It’s that time again, gang. Here, for your Friday enjoyment is a collection of the covers and solicitation info for all the BRIGHTEST DAY titles hitting in July. What’re you waiting for? Click below.

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What’s up DC Nation? This week we’re on our way to the first ever C2E2 show in Chicago and our levels of anticipation are running very high. Not only is this a new show but we have a certifiably awesome list of talent making an appearance as well. Take a look:

Franco Aureliani, Mark Bagley, Art Baltazar, Ivan Brandon, Cliff Chiang, Amanda Conner, Tony Daniel, David Finch, Patrick Gleason, Geoff Johns, Andy Kubert, Paul Levitz, Doug Mahnke, Mike Norton, Jimmy Palmiotti, James Robinson, Stephane Roux, Ethan Van Sciver, Gail Simone, Peter Tomasi, Bill Willingham and many more!

You’ll also notice that we’re introducing some new panels at this show. There’s a new “Drawing Batman” presentation with real live drawing, DC Nation will be a little different and this show will feature the first ever DC Nation Town Hall meeting with Dan Didio and Jim Lee. And because you demanded it C2E2 will be host to a DC talent search (information can be found at the DC booth).

Did I mention that we’ll be giving away tons of great stuff at the panels and at the booth? Well we will be so make sure to come and see us as soon as you get to the show. And just so you know I am very, very excited to be just hours away from eating Chicago-style deep dish pizza. I will also totally not be bummed by whatever you guys decide to bring to the panels.

Our friends with the doughnuts in Seattle are still in the lead for this year’s convention season but I’m thinking Chicago might have something up their sleeves…

So use this handy panel guide to start planning your C2E2 experience and we can’t wait to see you there!

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FRIDAY

DC NATION!
4:45-5:45 (Room E451)

SATURDAY

BRIGHTEST DAY
1:45-2:45 (Room E451)

DC UNIVERSE EDITORIAL PRESENTATION
3:15-4:15 (Room E451)

BATMAN: THE RETURN
4:45-5:45 (Room E451)

SUNDAY

DC NATION TOWN HALL MEETING
11:15-12:15 (Room E351)

FLASH / GREEN LANTERN: REVELATIONS
1:45-2:45 (Room E451)

DC KIDS: AWW YEAH!
3:00-4:00 (Room E351)

DRAWING BATMAN
3:15-4:15 (Room E451)

It’s not a stretch to say WONDER WOMAN #601 kicks off a new era for Wonder Woman, as writer J. Michael Straczynski steps into the writer’s chair to chronicle the ongoing adventures of the Amazon Princess. What twists does the Eisner-nominated writer of BRAVE & BOLD and the creator of Babylon 5 have in store? Well, from the image above, you can tell things are about to get dangerous for Wonder Woman — and things are going to change.

But before we check in with JMS about what’s coming up, we know that a lot of you’ve been wondering about the artistic team that’ll be paired with the writer on WONDER WOMAN. Well, we’re happy and excited to announce that the art team of Don Kramer and Michael Babinski will be taking on the ongoing art assignment. As you can tell from the Kramer/Babinski piece above, the team is upping their game for an assignment that’ll include major, lasting changes for Wonder Woman and her world.

We cornered WONDER WOMAN Editor Brian Cunningham for a little more info on the art team. Brian?

“I’m thrilled to be working with Don and Mike again. We worked together on the POWER OF SHAZAM! #48 ‘Blackest Night’ tie-in, and they were a pleasure to work with. Now they have the opportunity to visualize J. Michael Straczynski’s epic WONDER WOMAN opus. It’s such a game-changer for the character. And what Don and Mike have done so far is absolutely amazing. I wish I could show you everything!”

Thanks, Brian! Speaking of game changers, let’s talk to the writer himself about what all that rubble above could mean for the iconic hero.

“I knew from the moment I first saw Don’s work that he would be perfect for Wonder Woman. What we’re doing with the book — going back to the core of the character, really helping to define who she is, what she’s feeling and what she’s fighting for — really requires that you can see emotion in the faces of the characters, as well as a dynamic range of action and movement. Don brings all of those to the table.

“Our story puts Diana, alone, against almost impossible odds in a situation that begins with the destruction of Paradise Island and nearly everything she holds dear. Pursued, hunted, with the events that led to this a mystery, and her future uncertain, Diana must go into the depths of her soul, and the darkest places in the world, to try and rescue the people, and the world, she cares for. Something, or someone, has flipped a switch so that the world she lives in is not the world that was…and she’s the only hope of restoring that world.”

