Tag: dc entertainment

Who’s Your Baddie?: DC Announces Villain Documentary

Mar. 29 Comic Books, Editor's Pick, News, Press Release no comments

DC-Super-Villains-Poster10yThey say your hero can only be as good as his villain. In the nearly 80 years that DC Comics has been in existence, they have given us many of the most infamous bad guys in comics. Superman needs to fight against the machinations of Lex Luthor. Batman needs to stop the insane rampages of the Joker. Green Lantern and Sinestro must clash, Flash must out race his rogues, Wonder Woman has to take on the gods of myth, and Aquaman needs to stop Black Manta. And as the Justice League, they need to stop Darkseid from taking over the cosmos with the Anti-Life Equation. They are the ones we love to hate. We cheer against the fiends as our heroes take them on. Yet we can’t help but admire DC’s biggest crooks and maniacs as they are dragged into Stryker’s or Arkham.

On Tuesday, DC Entertainment announced that production will begin, to coincide with WonderCon in Anaheim, on a documentary on our favorite rogues, maniacs, mad scientists, thieves and would be universal conquerors.

The press release:

“Behind every great hero, there are a whole lot of villains.” – Geoff Johns

NEW DOCUMENTARY NECESSARY EVIL: VILLAINS OF DC COMICS
LEGENDARY VILLAIN CHRISTOPHER LEE NARRATES

BURBANK, CA (March 26, 2013) – The Joker, Bane, Deathstroke, Darkseid and Lex Luthor – the scariest and most menacing villains in DC Comics’ universe — take center stage in a brand new full-length documentary from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) and DC Entertainment (DCE). The joint announcement was made today by WBHE and DCE.

Christopher Lee, who has played the villain more times than almost any other actor, will provide his unique voice as narrator. His roles in more than 200 films include star turns as Dracula, the Mummy and Frankenstein’s monster in Hammer horror classics, Count Dooku in Star Wars, and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films.

In this new documentary film, the malevolent, sometimes charismatic figures from DC Comics’ hallowed rogues’ gallery will be explored in depth, featuring interviews with the famed creators, storytellers and those who have crafted the personalities and profiles of many of the most notorious villains in comic book history.

Production begins March 30, to coincide with WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center March 29-31.

Noted Geoff Johns, best-selling author and DCE’s Chief Creative Officer, “DC Comics is known for many things, but chief among them is the compelling, diverse and legendary society of super-villains who populate its universe. From the monstrous Solomon Grundy to the brutal Black Adam to the charismatic Sinestro, there is no single greater collection of villainy in all of fiction. These villains are hugely popular comic book characters in their own right and, quite honestly, many are often times more popular than some of our iconic super heroes.”

Jeff Baker, WBHE’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, added “The DC brand is enjoying a huge resurgence thanks to the entire leadership team at DC Entertainment which is driving opportunities not only for new theatrical properties, but for brand extensions as well. This new documentary will reinforce this evolving strategy and leverage DC assets across the entire studio landscape.”

Johns also reiterated that this year’s initiative will be a turning point for DCE. “It’s time we deconstruct these complex and sinister antagonists and celebrate the role they play as the engine and energy of some of the greatest storytelling in comics. 2013 is the Year of the Villain at DC Comics.”

On Saturday, March 30th, fans attending WonderCon are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite DC Comics’ villain for an opportunity to be featured in the documentary Fans can join DCE at WonderCon at booth 801 with filming to take place Saturday from 10:30am – Noon. To find out more about where and what time to meet in the WonderCon DC Entertainment booth, keep checking the DC Comics Facebook (Facebook.com/DCComics) and Twitter sites (@DCComics).

Participation in upcoming ‘cons’ (Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con) is anticipated, with a full release scheduled for later in the year. ­­­­­­

Can I say how AWESOME this is? It’s always fascinating to get a deeper look at our favorite heroes. Past documentaries such as It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Superman and various History Channel specials delved deep into our favorite heroes. Now, it’s the time that the villains get their devious due.

And it’s narrated by Sir Christopher Lee, a man who has made a career at being terrifying villains. His presence gives the documentary a bit more gravitas, which will be an interesting counterpoint to the often colorful villains populating the DC Universe.

I’m hoping that there will be interviews with those who have performed as our favorite villains. Actors such as Mark Hamill (Joker), Clancy Brown (Lex Luthor), David Warner (Ra’s Al Ghul), Malcolm McDowell (Metallo), Terence Stamp (Zod) and others could give amazing insight into their characters and how they decided to portray them in the way they did (plus the idea of Count Dooku interviewing Luke Skywalker makes this nerd grin widely).

