If you’ve already been to our main website today, you noticed our new page devoted to The New 52. Starting with the “Superman” family and going all the way through the “Young Justice” group, the page is a quick and easy visual guide to the 52 titles we will be publishing this fall beginning with Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 on August 31st. Be sure to keep checking the page for updates throughout the summer. From here on out, it will serve as your jumping off point for all the latest news about all DC Comics titles going forward.

You’ll also notice a new video featuring Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras, and New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison. As Bob Harras says, this is “a great opportunity for readers who aren’t familiar with our characters to jump aboard and to come join the party.”

TheNew52.com

(MEN OF WAR #1 cover by Viktor Kalvachev)

This fall, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA artist Thomas Derenick teams up with DOC SAVAGE writer Ivan Brandon to bring you the new series, MEN OF WAR. Can Easy Company, a team of regular ex-military men, make their way out of a treacherous battlefield designed by the greatest villains in the DC Universe? We caught up with Thomas to learn a little bit more about what’s in store for Joe Rock and his men.

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

THOMAS DERENICK: The prospect of a fresher and newer approach to the DC Universe. I’m glad we’re not throwing continuity completely out the window but tightening it up, making the universe younger overall opens us up for some interesting possibilities and directions with the storytelling. Readers have become obsessed with having every story matter. I don’t blame them – there are so many titles out there and only so much money to spend on them. They want to feel they aren’t wasting their money on something meaningless. Streamlining the continuity makes it easier for us because we don’t have to worry about stepping on as many toes and yet the character defining stories will still be intact. Hopefully this will make the storytelling much stronger in the years to come.

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

I’m on the art end, but for me I’ve been given the opportunity by DC to do a hybrid pencil shading and ink style that I was known for years ago. It has a much more polished look than my previous work and should add a great sense of depth and mood to what Ivan Brandon and I are doing with THE MEN OF WAR. Plus this is a new approach to a war book. We’re trying to be authentic as to how soldiers look and operate to give you the feel that these are real military. The twist is that they will have to deal with a lot of the same threats the superheroes do. How does a human soldier react or cope with a villain on the same power level of Superman? How does he even survive it? The closest I’ve seen to this is G.I. Joe and even there it’s two entirely different animals. Trust me when I say the readers will be pleasantly surprised.

What new characters will debut in the series?

The only one I’ll mention is the new modern Sgt. Rock.

Will we see new character designs?

Yep, quite a few.

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

Building a working knowledge of the visuals of the military. It’s incredibly complex and I’ve been pulling my hair out a little figuring it all out. We want this to feel authentic and I’ve never been that well versed in the military other than a couple of military video games (no not “Call of Duty” unfortunately). “Modern Warfare” probably would have been a huge help with this project. The realization that the military is pretty much a culture all it’s own and the number of different things you have to be aware of just to draw it properly almost overwhelmed me. I’m happy to say I’m getting the basics down and it shouldn’t be much of a problem from here on out. Thank you to my co-creators and editorial for their patience. It was appreciated.

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

The fact that the entire line was being relaunched. That’s probably the biggest secret I’ve ever been given and I couldn’t tell anyone. ARRRGGGH!

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

Be prepared for anything, ‘cause anything’s gonna happen.

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

I’m not really aware of how many people read their books digitally these days so I don’t really know what to think. If the digital sales are high enough to justify selling them the same day then I back DC 100%. I think there are different kinds of people out there. Some want to have a physical product in their hands but some people are satisfied with just being able to read it and they shouldn’t have to wait any longer than anyone else. I don’t believe one type of person is going to become the other type so hopefully it’ll be an expansion of the audience not a splitting of it. I have high hopes.

(GRIFTER #1 cover by CAFU and BIT)

Get ready to meet Grifter. Part fugitive. Part alien hunter. All sweet talker.

We caught up with GRIFTER artist CAFU (SUPERBOY, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS) for a sneak peek into his latest project.

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

CAFU: Grant Morrison on Action Comics, no doubt about it!

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

From the start, we were given freedom to create this new Grifter as part of the DCU, so I think I can say we’re trying to create the definitive version of the character!

What new characters will debut in the series?

I don’t think we can reveal too much for now, but I would have to pick the new Daemonites (I love them!)

Will we see new character designs?

Absolutely. All characters will be redesigned to help give the book a more realistic and adult tone.

