Detectives, zombies and superheroes highlighted the best in periodical comic books in 2010. While most comics are eventually collected in graphic novels, the monthly periodical comic still drives most traffic in comic book stores.

The following are 2010′s best 10 periodical comic books.

1. “Supergirl” (DC Comics). Tulsa native Sterling Gates brought his run on “Supergirl” to a close in 2010. With artist Jamal Igle, Gates imbued Kryptonian teen Kara with a personality and soul that went far beyond her super-abilities. Supergirl dealt with the death of her society, betrayal from a friend, and the constant struggle to live up to her family crest. In 2010, Supergirl learned that, like those of us without superpowers, she couldn’t simply run from her problems and her pain but had to face up to them.

2. “Chew” (Image Comics). Cibopathic detective Tony Chu gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. In this near-future, the Food and Drug Administration has become the most powerful law-enforcement group on the planet, after a bird flu led to the banning of chicken. Chu faces off against his ex-partner, gets a new girlfriend and deals with a family Thanksgiving before the possible end of the world is threatened at year’s end.

3. “Demo” Vol. 2 (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writer Brian Wood and artist Becky Cloonan revived their series “Demo,” first published at AiT-Planet Lar, for DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint in 2010. “Demo” is made up of short stories of young people with unnatural powers, but it’s done in a different way than something like the “X-Men.” “Demo” looks at young people at a turning point in their lives, with an unusual ability often serving as a metaphor. From romance to dark horror, each of the six issues of “Demo” is like a short film unto itself.

4. “American Vampire” (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writers Stephen King and Scott Snyder reveal the stories of 1880s outlaw Skinner Sweet and 1920s actress Pearl Jones, who become the first of a new breed of “American Vampire,” who have the ability to feed in the sun. Brazil-born artist Rafael Albuquerque (“Blue Beetle,” “Mondo Urbano”) is a future star.

5. “Captain America” (Marvel Comics). The new Captain America faces off against Baron Zemo and must face the crimes of his past, when he was the brainwashed Winter Soldier, in this series from Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice.

6. “Invincible Iron Man” (Marvel Comics). Tony Stark became a fugitive as the former Green Goblin became the top cop in the Marvel Universe, then put himself in a coma to prevent Norman Osborn from finding out his secrets. When Tony is finally revived, he has no memory of his past few years. This new Tony starts a new company, builds a new suit of armor, and wants to make the world a cleaner, freer place. But enemies old and new stand in his way. Writer Matt Fraction, with artist Salvador Larocca, continues to make “Invincible Iron Man” a techno-thriller for the 21st century.

7. “The Walking Dead” (Image Comics). Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic continued its successful run at Image Comics even as it was adapted for television by Frank Darabont. Kirkman, with artist Charlie Adlard, kept “The Walking Dead” one of the most consistent — and consistently surprising — comic books on the stands. Rick Grimes continues to test his limits as he seeks safety for his group of companions. But will the group still have the temperament to merge with a society?

8. “Stumptown” (Oni Press). Private detective Dex has a problem with gambling and owes about $18,000 to a casino. But if she can find the granddaughter of the casino’s executive, she may be able to get out of debt. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end up being that simple. This one is by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth.

9. “Ex Machina” (DC Comics/WildStorm). Brian K. Vaughan (“Y: The Last Man”) brought his story of Mitchell Hundred, the superpowered mayor of New York, to a conclusion in 2010. The remarkably consistent series, which mixed action and politics, was drawn throughout the run by Tony Harris (“Starman”).

10. “King City” (Tokyopop/Image). Brandon Graham has created an original, funny sci-fi tale with “King City,” in which 20-something Joe, a “cat master,” and his cat return to his hometown of King City. Joe’s cat, Earthing J. Catingsworth III, can transform into virtually any tool after being injected with “Cat-Juice.” The futuristic city of spies and mobsters is jam-packed with visual details and developed characters.

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

Matt and Kyle reveal some of their favorite comic books of 2010 in this week’s comics podcast.

MARVEL NAMES NEW EDITOR IN CHIEF

Marvel Worldwide, Inc., has promoted Axel Alonso to editor-in-chief of Marvel Entertainment.  Joe Quesada remains the chief creative officer.   Joe Quesada announced via Twitter that Tom Brevoort has been upped to Senior VP Publishing.

STAN LEE GETS HOLLYWOOD STAR

Stan Lee, co-creator Spider-Man, the X-Men and more, received his Walk of Fame sidewalk star on Tuesday on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s the 2,428th star on the Walk of Fame.

