This report is edited from the coverage provided by Comic Book Resources.
As he did at WizardWorld Philadelphia, DC VP – Editorial, Dan DiDio, presided over the “Crisis Counseling” panel, where he answered questions and dropped hints about the lead-up to this fall’s Infinite Crisis. Also on the panel were writers Greg Rucka (The OMAC Project) and Geoff Johns (Infinite Crisis), editor Steve Wacker (Rann/Thanagar War) and Vice President of DC Marketing Bob Wayne.
There was very little news revealed here, but here are a few highlights:
“Sacrifice”: Rucka said that the 4-part "Sacrifice" running in this month’s Superman titles and Wonder Woman, is essential to understanding the next issue of The OMAC Project (#4). He then seemed to contradict himself by saying that it wasn’t the intention to make "Sacrifice" essential reading for The OMAC Project , and that the minis were constructed to stand alone. Huh?
Why the Infinite Crisis?: DidDio said that DC wanted to do something to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Rucka clarified that another purpose was to define what it means to be a hero. “If it’s easy,” he said, “it’s not heroism.”
“One Year Later”: DiDio said a unifying effect hits the DC Universe in issue #5 of Infinite Crisis (February 2006). In March, issue #6 and all DCU titles will jump ahead one year in their storylines. Characters and settings will be drastically different, but there will be no immediate explanations. DC President Paul Levitz only approved the “One Year Later” concept if two years worth of stories could be told from it, with ideas that would take them through 2008. Unlike Crisis on Infinite Earths, everyone will remember the events of Infinite Crisis.
Seven Soldiers: DiDio confirmed that Grant Morrisons’s Seven Soldiers project fits into the overall DCU plan, but would not elaborate on how.
Keith Giffen: Rucka retold the story he talked about the Batman panel, regarding Giffen’s approval with what he did with his Justice League characters, specifically, Max Lord killing Blue Beetle. DiDio added that Giffen is working on several DCU projects including one related to Infinite Crisis.
No restarted #1 issues: DiDio assured fans that they will not re-start series at #1, noting that titles such as Batman, Detective Comics and Action Comics deserve their high numbers.
Countdown: Everyone who dismissed Blue Beetle in Countdown regrets not helping him, notably J’onn J’onnz, who was said to be under a lot of stress at the time.
Suicide Squad: Everyone at DC is fan of John Ostrander’s run on the Suicide Squad, but they will not be reviving the title for awhile, as they are in the midst of revamping their villains and want them to remain bad guys for awhile.
Batman: Nobody in the panel would answer when asked if the events of "War Games" and "OMAC" would cause Batman to doubt himself. Similarly, no one would answer anything about the relationship between Batman and Nightwing, as any answer would give too much away. There are still problems between Batman and Hal Jordan. Batman appears in Green Lantern #10.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
SDCC: DC Day 2 – The New Teen Titans 25th Anniversary
This report is edited from the coverage provided by Newsarama. At that link you will find a lot more anecdotes about the cartoon and the Wolfman/Perez series and is a highly recommended read.
Attending the panel was New Teen Titans writer/co-creator Marv Wolman and his editor Barb Kesel, Silver Age Titans artist Nick Cardy, current Teen Titans writer Geoff Johns, and producer on the Teen Titans cartoon, Glen Murakami. Kesel hosted the panel, and began by asking each panelist to tell a Titans anecdote and to name their favorite Titans. Both Johns and Murakami also cited the influence of Wolfman/Perez.
Some highlights:
Donna Troy: Wolfman wrote the first origin of Donna Troy in 1971, well before he started on the New Teen Titans in 1980. He wrote at least two more origin stories for her since then. Donna plays a prominent role in the upcoming Infinite Crisis, but Johns would not reveal whether she would serve with the Outsiders or the Titans upon her return.
Omen: Like Donna, Lilith was also “killed” during Graduation Day, but she will be back in Teen Titans #26, on sale next week.
Future comic plans: Johns, as usual revealed very little about what’s coming up saying only that there will be a membership change following Infinite Crisis; before that there will be appearances by the Red Hood (#29), Nightwing (#31-32) and the Doom Patrol. The Titans East will also appear, though it was not clear if he meant in the current Titans book, or in their own title.
