DC Comics News

6 New 52 Cancellations and 6 New Titles Announced

Six of the "New 52" titles (52 titles re-launched recently last year by DC Comics for the benefit of new readers) will be cancelled to make room for six new series. I was very disappointed when I heard about the cancellation of two of my pull titles: Static Shock and Blackhawks.

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Animal Man Artist Describe His Departure

Travel Foreman, the acclaimed comic book artist of the popular DC title Animal Man, was recently taken off of the Animal Man title to work on another DC Comics title: Birds of Prey.

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Batcave Hologram in Development

OTOY's first commercial rendering and holographic streaming technology will be of the Batcave from the acclaimed cartoon TV series Batman: The Animated Series. Yes, you will be able to explore the Batcave via virtual reality!

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Batgirl #37 Panned for Transphobic Content

Recently, Batgirl went through some creative changes. Longtime writer Gail Simone, who had previously been fired from the series and was then put back on the series thanks in part to fan backlash, has finally left the series and was replaced by a new creative team: Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr. Their run has, until this moment, been praised as contemporary and feminist that seemed perfect for a young progressive female audience. Then Batgirl #37 happened.

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"Batman Day" July 23

In honor of Batman’s 75th anniversary being this year, DC Entertainment has announced that Wednesday, July 23rd will be “Batman Day.” They will be partnering up with comic book retailers and bookstores across the country to throw celebrations for Batman. Three days after “Batman Day,” on July 26th, DC will be teaming up with Random House to celebrate the day in over 1,000 libraries across the United States.

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Batman Meets the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The dark knight is meeting the heroes in a half shell in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. That’s right, DC Comics and IDW Publishing will be joining forces for this six issue mini-series.

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Batmen Telltale Game Details Revealed

Telltale is an independent video game developer and publisher responsible for acclaimed choice based games such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Minecraft: Story Mode and The Wolf Among Us. This time the developer is tackling yet another comic book related game. The Dark Knight himself will be getting a Telltale makeover! The first details of the game have just been released.

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Batman Eternal Features the Return of Stephanie Brown!

Finally. Finally, after years of begging for Stephanie Brown, former Batgirl and Robin, to return to comic books, our bitching (OK, it was mostly my bitching) has been answered. Stephanie Brown will be returning in the newest Batman series, Batman Eternal, along with several other familiar faces this spring 2014!

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Batwoman Features the First Lesbian Marriage Proposal in Mainstream Comics

DC Comics continues to become a big ally to the LGBT with the first lesbian marriage proposal in mainstream comics! In Batwoman #17, after revealing her identity to her girlfriend Detective Maggie Sawyer, Batwoman Kate Kane proposed. But this news seems to have an interesting subtext to it.

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Celebrating "The Dark Knight Rises" Day

The highly anticipated final installment of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, releases in theaters (and IMAX) on July 20. In anticipation for the event, everyone's local comic book stores will be participating in an event simply deemed "The Dark Knight Rises Day."

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Comic Book "Super Serum" Developed for Cancer Patients in Brazil

It's initiatives like the one started at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that make me proud to be a comic book fan. To help children suffering from cancer to understand their illness and chemotherapy, the ad agency of the cancer center, JWT, partnered with Warner Brothers to create some very special comics.

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A Comic's Cover is Worth 300,000 Words... and Dollars

A cover from the famous Robinson collection (Jerry Robinson is the creator of The Joker) of comics will be coming up for auction. The comic, Detective Comics #67, only has a cover, and is expected to draw $300,000. Robinson was the artist of the cover and one of the original members of the Batman legacy, helping create the Joker and co-create the first Robin, Dick Grayson.

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The Creator of the Joker Passes

The creator of the Clown Prince of Crime - as well as comic book historian and creator's rights advocate – Jerry Robinson, passed away at the age of 89 on December 7th, 2011. He began working on Batman with creator Bob Kane and not only created Batman's most famous enemy, but also co-created Robin and influenced the creation of both Harvey "Two-Face" Dent and Alfred Pennyworth, Batman's most trusted ally and butler.

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Damian's Back? Damian: Son of Batman Announced

Grant Morrison made waves when in Batman Incorporated #8 (spoilers for those two people out there who don't know) when he killed off Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne's son and Robin. As soon as it happened not only was I speculating who would be the next Robin but when Damian Wayne was going to return. After all, comic book characters seem to walk through a revolving door when it comes to death. If Jason Todd can come back, surely Damian Wayne can too.

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Dan Didio Finally Addresses Stephanie Brown (and others)

During New York Comic Con, Newsrama spoke with DC Comic’s co-publisher Dan Didio. They asked him an assortment of questions, but the one that peaked my interest was about Stephanie Brown. I mentioned Stephanie Brown, the pre-New 52 Batgirl, in my New 52 retrospective, several times. But since the New 52 started, Stephanie has never appeared. Then, when she was finally going to be in an issue of Smallville, a series completely unrelated to the New 52, she was replaced. Stephanie and other characters missing from the pages of the New 52, which include Wally West (Kid Flash and one of the Flashes) and Donna Troy (creator of the Teen Titans Wonder Girl and a Wonder Woman) have been called “toxic” in the past, and many people have taken shots at Didio for their seemingly permanent disappearance from the DC Universe.

