DC Comics to relaunch line; Geoff Johns, Jim Lee to create Justice League
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, Adrianne Palicki Wonder Woman gets new look, Justice League film in works
ARCHIE COMICS ART GIVEAWAY
Nerdage readers and Planet 46 watchers can win an art print valued at up to $100 from AllPosters.com.
Top 5 comic-book runs by Kevin Maguire
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
James Robinson, Mark Bagley named Justice League team
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
Comics Q&A: Kevin Maguire
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.
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- Justice League 1, drawn by Kevin Maguire
“Justice League,” “Star Trek: Assignment Earth” and the career of Rory Root on the comics podcast
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Review: Justice League of America #21
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
