Direct Currents: Saturday, July 31, 2010

A quick note before we begin: This will be my last "Direct Current" in the present format. I'd conceived DC Bloodlines as more of a collaborative effort, and thought a regular linkpost like this might get passed around several hands. For one person, it's entirely too time consuming. Any contributor who would like to continue with the feature, be my guest, but as of now I expect to turn "Direct Currents" over to blog links and occasional news stories.

Is This Is A Terribly Racist Tea Party Comic? Or Is It A Plant?

TPMMuckracker has got Tea Party commentary who deny any involvement with the existence of the comic...

Surprise Hit SWEET TOOTH Lures New Readers @ 1-Year Mark

We talk with writer Jeff Lemire as his surprise hit Vertigo series SWEET TOOTH approaches it's 1st year on the stands

JEFF LEMIRE: From Small Press to Smallville & Small Dudes

In the 2nd part of her interview, Vaneta Rogers discusses Superboy and the Atom with writer Jeff Lemire

Frank Miller Turns Batman Into The Fixer

We knew for a while that the original Holy Terror Batman project from Frank Miller, originally described as Batman Vs Al Qaeda, wasn’t actually going to star Batman anymore. But who would the stand-in replacement be?

Mike Allred's DC Universe Monopoly Game Artwork

Once upon a time, something truly awesome nearly happened in the comic book community. Well, it did happen, but fans weren't able to see the results for themselves until now.

CCI: The "Smallville" Panel

On the final day of Comic-Con International in San Diego, fans woke up early to line up for the "Smallville" panel commemorating the long-running show's pending conclusion.

CCI: DC's Premiere Teams

DC Comics rounded out its Sunday programming at Comic-Con International in San Diego with an informal panel discussing the publisher's several superhero team titles. Editor Mike Carlin introduced the packed panel to the crowd, naming writer of “R.E.B.E.L.S.” and “Green lantern Corps Tony Bedard, oncoming writer of “Justice Society of America” Marc Guggenheim, “Teen Titans” writer J.T. Krul, writer of “Legion of Super Heroes” Paul Levitz, “Justice League of America” scribe James Robinson, writer of “JSA All Stars” Matthew Sturges, artist of “Teen Titans” and “Birds of Prey” Nicola Scott, and artist of “JSA All-Stars” Freddie E. Williams II.

CCI: Spotlight on Ivan Reis

DC Comics editor Eddie Berganza introduced Ivan Reis to an anxiously waiting audience at Comic-Con International in San Diego, with the popular illustrator bringing along myriad examples of his progression as an artist, from childhood comic book reader to the present day. Reis was aided by Joe Prado, who served as an interpreter of sorts, (but more often acted as comic relief.)

Grant Morrison And Game Theory

Grant Morrison, is certainly doing something very interesting on a wider canvas. He’s playing games. Seriously.

Art Baltazar, Franco Aureliani set to Script 'Young Justice' Ongoing Comic

With news breaking out of this year's San Diego Comic-Con that Peter David will be penning scripts for an all-new "Young Justice" animated series on Cartoon Network, it should come as no surprise that the folks over at DC would be gearing up a new "Young Justice" monthly comic to expand on the series' unique universe -- and that's exactly what the publisher is doing.

CCI: The DC Kids Panel

'DC Universe Online' to Include Shapeshifting, Cities as Characters and Pre-Loaded Logos

Despite the welcome deluge of information Comic-Con's various announcements and trailer releases yielded regarding Sony's upcoming "DC Universe Online" MMORPG, the sheer scope of the game has ensured that fans still have plenty of questions running up to the title's November release. As part of their ongoing effort to address fan inquiries, game director Chris Cao and creative director Jens Andersen have shed some light on not only the game's characters, but also the mechanics of its world.

Partymorpho!

Today is "Hector Plasm" and "Invincible Presents" artist Nate Bellegarde's birthday, and to celebrate, he asked his friends for only one present: drawings of DC's swingin' Element Man, Metamorpho, and brother, did they deliver. So as our way of wishing a Happy Birthday to one of our favorite artists, ComicsAlliance has gathered all the drawings he's gotten so far together in one spot! It's a Partymorpho!

Annotations: 'Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne' #4 [Spoilers]

And we're back again, this time with yet another issue of "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne." This one eschews the search plot to focus purely on the story from Bruce's perspective -- or, more precisely, from the perspective of the people around Bruce, who is completely silent for this entire issue in a nod to the silent, nameless lone gunslinger (or Batarang-slinger) archetype.

Super Mario Meets Superman and Other Imagined Illustrations

"Marvel vs. Capcom 3" may be on the cutting edge of comic book/video game crossover approaches, but one bold, forward-thinking artist out there has a vision of how things could be in a world where confrontations such as the Super Skrull vs. Ryu and The Hulk vs. Donkey Kong are commonplace.

The Damp Knight Returns

Comic Book Legends Revealed #271

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
JLA-Z: JLA Year One Pin-Up

Armagideon Time
Ghetto-Blaster — it’s who he is, and what he does…

Atomic Surgery
Steve Ditko's First Changing Man (1960)

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
The Top 20 Steve Trevor Covers

Diversions of the Groovy Kind
Spectre/Wildcat team-up in The Spectre #3 (December 1967)

Firestorm Fan
Brightest Day, Toys, Appearances, Cartoons, and more!

Girls Gone Geek
Who’s That Girl?

Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!
Green Lantern #56

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
The Human Flame: Sixth Most Important Martian Manhunter Adversary

Kingdom Kane
ATOM No. 35, March-February 1968

Once Upon A Geek
Too Many Blondes?

Power of the Atom
The Top 20 Captain Atom Covers

Reilly2040's Blog
Time Masters: Vanishing Point #1

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 17-19

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep
World Without A Superman, Part III

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Action Comics #891

1993 DC Comics Bloodlines Annuals Checklist Card

The Bloodlines annual event of 1993 was my chosen gateway into the greater DC Universe after abandoning Marvel Comics. It involved shapeshifting aliens drinking the spinal fluid of humans, leaving the victims who survived the ordeal with super-powers. I went into the details of why I thought this was a good idea here. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm proud of my reading habits being associated with a widely mocked and often awful crossover, but one of this blog's missions is to defend and redeem the funkier areas of the DCU, digging out the diamonds in the rough.

I've done a poor job of protecting this checklist card, which I believe came polybagged with Capitol City Distribution's Advance Comics consumer catalog. That was my catalog of choice until DC went exclusive to Diamond after Marvel kicked off the Distribution Wars by acquiring Heroes World. Anyhow, this poor checklist has been bummed around various boxes and bags for nearly twenty years, but at least I never folded it in half as directed by the dotted line.