While this is a documentary in development, I’m eagerly awaiting for it. It’s time that the bad guys have their moment.

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BREAKING NEWS! DC Retains Superman Rights!

Oct. 18 Comic Books, Movies, News 2 comments

 

Warner Bros. and DC Comics now have the rights to produce Superman stories in all media after a judge ruled Wednesday that the heirs of one of Superman’s co-creators signed away their ability to reclaim the copyright for the character 20 years ago.

This means that DC can make Superman comics, movies, TV shows, video games, cartoons, and whatever else they want, free and clear.

Here are more details about the legal saga’s latest chapter from the Associated Press below:

DC Comics sued the heirs of artist Joe Shuster in 2010, seeking a ruling that they lost their ability to try to reclaim the superhero’s copyrights in 1992. U.S. District Court Judge Otis Wright II agreed, stating that Shuster’s sister and brother relinquished any chance to reclaim Superman copyrights in exchange for annual pension payments from DC Comics.

Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel created Superman, who made his comic book debut in 1938 in Action Comics #1. Both men battled for increased compensation for the superhero throughout their lives and Siegel’s heirs have also fought DC for a stake in copyrights to Superman.

Shuster’s heirs had argued that the copyright agreements could be terminated under provisions that allowed creators of works made before 1978 a mechanism to reclaim their rights. Wright ruled that the decision by Shuster’s sister to accept higher annual payments created a new agreement and the pre-1978 rights no longer applied.

“We respectfully disagree with its factual and legal conclusions, and it is surprising given that the judge appeared to emphatically agree with our position at the summary judgment hearing,” the Shusters’ attorney Marc Toberoff wrote in a statement. He declined further comment, and Warner Bros. and its attorney Daniel

Petrocelli also declined comment on the ruling.

Toberoff had argued that an agreement altering copyright interests would have been much longer than the one-page 1992 agreement between DC Comics and Shuster’s sister, Joan Shuster Peavy, and his brother, Frank.

The latest Superman film, “Man of Steel” is scheduled to land in theaters in 2013. Director Zach Snyder told fans earlier this year at Comic-Con that his film would make the superhero more relatable than previous depictions that showed him as “a big blue Boy Scout up on the throne and you can’t really touch him.”

In April, the $412 check that DC Comics wrote to acquire Superman and other creative works by Shuster and Siegel sold for $160,000 in an online auction.

 

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The Week in New York Comic-Con: 10/11/12 – 10/14/12

Oct. 14 Comic Books no comments

 

New York Comic-Con was the highlight of the week, and attention-getting announcements came aplenty.

Highlights from the Big Two include:

Marvel

  • January’s new Superior Spider-Man series WON’T feature Peter Parker, but whoever’s going to wear that mask is locking lips with a startled Mary Jane in a cover for issue #2. This new Spidey is supposed to be darker and more aggressive, which hasn’t sat well with a lot of folks on the Comic Book Movie comments board
  • A new Secret Avengers #1 comic is due February, by writer Nick Spencer and artist Luke Ross. This team of undercover Avengers has parallels with the movie version. Members include Hawkeye and Black Widow, and Agent Coulson and a very Sam Jackson-looking Nick Fury will appear
  • Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven are relaunching a new Guardians of the Galaxy series in February, with Iron Man as a member
  • Black Widow’s past comes back to haunt her in Avengers Assemble #12 & #13 in November

 


DC

  • The next turning points in the “Rise of the Third Army” Green Lantern storyline sees Guy Gardner teaming up with new Lantern Simon Baz, who seemed well-received by the con audience
  • Scott Snyder and Jim Lee will launch a new Superman book next year
  • Artist Paul Pelletier will begin penciling Aquaman with February’s issue #15
  • In New 52 news, fans clamoring for the returns of Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown were urged to “keep reading”
  • The upcoming Justice League of America series will make Martian Manhunter the most dangerous DC superhero, according to series writer Geoff Johns
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Great Hera! Is the CW Developing a Wonder Woman TV Show?

Sep. 07 Comic Books, Television no comments

You can’t keep a good amazon down. She just keeps on tryin’.

On Thursday, Vulture reported that the CW, Warner Bros., and DC Entertainment are developing a script for a new Wonder Woman TV show by veteran writer Allan Heinberg (Grey’s Anatomy, The O.C.) under the working title Amazon. This latest Wondy-centric small screen attempt comes about a year after the last one failed from famed TV creator David E. Kelley.

