One Year Later Art Project

"You call this the Titans? Since Superboy died, the Titans have gone through over twenty new members. But no one wanted to stay very long. No one got along."

- Wonder Girl (Teen Titans (third series) #36 [2006])

DC's "One Year Later" event occurred March of 2006. In Teen Titans #33, Superboy and Nightwing are in the thick of the Infinite Crisis world-shattering event. With Teen Titans #34, a full year has passed since the Crisis. A comatose Cyborg awakens to discover the only active Titans: Robin, Ravager and Kid Devil. Cyborg is told that the Titans had quite a few membership shake-ups during his "missing year."

Readers shared in Cyborg's confusion. Following the limited series, Infinite Crisis, every DC comic series jumped ahead by one year between February 2006 and March 2006. With DC's March books, the characters' histories resumed "one year later." During the "missing year" between Teen Titans #33 and #34, over 20 new or returning members joined the team. They would come and go, most only being on the team a few weeks before quitting or getting kicked out or simply disappearing. One team was glimpsed at in Teen Titans #34. Teen Titans #38 revealed all the "One Year Gap Titans" in a double page spread.

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OK, so, since I'm mostly bored with the current Titans books, I thought of a fun little project.... drawing the "One Year Gap" Titans... and possibly even some moments that were alluded to, but we never saw. Here's my first entries....

Molecule & Argent: "First Date"



And Mas Y Menos: "First Run"



Talon, Mirage & Flamebird: "Familiar Attractions"



Joker's Daughter & Riddler's Daughter: "Makin' Mischief"



Any other character combo suggestions? I already have some ideas. I'm mostly doing combos of characters, and the rule is they MUST BE MEMBERS during that missing year. You can find the list here.

Didio's 10 Answers 11/16/09

From Didio's 10 Answers 11/16/09:

2) wearelegion wrote:
Hi Dan -

Thanks for taking time to answer questions every week. It really brings DC closer to the fans as well as create great buzz and anticipation for the upcoming stories.

Understanding that there are probably 5 key character franchises in the DC universe (Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman...to some extent), are there any other key characters or teams that you would like to develop as a franchise moving forward?

DiDi: Well, we're trying right now, and I think we have a nice level of success, with Justice Society of America. By spinning out Power Girl and Magog into their own series, I think we've shown some characters that are part of a larger group that haven't had the chance to be showcased nearly to this level before. And then also by splitting the team into JSA All-Stars, it also shows that we have belief in a large group of characters in that book that people are wanting to see and see in more stories.

One of the things we're trying to do now and in the coming months is to put a fire under the Titans and Teen Titans again, to get those stories back in everybody's mind again. There's a richness of characters in there that could probably support their own stories if given the chance. When I look at characters like Cyborg and how long he's been around, and the fact that he's been featured in animation and on television, and the fact that we've never even given him a shot at an ongoing series, I think it something worth considering in the future.

I look at several of our team books, and in particular Justice Society and Teen Titans, and I think each one of them can have more material coming from them.

3) Alive_Man_Fastest wrote:
Hello Dan DiDio,

My question pertains to Kid Flash. Let me first say how excited I am about the Kid Flash book. Impulse is my favorite comic, and what got me into comics. So seeing Bart get his own title once again is like a dream come true.

I know the book probably isn't going to come out until maybe May, but I was hoping for some kind of announcement about it. I would love to know the artist, but I'll settle for any piece of information that hasn't been previously announced.

Thank you for your time, and thank you for doing these 10 answers and a question things, they are a fun Monday surprise.

DiDio: I can tell you that Sterling Gates is going to be working very closely with Geoff Johns so that the Kid Flash book and the Flash book really feel like it's a tandem team more than two separate series. And more importantly, we'll be seeing Kid Flash back in Teen Titans relatively soon as well. That hope should keep fans like "Alive Fastest Man" running at full speed until the series appears in May of next year.

Nrama: He mentioned the Impulse comic in particular. Can we expect Kid Flash to harken back to that comic? Or is the style of this come more comparable to work we've seen from Sterling Gates in the past?

DiDio: I think Sterling's already doing such a great job on Supergirl, and he'll bring a lot of those same sensibilities to Kid Flash. That's one of the reasons we chose him for that series. Also, you'll still see the dynamic between Kid Flash and Max Mercury, if I'm not mistaken. And I think that's new information, so you did get something out of me. But Max will be featured in this series as well. So if somebody's a fan of Impulse, they'll get that relationship back in the Kid Flash series. Because of the Max/Bart relationship, I think they'll be very pleasantly surprised about what the plans are for the book.

