Julian’s Thoughts: Aquaman Review

The DC Extended Universe has had a few more issues than the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not for nothing, but Man of Steel was two thirds of a great take of the original superhero that turned into a CGI 9/11 mess, Batman v Superman was a dull, overlong, muddled mess that crammed six films worth of story into a single film with only fleeting moments of brilliance, Suicide Squad was a compromised but fun enough mess with enough ideas to warrant a second viewing. Then came Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins’ game-changing story of love conquering all troubles and being the greatest thing in the world; it smashed records and was a fun ride that called to mind Richard Donner’s Superman (the granddaddy of the genre). Justice League was a mess,  but now with a slate of intriguing films on the horizon, the DC universe can do anything, which leads us to James Wan’s Aquaman.

Aquaman is the first post-Justice League film from DC, and it shows that the lessons from previous DC adaptations have been learnt. Gone is the dark colour pallette, the reluctance to have fun, the overstuffing of storylines and the dour tone. Welcome a bright, epic adventure film with plenty of things going boom, and laughs to be had along the way. James Wan has had an extraordinary fourteen year career. Having made Saw and then moving on to lesser seen films like Dead Silence and Death Sentence (the latter being a great little revenge flick) he made films like The Conjuring 1 & 2, Insidious 1 & 2 and then out of nowhere directed Furious 7, the best of the Fast and Furious franchise even with a sad loss of Paul Walker during filming. Here, Wan crams everything into the film like a child playing with action figures.

Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry, half human half Atlantean, the first born child of Queen Atlanna and heir to the throne. His destiny is forced upon him when his half-brother King Orm begins manipulating the seven underwater kingdoms into attacking the surface world, and things go bonkers.

From the off, Wan might as well be handing out copies of his favorite 80s movies. It’s no secret that most superhero directors want to show you the movies they’re inspired by, but here it shows more than ever. For people who like old-school adventure films like Romancing the Stone (brilliant), Raiders of the Lost Ark (brilliant) and The Goonies (brilliant) you’re in for a fun ride. There are moments that look like throwbacks to Stephen Sommers original The Mummy (brilliant but less so), and the film is all the better for it.

Momoa plays his superhero like a slightly hungover bouncer, reluctant to get involved in a world he has no real stake in, his only tether to the human world being his father (a very well used Temuera Morrison), and his claim to the throne of the ocean holds no interest. Having rocked up to the party in Justice League like a absolute dudebro and yelled things like “my man” and “i dig it”, this time around he has a bit more heavy lifting to do. Given his frame, his eyebrow scar and his voice like gravel there is so much to relish in his performance here – he stands confidently with other heroes of the DC universe as being distinct but of that world.

The film also has that old-fashioned feel, thanks to a great supporting cast – Morrison along with Nicole Kidman play Curry’s parents well, in a well-done prologue showing the quick romance between the two that leads to young Arthur being born. Patrick Wilson decides to chew his scenery as the villainous Orm, deciding that other royal sibling-relation superheroes are OTT enough, with none of the charm of Loki, the nuance of Killmonger or even the manipulation of Ares, this time around we get a shouting Wilson, going for absolute broke and clearly having an absolute blast. Willem Dafoe and Dolph Lundgren aren’t used to their full potential, but they flesh out the world, and are convincing even as they pretend to swim in the underwater world.

It’s actually the secondary villain of the revenge-driven Black Manta played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II that gets some of the best sequences, he has a cool suit and the guy looks like he means business, laying waste to a small Sicilian village in his revenge quest against Curry.

There are some fun cameos along the way (Julie Andrews voices a giant sea monster for one), and the score by Rupert Greyson-Williams flips between a superhero score and something resembling Tron’s soundtrack, but it works. This is a love letter to those swashbuckling adventures of days gone by, and the film doesn’t mind being silly.

There are some awkward issues: a lot of action sequences begin with someone being blindsided by an explosion, and the underwater hair effects seem a little uneasy, but even so, neither undo the film because Wan knows not to do the same old action sequence. There’s a fun Tron/Star Wars style escape from Atlantis, there are sword fights, parkour rooftop running, and good old-fashioned fisticuffs.

