Sean McKeever at WizardWorld Chicago

Newsarama reports: As Wizard World Chicago kicked off with a special preview night on Thursday for weekend ticket holders, we found writer Sean McKeever at his table, signing comics for fans. We took the opportunity to talk to him about the last issue of his ongoing DC series Teen Titans.

SM: You know, I'm not sure which two characters those are because when I saw the original version of this image, there were four other characters on it that aren't on there. So I'm not sure what's going on. I'm going to have to talk to my editor, Mr. Dan DiDio, and find out what's going on with that book.

NRAMA: So wait. You're telling me there were four other characters on this image that we don't see, even besides the two who are blacked out?

SM: Right.

NRAMA: Finally some answers. A total of six other new members who aren't seen, including the two shadowed images?

SM: Well, I didn't say "new." Obviously, there are other members who are on the team but aren't shown. Like Robin. He's not there. And he may or may not have been one of those others.

NRAMA: So, then, answer this. These five characters that we can see, plus the other two who are blacked out -- a total of seven -- will those be the end-all Teen Titans team at some point soon?

SM: No.

Sounds like some interesting stuff coming up! Sean is soooo cagey tho! lol.
"Plausible Deniability" is the new "Wait And See." :)

DC Nation Gives Titans Hints

The latest Dc Nation column was all-Titans! Just who are those shadowed figures, hmmm?

DC Nation: #119
June 25, 2008

I've always been a Titans fan, whether it's Teen Titans, New Teen Titans, Animated Titans, Terror Titans, Team Titans, Tiny Titans or adjective less Titans, I've always loved everything Titans. So this is a fun time for me.

When the workload of Group Editor Eddie Berganza (JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA; JUSTICE LEAGUE; SUPERMAN/BATMAN; GREEN LANTERN; GREEN LANTERN CORPS; FINAL CRISIS and all its tie-ins) started pushing his work day into the wee hours of the morning, I knew something had to give. So I offered some help and took TEEN TITANS off his desk; after all, I thought it would be "fun" to roll up my sleeves and do some hands-on editing. Not only was it fun, but it was so much fun that I went back in and offered some more "help" by taking on TITANS too. Working side by side with the always able Adam Schlagman on TEEN TITANS and newly promoted Editor Liz Gehrlein on TITANS, the game plan was simple, push both series harder and faster than ever, with stories and characters set to turn the world on its ear.

TEEN TITANS just finished battling the latest team of teenage villains, the TERROR TITANS (more on them in a bit), and lost a member along the way. No need to fear though, because Wonderdog makes his long-awaited appearance in the pages of this series in a story you can really sink your teeth into. But that's not the only change, as we are lining up new members guaranteed to shock and awe. And if you are wondering where the lost member might be, look no further than TERROR TITANS. This six-part miniseries puts our most kick ass Titan in the middle of the action as the Terror Titans take on The Dark Side Club. Last man standing might not be an option.

Over in TITANS, The Sons of Trigon (the embodiment of three Deadly Sins) come after Raven pitting her extended family against her bloodline. And after a brief interlude we call "Date Night" (featuring one of the more unexpected couples) the action heat ups again and as an old member makes contact and brings along a "friend" who is more than a match for the team.

"Hi! Jann Jones here, and if you're a Titans fan, don't forget TINY TITANS where in a very special issue, Beast Boy turns into, yes, you guessed it, a puppy." (Okay, Jann didn't really write that, but you get the idea.)

So if you are as much a Titans fan as I am, hopefully you will have as much fun reading these books as we do making them.

To be continued…

DD

TITANS #5: The Date is Off!

from LYING IN THE GUTTERS:

Slipping down the solicitation schedules, issue #5 was originally solicited as this:

TITANS #5

Written by Judd Winick; Art by Rodney Buchemi; Cover by Ian Churchill

In the stand-alone story "Date Night," four Titans face the fact that love is a battlefield. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is making his way to Titans Tower. Who is this ominous stranger - and how does he or she know the Titans?

On sale August 13 . 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

But this tongue-tastic description is no more, replaced by:

TITANS #5

Written by Judd Winick; Art by Julian Lopez and Prentis Rollins; Cover by Joe Benitez

When Raven's half-brothers return to claim her and unite Trigon's bloodline, Raven must choose which ties are stronger: the family she was born to, or the new family she has made.

On Sale September 24, 2008. 32pg. FC, $2.99 US

It looks like Dan DiDio may have a hands on approach. Could it be the original issue have been scrapped? And if so, why? It can't be the art, that was finished a week ago. Could it just be fan response to the current direction?