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DC Announces April 2013 Cancellations

DC has gained and lost several books like clockwork since they re-launched all of their books with the New 52. We've lost titles before that had the potential to be great, like Blackhawks and Static Shock during an initial cancellation of six books. Now, several more titles are being axed by DC.

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DC Announces August 2013 Cancellations

DC Comics’ practice of ditching numerous titles seemingly every other month has become a joke among comic book readers. Now, I’m happy to report another punch line as four more titles are axed by DC this month. Unsurprising considering these are the four series that were shown as the lowest-selling books in Diamond’s April 2013 sales estimates.

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DC Announces DC2 and Interactive DC2 Multiverse Digital Comics

DC Entertainment's president Diane Nelson and their co-publisher Jim Lee announced two new digital innovations, DC2 and DC2 multiverse digital comics, at Time Warner's "The Future of Storytelling" exhibition opening in the Time Warner Medialab in New York.

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DC Announces May 2013 Cancellations

Following the April cancellations DC will be cancelling even more series this May. Some series finales include Deathstroke, The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Man,The Ravagers, The Savage Hawkman, Sword of Sorcery and Team 7.

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DC Announces the Top Ten Best Super Power Couples

DC announced on The Source their top ten couples in honor of Justice League #12 coming out, which featured Superman and Wonder Woman first New 52 kiss, which made a lot of hate erupt within the DC fanbase.

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DC Gets New Artists for Animal Man and Other New 52 Titles

Surprising news this week. It was announced on DC’s blog The Source that there would be a new artist on the popular New 52 horror title Animal Man. Several other artists previously on a New 52 title will be reassigned to another New 52 title.

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Detective Comics #27 Special Issue

Detective Comics #27 marks a special occasion in comic book history: it featured the first appearance of Batman way back in 1939.

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Face Off's Comic Book Inspired Episode

Reality TV shows are hit-or-miss with me and this episode, despite my love of comic books, felt like it was dragging along. But the concept was still enjoyable and I wanted to share it with fellow comic book fans.

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First Look: Batman Earth One

A comic three years in the making, Batman: Earth One will be coming on sale July 4th. Batman: Earth One is written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal. Johns and Frank were the team responsible for Superman: Secret Origins and the "Shazam!" Stories in Justice League. The comic is a milestone for Johns, as it will be his first original graphic novel.

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First Mainstream Transgender Character Revealed

The world of comics has certainly come a long way. The Comics Code Authority used to ban any LGBT-related characters. But since comic book publishers like Marvel and DC have dropped the code the number of respectable openly gay characters has increased with heroes like Batwoman, Northstar and Green Lantern Alan Scott proclaiming loud and proud their sexual orientations. However, another big step was taken in April 2013 with the release of Batgirl #19 and the revelation of the first openly transgender character in a mainstream comic book.

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Grant Morrison DJ's

Grant Morrison, renowned writer of Batman and Robin, All-Star Superman and several other revolutionary titles, has explored another creative facet of himself in the world of music as a guest DJ on the public radio KCRW (89.9 FM and KCRW.com), whose home base is in LA.

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Harley Quinn Gets Her Own Ongoing Series

Yes, Harley Quinn, a member of the New 52 Suicide Squad series, ex-girlfriend of the Joker and a fan-favorite, is striking out in her own ongoing series. DC Comics has assigned Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palimiotti to write it.

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HBO Considering Making Watchmen into a TV Series

Recently, HBO talked with Watchmen director Zack Snyder about possibly doing a television series based on the graphic novel. Watchmen is considered one of the greatest graphic novels of all time and the example most people point to when trying to make the argument that comic books are literature.

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Jeff Lemire Draws Jonah Hex

Jeff Lemire, writer and artist of the popular Vertigo title Sweet Tooth, will be taking the reins of the artist in Jonah Hex #69. The series will continue to be written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray.

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Jeff Lemire New Writer for Justice League Dark

Coming after the Justice League Dark and I, Vampire crossover in issues seven and eight, the ninth issue of Justice League Dark will be the first written by the series new ongoing writer: Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Sweet Tooth).

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John Rozum "Why I Quit Static"

Back when Static Shock and several other DC titles had their cancellations announced, the obvious reason for all of them to be cancelled was blamed first: their sales rates were too low. But there was also more hinted at behind the cancellations of two specific titles: Mister Terrific and Static Shock. Both series feature African-American protagonists, and this has lead to streams of people yelling at DC and accusing them of being "racist."

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Joker Returns!

Of course DC wouldn't get rid of their most prolific jokester. Despite seemingly getting his face ripped off, the Joker will be returning in the "Death in a Family" story arc. The name could suggest a shock is on the way since the other similarly named story arc, "Death in the Family," ended with the death of Jason Todd (he's all better now, by the way).

