Dan Didio: 20 Answers

Newsarama reports: " Time for DC Universe Executive Editor Dan DiDio to answer 20 reader questions, and fire back with one of his own. This time out, we hit the changes in the Batman family, upcoming Red Circle developments, beat the dead horse of re-numbering series, talk some Titans talk, and much more."

Some Titans highlights:

13. Will Adventure Comics launch on its own legs, or will it be pulled into the Superman Family of titles from the get-go?

DD As a matter of fact, it starts on its own legs. Even though the storyline begins with Superboy’s return, and he’s operating out of the Kent’s home in Smallville, it’s very much his own story, and not something that’s leaning heavily on the current events in Superman and Action Comics.

But, there’s a good chance that those two worlds will converge later down the line.

14. While we’re speaking of Superboy – a reader asked that with Superboy and Kid Flash back, and a new Robin taking up the role, might we see a return to a “Big 7” style Teen Titans soon – possibly one that doesn’t involve someone being brutally murdered every six issues?

DD Well, yes and no, then (laughs). For Teen Titans, it’s the same as with the Justice League – we’re not just going to jam every book with every character we can just because we think they should be there, or everybody’s asking for them to be there. There was a version of the Teen Titans that ran like that, true, but we’re looking at the cast, the roles they fill, the story potential, where they are in the DC Universe at that moment, and we try to build the best teams that make sense in order to tell the best stories that we can tell. If that involves the “Big 7,” great, if it involved two of the “Big 7” style Titans, that’s great too, but it matters to me that we have the proper mix of characters.

As for the death issue, yeah, it’s always cute when someone makes a reference like that, but from my standpoint, we don’t shy away from any stories that we think are strong, and we’re just not arbitrarily killing characters, either, because we have too many at a given moment. Also, I said this last time, but the post Blackest Night DC Universe is a lot more sensitive to character death and resurrection, and there’s a much keener sensibility in regards to what that’s all about following Blackest Night.

Not "arbitrarily killing character?" Oh, Dan... please.

As far as being "a lot more sensitive to character death and resurrection", the same thing was said following INFINITE CRISIS... and look where we are now.

IGN: Geoff Johns on Superboy

IGN sat down to talk with Geoff Johns about GREEN LANTERN, FLASH: REBITH and ADVENTURE COMICS starring Superboy. Here's some Superboy highlights:

IGN Comics: Conner Kent is going to star in Adventure Comics. What's the hook or general premise of that series?

Johns: We're bringing Conner Kent back to the land of the living. And just a quick aside: there' a definite reason we're dealing with all these resurrections now. Conner Kent and Kid Flash will both play a role in Blackest Night. But Adventure Comics sees Conner Kent come back and plant a flag in the greatest place on Earth, Smallville. He has a definite, clear mission, and he's probably more focused than he's ever been and just exuberant about being back. There's a moment we've shown in the preview pages where he's looking at Smallville wondering how he could ever not want to be here. He's realized how beautiful this place is. But he'll soon learn there's much more to Smallville right now, because of him.

IGN Comics: And I assume you'll be dealing with the complicated question of his two fathers, Lex and Superman?

Johns: Yes. The book will feature Luthor. You'll see Brainiac, you'll see supporting cast members like Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, the Teen Titans. Throughout the first arc of Adventure Comics, you'll see him revisit a number of his relationships.

IGN Comics: Will it share a tight link with the other Superman books?

Johns: It will be focused on Superboy. It will be in the Superman Universe and it is a Superman Family book, but in the beginning with Conner Kent coming back it really is its own story. I think it's important to do that early on. The book is very much in the same tone as Action Comics with Gary Frank. My approach to the Superman Universe is a little bit different than my take on Green Lantern or Flash. It's a little bit more open, and Americana. Adventure Comics will be extremely accessible. And of course the back-up will feature the Legion. The first back-up is Starman.

Read the whole interview here.