Either way, it looks like the only way you'll have of reading the original issue is to buy the original artwork on eBay.

No Love for TITANS at Heroes-Con

"As for other books in the DCU, the new "Titans" ongoing written by Judd Winick didn't get much love from the crowd. Didio asked who was reading it and five people raised their hand."

source:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?p...ticle&id=16893

Can DC please fix this title pronto? This is just pathetic... A potentially great series just tanking after 3 issues...

No TEEN TITANS: YEAR TWO

It seems like DC won't be continuing with TTY1 with a TTY2. From Newsarama:

Q: Are there plans to continue Teen Titans: Year One?

DD: Not really – that was a particular flavor done for that sensibility that played against the animation style, which is something that DC is trying to play down for now.



Looking at April, it outsells YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS, NIGHTWING, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, NOVA, ROBIN, SALVATION RUN, NEW WARRIORS, BIRDS OF PREY... and it outsold CYBORG, WONDER GIRL and RAVEN minis by a wide margin (about 12,000 units)

PLUS, the power of this series in trades... it's completely accessible and has a modern flair to it. Young adults love the story and art, as far as I've heard.

By all means, DC, keep publishing tie-ins to mega-crossovers with lot o' death.

Teen Titans #60 preview

Newsarama gives a sneak peek of TEEN TITANS #60.

Looks good, peeps! Sean and Eddy are rockin' it.

Chuck Dixon on DC Editorial

A lot of people have probably read the Chuck Dixon posts that call out DC editor-in-chief (without actually, technically calling him out). If you didn't here it is:

http://blog.newsarama.com/2008/06/16/chuck-dixon-i-did-not-quit/




Dan Didio has been widely embraced by DC fans for "darkening" up the DCU and making it "cool". It was quite a trick.

I havent ben a fan of Didio's reign since he started with IDENTITY CRISIS, an ill-conceived poorly constructed "murder mystery" that managed the impossible task of being both a wankfest and desicration of the Silver Age. The next two years of DC Comics focused on a mega-story setting up INFINITE CRISIS. DC promised us a "less dark" DCU after IC with "One Year Later", which mostly consisted of gimmicky new status quos that were mostly undone within months.

The whole thing, to me, was akin to watching CHALLENGE OF THE SUPERFRIENDS mixed with GRAND THEFT AUTO.

But fans ate all this stuff up.

I suppose, in giving Didio his due, he did raise the profile (and sales) of some books that were lagging. The revamps of TEEN TITANS, JLA, JSA and GREEN LANTERN can be considered success stories. But some of the Didio-revamps never quite caught on (FIRESTORM, the ATOM, BLUE BEETLE, AQUAMAN: SWORD OF ATLANTIS, FLASH: FASTEST MAN ALIVE) . And while 52 was a success in both story and form (they pulled off a weekly, and it was good!) -- COUNTDOWN was a creative dud.

Post "One Year Later", it seemed the luster of Didio's "shocking shake-ups" was starting to wear thin.

Most books dropped to their pre-OYL numbers, and even some of the successful revamps faltered (TEEN TITANS lost steam with the loss of Superboy and Kid Flash, while WONDER WOMAN became a scheduling disaster and Meltzer's JLA wasn't liked by many of the DC-faithful). There's been some attempts to jump-start sagging titles, but nothing has caught fire...

Gail Simone couldnt save ATOM. Marrying and relaunching GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY didnt result in sales (the book now sells at the same level as GREEN ARROW before its cancellation). The Winick-written TITANS title is mostly loathed. Dixon (I guess) failed to reignite ROBIN and BATO. And even veteran writer Jim Shooter couldnt create interest in the latest LEGION title.

Are readers starting to speak with their wallets? Are they beginning to grow tired of Didio's cheap stunts?

The numbers are in for May books, and SECRET INVASION #2 has beat FINAL CRISIS #1 is sales. Initial projections say the FINAL CRISIS #1 numbers are expected to be around 150k, as compared to INFINITE CRISIS #1 being 250k. That's quite a dip in a DC Mega-Event in only 3 years.

Could this be the beginning of the end of the Didio Reign?

I've been "waiting out" his editorial regime since 2003. It's been 5 years. Is there a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel?

The "firing" of Shooter, Dixon and others (?) may be a sign of desperation on Didio's part. No one is shocked by bloody deaths, secret silver age pacts and "new faces" under familiar masks. The fans seem to be wise to his tricks, and the creators have been slowly speaking out, from low grumblings to Dixon's more recent, obvious jab.

