"War of the Green Lanterns" Begins in March

We've seen Geoff Johns' Green Lantern Universe transition from Rebirth to The Sinestro Corps Wars to Blackest Night and now to --- The War of the Green Lanterns?

A little drama within the Green Lantern Corps is only to be expected given what they have been through since Geoff Johns took over the Green Lantern Universe.  But will the fall of the Guardians be the event that triggers this war?  That's our best guess at this point.

There have been all sorts of clues weaved recently through the various Green Lantern books to suggest that the Guardians may be on their way out as leaders of the Green Lantern Corps.  Just this week we saw Sodam Yat form an army to supposedly take out the Guardians.   

Will a leadership vacuum be the catalyst that forces the Green Lanterns to turn on each other?  We'll find out in March of 2011 in WAR OF THE GREEN LANTERNS #1 and throughout the Green Lantern titles in March, April and May.

In typical Johns' fashion, we don't know much about the title, but he has dropped a few hints in various interviews and panel appearances over the last month:

• He has said that every Green Lantern will be tested — and tested against one another.

• Johns has said that the main characters of this story will be Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner and John Stewart.  By the way it's nice to finally see John back in action.  He's been very much a second tier character for much of John's run.  

• Johns said that after Brightest Day ends, there will be a "huge fight" between Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner.  This only makes sense given Guy's mission he's currently on with Ganthet and Atrocitus.  While we don't know the true nature of that mission yet, many get the feeling that the Green Lanterns and the Guardians won't the like the end result of it.  

• GREEN LANTERN #63 and GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS #7 will serve as preludes to the crossover.  

We can't wait for the War to begin given Johns' track record with Green Lantern.  But more importantly, we can't wait for the broken Green Lantern rings that we hope DC Comics will give away with each copy.  Make it happen DC!


Source: DC Comics 

DARWYN COOKE’s variant to THE FLASH #7

Every comic fan loves Darwyn Cooke's beautiful and creative comic art.  His variant cover to The Flash #7 is no exception.  DC's The Source Blog just posted this image.  Enjoy!

NYCC 10 - Geoff Johns Announces Two DC Comics Movies Per Year!

Good news from NYCC. Apparently Geoff Johns has announced that we will be seeing two DC comic book movies per year from now on.

We knew that DC/WB were planning to ramp up their comic book movie output once The harry Potter franchise ended next year. But it looks like those plans include quite a few more movies than we figured.

Cinema Blend  reports that DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns expects two DC properties to hit theaters every year after the end of the Harry Potter franchise. The second most successful franchise of all time, the Harry Potter films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the box office since 2001 and each averages about $285 million. Naturally, the end of the series leaves a big whole in the pocket of the studio, and, apparently, they believe that their comic book rights are the perfect remedy.

We know we have the Superman reboot on the way, Batman 3 and of course Green Lantern and its potential sequels as well as a Flash movie. But so far nothing else has really been discussed, let alone confirmed. We already heard from Johns earlier when he reiterated that a Justice League movie wouldn't seem to be on the cards anytime soon.

Via: Comic Book Movies

Very Sexy Elena Satine to Play Mera (Aquaman's Wife) on SMALLVILLE

Apparently Geoff Johns has a thing for red-heads and particularly red-heads that swim.  Mera (Aquaman's wife) is everywhere in the DCU these days. She plays a major role in DC's flagship books, BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY. She has two action figures from DC Direct. The Queen of Atlantis also appeared on BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD. Now, Mera will appear on SMALLVILLE with her husband Aquaman.

Mera makes her live-action debut on “Smallville” in October, this from Michael Ausiello at Entertainment Weekly. Apparently, when Aquaman appears again, he’ll have already married his extra-dimensional sweetheart. Mera is being played by Elena Satine, a Russian-born actress known stateside for stints in “Melrose Place."

Source:  Newsarama

DC Comics/Entertainment Moving to West Coast

Holy Sh*t Batman!  DC Comics is moving to the West Coast... Some of it, at any rate. The publisher is moving a significant portion of its staff to Burbank, California (home of Warner Bros. Entertainment) while keeping its core comics publishing unit in New York.