Games: the long-awaited New Teen Titans graphic novel, started and shelved by Wolfman and Perez years ago, was announced last year that it will be completed and published. Wolfman could not say, however when it will be finished. He said it is the best Titans Perez has ever drawn.
Toon Robin: As expected, Murakami would not answer who is under Robin’s mask, though Wolfman reminded him it had to be Dick Grayson because they showed him as Nightwing in the future.
Toon guest stars: Batman will not appear on the series, nor will Wonder Girl. The Doom Patrol and Kid Flash, however, will appear, among other guest stars.For more guest stars from the comics, check the pic below:
Attending the panel was New Teen Titans writer/co-creator Marv Wolman and his editor Barb Kesel, Silver Age Titans artist Nick Cardy, current Teen Titans writer Geoff Johns, and producer on the Teen Titans cartoon, Glen Murakami. Kesel hosted the panel, and began by asking each panelist to tell a Titans anecdote and to name their favorite Titans. Both Johns and Murakami also cited the influence of Wolfman/Perez.
Some highlights:
Donna Troy: Wolfman wrote the first origin of Donna Troy in 1971, well before he started on the New Teen Titans in 1980. He wrote at least two more origin stories for her since then. Donna plays a prominent role in the upcoming Infinite Crisis, but Johns would not reveal whether she would serve with the Outsiders or the Titans upon her return.
Omen: Like Donna, Lilith was also “killed” during Graduation Day, but she will be back in Teen Titans #26, on sale next week.
Future comic plans: Johns, as usual revealed very little about what’s coming up saying only that there will be a membership change following Infinite Crisis; before that there will be appearances by the Red Hood (#29), Nightwing (#31-32) and the Doom Patrol. The Titans East will also appear, though it was not clear if he meant in the current Titans book, or in their own title.
Games: the long-awaited New Teen Titans graphic novel, started and shelved by Wolfman and Perez years ago, was announced last year that it will be completed and published. Wolfman could not say, however when it will be finished. He said it is the best Titans Perez has ever drawn.
Toon Robin: As expected, Murakami would not answer who is under Robin’s mask, though Wolfman reminded him it had to be Dick Grayson because they showed him as Nightwing in the future.
Toon guest stars: Batman will not appear on the series, nor will Wonder Girl. The Doom Patrol and Kid Flash, however, will appear, among other guest stars.For more guest stars from the comics, check the pic below:
SDCC: DC Day 2 – The Batman, Plus!
Following the JLU panel was a panel dedicated to the new animated series The Batman, which included discussion of a another superhero.
This information is compiled from the report on Comics Continuum and supplemented with info from the Toon Zone forums.
Here are some highlights
Superman direct-to-video movie: The biggest piece of news at the panel was the announcement of an animated Superman direct-to-video feature. Although it will be produced by the same team that works on The Batman, the movie will primarily feature the Timm designs from Superman: The Animated Series, though not a direct sequel. Some of that series voice cast will also return. It is a stand-alone movie meant as a companion piece to next summer’s movie. It will be released in the Spring, ahead of the movie. The story resembles the Seven Labors of Hercules, and involves him having to rescue someone important to him.
Batman vs. Dracula: the first act of the direct-to- video movie based on the new animated series was shown, featuring the Batman fighting the Joker and the Penguin, and the resurrection of Dracula in Gotham. The video is scheduled for release around Halloween.
Next season: The new season of The Batman will have a new theme song and include Commissioner Gordon (who shows up in this season’s finale) and Batgirl, and villains Poison Ivy, Maxie Zeus, Gearhead and Hugo Strange. Harley Quinn will not be appearing. Hush may appear at some point. Batman will also have a more powerful Batmobile.
This information is compiled from the report on Comics Continuum and supplemented with info from the Toon Zone forums.
