The return of one hero heralds the release of the powerful Starheart, which empowers Green Lantern Alan Scott. Now, with this chaotic energy unleashed on Earth, magic has gone wild and new metahumans are emerging. Definitely more than one super-team can handle, even the famed Justice Society of America. But can even the combined efforts of the JSA and the Justice League of America contain the light and dark power wielded by one of their own? The five-part crossover event by writer James Robinson and artist Mark Bagley aims to answer these questions and more. Click below for an early look at the first installment, from JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46, which hits 6/30.

This blog is always fun, but sometimes, you get a surprise in your inbox that reminds you why doing this each day is cool. Today was one such day, as I got a nice note from superstar artist Andy Kubert, who’s being doing a bang-up job on the first two issues of DC UNIVERSE: LEGACIES, paired with his legendary father on inks.

It seems Andy found a photo that typifies both the project and the legacy behind it, as we see father Joe Kubert giving a young Andy some pointers. Thanks for sending this, Andy, and let’s hear a few words about the photo:

“I came across this old newspaper photo in my files that I had totally forgotten about which my mom had given me about 15-20 years ago. It was taken in my dad`s studio in the house I grew up in…his studio was above the attached garage overlooking the woods in the backyard.

I still remember the smell of the paper and ink in there. He would let me set up a little area to draw and read comics as he drew. I loved the war, mystery and Superman and Batman comics. He would also show me a few drawing tricks (and still does!).

From the looks of the photo, I don’t know how he put up with me in there!”

I get it. It’s the middle of the week. Your brain is fried. You don’t want a long post explaining anything complicated. How about some nice art to click on and get you through your last hours at work?

Especially when it’s stuff like BRIGHTEST DAY #5 – one by Ivan Reis and another by David Finch, FIRST WAVE #3 by Lee Bermejo, JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #5 by Tony Harris and SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #6 by Gary Frank.

The epic adventure that is BLACKEST NIGHT isn’t over.

This July, BLACKEST NIGHT and its related series and mini-series will get the hardcover treatment writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reis’ epic, universe-altering event deserves, including remastered covers featuring the work of Reis and painter Rodolfo Migliari.

Wait, you haven’t seen the covers yet? Well, you’ve come to the right place:

The new creative team of writer Paul Cornell and artist Pete Woods – along with amazing covers from a certain Mr.Finch – dive into the world of Metropolis with ACTION COMICS #890, an oversized issue that puts the spotlight squarely on a frighteningly familiar face (how’s that for alliteration?): Lex Luthor. And while the issue’s still a few weeks off, we figured it was high time to get a look at the work of Paul and Pete, so click away.

ACTION COMICS #890 hits 6/30.

PLUS! WHY DOES AQUALAD REFUSE TO SWIM? WHAT’S MARK STRONG AS SINESTRO REALLY LIKE? AND TELL US WHAT HERO YOU’D LIKE TO SEE LEAP INTO LIVE ACTION!

So as you know, while Jim Lee and Dan DiDio head up publishing and editorial, Diane Nelson and I work on everything outside of the comics in film, television and other media alongside Warner Bros. to try and bring DC’s rich and expansive universe of characters and stories to life. From 100 Bullets to Zatanna. Pretty awesome job. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it and to work with so many amazingly talented people.

When you’re moving behind the scenes on stuff like film and television there are always a lot of projects, scripts and cool things that are created. I always wanted to hear about and see the development of these projects, even if it was early or they weren’t a sure thing, and now that I have access to the top secret room we keep them in – I call it THE VAULT – I thought I’d share some glimpses at what Warner Bros. and DCE have in there with my fellow DC fanatics.

First up is one of my personal favorites: a live action screen test of Blue Beetle transforming and something we’re using in the hopes of bringing him to the small screen. There was so much excitement when I mentioned this on Twitter I thought I’d share a little more information…

I feel very fortunate to have been a part of Blue Beetle’s introduction way back in INFINITE CRISIS. I’ve said it before, but thanks to the BLUE BEETLE series launched by Keith Giffen and John Rogers with a great design by Cully Hamner, Jaime Reyes rocks. Great character, great story, great look. He’s already appeared in animation, had action figures and right now he’s on my computer in live-action glory. I have an early special effects test that has been floating around of what his armored scarab-suit could look like. This isn’t final. This isn’t greenlit. It’s only a test that was done. We still have a long way to go to see if we can get this off the ground and a lot of people to jump on board…but check out some stills:

Pretty cool, huh? We’ll be bringing this short clip to San Diego Comic-Con and playing it in as many DCU panels as possible so everyone gets a chance to see it.