From an announcement released this morning, DC will "relocate its business functions related to and supporting multi-media and digital content production." That is later clarified to encompass all of DC Entertainment's work in film, television, videogames, digital media, consumer products as well as administrative functions. The move is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

"These organizational changes reinforce the strengths of DC's greatest legacies – most importantly its people and its creative talent – and offer greater opportunity for maximum growth, success and efficiency in the future," said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment (DCE). "Our two offices will stretch and build their respective areas of focus, while prioritizing and aggressively striving to connect and cooperate more strongly than ever before between them and with their colleagues at Warner Bros." 

I know this is not a BIG surprise it has been rumored to happen since the formation of the DCE entity last year.   Diane Nelson, DCE Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee and DCE Executive VP of Sales, Marketing and Business Development John Rood are all based out West, so some shift to California seem likely.

I like this move and hope it boosters (gold) DC's entertainment arm.  We will hopefully continue to see more DC character movies, animation, video games and other entertainment projects in future. 

Lastly, the farther away any portion od DC can get from Dan Didio the better. 

What do you think?

Batman image courtesy of Jerahu

Cover to the Larfleeze CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Comic is Revealed

Move over Grinch, it's time to see How the Larfleeze Stole Christmas.

DC Comics announced that in December, Orange Lantern Larfleeze will get his very own Christmas special one shot comic book.   Larfleeze, who easily has gfest's vote as the best new character introduced in comic books recently has his hopes set on everything Christmas-related, including Santa Claus. And nothing, not even the heroes that populate the DCU are going to stand in his way.

The issue will be written by Green Lantern and Blackest Night mastermind Geoff Johns with art by Brett Booth and a sterling Gene Ha cover (seen above).

I also like that Larfleeze seems to have stolen the Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall.  Larfleeze wants a little lovin' for Christmas apparently. 

DC Direct Blackest Night: Series 3: Orange Lantern Larfleeze Action Figure

DC Releases huge BRIGHTEST DAY Cover Montage. Can You Spot the Hints?

In an effort to pump some life into an otherwise boring and incoherent story DC unveiled this beautiful BRIGHTEST DAY cover montage featuring all the key players in this "saga."  The covers fit together into this massive piece of art that teases what may come out of this story.  Click the image above to see it in all it's glory.

I could care less about the events that may or may not unfold in this series since to date it has been painfully underwhelming, but the art of this HUGE cover montage is wonderful.  This colossal spread features figures by the very talented Ryan Sook, with additional artistry from Fernando Pasarin and Joel Gomez (and a guiding hand from Co-Publisher Jim Lee, natch)

DC's the Source teases, "what does it all mean? Too early to tell, but all the more reason to spend a few more minutes enlarging the image below."  Do you care?

GREEN LANTERN #59: Includes Exclusive Reveal for GREEN LANTERN Film

As if anyone needs reason to buy Geoff John's GREEN LANTERN comic book.  The comic itself is one of the best books on the market and has been since he took over and begin piecing together his story (HAL JORDAN SECRET ORIGIN, SINESTRO CORP. WAR, BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY). 

Now you have another reason to pick up the  comic book.  GREEN LANTERN #59 will include an exclusive first look at a member of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS from the 2011 live action GREEN LANTERN film.

I wonder if each monthly issue of GREEN LANTERN will feature an exclusive reveal as we move closer to Summer 2011.  Who do you think will be the first character revealed in October in GREEN LANTERN #59?

FIRST LOOK: BRIGHTEST DAY #7 - Why "the 12" Came Back

Geoff Johns promised that the answer to why "the 12" were resurrected at the end of BLACKEST NIGHT would be revealed in BRIGHTEST DAY #7.  This series, thus far, has been a disappointment for me.  I was hoping for a weekly series on par with 52, but unfortunately it has not lived up that standard.  I am not giving up on this series because Johns and Tomasi are two of the best writers in comics.  Let's hope the "big reveal" on Wednesday gives this story the boost it needs to keep all our interests.  Enjoy the preview of BRIGHTEST DAY #7 below.

Geoff Johns' Brightest Day Teases from Comic Con

Taking San Diego and Comic Con by storm, Geoff Johns has droped several interesting clues about the upcomming events of Brightest Day.  Here are the best:

Johns is hinting there may be a connection between Blackest Night and the Lazarus pits.  You'll also see an appearance by Batman in Brightest Day. 

Like he's planning a Larfleeze Christmas special, Johns says there will be a Dex-Starr Valentine's Day special that will see the long awaited Dex-Starr/Krypto fight.