SUPERMAN, BATMAN TO STAY SEPARATE

Charles Roven, a producer on the upcoming “Superman” and “Batman” films told ShockTillYouDrop.com that he didn’t see a Superman-Batman film crossover in the near future.

“No. That may be in somebody’s mind,” Roven said, “but right now the Batman lives in his world and the Superman lives in his world. Those stories are those stories and we haven’t thought beyond each individual picture.”

BEST OF THE YEAR

Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle’s “Supergirl” was a favorite for both Matt and Kyle in 2010.

Jon Favreau won’t direct Iron Man 3

Hero Complex, in an interview with Jon Favreau, announced that the director won’t return for Iron Man 3.

Jon Favreau confirmed via Twitter that he was directing Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” rather than the third film in the “Iron Man” series.   There doesn’t appear to be any hard feelings; Favreau wished Marvel the best via Twitter, and of course Disney is now Marvel’s parent company.

Comic Book Rock

In Weekend Look,  Matt Price talks to musician Ray Wall about his comic-book themed songs that feature the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the Watchmen. You can check out his music at www.myspace.com/raywallband.

Mighty Samson

DARK KNIGHT IN ASIA

According to Hero Complex, Christopher Nolan is in Asia scouting locations for filming his third “Batman” film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”   Nolan’s film “Inception” received a Golden Globe nominations Other comic-book properties receiving nominations include the comic-based movie “Red” and comic-book based TV show “The Walking Dead.”

REVIEW FILE:

Supergirl 59 – the last issue by Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle.

John Byrne’s Next Men 1 – Revisiting the critically acclaimed 1990s series.

Amazing Spider-Man 650 – Spidey is saved by Lady Gaga — sort of.

Mighty Samson 1 – the latest Gold Key revival from Jim Shooter.

CAPTAIN AMERICA MOVIE SNEAK PEEK

Entertainment Weekly has shared the first look as Chris Evans in his Captain America garb.  Also on the Planet 46/NewsOK Comics Podcast – the first look at Matt Price in his Captain America garb.   The aftermath of the OU-Missouri game comes to the podcast as Kyle Roberts celebrates his win and Matt pays off his bet by recording the Halloween edition of the podcast in costume.

NEW SUPERMAN SELLING OUT

The “Twilight”-style Superman featured in “Superman: Earth One” by J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis is selling out in comic shops across the country prior to its release in bookstores on Tuesday.

Dan DiDio, senior vice president and executive editor at DC Comics, told the AP “we always knew that we wanted to do a real, contemporary interpretation of Superman.”

NBA “SUPER” STARS

In the NBA preview issue of ESPN the magazine, on sale now, the NBA teams are illustrated by Marvel Comics artists.

ESPN The Magazine has teamed up with Marvel’s artists to produce 30 “variant covers” illustrating each NBA team and its 2010-2011 outlook for the season.

DARK KNIGHT NAME

The Los Angeles Times reports that “The Dark Knight Rises” will be the title of the third Christopher Nolan-directed “Batman” film.  He also tells Geoff Boucher that the Riddler won’t be the episode’s villain.

REVIEW FILE: Supergirl Annual #2, Teen Titans #88, Captain America Patriot #3

Iron Man 3 gets release date

Stan Lee (AP)

According to Marvel.com, “Iron Man 3″ will release on May 3, 2013.   This appearance will follow Iron Man’s appearance in “The Avengers,” which will release May 4, 2012.

Elect a Legion leader

Fans can vote for who they think should lead the Legion of Super-Heroes by placing a vote at LegionElection.com.

Matt and Kyle review Kick-Ass 2 #1, Hulk #26, Stan Lee’s Soldier Zero #1 and Supergirl #57.

According to DC Comics’ Source blog, the outstanding creative team of “Supergirl” — Oklahoma-born writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle — will leave the series with issue #59.   Nick Spencer and Bernard Chang will be the new team on the book.

In The Oklahoman, I named “Supergirl” the fifth-best comic book series of 2009:

Writer Sterling Gates, a Tulsa native, and artist Jamal Igle kept the mystery cooking of who the seemingly super-powered Superwoman was for much of 2009 in the pages of ” Supergirl.” Supergirl dealt with the death of her father and the seeming villainy of her mother. This, and great use of the supporting cast, including Cat Grant and Lana Lang, made ” Supergirl” a must-read Superbook.

I had an hourlong Q&A with Gates about his career at the Oklahoma History Center this summer; I plan to share excerpts from that Q&A in the future on the blog.   I’m also looking forward to Gates’ next announced projects, and will share more information about those when that info is available.

