How to use this Page

  Before you all rush to say Arrow, here’s the whole line-up of keycards from WBTV this year for SDCC.  It’s the eighth year in a row they’ve sponsored these valued mementos of time spent standing in line then collapsing in exhaustion on your hotel bed.   Arrow (premieres Wednesday, October 5, at 8/7c on The CW): […]

Add a Comment

Alex Lu and Kyle Pinion provide their thoughts on a historic new BATMAN #1 which features the Dark Knight like you've never seen him before... Read the rest of this post

Display Comments Add a Comment

Food lovers with a soft spot for New York City gastronomy congregated to celebrate the upcoming book Savoring Gotham: A Food Lover's Companion to New York City, edited by Andrew F. Smith.

The post To Savor Gotham: book launch appeared first on OUPblog.

Add a Comment

It's a cold cold world we live in.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Add a Comment

For those of you who don’t know, my fellow Entertainment Editor, Hannah Lodge and I, along with Beat Contributors Harper Harris and Cal Cleary, host a mostly-weekly podcast together for our site, GeekRex (where we also write-up comic and movie reviews, along with the rare television and game piece). For the latest episode, Heidi has been […]

Add a Comment

While chatting with press at SDCC this weekend, Executive Producer John Stephens revealed that the second season of Gotham will move away from a story-of-the week method, opting instead for ongoing character arcs and development.

“Bad things will happen and there are villains, but it’s really a saga about the characters who live inside Gotham and their lives,” he said. “So it’s much more fun to write, and I think it’s more fun for the actors to act. I feel like we are taking a big evolutionary step towards the Gotham that we know from the comic books.”

Showrunner Bruno Heller said the change happened as the show found its audience.

“The first season on any show is very much kind of finding its feet, finding out what works, what the audience responds to, and what kind of animal you have,” he said. “The second season is more like, we understand this game now… so this second season is very much allowing us to stretch our legs.”

Stephens added that the popularity of serialized storytelling and binge watching of other shows, such as Game of Thrones, encouraged them to make the switch, though the length of the season presents obstacles.

“It’s tricky to do it over 22 episodes, because you have to build a lot of story,” he said.

David Mazouz, who portrays a young Bruce Wayne on the show, said as a result of the new direction, he expects his character will be less isolated from the ensemble in the upcoming season.

“He’s going to start to go out more and interact with some new characters, and I feel like that’s going to be cool, because you haven’t really seen him do that,” he said.  “I think in the first season I worked with three series regulars, and there’s like 15 of them.”

Gotham also intends to deliver more villains next season, with Victor Freeze, Clayface, and Jerome’s transformation into a proto-Joker.

Meanwhile, fan favorite villain Robin Lord Taylor, who plays the Penguin on the series, says he will continue to delight in the stark differences between this on-screen persona and his own.

“I won’t even send food back at a restaurant,” he said, when asked if he was anything like his character.

Gotham returns on Sept. 21 on Fox.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Warner Bros. television has just announced its full line-up for this year’s San Diego Comic Con, and it’s looking quite packed. With the Supergirl pilot premiering on Wednesday, July 8th during the vaunted “Preview Night” along with a screening of Lucifer‘s pilot, as well as the pilots for Containment, Blindspot, and a new episode of Teen Titans Go!, their programming is opening up in a cracking fashion.

All of that excitement will then be followed by panel programming over the next few days that will surely be attention grabbing, particularly the Saturday night 8 pm slot in Hall H that sees what they refer to as “Superhero Saturday Night” which, among other features, will includes Q&A’s with the stars of Gotham, The Flash, Arrow, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

You know I’ll be trying to fight my way in there! Wish me luck!

Here’s the full schedule that was released today:

FRIDAY, JULY 10

 

• 10:00–11:00 a.m. The Big Bang Theory (Season 9 Premieres September 21, Mondays 8/7c on CBS): The Big Bang Theory writers are returning to San Diego, to once again solve the comedy equation and take you behind the scenes of TV’s #1 comedy! Ballroom 20

 

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lucifer (Midseason on FOX): Sexy, dark and irreverent, Lucifer makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the complete pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Lesley-Ann Brandt and DB Woodside and executive producers. Room 6BCF

 

• Time TBA Mike Tyson Mysteries (New Episodes Fall 2015 on Adult Swim): With a knockout appearance last year,Iron Mike Tyson is taking on Comic-Con again and this rematch is sure to live up to the hype. After a hilarious season of solving mysteries, the Mike Tyson Mystery Team will be back in the ring with all-new episodes on Adult Swim this fall. Join voice cast Mike Tyson and Rachel Ramras (MAD), and producer Hugh Davidson (The Looney Tunes Show) for a first look at the upcoming season and a Q&A discussion.  Location TBA

 

• 12:30–1:30 p.m. The 100 (Midseason on The CW): Following the lethal events of the season finale, join The 100 stars along with executive producer Jason Rothenberg as they return to San Diego for their third appearance at Comic-Con.Ballroom 20

 

• 1:00–2:00 p.m. Teen Titans Go! (Thursdays 6/5c Cartoon Network): No trip to Comic-Con is complete without spending some time with the liveliest and craziest super hero team on television. Find out what new adventures, food fights and staring contests await Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Raven in season three of this hit animated series.  Join producers Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and The Bold) and Aaron Horvath (MAD) and members of the voice cast as they screen a brand-new episode, as well as take questions on all things Titans! Room 6A

 

• 4:30–5:30 p.m. The Originals (Thursdays 9/8c on The CW): The Originals will be returning for more sexy, supernatural intrigue, romance, alliances, betrayals and bloodshed in New Orleans this fall. Join executive producers Julie Plec and Michael Narducci along with series stars Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Phoebe Tonkin, Leah Pipes, Danielle Campbell and Charles Michael Davis for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A. Ballroom 20

 

• 5:45–6:45 p.m. iZOMBIE (Tuesdays 9/8c on The CW): The brainy hit iZOMBIE returns to San Diego for its sophomore appearance at Comic-Con. After the shocking events in the season finale, be among the first to get the scoop on what’s in store for season two with executive producers Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, along with series stars Rose McIver, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli, Robert Buckley and David Anders. Ballroom 20

 

SATURDAY, JULY 11

 

• 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Blindspot (Mondays 10/9c on NBC): The new one-hour action-thriller Blindspot makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the complete pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with star Jaimie Alexander (Thor films) and executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Martin Gero. Room 6A

 

• 5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Person of Interest (Midseason on CBS): Person of Interest returns to San Diego for the fifth year! Join the discussion, as the science “fiction” of Person of Interest stays one step ahead of real-world events. Find out highly confidential intel when executive producers Jonathan Nolan, Greg Plageman and Denise Thé join series stars Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Kevin Chapman and Amy Acker undergo a Comic-Con interrogation with a special video presentation and Q&A. Room 6BCF

 

• 6:15–7:15 p.m.  Containment (Midseason on The CW): When a mysterious and deadly epidemic breaks out in Atlanta, a vast urban quarantine is quickly enforced, forcing those stuck on the inside to fight for their lives while local and federal officials desperately search for a cure. Containment makes its Comic-Con debut with a special screening of the entire pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars David Gyasi, Christina Moses, Chris Wood, Claudia Black and Kristen Gutoskie, along with executive producers Julie Plec, Matt Corman and Chris Ord. Room 6BCF

 

• 8:00–11:00 p.m.  Warner Bros. Television & DC Entertainment Present: Super Hero Saturday Night Offers Fans a Look Inside the Worlds of Arrow, The Flash and Gotham, plus a Pilot Screening of Supergirl and Video Presentations of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and Vixen: DC fans … get ready for another Super Hero Saturday Night! Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment will again welcome fans into the worlds of some of DC Comics’ greatest characters during a three-hour super-experience in Hall H. The exclusive evening will feature a pilot screening of the highly anticipated new action series Supergirl, followed by a Q&A with stars and producers; plus, individual special video presentations and Q&As with stars and producers from Arrow, The Flash and Gotham. Also, don’t miss a special Q&A with cast and producers of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and a peek at the new digital series Vixen. Hall H

 

SUNDAY, JULY 12

 

• 10:00–11:00 a.m. The Vampire Diaries (Thursdays 8/7c on The CW): The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to San Diego — for the first time in Hall H — for a sizzling seventh appearance at Comic-Con. Series stars Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Kat Graham, Candice Accola and Michael Malarkey will join executive producers Julie Plec and Caroline Dries on stage for a video screening and Q&A session. Hall H

 

• 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Supernatural (Wednesdays 9/8c The CW): Join series stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins and Mark A. Sheppard, along with executive producer Jeremy Carver, as they return to answer questions from the audience about what’s in store for the eleventh season of this exciting series! Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, as well as special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Tenth Season DVD and Blu-ray™ release on September 8. Hall H

 

• 1:00–2:00 p.m. Childrens Hospital (New Episodes in 2016 on Adult Swim): Adult Swim’s two-time Emmy®-winning live-action comedy returns to Comic-Con for a sixth year! Creator and star Rob Corddry and executive producer David Wain will be joined onstage by select cast for a lively (and medically accurate!) Q&A.  Room 25ABC

 

Add a Comment

Per DC’s blog, Gotham is adding another name familiar to fans of genre material, as former Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia will be joining the series as an original character named Jason Lennon aka “The Ogre”.