At the same time, as previously announced, the YOUNG JUSTICE cartoon series is just around the corner featuring Robin, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis and the all-new Aqualad who will be appearing very briefly in BRIGHTEST DAY #4, but really comes into his own in BRIGHTEST DAY #10 before hitting the small screen this fall.

When we first meet Aqualad in BRIGHTEST DAY he’s Jackson Hyde. An average student, with an on-and-off girlfriend, that’s pretty bored in New Mexico.

Since he was young, he’s been taught by his parents to fear water…they don’t want him near it because his true parents would be able to locate him. Not to mention certain changes happen to Jackson when he gets in the water.

Jackson has kept this secret hidden for years, lying to his girlfriend about being afraid of drowning, being unable to swim and being in the dark about the mysterious tattoos he’s had since birth. He’s done his best to avoid it. But soon something’s going to force him out into the open and dive into the water.

Obviously, this all ties into the larger Aquaman and Mera story within BRIGHTEST DAY, but Jackson’s adventures will also be seen in the YOUNG JUSTICE animated series this fall along with more DC characters than you could imagine.

I really believe in the story behind Jackson and, like Blue Beetle, I hope you give him a chance to grab your heart and imagination as he arrives on the scene in comics and cartoons.

Finally, the big one.

Mark Strong.

Sinestro.

I just returned from New Orleans, where GREEN LANTERN is deep in production set for release in June 2011. GREEN LANTERN has an unreal crew and cast. Grant Major – the Production Designer on LORD OF THE RINGS. Martin Campbell – the director of CASINO ROYALE. And Mark Strong from SHERLOCK HOLMES and KICK-ASS as Sinestro. And while I was there, there was a test on Sinestro. How he looks. How he moves. An amazing test.

Unfortunately, that test is top secret.

I can say with confidence, however, if you like Sinestro you’re going to love Mark Strong as Sinestro. Powerful, regal, intimidating. Mark clearly has done his research and embraced every aspect of what makes Sinestro one of the greatest, most complex characters within the vast, epic universe of the Green Lantern Corps. I think you’ll be as psyched as I am when you finally see him.

So that’s (some of) what we’ve got going on right now. Before I log off…what hero do you want to see in live action more than any other? Let us know and remember

ALL WILL BE WELL!

Geoff

In the second installment of writer Len Wein’s epic tale of the early days of the DC Universe, the exploits of the mystery men and other emerging heroes inspire the everyday populace to fight crime. Groups like the Justice Society of America encourage regular citizens to action: Meet the Newsboy Legion and more. Meanwhile, the Seven Soldiers of Victory unite against an unusual enemy. Featuring the artwork of superstars Andy Kubert, the legendary Joe Kubert, Scott Kolins and J.H. Williams III.

DC UNIVERSE: LEGACIES #2 hits tomorrow.

Yanick Paquette steps into the artist’s chair and joins forces with writer Grant Morrison to tell a pirate’s tale – featuring our hero, a time-lost Bruce Wayne, struggling to find his way back home as some of his own friends struggle to prevent it from happening. But let’s see if he survives a dangerous bout with something more dangerous than seasickness.

BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3 hits 6/23.

Superman’s pal takes center stage when a new JIMMY OLSEN co-feature starts in September’s ACTION COMICS #893! Written by rising star Nick Spencer (of such buzzed-about Image mini-series as EXISTENCE 2.0, FORGETLESS and the upcoming MORNING GLORIES) and drawn by R.B. Silva (who’s drawing July’s SECRET SIX #23), this co-feature promises to be a whole lotta fun. We’ll let Nick tell you a little about his take on Jimmy:

So be there in September for the start of an exciting new story unlike any other in the DCU – bowties optional!

Thanks Wil (and Nick)! Stay tuned to The Source for a first-look at Silva’s take on Jimmy Olsen in the coming weeks.

You’ve played the game, but why stop there?

Today, we get to unveil the second wave of DC Direct’s hyper-detailed ARKHAM ASYLUM figures, based on the bestselling game, which pits the Dark Knight against his deadliest foes — on the frightening Arkham Island.

With the Joker inciting most of the inmates, Batman faces a riot from a cadre of Gotham’s most wanted killers and nutcases.

Based on designs of one of the most critically-acclaimed Superhero games ever, the second wave features POISON IVY, ZSASZ, BATMAN (ARMORED) and BANE. All four figures feature multiple points of articulation and include a display base. Character-appropriate accessories are also included.

Look for these to hit stores in February 2011.