Ummmm... hasn't Didio been talking about "putting a fire under the Titans and Teen Titans again" for the past 2 years or so?

Titans In February

DC Comics has released solicitation information and images for new comics and products shipping in February 2010.

TEEN TITANS #80
On sale February 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by Felicia D. Henderson• Co-feature written by Sean McKeever • Art and cover by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson • Co-feature art by Yildiray Cinar & Júlio Ferreira
The Teen Titans rush to rescue Static from the clutches of the sadistic thug Holocaust. Plus: Slave-girl Ravager — unleashed!

TITANS #22
On sale February 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by J.T. Krul • Art by Angel Unzueta & Wayne Faucher • Cover by Angel Unzueta
DC fans won’t want to miss this finale of the two-part "Fractured" story! As the remaining three members of the team are evicted from their New York City headquarters by General Lane, they wonder if there’s anywhere on Earth they can still call home. The answer will surprise you! This issue closes this chapter in the life of the classic Titans team and ushers in an exciting new era in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA and March’s TITANS ANNUAL that’ll blow your mind!

TINY TITANS #25
On sale February 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US
Written by Art Baltazar, Franco & Geoff Johns Art and cover by Art Baltazar
Special guest co-writer Geoff Johns comes to TINY TITANS, and he’s bringing Superboy along with him! And Superboy’s bringing his bizarro brother Match! And Match… well, Match always brings mischief wherever he goes. Join us for an extra-super issue jam-packed with colored rings and awesome things!

BLACKEST NIGHT #7
On sale February 24 - 7 of 8 - 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by Geoff Johns - Art and cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert - Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari - Sketch variant cover by Ivan Reis
As Nekron continues to wage war on life throughout the universe, Hal Jordan discovers the grim, true mission behind the villain's return. But the truth is so cosmically abysmal that it threatens to expose a secret that could tear the very universe asunder. You can't miss this stunning, penultimate issue to the year's biggest event!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Rodolfo Migliari). For every 100 copies of the Standard Edition, retailers may order one copy of the Sketch Variant Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

ADVENTURE COMICS STARRING BLACK LANTERN SUPERBOY #7
On sale February 10 - 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by Tony Bedard - Art by Travis Moore - Covers by Francis Manapul
TOP SECRET!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Francis Manapul), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Francis Manapul and renumbered ADVENTURE COMICS #510). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #42
On sale February 17 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by James Robinson • Art and cover by Mark Bagley & Rob Hunter • Variant cover by Adrian Melo & Mariah Benes
In the aftermath of the horrific events of JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE, a member is comforted by his friends and fellow Justice Leaguers over his tragic loss. And when Dick Grayson is offered membership, will the new Batman accept? Or would he rather operate outside the realm of the World’s Greatest Heroes?
Meanwhile, Ray Palmer attempts to unlock a device that’s been discovered by the team. Will it spell their doom – or something far worse? They'd better find out soon because Dr. Impossible has chosen now, of all times, to attack! Who exactly is this mysterious villain and who has he brought back with him? The new era for the team marches forward!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Mark Bagley & Rob Hunter), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Adrian Melo & Mariah Benes). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #7
On sale February 24 • 7 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by James Robinson • Art and cover by Mauro Cascioli
This is the big one! After the catastrophes seen in issues #5 and #6, a hero loses control, leading to an unexpected ending that will fundamentally change the lives of the World’s Greatest Heroes forever. This issue launches a major storyline in the DC Universe and is not to be missed!

Didio 10 Answers: Titans

From this week's "10 Answers and 1 Question" with DiDio

enyggma wrote:
Can you give one sentence hints as to what 2010 holds for the following characters?:

-Grayson Batman?

DiDio: Coming into his own.

- Superboy?

DiDio: Once again a team player.

- Raven?

DiDio: Changed, not for the better.

Lilith & Gnarrk by Tim Fish

OK, so I first stumbled across Tim Fish's work at a MOCCA. Then, at last year's New York Comic-Con. He does a completely charming "Archie" style, but with contemporary content. Really cool stuff. At the New York show, he had a cool Teen Titans piece, but I was too poor to purchse it. Tim was nice enough to do a quick Wonder Girl sketch, which I posted earlier on this blog.

