Newsarama posted this great interview with Gary Frank about the return of Brainiac as a major Superman rogue, the future of Ma and Pa Kent and the reunion of the old gang at the Daily Planet.

I’ve been reading comics a loooong time. The last time someone took over a Superman title and I cared was when John Byrne did it in the 80’s. Don’t get me wrong. I still love the big blue boy scout. He’s a legendary icon. But thats often the problem. It’s not easy to tell an interesting tale with a star as iconic as Superman.

We think we know it all and many creators find it difficult to come up with something new that doesn’t crap all over what went before. Geoff Johns has shown us with his work on Green Lantern that he is NOT one of those writers, and Gary Frank has shown us with his reimagined Legion and now with his take on the Daily Planet bullpen that he is definitely NOT one of those artists either. Action comics has become a beautiful and dramatic story with compelling yet comfortably familiar characters. I didn’t mind the prolonged prologue quality of Action 866, but I can’t wait until something actually happens!

Justice League of America #22: Looks like the Red Tornado is getting a new body. But is over the dead bodies of the JLA? Residual Amazo programming may be a problem. I’m just glad that this story and the subsequent arc about Vixen’s powers (about time to get to that dangling subplot, isn’t it?) involve use of magic and therefore my favorite member of the JLA… ZATANNA!!!!!

I don’t know what it is about her (and it’s not the fishnets - first loved her during the Perez era in her blue and white caped outfit), tho Black Canary is my #2 favorite member so maybe they do play a small part), but I always enjoy her far too rare appearances.

Back to Red Tornado. I think the way they remind us that Red Tornado has been destroyed 8 times is a subtle reminder he’s on his 9th life… How many does he get? I have a feeling we just may find out before the Final Crisis is over and done…

via Newsarama

If you read DC’s 52 then you most likely noticed Rip Hunter’s penchant for scribbling cryptic phrases about the future of the DCU on chalkboards. Well, as you can see from the latest issue of Booster Gold that he’s at it again.

Newsarama has some ideas about what it all means.

Don’t hold back Chuck, tell us how you REALLY feel. Newsarama gathered a bunch of Chuck Dixon’s comments regarding his “no longer working at DC in any capacity.” Here are some of the highlights…

From a June 13th post on Dixonverse.com…

I did not quit.
I do not believe it had anything to do with politics. My involvement with Robin ends with issue 174. I think my BATO run is over with #10. My Booster two-parter will still be appearing.

If he didn’t quit, and it wasn’t politics… did they just fire his ass for sucking?

From his comments at Newsarama…

Don’t blame my editors. DC, currently, is run from the top down in a way that makes Jim Shooter’s aegis at Marvel look like a hippie commune.

Warners? The geniuses who merged with a company that was billions in the red? Trust me, most days they don’t even KNOW they own a comic company much less take an interest in running it.

I’ve worked under tyrants and I can say that I’d prefer to work under a talented, knowledgeable tyrant with a successful plan than a directionless gladhander with a ouija board any day of the week.

read the whole article at Newsarama

Batman and the Outsiders writer Chuck Dixon declared on his official forum June 10, that he was no longer employed by DC Comics in any capacity.

To quote Ross from Friends… “FINE BY ME!!!”, since I never read Robin (Dixon write the 1991 Robin miniseries as well as 9 years of the subsequent ongoing title) or Nightwing (only peripheral Bat title I read is Birds of Prey) and didn’t like his inconsistent Outsiders anyway.

I just don’t see a black op run by Batman going as SNAFU as the missions in this title. Also Rex Mason DOESN’T need to breathe. Dixon’s treatment of Thunder and Grace as a couple has been poor at best. The only thing I loved was the Dibney’s as a duo of Deadmanesque ghosts. But we haven’t seen them since. I’d like to see them get their own book.