Here’s how he’s described:

…a serial killer who has been preying on the young women of Gotham for nearly a decade, luring them into his web and confronting them with a series of “tests” as he searches for his perfect mate. When the women fail to live up to his impossible standard, Lennon disposes of them quickly and viciously.

According to the report, Ventimiglia is joining the series for a multi-episode arc starting in Episode 19 and will be pit in what sounds like a “cat and mouse” game between his character and Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie).

More original characters like this seem to make greater sense for the series’ trajectory, which is introducing Batman’s Rogues Gallery in various forms while Bruce hasn’t even hit his teens yet. Hopefully we’re seeing the start of a trend.

 

Display Comments Add a Comment

With warm wishes for our friends getting snowed upon in the Northeast, here’s a few items that have crossed the newswires this Monday morning:

– The Flash is, on balance, probably my most looked-forward to superhero series each week (give or take Agent Carter), but nothing about that show excites me more than the upcoming appearance of Gorilla Grodd. He’s an evil, psychic, talking gorilla for pete’s sake! We don’t know much about who is voicing him or how CW’s generally meager budget will be able to manage the villain, but yesterday Andrew Kreisberg tweeted out the following:

@armenvfx just showed us a little Grodd VFX in honor of @geoffjohns birthday and it blew our puny human minds! #groddlives#TheFlash

— Andrew Kreisberg (@AJKreisberg) January 25, 2015

Grodd is expected to appear this season. The high pierced squealing sound you hear upon his debut is probably me. Don’t mind it too much, okay?

– Gotham continues to build up Batman’s rogues gallery and their latest acquisition is veteran actor Colm Feore, who will be playing The Dollmaker. You’ll probably best recognize Feore as Laufey from Thor (a movie that continues to grow in my estimation over the years). Gotham‘s version of The Dollmaker has ties to Catwoman as he’s behind the kidnapping of Gotham’s street children. A nicely surprising casting coup for the series.

– MovieCastingCall.org has posted info regarding the upcoming shoot for Captain America: Civil War, which is filming not far from my home here in Atlanta. According to the write-up, Daniel Bruhl, who recently joined the cast of the upcoming Marvel film will be playing Baron Zemo. Additionally, here is their description of the plot:

In Captain America: Civil War, billionaire Tony Stark is pitted against Captain America aka Steve Rogers in an ethical face-off over the U.S. government’s Superhuman Registration Act, which requires all superpowered individuals register their powers and report to S.H.I.E.L.D.

I’d take this with a grain of salt right now, Baron Zemo is certainly the go-to guess regarding Bruhl’s role, but the site in question has been known to post potentially dubious info on occasion.

On that same subject matter, Robert Downey Jr. recently spoke with Empire regarding the third Captain America film and his upcoming appearance (via Collider):

They said to me, ‘If we have you, we can do this, or Cap 3 has to be something else.’ It’s nice to feel needed. And at this point it’s about helping each other, too. I look at it as a competition and I go, ‘Wow, maybe if these two franchises teamed up and I can take even a lesser position, with people I like and directors I respect, maybe we can keep things bumping along.’

And he also described some of the character evolution in Tony that will lead to this antagonism between he and Steve Rogers:

It’s natural to change your views…The main thing to me is, what sort of incident could occur, and what sort of framework could we find Tony in? The clues about where we might find him next are in Ultron. But what would it take for Tony to completely turn around everything he’s stood for? Joss brings this up all the time. It’s kind of weird that these guys would have all these throw downs all over planet Earth and yet when the movie’s over, nobody minds. What would the American government do if this were real? Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Tony doing something you wouldn’t imagine?

 

Add a Comment

When Gotham kicked off last year, the show began with a number of proto-versions of Batman’s Rogues gallery such as The Riddler, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and of course The Penguin (who, played by Robin Lord Taylor, has sort of worked his way into MVP status on the show according to its fans, along with Jada Pinkett Smith’s Fish Mooney).

Just a few episodes into its run, and rumors were already flying around regarding the Joker possibly appearing, either through red herrings in every episode, or even the wild theory that Oswald Cobblepot was actually the Joker.

Today, Executive Producer Bruno Heller has revealed that The Red Hood is coming to Gotham, and as we know, where that hood usually goes…the Joker is soon to follow.

From an interview via CBR:

There’s going to be an episode that involves the Red Hood…which picks up that strand, the costume strand, and sort of gives a kind of philosophical base, if that’s not too pretentious a word. Why costumes? What’s the power of costumes? What’s the power of a mask? All of that groundwork will be laid sort of culturally for that side of the DC Universe before we start rolling into the more spectacular spandex type of deal.

With Bruce at his current pre-teen state, who is going to drive The Red Hood into that infamous vat of chemicals? Perhaps this will be the first of the Red Hood gang and the eventual “Joker-to-be” comes later. Or maybe I’m putting more thought into this than Gotham‘s producers probably have. I’d love to be wrong.

Display Comments Add a Comment

It’s not a surprise, given that it was a fairly big ratings success, but FOX has renewed the Batman prequel series Gotham for another season.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network felt confident in bringing back the Bruno Heller-created series based on its strong performance in the key 18-49 year old demographic, where it pulls a 4.2 rating. Additionally, Gotham draws around an average of 10.6 million viewers per episode. It also ranks as the #1 drama among men in the 18-49 and 18-34 demos.

Also, THR’s report states that Gotham‘s live-plus-seven ratings, which take DVR numbers into account, give it the largest post-three-day ratings boost of any drama ever!

People sure love their Batman! I dropped out after the third episode, but is The Beat readership still enjoying it? Does another year of the series seem like a good prospect?

 

 

Display Comments Add a Comment

Without question, “Gotham” is one of the most successful television series to hit the fall season. The show debuted with a strong 8 million viewers, and has kept 6 million fans weekly. There has been an unexpected decrease, but FOX considers the Batman spin off one of the highest rated dramas in the last 14 years.

The show and Warner Bros., have been under scrutiny for attempting to “paint down” a white stuntwoman to body double for Jada Pinkett Smith. “Painting down” is Hollywood’s PG term for black face. NPR interviewed legendary, retired black stuntwoman Jadie Davis because she’s known for her vocal position on the (white) boys club mentality among the stuntman community. Davis got her start in the 1970’s as a double for “Foxy Brown” star, Pam Grier.

From NPR:

“First and foremost, it’s offensive. It really shouldn’t happen,” David says. “Painting somebody down, what it actually does is it takes work from someone else. You just took a job away from an African-American actress.”

(snip)

In an upcoming documentary called Painted Down, (Bill) Cosby recounts his discomfort while watching his white stunt double being painted black. He was shocked to find out producer Sheldon Leonard had paid the body double $750 for the work, roughly $5,600 in today’s money.

“And I said, ‘Sheldon, you can save your money on makeup, because I know some guys I grew up with in the projects who will do that just for free dinner and a ticket to Hollywood for a day, and go to Disneyland,’ ” Cosby says.

Fortunately, WB decided to hire a black stuntwoman and stated that “painting down” was a bad idea:

“A mistake was made this week in casting a stunt woman for a guest star in a particular scene on the show,” the studio said in a statement. “The situation has been rectified, and we regret the error.”

Display Comments Add a Comment

DC Entertainment now has four shows on TV (which might just be another milestone on the way to “peak geek”)!  To help new viewers “read all about it”, DC has published a free ebook listing core titles from their extensive backlist.  (Kinda like an “After Watchmen” guide.)

Prepare yourself for the upcoming DC Comics 2014 Fall TV schedule with these essential reads featuring The Flash, Green Arrow, John Constantine and the men and women of the Gotham City Police Department. This is a list of suggested further graphic novel reading for fans looking to learn more about these dynamite characters before they explode onto the TV screen!

You can download the free Nook version here.  Amazon has the Kindle edition here.  And the ComiXology edition.  Or perhaps you prefer iTunes.  And Google Play.

(It might be “guided view” and not work on some web browsers…  so I’m running the bibliography below.)
The titles are from the past thirty years of DC Comics, so some are pre-New 52, some are Vertigo.

— +++ —

The Flash

Flash: Rebirth
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: May 3, 2011
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
168 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401230012, 1401230016

Summary: The epic story of Barry Allen’s return from the dead to reclaim his title as The Fastest Man Alive is collected in hardcover.
Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the writer/artist team behind the blockbuster GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR, create an explosive, jaw-dropping epic that reintroduces Barry Allen, the modern-age Flash. But how will Barry Allen find his place in the twenty-first century?

— +++ —
Flash Vol. 1: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues!
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: January 17, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
228 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401231958, 1401231950

Contributor Bio: Geoff Johns, a Detroit native, brings a Hollywood sense of story-telling to comics. After working as an assistant to Richard Donner (director of LethalWeapon, Superman and many other great films), Geoff has brought his considerable writing talent to comics. For DC he has written Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.S., The Flash, the enormously popular JSA with David Goyer, helped revitalize Hawkman with James Robinson and the comics event BLACKEST NIGHT.

