Sean Ryan’s one-shot, FLASHPOINT: GRODD OF WAR, takes its readers on a trip to a war-ravaged Africa. Led by his hunger for violence and power, Grodd has successfully taken over the continent and has been made king of all the land. With plans for expanding his empire globally, Grodd is not a character to be overlooked. We talked to Sean about his tortured protagonist and what the ramifications of his rule of Africa might have on the FLASHPOINT universe:

THE SOURCE: While Grodd gives off a very tough exterior, he’s clearly tortured by his own personal demons. Why is Grodd such a haunted figure, even in a world without a Flash?

SEAN RYAN: I think because there is no Flash in this world, that’s why Grodd feels like crap most of the time. He’s missing that challenge, or at least, that person who could give him a challenge. Stuff is coming too easily for Grodd in this world and he sort of hates that. He’s a smart dude, Grodd. He likes to be intellectually stimulated. And he’s not getting that.

What motivates Grodd?

SR: Power. He craves power over things. I think it mainly comes from a sense that he knows he’s smarter than everyone else, so why shouldn’t he be in charge? I certainly think that’s what motivated Grodd to start his conquest of Africa. Now that the conquest is nearly over…His motivation is starting to change.

Tensions between Aquaman and Wonder Woman have had global ramifications. How does Grodd fit into the hierarchy of international super powers?

SR: He really doesn’t. They ignore him. A thing I wanted to touch on in the story is how Africa is often ignored. There’s awful things happening in Africa all the time in our own world and we don’t really know about it. It usually takes some kind of celebrity to point it out to us. So that’s sort of what’s going on in Africa in Flashpoint. Grodd has taken over Africa and turned it into a mass grave, but the world could care less. They’re more focused on Aquaman and Wonder Woman.

Grodd is a world leader. How does he rule Africa? Is he an isolationist?

SR: He rules Africa not very well, but he’s not terribly concerned with running it very well. Grodd’s not really one to enact wide ranging social programs. And he’s an isolationist at the start of the story…But by the end of the story, you’ll see Grodd start to look out at the rest of the world and see an incentive for joining the bigger war, but for reasons you might not have expected.

If Grodd’s Africa had a motto, what would it be?

SR: I was looking up famous quotes and mottos for this question and found this insane quote from Joseph Stalin that sums Grodd’s Africa and the story pretty well: “Death solves all problems.”

THE SOURCE: In issue one of the WORLD OF FLASHPOINT, we see the impact of the war on real world locations including Paris and New York. Why focus on those cities?

REX OGLE: I came up with three visuals that I thought nailed the social climate of a world on the edge of a terrible war. I picked Paris, because I wanted to show some mass destruction on the frontlines, and it’s a place people are familiar with (from movies and TV, if not first hand). Same with NYC—it’s iconic.

Also, I thought if the world were ending, how would people act on these streets I call home?

Will the series also explore DC Universe cities like Gotham and Metropolis?

REX: Metropolis and Gotham both get a lot of love in PROJECT: SUPERMAN and BATMAN: KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE (respectively), so I aimed for a more global tour of the world. After all, it is called WORLD OF FLASHPOINT. But Traci 13 does touch down in Gotham and finds a very unexpected ally.

Issue 2 expands the scope of the series even further, as Traci 13 travels around the world to Africa, Asia, and North America and South America.

REX: Don’t forget Australia, Antartica, and Europe! Traci 13 travels to every continent. But it’s not about the locations so much as the people she meets along the way. Expect plenty of cameos.

What area of the world has been the most impacted by the war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman?

REX: The entire planet has been affected by the Amazon-Atlantean feud, though none quite as deeply as Europe.

What, if anything, can you tell us about the global council that makes up H.I.V.E.?

REX: Hmmm, there’s a scientist, a dictator, a madman, and of course a very scary kid. Who doesn’t love a creepy kid?

I really scored some rad cameos, drawing deep from the massive well of DCU characters and put together people I thought might be brought together under these kinds of dire circumstances.

What made Traci 13 the right protagonist for this series?

REX: Here’s this young girl with an immense amount of power at her fingertips, but she doesn’t quite know how to use it in the beginning and it causes her to lose her family. I think anyone can relate to not being smart enough as a kid and making mistakes.

Also, her last name is “13”. I still think that’s cool.

Are any of the characters in THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT actually better off than the versions we have known in the DC Universe?

REX: Wow. Great question. (No comment.)

The action in THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT may well bring dire consequences to the world’s population. Just how big of a threat is set in motion in the first issue?

REX: Hmmm. The stakes involved? About 118 million lives, including pretty much all of our fave heroes and villains. And to think, Traci is only 15 years old. NO pressure.