The article doesn’t name sources, so it’s basically a rumor, but if it’s true, we could be in the early stage of something big for the most famous superheroine in comics.

Heinberg, who also wrote five issues of Wonder Woman’s comic a few years back, is penning a version of Princess Diana’s story that’s never been televised before. It will focus on young Diana as an up-and-coming superhero before she’s the established Wonder Woman we know and love. (Sort of like Smallville focused on a young Clark Kent before he became Superman).

That means origin story, but Vulture points out that it could come with a soapy spin. After all, Heinberg worked on Grey’s Anatomy and The O.C., so, y’know, there could lots of angst and all that stuff. Heinberg also wrote the popular Young Avengers comic book for Marvel, which featured a group of teen superheroes and the expected amount of emo shenanigans.

Wonder Woman has had an interesting time in TV land. Her live-action 1970′s TV show is iconic, but it’s been tough for her to reclaim her spot in network cinema ever since. It took more than three decades for her 2011 show to come along, and it was killed after the pilot failed to impress. Now we have this one, and it’s too early to know if it will become something substantive.

Wonder Woman has had a better time elsewhere, though. She was featured in the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series’, and she has been a fixture in comic book adventures since the 1940s. Her most recent comic book stories by writer Brian Azzarello have been critically praised and garner healthy sales. This year alone, she’s received media buzz for her budding, in-comic romance with Superman, and you can bet she’ll pop up in a Justice League movie once it finds a director. So you definitely can’t say that Wondy hasn’t been getting attention.

If Heinberg’s vehicle is the one to drive Wonder Woman out in front for a new generation of viewers, then it could be great:

  • He’s a great writer who understands comic books and TV, and a show with a young protagonist is definitely in his wheelhouse;
  • The CW knows how to sustain long-running shows about younger characters, and the fact that it’s a lower-rated network than the big four (ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX) means that a Wonder Woman show wouldn’t need gangbusters ratings to survive, increasing its chances of staying on air; and
  • DC proved with Smallville that it can leverage a successful television show with one of its characters, and it may do so again with Arrow (which debuts next month), so it may know how to do that with Wonder Woman.
This is the most exciting TV news for Wonder Woman to come around recently, so let’s hope it bears fruit.

 

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First Clip From The Dark Knight Returns Pt. 1 Released

Aug. 29 Editor's Pick, Movies 1 comment

The first clip from Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 has been released today.  The animated film, coming to Blu-ray September 25th, is being produced by the recently closed Warner Premiere company. Warner Premiere handled all of Warner Brothers direct to dvd productions.

This film is the animated adaptation of the comic book mini-series of the same name. That series was originally released in 1986, but has been collected in trade paperback form and is a must own title for any Batman fan. The mini-series marked a shift in Batman with the darker, grittier look at an aged Bruce Wayne. The series gave us a look inside what all the years of caped crusading would do to the  powerless hero not only physically, but mentally.

The clip below gives us a glance at the first witnessed return of Batman after his long absence.

This animated feature has been directed by Jay Oliva  and has Peter Weller as Batman, Ariel Winter as Carrie Kelley/Robin, and David Selby as Commissioner Gordon. The clip should have most fans of the original series excited with the iconic lightning flash behind the airborne Batman as he is reintroduced to Gotham Cities new baddies and a younger member of the Gotham City Police Department.

Are you excited for this release? Will you be picking up a copy of the Blu-ray or Dvd? Seeing as how Warner Premiere has folded, Part 2 of The Dark Knight Returns may only be available in a digital format. What are your feelings on this? Let me in on your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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Judd Winick Leaves Batwing

Aug. 25 Comic Books no comments

Citing time constraints, long-time DC writer Judd Winick told Newsarama today that he’s leaving Batwing to pursue other projects.

Winnick said in a statement that his departure comes “with a heavy heart” and that he’ll “miss telling the tales of David Zavimbe, the Batman of Africa in many ways,” but he’s proud of the work that’s been done.

He didn’t name which projects he’s leaving for but said the work would make it impossible for him to continue doing a monthly book. Earlier this year, however, Winick told Newsarama that he’d be writing and drawing an all-ages graphic novel.

DC solicitations have him as the writer of Batwing until issue #14 in November. He’s written that series since the New 52 began, along with Catwoman, which he’ll be leaving after this month’s issue #12. Writer Ann Nocenti will pen Selina Kyle’s adventures after he’s gone.

The surprising news comes on the heels of Rob Liefeld’s messy departure from DC earlier this week, where he put the company on blast on Twitter for editorial chaos.