Ivan Ries is going to draw another Green Lantern Secret Origins, and it will feature Sinestro.

The question Hal was supposed to ask Sinestro in Rage of the Red Lanterns will finally get asked sometime this year.

The Indigo Tribe will show up in Green Lantern #59 and we'll learn more about them and see Black Hand.

There will be consequences for Mogo and all those Black Lanterns buried inside him.

A series is planned to follow up on "Blackest Night" and "Brightest Day" which Johns already has a name for, although he didn't reveal it.

When the White Ring creates a construct it's there forever.

There will be a White Lantern oath revealed in Brightest Day.

Carol Ferris has a pretty major change in Green Lantern #57.

DC Comics: BRIGHTEST DAY Secrets Revealed in Teaser Poster

In preparation for San Diego Comic Con, DC Released this BRIGHTEST DAY Teaser Poster by Ivan Reis   What do you think DC is trying to tell us?

Dan Didio Needs to Keep His Word and Fire Himself

In January of this year, recently demoted co-publisher of DC Comics Dan Didio took over as writer of The Outsiders series, a team of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League of America. But with half a year behind us, it's hard to categorize his efforts as anything but a failure. Just look at the numbers:


In March 2009, The Outsiders had monthly sales of roughly 28,000 copies, which was a typical sales figure for the title.

In the wake of Batman's apparent death in Final Crisis, a new team of Outsiders was created, and the title was "relaunched" to great success. Sales for the November release jumped to roughly 51,000.

Fast forward to June 2010, and Dan Didio's version of the book saw sales of a mere 18,000 copies.

So Didio not only lost every single one of the new readers who jumped on board for the post Final Crisis reboot, he's almost lost half of the traditional fan base as well, who you used to able to count on to pick up the title month in and month out.

When Didio was doing his press tour in November regarding his taking over of The Outsiders title he said "If I felt that the book was not achieving, I would not be on that book. As simple as that. I'd cancel myself."

Since it seems that once again, Dan Didio has lied to the loyal fans of the DC Universe. The only question left is will it be Jim Lee or Geoff Johns who has to go in and tell him he's fired.

2010 Harvey Awards Nominees Announced

BALTIMORE, MD (July 11, 2010) -- The Harvey Awards Nominees have been announced with the release of the final ballot, presented by the Executive Committees of the Harvey Awards and the Baltimore Comic-Con.  Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry's most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art. They will be presented August 28, 2010 in Baltimore, MD, in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators - those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field.  They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.  Thank you to all that have already participated by submitting a nomination ballot.

BEST WRITER

  Jason Aaron, "SCALPED", Vertigo/DC Comics
  Geoff Johns, "BLACKEST NIGHT", DC Comics
  Robert Kirkman, "THE WALKING DEAD", Image Comics
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Mark Waid, "IRREDEEMABLE", BOOM! Studios

BEST ARTIST

  Robert Crumb, "BOOK OF GENESIS", W.W. Norton
  Guy Davis, "BPRD: BLACK GODDESS", Dark Horse Comics
  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  David Petersen, "MOUSE GUARD : WINTER 1152", Archaia Studios Press
  Frank Quitely, "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  JH Williams III, "DETECTIVE COMICS", DC Comics

BEST CARTOONIST

  Darwyn Cooke, "RICHARD STARK'S PARKER: THE HUNTER", IDW
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Roger Langridge, "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Seth, "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", Drawn and Quarterly

BEST LETTERER

  Chris Eliopoulos, "FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SON OF A GENIUS" stories, Marvel Comics
  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  Thomas Mauer, "RAPTURE", Dark Horse Comics
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Richard Starkings, "ELEPHANTMEN", Image Comics

BEST  INKER

  Oclair Albert, "BLACKEST NIGHT", DC Comics
  Steve Ellis, "HIGH MOON",  Zuda/DC Comics
  Klaus Janson, "AMAZING SPIDER-MAN", Marvel Comics
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Mark Morales, "THOR", Marvel Comics

BEST COLORIST

  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  Steve Hamaker, "BONE: CROWN OF HORNS", Graphix
  Laura Martin, "THE ROCKETEER: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", IDW
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Dave Stewart, "BPRD: BLACK GODDESS", Dark Horse Comics