By no means does this make for a perfect viewing, and at two and a half hours the film does sometimes go into overlong time, but even as the CGI heavy third act begins to weigh hard, there’s another bizarre sea monster ready to show up, including giant angry sharks, big crab people, a CGI Djimon Hounsou, seahorses big enough to ride and enough jokes to keep you going.

In the end, this is a movie that doesn’t want to upset or bore, it wants to entertain, offering good old-fashioned thrills without being too tethered to the movies before it, taking a leaf from Wonder Woman’s book and like that film heralding a brighter future for the DC Universe. If Shazam! and Birds of Prey can keep up this momentum, DC might have a future after all, and as for Aquaman, if there was ever a reason to go see a big movie it might be the sight of an octopus playing the drums.

Final Grade: A

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SYNERGY: A HASBRO CREATORS SHOWCASE Celebrates the Amazing Artistry and Storytelling of Women in the Comics Industry

IDW Publishing and Hasbro Inc.(NASDAQ: HAS) have teamed up to create Synergy: A Hasbro Creators Showcase, a 48-page celebration anthology of fan-favorite creators and new talent working with many of the most beloved Hasbro characters.

The Synergyanthology features five brand-new stories: autobiographical works written by Mairghread Scott (drawn by Sara Pitre-Durocher, reuniting the creative team behind the Transformers: Till All Are Oneseries) and Katie Cook (of the hit My Little Pony comic), plus original tales inspired by G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Jem and the Holograms.

Mairghread Scott says, “Transformers is a brand that shaped both my childhood and adult life. I’m grateful for the chance to talk about what these amazing robots have meant to me, and others, over the years.”

Katie Cook says, “Hasbro was such an integral part of my upbringing. My Little Pony inspired a youth full of pastel imaginings and became a huge part of my cartooning career as I got the chance to make those imaginings real. I bonded with childhood friends over ponies in the 1980s, and as an adult, I crafted stories for My Little Ponyalongside creators who have become the friends of a lifetime.”

In addition to storytelling, Synergy: A Hasbro Creators Showcase includes four new pin-ups, as well as a gallery of thirteen fabulous images from the IDW archives – dynamic illustrations that celebrate the women who have already made, or will soon make, an impact on the world of Hasbro for many years to come.

Synergy editor Megan Brown says, “This is a great coming together of creative talent and an amazing showcase for a host of wonderful authors, artists, and colorists — both old and new. I am beyond thrilled to be editing this compilation, and to be given the chance to highlight the amazing work of women in the comics industry.”W Publishing
and Hasbro Inc.(NASDAQ: HAS) have teamed up to create Synergy: A Hasbro Creators Showcase, a 48-page celebration anthology of fan-favorite creators and new talent working with many of the most beloved Hasbro characters.


The Synergyanthology features five brand-new stories: autobiographical works written by Mairghread Scott (drawn by Sara Pitre-Durocher, reuniting the creative team behind the Transformers: Till All Are Oneseries) and Katie Cook (of the hit My Little Pony comic), plus original tales inspired by G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Jem and the Holograms.

Mairghread Scott says, “Transformers is a brand that shaped both my childhood and adult life. I’m grateful for the chance to talk about what these amazing robots have meant to me, and others, over the years.”

Katie Cook says, “Hasbro was such an integral part of my upbringing. My Little Pony inspired a youth full of pastel imaginings and became a huge part of my cartooning career as I got the chance to make those imaginings real. I bonded with childhood friends over ponies in the 1980s, and as an adult, I crafted stories for My Little Ponyalongside creators who have become the friends of a lifetime.”

In addition to storytelling, Synergy: A Hasbro Creators Showcase includes four new pin-ups, as well as a gallery of thirteen fabulous images from the IDW archives – dynamic illustrations that celebrate the women who have already made, or will soon make, an impact on the world of Hasbro for many years to come.

Synergy editor Megan Brown says, “This is a great coming together of creative talent and an amazing showcase for a host of wonderful authors, artists, and colorists — both old and new. I am beyond thrilled to be editing this compilation, and to be given the chance to highlight the amazing work of women in the comics industry.”