Winick mentioned no such issues in his statement as a reason for his leaving. DC hasn’t announced who will replace him on Batwing.

 

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Wallpaper of the Day

Aug. 10 Features, Wallpaper no comments

 

Today’s wallpaper is courtesy of Wallbase

 

 

 

 

Download this wallpaper here

 

 

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Deadshot Takes Aim at ‘Arrow’ TV Series

Aug. 01 Comic Books, Television no comments

Looks like Oliver Queen is getting a dangerous addition to his rogues gallery this fall when the Arrow series debuts on the CW.

On Monday, Superhero Hype reported that Deadshot, DC’s most famous marksman assassin, will make his grand entrance in the third episode, which will be titled, “Lone Gunman.”

The website posted a quote series star Stephen Amell gave to another media outlet. Amell, who plays Oliver Queen, aka the titular Arrow, spoke of how Deadshot will fare when their characters meet.

“Unfavorably, for Deadshot, I would suspect. I can tell you that they are going to be after some of the same people. Oliver does have a code. Obviously, it doesn’t include ‘no killing,’ as we’ve established so far, but there is a code. I don’t think Deadshot has it. I don’t think he respects his methods, which puts him in Oliver’s sights.”

The article makes no mention of who will play Deadshot, though that news will likely come soon, since Arrow’s October 10th premiere isn’t that far away.

I’m pretty excited to see Deadshot portrayed in a live-action program, and I wonder how they’ll create the “real-life” version of his costume. This show already has Queen himself, and Katie Cassidy playing Laurel Lance (who could become the Black Canary), and now it has Deadshot. It looks like Arrow could be DC’s television showcase for its street fighter type characters, if it’s a success, which should be wonderful to see onscreen.

According to Superhero Hype, the show’s other stars and characters are Colin Donnell as Tommy, David Ramsey as John Diggle, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, with Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen and Paul Blackthorne as Detective Quentin Lance.

 

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Creators Tease Upcoming Changes at the ‘Dark Edge’ of DC Comics at Comic-Con 2012

Jul. 13 Comic Books no comments

Amethyst will guest-star in Justice League Dark, Frankenstein’s joining it, Jonah Hex will go clown hunting, and Animal Man fans will get a retelling of his origin in his own book.

Those are just some of the news and tidbits DC Comics creators shared with eager fans during the “DC Comics: Tales from the Dark and the Edge” panel Thursday morning at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Bob Wayne, DC’s senior vice president of sales, moderated the panel for fans of the company’s mystical, western, and horror comics.

According to Animal Man series writer Jeff Lemire, August’s issue #12 starts a Rotworld storyline that will crossover with Swamp Thing, and Animal Man #0 covers Buddy Baker’s origin.

Lemire said that he and Swamp Thing series writer Scott Snyder are excited about the huge storyline they’ve got coming, which they aren’t finished writing yet.

“I think people will be surprised at the scope of the story. It’s a lot bigger than just Animal Man and Swamp Thing. It encompasses a lot of the DC Universe and a lot of characters you wouldn’t expect to see in the ‘dark’ books.”

And one of those unexpected heroes is Hawkman, who appeared mutated in a preview image on-screen fighting Animal Man. “Poor, poor Hawkman,” Lemire joked. “(Series artist) Steve Pugh did terrible things to him and other characters.”

Frankenstein will be a player in Rotworld story and will join Justice League Dark in the series’ upcoming annual. Speaking of Justice League Dark, Lemire said that a secret in Black Orchid’s origin will be revealed, and now that the Books of Magic are in the New 52, Timothy Hunter will appear as well.

“The secret of Black Orchid’s identity, this version of Black Orchid, is something I’m purposely keeping a mystery for now. Her origin is going to actually tie into Animal Man and Swamp Thing and things we’re doing there,” Lemire said.

In Deathstroke #0, writer-artist Rob Liefeld’s delving into Slade Wilson’s military origins and how losing the woman he loved scarred him. Grifter #0 will give the titular hero his own “Yoda, or his sensei character,” as Liefeld put it.

“These zeroes are just great because we get to really tell you guys stuff that has not been revealed in terms of the personalities and what motivates these characters, and Grifter has been a little bit of a lost soul and he really figures it out in issue #0,” Liefeld said.

Voodoo’s showing up for a story arc as well, and Liefeld said jokingly, (or perhaps not jokingly, that one-by-one the WildC.A.T.S. characters are coming together.

Jimmy Palmiotti said that he and All-Star Western co-writer Justin Gray would retell Jonah Hex’s origin in issue #0, and then, as a preview image of Hex fighting a clown popped up, Palmiotti said, to much laughter, that Hex will shoot crazy clowns in old Gotham.