BEST COVER ARTIST

  Jenny Frison, "THE DREAMER", IDW
  Mike Mignola, "HELLBOY: THE BRIDE OF HELL", Dark Horse Comics
  Michael Avon Oeming, "MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY, PART I", Image Comics
  Frank Quitely, "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  JH Williams III, "DETECTIVE COMICS", DC Comics

BEST NEW TALENT

  Kevin Cannon, "FAR ARDEN", Top Shelf
  Rob Guillory, "CHEW", Image Comics
  Reinhard Kleist,"JOHNNY CASH: I SEE A DARKNESS", Abrams ComicArts
  Nathan Schreiber, "ACT-I-VATE: POWER OUT", http://act-i-vate.com
  Matthew Weldon, "NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY", Image Comics

BEST NEW SERIES

  "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  "CHEW", Image Comics
  "IRREDEEMABLE", BOOM! Studios
  "SWEET TOOTH", Vertigo/DC Comics
  "UNWRITTEN", Vertigo/DC Comics

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES

  "BEASTS OF BURDEN", Dark Horse Comics
  "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID", Amulet Books
  "GANGES",  Fantagraphics Books
  "INVINCIBLE", Image Comics
  "SCALPED", Vertigo/DC Comics
  "THE WALKING DEAD", Image Comics

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC PUBLICATION FOR YOUNGER READERS
  "AMULET: STOREKEEPER'S CURSE", Graphix
  "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  "GROWN-UPS ARE DUMB", Hyperion Books
  "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  "NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY", Image Comics
  "3-2-3 DETECTIVE AGENCY", Amulet Books

BEST ANTHOLOGY

  "ACT-I-VATE", http://act-i-vate.com
  "FLIGHT # 6", Villard
  "POPGUN # 3", Image Comics
  "STRANGE TALES", Marvel Comics
  "WEDNESDAY COMICS", DC Comics

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC ALBUM

  "ASTERIOS POLYP", by David Mazucchelli, Pantheon
  "BOOK OF GENESIS", by Robert Crumb, W.W. Norton
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "FOOTNOTES IN GAZA", by Joe Sacco, Metropolitan Books
  "STITCHES", by David Small, W.W. Norton
  "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", by Brian Fies, Abrams ComicArts

BEST PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED GRAPHIC ALBUM

  "A.D.: NEW ORLEANS AFTER THE DELUGE", by Josh Neufeld, Pantheon
  "COLLECTED ESSEX COUNTY", by Jeff Lemire, Top Shelf
  "GRAVESLINGER", by Shannon Denton, Jeff Mariotte, John Cboins & Nina Sorat, IDW
  "MASTERPIECE COMICS", by R. Sikoryak, Drawn and Quarterly
  "MICE TEMPLAR VOLUME 1", by Bryan J.L. Glass and Michael Avon Oeming, Image Comics

BEST SYNDICATED STRIP OR PANEL

  "CUL-DE-SAC", by Richard Thompson, Universal Press Syndicate
  "FOXTROT", by Bill Amend, Universal Press Syndicate
  "GET FUZZY", by Darby Conley, United Feature Syndicate
  "MUTTS", by Patrick McDonnell, King Features Syndicate
  "PEARLS BEFORE SWINE", by Stephan Pastis, United Feature Syndicate

BEST DOMESTIC REPRINT PROJECT

  "THE BEST OF SIMON AND KIRBY", by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; edited by Steve Saffel, Titan Books
  "HUMBUG", conceived and edited by Harvey Kurtzman and created by Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Davis, Will Elder, Al Jaffee and Arnold Roth; edited by Gary Groth, Fantagraphics Books
  "RIP KIRBY", by Alex Raymond;  edited by Dean Mullaney, IDW
  "THE ROCKETEER:  THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", by Dave Stevens; edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
  "THE TOON TREASURY OF CLASSIC CHILDREN'S COMICS", edited by Art Spiegelman and Francoise Mouly, Abrams ComicsArt

BEST AMERICAN EDITION OF FOREIGN MATERIAL
   "THE ART OF OSAMU TEZUKA: GOD OF MANGA", by Helen McCarthy, Abrams ComicArts
  "MANGA KAMISHIBAI", by Eric P. Nash, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE PHOTOGRAPHER", by Emmanuel Guibert, Didier LeFevre and Frederic Lemercier, First Second
  "PLUTO: URASAWA X TEZUKA", by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, Viz Media
  "20TH CENTURY BOYS", by Naoki Urasawa, Viz Media

