DC Comics’ revamp of its superhero line was a sales success, with titles from DC’s “The New 52” making up nine of the top 10 titles in the year-end sales list of the comic industry’s primary distributor.

Diamond Comics Distributors Inc. reported that “Justice League” No. 1 topped all comics sold in 2011.

Diamond does not release sales numbers, but DC Comics released sales numbers for three of its top titles to The Hollywood Reporter. Through mid-December, “Justice League” No. 1 sold 361,138 copies, “Batman” No. 1 sold 262,379 copies and “Action Comics” No. 1 sold 250,898 copies. Those comics rank 1, 2 and 3 on Diamond’s end-of-year sales report.

Marvel Comics, typically the industry’s top publisher, slipped behind DC in the months following DC’s revamp. Marvel’s top comic for 2011 was “Ultimate Comics Spider-Man” No. 160, which featured the death of Peter Parker in the “Ultimate” line of comic books. The Hollywood Reporter indicates that issue sold 159,355 copies, and Diamond’s rankings put it at No. 6.

The rest of the top 10 includes the second issues of “Justice League,” “Batman” and “Action Comics” at Nos. 4, 5 and 9. The first relaunched issues of “Green Lantern” and “Detective Comics” landed at Nos. 7 and 10. And the third issue of “Justice League” took the No. 8 slot.

Despite DC’s cluster at the top, the larger number of comics published by Marvel helped it remain the No. 1 publisher for the year from Diamond Comics.

While “Justice League” sales were undoubtedly good, they weren’t record-setting. “Amazing Spider-Man” No. 583, from 2009, which guest-starred President Barack Obama, was the best selling comic of the 2000s, with more than 500,000 sold. And all modern comics sales records pale in comparison to the off-the-charts numbers of the 1990s, when “X-Men” No. 1, drawn by “Justice League” artist Jim Lee, shipped more than 8 million copies in 1991.

‘Second Wave’

Not every “New 52” title was a hit; DC Comics has announced the cancellation of six of the titles to make room for six new titles in the “New 52” lineup.

“The excitement of the initial launch of ‘DC Comics — The New 52′ was in seeing the re-imagining of these classic characters and concepts,” said Bob Harras, DC Entertainment editor-in-chief, in a news release. “The ‘Second Wave’ is all about world-building.”

The “Second Wave” includes:

“Batman Incorporated.” Writer Grant Morrison and artist Chris Burnham update the stories of a globally franchised Batman.

“Earth 2.” The greatest heroes on a parallel Earth are the Justice Society of America in this series by writer James Robinson and artist Nicola Scott

“Worlds’ Finest.” Artists George Perez and Kevin Maguire will alternate arcs on this series by Paul Levitz, featuring the characters Huntress and Power Girl, who are trying to find their way back to Earth 2.

“Dial H.” Best-selling novelist China Mieville joins artist Mateus Santoluoco for a more psychological take on a classic DC property about an everyman who gains the powers of a hero.

“G.I. Combat.” A selection of war titles from DC will be updated in this new series, including “The War That Time Forgot,” “The Unknown Soldier” and “Haunted Tank.”

“The Ravagers.” The first “New 52” spinoff features four superpowered teens on the run in a series developed from elements in “Teen Titans” and “Superboy.” Writer Howard Mackie and artist Ian Churchill are the creative team.

The six new series are set to replace “Blackhawks,” “Hawk and Dove,” “Men of War,” “Mister Terrific,” “O.M.A.C.” and “Static Shock.” Those series will end with their eighth issues in April. The “Second Wave” will begin in May.

Top graphic novel

The top-selling graphic novel through Diamond Comic Distributors in 2011 was “The Walking Dead” Vol. 1. Six different volumes of Robert Kirkman’s survivalist horror series placed in the top 10.

Also ranking in the top 10 were new editions of “Fables,” and “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” as well as the Christmas carol tale “Batman: Noel” and the creator-owned “Morning Glories.”