“The circus comes to Gotham, and not only are the clowns evil, but a lot of people who are semi-clowns become more evil,” he said.

Artist Brent Anderson, who’s illustrating an upcoming Phantom Stranger series with DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio, said he joined the series after DiDio asked him what he liked to draw.

“I said, ‘Yeah. I like drawing hats,’” Anderson joked. DiDio spoke to the artist later to have him draw the series.

We reported a little while back that Amethyst would return in Sword of Sorcery #0, and series editor Rachel Gluckstern said the book will have a lead feature, starring Amethyst herself, and a back-up feature.

Team 7, written by Justin Jordan, takes place earlier in the New 52 continuity and will feature a black ops sort of team comprising Deathstroke, Black Canary, Grifter, Amanda Waller, Steve Trevor, and others.

No one revealed series details, but I, Vampire writer Joshua Fialkov praised Jordan’s work on the series. “He is a genius. He’s amazingly talented, and he’s one of those great young voices.”

Suicide Squad writer Adam Glass promised that issue #0 will begin an exploration into Amanda Waller’s character and how kick ass and vicious she is. Waller, who’s “one of the baddest mamas in the DC Universe right now,” will become less of the mystery.

Fialkov revealed that future I, Vampire issues will feature the vampires fighting zombies, and it’s been the most fun thing he’s written in a while. Readers will go back centuries and see the origin of Cain, and the status quo of the book will change after issue #0.

“I am constantly amazed that DC is letting me do the ridiculously crazy things we’re doing starting next year,” Fialkov said.

In the audience question-and-answer portion, Liefeld said that Hawkman #0 will have a huge event that will make Hawkman wanted across the universe; Lemire’s trying his best to write a de-aged John Constantine with the same essence he had before the relaunch; Fialkov said Jack Hawksmoor from Stormwatch will show up in I, Vampire #12; and Gluckstern said that Amethyst would appear in Justice League Dark.

Wayne ended the panel with a We Can Be Heroes promotional video urging people to help end hunger in Africa.

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DC Comics Releases San Diego Comic-Con 2012 Schedule

Jul. 11 Comic Books no comments

 

 

Comic-Con International in San Diego is HERE (basically, anyway), so if you’re a DC Entertainment fan who’s going, you’ll be pleased to know that DC’s released its panel schedule on its official website, but you can read it right here as well.

This is the company’s full slate from Thursday through Sunday, so mark your calendars and set your schedules! Look below to see where the action will be:

 

THURSDAY, JULY 12

 

10:30–11:30am DC: Talent Search Orientation Session

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

Join DCE’s VP – Art Direction and Design, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.)  Room 4

 

11:30am–12:30pm DC Comics – Tales from The Dark and The Edge

DCE Panelists: Brian Cunningham & Rachel Gluckstern

Talent: Rob Liefeld, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Lemire, Adam Glass

Moderator: Bob Wayne

They’re some of the hardest-hitting – and strangest – comics anywhere – and this is your chance to find out what’s coming up in these DC Comics – The New 52 titles, with Editor Pat McCallum and creators like Adam Glass (Suicide Squad), Jeff Lemire (Justice League Dark), Rob Liefeld(Deathstroke, Grifter), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western). Room 6DE

 

1:00–2:00pm DC Collectibles

DCE Panelists: Jim Fletcher, Kevin Kiniry, Geoff Johns

Talent: Amanda Conner, Jean St. Jean, Phil Ramirez

Moderator: John Cunningham

Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures…DC Collectibles has them all – and more! Join the DC Collectibles crew including DCE Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, Executive Director – Creative Services Kevin Kiniry, Director – Creative Services Jim Fletcher, with artist Amanda Conner, sculptors Jean St. Jean and Phil Ramirez, to hear how they come up with so many great products, and what’s coming up from comics’ top makers of awesome collectibles! Room 5AB

 

2:00­–3:00pm DC Comics – Batman: Beyond the Night of Owls

DCE Panelist: Mike Marts & Rachel Gluckstern

Talent: Tony Daniel, David Finch, Kyle Higgins, Gregg Hurwitz, John Layman, Gail Simone, Scott Snyder

Moderator: Bob Wayne

Gotham City’s Night of the Owls may be over – but the fallout will affect Batman’s hometown for years to come! Find out what’s on the horizon for the Dark Knight and his crime fighting cohort in this panel featuring Batman Group Editor Mike Marts, with Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Gregg Hurwitz (Batman: The Dark Knight), John Layman (Detective Comics), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Scott Snyder (Batman), J.H. Williams (Batwoman) and more! Room 6DE

 

3:15–4:15pm DC Entertainment – All Access: DC NOW!

