Hot off the white-hot start to his ACTION COMICS run, writer Paul Cornell turns his sharp pen to the Batman universe, and takes on the Dynamic Duo’s across-the-pond colleagues – Knight and Squire! Teaming with interior artist Jimmy Broxton and cover artist Yanick Paquette, the six-issue mini-series puts the spotlight on the London counterparts to Batman and Robin.

When the barriers preventing an all-out battle in a secret city populated by heroes and villains alike are lifted, all hell breaks loose and only the Knight and Squire can step in to put things write. But can the tandem keep the peace between friends and foe?

What say you, Mr. Cornell?

“I’m delighted to be working in DC Britain! Grant always said that he added something to the Knight and Squire’s world with every appearance: we’ll be taking that policy, and the amount of over the top weird and wonderful zany surreal Britishness and dialling them up to eleven. If you’ve wanted to see a milkman fighting a dinosaur in a suit, in a pub, then this is the comic for you.”

Not long ago, we unveiled the news that the Justice League would be teaming with the international heroes of Teshkeel Comics’ THE 99 series to face off against a globe-spanning threat – cool, huh? Well, now we have a first look at the cover, from artist Felipe Massafera. The first issue of the six-issue mini-series, from writers Stuart Moore and Fabian Nicieza with art by Tom Derenick hits in October. Enjoy.

Bruce Wayne is back – but what has he returned to?

In his absence, his closest allies and deadliest enemies have blazed a new path, creating a Gotham that’s different and in many ways more menacing than the city he left behind. So, how do his protégés, allies and foes react to the man that stands before them?

Is Batgirl’s career over? Red Robin was right – but what’s next? After mourning Bruce Wayne’s death, can Catwoman face him?

Welcome to BRUCE WAYNE: THE ROAD HOME, eight one-shots that cover the city of Gotham and beyond, from Dick Grayson and Damian to the Birds of Prey to Red Robin to Commissioner Gordon in stories told by some of the industry’s brightest stars, including Adam Beechen, Fabian Nicieza, Mike Barr, Pere Perez, Ramon Bachs, Marc Andreyko, Cliff Richards and Bryan Q. Miller, featuring a connecting, 8-part cover by superstar artist Shane Davis.

All these questions and more will be answered. But surely we can throw down a few more teases, right? Take it away, Batman Group Editor Mike Marts:

“Bruce Wayne’s journey back home has been a long and dangerous road, but before he can assume the mantle of the Bat again, he must first figure out how things have changed in the world around him, how relationships have changed…and how those changes will effect his decisions moving forward as the protector of Gotham City.”

BRUCE WAYNE: THE ROAD HOME begins in October.

The fine folks at The Harvey Awards have announced their nominees for this year’s awards. Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, the awards will be presented August 28 in Baltimore, in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con.

The DCU was honored in a number of categories, shown after the jump. To view the full list and for more info on voting, visit the Harvey Awards website.

Congratulations to all the nominees!

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Best known for his legendary autobiographical AMERICAN SPLENDOR series, which was published independently and also by Vertigo in recent years, Harvey Pekar was a unique and definitive voice in the industry that will never be replicated.

We’d like to take a moment to share one of Pekar’s contributions to DC. A page from a story titled “Bizarro, Shmizarro,” which was collected in the BIZARRO WORLD HC and features art by frequent collaborator Dean Haspiel.

We send our condolences to the Pekar family and his many friends and fans around the world.

– Dan DiDio and Jim Lee

Can’t make it to San Diego? Still want to feel like you’re there? Going to the show, but want the full experience?

What can you do beyond read this here blog (especially this week, as we roll out a ton of news)? How about picking up an exclusive issue of TV GUIDE MAGAZINE, featuring all the SDCC news you require?

The issue, which will feature four collectible covers – one of them a snazzy “Smallville” image – will be on sale nationally the week following Comic-Con, on 7/26, and will be distributed during Comic-Con at the Warner Bros. booth.

In addition to the covers and features on the series being spotlighted, the 88-page issue will include a spotlight on Warner Bros. Animation’s BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD and the upcoming YOUNG JUSTICE, plus more info on Warner Premiere’s release of BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD Blu-ray and DVD.

It doesn’t stop there. How about a look at J. Michael Straczynski and Eddy Barrow’s work on SUPERMAN #700, the first part of the “Grounded” storyline? Throw in the ultimate Comic-Con superfan quiz and you’re set for the show.

Before we get into the tidal wave of news hitting this week, let’s take a moment and look at a comic hitting shops this week.

Writer Grant Morrison teams with artist Tony Daniel to tell an exciting, two-part untold tale of Bruce Wayne and his adventures between BATMAN R.I.P. and FINAL CRISIS. What happened to the Dark Knight and Dr. Hurt after the end of R.I.P.? How does it all tie in with THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE? Click on the pages below for an idea and pick up BATMAN #701 Wednesday!

Hey folks — realize there’s a lot of stuff going on, but wanted to remind you all that today, at midnight EST is the deadline to pitch your city or town for inclusion in the “Grounded” storyline, from writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eddy Barrows. Not sure if your neighborhood fits the bill? Check the contest rules for details and where to email your entries. Good luck!

The comic book industry kicks into high gear next week, as creators, companies, studios and fans converge on San Diego for the biggest pop culture event of the year, San Diego Comic-Con. But why wait?

Whether you can’t make the show or because you want to get the news and excitement kicking early, The Source is here for you.

Starting in a few short minutes, we’re going to crank up the volume and come at you with a heap of news, exclusive art, creator comments and exciting developments in the DCU in the coming months. And if you thought the last few weeks were big for Superman and Wonder Woman, you’ll be picking your jaw from the floor once you see what’s coming up for The Dark Knight.

So, sit tight, put on your con badges and get ready, folks. The fun begins a week early this year.

The headline says it all, gang. Click below for a complete rundown of the titles heading your way in January. Which ones are you looking forward to most? Discuss below.

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