Summary: The Flash races out of BLACKEST NIGHT and into the first graphic novel collection of his new monthly title written bycomics hottest writer Geoff Johns (BLACKEST NIGHT, GREEN LANTERN). The all-new adventures of The Fastest ManAlive start with “Case One: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues!” Barry Allen, The Flash, runs back to his life in Central City, but when one of the Rogues turns up murdered under mysterious circumstances, it’s up to The Fastest Man Alive to not onlysolve this bizarre crime, but protect those that are still targeted by the elusive killer. This storyline ties directly into BRIGHTEST DAY, the direct follow-up to the biggest comics event of 2009, BLACKEST NIGHT.
— +++ —
The Flash Vol. 2: The Road to Flashpoint
Geoff Johns
On Sale Date: October 2, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
128 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234485, 1401234488

Contributor Bio:
Geoff Johns is an award-winning writer and one of the most popular contemporary comic book writers today. Johns is the author of The New York Times bestselling graphic novels Aquaman: The Trench, Blackest Night, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War, Justice League: Origin, Superman: Brainiac and Batman: Earth One which hit #1 on the bestseller list. He is also known for transforming Green Lantern into one of the most critically and commercially successful franchises in comics.

Johns was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, and film at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he became an assistant to Richard Donner, director of Superman: The Movie. He and his mentor Donner later co-wrote Superman: Last Son featuring the return of General Zod.

Johns has written for various other media, including episodes of Smallville, Arrow and Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, for which he was nominated along with his co-writers for an Emmy. He is the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Summary: The race towards FALSHPOINT continues in this Flash collection from comics’ hottest writer Geoff Johns and artist Francis Manapul!
Make way for Hot Pursuit – the latest speedster to come out of the Speed Force! He’s here to make sure no one breaks the speed limit – hero or villain! This hardcover collection of THE FLASH #8-12 leading up to the epic events of FLASHPOINT follows Barry Allen and the family of speedsters, as they try to discover Hot Pursuit’s identity and what he’s doing in Keystone City! This volume also features the origin of Barry Allen’s greatest foe, Professor Zoom! Eobard Thawne’s story is just beginning-and he intends to finish it with The Flash!
— +++ —
The Flash Vol. 1: Move Forward (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 20, 2013
$16.99 USD
168 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401235543, 1401235549

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of The Flash, which is part of DC Comics—The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as Adventure Comics, Superman/Batman, and The Legion Of Super-Heroes. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was a TV Presenter on SyFy’s Beast Legends, in which he and a team of scientists and adventurers traveled the globe in search of scientific data to create mythical beasts. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Brian Buccellato started in comics as a colorist for the Marvel/DC crossover Punisher/Batman and went on to color for all major publishers including work on Uncanny X-Men, Superman, The Flash and many others. Brian began writing as part of The Story Company, collaborating on a number of screenplays. While working for Top Cow, he started his comics writing with The Darkness, before teaming with Francis Manapul to co-write The Flash for DC Comics. He also writes and illustrates the creator-owned title Foster.

Summary: Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, Central City Police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man alive. Tapping into the energy field called The Speed Force, he applies a tenacious sense of justice to protect an serve the world as The Flash!
The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series as part of the DC Comics—The New 52 event with the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato. The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but he has seemingly met his match when he faces DC Comic’ hottest new Super Villain, Mob Rule, who really can be everywhere at once!
As Mob Rule wages a campaign of crime across Central City, including an electromagnetic blast that plunges the city into darkness, The Flash learns the the only way he can capture Mob Rule and save Central City is to learn how to make his brain function even faster than before—but as much as it helps him, it also comes with a steep price.
This volume collects issues 1-8 of the monthly series.
— +++ —
The Flash Vol. 2: Rogues Revolution (The New 52)

Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: February 11, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401242732, 1401242731

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was a TV Presenter on SyFy’s Beast Legends, in which he and a team of scientists and adventurers traveled the globe in search of scientific data to create mythical beasts. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: A New York Times Bestseller!

Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, Central City Police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man alive. Tapping into the energy field called The Speed Force, he applies a tenacious sense of justice to protect an serve the world as The Flash!

The Flash’s Rogue’s Gallery are back—but they are more powerful than ever and they’re each looking to take down the Fastest Man Alive! Who is behind their sudden organization and why are they also after their former leader, Captain Cold? The Flash must think fast if he can outrun and survive their attack!

Collects issues #9-12, #0, and Annual #1
From the Hardcover edition.
— +++ —
The Flash Vol. 3: Gorilla Warfare (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247126, 1401247121

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: In his hometown of Central City, The Flash—a.k.a. Barry Allen—is constantly deflecting the criminal schemes of his Rogue’s Gallery. Money hungry, cunning and powerful, these villains have the Scarlet Speedster running at a pace faster than even the world’s fastest man is used to.

But when Gorilla Grodd and his army descend on Central City, The Flash will have to contend with a threat he’s not used to: murderous, ruthless and without principle. With mammoth strength and mind-control powers, Grodd will not stop until he conquers the city with its heroes blood on his hands. Knowing full well he cannot defeat this new foe alone, The Flash will have to turn to his former enemies, the Rogues, if he wants to keep himself and Central City alive.

THE FLASH: GORILLA WARFARE is the third hardcover graphic novel from the best-selling creative team of Franics Manapul and Brian Buccellatto. Collects THE FLASH #13-19.
Collects issues #9-12, #0, and Annual #1.
— +++ —
The Flash Vol. 4: Reverse (The New 52)
Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
176 pages
Hardcover
9781401247133, 140124713X

Contributor Bio:
Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Francis Manapul is the artist and co-writer of THE FLASH, which is part of DC Comics-The New 52. His previous work for DC Comics includes books such as ADVENTURE COMICS, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, and THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. His work has been published in various publications from the likes of Aspen Comics, Editions Delcourt, Top Cow Productions, and Devils Due just to name a few. Manapul was born in Manila, Philippines and currently calls Toronto, Canada his home.

Summary: The fourth volume of Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul’s New 52 breakout hit – The Flash!

A mysterious and powerful Speed-Force killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake and only Barry has the power to stop him. But when the killer stays one step ahead of him, Barry finds himself face to face with the Teen Titans and Kid Flash for the first time. All this will lead to a confrontation with the Flash’s most deadly foe, The Reverse Flash!
Collects THE FLASH #20-25, and #23.3: REVERSE FLASH.
— +++ —

Arrow

Arrow Vol. 1
Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Mike Grell
On Sale Date: September 24, 2013
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
9781401242992, 1401242995

Contributor Bio:
Marc Guggeinheim is award-winning multi-media writer, having scribed film, television, prose, video games and comic books. His television credits include Arrow (co-creator), Law & Order, Jack & Bobby, CSI: Miami and Brothers & Sisters. His best known comic book work includes AQUAMAN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, THE FLASH, JSA, and Amazing Spider-Man, Young X-Men and Supreme Power.

Summary: Spinning off directly from the hit CW television series ARROW comes the Emerald Archerer in these digital-first adventures! Show creators Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim team with some of the industry’s best artists, including Mike Grell (GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS), Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW: QUIVER) and others to fill in the gaps between episodes of one of TV’s hottest new series.

Collects Arrow #1-6 and #1 Special edition.
— +++ —
Arrow Vol. 2
On Sale Date: May 20, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Media Tie-In
9781401246037, 1401246036

Contributor Bio:
Marc Guggeinheim is award-winning multi-media writer, having scribed film, television, prose, video games and comic books. His television credits include Arrow (co-creator), Law & Order, Jack & Bobby, CSI: Miami and Brothers & Sisters. His best known comic book work includes AQUAMAN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, THE FLASH, JSA, and Amazing Spider-Man, Young X-Men and Supreme Power.

Summary: Spinning out of the hit CW television show, these digital-first chapters, written by show creators Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, fill in the gaps between the television show and the comics. This volume explores the mystery of what really happened to Deadshot after his dramatic showdown with Oliver during season one of Arrow!
— +++ —
Green Arrow: Year One
Andy Diggle
On Sale Date: April 14, 2009
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401217433, 1401217435

Summary: Oliver Queen has been a faithful member of the Justice League of America and defended Star City with his trusty bown and an arsenal of deadly arrows for years-now thrill to the definitive tale of how he became Green Arrow!

Queen is a frivolous playboy with little care for anyone or anything-apparently even himself. But when he’s double-crossed and marooned on a jungle island, he finds that he does care about something: justice!
— +++ —
Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunter
Mike Grell
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401238629, 1401238629

Contributor Bio: Mike Grell is a comic book writer and artist, who’s career has spanned over 5 decades. Grell’s first work for DC Comics was in 1973 on SUPERBOY and LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. He would go on to write or illustrate ACTION COMICS, BATMAN, THE FLASH, GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW and WARLORD. He would also go on to create cult-favorite hero JON SABLE FREELANCE in the 80’s, as well the mini-series GREEN ARROW: THE LONGBOW HUNTERS.