- Matt Price

The Great Darkness Saga

The 10th season of “Smallville,” based on a young Clark Kent learning to become Superman, begins tonight on CW.

As announced at Comic-Con International in San Diego, the DC Comics villain Darkseid will be the villain for the show’s final season, although like previous villains, he’ll be tweaked somewhat to fit in the “Smallville” continuity.

DC Comics’ Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns will write an episode of this season’s “Smallville,” which will feature DC Comics characters Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. Laura Vandervoort’s Supergirl is also set to make a return appearance this season.

To catch up on the background of these characters, here’s some recommended reading for this season of “Smallville.”

“Superman/Batman: Supergirl” by Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner. Darkseid attempts to brainwash a powerful teenage girl in this reintroduction of Supergirl to the DC Comics mythos. This story, adapted into animated form, will be released Tuesday as “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” on DVD. Tim Daly will voice Superman; Kevin Conroy will voice Batman. The cast also includes Andre Braugher as Darkseid and Summer Glau as Supergirl.

Superman/Batman Vol. 2: Supergirl

“The Great Darkness Saga” by Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen. In the far future, the heroes of the 30th century must battle a grave evil. Darkseid emerges in the 30th century with plans to acquire mystic artifacts and control a race of 3 billion superpowered beings. The Legion of Super-Heroes call on all members, past and present, to face off against Darkseid, who has yet another plan behind the scenes. A new hardcover edition of this classic story is set for release in November, though the individual issues and earlier softcover printings are findable.

“Cosmic Odyssey” by Jim Starlin and Mike Mignola. Starlin, known for his cosmic tales like “Warlock” and “Infinity Gauntlet,” teams with “Hellboy” creator Mike Mignola for this story of a threat so great, that some of Earth’s greatest heroes are forced to work with Darkseid. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern John Stewart, Martian Manhunter, Starfire, the Demon, plus Orion, Lightray and Forager of the New Gods are called on to halt a being who can destroy galaxies.

“Showcase: Booster Gold” by Dan Jurgens et al. Booster Gold’s original series, primarily written and drawn by Dan Jurgens, is collected in this volume as a time-traveling former football star from the future comes to 20th-century Earth aiming for fame and fortune.

Blue Beetle: Shellshocked

“Blue Beetle: Shellshocked” by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, Cully Hamner et al. The mystical Blue Beetle scarab chooses a new guardian: teenager Jaime Reyes. The El Paso teen becomes a reluctant hero after the alien technology of the scarab bonds with him, allowing him to create a superpowered blue armor.

Also recommended: For the full story on Booster Gold’s return to heroism, check out the four volumes of “52.” For the original “New Gods” saga, including the first appearance of Darkseid, check out “Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus” Vols. 1-4. And for the origin of the Booster Gold-Blue Beetle team-ups, featuring Jaime Reyes’ predecessor, Ted Kord, read “Justice League International” Vols. 1-4.

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

DC Comics has released “War of the Supermen” No. 0, this year’s Free Comic Book Day book, on the comiXology platform.  It’s available via iPhone or iPad, or on comixology’s Web browser.

Written by James Robinson and Oklahoma-born Sterling Gates, the War of the Supermen found Superman caught between the New Kryptonian troops of General Zod and the forces of earth as each side sought the other’s destruction.

Description from DC Comics: A war is coming, and all that stands between Earth and 100,000 vengeful supermen is one Superman! The conflict between Superman and General Zod erupts into all-out war in this series that will shatter the worlds of Superman, Supergirl and the entire DC Universe! After this, there’s no turning back…

“War of the Supermen” was a great conclusion to the “New Krypton” saga, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend doing so.

- Matt Price

A big week for comics as the Oklahoma History Center opens a cartoonists’ exhibit, and Jonah Hex comes to theaters.

“Jonah Hex” stars Josh Brolin as the scarred bounty hunter in the Old West, and Megan Fox as lady of the evening Lila, and John Malkovich as Hex’s enemy Quintin Turnbull.

Those who want to get more background on the Hex character can check out the new graphic novel from DC Comics, Jonah Hex: No Way Back, by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Tony DeZuniga, where for the first time, Hex’s brother is revealed. Early issues of “Jonah Hex” have also been collected in the Showcase: Jonah Hex collection.

Meanwhile, the writers of the “Jonah Hex” movie are in early negotiations to direct a “Ghost Rider” sequel, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor may direct Columbia’s “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” based on Marvel’s supernatural motorcyclist.  Nicolas Cage is also in early negotiations to reprise his role.