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

"Justice League" No. 1, drawn by Kevin Maguire

AUSTIN, Texas — While Wizard World’s Austin Comic Con featured an array of movie and television stars, comics also were a focus at last weekend’s show. In attendance were Nathan Edmondson (“Who Is Jake Ellis?,” “Grifter”), Greg Capullo (“Batman”), Robert Wilson (“Knuckleheads,”) Kevin Maguire (“Justice League”) and Freddie Williams II (“Captain Atom”).

Maguire and Williams entertained fans and would-be creators in a panel aimed at sharing tips on breaking in to comics. Maguire, who’s been professionally drawing since the mid-1980s, cracked up the crowd, saying he wasn’t sure how he got in and couldn’t really explain how he’d stayed in the industry so long.

“I haven’t broken in since 1986; it’s so different now,” he said. “I’m just here to provide color commentary.”

Tanga in "My Greatest Adventure."

Maguire sent in samples in the early 1980s to Marvel. That led to his becoming part of Romita’s Raiders, an internship-type program at Marvel doing corrections and working with art director John Romita. During that time, he also sent samples to editor Andy Helfer at DC, which led to Maguire’s being offered a comic book at DC Comics.

“I did a book for DC called ‘Wild Card’ that was never published,” Maguire said. “On the strength of that, I got offered ‘Silver Surfer’ at Marvel. And to counter that, DC offered me ‘Justice League.’”

“Justice League,” written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis, became a best-seller in the late 1980s, featuring more humor than was typical for a superhero book of the time. Maguire’s expressively drawn faces were part of that.

“I do improv and acting on the side, just for fun, so I’m always thinking about, ‘What is the character feeling? How are they reacting to what’s going on?’” Maguire said. “How does that reflect how they stand, how they gesture, what’s going on with their face? To me, it just seems like an essential part of storytelling.”

Maguire currently is writing and drawing a story starring Tanga, a charming superpowered alien, in the anthology series “My Greatest Adventure.”

“I love writing my own stuff,” Maguire said. “It’s so much more satisfying for me to be telling my own stories and having my own sense of humor out there.”

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

DC Comics revealed Jim Lee’s cover to “Justice League” #4, showing Aquaman vs. Green Lantern, in  a post at the Source blog about the sales success of The New 52.

DC confirmed that “Justice League” #1′s first printing exceeded 200,000 copies, and that 10 of “The New 52″ from DC have print runs of more than 100,000:  In addition to “Justice League,” the other higher-than-100K issues are “Action Comics,” “Batgirl,” “Batman,” “Batman and Robin,” “Batman: The Dark Knight,” “Detective Comics,” “Flash,” “Green Lantern,” and “Superman.”   “Action Comics” will exceed 200,000 with its second printing.

All 13 of the week 2 titles from DC Comics have sold out, and all of the week 3 comics have sold out from the distributor prior to release.  (Comic shops may still have week 2 comics available; week 3 comics will be released Wednesday.)   Both sets of titles will go back to press.

- Matt Price

“Justice League” and “Action Comics” are leading the way as DC Comics introduces its “The New 52” lineup. Stores in the Oklahoma City area are reporting strong sales for all.

“‘Action Comics’ seems to be the biggest,” said Alicia Cox of Second Chance Books & Comics in Warr Acres. “Even people who aren’t big Superman fans want to see where they take his story.”

Set six months before the events of “Justice League” No. 1, “Action Comics” No. 1 finds Superman as a brash young hero in blue jeans and work boots standing up to corporate criminals. “Action Comics” is written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Rags Morales.

“Most people are excited,” said Joey Belden of Oklahoma City’s Atomik Pop. “Quite a few people are picking up all the titles. It’s doing well — I hope it continues.”

Superman has a new costume in other titles, including “Justice League” and “Swamp Thing.”

“Justice League” was the flagship relaunch for DC, drawn by co-publisher Jim Lee and written by chief creative officer Geoff Johns. It’s sold more than 200,000 copies. Brian “Buck” Berlin, of New World Comics in Oklahoma City, said “Justice League” is his store’s best-selling comic in the past few years.