I later came across his blog, which had some more Titans related stuff. From an April 2008 post, Tim writes, "I've been doing a lot of super-hero sketching lately. A number have been Teen Titans. There was a publication gap from 1973-1976, and these sketches are meant to be from that era. On this page you get Wondergirl, sexy cave-boy Gnaark, Lilith, the original Bat-Girl, Kid Flash, and some zombies for them to fight. Many fans hate this era, but I actually like it. There weren't super-villains, but they were always getting mixed up in strange goings-on. They were a bit more age-appropriate as well... not the 19 year olds going on 45 a la the 1980s incarnation. That was way too serious for my taste."

I tend to agree with MOST of that statement. I liked that weird era, with the jumpsuits, then supernatural stuff. It was sorta like a Hanna-Barbera show from the 70s, with a group of teenagers falling into mysteries and strange goings-on.

After I saw these sketches, well, I HAD to get a Lilith/Gnarrk commission. And I just got it in the mail today.



Can I just say that I LOVE this piece??

And here it is in color!




Also, I REALLY want someone to ret-con that horrible Post-Crisis Gnarrk story from NEW TITANS #56. I prefer the original Gnarrk, or even/and the animated version from the Cartoon Network Teen Titans series.

New Members of Deathstroke's Titans Revealed

We know the creative team of INK will be taking over the Titans. We know a new team will be forming in TITANS, led by Deathstroke.

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: INK #6 is a bit of a lead in, and the last page is... very telling.




Hmmmm. I'm really not sure if this interests me at all.... Wasn't teh whole point of the TITANS series to reunite the "Sensational Seven"?

Preview: Blackest Night: Titans #3

IGN has posted a preview of Blackest Night Titans #3

October 26, 2009 -
Blackest Night: Titans #3
Written by: JT Krul
Art by: Ed Benes
Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 28, 2009

With their backs against the walls of a battered Titans Tower, the few remaining Titans face their dead former teammates who have now become Black Lanterns!

Meanwhile, one Titan discovers a secret weapon... but at what price? Don't miss this finale from writer J.T. Krul (JSA CLASSIFIED, Fathom) and superstar artist Ed Benes (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!

Preview: Teen Titans #76

Teen Titans #76
Written by Felicia D. Henderson; co-feature written by Sean McKeever; Art by Joe Bennett and Jack Jadson; co-feature art by Yildiray Cinar and Júlio Ferreira; Cover by Joe Bennett and Jack Jadson

Guest-starring Beast Boy and Raven! With the Teen Titans unraveling at the seams, two former members must return to Titans Tower to help Wonder Girl right the sinking ship! If only it were that easy…And in the Ravager second feature, Rose uncovers a horrific black market. And she deals with it the only way she knows how: with blood.

Preview: http://www.dccomics.com/media/excerpts/13238_x.pdf
NOTE: Additional pages than previous preview

Didio 10 Answers: Superboy Back On Teen Titans

From this week's 10 Answers & One Question with DC's DAN DIDIO:

5) Mbecks114 wrote:
Dan

You've stated that Superboy will be more involved in the current Superman main story line soon. But when the Legion takes over Adventure Comics where will we be able to follow his adventures in Smallville?

DiDio: There's one very logical place that Superboy will be appearing on a consistent basis. And then from there, as the Superman storyline heats up during the course of the year, you'll start to see him popping up in more and more of the Superman titles.

Nrama: Well, I suspect you kind of answered the next part of his question, but Mbeck continues...
Will he rejoin the Titans or at least be reunited with Tim, Bart, and Cassie?

DiDio: See Answer 1.

Ravager by Nick Derington

Hmm, I had forgotten I had this one! My friend Marcus got it for my earlier this year at a Dallas con. Ravager by Nick Derington. It's spectacular. Interestingly enough, Nick drew Rose with Asian features without knowing her history. Many people forget Rose is part Cambodian, on her mother's side.

OK, and that's it... for now...

WWBACC: Titans Commissions

Last week, I went to the Wizard World Big Apple Comic Con. It was a fairly lackluster affair. A sort of soggy sequel to the real New York Comic-Con (which Wizard intends to compete with next year... yeah, good luck with that!) I did get some nice sketches, tho.

Miss Martian by Gregg Schigiel. This one is fun.


Next up is Aquagirl by Jamie Fay. This one looks great in color, Jamie keeps getting better and better each time I see him at these cons.


Next up is Starfire by Khary Randolph. I love Khary's style. He did the character designs for WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN, btw. Good stuff, huh?
Next is Raven by Joe Quinones. I have no idea how to say his name, so I called him "Joe Quixiote", while my friend Jeff called him "Joe Quesadilla." I felt better when I asked him how you pronounce it, and he said he thought even HE pronounced it wrong!

Anyway, I like the way this turned out. Thanks for fetching it, Jeff!