Cartoonists’ exhibit opens

Kyle Roberts and I went to the opening of the “Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists” exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center this week, and that was a great time.

Highlights of the exhibit include a look at Dick Tracy’s police station, a Batcave terminal that tells the stories of several Oklahoma comic writers and artists, and a complete Twilight Avenger costume. The Twilight Avenger was created by Oklahomans John Wooley and Terry Tidwell. I’m told more will be added to the exhibit over the 15 months it will be up at the History Center, as well. Be sure to check out this look at some of Oklahoma’s most talented.

Oklahoma writer Sterling Gates was on hand at the opening along with James Robinson, and they stopped by Speeding Bullet Comics later in the day, as well. Robinson dropped some hints about his final Superman issue, No. 700, which ships next week, saying Lois and Clark fans should enjoy the issue. He also promised big things in the upcoming Justice League-Justice Society crossover, so we’ll be sure to check that out as well!

In the review file this week: Darkwing Duck 1, New Avengers 1, DC Universe Legacies 2 and Black Widow 3.

- Matt Price

"Superman from the 30s to the 70s" was edited by E. Nelson Bridwell

“The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists” opens at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday and features the work of Oklahomans well-known in the comics and cartooning industries. Those featured in the exhibit are a world-class group, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing personally and professionally.

The first one of the group that I was aware of, though I never met him personally, was E. Nelson Bridwell.

This writer/editor was born in Sapulpa in 1931, and, while I wasn’t aware of his Oklahoma roots at the time, when I was growing up in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I thought Bridwell’s encyclopedic knowledge of the characters of DC Comics was like unto a superpower of its own.

Bridwell answered readers’ questions as the assistant editor to Julie Schwartz in the pages of the “Superman” titles. When I wasn’t dreaming of Superman, I was hoping for the somewhat more realistic dream of working in New York with Bridwell as he put those letters columns together and put his prodigious comic-book knowledge to use.

In the handmade comics I drew in many idling hours as a child (with incredibly creative titles like “Super Cat”), I would emulate Bridwell in the completely fictitious letters columns; answering some bit of arcane trivia that could have only been known to someone who read the last adventure I’d drawn — so likely, me or my mom — and then signing the resulting helpful answer with the initials, “E.N.B.,” just as Bridwell signed his answers in the “Superman” books. Had I known that Bridwell was from my home state, I would have been all the more fascinated. As it was, for someone who delighted in “Superman” facts and trivia, Bridwell was an early influence, sharing information and making newer readers feel a part of the growing fandom.

Bridwell is also known as a writer for MAD magazine and for creating the comic-book humor superheroes The Inferior Five. Other notable co-creations of Bridwell were Angel and the Ape and Secret Six. For a time, he wrote Batman’s newspaper strip, and he was the editor for DC’s reprint lines and anthologies. Bridwell died in 1987.

And Oklahomans aren’t only tied to the Man of Steel’s past. With writer Sterling Gates, they are also part of his present and his possible future. Gates recently co-wrote “Last Stand of New Krypton” and “War of the Supermen” with writer James Robinson. Gates, who was born in Tulsa and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, is the regular writer on DC Comics “Supergirl” feature.

Gates wrapped up his current run on the Man of Steel with the fourth issue of “War of the Supermen,” which concluded the two-year “New Krypton” arc in the “Superman” comics.

While Gates has left Superman behind for the moment, he’s not leaving Metropolis. He’ll remain the writer of “Supergirl,” which will feature Superman’s cousin along with well-known Superman pals Jimmy Olsen and Lana Lang.

And, just as Oklahoma’s Bridwell inspired me in the creation of my own comics, I can see the influence of Oklahoma’s Gates on the future generation, as my daughter draws her own pictures of Supergirl, inspired by what she’s seen in the comic books.

To find out more about the comic-book creations of Bridwell, Gates, and a host of other Oklahoma cartoonists, visit the Oklahoma History Center’s exhibit beginning Saturday.

- by Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Felicia Day of “The Guild” talks Season Three of the series, and the origin of the Guild in the comic book series.  The first issue is now also available on the iPhone.

In Captain America movie news, Tommy Lee Jones has reportedly signed on to the film, and Dominic Cooper tells Salon.com that he’ll play Howard Stark, father of Tony Stark in the film.
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman; find out about the other superhero they created in a new book from Feral House.
In the review file: Superman: War of the Supermen #4, X-Force #27 and Mystery Society #1.

Click past the cut for a preview of “War of the Supermen” #4.