Here are some highlights
Superman direct-to-video movie: The biggest piece of news at the panel was the announcement of an animated Superman direct-to-video feature. Although it will be produced by the same team that works on The Batman, the movie will primarily feature the Timm designs from Superman: The Animated Series, though not a direct sequel. Some of that series voice cast will also return. It is a stand-alone movie meant as a companion piece to next summer’s movie. It will be released in the Spring, ahead of the movie. The story resembles the Seven Labors of Hercules, and involves him having to rescue someone important to him.
Batman vs. Dracula: the first act of the direct-to- video movie based on the new animated series was shown, featuring the Batman fighting the Joker and the Penguin, and the resurrection of Dracula in Gotham. The video is scheduled for release around Halloween.
Next season: The new season of The Batman will have a new theme song and include Commissioner Gordon (who shows up in this season’s finale) and Batgirl, and villains Poison Ivy, Maxie Zeus, Gearhead and Hugo Strange. Harley Quinn will not be appearing. Hush may appear at some point. Batman will also have a more powerful Batmobile.
SDCC: DC Day 2 – Justice League Unlimited
This report is based on what appears on Comics Continuum and in the forums of Toon Zone.
The Justice League Unlimited panel consisted of Bruce Timm, Dwayne McDuffie, James Tucker, Shaun McLaughlin, and story editor Matt Wayne. The presentation included a widescreen showing of the next-to-last episode of this season, “Divided We Fall,” which airs on Cartoon Network tonight.
Then a clip of the opening moments of next season was shown…..
It starts with Luthor escaping prison with help from Gorilla Grodd, who then reveals to him…. The Legion of Doom!
Legion of Doom: the clip reveals at least two dozen villains, both new to the show and already established. Timm noted that just as the Justice League expanded their ranks, the villains decided to do the same thing.
Season structure: Like Cadmus this season, the Legion will be part of the overall season arc. Some episodes will focus on them, others will just touch on them. And there will be unrelated stand-alone episodes.
Guest-stars: Look for members of the Outsiders, Warlord, Deadman and the Legion of Superheroes.
Shayera/John Stewart/Vixen relationship: The producers are complicating the love triangle even further by adding a young archaeologist named Carter Hall to the mix.
Hero spotlights: One episode will focus on the Seven Soldiers of Victory; another on Stargirl.
“Epilogue”: the story that was used for this season’s finale was once considered for a Batman Beyond direct-to-video movie involving Catwoman.
Bat-embargo: Still in effect, the show can’t use any characters from the Batman universe (due to the movies and new, unrelated cartoon), including villains and supporting cast. This likely means that classic Legion of Doom members the Scarecrow and the Riddler will not be on the new team. Apparently there is not yet a Superman embargo, since Luthor will be part of the new season.
DVD: No news on DVD release plans. There was talk of a direct-to video JLU movie, but nothing is happening with that right now.
Season premiere: Nothing was mentioned about when the new season will begin airing. There are no completed episodes available yet.
The Justice League Unlimited panel consisted of Bruce Timm, Dwayne McDuffie, James Tucker, Shaun McLaughlin, and story editor Matt Wayne. The presentation included a widescreen showing of the next-to-last episode of this season, “Divided We Fall,” which airs on Cartoon Network tonight.
Then a clip of the opening moments of next season was shown…..
It starts with Luthor escaping prison with help from Gorilla Grodd, who then reveals to him…. The Legion of Doom!
Legion of Doom: the clip reveals at least two dozen villains, both new to the show and already established. Timm noted that just as the Justice League expanded their ranks, the villains decided to do the same thing.
Season structure: Like Cadmus this season, the Legion will be part of the overall season arc. Some episodes will focus on them, others will just touch on them. And there will be unrelated stand-alone episodes.
Guest-stars: Look for members of the Outsiders, Warlord, Deadman and the Legion of Superheroes.
Shayera/John Stewart/Vixen relationship: The producers are complicating the love triangle even further by adding a young archaeologist named Carter Hall to the mix.
Hero spotlights: One episode will focus on the Seven Soldiers of Victory; another on Stargirl.
“Epilogue”: the story that was used for this season’s finale was once considered for a Batman Beyond direct-to-video movie involving Catwoman.
