It seems like just yesterday that I was flying back from San Diego Comic-Con and now here we are and it’s time for the next stop on the 2010 DC Nation tour – Fan Expo Canada at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada from August 27-29. Actually it was just yesterday that I flew back from San Diego, but thanks to the magic of comics you’re reading this weeks from when I write it. I’m jealous because when you read this it’s almost football season and you’ve seen a certain action movie that hasn’t come out yet as I’m writing this. I’m also hungry and I’m assuming that when you read this I’ll have eaten something. I’m really looking forward to the future—one month from now. Huh? Oh, right! I was talking about Fan Expo Canada. While I won’t be able to attend, I’m counting on all of our fans in Canada to keep a great tradition alive. You see, I once mentioned Dan DiDio’s love of the strangely flavored potato chips that are available in Canada. The DC Nation fans responded by brining Dan a TON of chips to the show.

So get ready and let’s try to top last year’s haul by bringing an obscene amount of chips to the show. I’m not kidding, people – let’s make this dream a reality. Only you can make this happen! Bring your odd-flavored chips to any of our industry-leading panels and have a blast asking questions of your favorite creators while delivering your contribution to the chip bonanza. Speaking of guests, check out this stellar rundown of who you can meet at Fan Expo Canada:

Gary Frank, Andy Kubert, J. Michael Straczynski, Ethan Van Sciver, Doug Mahnke, Brian Azzarello, Darwyn Cooke, Francis Manapul, Yanick Paquette, Cameron Stewart, Jeff Lemire and many more!

That’s some list, huh? If you are anywhere near Canada I’d suggest getting the heck over to this show, otherwise you might miss something totally awesome. And be sure to say hi to Dan for me when you drop off the chips.

Be seeing you,
Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor DCU

Writers Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi continue to turn up the pressure on our heroes, as the Hawks face separate danger in Hawkworld. Who is Queen Shrike? And Miss Martian aids the Martian Manhunter in making a startling discovery. All this while more clues surrounding the mysterious White Lantern are hinted at. Plus, where’d Deadman and Dove go?

BRIGHTEST DAY #8 hits tomorrow.

Batman’s investigation into the murders of Dark Knight villains past and present leads him to old associates of Bruce Wayne…some of whom aren’t so happy to see him. While the mysterious killer picks his next target, the rift between Terry and Bruce widens.

BATMAN BEYOND #3 hits tomorrow.

It starts now.

With TEEN TITANS #88, writer J.T. Krul and artist Nicola Scott step onto one of DC’s most iconic series, and from what little we’ve revealed and teased about the book, it’s clear the new team is prepared to move the Teen Titans forward, with a healthy nod to wha’s come before. Oh, and Damian. Can’t forget him, can we?

We’ve got a first, early look at the team’s kickoff issue right here, and very little of what I’ve said does these pages justice. So, sit back and click away. You’re in for a treat.

And stay tuned next week for a few more process pieces, including a few surprises.

The historic “Grounded” storyline continues next month and we’re happy to unveil the next stop for Superman’s trek.

In September, the Man of Steel heads to Cincinnati, home of baseball’s Reds and the NFL’s Bengals and one of the largest historic districts in the country.

And the press attention hasn’t abated, as far as “Grounded” is concerned. Just last week we saw THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, MICHIGAN CHRONICLE and PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS chime in with coverage of Superman’s walk across America.

Where to next? Stay tuned. We’ll announce the next city after #703 hits stores.

It’s that time again folks – your chance to peek into the future of the Dark Knight. A future which is pretty bright, actually. What’s in store? Well, we’ve given you a sense of it over the last few weeks: BATMAN INC., THE DARK KNIGHT, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATWOMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS will be launching or sporting new creative teams this month. Click below for the specifics and a ton of new art.

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I’ve got three words for you, folks: White Lantern Batman.

What does it mean? Well, I can tell you it’s a David Finch cover. Click below for the full rundown of BRIGHTEST DAY books for November.

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And we’ve got some nice art to show.

Some of you may have missed this during the tornado of news that was San Diego, but this piece definitely merits repeat viewing:

That’s the cover to SUPERBOY #1, courtesy of Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo’s AMERICAN VAMPIRE). Isn’t it a beauty?

The cover helps kick off writer Jeff Lemire and artist Pier Gallo’s new ongoing series, as they take Superboy on a journey to a side of Smallville not even Superman knows about. What mysteries can be found beneath the surface of the prototypical all-American town? You’ll find out in November. Until then, click on that Rafael cover one more time.

Earlier this week, we broke the news that Jock would be pairing with writer Scott Snyder this November to tackle the Dark Knight’s adventures in DETECTIVE COMICS. But there’s more to that book. Pairing with the main feature, Snyder will pen a COMMISSIONER GORDON co-feature, with artist Francesco Francavilla (WildStorm’s GARRISON) on art, and I’m going to step back and let Francesco’s jaw-dropping art speak for itself:

The co-feature, which will not only standalone but also become part of a greater story Snyder is telling, is obviously in good hands, huh? But what do the creators have to say about it? Scott?

“I’m a huge fan of Francesco’s work and have been for quite some time. His style is dark and daring with a good amount of noir to it, but there’s also a striking physicality to his art – his characters always look very real, very vulnerable and human. Which is why I always thought he’d be perfect for the job; because this story is dark and dramatic with some big revelations, but it’s also about Jim Gordon, the man, coming to terms with some very tough skeletons from his past… Or rather, one skeleton in particular – someone who has just now returned to Gotham, too… So I simply could not be more excited about Francesco’s involvement. With Jock on feature, Francesco on back-up, this is exactly the team I’d hoped for! (Huge giant-penny-sized thanks to our editor Mike Marts for the creative freedom and support.) Can’t wait to see what you think of the book, DC Nation!”

And the artist himself:

“I have been a fan of everything Batman since… ever! I’ve also been a fan as of late of the terrific storytelling of that talented fella known as Scott Snyder, so you can imagine my reaction when I got the invitation to be part of this run of DETECTIVE COMICS. I pinched myself, then asked my wife to pinch me, and only then did I realize it was real. All I can say is–can’t wait to start on this! I read Scott’s script and… you guys are in for a treat!”

I think, based on that teaser image alone, things are looking good for DETECTIVE COMICS in November. Stay tuned to The Source today and beyond for more info.

The action figure, collectible and toy industry lost one of its brightest, as noted prototype painter Eddie Wires died suddenly earlier this week.

Known for his work across the industry and for his integral role when it came to the prototypes of our own DC DIRECT product – including the BRIGHTEST DAY figures you see above — it’s with a heavy heart that we present this news.

I never had the chance to meet Eddie, but from what I’ve heard about him from a number of colleagues and friends in and outside the DC offices, I know he will be sorely missed. We’ve gathered some fond remembrances from the DC DIRECT team below and send our deepest condolences to the Wires family.

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