Summary: A new edition of Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters collecting the 3-issue 1987 miniseries. Oliver Queen gives up his trick arrows and settles down in Seattle with Dinah Lance. But Ollie’s world collides with one of unspeakable violence involving the beautiful and mysterious archer known as Shado.
— +++ —
Green Arrow: The Archer’s Quest
Brad Meltzer
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
176 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401200442, 1401200443

Contributor Bio: Brad Meltzer is a name that is instantly synonymous with the term “creative visionary.” Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, this graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School had received 24 rejection letters for his first novel, The Tenth Justice, before it was published and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Since then, each of Meltzer’s subsequent novels – including The Inner Circle, Dead Even, The Zero Game and The Book of Lies – has matched that prestigious honor, with The Book of Fate earning particularly notable distinction by debuting at No. 1. The first comic book Brad ever read was Justice League of America #150 in 1978, when he was seven years old. Needless to say, it changed his life, and he has reciprocated in kind, authoring critically acclaimed DC comics such as GREEN ARROW: THE ARCHER’S QUEST and the wildly successful suspense thriller IDENTITY CRISIS. It is even more fitting that in 2006 he would go on to write the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes who so indelibly inspired his love for comics, and as a result garner himself an Eisner Award in the process.

Summary: By New York Times #1 Best-Selling novelist and writer of IDENTITY CRISIS Brad Meltzer, comes the critically acclaimed GREEN ARROW: ARCHER’S QUEST.

Oliver Queen is back as Green Arrow, and with his former sidekick Arsenal at his side, he’s setting off on an adventure that will test his courage and bring formerly hidden facets of the Green Arrow legend to light.
— +++ —
Green Arrow Vol. 1: The Midas Touch (The New 52)
J.T. Krul
On Sale Date: June 5, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234867, 1401234860

Contributor Bio:
J.T. Krul is an American comic book writer whose first comic work was at Marvel Comics, writing X-men Unlimited. He has since made quite a name for himself in the comic industry, writing the majority of books at Aspen MLT including Fathom. His recent projects include Captain Atom, Green Arrow, Teen Titans, Blackest Night: Titans, Titans, Justice League: Rise And Fall for DC Comics.

Summary: The Emerald Archer returns, relaunched for a new generation of readers!

The masked vigilante Green Arrow is used to looking for trouble, but now trouble’s come looking for him! Enter Rush and his gang of thrill-seeking trust fund babies, buying their super powers and treating the world as their playground. Along with their rotting man-monster Midas and the assassin Blood Rose, Rush plans to kill a super hero live on the Internet. Even with his cutting-edge weapons and tech from Q-Core, the odds are stacked against Green Arrow!

From Dan Jurgens (Superman), J.T. Krul (Captain Atom), Keith Giffen (O.M.A.C.) and George Perez (Worlds’ Finest), this latest chapter of Green Arrow is a can’t-miss event!
— +++ —
Green Arrow Vol. 2: Triple Threat (The New 52)
Ann Nocenti
On Sale Date: January 29, 2013
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401238421, 1401238424

Contributor Bio: Harvey Montecillo Tolibao was born in June 1981 and raised in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. At the age of 10, Harvey dreamed to become a comic book illustrator. He grew up collecting Pinoy Klasiks such as ALIWAN Horror Komiks, Tagalog Komiks, Romance, Kick fighter, Kidlat, Terminator, etc. He likes collecting foreign comics like Jim Lee’s X-Men, which also serves as one of his inspirations.

Summary: The stress of running a multi-billion dollar corporation and being the guardian of Star City has frayed Oliver Queen’s last nerve. When he encounters the genetically modified triplets known as “Skylark” during a mission, Queen, entranced by their beauty and the new techonology they give him, agrees to meet their “father” King Leer.

King Leer’s fortress, buried deep within a frozen moutainside, hides the true nature of his work, genetically modifying animals of all species – including humans – in order to take over the world. His work is funded by the gold mine he has seized and rules the native people through starvation by polluting the enviornment. Can Oliver Queen stop King Leer before he releases his creations
upon the world, or will he end up as one of Leer’s experiments?
— +++ —
Green Arrow Vol. 3: Harrow (The New 52)
Ann Nocenti, Freddie Williams II
On Sale Date: September 17, 2013
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401244057, 140124405X

Contributor Bio:
Ann Nocenti is thrilled to be back in comics, writing CATWOMAN and KATANA for DC Comics. She wrote for Marvel Comics in the late-1980s, writing Daredevil, editing the X-Men, and creating the characters Longshot, Typhoid, Spiral, Blackheart and more. Nocenti teaches filmmaking at the Indigenous Film Circle in Norway, to Native Americans in Tulsa, and in Haiti for two years. Her journalism has appeared in Details, Utne, HEEB, Stop Smiling, PRINT, Filmmaker, Scenario, and more. She has written about Baluchistan (The Most Expensive Road Trip in the World, Best Travel Writing 2008). Her feature script Taking Chances was produced in 2009. Her work can be found at her website annienocenti.com.

Summary: Green Arrow is losing everything: his fortune, this company Q-Corps and maybe most importantly, his valuable arsenal. Even as Oliver Queen’s grip loosens and what’s left of his personal, professional and superhero lives, the hits keep on coming. The villainous Harrow threatens the Seattle waterfront, running guns into the city and threatening lives. As Ollie flails into a downward spiral, can he still protect his town?

Also included is the tie-in to HAWKMAN: WANTED. Green Arrow helps an uneasy ally in the Savage Hawkman, as he evades a chasing Thanagarian cops. But is Hawkman a framed hero? Or a villain?

Collects GREEN ARROW #0, 14-16, THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #14 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #7./
— +++ —
Green Arrow Vol. 4: The Kill Machine (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
On Sale Date: March 25, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401246907, 1401246907

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel Essex County published by Top Shelf.

Now one of DC Comics cornerstone writers, Jeff was prominent in the publisher’s recent “New 52” line-wide relaunch as the writer of ANIMAL MAN and FRANKENSTEIN: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. He has also written the monthly adventures of SUPERBOY and THE ATOM and is set to tackle JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. He has also been nominated for 5 Eisner awards and 5 Harvey Awards.

In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino begin their ground-breaking saga in the fourth volume of Green Arrow!

A mysterious villian called Komodo knows Oliver’s secrets and uses them to rob Oliver of all his wealth and his company. Now on the run from this seemingly unstoppable force, Oliver finds himself in a mystery involving the island where he first became Green Arrow and his father! Everything will change for the Emerald Archer in this new beginning for the character.

This volume collects Green Arrow #17-24 and 23.1
— +++ —

Suicide Squad?  (Ah… part of “Arrow”.)  (And soon to be a Major Motion Picture)

Suicide Squad Vol. 1: Kicked in the Teeth (The New 52)
Adam Glass, Federico Dallocchio
On Sale Date: July 10, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401235444, 1401235441

Contributor Bio:
ADAM GLASS is a writer and television producer, whose credits include co-creating, writing and producing the hit CW show Supernatural. Other writing credits include Cold Case, Blue Collar TV, and The Cleaner. He currently is writing Suicide Squad for DC Comics, and previously worked on the Flashpoint: Legion Of Doom mini-series for DC Comics.

Summary: A New York Times Bestseller!

As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics-The New 52 event of September 2011, writer and co-creator of the CW show Supernatural Adam Glass rolls out an all-new team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous-they’re sheer suicide!

The story begins with the Suicide Squad defeated, imprisoned and being interrogated about their newest mission. Harley Quinn, King Shark, Deadshot and company must make it out alive without revealing who’s pulling the strings behind their illegal operations. Who will be the first to crack under the pressure? More importantly will they make it all out alive?
— +++ —
Birds of Prey Vol. 1: Trouble in Mind (The New 52)
Duane Swierczynski
On Sale Date: September 18, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
160 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401236991, 1401236995

Contributor Bio:
Duane Swiercynzski is the author of several novels including the Edgar-nominated and Anthony Award-winning “Expiration Date,” as well as “Fun & Games,” out now from Mulholland Books. He also writes comics, and thrillers with CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker.

Summary: One is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a. Black Canary and Starling – and joining them are the villainous Poison Ivy and the heroic Batgirl and together, as Gotham City’s covert ops team, they’re taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. They are the Birds of Prey.
— +++ —
Deathstroke Vol. 1: Legacy (The New 52)
Kyle Higgins, Simon Bisley
On Sale Date: August 14, 2012
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401234812, 140123481X

Contributor Bio:
Kyle Higgins is a New York Times Best Selling writer whose work includes BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM, Supreme Power, and DEATHSTROKE. After spending two years at the University of Iowa, Kyle transferred to Chapman University where he co-wrote and directed a superhero noir titled The League, about the 1960’s superhero labor union of Chicago. The film opened doors at Marvel Comics, where Kyle co-wrote his first two books with Alec Siegel (Captain America Theater Of War: Prisoners Of Duty, and Avengers Origins: The Vision). Kyle is also a co-writer of The Nightrunner (with David Hine), whose story was featured on The Daily Show with John Stewart. At present, Kyle is helming NIGHTWING as part of DC’s The New 52.