Bat-embargo: Still in effect, the show can’t use any characters from the Batman universe (due to the movies and new, unrelated cartoon), including villains and supporting cast. This likely means that classic Legion of Doom members the Scarecrow and the Riddler will not be on the new team. Apparently there is not yet a Superman embargo, since Luthor will be part of the new season.
DVD: No news on DVD release plans. There was talk of a direct-to video JLU movie, but nothing is happening with that right now.
Season premiere: Nothing was mentioned about when the new season will begin airing. There are no completed episodes available yet.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Alex Ross on "Justice"
While waiting for some more news from San Diego Comic-Con, check this out.
Superstar comics painter Alex Ross, known for his photo-realistic superhero artwork (Kingdom Come, Marvels) is launching a new ongoing, bi-monthly Justice League series in August called Justice.
Plotted and painted by Ross, the series is written by Jim Krueger and pencilled by Dougie Braithwaite. Ross talked about the out-of-continuity series, inspired by the Challenge of the Superfriends (JLA vs. the Legion of Doom) cartoon from the 70s, to Newsarama in a series of interviews, then shared some of his concept drawings for the villians.
Alex Ross Justice interview Part 1
Alex Ross Justice interview Part 2
Legion of Doom concept art
Superstar comics painter Alex Ross, known for his photo-realistic superhero artwork (Kingdom Come, Marvels) is launching a new ongoing, bi-monthly Justice League series in August called Justice.
Plotted and painted by Ross, the series is written by Jim Krueger and pencilled by Dougie Braithwaite. Ross talked about the out-of-continuity series, inspired by the Challenge of the Superfriends (JLA vs. the Legion of Doom) cartoon from the 70s, to Newsarama in a series of interviews, then shared some of his concept drawings for the villians.
Alex Ross Justice interview Part 1
Alex Ross Justice interview Part 2
Legion of Doom concept art
San Diego Comic-Con: DC Day 1 – Batman
This post is edited from the coverage that appears on Comic Book Resources, The Pulse and Comics Continuum.
For more quotes, including how Lee likes working on All Star Batman and Robin with Frank Miller and what Rucka thinks of Batman Begins, check the links above.
Not a whole lot happened at the San Diego Batman panel, and most of the session was Q&A. Panelists included Bob Schreck (Editor), Bill Willingham (writer, Robin, Fables), Greg Rucka (writer, Gotham Central, The OMAC Project), Joey Cavileri (Editor), and a late-coming Jim Lee (All-Star Batman & Robin).
Some news and quotes:
Gotham Central: Greg Rucka announced that issue #37 is a stand-alone issue with his Whiteout collaborator Steve Lieber, an Infinite Crisis tie-in featuring Captain Marvel. Rucka has the book planned out through issue 40.
Jason Todd: No comment. Writer Judd Winick, who has returned Jason Todd in Batman, was not present at the panel and no one else wanted to touch that controversial subject.
War Crimes: One of the goals of this follow-up to War Games is to get past the grim n’ gritty Batman, and develop him into someone beyond that. The Joker appears in the story and has a defining “Joker-esque” moment, according to Willingham.
Batman/Fables crossover: Willingham said he has an idea for a Bigbie Wolf/Batman story but doesn’t know what to do with it because of Infinite Crisis.
“One Year Later”: No one thinks any comics will get new Number #1 issues as a result of Infinite Crisis, much to the audience’s relief.
Batman’s successor: Rucka said, “Bruce Wayne will be Batman until the day he dies. But if it had to be anyone else, then it's Tim Drake. After Identity Crisis, it's a no-brainer.”
The OMAC Project: When Rucka was asked if he was not a fan of Keith Giffen and his era of the Justice League (Max Lord was revealed to be an evil mastermind, and killed Blue Beetle in Countdown to Infinite Crisis, which is followed up in The OMAC Project), he said he was afraid that not only fans but Giffen himself would think that. Giffen heard this and called ruvka to assure him he wasn’t offended and said that Max would do that, and “KILL ‘EM ALL!” Of issue, #6, Rucka says: “Batman goes to great lengths to address errors in judgment he may have made" Sasha will be around after the min-series, though she will have gone through some “life changes.”A new Checkmate series may spin out of The OMAC Project.