I miss when DC had actual heroes and clear storytelling. I miss the days when "death" wasn't equated with "plot twist." I long for the stories that didn't focus soley on continuity.

I'm hoping Didio's out or tricks.

Titans in September

Full solicts here

TEEN TITANS #63
Written by Sean McKeever
Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose
Bombshell is back! But wait - isn't she dead? Whatever the answer, one thing's for sure: the Teen Titans are gonna have their hands full! Also in this issue: Wonder Girl can feel something terrible on the horizon coming for her and there's nothing she can do to stop it!
On sale September 24 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TITANS #5
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Julian Lopez & Prentis Rollins
Cover by Joe Benitez
When Raven's half-brothers return to claim her and unite Trigon's bloodline, Raven must choose which ties are stronger: the family she was born to, or the new family she has made.
Resolicit o On sale September 24 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DC SPECIAL: CYBORG #5
Written by Mark Sable
Art by Carlos Magno & Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Mike McKone
Meet The Phantom Limbs, an elite team of wounded soldiers saved by Cyborg's technology. The catch? The only way they can keep their new limbs is by killing for the mercenary Mr. Orr. Will Vic be able to save them from this Faustian bargain - or will they kill him first?
On sale September 17 o 5 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BATGIRL #3
Written by Adam Beechen
Art and by Jim Calafiore & Mark McKenna
Cover by Andy Clarke
Batgirl, Marque and an unexpected ally cross swords - and daggers, spears and whips - with the deadly Daughters of David Cain! Also, Cassandra's worked hard to keep her private mission of vengeance secret from her allies - but is that enough?
On sale September 17 o 3 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

NIGHTWING #148
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten Cover by Rags Morales
A "Batman: R.I.P." tie-in! Nightwing's been shot by an assassin! How can he save the life of Harvey Dent's former lover before the killer returns to finish the job…and before he bleeds to death? Will Nightwing find sanctuary in the Batcave, or will Batman's recent disappearance lead to an even bigger mystery?
On sale September 3 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ROBIN #178
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art and cover by Freddie E. Williams II
The repercussions from "Batman R.I.P." have shaken Robin to the core. With all his relationships fracturing and his place as both sidekick and son, boyfriend and best friend thrown into turmoil, how will Tim Drake determine the best course of action for his future? "Search for a Hero" begins an epic tale that could very well turn the Boy Wonder into a man!
On sale September 17 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE FLASH #244
Written by Alan Burnett
Art by Paco Diaz & Drew Geraci
Cover by Brian Stelfreeze
The epic "This Was Your Life, Wally West" kicks off in high gear as Flash faces a scary blast from the past in a new story written by Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series, SUPERMAN/BATMAN). Plus, Keystone City is abuzz over the new threat in town, who just might be the finish line for the Flash!
On sale September 17 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

BLUE BEETLE #31
Written by Matthew Sturges
Art by Andre Coehlo
Cover by Rafael Albuquerque
After getting roped into Border Patrol duty, Blue Beetle learns you can't fight City Hall! He can still fight Intergang, though - but they're not going to make it easy for him! Guest-starring Doctor Mid-Nite!
On sale September 24 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #17
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art and cover by Phil Winslade
Supergirl and Raven team up to save San Francisco from a new super villain with deep roots in the DC Universe!
On sale September 17 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DC UNIVERSE: DECISIONS #1-2
Written by Judd Winick & Bill Willingham
Pencil art by Rick Leonardi
Covers by Stephane Roux
Election season is upon us, and the stakes have never been higher! An unknown villain is attempting to assassinate the presidential candidates, and only the heroes of the DCU stand in the way. As Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Superman, Batman and more try to learn the killer's identity, they are faced with the difficult task of reconciling their own personal ideals with the mission at hand.
Brought to you by writers Judd Winick (GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY, TITANS) and Bill Willingham (FABLES, DAY OF VENGEANCE) and featuring sensational art by Rick Leonardi (ROBIN, SUPERGIRL)!