Summary: As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics-The New 52 event of September 2011, Slade Wilson once ranked as the world’s greatest mercenary. But when his reputation starts to slip, and when a mysterious briefcase enters the equation, the man known as Deathstroke decides to carve a bloody, gory swatch across the DCU in a quest to show the world what exactly makes him the best.
This volume collect issues 1-6 of Deathstroke, part of the DC Comics-The New 52 event.
— +++ —

Gotham

Gotham Central Book 1: In the Line of Duty
Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark
On Sale Date: March 15, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
240 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401220372, 1401220371

Summary: Gotham City: a town teeming with corrupt cops, ruthless crime lords, petty thieves … and just a small handful that would oppose them. Grizzled veteran Harvey Bullock, Captain Maggie Sawyer, detective Renee Montoya and the GCPD are the law force that stands between order and complete anarchy. Gotham’s Finest work around the clock to not only keep the world’s most psychotic criminals off the street… but also cleaning up the mess left behind by Batman’s one-man war on crime.

Written by critically acclaimed authors Ed Brubaker (Captain America) and Greg Rucka (52, DETECTIVE COMICS), this Eisner Award-winning series follows the detectives of Gotham City’s Special Crimes Unit as they navigate the against the city’s greatest villains — in the shadow of Batman himself. Collects issues #1-10.
— +++ —
Gotham Central Book 2: Jokers and Madmen
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: July 12, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401225438, 1401225438

Summary: Witness the gritty side of the Gotham City Police Department from their perspective, as they take on psychotic criminals like The Joker and grudgingly look to The Dark Knight for help.
This volume collects two cases of the Gotham Special Crimes Unit. First, The Joker terrorizes the city at Christmastime when he begins randomly executing people with a rifle, and no one from the Mayor on down is safe. A second story focuses on an old case and unfinished business for disgraced detective Harvey Bullock.
— +++ —
Gotham Central Book 3: On the Freak Beat
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: October 25, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232320, 1401232329
Contributor Bio: Ed Brubaker is one of the most acclaimed writers currently working in comics. After working at DC Comics for many years on titles such as GOTHAM CENTRAL, BATMAN, SLEEPER, and CATWOMAN, Brubaker moved to Marvel, where he took over Uncanny X-Men and Daredevil, and jump-started Captain America into its most exciting ongoing storyline in years. Brubaker’s work also includes The Immortal Iron Fist (with co-writer Matt Fraction), and the creator-owned Criminal, drawn and co-created by Sean Phillips. Brubaker has won the Eisner Award for Best Writer the past two years in a row, and Criminal won for Best New Series in 2007.

Summary: This volume collects two separate cases of the Gotham Special Crimes Unit. Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of important evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about Officer Kelly’s strange mutation. Plus, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his former associates, Batman and the Teen Titans!
— +++ —
Gotham Central Book 4: Corrigan
Greg Rucka
On Sale Date: May 1, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401231941, 1401231942

Contributor Bio: Greg Rucka is a thriller novelist who became one of the premier writers for DC Comics in the last decade.

His work on Batman brought fresh attention to the character and the inhabitants of Gotham City. Additionally, he won the Eisner award for best story with Gotham Central’s “Half a Life.” His other DC credits include Adventures of Superman, Checkmate, Detective Comics, O.M.A.C. Project, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman. He was one of the co-writers on DC’s first weekly series, 52. His Oni Press graphic novel, Whiteout, was released as a feature film in 2009. His recent series of Batwoman stories in DETECTIVE COMICS garnered widespread acclaim, and is collected this summer in
BATWOMAN: ELEGY.

Summary: Witness the gritty side of the Gotham City Police Department from their perspective, as teens dressed as Robin the Boy Wonder start turning up dead.
In this final hardcover collection of GOTHAM CENTRAL, the dead body of Robin the Boy Wonder is found on the streets. Now the detectives of Gotham Central must try to solve the mystery of his death while dealing with his associates, Batman and the Teen Titans.

From the Hardcover edition.
— +++ —
Batman: Year One
Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli
On Sale Date: January 10, 2007
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401207526, 1401207529

Summary: A New York Times Best Seller!

A deluxe trade paperback edition of one of the most important and critically acclaimed Batman adventures ever, written by Frank Miller, author of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS!

In addition to telling the entire dramatic story of Batman’s first year fighting crime, this collection includes reproductions of original pencils, promotional art, script pages, unseen David Mazzucchelli Batman art and more.
— +++ —
Batman: Earth One
Geoff Johns, Gary Frank
On Sale Date: August 19, 2014
$12.99 USD, $15.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232092, 1401232094

Contributor Bio:
Geoff Johns is an award-winning writer and one of the most popular contemporary comic book writers today. Johns is the author of The New York Times bestselling graphic novels Aquaman: The Trench, Blackest Night, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War, Justice League: Origin, Superman: Brainiac and Batman: Earth One which hit #1 on the bestseller list. He is also known for transforming Green Lantern into one of the most critically and commercially successful franchises in comics.

Johns was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, and film at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he became an assistant to Richard Donner, director of Superman: The Movie. He and his mentor Donner later co-wrote Superman: Last Son featuring the return of General Zod.

Johns has written for various other media, including episodes of Smallville, Arrow and Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken, for which he was nominated along with his co-writers for an Emmy. He is the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment and resides in Los Angeles, California.

Gary Frank, a native of Bristol, England, began his comics career working on various titles for Marvel UK before entering the American comics scene as the penciller on Marvel’s Incredible Hulk. Frank then
came to DC Comics where he was the original artist on BIRDS OF PREY and pencilled the adventures of SUPERGIRL. He has also worked on WildStorm’s GEN 13 as well as his creator-owned series Kin. Frank,
along with writer Geoff Johns, has worked on the bestselling titles SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC, SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and the New York Times #1 bestseller, BATMAN: EARTH ONE.

From the Hardcover edition.

Summary: A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Batman is not a hero.

He is just a man.

Fallible, vulnerable, and angry.

In a Gotham City where friend and foe are indistinguishable, Bruce Wayne’s path toward becoming the Dark Knight is riddled with more obstacles than ever before. Focused on punishing his parents’ true killers, and the corrupt police that allowed them to go free, Bruce Wayne’s thirst for vengeance fuels his mad crusade and no one, not even Alfred, can stop him.

In the tradition of the #1 New York Times bestselling Superman: Earth One, writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank re-imagine a new mythology for the Dark Knight, where the familiar is no longer the expected in this long-awaited original graphic novel from DC Comics.
— +++ —
Batman: Gordon of Gotham
Dennis O’Neil, Chuck Dixon, Klaus Janson
On Sale Date: September 30, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401251741, 1401251749

Contributor Bio:
Dennis O’Neil began his career as a comic-book writer in 1965 at Charlton, where then-editor Dick Giordano assigned him to several features. When Giordano moved to DC, O’Neil soon followed. At DC, O’Neil scripted several series for Giordano and Julius Schwartz, quickly becoming one of the most respected writers in comics. O’Neil earned a reputation for being able to “revamp” such characters as Superman, Green Lantern, Captain Marvel—and Batman, whom O’Neil (with the help of Neal Adams and Giordano) brought back to his roots as a dark, mysterious, gothic avenger. Besides being the most important Batman writer of the 1970s, O’Neil served as an editor at both Marvel and DC. After a long tenure as Group Editor of the Batman line of titles, he retired to write full-time.

Summary: Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordon stars in this new collection of crime stories from the 1990s that stars the colorful, determined cops of Batman’s home town.

Collects BATMAN: GORDON OF GOTHAM #1-4, BATMAN: GCPD #1-4 and BATMAN: GORDON’S LAW #1-4.
— +++ —
Batman No Man’s Land Vol. 1 (New Edition)
On Sale Date: December 13, 2011
$29.99 USD, $35.00 CAD
544 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232283, 1401232280

Summary: After suffering a cataclysmic earthquake, the U.S. government has deemed Gotham City as uninhabitable and ordered all citizens to leave. It is now months later and those that have refused to vacate “No Man’s Land” live amidst a citywide turf war in which the strongest prey on the weak. As gangs terrorize the ravaged populace, the Scarecrow uses a church relief project as a real life lab to test his experiments in fear. But with the return of the vigilante, Batman, and the appearance of an enigmatic new Batgirl, justice returns to Gotham.
— +++ —
Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City (The New 52)
Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
On Sale Date: May 13, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
176 pages
Hardcover
9781401245085, 1401245080

Contributor Bio:
Scott Snyder is the bestselling and award-winning writer of Batman, Superman: Unchained, American Vampire and Swamp Thing as well as the short story collection Voodoo Heart. He teaches writing at Sarah Lawrence College, NYU and Columbia University. He lives on Long Island with his wife, Jeanie, and his sons Jack and Emmett. He is a dedicated and un-ironic fan of Elvis Presley.

Summary: In this first volume of the critically acclaimed ZERO YEAR storyline, the #1 New York Times bestselling creative team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo present an astonishing new vision of the Dark Knight’s origin—and his first encounters with the Riddler, the Red Hood, and others!

Before the era of superheroes began—before the Batman spread his wings to protect the innocent and punish evil—Gotham City’s prodigal son, Bruce Wayne, had been missing for years. But this was exactly the cover of darkness Bruce needed. Patrolling Gotham’s streets, in a series of disguises, he began a career as faceless vigilante.

