Batman Writer on Night of the Owls

Batman #8 courtesy DC Comics

  Night of the Owls begins this week with Batman #8 and Nightwing #8. The Court of Owls and their army of enforcers, the Talons, launch a full-scale assault on Gotham City and the Batman family.

  Batman writer Scott Snyder previews the battle for Gotham’s soul and massive crossover. 

“Night of the Owls is here, and it’s about time.”

“I think that’s what a lot us on team Batman have been feeling these last few days. Because for us, this is the moment – the moment we’ve been excitedly working on and building towards for months. This is it, and now it’s really here! This is the night when the Court of Owls makes its move, sending close to 60 Talons out into the skies of Gotham, each with a deadly mission designed to help bring the city to its knees. Of course, the missions will also bring the Talons crashing into conflict with almost every member of the Bat-family, and even though this whole story takes place on one single night, for many of Gotham’s heroes, these clashes will have terrifying consequences that linger long after Gotham’s fate is decided.

Batman #5 courtesy DC Comics

“Night of the Owls is here, and it’s about time.”

“There’s another reason that phrase sticks with me, though. And that’s because the story itself is about time, about history. For one thing, with every Talon having come from a different era of Gotham’s past, they’ll be plenty of glimpses literally and figuratively into Gotham’s history, with a lot of shocking secrets from the past being revealed. Basically, the story is about Gotham’s dark past being brought to bear against the heroes of the present – about the evil from decades, even centuries of corruption emerging from the shadows to crush the spirit of the city – and the Bat-family – once and for all, in one single night, now.”

  For the entire interview here’s the DC Comics link.

  This Geek’s Opinion: The Court of Owls story is one of the most gripping stories I’ve read. As much as I enjoy Batman’s Rogues Gallery, it’s a credit to Snyder and artist Greg Capullo that they’ve taken an enemy (in this case, it’s an organization, an idea of evil) and made them so impactful. Greg Capullo deserves huge accolades for his incredible, haunting art. The Owl masked Council members and the Talon are so simple yet terrifying. And Batman #5 alone is a stunning achievement in storytelling. Capullo has designed an intricate army of Talons from various eras.

  Most fans suffer from event-fatigue but we still buy the crossover anyway. I’m anticipating and eagerly excited for every chapter of Night of the Owls.

By Editor

Emerald City Comicon: This Geek’s Odyssey Day One

 

The Lines Room outside the massive line room at ECCC - ComicsBlend.com

  Emerald City Comicon is here! Stars, swag and geek dreams come true all on display for eager fans. The Washington State Convention Center became geek ground zero. At we waited for the 2pm opening the Skybridge was stuffed with fans then there were seven lines of eager geeks packed in a giant panel room with another huge line out beyond the entry way.

 

Matt Fraction at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

Today’s agenda was autographs! Matt Fraction was my first – he recognized me from the previous two years – sigh! I had him sign Fear Itself #1 Casanova: Avarita #1 and #2, The Mighty Thor #1 and The Defenders #1. Matt draws clever word balloons on the covers too for that unique touch. Matt’s wife is Kelly Sue DeConnick. I was thrilled to talk about her upcoming new book starring Ms. Marvel now as the new Captain Marvel (she gave out some cool Captain Marvel promo buttons!) and scoop on her next Castle graphic novel.

Ed Brubaker at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Seattle’s very own Ed Brubaker always has a huge line of fans and the celebrity status is well deserved. While he autographed Captain America #1, The Winter Soldier #1 and Fatale #1 we discussed the sell-out success of Fatale, his creator owned horror mystery and Bucky Barnes back as the Winter Soldier.

 

Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Gail Simone is a fan favorite for her Birds of Prey, Secret Six and Wonder Woman runs and for being a trailblazing female writer. I had Simone autograph her recent Batgirl #1, and Wonder Woman #600. I also had her sign my copy of The Power Within, an anti-gay bullying comic published by Seattle’s own Northwest Press. She was a contributor. Simone and her outstanding career is celebrated in a Saturday panel.

With Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  Rick Remender had a breakout year in 2011. I had Remender sign several of his Uncanny X-Force issues and his first Secret Avengers issue. Remender talks about his Fear Agent series and popular take on Marvel’s undercover teams in a Saturday spotlight panel.

 

Monsters & Dames Charity Book courtesy Emerald City Comicon

Adi Granov is a conceptual designer on the Iron Man and upcoming Avengers films. He created the cover for this year’s Monsters and Dames charity book. I had Granov sign several X-Men cover issues and scored his illustration book packed with covers and concept sketches! Art lovers buy this limited edition book and then hunt for the artists at the con who contributed.

With "Batman" artist Greg Capullo at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  The biggest surprise was Greg Capullo. The man is built and looks tough. This guy should be in superhero movies. He’s been working for decades to become an overnight sensation. Capullo was known for his work on X-Force, Spawn and Angela and  now he’s winning raves for his Batman. Capullo even had sketches of Scarecrow with the ECCC logo to sign and give away to every fan who came to his table.

 

Chris Burnham, artist on Batman Inc at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  DC Comics was very giving all day with free issues, posters and more cool swag at their booth. I happen to walk by at the right time. Chris Burnham, the artist on the upcoming Batman Inc, was making fan dreams come true with free sketches of their favorite DC icons. I asked for Batgirl. He was great to ask “which one, which era?” Chris created a New 52 Barbara Gordon Batgirl head shot that I’m having framed!

  The big get for ECCC and for any lucky fan: Marc Silvestri. I had been following Marc’s work since his Uncanny X-Men (I got the famous Wolverine crucified on a X cross issue signed) and Wolverine runs in the late 80’s and 90’s. Silvestri became a founding member of Image Comics and head of Top Cow Productions where he created hits like Witchblade and The Darkness. I snapped up The Art of Marc Silvestri retrospective book collecting his years of work. I was just above the cutoff line so I made it into the last bunch of fans to get this awesome opportunity for his autographs and one on one moment with a legendary creator.

 

Inside the Hall waiting for the mighty Marc Silvestri at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

  All that (plus seeing crazy costumed fans and meeting my friends in Garrison Titan – the Star Wars fans who raise money for charity) in just 6 hours. Saturday is a full day with more autograph seeking, photo taking, hunting for rare comics and enjoying wonderful geek moments.

  Watch for a new post with the gallery of costumed fans!

DC Creators at Emerald City Comicon

 

Emerald City Comicon Exclusive by Alex Ross courtesy Emerald City Comicon

I’m excited! Emerald City Comicon is almost here! DC Comics always has a big presence here at the Seattle event. The Source just provided this update of the DC creators and panels.

  Friday’s DC COMICS ALL ACCESS and Sunday’s DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 panels will be moderated by editors Mike Marts, Ben Abernathy, Brian Cunningham and Rachel Gluckstern – with special guests from the DC Comics creative teams. And Saturday’s VERTIGO: NEW BLOOD panel will be moderated by editor Shelly Bond, who will also be joined by notable Vertigo creators.

   The DC Entertainment booth will have some of your favorite writers and artists from both Vertigo and DC Comics, including Mike Allred (IZOMBIE), Brian Buccellato (THE FLASH), Chris Burnham (BATMAN INCORPORATED), Greg Capullo (BATMAN), Aaron Lopresti (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL), Francis Manapul (THE FLASH), Dustin Nguyen (JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND UNLIMITED), Chris Roberson (IZOMBIE), Gail Simone (BATGIRL), Marcus To (BATWING), Joshua Williamson (VOODOO) and Bill Willingham (FABLES).

Hope you get to meet your favorite! If you’re not in the Seattle, I hope you’ll come back to this site next week for updates.

Happy Birthday Wonder Woman!