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Joke's Back in "Death of the Family"

After a year of the New 52 with his face supposedly cut off by the doll man at his request and hanging in police headquarters almost like a grotesque trophy, the Joker is back – and he's got a plan spanning more than just several issues. Joker is taking over the Bat universe with issues spanning from October to February. Find out where you can see his happy grin in the list of his appearances in the "Death of the Family" story arc – and their Jokerrific variant covers... since most of the regular ones are boring close-up face shots with a Joker mask cover over it.

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New 52 Cancellations in March 2015—Is this the end of the New 52?

DC has been making a lot of waves since their event, Convergence, was announced. This event will bring DC comic book characters from the 90s, New 52 and pre-New 52 together (if you’re interested in learning more about Convergence, check out Jay’s coverage). Many fans, like myself, thought this event may mark a return to the pre-New 52 Universe and possibly end the New 52. While I would be okay with the New 52 continuing (but the pre-New 52 taking prominence) it looks like the New 52 may be ending.

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New Justice League Action Cartoon (with Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy)

We’ve been without a Justice League cartoon since the fantastic Justice League Unlimited (the follow-up to the Justice League TV series) ended its run in 2006. That was a decade ago and people will still bring up the show when they talk about great animated series. After Batman: The Animated Series, of course.

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New Suicide Squad Announced

When Suicide Squad’s cancellation in April was announced I was disappointed. While I think the series had the potential to be better than it was, it still had a lot of really great moments. I grew to love the character of Deadshot through the series, James Gordon Jr. was a treat and Amanda Waller's redesign became a big part of my New 52 Year One Retrospective... not a positive part but a part nonetheless! Fortunately, my disappointment was short-lived. It has been announced by DC that the Suicide Squad will be returning in a new series entitled New Suicide Squad this July!

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Nicolas Cage's Stolen Comic Found

Nearly a decade ago Nicolas Cage's prized possession, an original copy of Action Comics #1 worth $1.5 million because it was Superman's first appearance, was stolen from him. The comic book was recently found in a storage locker in San Fernando Valley.

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Original Villain for Dark Knight Rises Revealed

Is it really news that the king of conundrums, the "riddle me this, riddle me that," Riddler was Warner Brothers' original choice for a villain in The Dark Knight Rises before he chose Bane? No – but maybe the actor who was supposed to play him is (and I'm not talking about Johnny Depp).

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Ottawa Comic Shop Writer Pulls Anti-Gay Writer's Work

Orson Scott Card wrote the popular science fiction novel Ender’s Game and he will be writing an upcoming issue of Adventures of Superman for DC Comics which will be coming to comic book stores in May – except for The Comic Book Shoppe which has refused to stock it because the writer is anti-gay.

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Raven on the CW

After a successful decade of Smallville, the CW is looking to follow-up their DC comic adaption with another, much more surprising one. Raven, a member of the Teen Titans who has never appeared solo before (the only exception being her short mini-series that ran in 2008), may be the star of the CW's next tv series.

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Real-Life Batboy Helps with House Fire

Luis Purcell is like every other eight-year-old boy with an admiration for Batman: he dresses in black capes complete with hood and mask and is constantly watching his favorite show Batman. It's when Purcell saves the day that he becomes a real hero straight out of the comic books.

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Real-Life Lois Lane Dies

Jerome Siegel was the writer of the original "Superman" comics that based the man of steel's love interest Lois Lane on his own. Sadly, Joanne Siegel died Tuesday, February 15th at 93 years of age.

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Rob Liefeld Takes Over Three DC Titles

Artist Rob Liefeld is not a popular man in the comic book world. Many people hate his artwork and thought the recent news that he will be taking over as artist for three of DC's New 52 titles was a joke. It's not. He is. And I am looking forward to it with admittedly wearisome optimism. Liefeld will be writing and doing the artwork forDeathstroke and will be plotting Grifter, and The Savage Hawkman.

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SDCC 2015: Neal McDonough Cast as Damien Darhk in Arrow Season 4

Damien Darhk, a villain (which I’m sure you never would have guessed given his oh-so-subtle name), will be seen for the first time in Arrow Season 4. He did make a couple of appearances towards the end of Arrow Season 3 but he was never shown on screen. Neal McDonough has been cast as Damien Darhk.

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Stolen Comic Story Becoming Feature Length Films

Since it was hard to even come up with over 150 words for this news story, it will be hard to imagine how the creators of Reno 911! will even be able to make a feature-length movie about Nicolas's Cage's stolen comic book.

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Warners Brothers May Lose Rights to Superman

A long battle was started by Warner Bros. back in 2008 to attempt to maintain the Superman franchise after the now deceased Joanne Siegel and her daughter obtained half of the copyrights for the Man of Steel, originally created by Mrs. Siegel’s husband Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

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Watchmen Comic Book Prequels

DC Comics announced with mixed blessings that there would be seven comic book prequels to the Watchmen series (the highest selling graphic novel ever). Mixed blessings, because, to many a fan’s dismay, neither of the Watchmen’soriginal creators will be working on the prequels.

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