Collects BATMAN issues #21-#24.
— +++ —
Batman: The Long Halloween
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale
On Sale Date: October 11, 2011
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
384 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401232597, 1401232590

Contributor Bio:
Jeph Loeb is an Emmy award nominated and Eisner award winning writer/producer living in Los Angeles. In television, his many credits include Smallville, Lost and Heroes and in film, Teen Wolf and Commando. In comics, he is best known for his work with the supremely talented artist and partner-in-crime TIM SALE on BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS,CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME for DC as well as Daredevil Yellow, Spider-Man Blue and Hulk Gray for Marvel.

Tim Sale is not only the artist for the numerous collaborations with Jeph Loeb listed above, but has also worked on DEATHBLOW, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, Grendel, Wolverine/Gambit: Victims, Billi 99, Amazon, and various other projects. He had the distinct honor of being the first creator chosen for the artist spotlight series SOLO.

Summary: Taking place during Batman’s early days of crime fighting, this new edition of the classic mystery tells the story of a mysterious killer who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the calendar as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his next victim each month. A mystery that has the reader continually guessing the identity of the killer, this story also ties into the events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman’s deadly enemy, Two-Face.
This edition includes original 13-issue series as well as four additional story pages cut from the original series, which are presented fully colored and restored to their place in the story. Also featured are sketches and an introduction by the director and writer of The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan and David Goyer.
— +++ —
Batman: Dark Victory (new edition)
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale
On Sale Date: February 18, 2014
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
400 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401244019, 1401244017

Contributor Bio:
Jeph Loeb is an Emmy award nominated and Eisner award winning writer/producer living in Los Angeles. In television, his many credits include Smallville, Lost and Heroes and in film, Teen Wolf and Commando. In comics, he is best known for his work with the supremely talented artist and partner-in-crime TIM SALE on BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS,CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME for DC as well as Daredevil Yellow, Spider-Man Blue and Hulk Gray for Marvel.

Tim Sale is not only the artist for the numerous collaborations with Jeph Loeb listed above, but has also worked on DEATHBLOW, BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, Grendel, Wolverine/Gambit: Victims, Billi 99, Amazon, and various other projects. He had the distinct honor of being the first creator chosen for the artist spotlight series SOLO.

Summary: Collecting BATMAN: DARK VICTORY #0-13, this epic continues the story of THE LONG HALLOWEEN. It is early in Batman’s crimefighting career, when James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the vigilante himself were all just beginning their roles as Gotham’s protectors.

Once a town controlled by organized crime, Gotham City suddenly finds itself being run by lawless freaks, such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker. Witnessing his city’s dark evolution, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city’s greatest defender. He faces multiple threats, including the seeming return of a serial killer called Holiday. Batman’s previous investigation of Holiday’s killings revealed that more than one person was responsible for the murders. So the question remains: who is committing Holiday’s crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth?
— +++ —

Constantine

John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 1: Original Sins
Jamie Delano, John Ridgway
On Sale Date: March 8, 2011
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
304 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401230067, 1401230067

Summary: The very first Hellblazer collection ORIGINAL SINS is available in a new edition that includes John Constantine’s appearances in SWAMP THING. This is the first of a series of new HELLBLAZER editions starring Vertigo’s longest running antihero, John Constantine, England’s chain-smoking, low-rent magus.
This first collection is a loosely connected series of tales of John’s early years where Constantine was at his best and at his worst, all at the same time.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 2: The Devil You Know (New Edition)
Jaime Delano
On Sale Date: January 3, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
264 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401233020, 1401233023

Contributor Bio: Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting—over some 25 years—both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: These are the stories that set the tone for John Constantine’s mystic misadventures.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 3: The Fear Machine (New Edition)
Jamie Delano
On Sale Date: June 26, 2012
$24.99 USD, $28.99 CAD
240 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401235192, 1401235190

Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: In THE FEAR MACHINE, John Constantine looks for a way to reconnect to humanity-but how can such a man ever find inner peace? Constantine finds himself encamped with a new-age pagan group that’s tapping into their own psychic abilities-but a defense contractor is out to exploit their powers. Is the company’s aim just political, or is it something much more sinister?
This volume collects issues 14-22 of the original series.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 4: The Family Man
Jamie Delano
On Sale Date: November 20, 2012
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
288 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401236908, 1401236901

Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Summary: Collected for the first time in chronological order and featuring stories by fan-favorite writer Grant Morrison (BATMAN INC, FINAL CRISIS) and the legendary Neil Gaiman (SANDMAN, AMERICAN GODS), FAMILY MAN continues the arcane adventures of Vertigo’s chain-smoking magician John Constantine. In this volume, Constantine attempts a vacation after recent events, but as usual, things don’t go as planned. Plus, Constantine must uncover the mystery of the murderous Family Man.
— +++ —
John Constantine: Hellblazer Vol. 5: Dangerous Habits (New Edition)
Jamie Delano, Garth Ennis
On Sale Date: May 14, 2013
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
352 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401238025, 1401238025
Contributor Bio:
Born in 1954, Jamie Delano has made a diverse, cross-genre contribution to the comic book medium, scripting-over some 25 years-both original works (World Without End, Tainted, Ghostdancing, Hell Eternal, Cruel and Unusual, Territory, Outlaw Nation) and publisher-owned properties (Captain Britain, Dr. Who, Night Raven, Hellblazer, Animal Man, Batman, Shadowman). He is currently practicing for retirement, living in semi-rural England with his partner, Sue.

Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: This new HELLBLAZER collection features several tales never before collected, including a look at John Constantine’s rough and tumble childhood and the beginnings of his unique skills. Then, in some of the earliest stories from PREACHER writer Garth Ennis, John Constantine is dying. As a sorcerer literally haunted by the demons of his past, John is no stranger to mystic bedevilment or supernatural horror. But it’s his chain smoking that ultimately brings death to Constantine’s front door. John Constantine has lung cancer. Though condemned to hell, Constantine continues to laugh in the face of this all-too-serious world.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 6: Bloodlines
Garth Ennis, William Simpson
On Sale Date: September 3, 2013
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
400 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401240431, 1401240437

Contributor Bio:
Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: It’s not often that John Constantine, the world’s greatest magician, has been able to be content. Years in the making, his occult knowledge and shrewd judgment are hard-won and paid for in blood-his own, his friends’, and that of innocent caught up in the never-ending arms race of would-be sorcerers chasing power. But after saving the world a few times and beating both the Devil and lung cancer, Constantine is finally starting to feel ahead of the game. However, between investigations of a grisly serial murderer and strategies against the Lord of Hell, John has no time to rest.

Collects issues 47-50, 52-55 and 59-61 of the signature Vertigo series by PREACHER creator Garth Ennis.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 7: Tainted Love
Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon
On Sale Date: January 7, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
320 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401243036, 1401243037

Contributor Bio:
Garth Ennis has been writing comics for twenty years, initially for British titles like 2000 AD and Crisis, then for various American publishers. As well as PREACHER, his credits include HELLBLAZER, HITMAN, WAR STORY, ADVENTURES IN THE RIFLE BRIGADE, KEV, BATTLER BRITTON, The Boys, Battlefields, Dan Dare, 303, The Chronicles of Wormwood, Crossed, Streets of Glory, Dicks, The Punisher, Fury and The Pro. Originally hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he now resides in New York City with his wife, Ruth.

Summary: John Constatine celebrates his fortieth birthday alongside his friends and loved ones, including Swamp Thing and Zatanna, and the love of his life, Kit. However, things never burn bright too long for John Constantine, and he soons finds himself at his lowest point ever. Drunk and homeless, John must pull himself together if he is going to survive against the King of the Vampires, who comes looking for his blood.

Collects HELLBLAZER #62-71, HELLBLAZER SPECIAL #1, and VERTIGO JAM #1.
— +++ —
John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 8: Rake at the Gates of Hell
Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon
On Sale Date: June 10, 2014
$19.99 USD, $23.99 CAD
384 pages
Trade Paperback
Comics & Graphic Novels / Horror
9781401247492, 1401247490
Contributor Bio:
Irish-born writer Garth Ennis is the acclaimed author of the PREACHER graphic novel series, and also has written numerous JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER graphic novels, as well as THE AUTHORITY, THE BOYS, WAR STORIES, PRIDE AND JOY and other titles.

Summary: John Constantine heads towards a final showdown with a revenge-crazed Satan during a raging race riot, and in addition to desperately trying to save his dwindling number of living friends, Constantine also has one final reunion with his lost love Kit.

This re-cut volume features Garth Ennis’ and Steve Dillon’s final JOHN CONSTANTINE, HELLBLAZER arc, collecting issues #78-83 as well as the special one-shot HEARTLAND.
— +++ —
Constantine Vol. 1: The Spark and the Flame (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Renato Guedes, Ray Fawkes
On Sale Date: February 18, 2014
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401243234, 1401243231

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff is also hard at work on a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER, due in 2012. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: The star of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK and HELLBLAZER—the longest-running Vertigo series—is unleashed in his own DCU title! Liar, cheater, manipulator…John Constantine is all of these, and yet he uses these skills and more to protect the world from the darkest corners of the DC Universe.

