Comic Book Clique

Jonathan Escudero

DC Comics Unveils 'Justice League Unlimited' with Star-Studded Creative Team

Jonathan EscuderoComment

In a move that promises to shake up the world of superheroes, DC Comics has announced the upcoming launch of 'Justice League Unlimited', a brand-new series brought to life by the legendary writer Mark Waid and superstar artist Dan Mora.

The fresh lineup boasts an exciting mix of iconic and dynamic characters, including:

- Superman

- Batman

- Flash

- Wonder Woman

- Captain Atom

- Black Lightning

- Star Sapphire

This diverse and powerful team is poised to take on the most daunting challenges in the DC Universe, and with Waid's masterful storytelling and Mora's stunning visuals, fans can expect an unforgettable adventure.

Mark Waid, known for his work on 'Kingdom Come' and 'The Flash', brings his signature blend of action, humor, and heart to the series, while Dan Mora's vibrant art style, showcased in 'Detective Comics' and 'Power Rangers', promises to bring the team to life in a way that will leave readers breathless.

'Justice League Unlimited' is set to be a game-changer for DC Comics, offering a new era of excitement and possibility for the world's greatest superheroes. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated series!

DC Absolute Universe Confirmed: Details Inside

Jonathan EscuderoComment

In an effort to reset their line of comic books WITHOUT rebooting the stories and continuity.

DC Comics has announced the birth of a new Universe in its cosmology. The ABSOLUTE DC UNIVERSE will exist alongside the CLASSIC DC UNIVERSE and both worlds will tell stories that are leading to a larger story down the line.

THIS OCTOBER, DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 WILL KICK THIS OFF.

"What we came up with, along with a bunch of great creators -- Mark Waid and everybody else working on the lead up to it -- is that, during the events of AP, unbeknownst to the superheroes, Darkseid starts to realize that something has always been missing. He senses something in a special moment during Absolute Power that we don't want to spoil. He senses something has changed, and once he realizes this, it sets him off on a quest that's going to bring him into direct conflict with this new Justice League taht Superman is setting up -- this more robust Justice League. The collision between those two forces will reshape the DC cosmology."

That's what creates "a dangerous, wild new planet" -- the Absolute DC Universe -- where Snyder said they have brought in some of the biggest names in comics as well as some rising stars to kick off an epic story that will drive DC for years to come. If the main universe is "founded on Superman energy," then the Absolute universe is "founded on Darkseid energy." In it, the heroes are underdogs, and the world is darker, so "They have to be tougher, they've got to be more resourceful, they have to shine brighter."


ALIENS VS AVENGERS CROSSOVER ANNOUNCED BY MARVEL

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‘ALIENS VS AVENGERS’, a new comic series from writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Esad Ribic.

Releasing on July 24.

Jonathan Hickman spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the series.

"I've never worked on a licensed or 'non-superhero' property the entire time I've been at Marvel, so when all of this came together almost two years ago, I kind of jumped at the opportunity," Hickman tells EW. "I love the Aliens universe and the mythology, and obviously just how atmospherically and well-designed everything is has always gotten my creative juices flowing. It was tricky finding a way to make these two things work together, but I think Esad and I landed on something that works for fans of both franchises.

Probably one of the coolest things about the project is how we've found really fun ways to 'Avengerize' Aliens and 'alien-up' Avengers," Hickman says. "I think fans will be surprised at how elegantly some of those things fit together. It really turned out to be a chocolate-and-peanut-butter situation."

The brief plot synopsis for the crossover says, "It's all led to this: Xenomorphs reach Earth! The perfect organism meets a planet of superhumans. Who will be first to fall?"

RUMOR: DC Planning Major Refocus. New 52 Done Right?

Jonathan EscuderoComment

Recent reports from Bleeding Cool suggest that DC Comics is embarking on a bold new initiative called Absolute DC or DC All-In, led by renowned creator Scott Snyder.

Unlike previous creator-focused endeavors like New 52 or DC Rebirth, DC All-In takes a different approach, aiming for a hands-off strategy that grants creators significant creative freedom. Mark Waid's Summer event is being called Absolute Power. It’s reasonable to believe this new initiative will launch on the other side of this event.

Let’s delves into the details of this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for the future of DC Comics.

The Vision Behind DC All-In:

Rather than following a single central creator-focused line or a major editorial driver, DC All-In seeks to empower creators with a carte blanche approach reminiscent of the All-Star line. Snyder and his team envision an initiative that spotlights DC's entire lineup while fostering innovation and creativity. This hands-off approach is a departure from previous reboot or relaunch strategies, as DC All-In aims to build upon existing continuity rather than starting anew.