BEST ON-LINE COMICS WORK

  "HARK! A VAGRANT", by Kate Beaton, http://harkavagrant.com
  "HIGH MOON", by Steve Ellis, David Gallaher and Scott O. Brown, http://www.zudacomics.com/high_moon
  "POWER OUT", by  Nathan Schreiber, http://act-i-vate.com
  "PVP", by Scott Kurtz, http://www.pvponline.com
  "SIN TITULO", by Cameron Stewart, http://www.sintitulocomic.com

SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS

  Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, "BEASTS OF BURDEN", Dark Horse Books
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Roger Landridge, "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  Bryan Lee O'Malley, "SCOTT PILGRIM #5", Oni Press
  Andrew Pepoy, "THE ADVENTURES OF SIMONE & AJAX: A CHRISTMAS CAPER", ComicMix

SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION

  "ART OF HARVEY KURTZMAN: THE MAD GENIUS OF COMICS", by Denis Kitchen and Paul Buhle, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE BRINKLEY GIRLS: THE BEST OF NELL BRINKLEY'S CARTOONS FROM 1913-1940", edited by Trina Robbins, Fantagraphics Books
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "THE ROCKETEER: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", by Dave Stevens, edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
  "SECRET IDENTITY: THE FETISH ART OF SUPERMAN'S CO-CREATOR JOE SHUSTER", edited by Craig Yoe, Abrams ComicArts
  "WEDNESDAY COMICS", edited by Mark Chiarello, DC Comics

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL OR JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION

  "ALTER-EGO", edited by Roy Thomas, TwoMorrows
  "ART OF HARVEY KURTZMAN: THE MAD GENIUS OF COMICS", by Denis Kitchen and Paul Buhle, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE BEST OF SIMON AND KIRBY", by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; edited by Steve Saffel, Titan Books
  "THE COMICS JOURNAL", edited by Gary Groth, Michael Dean and Kristy Valenti, Fantagraphics Books
  "UNDERGROUND CLASSICS", by James Danky and Denis Kitchen, Abrams ComicArts

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY

  "ALEC: THE YEARS HAVE PANTS", by Eddie Campbell, Top Shelf
  "ASTERIOS POLYP", by David Mazucchelli, Pantheon
  "GANGES #3", by Kevin Huizenga, Fantagraphics Books
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "JONAH HEX #50", written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, artwork by Darwyn Cooke, DC Comics
  "RICHARD STARK'S PARKER: THE HUNTER", by Darwyn Cooke, IDW
  "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", by Brian Fies, Abrams ComicArts

Congratulations to all of the nominees!  If you know a nominee, please pass on the good news!
 

The Harvey committee and the Baltimore Comic-Con will make every effort to contact all nominees.  If you are a nominee and do not hear from us by July 23, please contact us at baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.  We would love to discuss your involvement in the ceremony and the Baltimore Comic-Con.
 

For additional information about Harvey Kurtzman and the Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org.

For additional information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
 

For additional information about the Harvey Awards Master of Ceremonies Scott Kurtz, visit
www.pvponline.com.

DC Comics Announces Comic Con Panels

DC Entertainment has announced its complete schedule for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con.  There’s a lot to take in but well worth it.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

10:15-11:15 DC Writers
With Winick, O’Neill, JMS, Simone; hosted by James Robinson. Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 DC NATION Convention Kickoff!

The DC NATION invades San Diego — and you’re invited along for the ride! Come celebrate the start of what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience! Your hosts, DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee, get the party started here! The NATION welcomes all. Room 6DE

12:30-1:30 Batman: The Widening Gyre
As Bat-fans know, Batman: The Widening Gyre revealed a previously untold period in Batman’s life. Join DC Group Editor Michael Marts, series artist Walt Flanagan (Batman: The Widening Gyre) and inker Art Thibert (Batman: The Widening Gyre) as they reveal secrets behind the highly anticipated conclusion. Room 4

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns’ storytelling and creativity fueled event blockblusters Blackest Night, the new Brightest Day and the character rebirths of Green Lantern and The Flash. As the new Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, you can expect Geoff to deliver even more thrills and excitement as his focus shifts to bringing the DCU to life outside of the comics starting with the Green Lantern film and many other surprises! Don’t miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, Group Editor, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in comics. Room 6DE