All-Star Batman and Robin: the non-continuity, iconic version being presented in this more accessible title, allows for a little more freedom in the regular titles. Jim Lee claims to have just finished drawing issue 5.
Future plans: Rucka loves Harvey Dent and he should be appearing in a project he’s working on. He also has an idea for a project called "Gotham Plus 20", which involves Batman looking for a successor after he has a stroke.
Upcoming projects: a Legends of the Dark Knight 3-issue arc by Will Pfeiffer and Chris Weston, and a double-sized issue written by Eddie Campbell (From Hell) and drawn by Bart Sears. Also announced was Batman: Year 100, a prestige format 4-issue mini-series starting in early 2006 written and drawn by Paul Pope.
For more quotes, including how Lee likes working on All Star Batman and Robin with Frank Miller and what Rucka thinks of Batman Begins, check the links above.
Not a whole lot happened at the San Diego Batman panel, and most of the session was Q&A. Panelists included Bob Schreck (Editor), Bill Willingham (writer, Robin, Fables), Greg Rucka (writer, Gotham Central, The OMAC Project), Joey Cavileri (Editor), and a late-coming Jim Lee (All-Star Batman & Robin).
Some news and quotes:
Gotham Central: Greg Rucka announced that issue #37 is a stand-alone issue with his Whiteout collaborator Steve Lieber, an Infinite Crisis tie-in featuring Captain Marvel. Rucka has the book planned out through issue 40.
Jason Todd: No comment. Writer Judd Winick, who has returned Jason Todd in Batman, was not present at the panel and no one else wanted to touch that controversial subject.
War Crimes: One of the goals of this follow-up to War Games is to get past the grim n’ gritty Batman, and develop him into someone beyond that. The Joker appears in the story and has a defining “Joker-esque” moment, according to Willingham.
Batman/Fables crossover: Willingham said he has an idea for a Bigbie Wolf/Batman story but doesn’t know what to do with it because of Infinite Crisis.
“One Year Later”: No one thinks any comics will get new Number #1 issues as a result of Infinite Crisis, much to the audience’s relief.
Batman’s successor: Rucka said, “Bruce Wayne will be Batman until the day he dies. But if it had to be anyone else, then it's Tim Drake. After Identity Crisis, it's a no-brainer.”
The OMAC Project: When Rucka was asked if he was not a fan of Keith Giffen and his era of the Justice League (Max Lord was revealed to be an evil mastermind, and killed Blue Beetle in Countdown to Infinite Crisis, which is followed up in The OMAC Project), he said he was afraid that not only fans but Giffen himself would think that. Giffen heard this and called ruvka to assure him he wasn’t offended and said that Max would do that, and “KILL ‘EM ALL!” Of issue, #6, Rucka says: “Batman goes to great lengths to address errors in judgment he may have made" Sasha will be around after the min-series, though she will have gone through some “life changes.”A new Checkmate series may spin out of The OMAC Project.
All-Star Batman and Robin: the non-continuity, iconic version being presented in this more accessible title, allows for a little more freedom in the regular titles. Jim Lee claims to have just finished drawing issue 5.
Future plans: Rucka loves Harvey Dent and he should be appearing in a project he’s working on. He also has an idea for a project called "Gotham Plus 20", which involves Batman looking for a successor after he has a stroke.
Upcoming projects: a Legends of the Dark Knight 3-issue arc by Will Pfeiffer and Chris Weston, and a double-sized issue written by Eddie Campbell (From Hell) and drawn by Bart Sears. Also announced was Batman: Year 100, a prestige format 4-issue mini-series starting in early 2006 written and drawn by Paul Pope.
San Diego Comic-Con: DC Day 1 – Green Lantern
This post is edited from the story that appears on Newsarama.
Hal Jordan returned as Green Lantern in the recent mini-series Green Lantern: Rebirth, and is now the star of a new Green Lantern series. The Guardians and the Green Lantern Corps are also returning in a new mini-series Green Lantern Corps: Recharge.