Wednesday Comics' Teen Titans

The DCUBlog has posted a preview of Wednesday Comics' Teen Titans:

Well, it’s not actually Wednesday, but that’s never stopped us from posting cool images from WEDNESDAY COMICS, has it? The new weekly series, slated to launch in July, is the brainchild of DC Art Director Mark Chiarello, who has collected an impressive array of creators for the book.

This time around, we have a look at writer Eddie Berganza and artist Sean Galloway’s TEEN TITANS strip, which, as you can see, is really a delight. Enjoy.

A Look at Teen Titans Who Have Fallen

Newsarama's blog looks at Titans deaths:

After my comments on the matter a few days ago, it was suggested that I put together a list of Teen Titans-related deaths that have taken place in the last few years, what weight they carried and all that. One thing that’s kind of ironic is that in looking at these stories, I realized there haven’t been quite as many Titans deaths as I had previously suspected! While I’m sure I missed a few (maybe even some really obvious ones, and I’m sure you’ll all tell me), the list I’ve got going on here is fairly exhaustive.

Is "Games" Back On?

From http://jonpinto.blogspot.com/:"So much so that when others were gathered and I asked George what he would be working on next professionally, he told us that there were three things offered by DC and he accepted two of them but could not tell us what they were. So I asked what was the one he turned down. He told us that he turned down the opportunity to write Teen Titans and explained why he did so. While then talking about Teen Titans and how the anniversary is coming up and how DC wanted to cash in on all of this I posed another question to him. He actually stared at me for a moment and then smiled at me and revealed to everyone that what I asked him was exactly what he would be working on. I am purposely being vague about what that is because it is not official yet and his partner in it does not even know that George has agreed to finish this project (there's your hint.). Wow!"

This strongly hints that we will FINALLY see "Games", the long-planned never-published Teen Titans graphic novel from 1989 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez.

If you aren't familiar with "Games", click here for the full story.

hm, I'd actually RATHER it NOT be "Games". Sarah Simms is alive in the recent Cyborg mini, so it renders a plot point immaterial now. It also features a battle at the World Trade Center. Plus, I hate to tell you guys... "Games" isn't the grand opus Titans story you think it is; It's OK, but not fantastic.

I wish it were a completely new "Titans something" from George.

Preview: Teen Titans #71

The DCUBlog has posted pages of TEEN TITANS #71: "in our continued efforts to keep you entertained, here are a few pages from TEEN TITANS #71. In the aftermath of the “Deathtrap” crossover, the team picks up the pieces as Ravager returns — but is she friend or foe?"

Check it out here!



It's by Sean McKeever and Yildiray Cinar. And it looks pretty good from the preview!

"Deathtrap" Conclusion

Marv promised a "very controversial ending" to "Deathtrap" and he wasn't kidding. From Marv Wolfman's blog:

I wanted to remind everyone that Vigilante #6 is on sale next Wednesday. Vig 6 is the final part of the Deathtrap crossover with the Titans, and I can promise you it will have a very controversial ending. When the guys at DC told me what they had planned, even my gasted was flabbered. The ending is shocking, yes, but it's also a logical one and will be built on in the future.

The last two pages below.

I dunno... I'm not really seeing the point in bringing back Jericho from the dead, to have him become evil, then redeemed, then evil again. And now, completely insane and... maimed. Also, is it ANY surprise that this move was editorially-driven? Who is steering the ship here? Thoughts?




I'm at a loss for words here.

I wish poor Joey just stayed dead. His Titans Hunt death was poignant and gave Slade some good, angsty daddy grief.

Inside Ravager's Co-Feature

The DCUBlog has shared some art from the Ravager co-feature:

One of the best parts of working on The Source is getting a chance to see stuff in progress, or getting bits of info about the creative process. With that in mind, we talked TEEN TITANS Editor Brian Cunningham into giving us a look-see at what goes into creating the RAVAGER co-feature, which will kick off with TEEN TITANS #72(in stores on 6/24, natch), from writer Sean McKeever and artist Yildiray Cinar.