Fluorescent inks were used on the logos of the various Bloodlines books, which I think looked quite snazzy and holds up well. I think an attempt was made at using similar inks on this card, but whether it was due to a lack of contrast or poor quality, the art and text is a washed out pink. It less recalls H.R. Giger than John Waters, which is only as scary as your tolerance for the transgendered determines.

The woefully represented art was supplied by Arthur Adams, who designed the aliens and their human alter-egos around the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins. The stock poses later turned up in the Skybox Trading Card Set, although they were sadly never published in full. Adams did some great action turnarounds that often featured DC heroes for scale.



Bloodlines snaked its way through six months worth of annuals, broken up into three fairly arbitrary waves...

BLOODLINES OUTBREAK

• Lobo Annual #1
• Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #2
• Batman: Shadow of The Bat Annual #1
• Flash Annual #6
• New Titans Annual #9
• Superman Annual #5
• Green Lantern Annual #2
• Batman Annual #17
• Justice League International Annual #4

Outbreak ran from May 4th-June 29th, although I don't recall any demarcation point from one set to another. The aliens were introduced by Lobo, crash landed on Earth in Man of Steel, and began a cycle of kill-create metahuman-team up against aliens that ran through all the books.

BLOODLINES EARTHPLAGUE

• Robin Annual #2
• Action Comics Annual #5
• Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #4
• Green Arrow Annual #6
• Detective Comics Annual #6
• Justice League America Annual #7
• Adventures of Superman Annual #5
• Hawkman Annual #1

Earthplague is not a legitimate compound word with any inherent meaning, yet my spell check is fine with it in a way it isn't with "spellcheck." It ran from July 6th through August 24th.

BLOODLINES DEATHSTORM

• Deathstroke Annual #2
• Eclipso Annual #1
• Demon Annual #2
• Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight Annual #3
• Team Titans Annual #1
• L.E.G.I.O.N. Annual #4

Unlike previous year's annual events like Armageddon 2001 and Eclipso: The Darkness Within, there was no real overarching story or progression, so these waves are that much more nonsensical. Each of the prior events had bookends to initiate and conclude their epics, yet both gelled toward their ends as the heroes got wise and launched concerted efforts against their threats. Bloodlines was like a Wile E. Coyote cartoon marathon of variations on a simple theme. There were four different Superman that year, a couple of Batmen, and a pair of disconnected Justice Leagues on different continents. At least L.E.G.I.O.N. picked up some strands.

BLOODBATH
The big finish was a two part extra length mini-series separated by the weeks of October 12th and 19th. You could probably read it independently, but if I correctly recall how shabbily thrown together it was, why would you want to? Then again, the same criteria could be applied to the whole shebang, and even on to this blog, so I'll just let that sleeping dog lie.

The Top Ten Lady Shiva Covers

10) Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter #5 (January, 1976)
9) Birds of Prey #6 (January, 2011)
8) Showcase '96 #9 (October, 1996)
7) Batgirl #68 (November, 2005)
6) Birds of Prey #63 (March, 2004)
5) Batgirl #73 (April, 2006)
4) The Outsiders #14 (January, 1995)
3) The Question Annual #1 (1988)
2) Birds of Prey #62 (February, 2004)
1) Richard Dragon #4 (October, 2004)

Direct Currents: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

CCI: Lopresti Monster Mashes on "Weird Worlds"

In this exclusive first interview about the series, Lopresti told CBR News he will be writing and drawing the Garbage Man feature for "Weird Worlds." He also shared news that while heavily rumored, Swamp Thing won't be appearing in the monster book (for now) but a certain Dark Knight will.

Chris Sims Reviews: 'Batman: Under the Red Hood'

This week saw the release of DC's latest animated feature, "Batman: Under the Red Hood," and I've got the feeling that if I'd seen it when I was 15, I would've absolutely loved it.

Irish Teen Pleads Guilty to Burning Down Former School While Dressed as the Joker

Every kid experiences rough patches when, on some level, they wouldn't mind if their school burned down (not necessarily to hurt their peers or teachers, but to avoid going to class), but one Irish teen took that desire to the extreme by tapping into Heath Ledger's "The Dark Knight" anarchy and committing arson dressed as the Clown Prince of Crime. Kids today!

Great Rao! Find Out Your Favorite Comic Book Character's Religion

If you're curious about the spiritual allegiance of various costumed vigilantes, there is a website that has been keeping track. "Comic Book Religion" has a database of comic book characters sortable by number of appearances, faith, nationality, and name.

DC x Converse Shoe Line: Green Lantern, Superman, Batman Kicks

If you by any chance look at the feet of any DC employees during Comic-Con last weekend, you may have noticed something very cool: DC Comics Converse high-tops. Yes, DC has teamed up with Converse to release a line of five original designs featuring Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern, as well as two more general designs with Superman and Batman iconography.

SWIPE FILE: Flash And Spider-Man Selling Their Loves To The Devil

All that fuss when Peter Parker and Mary Jane did that deal with Mephisto as part of One More Day to save the life of May Parker. But had it all happened before? Where was the fuss when Wally West did the same with Neron, without even the acquiesence of Linda?

Cosplay At San Diego Comic Con Special

"Detective" #27 to Bring $400,000 in Heritage Auction

With two weeks to go until the Aug. 5 Signature® Comics & Comic Art Auction at Heritage Auctions, the CGC-graded 7.5 VF “Aloha Copy” of Detective #27 - Batman’s famous first appearance - is already on its way to becoming at least the second most valuable comic book ever offered at public auction, and easily the lead lot in one of Heritage’s deepest comic and comic art auctions to date.

CSBG's The 75 Most Memorable Moments in DC Comics History!

#47-52

#53-58

#59-64

#65-70

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
Unpublished Aquaman Page by Jerome K Moore - 1986

The Comic Treadmill
Showcase Presents Hawkman, Vol. One, Entry Two: Brave and Bold 34-35 (1961)

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman #115 (July, 1960)

Diversions of the Groovy Kind
The Batman and Ragman from Batman Family #20 (July 1978)

Girls Gone Geek
Brightest Day: The End of the Road

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
The Patron Saint of Loser Super-Heroes

Once Upon A Geek
My Daughter and the Invasion of the Toys

The Power of Captain Atom
Space Adventures #34 (June, 1960)

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 15-17

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
San Diego Comic Con Wrap-Up

Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter #1 (April-May, 1975)

“See them… two vastly different young men locked in a bond of friendship, forged by the greatest of the martial artists… destined to forsake the comforts of ordinary human creatures for a dark destiny of danger…

No fighting art is unknown to them… They have mastered karate, aikido, jiu-jitsu-- not as ends in themselves, but as steps on a path that can lead to greatness… or sudden, horrible death!

COMING of a DRAGON!”