Collects Constantine #1-6
— +++ —
Constantine Vol. 2: Blight (The New 52)
Ray Fawkes, Renato Guedes
On Sale Date: August 12, 2014
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247478, 1401247474

Contributor Bio:
Ray Fawkes is a Toronto-based fine artist and writer of comics, graphic novels, prose fiction, and games. Ray’s work ranges in styles from introspective, dreamscape narrative to bombastic slapstick. He is an Eisner, Harvey, and three-time Shuster Award nominee, and a YALSA award winner for “Possessions Book One: Unclean Getaway”. His recent book, “One Soul”, debuted in July 2011 to critical acclaim, including a starred booklist review, and was nominated for the 2012 Eisner award and 2012 Harvey award.

Summary: The star of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK and HELLBLAZER—the longest-running Vertigo series—John Constantine has suffered a major loss at the hands of a former protégé. With his vault of mystical weapons now in the hands of his greatest enemies, John Constantine must battle with Sargon and the Cult of the Cold Flame with all he has left—his wits!
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In the Dark (The New 52)
Peter Milligan, Mikel Janin, Ryan Sook
On Sale Date: October 16, 2012
$14.99 USD, $17.99 CAD
144 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401237042, 1401237045

Contributor Bio:
Irish writer Peter Milligan joined Vertigo with SKREEMER in 1989 which led to several other works including SHADE THE CHANGING MAN and ENIGMA. For the DC Universe, he has written Batman in DETECTIVE COMICS and is acknowledged as the driving force behind the Knightfall event. He began his comics career with England’s 2000 AD, notably its Bad Company serial. He was named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “it” writers in 2002. Currently he is the writer of HELLBLAZER and RED LANTERNS.

Summary: As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics – The New 52 event of September 2011, a new type of super-team must come together when supernatural forces threaten the DCU – Justice League Dark!
The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing a wave of chaos that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna, Mindwarp and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat? Critically acclaimed writer Peter Milligan brings together an unorthodox team for the most unnatural threats. With stunning art by up and coming star Mikel Janin, Justice League Dark Vol. 1 visits the unexplored corners of the DCU!
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 2: The Books of Magic (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
On Sale Date: July 16, 2013
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
224 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401240240, 1401240240

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff has also written a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: New York Times best selling author Jeff Lemire takes over Justice League Dark and just when you thought it couldn’t get darker…

Vampires across the world have gone berserk, attacking anything with a pulse. Fearing her apocalyptic vision of the future has come to pass, Madame Xanadu mobilizes the team to intervene. But everything the Justice League Dark members know about how to slay a vampire is useless, for the world has changed.
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 3: The Death of Magic (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire
On Sale Date: February 4, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
192 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401242459, 1401242456

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel Essex County published by Top Shelf.

Now one of DC Comics cornerstone writers, Jeff was prominent in the publisher’s recent “New 52” line-wide relaunch as the writer of ANIMAL MAN and FRANKENSTEIN: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. He has also written the monthly adventures of SUPERBOY and THE ATOM and is set to tackle JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. He has also been nominated for 5 Eisner awards and 5 Harvey Awards.

In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: Transported to another dimension by the Books of Magic, Tim Hunter and Zatanna awake in a world where magic once ruled in peace until mad scientists banned magic and forced all of the magical creatures underground in exile.

Tim soon finds out that his ancestors are tied to this world and that only he, through the Books of Magic, can free the “Wild World.”
Unsure of what transpired when Tim and Zatanna disappeared, the remaining members of JLD, with the help of Tim Hunter’s father, manage to transport themselves to the “Wild World” and soon find that the rules of magic here are very different and very deadly.

This volume collects issues #14-21 of Justice League Dark.
— +++ —
Justice League Dark Vol. 4: The Rebirth of Evil (The New 52)
Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
On Sale Date: August 26, 2014
$16.99 USD, $19.99 CAD
208 pages
Trade Paperback
9781401247256, 1401247253

Contributor Bio:
Award-winning Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire is the creator of the acclaimed monthly comic book series SWEET TOOTH published by DC/Vertigo and the award winning graphic novel ESSEX COUNTY published by Top Shelf. He also writes ANIMAL MAN, FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. and SUPERBOY for DC Comics.

In 2008 Jeff won the Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist, and The Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. He also won the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award, recognizing books for adults with specific teen appeal. In 2010 Essex County was named as one of the five Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade!

Recently named one of Wizard magazines 25 “rising stars”, Jeff is also hard at work on a new graphic novel for Top Shelf called THE UNDERWATER WELDER, due in 2012. He currently lives and works in Toronto with his wife and son.

Summary: The Justice League Dark team is called into action by Wonder Woman in hopes of finding Pandora’s Box, which may hold the only answers to save an ailing Superman. Not about to let the Seven Deadly Sins escape from Pandora’s Box, The Phantom Stranger pleads with the remaining members of the Justice League to stop Wonder Woman before she accidentally puts an end to the world as they know it.

This volume collects Justice League Dark #22-29.

— +++ —

Display Comments Add a Comment

I realized that I have not posted in a while. With all the shows I have been traveling to, I barely had time to keep up with my blog. Since I have posted, I was writing about the Wild West Fest at the Calico Ghost Town in Yermo, California. All around it was a fun show; we stayed with my in-laws at a nice hotel in Barstow for the weekend of the show. It was also my birthday so we all went out to eat the legendary Peggy Sue’s Diner on Sunday night.

Then it was off to Seattle again for Emerald City Comicon.  It was an amazing show, with wonderful people. I have to give a big thank you to Sarah for the help at my booth (allowing me a few moments of rest to stretch my legs). The atmosphere was electric and everyone has my gratitude for making me feel so welcome up there. One of these days I will get Shawn up there so that I can leave him at the booth and go explore the city hehehe.

But that will only happen if the infamous Monsterpalooza does not fall on the same weekend as ECCC, like it did this year. Here is Shawn to tell you more. Shawn here and I have three words: It… was… awesome! I had a great time, though I wished Diana was there so that I could have walked around to check out more things. Oh well, there is always next year. All the fans were amazing and thank you to everyone for supporting Diana. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Thank you Shawn, so following those two shows was Wondercon. Oh how I love this show and it is one of my favorites. Not only did I get to see all my regular fans from SoCal, but Shawn being there allowed me to leave my booth from time to time to browse the artist alley. I got to catch up with some friends and meet some amazing artist for the first time. This was also the debut of my latest in the Terrible Trio series… the Gotham Bunnies, so cute, yet so evil.

Then I had a rare weekend off, and then it was time to get ready for Texas Frightmare Weekend. I was excited as I had never been to Dallas-Fort Worth, so this was a great opportunity to reach a new fan base. After a less than sterling start of the day (looking at you American Airlines) I made it to the show with only a half hour to set up. But after that it was one of the best weekends I have ever had at a show. It was intense, amazing, overwhelming at times and I can’t wait to go back next year. I may even bring Shawn along for this trip, I think he would enjoy the show very much.

Back to Southern California the following week for the Bat’s Day in the Park Black Market. This is always a fun show to do where I tend to pick up some great little pieces. It is only a one day show, so a bit more laid back and relaxing compared to the multi-day shows. Though being so close to Disney makes me want to go buy a ticket and go on some rides.

Finally last but not least was another trip up to Seattle (seriously, maybe I need to rent a room out there) for Crypticon. This was a great little horror convention with some pretty cool guests. I am starting to recognize a few people that have seen me at some of the area shows and meet some new fans. Thanks once again to Tamara of The Mystical Apothecary for being my traveling buddy once again.

Whoa, I was a bit more behind on this blog than I realized. Mid year resolution, I shall be better about updating my blog in a more timely manner. I have four more shows to do before I take some time off to do some more art and work on some upcoming projects, one of which is a book.

Keep on creating and have fun–

Diana

The post Catching Up with Blogging appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

Add a Comment

Add a Comment

Among the many memoirs nested into Handling the Truth is Buzz Bissinger's own extraordinary fatherhood story, Father's Day. I wrote about it because I love it. I teach it because it matters.

Buzz's kindness to me through the years has been remarkable—his support of my work, his faith in my small books, his encouragement about my sentences. Buzz wrote the beautiful words on the jacket of Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia's Schuylkill River. And today he has these words for Handling the Truth:

Beth Kephart has done something extraordinary with this huge and messy thing called memoir—roping it into submission with her typically beautifully writing. There is authority here, scholarship, challenge. In this well-organized book, every example is a precious stone to turn over and to learn from, particularly in terms of crafting a voice and finding one's way in. Too many students think memoir just happens. Nothing ever just happens. Memoir is an academic field. This should become the seminal text.

Buzz Bissinger, author of Father's Day, A Prayer for the City, and Friday Night Lights

For more about Handling the Truth, please visit this page.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Gary Kramer, beloved publicist for my river book Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia's Schuylkill River (Temple University Press) as well as the forthcoming Dr. Radway's Sarsaparilla Resolvent, just sent word that Library Journal kindly featured Handling the Truth in its Nonfiction Previews for August 2013.

I am so happy to have this book of mine be placed among other true memoirs. I'm so grateful to Barbara Hoffert, who wrote:

Not a memoir proper, this book fits nicely with the others on this list because it’s about writing memoir. Kephart has penned five.... She’s also mastered the fiction and essay forms and currently teaches memoir writing at the University of Pennsylvania, so she’s got the skills to explain every facet of the writing process, including that crucial issue for memoirists: where does imaginative shaping stop and disregard for truth begin.