Integration with the Main Line:

One notable aspect of DC All-In is its integration with the main DC Comics lineup. Unlike standalone projects like All-Star or the Ultimate Universe, DC All-In publications will be released in conjunction with the main line, forming part of a larger initiative to showcase the breadth and depth of DC's universe. This integration ensures that fans can enjoy a cohesive reading experience while exploring new and exciting stories.

A Holistic Approach to Rejuvenation:

DC All-In is seen as a deliberate effort to learn from past successes and failures, particularly with initiatives like New 52 and DC Rebirth. Rather than simply rebooting or relaunching the universe, Snyder and his team are taking a more holistic approach, aiming to rejuvenate the DC Comics brand while preserving what already works. This approach reflects a commitment to both honoring the rich history of DC Comics and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

As details about DC All-In continue to emerge, anticipation is building for its official unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con. Fans can expect to learn more about the creative teams involved, the titles slated for release, and the overarching vision for the initiative. With promises of bold new stories and a fresh perspective on the DC Universe, DC All-In is poised to make a significant impact on the comic book industry.

DC All-In represents a bold new direction for DC Comics, one that prioritizes creative freedom, integration with the main line, and a holistic approach to rejuvenation. Led by Scott Snyder and a team of A-list creators, this initiative promises to deliver bold new stories while honoring the legacy of DC Comics. As the comic book world eagerly awaits further details, one thing is clear: DC All-In is poised to redefine the future of superhero storytelling.

"Marvel Offers Free Access to Iconic Comics Ahead of 'FANTASTIC FOUR' Film Release"

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Marvel Studios has recently announced an exciting initiative to offer free access to five iconic comics that have inspired the highly anticipated upcoming film, 'FANTASTIC FOUR'. This move not only serves as a treat for fans eagerly awaiting the movie's release but also provides an opportunity to delve into the rich history and source material that have shaped the beloved superhero team.

Among the selection of comics made available for free are some of the most pivotal issues in the Fantastic Four's storied legacy. First and foremost is 'Fantastic Four #1', originally published in 1961, which introduced readers to the groundbreaking superhero team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This landmark issue not only laid the foundation for the Marvel Universe as we know it but also set the stage for countless adventures to come.

Additionally, Marvel is offering access to 'Fantastic Four #48 - 50', a storyline often hailed as one of the greatest in comic book history. These issues mark the first appearance of two iconic characters, Galactus and the Silver Surfer, whose cosmic presence has left an indelible mark on the Marvel mythos. Their introduction expanded the scope of the Fantastic Four's adventures into the far reaches of space, introducing themes of cosmic exploration and existential threats that would become synonymous with the franchise.

Rounding out the selection is 'Fantastic Four: Life Story #1', a more recent addition to the Fantastic Four canon published in 2021. This series reimagines the team's journey through the decades, offering a fresh perspective on their enduring legacy and exploring how their exploits might unfold in a changing world.

By offering free access to these seminal comics, Marvel aims to celebrate the rich history and enduring appeal of the Fantastic Four while inviting both longtime fans and newcomers alike to experience the magic of Marvel storytelling. As excitement builds for the upcoming film adaptation, now is the perfect time to dive into the pages of these timeless classics and witness the fantastic adventures that have captivated readers for generations.

Jason Todd Lives! ‘DEATH IN THE FAMILY: ROBIN LIVES!’ Announced

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"In 1988, DC raised the revolutionary idea to let fans decide the fate of then-Robin Jason Todd by calling a 1-800 number and casting a vote," reads DC's official announcement. "Originally, fans decided that Jason would pay the ultimate price at the hands of The Joker, but a new facsimile of the original Batman #428 was released in December of 2023, featuring an alternate ending in which Jason lives. Now, for the first time, readers will witness his plans for revenge against the Clown Prince of Crime."

In a groundbreaking move, DC Comics announced the launch of a 4-issue comic miniseries titled 'Death in the Family: Robin Lives!'

Hellboy's Mike Mignola returns to do a variant cover for issue 1. Mignola originally did the covers for Batman: Death in the Family.

The miniseries, set to debut in July, promises to explore an alternate reality where Robin, the beloved sidekick of the Dark Knight, escapes the clutches of death at the hands of the infamous Joker.

Written by the acclaimed J.M. DeMatteis and brought to life through the stunning artwork of Rick Leonardi, 'Death in the Family: Robin Lives!' offers a fresh perspective on one of the most iconic moments in comic book history.

Instead of succumbing to the tragic fate that befell him in the original storyline, Robin embarks on a new journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges.

Freed from the constraints of his tragic demise, Robin grapples with a newfound sense of purpose and identity as he navigates the perilous streets of Gotham City.

Prepare to witness the ultimate resurrection as Robin defies fate and embarks on a quest for redemption in 'Death in the Family: Robin Lives!' This is not just a comic miniseries; it's a bold reimagining of one of the most iconic stories in comic book history—a testament to the enduring power of hope, heroism, and the undying spirit of the Boy Wonder.