- Matt Price

George Lang guest stars on the Planet 46 Comics Podcast to discuss “Losers” and “James Bond.”

In other comic-book media news, “Young Justice” is coming to the Cartoon Network, according to DC’s Source blog.   featuring Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis.

Meanwhile, Free Comic Book Day is just over a week away; scout out your May 1 trip by visiting FreeComicBookDay.com.

In the review file, Matt Price and Kyle Roberts review X-Men Legacy 235, Supergirl 52, X-Men Forever Annual 1 and DV8 Gods and Monsters 1.

Click past the cut for a preview of X-Men Legacy 235.

Helen Slater as Supergirl

Helen Slater in "Smallville"

Helen Slater, who played the Supergirl in the 1984 film and Superman’s Kryptonian mother in 2007 episodes of “Smallville” has outstanding geek cred.  As such, she lands at No. 17 on Nerdage’s top 25 actresses with geek appeal.

In 2010, she’s co-written a story in the pages of “Supergirl” with Jake Black.

” Helen and I hammered out a story that looks back on 50 years and 50 issues of Supergirl,” Black said in an interview with The Oklahoman.

“Helen had some things that she really wanted to say about the character as a young woman in modern society, but also as a hero.”

Slater wrote the introduction to “Supergirl: Who Is Superwoman?,” collecting the story line by Tulsa writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle.

“I loved, loved, loved ‘Supergirl’ the movie when I was a kid, and I read that comic book adaptation they did so many times the staples fell out,” Gates said in a 2008 Nerdage interview.

Helen Slater is also scheduled to be in a TeenNick series from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” writer/producer Martie Noxon’s production company called “Gigantic,” about the teen children of Hollywood stars.

- Matt Price

Helen Slater as Lara in "Smallville." (The CW)

WORD BALLOONS

Supergirl comes to the region this weekend as part of Planet Comicon, an annual comic-book convention in the Kansas City area. Helen Slater, who portrayed the character in the 1984 film, will attend the convention on Saturday at the Overland Park International Trade Center at 115^th and Metcalf in Overland Park, Kan.

Slater also appeared on the television series “Smallville” as Clark Kent’s Kryptonian mother, Lara.

She’s had experience with the comic-book Supergirl as well. She recently co-wrote the back-up story in “Supergirl” No. 50 with Jake Black.

“Helen and I hammered out a story that looks back on 50 years and 50 issues of Supergirl,” Black said in a recent interview with The Oklahoman. “Helen had some things that she really wanted to say about the character as a young woman in modern society, but also as a hero.”

Slater wrote the introduction to “Supergirl: Who Is Superwoman,” collecting the storyline by Tulsa writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle.

“I loved, loved, loved ‘Supergirl’ the movie when I was a kid, and I read that comic book adaptation they did so many times the staples fell out,” Gates said in a 2008 interview with The Oklahoman.

Other guests at the convention include “Wolverine: Weapon X” writer Jason Aaron, “Ghost Rider” co-creator Gary Friedrich, cover artist Greg Horn and many more. A full list of guests is available at www.planetcomicon.com.

- Matt Price

“Who is Supergirl?”  will kick off in June’s “Supergirl” No. 53, according to solicitations revealed at Newsarama.

The book, scheduled to be on sale June 23, is by the creative team of artists Jamal Igle and Jon Sibal, and Tulsa-born writer Sterling Gates.

Following The War of the Supermen, Kara must decide if she wants to remain Supergirl and stay in Metropolis, or move on.   According to the solicit, Cat Grant and a mystery villain are after Kara even more aggressively than ever before.

“We’re going to start doing bigger, longer arcs that are self-contained within the pages of ‘Supergirl,’” Gates said on twitter.

Who do you think the mystery villain could be?  And are you looking forward to Gates’ post-”War of the Supermen” run?  Sound off in the comments!

- Matt Price

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price review Siege 3, Supergirl 51 and Green Hornet: Year One 1 on this week’s NewsOK Comics Podcast at Planet 46. Also get the latest on Warner Bros. 3-D plans for DC Comics films and Bryan Singer’s return to the X-Men.

The Authorized Ender Companion

WORD BALLOONS
With a degree in history and an eye for detail, Utah writer Jake Black is often a go-to resource for comics or books requiring a heavy degree of research.

He’s the author of “The Authorized Ender Companion,” which shares the histories of the thousands of

Jake Black

characters in the universe of Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game.” He also writes character biographies for dozens of super-characters in magazines published by Eaglemoss and recently co-wrote a backup story in “Supergirl” No. 50, with Helen Slater, the star of the 1980s “Supergirl” movie.