FINAL CRISIS #4
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by J.G. Jones and Carlos Pacheco
Covers by J.G. Jones
It's one month after the Anti-Life Equation was released worldwide. Millions now toil as slaves of Darkseid, while the Justifier shock troops of Apokolips lay waste to the planet Earth and hunt down its protectors.
The remaining free humans and superheroes are stationed around the world, besieged within the walls of ten very familiar 'Watchtowers', as they fight a desperate, losing battle against the triumphant forces of evil.
While Green Arrow and Black Canary attempt to deliver the secret of humanity's last hope across America's blasted wastelands, the Outsiders brave the horrors of the Bludhaven bunker in search of Batman. The ultimate battle is coming…but which heroes will become villain - and vice versa? And what part do the Secret Society have to play in the dawning of this new Age of Evil?
Darkness is falling and death rules the day. Is this truly the end of the Age of Super Heroes? Don't miss FINAL CRISIS #4: "How to Murder the Earth!"
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 September 17 o 4 of 7 o 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES' REVENGE #3
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Scott Kolins
Captain Cold and the Rogues only want one thing - revenge. But with the Secret Society hitting the Rogues where it hurts, that revenge is being kept at an arm's length. Not to mention, the subject of their revenge is now under Libra's protection. It's do or die time for the Rogues as this villainous mini-series concludes! Plus, what's up with...Barry Allen?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Scott Kolins that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 17 o 3 of 3 o 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by George Pérez & Scott Koblish
Covers by George Pérez
Geoff Johns and George Perez continue crafting the Crisis of the 31st Century! As Superboy-Prime leads the Legion of Super-Villains against everything and everyone inspired by the legacy of Superman, the Legion of Super-Heroes are forced to call for help from beyond their world. Meanwhile, contingency plans are created by Brainiac 5 as he attempts to overcome Colu's devastating betrayal, Dawnstar and Wildfire pull off a startling rescue, but at a horrible cost to the universe, and Saturn Girl uncovers the source of the Legion's troubles.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by George Pérez that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale September 17 o 2 of 5 o 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US Issue #1 on sale September 10; issue #2 on sale September 24 o 1 and 2 of 4
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TINY TITANS #8
Written by Art Baltazar and Franco
Art and cover by Art Baltazar
School is in session at Sidekick City Elementary and it's time for report cards and parent teacher conferences.
Plus, Beast Boy gets more than he bargained for with a trip to the local library and hilarity ensues at Blue Beetle's birthday party with a case of mistaken identity and much, much more!
On sale September 17 o 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

TEEN TITANS YEAR ONE TP
Written by Amy Wolfram
Art by Karl Kerschl & Serge LaPointe
Cover by Karl Kerschl
The early days of the Teen Titans are chronicled in this title collecting the 6-issue miniseries!
Advance-solicited; on October 29 o 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

Didio "Fixing" TITANS?

starbuck77 from comicbloc e-mailed Dan Didio pleading him to fix TITANS. And Dan responded. Here's what starbuck 77 posted:

"I emailed Dan Didio last night asking him to please fix the Titans. Too many of us have waited too long for this team to be back together.

He responded rather quickly with: "On it."

So maybe there's hope? (or at least he's hearing the messages...I recommend others email him as well off of MySpace)"

You can find Dan's myspace here! Let's send him some polite missives.

Is it weird the man who "killed" so many Titans and wanted to kill Nightwing had "Psycho Killer" playing on his myspace page? :)

The Return of Troia's Starfield Costume?

My good Titans buddy Krystal from comicbloc had some good news to share: " The starfield costume will be coming back. [Titans editor] Eddie Berganza said so at NYCC." and "I remember talking to [Eddie] and just saying, "Dude, from girl's a point of view, it's so ugly. I would not be caught dead wearing that." And he then said, "Don't worry, the starfield costume will be coming back soon." It totally slipped my mind to ask why the change."

Yeah! I like it when DC comes to their senses.

Buchemi on TITANS #5

Tar Aquino of the excellent Torre Titans! has posted some Rodney Buchemi art from comicbloc:

"Hey, Titans Fans. When I saw the solicit for Titans #05, I noticed that we’d have a fill-in: the Brazilian Rodney Buchemi. Honestly, I didn’t know him and, quickly, I tried to search some Buchemi’s stuff on the web. So, I was wondered when I founded his profile on deviantart (www.buchemi.deviantart.com). I loved his art immediately. I tried to reach the artist and I asked to him a commission named “Family Portrait”.

I loved the result and I am so happy with the art. I think Buchemi works better in the title, because Titans needs his style – “The Family Style”. So, I had the idea to share this commission with you and I’d like to ask your help for show to DC that Buchemi must be the regular artist. Titans Together?

It isnt done yet, but I will post it again. Dick, Donna, Gar, Kory, Raven, Lilith, Wally, Joey, Garth, Roy, Vic, Duela and Leonid."