Top 15 The Walking Dead Comic Book Moments of 2018

It is the near end of the year and  the comic book series of The Walking Dead has reached new levels of storytelling. From the introduction to The Commonwealth which holds about 50,000 survivors, to the different philosophies between Rick and Pamela, to Michonne finding her daughter, and to Rick and Dwight’s conflicts. This year there were moments that divided the opinions of readers and fans that have been talked about all year and I put together a list of the top 15 moments of the comic series of The Walking Dead of 2018. This list also has some spoilers so if you are not caught up, Read the issues before reading the list.

Before I do, take a look at what made the list last year right here.

15. The Princess has had enough (#178: New World Order 4/6)

After Sebastian tried to make a move on Yumiko, Magna jumped in and tried to stop it. But that did not work since Sebastian pushed her down. Then The Princess points her spear to him as Sebastian orders the Commonwealth soldiers to arrest her. That was not working either as she fought every single one of them. This was a cool scene and by this point, I warmed up to her character much more than her debut last year. The scene stopped when Mercer threw his hatchet towards her hand for her to drop her spear.

14. First look at The Oceanside (#181: Together Strong)

The Oceanside has been first mentioned way back in issue #139 which was about almost four years ago. It has never been seen before until Rick took Pamela over there in this issue. The full two page spread shows a beautiful sight of the ocean with a sunset along with a few houses. While there is a dark setting of the world of The Walking Dead, there are a few high points of scenery and this is one of them.

13. The planning of a trial (#183: And Michonne Without Her Sword)

Politics is something I would have not ever encountered in this series, but it is a reminder that the old ways can still happen even in a post-apocalypse world. Michonne used to be a lawyer before this all happened and Lance thought that it was a good idea to give her a job as a lawyer. When Michonne arrived to another section of The Commonwealth, she and her daughter sees that the soldiers are beating down Anthony who also had an argument with the soldiers before the beat down. It was also here where Michonne realizes that one of the soldiers was Jerome who she has meet earlier in the issue. It is also here that Lance tells her that she has to defend the soldier’s actions in the trial and we have seen the early stages of the trial as of now.

12. Introduction of Sebastian and Mercer (#177: New World Order 3/6)

Sebastian is the son of the leader of The Commonwealth Pamela. He seems to get away with anything and tries to abuse his status to people who are under him and we got a pure example of that when he lashes out at Mercer for not keeping a closer eye on him while he was with Kayla. But little did he know, Mercer already killed the lurking walkers before he even opened his mouth. I so far, am mixed about the character, but there is room to see where his story goes.

11. Maggie and Dante (#177: New World Order 3/6)

After sparing Negan’s life way back in issue #174, Maggie and Dante gets closer and while they were kissing in the barn at the Hilltop, Sophia walks in to see it happen. I will talk more about that in a moment, but to see Maggie finally moving on and wanting to be happy is a good feeling even though she said it herself that she is ashamed about it.

10. The Princess and Mercer are together (#181: Together Strong)

As soon as the cover of this issue was shown three months before it’s release, I had a feeling that these two would get together. Mercer and The Princess were clearing walkers until they realize that they are boxed in and surrounded by more of them. After the rest were killed, Princess suddenly kisses Mercer as the thought that they were having a moment. A few issues after this, they become a couple. Sure it’s odd for a visual standpoint, but love is love.

9. Rick Introduces Pamela to the communities (#182: The Commonwealth Grows)

The comment Pamela made upon arriving Alexandria about how much of a “dump” the outside gates were to what she is used to is eye catching. She has it so good at The Commonwealth that she wants to look down on Rick. But not only that Rick’s vision of a “New World Order” is different than hers, but she sees how the communities survive without too much of a law and order. Rick introduced her to The Hilltop, The Sanctuary, The Oceanside, and The Kingdom with stories about past characters that used to be there. This was very nice to see.

8. Dwight gets arrested (#185: On Guard)

Dwight who has been on Rick’s radar since Issue #169 has gotten arrested by the Commonwealth soldiers. He intentionally did this so he can send a message to Rick that the entire community needs help and that they are just smoke and mirrors. Dwight who has been second in command for Negan for years, sees the same in him as he does to The Commonwealth as he thinks that it is a lust for power and that their leader Pamela is doing this all for show. Dwight and Rick had a few moments talking about their different views of the place, but what is coming for Dwight will prove otherwise.

