The Flash #763
Written by: Kevin Shinick
Art by: Clayton Henry
The secret history of Barry Allen’s Flash ring is revealed as the Scarlet Speedster tangles with the Trickster in a tale that starts out as fun and games but ends with a last-page cliffhanger no reader will see coming. Don’t skip to the end! Don’t spoil it for friends! Don’t miss this inaugural issue of The Flash by the new series team of writer Kevin Shinick and rising-star artist Clayton Henry.
This October, suit up with the one and only original Hobgoblin as he flies straight into the biggest event of the year in Axis: Hobgoblin #1! That’s right, Roderick Kingsley, the one and only original Hobgoblin is back and fan-favorite creators Kevin Shinick and Javier Rodriguez are taking him for a spin that’ll paint New York City orange! Only, Phil Urich, the city’s newly self-proclaimed Goblin King might have a thing or two to say about that! Yet as the threat of Inversion looms, prepare for a Hobgoblin book unlike any you’ve ever seen before. It all begins this October in Axis: Hobgoblin #1!
AXIS: HOBGOBLIN #1 (of 3) (AUG140735)
Written by KEVIN SHINICK
Art & Cover by JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
FOC 09/29/14, On-Sale 10/22/14
Spinning directly out of the highly anticipated Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, two of Spider-Man’s greatest foes take center stage in separate three issue mini-series debuting alongside the next blockbuster Marvel Universe event. Today, Marvel is pleased to debut your very first look at the covers to AXIS: Hobgoblin #1 and AXIS: Carnage #1!
In AXIS: Carnage, writer Rick Spears and artist German Peralta take the symbiote serial killer to the streets New York City! With the members of the Avengers & the X-Men embroiled in their epic clash against the Red Skull and his S-Men, Carnage is poised to paint the town RED! But thanks to the events of Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, something unexpected has happened to Cletus Kassidy and his crimson alien costume, and NYC will never look at Carnage the same way again!
Then, the one true Hobgoblin returns for AXIS: Hobgoblin, from creators Kevin Shinick and Javier Rodriguez! Many have worn the mantle of the Hobgoblin, but there is only one Roderick Kingsley! As the Red Skull’s terrifying influence spreads, the merciless and cold-blooded Kingsley finds himself back in New York with a new mission. One that will bring out a side of the Hobgoblin you’ve never seen before!
In the shadows of the Red Skull’s takeover, the villains will rise. Be there when two of the wallcrawler’s most sinister baddies barrel headlong into Avengers & X-Men: AXIS this October in AXIS: Hobgoblin and AXIS: Carnage. And the Marvel Universe won’t know what hit it.
AXIS: CARNAGE #1 (of 3)
Written by RICK SPEARS
Art by GERMAN PERALTA
Cover by ALEXANDER LOZANO
Coming in October!
AXIS: HOBGOBLIN #1 (of 3)
Written by KEVIN SHINICK
Art & Cover by JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
Coming in October!
Talk about a weird line up for a review…but these titles caught my eye this week, and though there were plenty of other gems on my pull list from the Big Two, like Batman and Catwoman #22, Batwoman #22, Wonder Woman #22, the titles in this review deserved just a little bit more attention. We’re talking debuts and major events, people!
Justice League of America #6
I wasn’t incredibly impressed with Justice League #22, the first part of the Trinity War event, if only because there was a ton going on, and although it melded well over a dozen stories together, for some reason it didn’t click. Must’ve been the Doctor Light thing…such a huge lead up to “someone” getting killed, and it just kinds puttered by (albeit wrapped up in a fancy Ivan Reis package to go). That, paired with Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1 and my qualms therewith, I really just wasn’t sure what to think before opening JLA #6. But, damn! It. Got. Good.
Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire pull us into the aftermath of what is a life-changing event for the New 52 Superman, and which has the two non-Dark JLs rather shook up. I think Justice League of America #6 has revived Trinity War from the path of Age of Ultron because it combined serious mythological mystery, superhumans plagued with the problems of mortals, and strikes fear and concern into the hearts of the World’s Finest. We start to learn more about the Question, and just what he can do, and we find out that the gods of Olympus used Pandora because they were afraid of the box (that clarifies some of my conundrums with Pandora #1).
Johns and Lemire deliver what is not only the best JLA issue so far, matching the Johns’ skill at complex multi-level narrative creation with Lemire’s ability to make his characters seem human, imbuing them with emotions and fears we never think to see in the like of Superman (who’s now got a cold!). Douglas Mahnke provides pencils that rival Reis’, though they have a more cartoony feel compared to Reis’ very realist approach to character representation. The page spreads in this book are magnificent, fitting the grandeur of two Justice Leagues going head to head.
Trinity Warriors, Justice League of America #6 effectively redeems the long-awaited event, takes the intrigue of Justice League #22 to a new level by questioning the origin of evil, pitting mythology and science and magic against one another in a tale of drama that captures the mystico-scientific and superpower paranoia facing us mortals in the real world.
Trinity War continues with Justice League Dark #22, and if JLA #6 is any indication of how earth-shatteringly awesome this event is panning out to be, then you can’t miss the next installment.
Story: Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire Art: Douglas Mahnke
Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Superior Carnage #1
I’ll lay it bare: even for a Spidey fan (my second favorite Marvel menace), I had absolutely no idea who Carnage was until the solicits for Superior Spider-Month, and I’m not necessarily ashamed, though my collection includes Amazing Spider-Man #340, an issue in which Peter is attack by a bunch of female baddies, and just four issues before Carnage’s debut in #344 (1991). So putting Superior Carnage #1 on my pull-list was really just a nod to the whole Superior Spider-Month of July. I can say after reading it, that as a fan of horror comics, this five-part mini-series is going to stay securely on that list.
Writer Kevin Shinick, who has a very diverse track record, and artist Stephen Segovia blew me out of the water with this first issue, and creeper me out just a bit…they almost had me a shit-stained Ted Connelly. Scarlet Spider’s monstrous side, and the more demonic incarnations of Venom, have nothing on Superior Carnage, who’s really a blood-red Venom on bathsalts, a murdering, rampaging monster, and the ultimate weapon.
Shinick’s use of the throwaway Connelly character is a brilliant way to build the legend of Carnage for a first-time reader, allowing the anticipation of the red horror to sink in for seven pages before SPLOOSH! Carnage is back, baby! Segovia’s Carnage is the child of nightmares, and he expertly captures the fear and piss-stains of Connelly, and shows his talent with a remarkable full-page bleed panel in which The Wizard reveals something of Venom’s history and his own plans for Carnage. The transitions between characters while juxtaposing Shinick’s monologue for The Wizard is cover-worthy comic art.
Superior Carnage #1 is a fantastic debut for this creative team, and a great way to get to know this absolutely terrifying character. I’m a little on edge to see what The Wizard has in store for Carnage, but I trust this series will live up to the first issue and make for a great Marvel horror saga.
Story: Kevin Shinick Art: Stephen Segovia
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Batman ’66 #1
I’ve saved the best for last, and no, I didn’t think this comic was going to be worth even the $3.99 cover price—I think I need to stop underestimating comics, or maybe I should keep doing it so I keep reading great ones when I’m expecting drivel. Batman ’66 #1 really is a case of judging a book by its cover; it’s a little mean to say, but Michael and Laura Allred’s cover is offputtingly ugly (which is weird, because Michael Allred’s covers are usually fantastic), but once you get past its ugly exterior, it’s a joyride inside.
Jeff Parker weaves a tale of the Riddler and his quest to solve a riddle left in the statues of a bygone artist, and this first issue involves Batman, the Boy Wonder, Catwoman, and the Riddler. Holy Good Writing, Parker must have rewatched Batman: The Movie (1966) and the original television show (1966-1968), because all of the dialogic camp of Adam West and Burt Ward is incarnate in the script. The original TV series and movie will always have a place in comic fans’ hearts, and though we may laugh at the ridiculousness of the 60s Batman, Parker has made Batman ’66 #1 both an impressive homage to that era in the Dark Knight’s history as well as a light-hearted adventure that I think even the most close-minded of Batman fans with take seriously.
Jonathan Case goes miles beyond Parker’s script to creates the atmosphere of the iconographically pot-drenched, acid-tripping 1960s (seriously people, there was more to that whole decade that peculiar intoxicants and smelly dancers swinging to guitar medleys), and with the fell swoop of his artistic genius he invigorates Batman ’66 #1 with bold pastels and bright psychedelic hues. Case does not shy away from an ingenious and plainly fun use of Kirby dots in a nod to that era’s artistic style, and he pairs these with some of the best colorist work I’ve seen all year. Is it too late to sign him up for a Harvey?!
Batman ’66 #1 is a unique pleasant surprise, a nice break from the dark world of today’s larger-than-life superhero narratives, yet still couched in the mythology of the Dark Knight! Go figure, folks!
Story: Jeff Parker Art: Jonathan Case
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
This July, the red-hot creative team of writer Kevin Shinick and Stephen Segovia unleash a supercharged new beast into the world of Superior Spider-Man with Superior Carnage #1! This five issue limited series, launching during Superior Spider-Month, gives fans a whole new look into the world of Superior Spider-Man – great for new and lapsed readers alike!
The homicidal villain, Carnage, is deteriorating in the confines of his asylum—but his fellow inmates are not giving up just yet! Watch as their Frankenstein-style experiment unfolds for better or for worse. Can they restore the deadliest of the symbiotes to its former glory, or better yet, do they have what it takes to build a more dastardly, more sinister, more superior Carnage?
But with a catatonic Kasady, who will emerge? The Beast or the Man?
SUPERIOR CARNAGE #1
Written by KEVIN SHINICK
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
ON SALE JULY 2013!
Official Press Release
Thursday, July 21
10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello/Jim Lee
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12
11:30-12:30 DC: Flashpoint
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Eddie Berganza
Everything you know will change in a Flash! Flashpoint, the blockbuster comics event of the summer, has turned the DC Universe inside out! Join DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, and some of the amazing talent behind Flashpoint, for a panel that’s sure to pose new questions about this explosive event even as it answers others! Room 6DE
1:00-2:00 DC Direct
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Fletcher
DC Direct has long been known as one of the most creative companies that produce collectibles for the direct market. Come and join DC Direct Director of Product Development Jim Fletcher and artist Adam Hughes, along with DC exclusive sculptors, and more, as they discuss their line of current projects, as well as the future plans revolving around the new DC Universe! Room 5AB
2:00-3:00 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: Eddie Berganza
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE
3:15-4:15 DC: Batman
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts
Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman and the rest of Gotham City’s greatest crimefighters take things to the next level in September with new battles and new titles! Now, get to know the writers and artists behind these exciting new comics, including Batman Group Editor Mike Marts, Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Scott Snyder (Detective Comics), Peter Tomasi (Batman & Robin) Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Judd Winick (Batwing, Catwoman) and others answer your questions at this exclusive Bat-panel! Room 6DE
5:45-6:45 Vertigo Editorial
Moderator: Karen Berger/John Cunningham
They come from the cutting edge of comics… and Vertigo has never been edgier, with thought-provoking titles from some of comics’ most acclaimed creators. Don’t miss this panel featuring Bill Willingham (Fables) Scott Snyder (American Vampire), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth) Michael Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Les Klinger (Annotated Sandman), Rebecca Guay (A Flight of Angels), Colleen Doran (Gone to Amerikay), and many others – this is your opportunity to learn more about the entire Vertigo line! Hosted by Vertigo Executive Editor Karen Berger. Room 6DE
Friday, July 22
10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12
10:00-11:00 DC: MAD Screening and Q&A
Moderator: John Ficarra
Often imitated but never duplicated, MAD is more than just the country’s best-selling humor magazine – it’s also the inspiration for the outrageous animated series from Warner Bros. Animation. Featuring short animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos and classic gags inspired by the iconic magazine, MAD is currently one of the highest-rated series on Cartoon Network … and back at Comic-Con to share more laughs and explore the world of MAD. Join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and “Spy vs. Spy” artist Peter Kuper, along with MAD series producers Kevin Shinick and Mark Marek, for a sizzle reel of laughs from season one, a sneak peek at season two and a wise-cracking Q&A that’s bound to be, well, MAD. MAD airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Room 25ABC
11:15-12:15 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Bob Harras/Eddie Berganza
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 DC Superman
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Matt Idelson
How does The Man of Tomorrow fit into the new DC Universe that rises in September? Find out as Group Editor Matt Idelson joins new Action Comics writer Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Batman Incorporated) and author of the best-selling Superman: Earth One graphic novel J. Michael Straczynski (Superman, Wonder Woman) to take fans new and old up, up and away to give readers a sneak peak at what’s in store for Superman. Room 6DE
4:15-5:15 DC: Justice League
Moderator: Bob Wayne Editor: Eddie Berganza
Comics’ top talents – writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee – team up for the first time ever to bring you the new Justice League, making its debut as part of the new DC Universe! Join Johns, Lee and DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza as they bring together the talents behind the new JLA titles, including writers Dan Jurgens (Justice League International), JT Krul (Green Arrow), Eric Wallace (Mister Terrific), artists Francis Manapul (The Flash), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), Philip Tan (The Savage Hawkman) and more! Room 6DE
5:30-6:30 Vertigo: American Vampire
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Mark Doyle
The acclaimed Vertigo series American Vampire – nominated for a 2010 Eisner Award as “Best New Series” – introduced Skinner Sweet and a whole new type of undead, blazing a blood-drenched new trail! Join the creator of this series, as well as the new miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest for an undead discussion with writer Scott Snyder, artist Rafael Albuquerque and Editor Mark Doyle. Room 6DE
Saturday, July 23
10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12
10:00-11:00 DC: Green Lantern
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Eddie Berganza
Enlist in the Corps at DC’s annual Green Lantern panel! Join DCU Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Green Lantern Corps writer Peter Tomasi, Red Lanterns artist Ed Benes and others for a look at the aftermath of “War of the Green Lanterns” and more! It’s one of the most exciting panels you’ll ever see! Room 6DE
11:15-12:30 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Bob Harras
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE
12:45-1:45 DC: The Dark and The Edge
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Pat McCallum
From the shadowy corners of the new DC Universe comes a startling array of new series featuring some of comics’ top creators! Join DC Editor Pat McCallum and get acquainted with new DC titles from “The Dark” and “The Edge,” including Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man, written by Jeff Lemire, Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins, Demon Knights and Stormwatch, written by Paul Cornell, I, Vampire written by Josh Fialkov, Suicide Squad written by Adam Glass, Swamp Thing, drawn by Francesco Francavilla, All Star Western by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Moritat, and more! Room 6DE
4:30-5:30 DC Focus: Jim Lee
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Dan DiDio
Jim Lee is by far the most in-demand artist in comics, from his spectacular work on Batman, Superman, WildC.A.T.S. and so many other comics to his groundbreaking designs for the DC Universe MMO game. Now, as Co-Publisher of DC Comics, Jim has led the way to the start of the new DC Universe with his exciting new looks for the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. Join Jim and his fellow Co-Publisher, Dan DiDio, for a profile of the artist who’s setting the tone for the entire DCU! Room 6DE
7:00-8:00 Vertigo: Fables
Moderator: Shelly Bond/John Cunningham
The annual Fables panel has become a Comic-Con tradition – and with the original graphic novel Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland on the way this fall, there’s no better time to hear what Bill Willingham, creator of the multi-Eisner Award winning series, has to say. Join Bill, artists Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha, Group Editor Shelly Bond and others for a panel that is truly legendary. Room 6DE
Sunday, July 24
12:00-1:00 DC Focus: Jeff Lemire
Moderator: John Cunningham
Jeff Lemire first made an impression on the world of comics with his award-winning Essex County graphic novel trilogy. He soon made the move to DC Comics, with the graphic novel The Nobody and comics including Superboy and the distopian epic Sweet Tooth. Lemire recently wrote the miniseries Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown, and will make a splash in September with the new, continuing series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man. Join Jeff for a special chat about his work for DC Comics and Vertigo. Room 7AB
1:45-2:45 Designing the New DCU
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Lee
What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! Join DC’s Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP – Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner and others for a look as they discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts, Matt Idelson
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join DCU Group Editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Matt, Mike and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE
4:00-5:00 Art Masters: Drawing DC
Moderator: Mark Chiarello
Superstar artists share their secrets of drawing the DC Universe with a special projector designed so you can see their every master stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely draw ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ amongst the gathered masses! Room 30CDE