I LOVE this piece! Buchemi should be the new TITANS artist. who's with me?!?!?
This is off the hook AWESOME.
want.
If Rodney becomes the new artist, TITANS may get a stay of execution on my "buy" list.

Benitez on TITANS for "Foreseeable Future"

At the WW PHILLY: DCU: CRISIS NOW! PANEL, Newsarama reports: "The Titans slide brought questions about the change from artist Ian Churchill to Joe Benitez in the second issue. DiDio- “Unfortunately Ian hurt his hand, and is recovering, so Joe Benitez will take over the art for the foreseeable future.”

In other Titans news, " Art Baltazar & Franco Aureliani brought some insight in to future Tiny Titans issues. “Trigon makes pancakes for the Titans, and they have a space adventure to help Starfire clean her room.” They were also quick to mention that any Titan that dies in the regular DCU will pop up alive and well in Tiny Titans."

and "Is Barry Allen returning? Ethan Van Sciver-“ Don’t ask me!” DiDio added “A Perfect place for Flash is a crisis, but not just one Flash, all Flashes…”

and "Is Superboy coming back? “Can’t hear you…” The fan repeats the question, and DiDio responds again “Sorry, I can’t hear you…”"

Titans Companion 2 Preview

It's two years in the making... and now... its almost here! I'm talking about Titans Companion 2 from Twomorrows publishing! It's a sequel to the first companion (both of which were designed by me!) The second volume features the last 10 years of Titans goodness!

NOW, you can download a FREE preview of the book! Click here to download.

Feast your eyes on this solicit: "Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Titans Companion Volume 2 picks up where Volume 1 left off, covering the return of the Teen Titans to the top of the sales charts! Featuring interviews with Geoff Johns, Mike McKone, Peter David, Phil Jimenez, and others, it also contains an in-depth section on the top-rated Cartoon Network series! Read what the producers and staff of the show have to say about adapting the Titans to the small screen! Plus Chuck Dixon, Mark Waid, Karl Kesel, and John Byrne on writing the current generation of Titans! More with Marv Wolfman and George Perez! Neal Adams on redesigning Robin! Artwork by Adams, Byrne, Jimenez, McKone, Perez and more! With an all-new cover by Mike McKone, The Titans Companion Volume 2 completes any Titans fan's collection!"

and pre-order the book here!

Sean's Teen Titans 2008 update!

On his site, Sean McKeever teases some upcoming Titans stories! Here's a sampling:

"AUGUST
62 - The Wendy & Marvin focus issue, introducing everyone's new pal, Wonderdog, and guest-starring Cyborg! A heartwarming downtime issue, though I do promise some fighting. By the end of this issue, a Teen Titan will never be the same again! (I'm not repeating this just to be funny, honest!)

(By the way, Eddy will be the regular monthly guy for some time now starting with this issue. Eddy can do a monthly no sweat. We had guest art on 55, 58 & 61 because I'd been behind schedule since I started my run. I've now had the chance to double up on scripts for a couple months, so we're in much better shape schedule-wise.)

SEPTEMBER
63 - The return of a former Teen Titan believed to be dead! A great homage cover by Eddy! Wonder Girl starts getting the focus treatment with this issue.

(Oh, hey--the revived Teen Titan is NOT the character I mentioned wanting on the team a couple months ago; that is yet to come.)"

Read the whole darn thing here.

X-Axis Titans Review

The X-Axis is one of my favorite comic review sites. The web site is a work of critical comment and review by Paul O-Brien. Paul has a great eye for storytelling and structure. Seriously, somebody should hire this guy as an editor. He recently reviewed TITANS #1, and he touches on a lot of the fan criticisms as well...

"So, what's in the issue? Why, it's a series of scenes in which former members of the Titans briefly go about their business before being attacked by demons. One at a time. In fairness, you could say this fulfils the basic requirement of "introducing the cast" - although I'd question whether the scene for Donna Troy actually does that job.

And then at the end, all of the group stand around and discuss what's happening, and then they mention a villain whose name would presumably strike terror into my heart if I'd heard of him. But hey, it's issue #1, so it's totally reasonable to write a cliffhanger that assumes prior knowledge of the villain.

Oh, hold on. The team all get together at the end? Didn't we leave each of them being attacked by demons? Did I miss a scene where they, you know, escaped the demons? Flick, flick, flick... no, apparently not. They... just did. Wonderful.

Seriously, now, what is this nonsense? It has the veneer of a professional product, but the more you look at it, the more of a mess it seems. Existing fans of the Titans will probably get more out of it than I did, to be fair, but the rest of you should run to the hills."

For the full review, click here.