This is the only bright spot in the Titans franchise at this point. The art looks great. I trust Sean McKeever with Rose. And flashbacks to Rose's eye-gouging! Can't wait!

More art at the blog, too! From pencils to inks. Check it!

Omen of Things To Come for Teen Titans

from DC Source blog:

Just what happens after “Deathtrap”? Well, lots. In #72 alone, Wonder Girl finds her leadership challenged, the team faces the Fearsome Five and well, you get this as a first page:

[visual of coffin with a Titans "T"]

Hm. Ominous. Let’s check in with TEEN TITANS editor Brian Cunningham for some more details. Take it away, Brian:

“Which fallen Teen Titan lies in that coffin?

You’ll get your first glimpse come June 17, when Teen Titans #72 hits stores. It’s part one of a three-part opus that will literally shatter this group in ways you won’t expect. I know that statement can tend to come off as overblown hype, but believe you me, it’s gut-check time for this bunch.

I’m willing to bet my prize 1976 DC calendar that Titans fans will be pretty stoked when they read Bryan Q. Miller and Joe Bennett’s brutal three-issue story for our teen heroes. It’s relentless in how much punishment is dished out. And I’m talking punishment on so many levels — between team members, between good guys and bad, and even between bad guys and bad.

Grueling choices must be made throughout, and all actions have dire consequences. Some, as you can plainly see, are much more horrible than others.

I mean, c’mon, I wouldn’t bet my ‘76 DC calendar on just anything!”

JT Krul Talks Titans: Swimming With Sharks

Comicbookresources.com has an interview with JT Krul, who is writing TITANS #15. Hey, it sounds like Krul has some respect for Garth, which I, in turn, respect:

J.T. Krul, known primarily for his work on “Fathom” for Aspen Comics, is diving headfirst into DC Comics' “Titans” in July when he brings Tempest back to Titans Tower.

Tempest, first introduced as Aqualad in “Adventure Comics” #269 in 1960, was a founding member of the Teen Titans along with the original Robin, Dick Grayson, and the first Kid Flash, Wally West.

Fans of the 36-year-old Krul, who once worked as production coordinator on “Seinfeld,” will be sad to hear that he’s not the new ongoing writer on “Titans,” but he writing a “Blackest Night” tie-in book: "Blackest Night: Titans." In this interview with CBR News, Krul shared some major details about his fill-in work on “Titans” #15 and promised readers whether they know him or not, they’re going to care about Garth by the end of the issue.

Do you have a favorite character or run?

Right now, I have to say Tempest is my favorite character. I mean, isn’t that obvious? But, if I had to choose another, I would actually say Tim Drake/Robin or Roy/Red Arrow. As for runs, I really got into the relaunch that Geoff Johns did and the “Kid’s Game” storyline was a great rebirth of that title. Going back, I also really enjoyed the Terra stuff. I think Marv Wolfman was really doing some incredible stories back then, as he managed to take a team of teenagers and use their trials and tribulations to propel them into adulthood.

What can you tell us about the story you're telling in “Titans” #15?

Well, the short of it is Tempest is back, and back in a big way. If you love Tempest and have been chomping at the bit for his return, this is it. And, if you don’t know Tempest or care about him, you will by the end of the issue.

Read the whole article here.

Titans In August

DC Comics has released solicitation information and images for new comics and products shipping in August 2009. Check 'em out here.