DCE Panelists: Bobbie Chase, Bob Harras

Talent: Amanda Conner, Geoff Johns, Rob Liefeld, Scott Lobdell, Francis Manapul, Jimmy Palmiotti, Scott Snyder

Moderator: John Cunningham

At DC Entertainment, there’s never been a better time to be a comics fan!  Come to this all access panel and find out what some of our top talent is looking forward to, with Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern, Aquaman), Rob Liefeld(Deathstroke, Grifter, Savage Hawkman), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws), Francis Manapul (Flash), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and more! Room 6DE

 

5:45–6:45pm Vertigo: A View From The Cutting Edge of Comics

DCE Panelists: Karen Berger, Shelly Bond, Will Dennis

Talent: Dan Abnett, Rafael Albuquerque, Mike Allred, Mark Buckingham, Mike Carey, Jeff Lemire, Sean Murphy, Dustin Nguyen, Scott Snyder, Bill Willingham

Moderator: John Cunningham

It’s a big year for Vertigo, with exciting new projects like Fairest, Punk Rock Jesus and Saucer Country joining American Vampire, Fables, The Unwritten and Sweet Tooth. Get the lowdown on all your Vertigo favorites – and some that will be – and catch the latest on new graphic novels like Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tatto Vol. 1 and others!, with Senior VP – Executive Editor Karen Berger, plus Dan Abnett (The New Deadwardians), Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Mike Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Mike Carey (The Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus), Dustin Nguyen (American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares),Bill Willingham (Fables, Fairest), and more! Room 6DE


Friday, July 13

 

10:00–11:00am DC Comics: From Concept to Page

DCE Panelists: Brian Cunningham, Matt Idelson

Talent: Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul

Moderator: John Cunningham

What does it take to create a new comic book? Find out at this amazing panel, where for the first time DC has assembled the entire creative team of a comic book, including the editor, writer, penciller, inker and more! Learn how a new project is developed before the script is even written, and the many steps that happen after the artwork is complete, with DCE’s Group Editor Mike Marts, Editor Brian Cunningham and the creative team behind Flash – Brian Buccellato andFrancis Manapul!

Room 6DE

 

10:00–11:00am DC: Talent Search Orientation Session

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

Join DCE’s VP – Art Direction and Design, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4

 

11:15am–12:15pm DC Comics: Superman

DCE Panelist: Matt Idelson

Talent: Shane Davis, Mike Johnson, Scott Lobdell

Moderator: John Cunningham

Since the launch of the New 52, Superman has been flying higher than ever! Join Group Editor Matt Idelson and SUPER talent Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Mike Johnson (Supergirl), andScott Lodbell (Superman) to take fans new and old up, up and away with a sneak peak at what’s in store for Superman.  Room 6DE

 

1:45–2:45pm DC Comics: Justice League and Green Lantern

DCE Panelists: Brian Cunningham, Matt Idelson, Pat McCallum

Talent: Tony Bedard, Brian Buccellato, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Jeff Lemire, Francis Manapul, James Robinson, Nicola Scott

Moderator: John Cunningham

Comics’ top talent – writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee – continue their historic team up on DC Comics best selling Justice League while Geoff continues his epic run on Green Lantern! Join Johns, Lee, Tony Bedard (Green Lantern: New Guardians),  Brian Buccellato (Flash), Jeff Lemire(Animal Man, Justice League Dark), Francis Manapul (Flash), James Robinson (Earth 2), Nicola Scott (Earth 2) to explore some of DC Comics spectacular titles! Room 6DE

 

3:00–4:00pm DRAWING DC

DCE Panelist: Mark Chiarello

Talent: Rafael Albuquerque, Tony Daniel, Dustin Nguyen

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

There are as many ways to draw comics as there are comics artists – and at this panel, you’ll see some of DC’s top talent draw while they discuss their work! Join Mark Chiarello, DC’s VP — Art Direction and Design as he chats with artists like Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares, Batman Beyond) and more. Room 11AB

 

4:15–5:15pm DC Comics – The New 52

DCE Panelists: Bobbie Chase, Bob Harras

Talent: David Finch, Adam Glass, Geoff Johns, Dan Jurgens, Rob Liefeld, Scott Lobdell, Jimmy Palmiotti, Gail Simone, Scott Snyder

Moderator: Bob Wayne

DC Comics – The New 52 and The New 52 Wave 2 are the industry’s most talked about industry-shattering events! Although the landscape has changed, we’re not done making news! Come by and be a part of history as, discuss what’s coming next in this exciting time for DC Entertainment with David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Adam Glass (Suicide Squad), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern, Aquaman), Dan Jurgens (Superman, Justice League International), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter, Savage Hawkman), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Scott Snyder(Batman, Swamp Thing) and more.  Room 6DE

 

5:30–6:30pm Vertigo: Get Jiro!