7. Maggie and Sophia (#178: New World Order 4/6)

Right after Sophia caught Dante and Maggie together, they had a talk and she was upset that Maggie did not tell her about their relationship. Maggie also insisted that she wanted to feel happy and loved again and although she will never forget Glenn, he would have wanted her to move on as well. Timeline wise, it has been almost fou years since Negan killed him and she has not healed from that day until they first spoken a few issues prior. This felt like a mom to daughter talk after the husband dies and it was an emotional one.

6. First look inside The Commonwealth (#176: New World Order 2/6)

This very large area which is made up of communities together in one is a sight to see on The Walking Dead. It feels like a normal day over there to see a football game, people eating out at restaurants, people eating ice cream etc. The survivors that went there were stunned to see all of this and they wanted to know if it was too good to be true. Seeing Lance say to them that there was over 50,000 residents over there made my jaw drop.

5. Michonne giving up her sword (#179: New World Order 5/6)

This is the second time that Michonne gave up her sword and it looks like it is for good this time as she decided to stay at The Commonwealth since her daughter is now there and that she has a job there as a lawyer. Eugene was puzzled by this but he understood her. Michonne gives Eugene her sword right before Pamela and a few others along with Eugene, Magna, siddiq, Yumiko, and The Princess go back to take Pamela to Alexandria.

4. The riot (#183: And Michonne Without Her Sword/#184: Eugene Tinkers)

A riot is something I wanted to see on The Walking Dead for years and we finally got it. Once the news about Michonne having to defend Jerome and the Commonwealth soldiers for killing Anthony come out, the residents did not like that at all. A full fledged riot escalated as the soldiers had to use riot shields and nightsticks to stop the residents from rioting. But that only worked for a while until Pamela arrived to see the riot along with Rick and his group that is seeing this for the first time. Part of the riot mob beat up Michonne and Jerome until it was broken up by Dwight, Mercer, and the soldiers. At the court hearing, Michonne defended the soldiers but asked the judge to drop all charges and the judge will consider it. Talking about this as I am reading it is mindbending for The Walking Dead as never in a million years would I think that a riot and a court trial would take place in this series.

3. Michonne and her daughter reunite (#176: New World Order 2/6)

After Michonne found a missing poster of herself that was written by her daughter Elodie, she did not waste any time to go look for her. Lance thought that she could be dead, but Michonne knew in her heart that she is alive. After the meeting between Pamela and the survivors, Michonne asked her if she can see her daughter. We find out that she works at the bakery and once they seen each other, Elodie dropped her cake and hugged Michonne. This reunion is one of the best moments of the comic series and I loved it.

2. Dwight’s death (#186: The Powder Keg)

I did not see this coming as it was a shocking moment for the last issue of 2018. Dwight who was about to kill Pamela so he can show Rick the way the community should be run was shot in the head by Rick. This whole thing happened because Michonne asked Pamela to come talk to Rick and Dwight without letting the two of them know that she was coming. Pamela overheard the conversation before she and two soldiers entered the room and she asks Dwight to leave the place. Dwight refuses and after some talking, BAM. Dwight was one of my favorite characters since his debut back in issue #98 and to see him go was very unexpected. Rick also blames Michonne for this because Rick could have handled it and he will now never forgive her for this at all.

1. Michonne finds out that her daughter is still alive (#175: New World Order 1/6)

I told myself that this is one of the biggest non death cliffhangers I have ever seen on The Walking Dead and I also said that no moment for the rest of this year will top this. As the group are introduced to Lance, he leads them to The Commonwealth. But on their way there, they stop by “the wall of the lost” as many residents place missing people posters of their friends and families. Of those posters, one of them was written by Elodie This made Michonne cry as she thought that she was dead the entire time and that she wants to look for her right now. The poster also featured a pre-apoclapyse Michonne when she used to be a lawyer and that symbolizes that no matter how long you have moved forward, your past will come right back to hit you. This is an amazing moment and I would love to know how they will pull this off on the television series.

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH WALMART, DC AND THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES!