TEEN TITANS #74
Written by Bryan Q. Miller; co-feature written by Sean McKeever
Art by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson; co-feature art by Yildiray Cinar & Júlio Ferreira
Cover by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson
The assault against the Teen Titans continues this issue as the team struggles to even the odds. Will they be defeated by a foe with superior leadership?
And in the co-feature, Ravager is attacked in her arctic hideaway. Who wants her dead? That’s what she wants to know…
On sale August 26 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

TITANS #16
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Angel Unzueta & Wayne Faucher
Cover by Angel Unzueta
Why has Starfire been acting odd the past few issues? Turns out the warrior woman has major rage issues coming out of her recent breakup with Dick Grayson, the events of FINAL CRISIS and more. Her super-powerful emotions could very well rip the team apart!
On sale August 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TINY TITANS #19
Written by Art Baltazar & Franco
Art and cover by Art Baltazar
Love is in the air...and in Titans Treehouse! Plasmus and Bumblebee are hanging out more, and the other Titans are starting to notice. And Robin just wants to write his school report, but for some reason the girls won't leave him alone. Plus, the return of the Titans Ape Club! Eek!
On sale August 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.50 US


BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS #1
Written by J.T. Krul
Art and cover by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter
Variant cover by Brian Haberlin
Black Lantern Titans are descending together onto Titans Island! Will the Titans be prepared to fight off their deceased allies? And how can Beast Boy not lose his heart to Black Lantern Terra?
Explore the effect BLACKEST NIGHT has on the greater DC Universe in this 3-issue miniseries from writer J.T. Krul (JSA CLASSIFIED, Fathom) and superstar artist Ed Benes (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Brian Haberlin). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 26 • 1 of 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ADVENTURE COMICS #1
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Francis Manapul, co-feature art by Clayton Henry
Covers by Francis Manapul
It's the return of one of DC Comics' longest running books and one of its greatest modern-day heroes – Conner Kent! In our first heroic issue, Superboy can't wait to jump back into his life – but which life will it be? With a clarity he's never had before, Conner makes a beeline for the greatest place on Earth...Smallville?
Plus, in the wake of FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS, Starman heads off on an all-new mission in the present. And it's one that will not only impact Superboy, but the future of the DC Universe itself. Fortunately, the off-kilter Legionnaire won't be dong it alone! And in the upcoming months of ADVENTURE COMICS look for Lex Luthor! Brainiac! Lightning Lad! Superboy's pal Simple Simon! Sun Boy and Polar Boy! Ultra, the Multi Alien! Wonder Girl! Black Lantern Alexander Luthor! And many, many more new and familiar faces!
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 renamed ADVENTURE COMICS #504). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 12 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

THE FLASH: REBIRTH #5
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Ethan Van Sciver
The greatest threat to face the Flash Family in decades stands revealed! A new hero will step into an old speedster’s boots! And Barry Allen will make the ultimate sacrifice: his life! Oh yeah, you read that right, but you’ll never believe just what it means! They always say nothing will ever be the same, but trust us, this one will rewrite the history books!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 26 • 5 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE LAST DAYS OF ANIMAL MAN #4
Written by Gerry Conway
Art by Chris Batista & Dave Meikis
Cover by Brian Bolland
Regrets…he’s had a few! Buddy Baker can’t bear to live with the regret that comes of his infidelity with Starfire…but Prismatik and Bloodrage will be happy to take the burden of life off his hands! They’ve launched a full-on assault against the League of Titans’ headquarters, and Buddy and Starfire are the only heroes who stand in their way!
On sale August 26 • 4 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

DOOM PATROL #1
Written by Keith Giffen; co-feature written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Matthew Clark; co-feature art by Kevin Maguire
Cover by Matthew Clark
Variant cover by Matthew Clark and Kevin Maguire
Come one, come all! The world's strangest Super Heroes are back, and they brought those robot guys along with 'em! Thrill to the strange adventures of the Doom Patrol, with script by Keith Giffen and art by Matthew Clark! Whether you think you know 'em or you wouldn't know 'em if they bit you on the behind, this Doom Patrol's for you! But that's not all! Read all the way to the back cover for the all-new adventures of those elemental everymen, the Metal Men, featuring the triumphant return of the creative team that brought you JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL! That’s 40 full pages of comic-bookery for just under four American dollars. So why not try some Doom Patrol with a side order of Metal Men today?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Matthew Clark), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Matthew Clark and Kevin Maguire). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

WEDNESDAY COMICS #5-8
THE TEEN TITANS are attacked by Trident in a story written by Eddie Berganza with art by Sean Galloway.