He got started on the “Ender” companion after working with Card on a Marvel Comics adaptation of one of Card’s novels.

“He was really pleased with the result and asked me if I wanted to write the ‘Ender’s’ encyclopedia,” Black said in a recent interview. “He said that he needed it for his own reference, and he wanted someone with a background in research to handle that project, tackle it for him.”

Black, who has a degree in history from Brigham Young University, pored through the books multiple times to ferret out the information, now cleanly put together in encyclopedia format. It’s a similar process whether writing a major project such as the encyclopedia or an Eaglemoss magazine focusing on one character, he said.

“My degree is in history, so I just treat it all like I’m doing a paper about George Washington, but instead it’s a paper about Dick Grayson (the original Robin) or Ender,” Black said.

Black’s “Supergirl” story got started after Tulsa-born writer Sterling Gates, who pens the “Supergirl” series,

Supergirl #50

sought Slater to write an introduction to a collection of stories. Black and Slater previously pitched a “Supergirl” story to DC, and for the 50th issue of the new series, the pair again worked together on a backup story for the anniversary celebration. The Supergirl character originally appeared in 1959.

“Helen and I hammered out a story that looks back on 50 years and 50 issues of ‘Supergirl,’” Black said. “Helen had some things that she really wanted to say about the character as a young woman in modern society but also as a hero.”

It wasn’t Black’s first experience with a Superman family character. Black got his start as an intern for the “Smallville” writers in the show’s first season. He’s since written comics,

Helen Slater as Supergirl

television, books and more. He’s writing an upcoming episode of the animated show “Batman: The Brave and Bold.” He estimates his best-selling work, however, might be something of a surprise.

“A lot of people are really shocked to learn that I wrote the ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Twilight’ movie trading cards,” Black said. “It was fun because teen Jacob, his name’s Jacob Black, and so is mine.”

Black is married with a 2-year-old son, and in 2009, Black beat cancer.

“There were some times in the hospital where … I’m pushing the codeine button because I couldn’t breathe, and my immune system was shot and just, all of these really, literally life-threatening moments,” Black said. “They didn’t change how I lived my life, but they gave me a better understanding for characters that I could write.”

Black said his battles with cancer helped him truly understand suffering and made him even more compassionate toward those who face it.

“I, of course, felt for people that had been diagnosed and won, or died from cancer before,” Black said. “But I have such an intimate understanding of it now. I’m part of this brotherhood because I’ve shared this experience.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

ONLINE: Cancer

Do you have questions about cancer? What do you do? Where do you turn? How do you go on once you learn you have cancer? Read personal accounts or share your experience.

Knowit.newsok.com/cancer-oklahoma

WORD BALLOONS

Oklahoma-born comic-book writer Sterling Gates will take the reins of a major Superman project this summer, as he and James Robinson (“Starman”) steer the Man of Steel through the “War of the Supermen.” The first issue of “War of the Supermen,” issue 0, is DC Comics’ entry into Free Comic Book Day this spring, and will be available free of charge at comic book stores across the country May 1.

Gates also celebrates an anniversary issue with this week’s “Supergirl,” as the series reached its 50th issue. Gates has written “Supergirl” since issue No. 34.

“Supergirl 50 is a huge milestone issue, not only for the series but also for the character,” Gates said. “It

Supergirl #50

really delves into a lot of different facets of Supergirl’s life, ranging from what she means to the people of the DC Universe to what her relationship with her friends is like. At its core, it’s about Supergirl’s relationship with Lana Lang and what kind of destruction a friendship between a superhero and a regular person can cause.”

Lana Lang, who hails from Smallville and was among Clark Kent’s best friends in high school, has become a mentor to Supergirl in Gates’ run. The artist of “Supergirl” No. 50 is Jamal Igle, and features a backup story co-written by Helen Slater, who played Supergirl in the 1984 film. The milestone issue also features a cover by the late Michael Turner (“Fathom”), who redesigned Supergirl for the modern era.

In “War of the Supermen,” Gates joins with Robinson to chronicle the war between Earth and New Krypton. The planet New Krypton features 100,000 Kryptonians who had been held captive by Brainiac. Tensions are high between Earth and New Krypton, with General Sam Lane, father of Lois Lane, heading up the anti-Kryptonian forces. New Krypton is led by General Zod, who seeks Earth’s destruction.