Fifteen years back in Kyoto, Japan, Richard Dragon sought to steal an 1,100 year old jade Buddha from a villa. The young strawberry blond man was confronted by O-Sensei, an older bald Asian fellow who would have allowed the theft if the Buddha were his to give. Dragon attacked the sensei, who somehow knew Richard’s identity. O-Sensei spouted fortune cookie wisdom while easily batting the youth about. Dragon pulled a knife, but was swiftly disarmed and tossed to the ground.



A student approached the combatants, exclaiming “Hoo-eee! You ain’t much for soft landing, are you, friend?” Benjamin was nothing but friendly, offering Richard some fresh brewed tea. Dragon shifted from ageist smack talking the sensei to outright racism at the colored pupil, calling him “a refugee from a minstrel show.” The bigoted, potentially murderous little jerk continued, “I got pride, and it won’t allow me to accept anything from an ape! I’m gonna shower those pearly teeth all over the dirt!” Benjamin chuckled, “I do believe you’re the excitable type,” then cooled the cat off by leveraging him into a fountain. “Ready for that tea, Rich?” Ben explained that this was “A school, pardner! The O-Sensei teaches a few of us to become ourselves… better’n ourselves, matter of fact.” O-Sensei sensed Dragon carried in himself a great burden of hate around a core of goodness that he wished to cultivate. With neither kin nor comrade, Richard Dragon accepted an invitation of education.

After six years of transformative training and reading the wisdom of Eastern texts, Richard Dragon joined Benjamin in addressing a group of goons spying on the villa from a jeep nearby. The men were looking to test the mettle of the twin martial artists, and were treated to a beating. A fourth man waited in the jeep-- an older, corpulent, bald Asian in a brown suit and fedora. Puffing on his cigar, Barney Ling wasn’t disappointed with O-Sensei’s star pupils, and the instructor soon joined the conversation. Ling represented an international peace-keeping group named G.O.O.D., “what the initials stand for is not important,” only the students’ willingness to help the cause. Benjamin dismissed, “Me, I don’t care! I’m not interested in bein’ an organization man!” Ling mentioning modern day slavery in the Sudan changed his tune. “I have a photo of the kingpin… an Afghan who calls himself Aki!” G.O.O.D. wanted to cripple the slave trade by bringing Aki in for questioning, and Benjamin thought maybe he could cripple Aki in the process. “Please! We are never crude! We merely wish you to deliver him to us… unharmed!” Richard Dragon was unsure how to proceed, and asked O-Sensei’s advice. “When a worthy cause speak to the superior man, he answers! Does this cause speak to you?” Benjamin replied, “Plenty! Okay, Mr. Ling… I don’t care a whole lot for your style-- you do a lot of smirkin’-- but count me in!” Dragon agreed.



“Early the following day, a private jet whisks Benjamin and Richard across the roof of the Earth… to Ta’iss, the capitol of Yemen.” A dhow carried the pair to the Sudanese coast, where they easily located Aki’s fortress and army of bodyguards. Richard had the idea of having Benjamin sell him into slavery to access the fortress’ interior, but Aki decided, “the black who brought him is valuable, too! Seize them! Lock them in the pens! Tomorrow they will add to my wealth!”

The pair were taken to a dungeon hellhole filled with starving, diseased captives in cages. “Rich… I feel like bein’ sick!” Dragon wouldn’t allow himself that luxury as he picked their lock with tools Benjamin had secreted in his manacles. “Free the others, Ben! I’ll scout the area!” Dragon was spotted, and couldn’t put down the guards before shots were fired. The flood of released prisoners provided a distraction so that the G.O.O.D. men could evade more guards. “I feel rotten… Rich, we’re usin’ those poor folks!” Dragon justified it by their acting to prevent greater misery.

The combined strength of the pair’s martial kicks brought down a heavy wooden door protecting Aki, and their fists of fury addressed his elite guard. “Together they stand… Benjamin Stanley, once of Harlem… and the fiery youth who calls no place home—Richard Dragon…” Ben took out the last of Aki’s men with “a single, magnificent side kick,” but was struck by a bullet fired from Aki’s own shaky pistol. “Every trace of humanity drains from Dragon’s face as he gazes at Aki with empty eyes,” then he jump kicked the slave trader through a window into a waiting mob hungry for vengeance.



Ben, having only been nicked in the shoulder, observed “Ugly! They aren’t leavin’ much for the undertaker, are they?” Dragon echoed O-Sensei: “A man’s actions are the architects of his own reward!” Ben wondered how Richard felt about what had happened. “We’re changed, Ben… We’ll never be the same again! We’ve taken the first step on a long path… and I’m not sure where it’ll lead! But, I am sure of this… we can never turn back!”

Kung Fu Master Richard Dragon: Dragon's Fists was a 1974 novel written by Dennis O'Neil and Jim Berry under the pseudonym "Jim Dennis." I've never read it, but I understand it was essentially a Remo Williams: The Destroyer rip-off that never made it to a second book. Instead, the book was adapted into the first few issues of a comic book, and then licensed/sold to DC Comics from then on. The art on this initial outing was by Leopoldo Duranona, probably best known for his Warren work, and his unusual style suits the material well. Benjamin Stanley would eventually morph into Ben Turner, the Bronze Tiger. The shockingly racist Richard Dragon would eventually become the "retired gun slinger" of kung-fu for DC, training the occasional urban vigilante on the side. Neither ever became major selling points for any books, but Denny O'Neil helped assure them elevated status in the DCU's martial arts world, specifically through their relationship with the upcoming Lady Shiva.

Direct Currents: Tuesday, July 27, 2010

That Blue Beetle Live Action Demo In Full

We all saw it at the San Diego Comic Con. Now you can all see it too. A live action demo for how a Blue Beetle TV series might look.

Dwayne McDuffie Adapts All Star Superman To Animation

Grant Morrison and Frank Quiteley’s All Star Superman is possibly the greatest iteration of the character to date. And now it is to become a Warner Bros direct-to-my-bank-account-DVD, available for Spring 2011, adapted by Ben 10 co-creator Dwayne McDuffie.

"Under The Red Hood" With Brandon Vietti

"Batman: Under the Red Hood" director Brandon Vietti, shared his thoughts about the animated feature while teasing a few tidbits about his next project, the animated series, "Young Justice." Plus, a new video clip!

CCI: Cast & Crew Talk "Green Lantern" Movie

Following their appearance at Comic-Con International, the cast and crew of "Green Lantern" spoke with CBR News. They discussed their characters, director Martin Campbell and the GL uniform.