Geoff Johns: On Returns and Rebirths

Newsarama reports:

When Geoff Johns said Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds would affect more than just the future, he wasn't kidding.

In the first four issues of the mini-series by Johns and George Perez, both Bart Allen as Kid Flash and Conner Kent as Superboy have returned from the dead. As if the Legion held some kind of special comic book magic, both the super-aging of Bart and the legal problems with the "Superboy" name have now been apparently eliminated.

After returning in Legion of 3 Worlds #3, Bart Allen returns to the present as Kid Flash and looks to be right back where many fans would say he belongs within the pages of Flash: Rebirth. Now that Superboy has returned in issue #4, he'll star in his own ongoing series beginning this August – Adventure Comics by Johns and Francis Manapul, which will co-star the Legion of Super-Heroes.

And Johns told Newsarama that both Superboy and Kid Flash will be part of this summer's Blackest Night event, as well as being "front and center" in the DCU over the next year.

NRAMA: So will Superboy appear on an ongoing basis in Adventure Comics?

GJ: He's the star of Adventure Comics, which will co-feature the Legion of Super-Heroes.

NRAMA: Is there anything more you can tell us about Adventure Comics now that we've read the first four issues of Legion of 3 Worlds?

GJ: About Adventure? Just that I've been working with Francis, he’s turning in some unbelievable pages and enthusiasm, and that the book is in the same vein as Gary Frank’s and my Action Comics run. Accessible, bright, dangerous and open. When dealing with “super” characters, I’ve been trying to bring a very stand-alone but part-of-a-bigger-story feel to the books. With Action Comics, between “Last Son” and “Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes” and “Brainiac,” you could read those by themselves or together. I’m bringing that same sense of storytelling to Adventure Comics.

Oh, the one thing I am taking with me from Justice Society of America is Starman. Starman will play a role in Adventure Comics. And the first co-feature is Legion of Super-Heroes: Starman.

Read the whole article here.

Bryan Q. Miller talks Teen Titans, Batgirl

Comic Book Resources reports:

Bryan Q. Miller pulled a rabbit out his hat earlier this year when he introduced Zatanna to the “Smallville” mythos by writing the Season 8 episode, “Hex.” DC Comics obviously thought Miller had a handle on scripting young heroes, because after penning three episodes of the CW hit series, the publisher gave him a multi-issue arc on “Teen Titans” for his first assignment in comics.

For Miller’s debut effort, he serves as co-writer on “Teen Titans” #72 with Sean McKeever. After that, it’s all Miller for a three-issue fill-in run, one that serves as a “pivotal narrative bridge” for the title moving forward.

What can you tell us about the story you’re going to tell in “Teen Titans?”

Without delving into spoiler territory, like anyone their age, all the Teen Titans want is a big night out on the town. But be careful what you wish for. What else can I say about the run without giving anything away? It’s definitely a three-part story, beginning, middle and end – with anywhere between one and three huge events by the end of the third issue. There’s one huge event for the team and one game-changing development.

There may or not be a third big “thing” happening – it’s still up in the air. And you’ll know from the first page of the first issue that we -- editors Brian Ogle, Rex Cunningham, and myself -- intend to put the team through an ordeal. How’s that for a tease?

Check out the full article.

Preview: Titans #13, Deathtrap, p.4

Newsarama has an exclusive preview of the penultimate issue of the Titans, Teen Titans, Vigilante x-over 'Deathtrap'

TITANS #13: Written by Sean McKeever; Art by Howard Porter; Cover by Andrew Robinson "Deathtrap" part 4! The Titans, Vigilante and now the Teen Titans all get roped into Jericho's insane plot. Can their combined forces halt their foe's master plan? This riveting crossover concludes in VIGILANTE #6!