For more thoughts on memoirs, memoir making, and prompt exercises, please visit my dedicated Handling the Truth page.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Later this year, on August 6th, Handling the Truth, my book about the making of memoir, the students I've taught, the many memoirs I've read, and the lessons I've learned, will be released by Gotham. 

I'll be celebrating its release on launch day at the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, where I will be offering not just a reading but a workshop opportunity.

Between now and then I'll be blogging about the new exercises I'm giving to my current University of Pennsylvania memoir class, the new/old memoirs I'm reading, and the debate that continues to swirl around this form.  I'll notch these new exercises, reviews, and commentary onto the dedicated Handling page after they appear here, so that that page will then serve as a supplemental repository.

Because no book about writing, especially, is ever really done.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Tomorrow morning I am going to share a video here that will quiet you, inspire you, make you want to know my friend, Katrina Kenison.

But this afternoon I am privileged to share Katrina's words about Handling the Truth.  She received this book and read it at once.  She sent me notes as I stood near my great-grandfather's grave in Bryson City, North Carolina, and then notes again, through a dark week.  And even in the midst of all she is doing in preparation for the launch of her own book, Magical Journey: An Apprenticeship in Contentment (look for it!), she took time to craft these words.

They are the first "official" words for this book:

With infectious passion and hard-won wisdom, Beth Kephart eloquently celebrates the rigors and rewards of the creative process and – equally necessary – the art of crafting a meaningful life.  Part memoir and part memoirist’s manifesto, this small, urgent book inspires on many levels.  Read it and learn how to tell your story.  Better yet, read it and begin to understand why your story matters.

Katrina Kenison, author of Magical Journey:  An Apprenticeship in Contentment

Display Comments Add a Comment

And so, in this week of breathtaking kindness, I want to thank some special people for throwing light my way.

Ed Nawotka, for inviting me to give the keynote address at the Publishing Perspectives conference and for subsequently running the talk today on the Publishing Perspectives site.  To all of you have retweeted the talk, thank you.

Jen Doll, for including Small Damages as one of the top 25 book covers here, on the Atlantic Wire, and for making this the year to remember with her New York Times Book Review thoughts about the book last July.

The YALSA folks for naming Small Damages to the BFYA list.

CMRLS Teen Scene for putting Small Damages on the Printz watch.

A.A. Omer, for giving Small Damages this glorious five-star review.

My friends, old and new, for being there.  My agent, Amy Rennert, for her enthusiasm.  And while this has absolutely nothing to do with Small Damages, a huge thanks to the Gotham team for being so wholly supportive of Handling the Truth, a book due out next August.  I will do everything in my power to earn your faith in me.

My father, for buying a copy of Small Damages, and making a go of reading it, even though it's not exactly this history lover's kind of book.

I have been in the book business a very long time.  I will hold onto these gifts, in memory, for the rest of my life.

Add a Comment

New York City was at its hospitable best yesterday.  Through the windows of a train I watched the sun both rise and set on Manhattan.  In between I opined on the future of YA at the Publishing Perspectives Conference, saw old friends (Rahna Reiko Rizzuto, Jennifer Brown, Laura Geringer, Melissa Sarno, Dennis Abrams, Ed Nawotka), made new ones, did a little Amen shout as Doris Janhsen, David Levithan, Francine Lucidon, Eliot Schrefer, and Dennis Abrams (pictured above), reminded people what publishing is really about, or should be about:  good books.  By mid-afternoon, I was sitting with the remarkable team at Gotham, discussing the future of Handling the Truth.  I was thinking—truth—how lucky I am.  (Then got even luckier sneaking in a little stolen time with Jessica Shoffel of Philomel and my own son, at 30th Street Station.)

It took every bit of driving craftswomanship I have (and there isn't much) to get to Anne Lamott's talk (and promotion of her new book on prayer, Help Thanks Wow) at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church by the 7:30 start.  My father had saved a seat for me in the balcony, and a lucky thing that was, for there were at least 1,000 people gathered in this church where I grew up, wed, and baptized my son.  Anne does what I cannot do.  Talks without a plan ("I have prepared nothing," she began), works her way toward a theme, gets grace right out there, where it belongs, and triggers a bout of group hysteria with a single word (Okay) and a prop (my father's pen).

And so we laughed.  And so it was ten before I finally got home, after a day that had begun at 3 AM.  The mail had been brought in.  There was a card, the smart, precise handwriting of an amazing writer whom I love.  Alyson Hagy, you of the million things to do, you of the bad bronchitis, Good Lord, girl, you didn't have to.  But I love this from you.  I will treasure it, always.

Display Comments Add a Comment

Tomorrow I'll be at my alma mater and spring employer, the University of Pennsylvania, joining in on the alumni memoir panel being hosted by Kelly Writers House for homecoming weekend.  I'll be reading from Handling the Truth (Gotham) and talking about the prickly enterprise of truth telling.  I'll be answering questions.  But what is making this already wonderful opportunity even sweeter is that I'll be seeing some of my past students.

This morning, for example, I woke to a glorious long email from Katie, who brought such golden light to the classroom this past spring and who emerged, during those Tuesday afternoons, as a real writer.  If you're lucky someday, you'll meet this Katie of mine (of ours), whose email included the news that she has been accepted into top-choice medical programs.  Katie is spending her gap year at a health ministry in a city that needs hearts and minds like hers.  In the off hours (though it sounds as if there are no off hours), she is enrolled in photography classes at an art school.  Katie has stories to tell, things to share, and this weekend she's returning to Penn, and if I'm lucky, I'll get to stand in her shimmering light for a while.

Nabil Mehta will be there, too, that engineering student and child actor whose highly poetic work enthralled us and whose essay appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette not long ago.  And perhaps Liz, supremely wonderful Liz, on her way from the west coast to the east.  And among those who may join us that afternoon is my just-named spring semester apprentice, Alice, who will be working with me as my Florence novel unfolds—conducting research, interviewing doctors, discovering how fact becomes story.

We adjunct teachers out here teach because of the doors that open when we do.  We teach because our students keep us young, and keep us whole.  This morning, when telling my husband of Katie's news, tears fell.  When I read Nabil's essay in the Gazette, or Joe Polin's Gazette essay before that, when I saw Rachel dance in Red Dot Dreaming, when my Kim celebrated her engagement, when my Moira got married, when Jonathan challenges me (with a smile), when the letters from galentines and searchers and doers enter in, joy breaks through.

That's the power of our students over us.

Display Comments Add a Comment

My cup is overflowing.

On this rainy afternoon, I would like to thank the one and only Ed Goldberg for reading Flow, my Philadelphia river book, and having so much good to say on his spectacular, shared blog, 2Together.  Ed, you are so integral to my writing life.  I am blessed by your kindness in so many ways. 

Through Twitter, a tool I have yet to master, but a tool through which I have made new friends, I learned of two spectacular new reviews of Small Damages.  One, by the bloggess, Love Is Not a Triangle, made me smile in so many ways, and had me sharing, with the bloggess, my thoughts about the Small Damages sequel I hope to someday write.  The whole is here.

The second is by the good people of teenreads—or, I should say, by the super duper Terry Miller Shannon of teenreads—who wrote, among other things, "Characters are so fully realized, they could walk off the page.... Small Damages is on the short side but is nothing short of a glorious triumph for Kephart."  Those words will put sun into anybody's rainy day.

Finally, today, I want to thank Susan Barnes, Lauren Marino, and a certain publicist named Beth—all on the Gotham team.  I had called Susan with a concern not at all of Gotham's making.  She listened and took action at once.  With tremendous compassion and care, the team relieved me of a percolating anxiety.  They didn't have to do this.  Some publishing teams might not have.  But Gotham did, and I will always be grateful. 

Display Comments Add a Comment

No writer can afford to go out there undressed, uncoiffed, unedited (like, for example, me on this blog, every day).  With my books (where it really does matter, where all jokey grammar must be set to the side, where my I'll-check-it-later attitude must be checked at the door) I hold my breath each time I'm assigned a copy editor.  Will she get me?  Will she care?  Will she forgive my inevitable slips?  Will she make me better than I am?  Is she even interested in the topic?

Yesterday I received notes from Mary Beth Constant, the copy editor who was assigned to Handling the Truth.  Handling is filled to the margins with excerpted works, quotes, and Beth-isms.  It's me, untamed, books I've loved, arguments I've decided to make.

Not everyone would want to take on such a task, I imagine, and how many people actually could?  But Mary Beth is something else—sweeping in after me to check on each little excerpted line, offering her thoughts on British punctuation, regaling me with her own tales of favorite David Sedaris essays.  Plus, she's funny.  I want to throw my arms around this Mary Beth Constant today, but this blog is the only way that I know how.  And so, Mary Beth, wherever you are, whatever you are doing on this Labor Day weekend, thank you.  You have given me extra-extraordinary peace of mind. And I will hug you, if I find you.

(Please don't read this blog, though, on a regular basis.  Its many inconsistencies and faults will trouble you, deeply.)

Display Comments Add a Comment