This 'Rise of Arsenal' Cat Themed Sketchbook Totally Rules

I have long wanted to have my own theme sketchbook to bring to conventions for artist commissions, but I've never hit on quite the right idea. ComicsAlliance contributor David Wolkin put me to shame at the recent Comic-Con by coming up with an amazing idea: A "Rise of Arsenal" #3 theme sketchbook featuring Arsenal and a famous cat, a nod to the infamous issue where the one-armed Roy Harper suffers erectile dysfunction, takes heroin, and then beats up a bunch of dudes in an alley while he's high on smack to defend a cat corpse that he believes is his dead daughter.

Hot Wheels Wonder Woman Invisible Jet

The Comicon exclusive Hot Wheels Wonder Woman Invisible Jet has made its way to eBay.

Matt Fraction's 'Batman Dreams of Hieronymous Machines' [Video]

In between all the comic book announcements and blockbuster movie screenings, "Uncanny X-Men" and "Casanova" writer Matt Fraction had a panel listed on Sunday, near the very end of the convention, that was described as "a weird spoken-word history of comics, art, and his own experiences with both and how comics -- and art -- can save your life. Also: Bruce Lee, cave paintings, Stilt-Man, and profound brain injuries."

The One Bright Spot of the Oil Spill? Aquaman is Relevant for the First Time Ever!

CSBG's The 75 Most Memorable Moments in DC Comics History!

#23-28

#29-34

#35-40

#41-46

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
Amazing Heroes Preview Special #3 - 1986

Being Carter Hall
Hawkgirl Cosplayer @ SDCC 2010

Comics Make Me Happy!
A Potential Problem For J'onn J'onzz?

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
2010 FBCC Sketch | Golden Age Wonder Woman by Michael Netzer

Every Day Is Like Wednesday
The Chief has seen a lot of crazy stuff in his time, but spirits? That's crazy talk.

Firestorm Fan
Firestorm Art by Avery Barnes

Girls Gone Geek
In Comics, Only the Good Die Young: Madame Xanadu

Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!
I'm in a JLI Drawing Sort of Mood

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
2010 FBCC Sketches | Martian Manhunter by Michael Netzer

Justice League Detroit
2010 Zatanna versus Starfire Commission by Michael Netzer

Power of the Atom
Justice #3 (February, 2006)

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 8-10
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 10-14

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Justice Society Of America #41

Review Section

AICN Comic Reviews Shipping Week: 7/14/10

CBR Reviews Last Week's New Comics

What I Read This Week: Wednesday, July 19, 2010 by El Jacone

What I Read This Week: Monday, July 26, 2010 by El Jacone

Comic shop comics: July 14-July 20 by J. Caleb Mozzocco

Wednesday's Reviews!: Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Sally P.

REVIEW: Neal Adams' Batman Odyssey #1 by The Irredeemable Shag

Superman #701 by E. Peterman

Best Shots Comic Reviews: PRINCE OF POWER, POWER GIRL, More(Newsarama)

Best Shots Comic Reviews: SUPERMAN, X-MEN 2ND COMING, More (Newsarama)

Best Shots Advance Reviews: GREEN HORNET, CHARMED, More (Newsarama)

Best Shots Rapid Reviews: TRUE BLOOD, ASM, More (Newsarama)

Wednesday Is A Buck Or Less For All I Care #74 by Diabolu Frank

Strange Adventures #17: "Beware the Synthetic Men!" (February 1952)

In Washington, D.C., a suspicious vagrant was brought to a police station. He'd been caught outside the Acme Chemical Plant, and when questioned, he wriggled free and escaped. The police were astonished by his green skin and bulletproof skin. Soon, it was all over the papers, with reporters wondering if these were perhaps aliens from Mars. To calm public anxiety, the nation's science-defense chief Dr. Stanton appeared on television to dispel the myth of the green men.

Renowned physicist Professor Zackro and his guest Captain Comet (sitting in full costume) watched the broadcast, and the Man of Destiny detected Stanton was concealing something. "His thought waves-- which are electrical in nature-- are being broadcast simultaneously with his words! If I can tune into them, I'll soon learn if my suspicions are correct!" Employing all of his telepathic power to pick up the mental signal, Comet exclaimed "great galaxy" upon learning the truth about the green men.

A year early, Dr. Stanton had convinced the Army Chief of Staff General Dalton to fund development of synthetic men from his invention neoplasm, "a chemical that lives and moves." A month late, from his bricks of green tofu, Stanton created his first synthetic man, possessed of all senses and the name Alpha. Five men total were animated, and named from the Greek alphabet. They were immune to poison, acids-- and strong enough to bend iron bars, allowing their escape. Captain Comet would have to join the top secret manhunt! Dismissing research, the Man of Destiny knew from memory the only locations in the United States where calcium nitrate, the Synthetic Men's food supply, could be found.

The Cometeer rocket made its way to the town of Calnit, near Great Salt Lake. Meanwhile, the deathless Synthetic Men had cut off all communications out of the town and herded its citizens into a warehouse. The Cometeer landed, and the townsfolk declared, "Captain Comet! He'll save us!" A green man fired a pistol at the Man of Destiny, whose unique mind-over-matter ability halted the bullet's flight. "He must be a superhuman!"

"In turn, Captain Comet sends a super-energetic wave of mental force at the green men," but their synthetic bodies were immune to his telekinesis. Although Comet's strength was greater than the synthetics', he allowed himself to be captured in order to gather more information.

That night, the Man of the Future watched as the Synthetic Men began to replicate the process by which Dr. Stanton had create them. Captain Comet could read their minds, and learned they planned to produce an army of synthetics to overtake the planet. While all five green men were isolated in one room, the Man of Destiny sealed off the door with his telekinesis. Captain Comet then ordered the townspeople to push whatever objects they could find against the door. "Hustle, everybody-- do what Captain Comet says!"

Dashing to his Cometeer, the Man of the Future returned with an emergency oxygen cylinder. Releasing its contents through a crack above the door of the tiny supply room, Comet soon found the Synthetic Men immobilized. Though still "alive" the green men were now rigid as stone. Captain Comet had deduced from their food source that the Synthetic Men breathed the nitrogen in the air, rather than oxygen. "Just as humans would perish in air of pure nitrogen-- so the Synthetics couldn't survive in pure oxygen! It combined with the calcium in their bodies to form calcium carbonate-- which is the formula for marble!"

The Synthetic Men were left in the town square as a monument, with the sign, "The five living statures placed here in honor of Captain Comet who conquered them-- and a warning to any others who plan a war against humanity!"

"Beware the Synthetic Men!" by John Broome (writing as Edgar Ray Merritt,) Murphy Anderson & Joe Giella.

Direct Currents: SDCC Hangover Monday, July 26, 2010

Lex Is Coming Back For The Smallville Kiss-Off – Plus New Darkseid UPDATE and More

In all (ten or eleven) episodes of Smallville that I’ve seen from top to bottom, the best thing was Michael Rosenbaum. Then, after seven seasons, the show lost it’s Lex Luthor and he was off, hopefully to do bigger or better things…

All Four New Green Lantern Posters – Secret Code Revealed?