Next up is Zatara by Andy MacDonald. Andy does great commissions. And whenever there's an interesting visual power, Andy knocks it out of the park. I love this one!

Titans Sales Watch: September

Thanks again to Detroyes! He writes 'em. I post 'em.

September Sales estimates are out, so its time to crunch the numbers. And there's actually some good news to offer, all things considered.

As always, raw data courtesy of ICv2.

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16022.html
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16023.html

FORMAT:

TITLE
Issue # / Release Month / Year / # Units Sold / +/- Previous Month

Blackest Night: Titans (3-Issue Mini Series)
#2 September 2009 64,086 -7,235
(NOTE: See sales note below)

Teen Titans (ongoing)
#75 September 2009 32,808 +2,428

Titans (ongoing)
#17 September 2009 30,154 -1,254

Tiny Titans (ongoing)
#20 September 2009 8,435 +3


Booster Gold (ongoing)
#24 September 2009 21,732 -376 -- NTT Crossover

Doom Patrol (ongoing)
#2 September 2009 22,001 -6,266

Vigilante (ongoing) (cancelled)
#10 September 2009 7,856 -531

Graphic Novels:
Titans: Lockdown
September 2009 1,722

Analysis:
Blackest Night: Titans -- First off, I must mention that Blackest Night: Titans #1 had a significant number of re-orders in September; 6,554 units, to be exact. Thus, Blackest Night: Titans #1 sales figures now look like this:

#1 August 2009 71,321 N/A
(August Numbers - 64,767; September Numbers - 6,554)

So for those of you who are looking at the post for August figures above in comparison, that's the reason behind the discrepancy. It still hasn't passed Titans #1 as the best selling Titans title of the last two years, but its getting close. And Blackest Night: Titans #2 did almost as well as the first issue's initial numbers; clearly, BN:T has been the best thing to happen Teen Titans-wise in a very, very long time. And what's more, author JT Krul has received almost universal praise for the series. With those number and those reviews, I think DC would have a hard time justifying not handing the him a Titans title. Good chance we may yet see more re-orders for both issues in next month's numbers.

Teen Titans -- Actually managed to get a 2.5k increase. Several factors probably contributed to that - landmark issue number, first issue of new writer, indications in solicits that old characters would return. What's more, there's some good indications that - for at least the next few months - those numbers are not likely to go down significantly. Upcoming we have a two issue Blackest Night crossover, and that is being followed by a long-anticipated foray in Milestone Comics territory with Static. Thus, I suspect Teen Titans will stay mostly at an even keel for the foreseeable future. It is now quite possible that the worst is now behind us.

Titans -- Back to its normal sales slide, although this one was smaller than average. Didn't get below the 30k mark like I expected, but it seems unlikely to escape it next month. With this title still doing nothing but one-shot filler stories and its "new improved direction" still months away, I'm expecting the slide to continue for the next few months. Only time will tell if Deathstroke Titans will save the book.

Tiny Titans -- Basically broke even.

Booster Gold -- Another smallish drop, most likely due to NTT nostalgia.

Doom Patrol -- Yikes. Not liking that drop. But the new series is proving to be somewhat controversial for old fans of the DP, so perhaps it was to be expected.

Vigilante -- Sadly, its about to be put out of its misery.

Graphic Novels
Since its rather pointless to do a month-by-month analysis of TPB releases, here instead are what the totals have been like for new Titans TPB/HC released this year. Same format as above, except no issue numbers and no +/- change:

Titans: Old Friends (HC)
January 2009 1,853

Tiny Titans Vol. 1: Welcome to the Treehouse
February 2009 2,603

Teen Titans Spotlight: Cyborg
March 2009 1,144

Tiny Titans Vol. 2: Adventures in Awesomeness
May 2009 2,056

Terror Titans
July 2009 1,862

Teen Titans: Changing of the Guard
August 2009 1,975

Titans: Lockdown
September 2009 1,722

All sales are about average for TPB releases. Keep in mind, however, that these figures are ONLY for those copies sold through the Diamond distribution chain; they DO NOT include sales to, say, bookstories like Barnes & Noble and Borders. Those stores get their copies directly from the publisher (via Random House) in the normal book sales distribution chain.

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Overall Analysis: Definite signs that the Titans franchise has mostly bottomed out. Titans
remains the stinker, but the flagship title looks on the verge of turning things around - or at the very least, settling itself into a range. We probably won't know for certain until early next year, but I would say that there are reasons to be cautiously (very cautiously) optimistic.