Back in the past, Booster Gold is mistaken for himself and embarks on an untold journey in space with Blue Beetle to obtain a rare and secret artifact. Needless to say, their mission goes horribly, horribly wrong…

Brought to you by writers Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and artist Chris Batista, BOOSTER GOLD #35 hits tomorrow.

This October, writer Grant Morrison and artist David Finch will provide a Batman for the 21st Century, in the mini-series BATMAN: THE RETURN. The new era for Batman will continue the following month, with the debut of BATMAN INC. from Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT by writer/artist David Finch. What’s Grant got in store for his next chapter in his epic, ongoing Batman saga? Well, funny you should ask.

Over at THE LA TIMES’ HERO COMPLEX blog, Geoff Boucher chats with the supremely talented writer, in the first part of a two-part interview that will not only focus on Grant’s upcoming plans, but his entire run on Batman, including the finales to THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE and his tenure on BATMAN AND ROBIN.

And, as some of you may have heard at the San Diego Comic-Con Batman panel a few weeks back, Finch has modified the costume. The most prominent tweak? The return of the yellow oval.

Can’t wait to see the suit’s upgrade? We’ve got a first look here – the cover to October’s BATMAN: THE RETURN.

And over at HERO COMPLEX, they’ve got another shot of the new look, also by Finch – the cover to BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1. As if you needed any added incentive to read a Grant Morrison interview, huh?

Writer Paul Levitz and artist Kevin Sharpe continue their exploration of Superboy’s early adventures with the Legion of Super-Heroes as the Boy of Steel discovers the heavy burden that comes with being the kid destined to grow up to be Superman.

ADVENTURE COMICS #517 hits Wednesday.

We’ve seen a few stunning images of preview art from rising star Nic Klein. We’ve heard from Assistant Editor Chris Conroy. But what about the new co-writing team of Ivan Brandon and Brian Azzarello? Well, as promised, we touched base with both of them and managed to finagle a few more pieces of new art from their first issue. So, what say you, guys?

“Doc Savage is the godfather of genre fiction,” Brandon said. “His world is a place where literally any kind of story is possible. Trying to keep up with the level of sophistication and innovation that book breathed like fire even back in the 30s is an incredibly daunting task. It’s probably the most fun I’ve had at work.”

Sign me up! Brian?

“It’s been truly invigorating working with Ivan and Nic on Doc. I think fans won’t just be surprised– they’ll be thrilled by this story. I know I am. This is the First Wave Universe living up to its potential.”

DOC SAVAGE #6 hits in September.

Loooong ago, just as we were about to begin the Batman: UNDER THE HOOD arc, I did a quick design of what I thought Jason Todd’s Red Hood costume could/should look like. As some of you may or may not know, I’m a cartoonist. As most of you now know by looking at this sketch, I’m not a very good one. BUT, this was my idea that I sent to our talented artist on the arc, the brilliant Doug Mahnke. My thoughts were simple. I thought Jason would keep his duds simple, minimal, stream lined, a lot like Dick Grayson. Jason wants to be able to move. But unlike Dick, and more like Batman, he wanted LOTS of weapons, hence the coat which is FILLED like an evil Felix the Cat’s bag of tricks. And big damned boots. All the better to kick you with. And land on.

As you can see, Doug stuck with my designs. Except he added the eye holes on the helmet. Which I agreed with that addition shortly there after. It was needed. We want to see those evil eyes.

And NOW, Batman: UNDER THE HOOD, is also an animated movie( Batman: UNDER THE RED HOOD), I was pleased that this original idea I cooked up with Doug is still running around. It’s funny how a little thing snowballs. I like how Jason looks. Evil eyes and all.

A few weeks back, we unveiled half of the new DETECTIVE COMICS creative team. Namely, that AMERICAN VAMPIRE writer Scott Snyder would be stepping into the writer’s seat, handling both the main story and a Commissioner Gordon co-feature. And now we’re ready to break the news about the artist that will be paired with Snyder on the book.

Say hello to your new DETECTIVE COMICS artist: Jock.

Jock should be no stranger to Batman fans in particular, and comic fans in general. He’s responsible for a sterling run on Vertigo’s THE LOSERS and, most recently, a stint on DETECTIVE handling the tail end of Batwoman’s run on the title.

What does this mean for DETECTIVE COMICS readers? Well, in addition to a hard-hitting, noir story from Snyder, fans will be getting a gritty, dynamic and edgy visual representation every months. But you don’t need me to tell you that. Let’s hear it from the writer himself. Take it away, Scott:

“I could not be more excited about working with Jock. Over the last couple months, I’ve spoken to some artists whose work I love, but Jock was always my top choice for this run on Detective Comics. I’ve been a huge fan of his work for a long time. His style is bold and dynamic – perfect for the kind of big, twisted Batman story we’re going to tell together And with David Baron on colors, I can’t wait for November! And please, let us know what you think, DC Nation!”