Despite early controversy over Ryan Reynold's musclature-tastic Green Lantern costume, fans who caught a preview of next summer's GL film seemed pretty enthused on the upcoming comic book adaptation when we caught them at Comic-Con over the weekend. For those who weren't able to get an early look at the movie, however, Warner Bros.' newly-released promotional posters provide a closer look at the film's most massive (and evil) foreheads.

Abin Sur corpse at the Warner Bros. booth

With the Green Lantern film in production and a panel in San Diego yesterday to promote it, Warner Bros. also brought out the dead to get fans excited. Abin Sur might not have survived the crash that brought him to Earth, but that doesn't mean he has to miss Comic-Con. Take a look at pictures of Hal Jordan's predecessor.

Peter David to Pen Episodes of Upcoming 'Young Justice' Animated Series

Arguably the most influential voice from DC's original "Young Justice" comic book is back for more. From Comic-Con comes news that Peter David will be writing for Cartoon Network's upcoming "Young Justice" animated series.

CCI: DC Focus On Grant Morrison

Best-selling writer of "Batman & Robin" Grant Morrison opened up about everything from his artistic inspirations to his theories on fiction while teasing news on "Sea Guy," "Multiversity," "We3" and more.

Norm Breyfogle Believes He Is Blacklisted At Marvel And DC

Norm Breyfogle was featured in a Comics Should Be Good piece on nineties Batman comcs. And he decided to add his voice in the comments on why we don’t see him on Marvel and DC Comics anymore.

DC Universe Classics Wave 16 Images Surface

Fans will have to wait until an unspecified date of the third financial quarter of this year to pick up Mattel's 16th wave of DC Universe Classics toys, but the toymaker's Comic-Con booth has at least shed some light on what the action figures will look like.

CCI: DC Showcase Original Shorts

Bruce Timm, Greg Weisman, and Alan Burnett, along with actor Thomas Jane and writer Joe Lansdale discussed DC's new compilation featuring the exclusive “Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam.”

CCI: J. Michael Straczynski

Saturday afternoon at Comic-Con International, writer J. Michael Straczynski entertained a sizable crowd with anecdotes about his comic and film career, and a staged reading of “Wonder Woman” #601.

Annotations: 'Batman' #701 [Spoilers]

First off, the entire existence of this comic is sort of weird. It's a clear continuation of the "Batman R.I.P." story that ended in #681, minus the fact that #681 ended with the tail end of the framing sequence that began the arc. I've been searching and can't find the source, but I know that Morrison originally stated that "R.I.P." would be an eight-issue arc - do these scripts date from that era?

DC's Zazzle Store Has T-Shirts, Skateboards and More on Sale

On the off chance that you don't have enough stuff at your house with super-hero logos on it, take heart!

Plush Death of The Endless, Skrull, and Blue Beetle by Kittyzilla

Artist Nicola Scott Talks TEEN TITANS

The fan-favorite artist talks about joining up with writer J.T. Krul on DC's TEEN TITANS this October

Todd Klein's SDCC2010 Saturday Photolog

Todd Klein's SDCC2010 Sunday Photolog

BLOGS

The Anti-Didio League of America
Cassandra Cain – Outside of Comics?!!!!

The Aquaman Shrine
Brightest Day #6 - Sept. 2010
Batman/Super Heroes Stickers
World's Finest #6 - Summer 1942

Comics Make Me Happy!
One More Reason I Like J'onn J'onzz...

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
Justice #3 (February, 2006)

Diversions of the Groovy Kind
Green Arrow and Black Canary in Action Comics #'s 451-452 (June-July 1975)

Every Day Is Like Wednesday
A guest review from Red Bee

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
The Top Martian Manhunter Covers of the 1950s (plus foreign editions, reprints and rarities)

Kingdom Kane
"His Name is Kane" from House of Mystery No. 180, May-June 1969.

Once Upon A Geek
1987 at DC Comics: Millennium and Who’s Who Update

Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine
Americommando and the Little One in 1943's Action Comics #57 and #58

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Epic Fail: Superman Grounded
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 5-7

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Supergirl #54

Justice #3 (February, 2006)

Aquaman remained Brainiac's captive, as he was teased with psychological trauma on an operating room table.

Martian Manhunter searched for his friend Aquaman in the ocean, and uncovered the Legion of Doom's black dome.

Gorilla Grodd telepathically surveyed all, but targeted the Manhunter.

The Toyman supplied artificial limbs to disabled children in war torn countries.

Conservative commentator Jack Ryder considered on television the benefits of the super-villains' change of heart. Ray Palmer was watching, as were Ollie Queen, Billy Batson, Clark Kent, the Metal Men, the Doom Patrol and more.

The Cheetah lurked outside a Wonder Woman convention.

Edward Nigma escaped Arkham Asylum with help from the visiting Lex Luthor. The Joker demanded inclusion in their Legion of Doom, but was ignored and left behind in his cell.

Aquaman, Martian Manhunter and Red Tornado were assaulted and seemingly left for isolated deaths. Gorilla Grodd released the alter egos of Earth's heroes to the Legion of Doom.

"Chapter Three" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.

Direct Currents: SDCC Saturday, July 24, 2010

Direct Currents: Monday, June 28, 2010

CCI: Green Lantern Panel

DC's second Saturday panel at Comic-Con International focused on Green Lantern, with Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Tony Bedard on hand to announce a CGI animated series and a "Sinestro Secret Origins" arc.

CCI: DC Universe

Ian Sattler and a host of DC creators discussed the wide range of events in DC Comics' future, including "Brightest Day," "JL: Generation Lost," "THUNDER Agents," "Static" Vertigo characters in the DCU and more

Chloe Sullivan to Debut in 'Jimmy Olsen' Co-Feature, 'No Comment' on More 'Watchmen' Material

DC's Event Horizon panel, moderated by Ian Sattler, promised some big announcements but largely involved sharing bits of news about upcoming titles that we've already heard about before...

CCI: 2010 Eisner Awards Winners

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and J.H. Williams III were among the multiple award winners in the 22nd annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, presented Friday night in conjunction with Comic-Con International.

Karen Berger Confirms DC Characters To Leave Vertigo

Karen Berger, Executive Editor of Vertigo at DC Comics, has just confirmed on the Vertigo panel at San Diego Comic Con that all Vertigo characters rooted in the DC Universe are being returned to the editorial mandates of the DCU offices.

CCI: Wildstorm Panel

Wildstorm's panel at Comic-Con International revealed new projects from Darick Robertson and Kurt Busiek, including an "Arrowsmith" novel. The panelists also discussed superhero, creator-owned, and licensed titles.