Part of the wonderful thing about DC’s library of characters is their versatility — whether they’re presented on the big screen, television, in comics or in other forms of media, they still continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Case in point: DC SUPER HEROES: THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK.

From bestselling pop-up creator Matthew Reinhart, the book presents a 3-D experience of heroic proportions. Hitting this fall from Little, Brown and Company (with a one-day laydown date of October 5th) , the book presents a stunning and fun take on the DC Universe, from the New York Times-bestselling author of such pop-up titles as Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Universe.

Reinhart’s latest celebrates the history, heroes and villains of the DC Universe in his popular and fun 3-D style which is sure to please super hero fans new and old.

Featuring 25 impressive pop-ups illustrated by an all-star cast of artists including Bernard Chang, Scott McDaniel, Freddie E Williams II and Aaron Lopresti — DC SUPER HEROES: THE ULTIMATE POP-UP BOOK also includs a light-up Bat-Signal and a final spread that features the most characters Reinhart has ever included in any one pop-up. Curious? You should be.

We took a minute to chat with DC Comics Licensed Publishing Editor John Morgan for more info on the book. Take it away, John:

“The best part about producing this book has been the collaboration between the comic book artists and Matthew Reinhart,” said John Morgan, DC Comics Editor, Licensed Publishing. “Working closely with our talented team, Matthew transformed 2-D comics art into 3-D pop-ups that showcase dynamic poses and crazy perspectives. This is a really unique and striking book that’s also incredibly true to DC’s characters and comics.”

Vanishing Point. A place where time ends. But what happens when that very site is self-destructing?

TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT #1 launches “The Search for Batman,” as Rip Hunter puts together a high-powered band of Time Masters to travel through time in search of the World’s Greatest Detective. But can even the combined might and skill of Superman, Green Lantern and Booster Gold help the Time Master pinpoint where Batman went at the conclusion of FINAL CRISIS? Information that could keep Vanishing Point from tearing itself apart?

This six-issue mini-series, a companion piece to BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE and a story chock full of clues that point toward the next major DCU event, hits in July from writer artist Dan Jurgens with a variant cover by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story (the artists on BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1). How can you say no?

We talked to TIME MASTER editor Mike Carlin for a tad more info on the new series. Take it away, Mike:

“It’s been a while since Dan Jurgens and I worked on his introduction of Vanishing Point into the DC Universe— but what’s a “while” to a coupla experienced time travelers like us! When Dan introduced Waverider and the Linear Men to SUPERMAN it was only a matter of time (sorry!) before Rip Hunter would be revealed to be a major player at the end of time. And now with the time-stream changing disappearance of Batman it’s about time (sorry, again!) that DC’s Time Masters took the search into their own hands! Add Booster Gold to the mix and the Time Masters just might have to deal with a detour or two— all the while hoping to find Batman before time unravels from Vanishing Point back to the big bang!”

Spinning out of CRY FOR JUSTICE, “The Fall of Green Arrow” continues with Oliver Queen as a fugitive from justice. But what happens when the Justice League of America learn of his crime? The Emerald Archer’s relationship with the World’s Greatest Heroes will never be the same, courtesy of writer J.T. Krul and artist Federico Dallocchio with a stunning cover by Mauro Cascioli.

GREEN ARROW #32 hits today.

Writer Paul Malmont and artist Howard Porter join forces to launch the Man of Bronze into his own ongoing series. And with Doc Savage the target of a brazen attack on New York City, you can be sure things don’t start off slowly. Tragedy will strike one of Doc’s compatriots and someone may not survive the first issue’s opening pages. We’ve got a sneak peek at the first issue right here, which hits today.

Last week, artist J.H. Williams III was nominated for two Eisners — best penciler/inker and cover artist — for his much-acclaimed run on Batwoman in DETECTIVE COMICS. His art was praised and recognized not only by the Eisners but across the mainstream and comic trade press for its fluid and versatile look in presenting Kate Kane and helping define her as a lasting character. J.H.’s distinctive style and creative page layouts were a key part of the book’s success.

Don’t expect that to change. In fact, J.H.’s role is about to be expanded. In the coming months, Batwoman will settle into more permanent digs of her own — namely, an ongoing series both written and drawn by Williams. He’ll be getting a co-writer in W. Haden Blackman, a writer known for his work in the Star Wars universe, including the Star Wars: Galaxies MMO and The Force Unleashed video game. Additionally, MADAME XANADU artist Amy Reeder will be stepping in to handle the art for the second arc in the series. More on that later.