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH WALMART, DC

AND THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES!

The 100-Page Walmart Exclusive Arrives in Stores by Sunday, November 11

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES! HOLIDAY SPECIAL Includes an Original Story Featuring THE FLASH, Plus Popular Holiday-Themed Stories from the DC Vault, Including the Eisner-Nominated BATMAN Short Story “Good Boy,” By Tom King and David Finch

With the holidays rapidly approaching, DC and Walmart are adding to their lineup of 100-page “Giant” comics with a new one-shot to ring in the holiday season! Following the success of their horror-themed SWAMP THING HALLOWEEN HORROR SPECIAL, DC’s WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES! HOLIDAY SPECIAL is headed to participating Walmart stores in the U.S. today and should reach stores by Sunday.

The fan-favorite creative trio of THE FLASH—Scott Lobdell (writer), Brett Booth (artist) and Norm Rapmund (inker)—have reunited for an original tale featuring the Scarlet Speedster, “Twas the Riot Before Christmas.” Barry Allen’s holiday tradition of giving gifts to the kids at the Central City Home for Wayward Children gets interrupted by a riot at Iron Heights penitentiary featuring some of the Flash’s deadliest foes. In restoring order, he receives help from an unexpected source, but will it be in time to spend Christmas with the kids at the home?

This Walmart exclusive also reprints a host of holiday-themed stories from throughout DC’s history: Tom King and David Finch’s “Good Boy,” from the 2016 BATMAN ANNUAL tells the painful (certainly for the Dark Knight) story of how Batman and Alfred brought Ace the Bat-Hound into the family.

Originally featured in the 2014 HARLEY QUINN HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, “K!llin’ Time,” written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Darwyn Cooke, shows how Harley Quinn decides to deal with aging and finding her first gray hair—by killing Father Time!

Written by Joe Kelly with art by Ale Garza, “All I Want for Christmas” from the 2006 DC INFINITE HOLIDAY SPECIAL spotlights Supergirl in a tale of making a little girl’s Christmas wish come true by reuniting her with her father after the Maid of Might shows him the importance of not being an absentee parent and gives him a second chance to be a father to his child.

The anthology also features two stories from the 2016 DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SPECIAL. In “A Light in the Dark,” Kate Perkins (writer) and Paolo Pantalena (artist) featured Batwoman in a holiday rescue story involving pie and the story of Hanukkah, while Green Lanterns Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz are subjected to a series of trials by a mysterious alien race where the prize is not just the fate of the world, but something that Earth will always need: Hope. “The Epiphany” was co-written by Steve Orlando and Vita Ayala, with art by V. Ken Marion.

1992’s SUPERMAN #22 rounds out the lineup with the story “Metropolis Mailbag,” written by Dan Jurgens with art by Jackson “Butch” Guice. As the holidays approach, the Man of Steel finds out that even he has limits when he reads some letters that are addressed to him in the Daily Planet’s “Superman room.”

The WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES! HOLIDAY SPECIAL sells for $4.99 and arrives in participating Walmart stores throughout North America by Sunday, November 11. To find your nearest Walmart location, check out the store finder page at www.walmart.com.

There’s a New Geek in Town in the new Geek-Girl Kickstarter!

There’s a New Geek in Town in the new Geek-Girl Kickstarter!

Created and written by Sam Johnson (The Almighties, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman) and illustrated by Carlos Granda (Pirouette Grimm Fairy Tales), the first Geek-Girl Mini-Series & Kickstarter introduced the world to attractive, popular Maine college co-ed Ruby Kaye – a girl used to getting whatever she wants…

On a drunken whim, Ruby landed a pair of power-inducing super-tech glasses from her college’s resident brainiac; but rather than impressing her friends, Ruby alienated the majority of her clique while klutzily trying to demonstrate her new-found abilities – accidentally knocking drinks over their expensive designer dresses. Her BFF Summer James was into what Ruby could do now, though – and pushed her into trying to be a super-hero – which climaxed with Ruby stopping super-villain Lightning Storm from taking over their city of Maine but, electrocuted by Lightning Storm in the process, getting left in a coma!