The DC relaunch as a whole has been positive, Cox said. “It gives people who loved comics in their youth a reason to come back.”

Even some lesser-known titles have done well, said Berlin.

“I was really surprised that ‘Animal Man’ and ‘Swamp Thing’ did as well as they did,” Berlin said, referencing two of DC’s other relaunched titles.

Belden agreed.

“Some of the lesser-known titles are getting the best reviews,” he said.

Retailers praised the commercials promoting the new titles.

“They’re doing a really good job promoting it,” Belden said.

“Justice League” No. 1 was released Aug. 31. “Action Comics” and 12 other titles were released Sept. 7. New No. 1 issues will be released each Wednesday of September.

Retailers said the new traffic drawn in by The New 52 was helping sales across the board.

“Hopefully this is the kind of stimulus boost the comic thing needs,” Belden said.

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Captain America 2 could feature MODOK; Jennifer Lawrence’s arduous nude makeup process for Mystique; and Justice League a hit in the Planet 46/NewsOK Comics Podcast.

CAP SCREENWRITER WANTS MODOK

“Captain America” film co-writer Christopher Markus tells Hero Complex he’d like to see MODOK in the sequel to the Marvel film, though that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal.

“I love MODOK and I think you could make a terrifying movie with MODOK but nobody seems to be on my side at the momentum,” Markus said.  MODOK, which stands for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing, was created by Jack Kirby, and is a giant head in a floating chair.

JUSTICE LEAGUE STARTS STRONG

DC Comics relaunched its entire line of superhero comics on Wednesday, with the release of “Justice League” No. 1, by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee.

The issue has already gone through two printings, with a third scheduled, within the first week of release.   More than 200,000 copies were ordered.

MYSTIQUE FEELING BLUE

The “X-Men First Class” DVD will be released Sept. 9.  A sneak peek at the special features of the film shows how Jennifer Lawrence was painted blue for her Mystique role.

Jennifer Lawrence had to stand, near-naked, for seven hours while six makeup artists applied the Mystique makeup.

The DVD for X-Men: First Class will be out on Blu-ray and DVD on Friday, September 9th.

REVIEW FILE: Flashpoint 5, Justice League 1, Angel And Faith 1, Amazing Spider-Man 668, Incredible Hulks #635.

Comics read in 2011: 1,341 Still to go: 670.

DC Comics began relaunching its entire line of superhero comics on Wednesday, with the release of “Justice League” No. 1, by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee.

Lee drew the best-selling comic book of all time, 1991′s “X-Men” No. 1, as well as three of the best-selling comics of the past decade.

The release of “Justice League” No. 1 kicks off “The New 52” as part of DC Comics’ plan to launch an entire comic book line of 52 new No. 1 issues this fall. The issue is a new beginning for the world’s greatest superhero team, which will include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and other DC characters.

Johns is DC Entertainment’s chief creative officer; Lee is the co-publisher with Dan DiDio.

With “The New 52,” DC Comics’ most iconic superheroes will be presented in a younger and more contemporary way, including new costumes, characters and storylines.

Author Marc DiPaolo, assistant professor of English and film at Oklahoma City University, said reinventing characters for a new generation could have positive results, despite some fans’ concerns.

“While fans often joke that no one stays dead in comic books and that dramatic storylines don’t have consequences, too often the reverse is true,” DiPaolo said. “The problem with strict continuity is that many bad stories, and some legitimate classics, change the status quo of a comic book so much that the consequences last for decades and rob newer readers of the opportunity to read stories with the characters in their classic form.”

Local comics critic and writer Rob Vollmar agreed the move should at least build short-term excitement.

“The idea of making content ‘new and fresh’ to entice wider audiences into the fold of regular comics readers has proven time and again to be (a) popular concept for comics companies,” Vollmar said. “The reality, as shown by precedent, has been a short-term buzz for existing consumers but elusive in actually bringing new readers into the market. Johns and Lee have good track records as creators among the longtime readers, but whether they can do what has been often attempted but rarely accomplished remains to be seen.”