After her debut in the pages of 52, Batwoman became one of the most widely-discussed heroes of the modern era, due to her new role in the Batman family of characters and because of her role as one of the first openly-gay characters in the DC Universe. She’s both a hero and an icon.

Now, coming out of a monumental run in the pages of DC’s flagship title, she’s finally taking over her very own ongoing series. What can readers expect? Let’s all remember that this isn’t J.H.’s first foray on the writing side, having co-plotted a majority of the much-loved CHASE series in the 90s. But let’s check in with Mr Williams and Mr. Blackman, shall we?

“Our goal is to tell a riveting action adventure tale with some heart and drama to it,” Williams said. “We want the reader to learn even more about who Kate Kane is as Batwoman — showing why she is an important addition to the Bat Family of heroes beyond what has already been addressed. We are also wanting to really make sure we start building additions to her own “rogues gallery.” Just how will Kate deal with the fallout between her and her father, Jacob? Will Kate be able to find love other than Renee Montoya, a.k.a. The Question? And as far as flavor — there will be a sprinkle of creepy beings, myth and legends, government agency intrigue, and a surprise return of a fan-favorite character.

“This is going to be an amazing opportunity for Haden and I. To say we’re excited about this prospect is a bit of an understatement. In addition to this, having the chance to work with Amy will be a real pleasure, her work is fantastic, and I’ve thought so ever since first encountering it sometime ago.”

“I’m very excited to be working on BATWOMAN,” Blackman said. “I have a real affinity for the character. Jim [Williams III] and Greg [Rucka] have done an amazing job of establishing her as a premiere character in the DC Universe and I’m looking forward to using that as a launching pad to tell all-new stories with her. The opportunity to work with Jim is something we’ve been talking about for a long time and for me it’s really the best job in comics – getting the chance to work with someone who is truly one of the top talents in the industry.

“The thing that really attracts me to Batwoman as a character is her combination of a really strong, personal story and a dark, superheroic one. She has that perfect combination and I’m looking forward to the chance to take some of the classic aspects of vigilante comics and reinterpret them through the lens of this character.”

Excited yet?

As noted, not only will Williams be writing and drawing the first arc of the new ongoing, but he’ll be continuing on as writer for the next arc after that, paired with artist Amy Reeder, who comes to Gotham City after a stint as the artist on Vertigo’s MADAME XANADU. Reeder’s clear storytelling and realistic and fluid artwork makes her a perfect choice for the gig. What do you think, Amy?

“To say I’m excited is an huge understatement! J.H. Williams has very much inspired me with his ability to rethink the medium, and his work on Detective Comics has left me awestricken. When I heard I’d get to be involved with the new Batwoman series, I felt overwhelmed but excited at the challenge of working alongside him on this newly-beloved character. So I’m sure you can imagine how thrilled I was when it turned out he would write the series as well. This leaves me with no choice but to step up my abilities beyond any natural progression. And I can’t wait.”

Thanks, Amy! And last, but certainly not least, we checked in with DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio for his thoughts on the character finally landing her own ongoing.

“We’re all extremely proud of what Batwoman stands for — both as a compelling character and as an icon representative of the diversity we strive for in the DC Universe,” DiDio said. “We’re grateful to Greg Rucka for the excellent work he put into introducing the character. J.H. did a masterful job on the art side during her stint in DETECTIVE COMICS, so it made this the perfect time to have him step into the dual role of writer and artist. Needless to say, we’re very excited to see what this new creative team has in store for the character.”

The conclusion to “Batgirl Rising” begins here with part one of the four-part “Flood” storyline, from writer Bryan Q. Miller and artist Lee Garbett. A string of bizarre, technology-based “suicides” gets the attention of both Batgirl and Oracle, but for very different reasons. And the two heroes will soon realize that they’re the real targets of a nefarious madman hellbent on revenge. Just another day for Batgirl? Not quite.

BATGIRL #9 hits 4/14.

Artist Guillem March steps in to give writer/artist Tony Daniel a breather as the title rolls toward BATMAN #700. And as the landmark nears, Dick Grayson’s life as Batman begins to heat up. With Black Mask out of the way, the Falcone crime family attempts to fill that void with little regard for the safety of Gotham’s citizens. And what’s up with the Riddler?

Find out in BATMAN #698, which hits 4/14.