Most online buzz seems to suggest he was unhappy interrupting his own story arcs for Grant Morrison’s Batman R.I.P. because Morrison kept changing the timetable of events in his story. Since his “terse statement” came just one day after DC’s Monday announcement that Frank Tieri will be writing the R.I.P. tie in issues of Batman and the Outsiders (#11-12), I’d say where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

I’ll watch his site for more news.

via CBR and Newsarama

the fate of DCU’s Minimates line is not looking good. There is some talk that there may be more if this weeks Series 8 does well. So PLEASE at least run out an buy block figures of DCU’s superheroic sapphic duo - Batwoman and the Question! I personally think Raven and Cyborg are looking better than their recent miniseries.

I’ve only recently become enamored with the little guys (and I have frogboy to thank for that) so I hope they’ll keep making them. The new smaller figure line is just smaller toys with poorer sculpts than the larger DC Direct but Minimates are something different. That I’ll keep buying if they keep making them.

Newsarama has a GREAT interview with Final Crisis writer Grant Morrison. He discusses the New Gods interference in human history and evolution in the DCU, why Turpin, Countdown continuity, Dr. Lights comeuppance, what he meant by “Twilight of the Gods,” where AND when Darkseid went when he “fell,” the concept of Gods in general, what Anthro’s drawing and who the guy with the mohawk is - Nix Uotan the exiled Monitor - doh - should have figured that one. But it still doesn’t add up - OK if the Monitors have the ability to exile one of their own to a mortal existence, but who got Nix and apartment, furniture and a TV? He woke up as if he’s late for work. If they have THAT control over reality they should be able to take care of reality -hoppers with a file transfer. Also its looking definite that the DCU is definitely down one Martian.

Via Newsarama | read the full interview!

One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

I’ve said numerous times, I REALLY wanted to love Final Crisis #1. But I just did not. I’m sick of companies killing off major characters JUST to make a manufactured event seem important. OK, it was new and shocking when the silver age Flash, Barry Allen and the original Supergirl both died valiantly in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was even ALMOST reminiscent and still heart-breaking when Superboy (Conner Kent) bravely gave his life while restoring the Multiverse during the Infinite Crisis.

But this? This was just a mob-style hit against one of the most powerful (albeit often ignored and forgotten) forces in the DCU. It was a slap in the face. I don’t WANT to read about the day evil won. Evil wins every day all around me. Comics are the one place it doesn’t. I’ll keep reading, but the good guys best begin to get their act together by #4.

To simply drag out a “pyro-tranqilized” Martian Manhunter and then whack him does not do justice to a character as powerful as J’onn J’onzz.

This is a character as powerful (arguably more than) as Superman. His only weakness has been fire. But not only have multiple authors and story arcs have established this as a psychological weakness instead of a physical one, it is also a psychological weakness he has overcome multiple times - most notably with the semi sadistic help of a flame-wielding villainess named Scorch.

Martian Manhunter told Superman that his aversion to fire had changed and he was now invulnerable to flames unless they are “flames of passion” or of some other “psychic significance.” I hate when writers don’t do their homework. Is it too much trouble for hem to read a wiki page before killing off a major character?

OK enough on the less than stellar snuff scene, here are some more questions/problems the story gave me.

1. For what does Libra NEED the Human Flame? Why would he go to the trouble of capturing and killing Martian Manhunter (bringing the SURE ire of the JLA) just to recruit an overweight guy who controls fire. Did he do it JUST to convince Luthor that he can kill Superman?

2. What in the holy hell was Turpin thinking going in to an club run by an unknown criminal figure without backup or even calling in? I’m guessing Question is hot on his heals and perhaps she and Batwoman will kick the crap out of the apokolyptian stepford children. Or he may be waif-food.

3. Considering the JLA already found out that Libra is running around in last issue of the Justice League of America, they should already be on alert. having Superman declare Justice League Condition Amber had no weight. I want to know what Batman’s is contingency plan for evil gods running amok on Earth. The man plans for everything, and he’s met Darkseid and his cronies before, so he should at least have a plan involving the theology powered heroes calling upon their pantheons for assistance.

4. Corruption among the Monitors… I read 52 and Countdown and I still have a hard time telling the monitors apart. Who is this Wanderer? And where did the Monitor talking to him get a cell phone? Roaming charges must be a bitch in the Multiversal Orrey

5. Who is the guy with the mohawk/ponytail combo and why is he looking at his hands with such surprise? He is looking at them as if they were covered in blood or if he was surprised to have hands. He can’t be Human Flame (no mustache) and I don’t see an interstellar being like Libra having such a dated hairstyle.