Johnson brings us up to speed for the new Kickstarter: “Summer’s feeling a bit responsible for what happened to Ruby, and has got the super-tech glasses and is trying to fill in for her as ‘Geek-Girl’. Jock super-hero Pit Bull has taken her under his wing with the intention of training her up to go solo – but Summer is having a hard time of it.” Johnson continues, “Lightning Storm did a lot of damage to law enforcement in Maine, which is now badly undermanned, and there’s a crime wave going on.”

And things are about to escalate into a crime war, as a new bunch of villains have entered the scene, looking to make a name for themselves and clean up. Johnson continues, “The League of Larcenists are a quirky bunch of villains lead by Pig Head – a guy whose brain has been fused with a pig’s. The crew are packing serious tech, including blasters and a teleporter, and are pulling bank jobs, with the intention of gaining a reputation and growing in number.

“Meanwhile, Ruby’s previously-estranged clique are looking to ingratiate themselves back in with Ruby, now that she’s popular again after saving their city – and they perceive Summer as trying to ride on Ruby’s coat-tails now she’s doing the ‘Geek-Girl thing;’ and as result, they’ve now put her out in the cold. As if that wasn’t enough for the rookie super-heroine to do deal with [Johnson concludes]: enter super-villain The Cad – who has the power to mess with girls’ heads!”

Written by Johnson, illustrated by Carlos Granda and colored by Chunlin Zhao, the Geek-Girl Kickstarter is live now, running up to the end of October. All 4 issues of the Crime War arc are available there, along with the previous Mini-Series and Kickstarter Exclusives, and you can link to it at www.geekgirlcomics.com

Praise for Geek-Girl:

“The new Geek-Girl series is off to the right start; the action, events, characterization, and all other elements about this comic book are balanced nicely, and I highly recommend reading this issue.” -Jose J. Becerra, Anything Geek Culture.

“A great series to get into if you’re looking for something super-hero related but original and interesting in its own right.” –Jay Brown, Comic Sleuth.

“A charming comic, the dialogue displays a witty back and forth that would make Kevin Smith proud.” -Kris Bather, Broken Frontier.

“This comic book is something special.” -Donna-Lyn Washington, Review Fix.

“A brilliant premise, an interesting character, and intriguing prospects for the future.”

-Chris Orr, Dress Like The Hulk.

Anky S, cover by Neal Adams

Anky S by artist Amikael is showcasing the Franky Zapata (www.zapata.com) technology and with a Neal Adams cover, debuting at NYCC this year, in collaboration with Sourcepoint press.
Anky S is just a humble everyday UN agent, dealing with wildlife issues, who gets recruited for a mission by the mysterious ‘The Agency’ in an attempt to take out the international supervillain Nimrod. She soon realizes that she is in over her head, and that ‘The Agency’ haven’t been completely honest with her – about anything.
Gaia, the planet as a living being, is real. Nimrod have proof, and thus he has identified the ultimate trophy kill. Insane as he is, he will collect it and go down in history as the greatest hunter of all time. And the last.

The Walking Dead’s 15th Anniversary Variant Covers For The Re-released Issues

We learned a few months ago that Image Comics and Skybound are going to reprint some of the key issues of The Walking Dead for the 15th anniversary which is approaching next month. This week, I was emailed the high resolution photos of the variant covers and these will come in their normal color, or in black and white. You can pick these up in comic book stores on October 13th and the list of the reprinted issues are the following in this order.

#1

#2 (First appearance of Carl and Lori, Glenn, Andrea, and Sophia)

#7 (First appearance of Tyrese)

#19 (First appearance of Michonne)

#27 (First appearance of The Governor)

#48 (Death of Lori, Judith, and The Governor/Final Prison Battle)

#53( First appearance of Abraham, Eugene, Rosita)

#92 (First Appearance of Jesus)

#98 (Death of Abraham/First appearance of Dwight)

#100 (First appearance of Negan/death of Glenn Rhee)

#108 (First appearance of Ezekiel/Shiva)

#127(Post All Out War/First appearance of Magna and her group)

#132 (First Appearance of Alpha)

#167 (Andrea’s death issue)

#171 (First Appearance of The Princess)