One of the most interesting parts of Comic-Con for me — as both a DC guy and Batman fan — was watching the instant chemistry and excitement both Scott and Jock had for the character and their upcoming run. It was contagious. Right, Jock?

“Scott and I got the chance to talk a number of times over Comic-Con weekend in San Diego and his original and striking hook for the story
took me completely by surprise – I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been done before and I was instantly hooked…

“I’m thrilled to be working with him on this and along with David Baron on colors can’t wait to get this story out there.”

Can’t wait until November? No worries. We’ve got a first look at what’s in store with this here teaser image. And stay tuned to this here blog for more Bat-news in the coming days.

It’s safe to say that it’s been a pretty news-intensive time for Superman and Wonder Woman. And the news coverage is still going strong. Case in point, NPR’s wonderful feature on Superman’s walk across America and Slate’s spotlight on Wonder Woman’s new costume.

And then there’s Batman.

We teased and unveiled a healthy helping of Batman news in the days before and during San Diego, but why stop there? We’ve got a ton of news, artwork and information on the titles and creative announcements from last month that should give you even more reason to bookmark this here blog. So sit tight, we’ve got the firs piece of exclusive news hitting in the next 30 minutes.

Zatanna loves Vegas, and Vegas loves her – but should Zee be wary of the attentions of a handsome, well-connected casino owner? She can hold her own against the most ridiculous Royal Flush Gang ever assembled, and she can just about cope with her cousin Zachary’s immature antics, but how about a horde of fire demons?

ZATANNA #4, courtesy of writer Paul Dini and artist Chad Hardin, hits 8/11.

Superman’s historic walk across America continues in the pages of SUPERMAN #702, as the Man of Steel reaches Detroit, home of the auto industry and Motown. The issue, which touches upon not only the personal stories facing the city’s citizens but an unexpected threat from beyond, builds on the momentum J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eddy Barrows have been building since the monumental SUPERMAN #700, as our hero comes face-to-face with the pressures and issues the people of Detroit deal with daily.

Here’s a first look at the issue, which hits 8/11.

Yesterday, we gave you a first glance at Nic Klein’s amazing and gritty pencils for the sixth issue of the Man of Bronze’s ongoing series, which is being co-written by Ivan Brandon and FIRST WAVE writer Brian Azzarello. Today, we checked in with series Assistant Editor Chris Conroy about the new story arc, with more art, of course. But that’s not all. Early next week we’ll hear from Brandon and Azzarello about their work, with, yes, even more new art.

Take it away, Chris:

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering what people see in Doc Savage, then my friend, have we got a storyline for you. Picture it: you’re trapped in a biological warfare quarantine zone. You’re alone against an army of pissed-off guerilla fighters screaming to be let loose from their prison. The guerillas have nukes… and one of your best friends held captive. Got a plan yet? Because Doc does.

Everything that makes Doc Savage great is all over every issue of this run — his cunning, his determination, the death-defying fights and adventures — and it’s all mixed up with strange locales, bizarre villains, and a nuanced appreciation of that quality we in the business call “bad-assery.” In creating the FIRST WAVE universe, Brian Azzarello imagined an world without magic or superpowers that still manages to be far more exotic than our own; where every corner of the map holds a mystery to solve. Ivan Brandon is treating that world like his personal playground, filling every page with wondrous and terrible sights. Put those two brains to work on one script, and you’re gonna get a story with some serious swagger, and the kind of punch that backs it up one hundred percent.

And as for those wondrous sights… oh brother. It doesn’t matter if you know Nic Klein from his previous collaboration with Ivan, Image’s VIKING, or if you’ve never seen a single panel of his work — this art is going to melt your face clean off. Just look at the pages below — Doc’s commanding physical presence leaps out of every panel. And as for the Two Who Are One… well, they’re the Sensational Character Find of 2010, bar none. You’ll never believe the twists Ivan’s got planned for those guys. That guy. Whatever.

It’s all in DOC SAVAGE #6, on sale September 8th. Buy now and we’ll throw in the first chapter of a great new JUSTICE INC. story, “Vengeance and Murder,” from Jason Starr and Scott Hampton — the kind of raw, pulpy crime story that leaves your jaw broken and your knuckles bloody. You have, as they say, been warned.

Warned, indeed. Thanks, Chris!