Also read Highlights of the WW PHILLY: DCU: CRISIS NOW! PANEL from Newsarama

Any of you eagerly anticipating next years Watchmen movie will want to see this… A prop those who read the original should recognize the photo of the 1940 original lineup of The Minutemen - the predecessors to the Watchmen - taken right before Comedian’s attempted rape of Silk Spectre.

From left to right: SILHOUETTE, MOTHMAN, DOLLAR BILL, NITE OWL, CAPTAIN METROPOLIS, COMEDIAN, SILK SPECTRE and HOODED JUSTICE.

via Aint It Cool News and MajorSpoilers

Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose
Cover by Barrows & Julio Ferreira
It’s [[Teen Titan]] versus [[Teen Titan]] when [[Clock King]]’s plan reaches its final, twisted stage. With teammates missing or presumed dead, can [[Robin]] and [[Wonder Girl]] put the pieces together before Clock King’s Terror Titans finish them off?

via ComicsContinuum

FINAL CRISIS #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and covers by J.G. Jones

Witness the historic start of the final chapter in the Crisis trilogy that could only spring from the mind of Grant Morrison — Final Crisis, featuring stunning art by J.G. Jones (52 Covers)! Worlds will live and heroes will die in this epic tale spanning the beginning and end of the DC Universe!
The entire Multiverse is threatened as the mysterious Libra assembles an army of the DCU’s most terrifying super villains. But what is the ultimate plan, and who will live to find out?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale May 28 • 1 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

via ComicsContinuum and Newsarama

Grant Morrison tals with IGN’s Dan Phillips about a deadlier, creepier Joker (I thought he was already pretty deadly and creepy, but he’s one bad guy that can never be bad enough), the RIP tie-ins, Final Crisis, Libra and more. Read the full article at IGN.

Plus here’s some artwork from the article, including 5 beautiful Alex Ross Covers thumbnails for you to click on and view larger…

via IGN

Bizarro as seen on the May 26, 2008 cover of Sports Illustrated by Mark Bagley.

read the full article at Wired
via Wired

DC describes JSA 15 (written by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross, with art by Dale Eaglesham and Ruy Jose and a cover by Ross) with the following hype…

Thy Kingdom Come’ continues! The cracks begin to show within the Justice Society as the ‘Heartbreak Slayer’ stands revealed. Now, the Justice Society are face-to-face with an ancient being whose mission to help the world surpasses even their own.

The Human Flame and Libra have been touted as 2 of the big villains of the upcoming Final Crisis and in this issue of the JLA we supposedly get to know a bit about them… Due 051521

OK I wanted to like this book. I’ve loved Carlos Pacheco’s artwork since his Bishop miniseries, and I’m REALLY trying to get excited for the Final Crisis. But I just couldn’t manage this issue.

There was just too much not to like. I have NO idea when this takes place. It seems to be Pre Countdown #1 (the Trinity doesn’t know Ray Palmer is back), but post Firestorm’s induction. The Trinity mention’s Martian Manhunter is on a “secret mission” but remain utterly unconcerned that #1 he’s not back yet, and #2 that the planet the Salvation Run baddies were supposed to be is NOT where they (and the Martain Manhunter) ended up. JLA figured this out 2 issues ago and Batman just says “when J’onn’s completed his work I’m sure he’ll be open to rejoining the team.” If it wasn’t the wrong universe I’d say Batman is a Skrull.

All this and Firestorm practically saying “well I won’t make a gay joke, but…” really added up to one pretty (Pacheco’s art is the only saving grace) but craptastically bad issue.

comicscontinuum

I may date myself, but i was a big Ambush Bug fan. he was funy waaaaay before JLI. Did they ever try to recruit him? He’d have fit right in with Booster Beetle and the gang. But I digress.