“The New 52” also begins DC’s plan to release digital comics of their superhero line on the same day as print release.

More than 50 comic-book stores across the country held local midnight release events, including New World Comics, 6219 N Meridian Ave.

“It was awesome,” owner Brian “Buck” Berlin said. “I’ll have a midnight release any time I can. We had probably 50 to 60 people. I got some calls soon after from people saying they really liked the issue.”

Lee and Johns signed comics for hundreds of fans at New York’s Midtown Comics at a midnight release.

Additional first issues, including “Superman” and “Batman,” will be available for sale every Wednesday through Sept. 28.

At DC Comics’ Source blog, they’ve unveiled the cover for the second printing of “Justice League” No. 1.  The issue, which went on sale today, is already seeing strong sales at comic shops nationwide, and has sold out from the distributor.  More than 200,000 copies were ordered by comic-book stores.  The release date of the second printing has yet to be announced, but I would expect soon. (Edit: Sept. 14 release.)

- Matt Price

DC Comics will kick off its linewide relaunch, The New 52, on Wednesday, with the last pre-relaunch issue, “Flashpoint” No. 5, and the first issue of the new line, “Justice League” No. 1.

According to DC, “Justice League” will be set at the dawn of the age of superheroes. The first storyline explores the team’s origins as they ultimately become the world’s greatest superheroes, featuring characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. The new Justice League series is written by Geoff Johns (“Blackest Night”) and drawn by Jim Lee (“Batman: Hush”).

“Flashpoint” No. 5 is the final issue in the Geoff Johns-Andy Kubert miniseries. According to DC, the concluding issue will provide a bridge from the events of “Flashpoint” to the events of The New 52.

The New 52 are 52 new or relaunched titles from DC Comics being released through the month of September.

The main changes in the relaunch appear to focus on Superman; DC has said that the Man of Steel will no longer be married to Lois Lane once the relaunch takes place. Grant Morrison will write “Action Comics,” which will focus on Superman’s early days, and may clear up some of the mystery around how Superman’s story has changed. George Perez will write the character in current day in “Superman.”

“One of the things we’re going to do in this book is also to show you how Superman is, who he is, why he ended up wearing the costume that he wears,” Morrison said in a video promoting the project. “And to show kind of a different side to the character than we’ve ever seen before.”

Oklahoma-born writer Sterling Gates is writing one of The New 52. Gates will write “Hawk and Dove,” drawn by Rob Liefeld (“X-Force,” “Youngblood”).

“‘Hawk and Dove’ begins with them arguing over how they should handle the problem in front of them, establishing that Hawk is always comparing Dove to his first partner,” Gates said in a recent interview at DC Comics’ Source blog. “We’re going to delve more into that conflict as time goes on, but I really think it makes sense to get it in front of the reader right away. I like to give superheroes a nice big action beat when they first enter the story so we know they’re the hero and that they’re always going to try and succeed and save the day! Now, whether they succeed or not is a different matter altogether.”

The “Hawk and Dove” characters were created by Steve Ditko and Steve Skeates. Brothers Hank and Don Hall first appeared in 1968′s “Showcase” No. 75, each exemplifying the aggressive “Hawk” and passive “Dove” monikers of the time. Don Hall died in 1986′s “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” In 1988, a new Dove, Dawn Granger, was introduced in a “Hawk and Dove” miniseries written by Karl and Barbara Kesel and illustrated by Liefeld. These characters will star in the new series by Gates and Liefeld.

“Action Comics” No. 1 and “Hawk and Dove” No. 1 will go on sale Sept. 7. “Superman” No. 1 will go on sale Sept. 28.

By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

The comic book news continues to come fast today.  DC Comics has announced, via its DC Source blog, that Justice League 1, by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, will be released in a new “combo pack” format.