“To be a part of an event like this is a huge honor, and James and I have done our best to write a Superman story that really fires people’s imaginations and gets them excited about the Man of Steel,” Gates said. “We wanted to tell a dynamic Superman story, something that would lead in to May’s Superman event, ‘War of the Supermen,’ but still be accessible for anyone who picks it up.”

Gates said despite the back story involved, “War of the Supermen” No. 0 is a good jumping-on point.

“I’m very happy with the issue that James and I wrote, and I think if you know who Superman is, you’ll love it,” he said.

Gates, who has been part of signings and even has worked behind the counter on Free Comic Book Day, is looking forward to creating a book for the comic-themed holiday.

“FCBD is great because it’s everyman’s comic day,” Gates said. “Lots of people who don’t get to experience comics regularly start thinking about comics, and it’s great for the art form.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Like Pete Sampras in the 1996 U.S. Open against Alex Corretja, I fought off illness and exhaustion to bring you this week’s NewsOK Comics Podcast with Kyle Roberts. We talk about the excellent week DC Comics had, with new issues of Supergirl, Adventure Comics and Flash Rebirth, and about Spider-Man’s trip into the Gauntlet with Amazing Spider-Man 612. Check it out.

- Matt Price

Tulsa-born writer Sterling Gates is joined by two Supergirl superstars for “Supergirl” No. 50.  Artwork from the late Michael Turner will be the cover of “Supergirl” No. 50.  A back-up story will be written by “Supergirl” actress Helen Slater and Jake Black. 

As revealed in the Superman family solicitations at Newsarama.com, the issue is set for release on Feb. 17 and will run 56 pages for $4.99.   Joshua Middleton, the series’ regular artist, will provide a 1-in-10 variant cover for the issue.

It’s the second “Supergirl” news featuring Slater in recent weeks. The actress also provided the introduction to “Supergirl: Who Is Superwoman?,” the collection of “Supergirl” issues by Gates and artist Jamal Igle released this week.

- Matt Price

World’s Finest #1, kicking off a miniseries teaming Superman and Batman family characters, is in stores today, written by Tulsa native Sterling Gates.

At DC Comics’ official “Source” blog, Gates is called a “writer to watch.”

“Gates has made a name for himself for his tight plotting and knack for strong and precise characterization,” blogger Alex Segura writes.

Meanwhile, at Newsarama, Vaneta Rogers has an extended Q&A with Gates about the series.

“The Batman universe is so full of change right now. So is the Superman universe,” Gates tells Newsarama. “Bruce Wayne is dead and Superman has left the planet Earth to be with his own people on New Krypton. The world is suddenly without its two greatest heroes. To me, that makes it a very exciting time for the DC Universe. You’re seeing new and different characters come to the forefront and stepping up to fill the void left with Superman and Batman gone.”

Gates talked to Nerdage back in September about the project:

“Each issue focuses on a different Batman-Universe hero and villain teaming up with a different Superman-Universe hero and villain,” Gates said. “So, you’re getting four great characters coming into conflict, and you just have to sit back and watch the fireworks.”

Gates said ” World’s Finest” also has some of his “all-time favorite villains.”

“Catwoman’s in there, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Kryptonite Man, Toyman,” he said. “It’s gonna take all of these heroes working together to rein these supervillains in!”

- Matt Price

LOS ANGELES — A U.S. Marshal investigating a murder at the bottom of the world is the premise of “Whiteout,” the graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, which was adapted into a motion picture starring Kate Beckinsale.

The comic-book limited series “Whiteout” from Oni Press was a big success in late 1990s. The sequel, “Whiteout: Melt,” nabbed the Eisner Award for best limited series.

At the press conference for the film “Whiteout,” Rucka said it’s an honor to see his creation make the jump to the silver screen, as a lot of comic books and graphic novels never make that jump.

“I’m still in awed shock that it made it this far, honestly,” Rucka said. “Steve Lieber and I created a comic to tell the story we wanted to tell. … All you can really be is incredibly flattered that this idea that you created in one format, because that was the format that you were working in, is something that somebody wants to take the time and the effort to translate.”

This month, Rucka’s moving from the icy wasteland of “Whiteout” to the heated action of “The Hunt for Reactron.”

The four-part crossover between “Action Comics” and “Supergirl” follows the “Codename: Patriot” storyline and features Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird on the hunt for Reactron, the villain who killed Supergirl’s father, Zor-El.

Supergirl and Flamebird, best friends in childhood, have been at odds since Zor-El’s death. But both want the man who killed Zor-El brought to justice. This Nightwing isn’t Dick Grayson, but is Chris Kent, Superman’s adopted son.