CCI: Will Eisner's "Contract With God" Heading To The Big Screen

Announced during last night's Eisner Awards by Denis Kitchen, Will Eisner's "A Contract With God" is set to receive the full Hollywood treatment having been optioned for a feature film.

CCI: Jenette Kahn Earns Her Inkpot Award

The longtime leader of DC Comics, Jeanette Kahn was honored for her contributions to the industry with an Inkpot Award during the show as well as a Spotlight Panel moderated by her DC co-worker, Paul Levitz.

Todd Klein's SDCC2010 Friday Photolog Part 1

Todd Klein's SDCC2010 Friday Photolog Part 2

BLOGS

The Anti-Didio League of America
Comic-Con 2010: Dumb Didio Quotes: Day 1

The Aquaman Shrine
The Observer - 7/11/10
Brave and The Bold Magazine #4 - July 2010

Being Carter Hall
Read: Hawkmanv.1:no.1.1
Shadow War Of Hawkman Ad

The Comic Treadmill
Showcase Presents Hawkman, Volume One

Diversions of the Groovy Kind
If You Blinked You Missed: DC's Sherlock Holmes

Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!
DC, You're SUCH a Tease!

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
2010 The Martian Manhunter Archives Volume 7 Biographies Page by Tom Hartley

Justice League Detroit
2008 Hallmark Expressions Justice League Unlimited Grandson Birthday Card

Kingdom Kane
“Comes a Warrior” from House of Mystery No. 180, May-June 1969.

Once Upon A Geek
1987 at DC Comics: Green Arrow and the Young All-Stars
1987 at DC Comics: Flash, and the World of Krypton & Smallville

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 1-3
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Pages 3-4

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!
Lazy Bullet-Point Catch-Up

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Adventure Comics #516
Supergirl Annual #2 Art By Matt Camp

Bronze Tiger Postcard by Sal Velluto

Benjamin Turner trained for years to become one of the greatest living martial artists. The League of Assassins wanted his skills, so they brainwashed him into becoming the Bronze Tiger. Ben fought to regain control, and now uses his expert fighting abilities only for good.

I've enjoyed the little walks down memory lane I've taken while discussing George Pérez's 1984 DC Comics postcards, and have decided to continue without the benefit of actual postcards. I'll just make up my own and ramble on. This time, the art comes from Justice League Task Force #6, extracting an extended panel/partial splash by Sal Velluto and Jeff Albrecht, coupled with doctored clip art and a logo.

By the mid-80s, I’d near given up on DC entirely. The line was too conservative and kiddie for my taste, and outside of a handful of titles, newsstand distribution in Houston was rather poor. I could pick up any New Universe title I chose off the 7-11 racks, and even esoteric stuff like Strikeforce: Morituri or some of the Epic line, but forget about much DC beyond Tales of the Teen Titans. I still managed a view through house ads, so I may have been exposed to Bronze Tiger’s wanted poster in the initial Suicide Squad promotion, but my first recollection is toward the end of the title’s first year. A second half page ad could be found featuring Bronze Tiger and Vixen, both dressed somewhat like the popular Wolverine, along with a bunch of geeks like Punch and Jewelee. Growing up in a slum transitioning into a barrio, I was well versed in Marvel’s black characters. The only colored folk I knew at DC were Black Lightning, Tyroc and Cyborg, with only the latter from actual exposure to stories. I don’t believe this unfamiliar Squad couple was named, but they looked interesting, so I made a mental note to check into them.

I found my first real neighborhood comic shop in 1987, but moved to another state not long after. I was lucky enough to buy a bunch of fairly recent, slightly scuffed DC titles on the cheap from them on my way out, so Suicide Squad came along for my ride. Once in Las Vegas, I found much broader distribution of DC titles, and followed the book into the Millennium crossover, which proved a great jumping off point. I was still too young to appreciate the politics and moral ambiguity of Suicide Squad. While I liked the stories well enough, I was cool on the characters. The book seemed to me about an impressively hard core fat lady, her uptight soldier boy subordinate, and a bunch of villainous dorks like the Penguin and Slipknot who kept disobeying orders and getting body parts blown off. Bronze Tiger was some kind of handler for the idiot/self-destructive super-crooks, but I didn’t get much of a personality off him. The title was preoccupied with Deadshot, Privateer, Karen Grace, Duchess, and seemingly anyone but the black couple that first caught my attention, though this "Wall" chick was seriously boss.

My interest in Bronze Tiger was reignited a few years later by a back issue of Detective Comics I picked up in Denver where he beat up on Batman twice and helped kill the Silver Age Batwoman. That put the Tiger right on my radar, but I couldn’t find much else about the guy to impress. I think in the dozen years since that high water mark, he might have fought a past freshness Kobra, but his standing otherwise seemed a fluke. Regardless, I still thought the guy had potential, and his too brief appearances in Justice League Task Force bore that out. I came to like Ben Turner, and tried to keep up with him, but he kept leading me down dead ends like the two Richard Dragon series. Now there was a guy I had no use for, so seeing that Dick position Bronze Tiger in the sidekick role was infuriating.

A few years back, Bronze Tiger was at the forefront of a Suicide Squad revival, and has worked well in that capacity. Ben Turner has some pretty well documented mental disorders due to the brainwashing that first turned him into the League of Assassins’ Bronze Tiger, but his ties to major DC martial artists like Lady Shiva and Cassandra Cain have helped maintain his respectability, if not his profile. I think Bronze Tiger is bad ass, with lots of juicy back story to be exploited. Maybe next time DC tries to make its line more ethnically diverse, instead of shoving a minority into the role of a legacy b/c-lister, they’ll remember the original Bronze Tiger has been waiting thirty-five years for his turn in the limelight.

Direct Currents: SDCC Friday, July 23, 2010

Geoff Johns Announces New Flash Ongoing: 'Flash: Speed Force'

Next year, a second ongoing series will debut called "Flash: Speed Force;" This series will feature currently absent Flash-related heroes like Wally West, Bart Allen, Jesse Quick, and XS, Bart Allen's cousin and Barry Allen's granddaughter from the future.

Grant Morrison Franchises Batman in 'Batman, Inc.' Ongoing Series

Slated for November with frequent Morrison collaborator Yanick Paquette ("Seven Solders: Bulleteer," "Return of Bruce Wayne.")

CCI: DC Nation

The DC Nation panel at Comic-Con International found Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns, and JMS announcing new projects including a new Flash series and a collaboration between Johns and Morrison. Plus: Darkseid!

CCI: Batman The Return

The Bat-writers of the DC Universe gathered together to discuss the return of Bruce Wayne and announced Morrison's newest series featuring the Dark Knight--"Batman, Inc!"

'Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters' Video Game Announced

Inspired by the upcoming film staring that dreamy Ryan Reynolds fella, players will wield the Green Lantern Power Ring as Hal Jordan (looks like you're stuck with "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," Guy Gardner fans) and take flight across the universe, battling against horrible alien menaces while restoring order to farthest reaches of space.

DC Vertigo To Cancel Madam Xanadu

I understand that Madame Xanadu by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley is to join the list of recently cancelled DC Vertigo titles including Air, Unknown Soldier and Greek Street.

Geoff Johns Spotlights Green Lantern & Flash Films, 'Suicide Squad' Video Game

"Green Lantern" writer -- and Chief Creative Officer of DC -- introduced himself to those assembled for his spotlight panel with the kind of poise he's known for at conventions, "My name is Geoff Johns. I write comic books."

CCI: Is John Constantine Really Getting Married?

At CCI's Vertigo: On the Edge panel, the DC Comics imprint announced that "Hellblazer's" John Constantine is getting married. Series writer Peter Milligan told CBR News that maybe he is.

CCI: 75 Years of DC Comics

Jennette Kahn, Paul Levitz, Dan DiDio, Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, and legendary creators Dennis O'Neil and Jerry Robinson reflected on the history of DC Comics at Comic-Con International.

Christos Gage Returns to the DCU for RAGMAN Special

Writer Christos Gage returns to the DCU with a one-shot in October called "Ragman: Suit of Souls," revamping the character's origin while exploring his Hebrew faith

CCI: Superman The Man of Tomorrow Panel

The writers of the Super-family line of titles took the stage to discuss their plans for the Man of Steel, Lex Luthor and Supergirl and CBR News was there with all the info.

SDCC 10: The Joker Finally Kills Batman

Early this morning, Batman: The Brave and the Bold made its final appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. The gracious panel more than entertained the packed room, and gave us some hints at what's to come in the rest of the season, as well as some sad news as to the fate of the series.

God Loves Gay Robin – Comic-Con Vs Westboro Baptist Church

So Westboro Baptist Church picketed Comic-Con for “worshipping false idols.” And Comic-Con picketed back. Playing the role of an “embedded journalist” I got stuck in… shouting with the microphone “I find your lack of faith… disturbing.” Anyway, here’s how the whole event went down. The Westboro crew were outnumbered, outgunned and police-protected. And a mixture of organised groups, independently motivated individuals and, let’s be honest =, one or two wackos, let them know how we felt. God loves Gay Robin indeed…

Gail Simone Speaks out at the Westboro Baptist Comic-Con Protest [Exclusive Video]

ComicsAlliance Senior Writer Chris Sims found "Secret Six" writer Gail Simone on the scene, and spoke with the "Secret Six" writer -- an outspoken supporter of gay rights -- about the inspiring response from the comics community. Check out the video after the jump.

Comic Book Legends Revealed #270!

Which superhero was the first to fly? What is the secret origin of Mark Millar's "Wanted?" All of this plus - did the Comics Code lead to the creation of Warren Publishing's "Creepy" and "Eerie?"

DC Takes the Pulse of Fans at the DC Nation Panel 2010

The first official DC panel of San Diego Comic-con was a casual and humorous affair, a little more concerned with making a connection with the fans than announcing new projects. DC co-publisher Dan DiDio wanted to take the pulse of DC's con-going fans and get some feedback on the last year of DC's stories. DiDio said that he values the "opportunity to hear from [fans] directly."

'Action Comics' #1 Saves Family From Foreclosure

In the nick of time, the Man of Steel has saved a family's home ... for real. A couple facing foreclosure found the collateral they desperately needed with the discovery of an Action Comics #1 in the basement, aka, the Holy Grail of comic books.

Thunderworld – 38 Pages Of Captain Marvel by Grant Morrison and Cameron Stewart

Todd Klein's SDCC2010 Thursday Photolog

BLOGS

Amazon Princess
"Who cares about that? She's tough!"

The Aquaman Shrine
Aquaman Shrine Interview with Sholly Fisch - 2010

Being Carter Hall
New Poll At Being Carter Hall

Comics Make Me Happy!
DC Artist Copies Famous Artwork; Fans Read Too Much Into it and Go Crazy With Predictions

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
The Top Five Giganta Covers

Diversions of the Groovy Kind
"Mind War" from Weird War Tales #61 (December 1977)

Every Day Is Like Wednesday
No seriously DC, stop announcing stuff—I can't keep up!
DC presenting DC Presents
DC's October previews reviewed

Firestorm Fan
Brightest Day Teaser and Solicitations

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
The Top 20 Gorilla Grodd Covers

Justice League Detroit
The Top Ten Elongated Man Covers

Once Upon A Geek
1987 at DC Comics: Suicide Squad, Checkmate, and Doom Patrol

Siskoid's Blog of Geekery
Batman and the Outsiders #6: Critical Analysis

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!
Supermanic Monday #4--I Dare You To Read This Issue
Supermanic Monday #5--No Wonder Philadelphia Is Broke
Supermanic Monday #6--I Didn't Want To Go There, But...

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: R.E.B.E.L.S. #18

Direct Currents: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Geoff Johns Prime: Comic-Con Edition

In this installment of Geoff Johns Prime, the writer answers questions about what’s ahead for Captain Marvel, Dex-Starr and Aqualad and re-confirms he has no plans to leave "Green Lantern."

DC Resurrects the 'T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents' in New Ongoing Series

ust as DC reintroduced readers to Archie's Red Circle characters and enfolded them into core continuity, so too will the publisher tackle updating Tower Comics' '60s adventurers the "T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents." Paying homage to the original series, the new team by Nick Spencer and artist CAFU (with Frank Quitely lending a cover to issue #1) sees a new team take on the agent identities of characters like Dynamo, NoMan, Menthor and others. This new version of The Higher United Nations Defense Enforcement Reserves will deal with threats from both the past and the future while also struggling with slightly self-destructive superpowers in the present across and main feature, plus backups from to-be-announced artists in each issue.

Spencer Reloads "T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS"

Writer Nick Spencer spoke with us about his T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents relaunch for DC Comics, saying that they will operate like no other superhero team within the DCU while testing very concept of heroes vs. villains.

Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy Lead All-Star Voice Cast for 'DC Universe Online'

While we haven't really seen too much from Comic-Con (and yeah, it's still super early) in regards to Sony Online Entertainment's highly anticipated action MMO, "DC Universe Online," at the very least fans and gamers alike can now hear what the characters will sound like...sort of...work with us here, folks.

Alan Moore Says He Turned Down Rights to 'Watchmen,' Refused to Write Prequels or Sequels

Due in large part to the historic falling out between DC Comics and Alan Moore, the creator's ongoing criticism of the state of the comics industry, and his deliberate disassociation (even financially) from film adaptations of his works, fans have traditionally balked at rumors of auxiliary "Watchmen" stories. Not even those tied to the "Watchmen" movie think a prequel or sequel would necessarily be a good idea. Still, according to Moore, the publisher went to some lengths to get him to take the gig.