FRIDAY, JULY 23

12:30-1:30 DC Focus: Grant Morrison
The mastermind behind best-selling hits such as Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, Joe the Barbarian, Final Crisis, Arkham Asylum, All-Star Superman and many more invite you to this rare sit-down. You won’t want to miss this candid chat about projects past, present and future, with glimpses into what goes on in the mind of Grant Morrison as he crafts some of the world’s most thought-provoking comics! Hosted by Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler. Room 6DE

1:45-2:45 Batman: The Return
As the Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne rages on, follow the Bat-Signal to this panel and uncover clues about the future of the Dark Knight from some of the A-list talent behind the publishing line. If you think you know where this story’s headed – THINK AGAIN! Hear it here from Group Editor Mike Marts, David Finch (Batman), Grant Morrison (Batman & Robin), Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham) and others! Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 Superman: Man of Tomorrow
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s The Man of Steel - and he’s back on Earth and primed to take 2010 by storm! Don’t miss members of the exciting new Superman creative teams as they discuss their plans for Superman, Lex Luthor, Superboy, Supergirl and more led by DC Group Editor Matt Idelson with Paul Cornell (Action Comics), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Jeff Lemire (Superboy), J. Michael Strazcynski (Superman: Earth One, Superman) and more! Room 6DE

4:15-5:15 DC NATION Special Edition
It’s the DC Nation State of the Union address as DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee join forces to give fans all the info they can handle! With those two leading the NATION, expect the unexpected! The NATION welcomes all! Room 6DE

6:30-7:30 Artist’s Choice: Drawing Batman
Superstar Batman artists share the secrets of drawing the Dark Knight with a special projector designed so you can see their every stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely blow your mind! Room 30CDE

SATURDAY, JULY 24

12:30-1:45 DC Universe: Event Horizon
Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor, and your favorite writers and artists are here for the main event: The DC Universe! What lies ahead for your favorite heroes and series? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There’s no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Green Lantern: Emerald Empire
No evil shall escape this panel’s sight as the top creative teams on the Green Lantern books drop hints on upcoming stories and take on your questions! Led by Group Editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, The Flash), Tony Bedard (Green Lantern Corps), Joe Prado (Brightest Day) and Ivan Reis (Brightest Day). Room 6A

SUNDAY, JULY 25

11:00-12:00 DC Kids: Aww Yeah!
Don’t miss your chance to chat with Mike Norton, Art Baltazar and Franco, the creative team behind Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam and the best kid-friendly comic on the market, Tiny Titans! DC Co-Publisher Dan DiDio hosts what is sure to be entertaining discussion for the whole family! Room 4

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Premiere Teams
DC Comics knows a thing or two about teams. From the company that brought you the first team in comics’ history (Justice Society of America) don’t miss this panel on the DCU’s top teams roaming Earth (JLA, JSA, Secret Six, Titans), the farthest reaches of space (R.E.B.E.L.S.) and even across time (Legion of Super-Heroes)! Senior Group Editor Mike Carlin is joined by Tony Bedard (R.E.B.E.L.S.), Marc Guggenheim (Flash), JT Krul (Teen Titans), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Matthew Sturges (JSA All-Stars) and others for this collaborative panel! Room 6A

3:00-4:00 DC Town Hall Meeting
All are welcome to join DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio & Jim Lee for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts on what you love about comics now and what you hope to see in the future! Room25ABC

via The Source

Brightest Day #5 Variant Cover & Preview

Another issue of Brightest Day hits the shelves tomorrow.  Below you will find a preview of the issue.  I have to be honest anything that includes the Hawks and Aquaman bores the living daylights out me so I am less than thrilled with a Hawk & Aquaman focused story. I guess that is why I am less than thrilled with this story as a whole.

Synopsis:  The mysteries deepen! What secret is Mera hiding? Where have Hawkman and Hawkgirl disappeared to? And what annoys Hawk the most about Deadman? Find out in this issue as we march closer towards the turning point of issue #7 as Hawk and Dove join the mission to uncover the truth behind their returns and what it means to the rest of the DCU! Here are a few pages from Brightest Day #5, all courtesy of the stellar team of Johns, Tomasi and the comic industry’s greatest artists.

Brightest Day #5 hits tomorrow.  Source DC Universe The Source