Rucka is co-writing the crossover with “Supergirl” writer Sterling Gates, a University of Oklahoma graduate.

“Sterling is fantastic, he’s a great collaborator,” Rucka said at the “Whiteout” film junket. “I’m loving writing with Sterling. He and I are doing two issues of ‘Action’ (and) two issues of ‘Supergirl’ together.”

The crossover begins in Wednesday’s “Action Comics” 881 and continues in “Supergirl” 45, on sale Sept. 23. The story concludes in October’s issues of “Action Comics” and “Supergirl.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Things light up with Torch #1, and it’s the end of the world as we know it in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2. In Supergirl Annual 1, find out the origin of Superwoman and visit a day in the life of Linda Lang.

- Matt Price

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price discuss how you can’t always judge a comic book by its cover, as they review Supergirl 44, X-Men Legacy 227, Wolverine Weapon X 4 and Archie 600.

Oklahoma’s Sterling Gates gives an in-depth interview about his upcoming plans to Newsarama’s Vaneta Rogers.  Superfans should go check it out, as more hints are revealed about what the Super-team writers are building to in the coming year.

Gates also lets some information slip about the upcoming “Supergirl Annual,” but reminds readers that sometimes it’s best if not everything is spelled out.

“You’ll see a lot of Lucy Lane’s back-story in Supergirl Annual #1, and some — and I said ‘some’ — of the questions about Superwoman’s origin will be answered there,” Gates tells Newsarama. “We won’t answer everything. I think it’s fun not to know everything about a character all at once. I mean, I was obsessed with Wolverine when I was a kid because his back story was this huge mystery, and it was great to just get little bits and pieces as I kept reading.”

- Matt Price

Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka

SAN DIEGO — A group of all-stars held court on Superman at the Superman: Two Worlds panel at Comic-Con International: Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Ian Sattler, Matt Idleson, Francis Manapul, Tulsa-born Sterling Gates, Jamal Igle, James Robinson and Greg Rucka.

The upcoming Codename Patriot arc is part of the overall plan building into a major Superman storyline in 2010, said Robinson, who is writing “Superman,” currently starring Mon-El.

“General Lane has been a factor in these books, obviously, what we want to make him into is the supreme strategist,” Robinson said.  “He has literally plans, and layers on top of these plans, which are all leading up to this event in 2010. We’ll see how it grows until eventually all the pieces come together and we’ll have an event that you’ll all love.”

OU graduate Sterling Gates will get his name on perhaps the most successful comic book of all time, Action Comics.  He and Greg Rucka will co-write an Action-Supergirl crossover that will feature Kara at odds with her former best friend, Thara, who now wears the Flamebird costume.

Gates also talked about his new miniseries, World’s Finest, which will deal with the issue of Bruce Wayne being missing from Superman’s circle after Batman’s presumed death.  Each issue of World’s Finest will pair a member of the Superman cast with a member of the Batman cast.

- Matt Price

SAN DIEGO — Supergirl artist Jamal Igle has made a limited-edition print of Supergirl, available at booth 4301 at Comic-Con.  Only 100 of these exist, so they probably won’t last the entire con.

Igle and Supergirl writer Sterling Gates, OU graduate, will talk about future plans for Supergirl at today’s Superman panel, 11:45 in room 6DE.

- Matt Price

One of the more surprising stories to catch the mainstream media interest is the story of Supergirl’s bike shorts, instituted after editor Matt Idelson decided he was tired of the Girl of Steel showing off her underwear when flying around.   Jamal Igle talked about the decision with Newsarama, leading it to be picked up by NPR.  Now, Robot 6 has a rundown of the various interested parties, including a few who are upset about not being able to look at the teen’s underpants anymore.  (Image from Supergirl Comic Box Commentary, which Supergirl fans should bookmark.)

Tulsa-born writer and OU graduate Sterling Gates is the writer of Supergirl, and is one of the most successful active Oklahoma comic-book writers.  His “Supergirl” has been an extremely well-done book that examines her character in an incisive way, while building up a supporting cast and a sense of mystery.  It’s somewhat unfortunate that the press the book is getting is instead for the Girl of Steel’s choice of undergarment, rather than the outstanding work done by Igle and Gates.   However, I applaud the creators for making the Supergirl book more suited for girls and women to enjoy.

- Matt Price

An early preview of “Supergirl” #42, by Tulsa native Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle, is available at Newsarama.   General Lane deals with the death of Superwoman, and Supergirl must talk to Lois Lane about her sister’s death.  “Supergirl” 42 goes on sale June 17.

- Matt Price