Each print edition of the “combo pack” comic book and an individual code for digital download will be wrapped in a poly bag and available for $4.99.

DC will also retail a standard print version for $3.99 and a digital version for $3.99.

“As we continue to expand our readership and make our titles more accessible to readers everywhere, we’re excited to provide our comic shop retail partners and their consumers with multiple formats of JUSTICE LEAGUE in one convenient place,” said John Rood, EVP Sales, Marketing and Business Development, at the Source.

DC Comics announced that digital and print editions will be priced the same for the first four weeks; after that, digital titles will drop to $1.99.  Oversized titles will start at $3.99 and drop to $2.99 after four weeks.  The combo pack plan on “Justice League” will continue along with the series, according to the blog.

- Matt Price

As USA Today and the DC Comics Source blog are reporting, the publisher is relaunching its entire line starting in August, with 52 No. 1 issues across the line.

This relaunch will start with a new “Justice League” No. 1 on Aug. 31, and all DC’s superhero titles will be offered digitally on the same day from there forward.

“What’s the human aspect behind all these costumes? That’s what I wanted to explore,” Geoff Johns told USA Today.  He’ll write Justice League, to be drawn by Jim Lee.

Another 51 No. 1 issues will ship in September.

“We really want to inject new life in our characters and line,” Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee, told USA Today.  ”This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today’s audience.”

More about the changes to come at USA Today.

What do you think of the announcement?  Will you buy more DC Comics than before? Fewer?  Are you excited or fearful?

- Matt Price

ARCHIE COMICS ART GIVEAWAY

Nerdage readers and Planet 46 watchers can win an art print valued at up to $100 from AllPosters.com.

One of the most beloved franchises in the comic industry is coming to life in a fun and vibrant fashion – as cool wall art!  The Archie Comics collection, now available on AllPosters.com, offers 165 new and vintage covers in the form of museum-quality giclée prints, premium poster prints and wall murals for the first time ever that commemorate the brand’s 70th anniversary.

From Archie’s love triangle with Betty and Veronica, to Jughead’s zany antics, nostalgic fans can relive the progression of this comic strip over the years while enjoying new topical covers that feature President Obama, spoofs of Twilight and Jersey Shore, and Glee.

Available in a variety of sizes ranging from as little as $19.99 for posters, to $124.99 for oversized wall murals, Archie fans of all ages are sure to find a piece to ignite that sense of nostalgia within their inner comic enthusiast.  The new line is now available at www.AllPosters.com/archiecomics.   Want to win a code worth up to $100?  Just answer our …

QUESTION OF THE DAY!

Who is your favorite Archie Comics character?

WONDER WOMAN’S LOOK GETS TWEAKED

The Daily Mail in the UK has several shots of a slightly tweaked Wonder Woman uniform worn by Adrianne Palicki during filming of the “Wonder Woman” TV show.  The very shiny, tight look of the originally released shot has been soften somewhat, and the boots have changed to red.   The pants now also have stars down the side.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371465/First-look-Adrianne-Palicki-action-Wonder-Woman-filming-gets-underway.html

JUSTICE LEAGUE FILM PLANNED

Warner Bros. motion picture group president Jeff Robinov is already thinking about DC Comics movies for 2013 and beyond, Hero Complex reports.

Robinov reports his top priority is finally getting the Justice League, DC’s team featuring all its top characters, on the big screen in 2013. Robinov also reports plans to reinvent Batman in some fashion after Christopher Nolan steps down as director following his third Batman film.   The article indicates that Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas would remain involved as producers of Batman films beyond the third.

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2011/03/29/justice-league-the-movie-warner-chief-sets-sights-on-team-up-film-and-reinventing-batman/

REVIEW FILE: Amazing Spider-Man 657, Captain America 616, Wonder Woman 609.

Remember to leave a comment with your favorite Archie character for a chance to win!

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 492. Still to go: 1519.

Happy 50th birthday to Kevin Maguire, one of my favorite comic-book artists! While Maguire hasn’t been incredibly prolific, his art is always splendid. Here are my top 5 favorite comic-book runs by the artist, known for his varied facial expressions and facility for humor.