DC has recruited the original Ambush Bug team (AB creator Keith Giffen providing plot and pencils with dialog by Robert Loren Fleming) to bring some of the silly back to their pages this summer. To keep the seriousness of the impending Final Cirisis at bay for at least 1 issue, DC is releasing Ambush Bug: Year None in July.

Newsarama has a great interview with Keith Giffen and he touches on plans to spoof the upcoming and past Crisis. During the 6 issue Miniseries, we see the DCU’s most recent epics (Identity Crisis, Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Infinite Crisis, 52, Countdown to Final Crisis, and Final Crisis) from the point of view of Irwin Schwaab.

His origin is disputed, although the most commonly accepted origin is that Brum-El (a historical allusion to Beau Brummel, as well as a reference to Superman’s father Jor-El) of the planet Schwab sent his clothes from his supposedly doomed planet, hoping that his wardrobe would survive, only to have it intercepted by a giant radioactive space spider. In the resulting crash, only two articles of clothing survived: the Ambush Bug suit, which was subsequently found by Irwin Schwab, and Argh!Yle!, an argyle sock with a Dr. Doom-like complex, complete with metal mask.

from his wikipedia page… if you aren’t familiar its a good read

It should be fun and it looks ike the whole gang is there as I see Cheeks the Toy Wonder on the second page and Argh!Yle! on the last. I couldn’t ask for any more.

via Newsarama

The idea that Booster Gold, the most fame hungry hero of all time (literally - he IS from the future) has the let the world think he is an utter buffoon in order to keep anyone from messing with his past is a great twist on the character.

I was happy to have the Blue and the Gold together again, but fear the only way to fix their current predicament is to go back in time and let Ted die. Or just go back in time and fake Blue Beetle’s murder at the hands of Max Lord. Anyway next issue we get to see the Blue and Gold running with their old posse, the JLI. Should be fun.

Michael Rosenbaum from one of Alex Ross’ TV Guide Covers Dec. 2-9 2001

In Smallville news, Kryptonsite has announced that everyone’s favorite teenage bald archvillain in training, Lex Luthor will NOT be deviling Clark in season 8. Michael Rosenbaum will be leaving after season 7. Can’t blame the guy, he just wants to grow a head of hair. This revelation comes barely a month after we learned that show creators and chief creative force, Al Gough and Miles Millar are leaving after seven seasons, and will not be part of season 8.

It is reported that although Kristen Kreuk (who has played a significant role in the series as Clark’s high school sweetheart, Lana Lang) has also been rumored to be out for season 8, but outgoing exec Gough says she will be back for an “undetermined but small number of episodes.”

To make sure that Clark has something to do for a final season, new villains are being cast as you read this…

Doomsday: In season eight, Clark will face his ultimate challenge with the appearance of the legendary, unstoppable destroyer Doomsday, who appears on “Smallville” for the first time. As comic book fans know, Doomsday is notorious for being the only character in the DC Comics universe to have killed Superman.

The level of CG we’ve seen thus far on the series makes me believe it won’t be Doomsday as we remember him from Death of Superman, but a very different reimagining.

Female villain: Doomsday won’t be Clark’s only nemesis in the upcoming season. The executive producers are tight-lipped about a new female villain they will be introducing, but they can say she will be familiar to many fans and will set her sights on Clark in ways Lex never could. Intelligent, brilliantly manipulative, and dangerously sinister, our gorgeous new villain has one more weapon in her arsenal: Her mutual attraction with Clark may prove to be as deadly as kryptonite for him.

Speculation on who she may be includes: Blaze? Maxima? Ursa? Silver Banshee? Thorn? Matrix? Livewire? Superwoman? Any other suggestions?

Kryptonsite has a letter from Rosenbaum to his fans

I happened upon this online copy of the unaired pilot for the cancelled Aquaman series starring Smallville’s Oliver Queen Justin Hartley. I like Hartley, but liked the way Alan Ritchson fills Arthur Curry’s speedos. You may have seen the pilot when they put it out on iTunes, but I missed it and only saw the trailer, so here it is.

Full pilot video wouldn’t embed but a link is below this trailer…

link to full unaired pilot