DCE Panelist: Karen Berger

Talent: Anthony Bourdain, Joel Rose, Langdon Foss, Jose Villarubbia

Moderator: John Cunningham

In a not-too-distant food-obsessed future, they all want to Get Jiro! Join renowned chef and New York Times Best-selling writer Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential, Medium Raw), co-writerJoel Rose (LA PACIFICA, Kill Kill Faster Faster) artists Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!) and Jose Villarrubia (Get Jiro!) and Vertigo Senior VP – Executive Editor Karen Berger, as they talk about this exciting and savory Vertigo original graphic novel! Room 6DE


Saturday, July 14

 

10:00–11:00am DC: Talent Search Orientation Session 3

Moderator: Mark Chiarello

Join DCE’s VP – Art Direction and Design, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.)  Room 4

 

10:00–11:00am DC Comics – The New Wave

DCE Panelists: Bobbie Chase, Rachel Gluckstern, Mike Marts

Talent: Brent Anderson, Tony Bedard, Dan DiDio, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV

Moderator: Bob Wayne

With DC Comics – The New 52, Before Watchmen, and The New 52, Wave 2, DC Entertainment is running on all cylinders! But you haven’t seen anything yet! Come by for a panel about the next exciting event from DC Comics with DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio (Phantom Stranger), Brent Anderson (Phantom Stranger), Tony Bedard (Sword of Sorcery), Snyder (Talon), and James Tynion IV (Talon)! Room 6DE

 

11:15am–12:30pm DC Comics – All Access: OGNs

DCE Panelists: Karen Berger, Bob Harras

Talent: Anthony Bourdain, Shane Davis, Langdon Foss, Geoff Johns, J. Michael Straczynski

Moderator: John Cunningham

It’s been a big year for DC Comics award-winning, original graphic novels, and it’s only going to get bigger! Come by for unfiltered access to behind-the-scenes of your favorite and most talked about original graphic novels Publisher! Joining the all access party will be some of the industry’s top talents including Anthony Bourdain (Get Jiro!), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman: Earth One) so don’t miss out! Room 6DE

 

12:45–1:45pm DC Comics: Before Watchmen

DCE Panelists: Mark Chiarello, Will Dennis, Dan DiDio

Talent: Amanda Conner, Darwyn Cooke, Len Wein, J. Michael Straczynski

Moderator: John Cunningham

It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! Before Watchmen is here so you don’t miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! Join DC Entertainment Co-PublisherDan DiDio, VP – Art Direction and Design Mark Chiarello, Senior Editor Will Dennis, Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair) and others as they talk about this game-changing event! Hurm!Room 6DE

 

2:00–3:00pm Mad about MAD

DCE Panelists: John Ficarra, Ryan Flanders, Sam Viviano

Talent: Sergio Aragones, Peter Kuper, Tom Richmond

Moderator: Bob Wayne

Often imitated but never duplicated, MAD is the country’s best-selling humor magazine! Join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and Sergio Aragones, “Spy vs. Spy” artist Peter Kuper, and Tom Richmond for a wise-cracking Q&A that’s bound to be, well, MAD.Room 9

 

7:00–8:00pm Vertigo: Fables

DCE Panelist: Shelly Bond

Talent: Mark Buckingham, Lauren Beukes, Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning, Steve Leialoha, Bill Willingham

Moderator: John Cunningham

The annual Fables Comic-Con panel is back and better than ever! With the launch of Vertigo’s critically acclaimed Fairest, there’s no better time to hear what Bill Willingham, creator of the multi-Eisner Award winning series Fables and Fairest, has to say. Join Bill, artists Mark Buckingham, Lauren Beukes, Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning, Steve Leialoha, Group EditorShelly Bond and others for a panel that is truly legendary. Room 6DE

 

Sunday July 15


10:00–11:00am DC Comics: Young Justice

DCE Panelists: Bobbie Chase

Talent: Tony Bedard, Scott Lobdell

Moderator: John Cunningham

They may be young – but they’re still heroes! Find out what’s happening for Teen Titans, Blue Beetle and more as more DC Comics – The New 52 unfolds in this panel features Tony Bedard(Blue Beetle) and Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Red Hood and the Outlaws). Room 6DE