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SCOTT SNYDER ANNOUNCES ‘THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS’ MINISERIES  Six-Issue Miniseries to Feature Art by Jock

SCOTT SNYDER ANNOUNCES ‘THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS’ MINISERIES

Six-Issue Miniseries to Feature Art by Jock

Today’s DC Justice League panel at San Diego Comic-Con featured a host of talent from the “New Justice” family of titles: JUSTICE LEAGUE, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSSEY, TEEN TITANS and TITANS. New Justice architect and JUSTICE LEAGUE writer Scott Snyder was on hand to talk with fans about his current run, including the creation of the Legion of Doom, Sinestro’s discovery of the Ultraviolet Spectrum and Lex Luthor dispatching Vandal Savage with a doorknob.

But he really stirred the crowd’s interest with the announcement that he would be teaming up with artist Jock to create a six-issue miniseries based on the popular character from DARK NIGHTS: METAL, The Batman Who Laughs. Scheduled for November, this is a story Snyder has been eager to write, featuring two of his favorite characters. This six-issue miniseries pits Batman against the culmination of all his fears from the Dark Multiverse, an evil amalgamation of himself and his greatest nemesis, The Joker.

MORE DC/HANNA-BARBERA SATURDAY MORNING SHENANIGANS COMING IN OCTOBER

MORE DC/HANNA-BARBERA SATURDAY MORNING SHENANIGANS

COMING IN OCTOBER

More Crazy Cross-Ups This Fall, Plus a Four-Part Backup Story

Featuring Secret Squirrel

This October, the mash-ups get weirder and wilder when DC unleashes more crazy combinations of the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes with some of Hanna-Barbera’s best-known classic cartoon characters. Each book goes on sale Wednesday, October 31 (with both a standard and variant cover), is rated T (for Teen) and carries a retail price of $4.99. These 48-page one-shots will also feature an installment of a spotlight tale featuring Hanna-Barbera’s leading super spy, Secret Squirrel, written by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Tom Mandrake.

The title lineup includes:

DEATHSTROKE/YOGI BEAR SPECIAL #1

Written by FRANK TIERI

Art by MARK TEXEIRA

cover by TYLER KIRKHAM

variant cover by PAOLO PANTALENA

In Yellowstone Park, legends speak of a spirit bear referred to as “the Yogi,” which few if any have actually encountered. Real or not, when a bear seems to have graduated from stealing picnic baskets to kidnapping actual campers, Ranger Smith decides it’s time to stop this menace—so he calls on the services of Slade Wilson—a.k.a. Deathstroke—to get the job done.

GREEN LANTERN/HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SPECIAL #1

written by MARK RUSSELL

art by RICK LEONARDI

cover by SAMI BASRI

variant cover by YASMINE PUTRI

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the early 1970s, Green Lantern and Huckleberry Hound join forces to take a stand on the issues of that era. Returning from recent duty in Vietnam, veteran Marine John Stewart—now a member of the Green Lantern Corps—contemplates what, if anything, he should do about the issues tearing his country apart. Meanwhile, Huckleberry’s comments against the Vietnam war have left him a celebrity outcast, and a visit back home to Mississippi puts him face to face with the Civil Rights Movement. What can one man—and one hound—do?

NIGHTWING/MAGILLA GORILLA SPECIAL #1

written by HEATH CORSON

art by TOM GRUMMETT

cover by MARCUS TO

variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS

When a famous Hollywood talent agent is found brutally murdered, suspicion and evidence seem to point to his most famous client, Oscar winning actor Magilla Gorilla. Dick Grayson, already in Tinseltown to meet with said agent, senses something suspicious. Donning his Nightwing costume and joining forces with the simian suspect, he’s got one night to prove that this monkey doesn’t belong in a cage.

SUPERMAN/TOP CAT SPECIAL #1

written by DAN DiDIO

art and cover by SHANE DAVIS

variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

It’s Superman versus super food with Top Cat caught in the middle. While searching for his missing friend Bennie, TC uncovers a dietary danger that threatens the healthier portions of mankind, and it’s up to the Man of Steel to stop the probiotic menace of Kalien! In the salad bar, no one can hear you scream.