The Green Lantern panel was attended by Geoff Johns, writer of Rebirth and the new ongoing GL series; Patrick Gleason, artist on GLC: Recharge mini (co-written by Johns and Dave Gibbons); and editor Peter Tomasi. Here are some of the newsworthy tidbits they shared:
Guy Gardner/Kyle Rayner – both characters are central in the Recharge series. Guy apparently gets a chance at payback to Batman in Recharge #1. Regarding why there are so many GLs on Earth, Johns said the Guardians will mention in Recharge #1 that the GLs of Earth share a trait that’s unique in the universe.
Supporting cast – Hal, once again a test pilot, will have a new supporting cast. Carol is leaving, and no Pieface. He will have “many love interests”. Green Arrow is important in Hal’s life and will guest star in issue #7. Kilowog and the Guardians are important as well. Villains old and new will appear.
Infinite Crisis -- Hal and the rest of the GL Corps will have a big role in Infinite Crisis, the DC Universe-spanning 7-issue mini-series also written by Johns. The “One Year Later” approach after the Crisis will have a big affect on the Green Lantern book next spring. Guy Gardner plays a big role in the Crisis.
Green Lantern Corps -- While currently planned as a mini-series, GLC: Recharge could become an ongoing, if sales warrant it. The Green Lantern Corps is like a police force. Each sector will be assigned two GLs, so there will be a total of 7200 Green Lanterns. Hal is the primary GL for Sector 2814 (which includes Earth). His back-up is John Stewart. G’Nort will not appear.
JLA – John Stewart remains the JLA’s Green Lantern. Neither Hal Jordan nor Guy Gardner feels welcome in the JLA because of Batman. Stewart plays a big role in the current "Crisis of Conscinence" JLA arc, a follow-up to Identity Crisis that is co -written by Johns (with Allan Heinberg).
Alan Scott – the original, Golden Age Green Lantern has an important role to play now and in the near future, though the panelists could not reveal what that is yet.
The Guardians – Dave Gibbons has come up with a new spin on the Guardians and their goals. The Corps don’t always understand or agree with the Guardians' methods.
The Spectre – Hal doesn’t remember much about his time as the Spectre and therefore doesn't have guilt over anything he may done during his time as host. The Spectre will likely get a new host in Infinite Crisis.
Rebirth – In Rebirth, it was revealed that Parallax, the identity Hal assumed after he supposedly went mad and destroyed the Guardians and the entire Green Lantern Corps, is actually a manifestation of the Green Lantern ring’s yellow impurity. Johns came up with this when DC publisher Paul Levitz told him Hal’s comeback/redemption had to be tied to GL mythology. The ability to remove the impurity from the ring was suggested in an old GL story. Hal’s actions as Parallax will not be swept under the rug.
Yellow impurity – Veteran Green Lanterns are no longer affected by the yellow impurity, though trainees still will be, until they overcome their fear, which is what the impurity (Parallax) represents.
Future projects – Johns indicated he would like to write Superman, the Suicide Squad and take a crack at Batman’s villains. When asked about the return of any Golden Age characters, Tomasi hinted that a project is in the works by a writer known for his work with such characters. Speculation suggests that would be James Robinson (Golden Age, Starman, JSA).
Hal Jordan returned as Green Lantern in the recent mini-series Green Lantern: Rebirth, and is now the star of a new Green Lantern series. The Guardians and the Green Lantern Corps are also returning in a new mini-series Green Lantern Corps: Recharge.
The Green Lantern panel was attended by Geoff Johns, writer of Rebirth and the new ongoing GL series; Patrick Gleason, artist on GLC: Recharge mini (co-written by Johns and Dave Gibbons); and editor Peter Tomasi. Here are some of the newsworthy tidbits they shared:
Guy Gardner/Kyle Rayner – both characters are central in the Recharge series. Guy apparently gets a chance at payback to Batman in Recharge #1. Regarding why there are so many GLs on Earth, Johns said the Guardians will mention in Recharge #1 that the GLs of Earth share a trait that’s unique in the universe.
Supporting cast – Hal, once again a test pilot, will have a new supporting cast. Carol is leaving, and no Pieface. He will have “many love interests”. Green Arrow is important in Hal’s life and will guest star in issue #7. Kilowog and the Guardians are important as well. Villains old and new will appear.