New 'Batwoman' Art as Pretty as You Thought It Would Be

As the comics industry makes the trek to San Diego for the annual Comic-Con mega-event, DC has continued posting art and news on The Source blog, including a post today featuring art from the upcoming "Batwoman" series by J.H. Williams III. We love us some "Batwoman" at ComicsAlliance, and while we were very sad to hear that Greg Rucka was departing from the character he defined, this teaser art confirms what you probably already knew: that the new series is still going to be very, very pretty indeed.

TOTAL RECHARGE: Doug Mahnke

In this installment of TOTAL RECHARGE, CBR News' monthly look at Space Sector 2814 of the DCU, Doug Mahnke shared his thoughts on "Green Lantern," admitting that he loves drawing the ultimate badass, Sinestro.

Spencer Takes "Action" with Jimmy Olsen

Writer Nick Spencer spoke with CBR News about his upcoming "Action Comics" co-feature starring Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen, and his plans to send the cub reporter across the galaxy and through time.

Talking Comics With Jeff Lemire

ROBOT 6's Tim O'Shea spoke with Jeff Lemire about his plans while working on DC Comics' Atom and Superboy, the future of "Sweet Tooth," his writing and plotting techniques and much more.

DC Hints At Possible "Brightest Day" Futures

DC Comics has released a teaser image featuring the main protagonists of the current "Brightest Day" series acting out various potential futures, including Hal Jordan as a White Lantern, a dead Aquaman and more.

Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern recolored

Today's Comic Book Covers Reimagined in the Silver Age

Great Comics That Never Happened #11: Jimmy Olsen Cosplays Comic-Con

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
Aquaman Shrine Interview with Stewart McKenny - 2010
Super Friends #20 - May 1979
DC Super Friends #29 - Sept. 2010

Armagideon Time
Nobody’s Favorites: Halo

Being Carter Hall
Batman: The Brave And The Bold Magazine #4

Comics Make Me Happy!
Ted Kord, Not Only Merely Dead, But Really Most Sincerely Dead, or Why I Don't Like You, Jaime Reyes

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
2010 Baby Wonder Woman by Oliver Nome

Firestorm Fan
Steampunk Justice League and Old West Firestorm

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
2007 Paradise Press Inc. Justice League Unlimited Martian Manhunter Story Pages
2010 Baby Martian Manhunter by Oliver Nome

Justice League Detroit
Justice #2 (December, 2005)
2010 Baby Aquaman by Oliver Nome

Once Upon A Geek
1987 at DC Comics: Justice League, Doctor Fate, and Amethyst

Polite Dissent
An Important Message from the Human Flying Fish

Power of the Atom
The Top Ten All New Atom (Ryan Choi) Covers

Rob Kelly Illustration
Monster PSA: Dick Durock

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!
Supermanic Monday #1--Superman Sends A Child To His Death
Supermanic Monday #2--Superman Makes Friends And Influences People
Supermanic Monday #3--Superman The Weed-Whacker

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Apocalypse Trade Ad

Review Section

AICN Comic Reviews Shipping Week: 6/30/10

The Buy Pile 6/30/10 by Hannibal Tabu

CBR Reviews Last Week's New Comics

What I Read This Week: Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by El Jacone

Comics shop comics: June 30-July 8 by J. Caleb Mozzocco

Bouquets and Brickbats: Thursday, July 15, 2010 by Sally P.

And Then I Read: AMERICAN VAMPIRE 2 by Todd Klein

And Then I Reread: THE ATOMIC KNIGHTS by Todd Klein

Best Shots Advance Reviews: IRREDEEMABLE, BOYS, More (Newsarama)

Best Shots Rapid Reviews: SHADOWLAND, BATMAN & ROBIN, More (Newsarama)

Wednesday Is Any Day For All I Care #72 by Diabolu Frank

Brightest Day is the Blackest Eye For All I Care #73 by Diabolu Frank

Final Crisis Aftermath: Run! by Diabolu Frank

The Top Ten Bronze Tiger Covers

Possibly the greatest martial artist in the DC Universe, and longtime secret agent of the shadier side of good, Bronze Tiger's day will come...

10) Detective Comics #485 (September, 1979)

Only an okay cover, but this was the story that established Ben Turner in the DC firmament as a premier combatant when he beat Batman in combat (twice-ish!).

9) Suicide Squad #18 (October, 1988)

Nothing special here-- just a quality action cover with Ben standing on his own

8) Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #1 (May, 1975)

The first comic book appearance of Benjamin Stanley, the character from a low rent novel that would morph into Ben Taylor during this adaptation/continuation.

7) Suicide Squad #15 (July, 1988)

You want hard? Be the upfront man mobbed by demons armed only with martial arts skills.

6) Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #18 (December, 1976)

The cover debut of the Bronze Tiger brings down the curtain on the Kung Fu Fighter series. Why's he always gotta be creepin'?

5) Suicide Squad #24 (February, 1989)

Looking confident under the gun and on point with the team he's most associated with. Plus, Vixen? Prrrr!

4) Justice League Task Force #5 (October, 1993)

It's a group shot, but better company than average, and clearly shows Bronze Tiger as a high caliber karate badass. Plus, Gypsy? Hit that criminally.

3) Suicide Squad #38 (February, 1990)

You rarely see a hero so compromised and stressed on a cover, but it bums me out.

2) Suicide Squad #65 (May, 1992)

A solid cover with Ben rocking the much favored goatee, and expressing his inner turmoil from the brainwashed assassin days.

1) Checkmate #7 (December, 2006)

I'm not a big fan of the cathead mask, but this is a strong image that conveys the espionage martial artist angle of the character.

Honorable Mentions:
Suicide Squad #7 (1987)
Justice League Task Force #6
Suicide Squad #56
Deathstroke the Terminator #41
World War III Book Three: Hell Is For Heroes
Suicide Squad (2007) #5

DC Comics 75th Anniversary Iconic Cover Suggestions

• Aquaman
• Ares/Mars: God of War
• Artemis
• Golden Age Atom Al Pratt
• All New Atom Ryan Choi
• Atom Smasher
• Bloodwynd
• Captain Comet
• The Cheetah
• Chronos
• Circe
• Damage
• Despero  
• Dr. Psycho
• Elongated Man
• Giganta
• Gorilla Grodd
• Gypsy
• The Huntress
• Jemm, Son of Saturn
• King Faraday
• Malefic/Ma'alefa'ak  
• Martian Manhunter
• Martian Manhunter Related Characters  
• Mongul
• Steel (Heywood Family)
• Steel (John Henry Irons)
• Vibe
• Vixen
• Zatanna