In a world where everything you know will change in a flash, it might help to have a map. Luckily for us, thanks to writer Rex Ogle and artist Freddie E. Williams II, readers now have just that: a map of the world of FLASHPOINT.

The United Kingdom? That’s now New Themsycira, home base to the Amazons.

Pirate Trade Routes? You’ll see those explored in FLASHPOINT issue 2 and FLASHPOINT: DEATHSTROKE AND THE CURSE OF THE RAVAGER.

Inspired by this map, today’s edition of FLASHPOINT FRIDAY will provide a look at the world building of FLASHPOINT. Check back throughout the day for interviews about the global conflict at the heart of the story.

In the meantime, take another look at that map. Euro-Refugee Camps? A Nazi occupied Brazil? A World Without the World’s Greatest Superheroes certainly turned out differently.

TOMAR-RE

REAL NAME: Tomar-Re
OCCUPATION: Green Lantern/Galactic Protector/Archivist
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Sector 2813
HOMEWORLD: Xudar
HEIGHT: 7’
WEIGHT: 220 lbs
EYES: Red
HAIR: N/A
FIRST APPEARANCE: Green Lantern vol. 2 #6 (May/June, 1961)
AKA: Green Lantern

BACKGROUND from the comic books:
Xudarians are a bird race who lack imperialistic tendencies. Though a tranquil and benevolent society, they will defend their planet when required. This peaceful Avian race focuses their efforts on the arts and sciences instead of war which is the reason for their highly advanced civilization.

Tomar-Re is one of the orange-skinned Xudarians and the Green Lantern of sector 2813. His nature to examine things has led him to thoroughly study the sacred Book of Oa. The immortal Guardians of the Universe have recognized this and appointed him archivist and protector of the Book.

Tomar-Re had developed a close friendship with the neighboring sector 2814′s Green Lantern, Abin Sur. They constantly called upon each other for assistance in policing their turf. Yet to request help from Abin’s replacement Hal Jordan, Tomar-Re remains undecided on the new Lantern.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Green Lantern ring allows for a protective shield and energy constructs.
• Constructs are scientific and based upon Tomar-Re’s current studies. They tend to be unrecognizable to most.
• Immensely powerful beak that can be used as a weapon in battle.
• Fin running across his scalp.

Before they worked together on FLASH, Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul on a series of Superboy stories that appeared in Adventure Comics and Superman Secret Files. In SUPERBOY: THE BOY OF STEEL, all of these adventures are now available for the first time in paperback, with appearances by Superman, Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Wonder Girl and Krypto the Superdog.

Francis Manapul’s shared some Superboy process art from his archives, showing us how an artist on the path to comics superstardom brings his distinctive drawing style from sketched idea to polished end product. Check out his images below!

Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul’s SUPERBOY: THE BOY OF STEEL is available now.

The first of the previously-announced digital-first BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY stories is now available exclusively in our Digital Store!

In this eight-page story that serves as an interlude between the regular issues (but isn’t necessary to follow the miniseries), Paul Dini reunites with his fan-favorite Detective Comics collaborators Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs to expand on the events and characters in the ARKHAM CITY comic – particularly on Batman’s many villains as they vie for power in this chaotic new city-within-a-city.

Head over to our online store to check it out!

KILOWOG

REAL NAME: Kilowog
OCCUPATION: Green Lantern/Galactic Protector/Drill Instructor/Geneticist
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Sector 674
HOMEWORLD: Bolovax Vik
HEIGHT: 8’
WEIGHT: 720 lbs
EYES: Red
HAIR: N/A
FIRST APPEARANCE: Green Lantern Corps vol. 1 #201 (June, 1986)
AKA: Green Lantern

BACKGROUND from the comic books:
Approximately sixteen billion creatures known as Bolovax existed on the planet Bolovax Vik. They were all strong, bulky creatures with incredibly hard skin and possessed the unique ability to meld their brains into a collective called the Mass Mind. This communal psyche allowed the natives of Bolovax Vik to become a highly advanced society with one central government.

For eons a Bolovax has held the role of Green Lantern of sector 674. The most recent in the long succession is a geneticist named Kilowog. He was honored to be chosen as an Emerald Warrior and quickly rose through the ranks.

Kilowog is now the drill sergeant for the entire Green Lantern Corps. This towering creature utilizes his intimidating presence as he trains new recruits and never hesitates to scream and call rookie lanterns the demeaning name, “Poozer!” Though Kilowog may seem unsympathetic, he continually pushes his Lanterns hard knowing they face many obstacles ahead as he’s seen far too many perish. To ensure all Corpsmen can use their power rings to the best of their ability, he puts them through challenging trials intended to build their confidence and skill. Hal Jordan is one such rookie that is currently experiencing Kilowog’s tough regime.

During the event dubbed the “Crisis,” Bolovax Vik was hit by waves of antimatter. Kilowog attempted to save the entire population of his planet but it was impossible even for a power ring as his civilization was destroyed. Kilowog was devastated and with the Mass Mind eliminated, truly alone. Since the “Crisis,” he has found a new home and family with the Corps.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Green Lantern ring allows for a protective shield and energy constructs.
• Superior strength even without his ring.
• Able to operate a Power Ring to its full potential.

When the CEO of a large corporation goes missing, it’ll be up to the junior heroes of Young Justice to save her. But to succeed on this rescue mission means first having to face Black Spider and Hook. Oh, and a little covert group of assassins that call themselves the League of Shadows. Can Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Robin retrieve the kidnapped woman before it’s too late? And what does the League of Shadows want with her anyway?

Written by Art Baltazar and Franco and with art by Mike Norton and colored by Zac Atkinson, YOUNG JUSTICE #4 is available in stores and digitally today.

TINY TITANS fans have a very special treat in store for them with issue #40, which hits stores today: the issue is dedicated entirely to Kroc. Featuring mini-chapters in the life of the menacing and lovable crocodile, TINY TITANS #40 comes courtesy of the Eisner nominated and New York Times bestselling creators, Art Baltazar and Franco. We spoke to the duo about what it was like creating this special issue. Take it away, guys:

THE SOURCE: Why an entire issue dedicated to Kroc?

ART: AW YEAH KROC! Because The Fans demanded it! That’s right. After traveling from city to city to different comic conventions and drawing sketches for all our awesome fans, I realize… kids dig Kroc! Kroc is one of the most requested sketches! Along with Starfire and Robin of course. But Kroc is one popular guy! He’s like a phenomenon!

FRANCO: Why? Cause YOU, the fans demanded it! We kept hearing over and over again how much fans liked Kroc’s appearances so if nothing else, we listen to our fans!

What’s your favorite thing about Kroc?

ART: I love that Kroc does things his own way. “The KROC Way.” He doesn’t care who’s around or what’s going on. When something pops into his head, he’s off doing what he wants to do! He’s very independent and a perfect role model. And, he’s really happy and just wants to eat stuff.

FRANCO: Kroc just does things the way he does them. It’s not the wrong way or the right way it’s just “The KROC Way!”

Where does an issue centered around Kroc leave the other characters?

ART: Oh, the other Tiny Titans are there. Kroc kind of invades the Titans space and messes things up a bit. He even pals around with Beast Boy a little. They met back in the GREEN issue, remember? Aw Yeah Tiny Titans Continuity!

FRANCO: Oh, they’re there! They will be caught up in the craziness that is Kroc.

How is it different to write an issue focused on one character versus a regular issue?

ART: It’s not too much different. It was cool to focus on Kroc. But you’ll see, it’s still a Tiny Titans issue all the way. Making this issue was awesome! We have stories exploding from our brains all the time all day long! We have so much cool stuff for Kroc we could fill up a 3-issue mini-series. HA! Aw yeah man! We must save some of the stories for later!

FRANCO: Not much different actually. Instead of a whole bunch of little jokes centered around different ideas, it’s just a whole bunch of little jokes centered around one story.

This issue is a result of fan’s demands. How often/in what mediums do you communicate with your fanbase?

ART: Besides talking and meeting fans at signings and stuff, we communicate with fans via Twitter and Facebook and e-mails and our websites. Our fans are the best fans in the world! I feel like part of something much bigger! Aw Yeah DCU! I really feel it when we go to conventions and comic shops. It rocks! It’s an awesome age we live in.

FRANCO: We are a floodgate of open-ness (I’m not even sure that’s a word)! We talk to fans all the time through conventions, e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. We are so tech savvy!

Do you plan future issues focusing entirely on Kroc (or another character for that matter) or is this a one-time thing?

ART: YES! You never know what can happen in the Tiny Titans Universe! We like to write funny stories with different themes to each issue. We are constantly thinking and making up stuff everyday! Everything is possible and anything can happen! Aw Yeah Titans!

FRANCO: Yes! We like to change things up every once in a while and would definitely not rule out another entire issue of Kroc or any other character! Aw Yeah TITANS!!

The demon king Rankor has been hunting down and capturing the Teen Titans. With their strength draining, it’s up to Kid Flash to save Wonder Girl and Ravager before the demon king steals their powers for his own nefarious purposes.

JT Krul and Nicola Scott’s TEEN TITANS #95 is on sale now.