Writer Jeff Lemire and artist Pier Gallo step into Smallville next Wednesday with the launch of SUPERBOY #1, which launches the hero into a new, ongoing series. And, wow, is that Rafael Albuquerque cover a beauty or what? Wait until you see Pier Gallo’s interiors.

But this is a Smallville you’ve never seen – one that even Superman doesn’t know about. What are the mysteries surrounding the town and beneath the surface, and what do they hold in store for Superboy? Only one way to find out. Check out some pages from the first issue below, stay tuned to The Source for more from Jeff Lemire on the series and pick up SUPERBOY #1, which goes on sale 11/3.

Over at IGN, there’s a ton of BATMAN excitement going on. If you missed it, the site announced plans for Paul Cornell and Scott McDaniel to step onto BATMAN AND ROBIN for three issues, gave readers a first look at David Finch’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT and talked to BATMAN writer/artist Tony Daniel and Batman Group Editor Mike Marts.

And there’s more on the way. Hm, seems like November is shaping up to be a big month for the Dark Knight, huh?

What? Too on the nose? Well, I’m not the detective here.

Well, that was a rousing start.

And a surprising finish, too.

While y’all knew Damian was on his way to becoming a regular part of the J.T. Krul/Nicola Scott era of TEEN TITANS, I don’t think anyone expected him to pop up so soon. But Damian does what he wants, and apparently, he wants to be in charge – as that lovely spread by Nicola shows.

So, what do you think Source readers? Is Damian ready to take up where Dick and Tim left off – namely, leading this incarnation of the Titans? Share your thoughts on the issue and more below in the comments.

Another day, another dose of major, mainstream press attention for writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Shane Davis’ SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE original graphic novel. Have you snagged your copy? I suggest you get to it, post haste.

Why the rush? Well…

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced that the OGN has sold out of inventory, meaning people are really, really excited by this take on the Man of Steel. In addition to the AP, the last 24 hours saw in-print and online coverage at USA TODAY, a sterling review by Bryan Young at THE HUFFINGTON POST and another review at NPR’s MONKEY SEE blog.

So, yeah. Fairly quiet week here.

Stay tuned to The Source for more EARTH ONE news.

Nairi Gardiner Named SVP, Finance, WBCP and DC Entertainment

(October 28, 2010) Nairi Gardiner has been named Senior Vice President, Finance, WBCP and DC Entertainment, it was announced today by DCE President Diane Nelson. In her new role, Gardiner will oversee the finance function for the company, that includes: strategic , business and financial planning as well as reporting. She will be based in Burbank and report directly to Nelson.

“Nairi is a consummate professional, whose personal integrity matches her stellar credentials,” said Nelson. “I’ve known her personally and professionally for years and could not be more delighted for her to join DC Entertainment.”

Since 2000, Gardiner has served as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations for Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where she is also responsible for strategic planning, reporting and financial operations .Gardiner will continue in her current role as SVP, Finance & Operations for WBCP, reporting to Brad Globe, President WW Consumer Products.

Gardiner joined WBCP in 1990 as Controller. Within four years, she was promoted to Vice President and Group Controller, broadening her duties to include supervision and management of corporate accounting for International and Domestic Theatrical Distribution. In 1997, she became Vice President, Finance for WBCP where she was responsible for financial planning, reporting, credit & collections and had management and oversight of WBCP’s international finance functions.

Before joining WBCP, Gardiner held management positions at Micropolis Corporation and the prestigious accounting firm, Price Waterhouse. She has an MBA from UCLA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Stanford University.

That’s right, DC Nation, Death is making her appearance in ACTION COMICS #894 right now! What is she saying to Lex Luthor? Go grab the issue and find out. This is just part of an epic storyline Paul Cornell and Pete Woods have been weaving in ACTION so now is the time to see what everybody has been buzzing about. As a bonus you’ll get to read the next chapter in the new Jimmy Olsen co-feature by Nick Spencer, RB Silva & Denis Frietas!

So stop reading this and go pick up a copy of ACTION COMICS #894!

Be seeing you,
— Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor DCU

The mysterious leader of the paramilitary organization finally confronts Wonder Woman as she continues learning what happened to the Amazons and why reality is askew. J. Michael Straczynski’s epic tale keeps rolling on, with art by Don Kramer.

WONDER WOMAN #604 hits today.

The press continues to roll in for SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE, including major art debuts and commentary on IGN, MOVIEFONE, AOL COMICS ALLIANCE, TOPLESS ROBOT, YAHOO!’s OMG BLOG, LA TIMES HERO COMPLEX, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, io9, POP CANDY and WIRED, with reviews popping up at iFANBOY and NEWSARAMA.

And the book goes on sale in comic shops today. So take a moment and swing by your local shop and grab a copy while they last.

It’s that time again. Your weekly dose of lovely variant cover and new regular cover art has arrived. What’s in store? How about BRIGHTEST DAY #13 by David Finch? If that’s not enough, we also have DCU: LEGACIES #7 by Brian Bolland, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #51 by Mark Bagley and ZATANNA #7 by Stephane Roux. Enjoy!

This November, DC Comics will re-release two hardcover editions of the famous SUPERMAN VS. MUHAMMAD ALI comic special, which pits two of Earth’s toughest fighters in a battle for the fate of the planet itself.

Illustrated by comics legend Neal Adams and co-written with Denny O’Neil, the Superman vs. Muhammad Ali special became an instant classic when it was released in 1978.

Neal Adams’ kinetic, eye-catching art was presented in a special oversized format that was difficult to reprint, so the comic has remained unavailable since Ali’s last heavyweight championship. Now for the first time, DC Comics is proud to release the renowned comic book at its original size in hardcover facsimile and deluxe editions.

SUPERMAN VS. MUHAMMAD ALI will be available in comic shops on 11/10.

MUHAMMAD ALI and associated marks are trademarks of Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC © MAE LLC