Wonder Woman #600 courtesy DC Comics

                                               Happy Birthday Diana!

 

Wonder Woman #1 Courtesy DC Comics

Thanks to all the writers, artists and editors who have created Diana’s adventures.

Wonder Woman #25 courtesy DC Comics

Here’s to the greatest super heroine and to many more decades of inspiration.

CW Unmasks Green Arrow

"Arrow" courtesy The CW

  The CW unveils the first image from Arrow. The pilot stars Stephen Amell (Hung) as playboy/vigilante crimefighter Oliver Queen. This photo shows a darker, edgier hero. The retelling is based on the DC Comics hero but creators say don’t expect this to be like Smallville.

  “When I directed the pilot for Smallville, I knew that making Clark Kent relatable would be the key to audiences believing in him as a hero,” says pilot director/executive producer David Nutter. “Arrow is a different show — darker and harder-edged — but it’s the same core idea. We’re creating a real, believable world in which Oliver Queen can do incredible things. [Costume designer] Colleen Atwood’s great work on the Arrow costume reflects that effort.”

  Thanks to TV Line.

  For fans of the comic book version – legendary Ann Nocenti took over as writer this month. The DC Comics New 52 Oliver Queen is based on Seattle. (My home.)

  What do you think of the CW’s costume for Green Arrow?

Jim Lee’s Free Comic Book Day Cover Revealed

courtesy DC Comics

 The secret is out! Jim Lee’s cover to DC Comics The New 52 Free Comic Book Day Edition. The big three: Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman share the cover with what I assume is the mystery woman, Pandora.

 Here’s your first look at the until-now top-secret cover by DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The legendary artist will also be illustrating five pages for the comic book’s interior, including a four-page JUSTICE LEAGUE gatefold to accompany a brand new story by New York Times bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns.

 Lee also created custom art for the Free Comic Book Day t-shirt, featuring his redesign of the JUSTICE LEAGUE for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 in an homage to a classic piece by José Luis García-López. Free Comic Book Day is May 5th.

Justice League Vs Darkseid

 

Justice League #6 variant cover courtesy DC Comics

 DC’s greatest heroes united only to be blasted by Darkseid!  Can the team regroup to stop the ultimate villain? Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s Justice League #6 arrives this week.

  USA Today has an exclusive preview images of the climatic battle and interviews wth the creators.

“You really see Batman’s superpower is elevating the others around him,” said Johns. “Other than being a great tactician and a great fighter, he does know how to motivate people in the right way and crack into them like a safe.”

 “Every character steps up and does something important in taking down Darkseid and saving the day. That’s the trick to any team book facing one ultimate bad guy is how do you get every character doing something meaningful, and the story delivers on that,” adds Lee.

  This issue has a backup story setting the stage for the next arc in issue 7 and brings the Justice League 5 years forward into present day DC Comics New 52 continuity. Thanks to The Source.

  Johns and Lee have succeeded beautifully at creating a new origin for these iconic characters. It’s been a thrill ride with action, humor and drama. I have to agree with Johns that Batman has this power to inspire. Bruce Wayne and Hal Jordan’s interaction has been a favorite part of this arc. I can’t wait for the big throwdown this week!

 

Earth 2 Batman Revealed

Batman of Earth 2 designed by Jim Lee courtesy DC

  DC Comics The New 52 is doubling down with a Second Wave of new titles crashing this May and the debut of a parallel world. The Source revealed the Batman of Earth 2 designed by Jim Lee and a big teaser from Earth 2 editor Pat McCallum.

“Who will Batman kill to save his own daughter?” asks McCallum. “Right out of the gate that should tell you we’re dealing with a different kind of Dark Knight here. More ruthless, dangerous…the costume is familiar and yeah, there is a Wayne under the mask, but we’re looking at a man desperate to save the only family he has left. Earth 2 is about to become a very bad place to be a bad guy.”