the super-spy Satin; the frightful Dread Dragon Society; the mysterious Metal Monsters; the murder of society climber Miss Meda; and much more! Plus, this hardcover features a portfolio section of artwork produced by Eisner for the Army during WW II! THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume Nine is a 204-page hardcover arriving in comic-book stores November 6 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. [New Release Date: November 20] PLASTIC MAN
ARCHIVES Volume Four
The silliness begins with a mysterious murder in Woozy’s boarding house and moves on to Woozy being hired as a store detective to foil (with the help of Plas) a tsunami of shoplifting. Then the diabolical Dr. Dratt and his “illuminating gas” give the daffy duo a run for their money. Next, Plas and Woozy assist a nutty professor in establishing a claim to a radium mine in the Arctic. If that weren’t enough, our heroes also investigate the murder at The Home for the Aged (though in Cole’s hands, it’s more of an asylum), assist millionaire Cyrus Van Rooten in settling an old score with a tribe of Indians, get mixed up in a mystery in a maniacal medical school, and visit Futura, a city of the future that’s still plagued by crime! And that’s not all! Reprinting POLICE COMICS #40-49 and PLASTIC MAN #3 (1945-46), this volume features a half-dozen more adventures, including the first Woozy Winks solo story and an unusual Plastic Man prose story. Plus, an introduction by renowned European comics historian Andreas Knigge! PLASTIC MAN ARCHIVES Volume Four is a 216-page hardcover arriving in comic-book stores November 20 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. [New Release Date: TBA] Note: Feature Articles for WildStorm/ABC/Homage and Vertigo/Paradox comics may be found on their respective pages.
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