This is getting pretty bad...

Uuugh. It's really starting to strain credulity that TWO Titans teams can't manage to stop ONE body-hopping baddie. Especially when Wally rushes in, and, rather than disarming Joey at super-speed, or knocking him out-- he stops dead to talk with him.

And "evil Jericho"is such a misfire as a plot idea, as a serious A-level threat, and as a dragged out multi-part crossover. Do we even know "who" is driving Joey's body? Which psychotic personality? And what their motives are? Even psychos have motives.

No wonder McKeever left if this was the direction of the books...

The Titans books need help so very, very, very badly...

Bryan Q. Miller on Teen Titans & Batgirl

According to the DC Source Blog:

Well, a little more, at least. We’re not going to spoil the party right away and tell you who’s behind the mask. Heck, it might be someone you’ve never met before. Or it might not.

But, we can give you the lowdown on who the creators on this new ongoing will be. First up, the series will be written by Bryan Q. Miller, who is no stranger to superheroics, having done some writing for a little show called “Smallville.” Miller will also be penning a three-issue arc of TEEN TITANS, starting in July.

Terra in POWERGIRL

Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti talk about the ongoing POWER GIRL series at comicbookresources.com, and reveal Terra will pop up in the series:

What characters are playing supporting roles in the series?

JG: We’re building a new cast around her as well as bringing in the occasional guest appearance from Terra.

JP: Busted. [laughs] Yeah, Terra and a few others are going to be showing up now and again, especially when the character makes sense and because the title is taking place in and around New York City, you will be seeing other old friends, as well. At the core though, it’s too easy to get caught up with guests, so we are sticking to the core players as much as possible until events sneak their way into the book.

Check out the whole interview here.

Also, check out the Terra/Power Girl variant cover at the DC Universe blog.

Karl Kerschl's Wednesday Flash

Karl Kerschl has posted a sneak peek of his upcoming FLASH story n WEDNESDAY COMICS on his blog. I love Karl's stuff, and this sample is no different.

Here’s a sneak peek at the first page of my Flash story for Wednesday Comics! Co-written with Brenden Fletcher and coloured by Dave McCaig, it’s a 100% Canadian effort. :)

Check it out!

McDuffie's Original Red Arrow Romance

By way of "Lying In The Gutters:" Dwayne McDuffie was been talking about and deconstructing his work on "JLA" on the DC Message Boards. It's rare that a creator is so open and honest about the ins and outs of working on such a series:

My plan was for Kendra to break up rather painfully with Roy, in time for that to be the reason Roy left the JLA (to go to the other title he was supposed to be going to back when I planned this). Kendra would have stayed with the team, but been without a romantic partner for a while. Most of the League, friends with Roy since he was a teen, would resent Kendra for staying on when she was the one who hurt their friend. She was going to be pretty much a loner except for her relationship with Wonder Woman (which would eventually be good, although Kendra would misread her for a while, causing friction until Diana helped her through some tough times), and Black Lightning, who would treat her like a surrogate daughter (I'd also planned to have her go to Jeff's for Thanksgiving, and meet the rest of his family). Kendra was going to come out of all this with a new focus, and a slightly adjusted status quo that would keep her front and center in JLA. Roy and Kendra would reconcile in about two years, but never be a couple again, except for one night that they'd both be sorry for, and never mention again.

But continuity changed in other books (i was informed that Kendra would die in Final Crisis), so I had to toss it all. Actually twice, because my back up plan was derailed by Kendra's recent undeath.

It's such a shame that McDuffie has been hamstrung on this title. You would think DC would let him "do his thing" on the book, after writing such stellar episodes of JUSTICE LEAGUE and JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED.