So for those that doesn’t know, this past weekend was C2E2 here in Chicago. Like every year, the McCormick place is filled with geeks,nerds (Yes,there is a difference.)and fans alike. For 3 days, you get to indulge your inner geek. Not to mention being in costume while doing so. That said, one of the more interesting panels this year was DC comics. Though DC didn’t have a booth this year, the’ve still connected with fans. This year C2E2 was definitely “comic book” focused. With the absence of the DC booth, Marvel has taken advantage of the opportunity by dominating the events floor. Now on to the fun stuff, WHAT’S NEXT FOR DC COMICS?.
This year panel discussion included the introduction of new artist and writers. The panel guest included inker and writer Jimmy Palmiotti, whose work includes Punisher, Heroes for Hire, and Superman Confidential. Bob Harris former editor and chief for Marvel comics was also in attendance, his work included Captain America, Daredevil and finally DC’s comics “Who’s who” series. Other panel guest included Chris Bernaum (Batman Inc), writer James Totem (Red Hood), John Layman (Detective Comics), and Kenneth Rocafort (Superman.
Immediately after the initial introduction of the panel guest, DC begin to reveal what’s in store for them. First up is the DC comics top 25 list for their best titles. The purpose behind it from what I gathered, is to be a road map for anyone new to DC or coming back to DC comics. Mainly, DC whole theme this year is “Starting Points”,in which they mentioned you can start anywhere and still catch up. Some of the other topics included the highly anticipated “SUPERMAN:UNCHAINED” which immediately makes me think of Django; don’t ask,and yes the ‘D” is still silent. In this series by Scott Synder (Batman) and Jim Lee which goes on sale in June, will challenge Superman like never before. With these two talented individuals I know we will be in for one hell of a ride.
Batwing seemed to be a huge topic of discussion, as it was revealed that Luke Fox, Lucius Fox son will be donning the suit. Luke Fox will be a very different type of Batwing. He’s more of a playboy that now must be a hero. Wait, you Batwing is Iron man?!” This of course will be challenging not only for Luke, but for Bruce and Lucius. Once Lucius find out about his son new endeavors. Speaking of Batman, there was also mention of the new digital comic “Batman 66” which as you’ve probably guessed takes place in the Adam West Batman universe. Not sure how it will pan out, but it does seem interesting enough to at least give it a chance. For those wondering where to start reading Batwing, as suggested issue 19 and 20 is a good place. Talon is another series by DC that will focus on Bane, and the people around him, taking place in Santa Prisca. Which is a great way for him to enter the New 52 world. In this incarnation DC is bringing Bane back to being an intellectual figure instead of the brawler he grew to be. Talon will also introduce even more new characters, that will shake things up for Bane in the future.
In the new Batman series a new villain called “The Wrath” will challenge Batman like never before. From what was told to us, he’s very much like Bruce (Rich, good looking etc.) but very anti-Batman. This guy loves guns as described by Bob Harris.
Batman:ZERO YEAR is something I’m really looking forward to, this will tell the origin of the new 52 Batman. As addressed, what DC plans to do is introduce new elements to the Batman origin mythos in a new and exciting way. At this time there’s no release date information. Batman and Robin, now really called Batman and whoever is around him. This arc will take Batman through the five stages of grief, after losing former Robin Damien. Which is even worse because not only did he lose a partner, but also a child. In the series Batman will meet with other people in the Bat family as they try to help Bruce through this difficult time in his life.
Red-Hood and The Outlaws will explore the relationships between the team members, as they are now at a crossroads on weather to remain a team, or go their separate ways. What’s even more interesting is that the story will explore Jason Todd past, and the interest Talia al Ghul had in him. More importantly, in the series we’ll finally see Arsenal's first interaction with the Green Arrow, which is sure to bring drama. There’s also the introduction of the character Shesher (not sure if that’s spelled right) who will shake things up for the team.
Nightwing has moved to Chicago! In this new series, Dick Grayson will be in pursuit of the man he believes is responsible for the murder of his parents Tony Zucco. Only time will tell how NightWing will deal with the secrets he’s about to unravel.
This year DC plans to innovate in a whole new way with these iconic characters. Well see as time goes on how this will effect the DC universe as a whole.