 

11:15am–12:15pm Meet the Co-Publishers

DCE Panelists: Dan DiDio, Jim Lee

Moderator: Bob Wayne

As Co-Publishers of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC Comics – The New 52, DC’s digital initiative, Before Watchmen, and much more. This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic book Publisher publishers! Say that five times fast! Room 6DE

 

2:00–3:00pm Drawing DC – DC Kids Edition

DCE Panelists: Larry Ganem

Talent: Art Baltazar, Franco, Dustin Nguyen

Moderators: Larry Ganem

What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Join Talent Relations DirectorLarry Ganem with the Eisner Award winning team of Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans) and the ever dynamic Dustin Nguyen (Batman Beyond) as they showcase their artistic talents! Room 11AB

 

* Please note that panelists are subject to change; please come by the DCE booth for any updates.

 

 

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Christopher Nolan Says No to Directing a Justice League Movie… Dammit

Jul. 10 Comic Books, Movies no comments

 

It’s sad day in the DC Universe, my fellow nerds.

According to CinemaBlend, Christopher Nolan, the famed director of sophisticated science fiction blockbusters like Batman Begins, Inception, The Prestige, and the sure-to-make-bazillions The Dark Knight Rises, told the Associated Press that he won’t be involved in Justice League.

Specifically, he said…

Oh heavens no, not in a million years, I won’t be doing a Justice League film. I mean, have you seen any of my movies? They’re so good, they approach a cinematic masterpiece level that you don’t typically find in science fiction films, much less superhero science fiction films. Yes, I’ve done the Batman films, but lookie here…

THOSE films were about a tragic character whose adventures I used to explore big philosophical and topical issues like crime, poverty, and classism. Batman, as a disturbed man with a scarred past and a psychological need for vengeance and rage, is the perfect vehicle to do artful storytelling that transcends a film that’s simply about people in costumes hitting things with big action pieces and special effects…

Like Justice League would be. Yes, I know The Avengers is making tons of cash and pleasing critics, but honestly, could you see me, Christopher frickin’ NOLAN, of all people, directing a film full of little one-liners that’s two biggest emotional beats involved a bunch of people in silly outfits arguing on a floating ship and the death of a measly supporting character? Where’s the Shakespearian drama? Where’s the social commentary? Where’s the mothaf**ing Nolan touch?

Nowhere, dammit, which is why I wouldn’t sully my refined fingertips with such drivel. Hmph! And good day!

 

Well, ok, you got me. That’s not what he REALLY said, but you know that’s what he was thinking when he told The Associated Press that was done with Batman and wouldn’t do a Justice League adventure. See below for the exact quote (and I mean it this time):

 

We’re finished with all we’re doing with Batman. This is the end of our take on this character…I’ve got no plans to do anything more, and certainly, no involvement with any Justice League project.

 

So basically, Christopher Nolan, a director whose reputation with sci-fi audiences is arguably impeccable, won’t lend his cinematic genius to what could be the most important film DC’s got in development right now, the movie that fans will think of decades later when they think, “DC superhero movie.” In other words, Justice League is the movie that DC NEEDS to be good in order to stave off an embarrassing rep for being unable to make decent superhero movies that don’t star Batman. (Which, unfortunately, they’ve already earned thanks to Green Lantern tanking at the box office.).

Warner Bros., DC’s parent company, must maneuver the movie-making waters carefully now to find the right directing and producing team to lead Justice League’s development, or else.

DC’s cinematic luck with non-Batman-related movies hasn’t been great in the past five years or so. Superman Returns and Watchmen underwhelmed financially and critically, and Green Lantern was a failure. Meanwhile, most recent movies based on Marvel characters have been successful, like the aforementioned Avengers as well as Thor, Captain America, and the X-Men, Spider-Man, and Iron Man movies. Marvel has made so many superhero films that were at least decent that they could run multiple movie marathons on TV filled with them, and likely have at this point.

So the time for DC to bring its A-game is now. Sure, Nolan’s producing Man of Steel for next year, which stars Superman, but it looks like that may be the extent of his interest in doing more DC films.

Which sucks, really, because his continued involved with DC movies would likely guarantee that something like the Justice League would be done right in theater. Unless Nolan changes his mind (which he likely won’t), DC’s battle to find a director who’ll strengthen audience faith in its superheroic cinematic adventures will be a tough one.

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