Infinite Crisis -- Hal and the rest of the GL Corps will have a big role in Infinite Crisis, the DC Universe-spanning 7-issue mini-series also written by Johns. The “One Year Later” approach after the Crisis will have a big affect on the Green Lantern book next spring. Guy Gardner plays a big role in the Crisis.
Green Lantern Corps -- While currently planned as a mini-series, GLC: Recharge could become an ongoing, if sales warrant it. The Green Lantern Corps is like a police force. Each sector will be assigned two GLs, so there will be a total of 7200 Green Lanterns. Hal is the primary GL for Sector 2814 (which includes Earth). His back-up is John Stewart. G’Nort will not appear.
JLA – John Stewart remains the JLA’s Green Lantern. Neither Hal Jordan nor Guy Gardner feels welcome in the JLA because of Batman. Stewart plays a big role in the current "Crisis of Conscinence" JLA arc, a follow-up to Identity Crisis that is co -written by Johns (with Allan Heinberg).
Alan Scott – the original, Golden Age Green Lantern has an important role to play now and in the near future, though the panelists could not reveal what that is yet.
The Guardians – Dave Gibbons has come up with a new spin on the Guardians and their goals. The Corps don’t always understand or agree with the Guardians' methods.
The Spectre – Hal doesn’t remember much about his time as the Spectre and therefore doesn't have guilt over anything he may done during his time as host. The Spectre will likely get a new host in Infinite Crisis.
Rebirth – In Rebirth, it was revealed that Parallax, the identity Hal assumed after he supposedly went mad and destroyed the Guardians and the entire Green Lantern Corps, is actually a manifestation of the Green Lantern ring’s yellow impurity. Johns came up with this when DC publisher Paul Levitz told him Hal’s comeback/redemption had to be tied to GL mythology. The ability to remove the impurity from the ring was suggested in an old GL story. Hal’s actions as Parallax will not be swept under the rug.
Yellow impurity – Veteran Green Lanterns are no longer affected by the yellow impurity, though trainees still will be, until they overcome their fear, which is what the impurity (Parallax) represents.
Future projects – Johns indicated he would like to write Superman, the Suicide Squad and take a crack at Batman’s villains. When asked about the return of any Golden Age characters, Tomasi hinted that a project is in the works by a writer known for his work with such characters. Speculation suggests that would be James Robinson (Golden Age, Starman, JSA).
San Diego Comic-Con: That's the Spirit
The biggest comic convention of the year , the San Diego Comic-Con, officially opened yesterday (Wednesday night is preview night). Most of the really big news comes on Saturday, but things kicked off on Thursday from an unexpected source. During a panel dedicated to the upcoming movie version of the late Will Eisner's The Spirit, two special projects were announced:
- Batman/The Spirit -- a one-shot special in December, written by Jeph Loeb (who's also writing the movie screenplay) and drawn by Darwyn Cooke, which will help kick off...
- A new The Spirit ongoing series from DC Comics, written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke.
Both comics projects -- as well as the movie -- were approved by Eisner before his passing in January.
DC is also planning to release an "affordably priced" trade paperback collecting several of Eisner's The Spirit stories from over the years. DC also produces the not-so-affordably-priced The Spirit Archives and other Eisner classics.
DC is also planning to release an "affordably priced" trade paperback collecting several of Eisner's The Spirit stories from over the years. DC also produces the not-so-affordably-priced The Spirit Archives and other Eisner classics.
Potter Spotter
Tonight at midnight, the 6th Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince goes on sale.
I love hearing that a BOOK can generate so much frenzy -- especially among kids.
Meanwhile, here's the trailer for Harry Pottter and the Goblet of Fire, the 4th movie in the series, due in theatres in November. It starts with a montage showing how the kids have grown.
Not a Potter fan? The new pope.
I love hearing that a BOOK can generate so much frenzy -- especially among kids.
Meanwhile, here's the trailer for Harry Pottter and the Goblet of Fire, the 4th movie in the series, due in theatres in November. It starts with a montage showing how the kids have grown.
Not a Potter fan? The new pope.
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