Justice League 1, drawn by Kevin Maguire

1. Justice League #1-6; Justice League International (vol. 1) #7-12, 16-19 & 22-25; Justice League America #26-29

Maguire’s best-known work is on the 1987 relaunch of “Justice League,” written by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen.  With the big guns off the table after “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” Giffen and DeMatteis somehow finagled Batman along with a group of previously second-teamers.   Maguire made this superhero sitcom work, and become one of the big hits of the late 1980s for DC Comics.

Adventures of Captain America 1

2. The Adventures of Captain America #1-3.
I hope the “Captain America” movie producers give this Cap story, set during World War II, a look.  Maguire’s art is great; unfortunately his slowness meant Steve Carr and Kevin West had to finish the series.  That could be the reason this series isn’t currently in print.

Formerly Known as the Justice League 1

3. Formerly Known as the Justice League 1-6

Maguire returned to the classic characters from “Justice League International” for this look at seemingly washed-up League, now operating as the “Super Buddies.”

Batman Confidential #17

4. Batman Confidential #17-21

Batgirl vs. Catwoman, at least partially in a clothing-optional club, gave Maguire a chance to draw sexy women, which he is quite good at doing.  Written by Fabian Nicieza and now collected in the “Batman: The Cat and the Bat” trade paperback.

Strikeback #2 from Image Comics

5. Strikeback!
I’ll go with this as my fifth despite some fine Maguire work on “Justice League Classified” and “Justice League: Created Equal.”   Jonathan Peterson and Kevin Maguire’s “Strikeback!” featuring Rascal, with a superpowered scarf, and his meta-powered pals, was a fun series that came out originally from Malibu, then moved to Image to restart and finish.

- Matt Price

DC Comics announced via its Source Blog today that writer James Robinson and artist Mark Bagley would be the new creative team on the company’s “Justice League” title. Robinson has recent experience with the Justice League, as his Justice League miniseries “Cry For Justice” is scheduled for July release.

“… it is my intention to make the JLA a book that matters again,” Robinson announced via twitter.

We are longtime fans of the “Starman” writer here at Nerdage central, and plan to quickly add “Justice League of America” to our comic-shop pull lists.

- Matt Price

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price discuss the career of artist Kevin Maguire in this week’s Comics Q&A. With “Spider-Man: The Short Halloween” on the stands and a new “Metal Men” in the works, Kevin Maguire is on the mind of comic-book fans. Comics Q&A discusses his beginnings on “Justice League” and some of his career highlights.

Art from “Star Trek: Assignment Earth” #1 

Kyle Roberts and I discuss “Star Trek: Assignment Earth” #1, by John Byrne; “Justice League of America” #21, by Dwayne McDuffie and Carlos Pacheco; and the career and legacy of retailer Rory Root, all on today’s comics podcast.

– Matt Price

Justice League 21, on sale this week, introduces the mysterious Libra, set to play a part in the upcoming “Final Crisis” from DC Comics.

Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have constructed a secret room in an interdimensional bubble, in which to discuss important “Justice League” business.   The three recount recent business with the team, and plan for new members.  Meanwhile, a villain called The Human Flame attempts a bank robbery, only to be confronted by Hawkgirl and Red Arrow.  The Flame doesn’t like superheroes – particularly the Martian Manhunter, who defeated him before – but he’s no match for Arrow and Hawkgirl, until the arrival of the mysterious Libra.

Libra’s plan involves getting together a supergroup of supervillains — which, as noted by Luthor in this very issue, has been tried often before — but Libra claims this time will be different. And in exchange for co-operation, he’s willing to give these villains their heart’s desire.  In the Human Flame’s case, that could be bad news for the Martian Manhunter.

The art is by Carlos Pacheco, always one of the better storytellers in comics, and the story is by Dwayne McDuffie, who proved he knew the Justice League when working on the recent animated series.

– Matt Price