What’s the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

Funny enough, the first line of dialogue is “Mr. Harras, your vodka and tonic.”

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

I’d say the tone Nathan (the writer) is looking to give the series and the ideas he has for this initial story arc. I hope you like them as much as I do!!

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

The most difficult part has been to hide everything that was cooking at DC, when everybody suspected something big was coming (and of course, people didn’t stop asking!)

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

I’d say: PURE, HARDCORE ACTION, REALISTIC AND CRUDE.

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

It’s been really exciting to see all the reactions on the Internet during the days around the announcement and the big reaction from the DC fans. I’ve loved having the feeling of being witness (and part of) a special time in the history of superhero comic books.

(O.M.A.C. #1 cover by Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish)

Last week, you read Dan DiDio’s first interview about his upcoming series, O.M.A.C., with COMIC BOOK RESOURCES. Today, Dan talked to us a little bit more about what he’s personally excited for with this series and and what surprises may be in store come the release of issue #1 in September.

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

DAN DIDIO: It’s the wild array of characters and types of stories. It’s everything that makes comics great.

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

From Kirby’s creation to the OMAC Project, there have been so many great ideas and concepts introduced in this series that is was fun to work with and add to this character.

What new characters will debut in the series?

There are a lot of familiar concepts being introduced like Cadmus and Checkmate. Some not so familiar, like Amazing Man and Dr, Skuba, and some things new like the Bio-gators.

Will we see new character designs?

This is a Keith Giffen extravaganza! Of course there will be new characters designs.

What’s the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

Welcome to Cadmus Industries…..

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

Not the biggest surprise, but what I am most excited about is just how incredibly amazing Keith’s art is!

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

All of them because everyone knows I can’t keep a secret.

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

One man’s battle for control of his life and destiny.

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

I support any way to get our books in as many fans’ hands as possible.

(JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1 cover by Ryan Sook)

What do The Enchantress, Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine all have in common? This September, they’ll join forces for JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, written by Peter Milligan and featuring art by Mikel Janin, who took the time out to let us peer inside the series.

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

MIKEL JANIN: The whole idea of the relaunch is way exciting for me. I’ve been out of comics for a while, but I love them and I especially love DC characters. So for me as a reader, this is the best thing DC could do. I’m in for a bunch of titles. And of course, being part of this is just a dream coming true. A few months ago, I was on the other side trying to break into the comic book industry. I never dreamed I could be part of such a thing! And teaming up with Peter Milligan! What more I can say? I’m the most excited guy in the world!

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

Well, it’s a new series, so the status quo is new for all the characters. They’re characters within the DC Universe but the approach to them is something different. Peter is really seeking deeply inside these characters. And John Constantine being part of a Justice League, even if it’s a Dark one, is something worth seeing!

What new characters will debut in the series?

Mindwarp! He’s a new character created by Peter. Actually, he appears in FLASHPOINT, but he is new for the readers. JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK is a good place to have him.

Will we see new character designs?

Sure! Some like Deadman or Constantine are very similar to what’s already out there, but others like Zatanna or the Enchantress have a brand new look. We have been working for a while on all the characters’ designs and we are all happy with their final looks.

What’s the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

“My name is Madame Xanadu. I have looked into the future.”

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

It’s plenty of surprises, but the Enchantress is the biggest one.

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

That I’m drawing a Peter Milligan book!

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

I think it’s the future and I’m 100% for it. I live in Spain and to buy comics is a bit more complicated than in the USA, so digital and trade paperback are my best choices as a reader.

(SUICIDE SQUAD #1 cover by Ryan Benjamin)

Starting this September, FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM writer Adam Glass will helm SUICIDE SQUAD. Read below as Adam spilled some details about what’s in store for the series:

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

ADAM GLASS: It’s our job as writers to take those familiar ideas and put a fresh spin on them. Recreate the mythos for a new generation. This is our chance to do that.

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

I grew up reading the SUICIDE SQUAD and have nothing but the utmost respect for all those who came before me. But I feel the world has changed and people want even their fantasy to have more reality to it. Look at James Bond’s Casino Royale. It was a new Bond for a new generation. Harder, smarter, less cheese. That’s what we’re doing with SUICIDE SQUAD. If there really was an organization that used Super Villains for Black Ops Operations, how would that really look? How would they be treated?

What new characters will debut in the series?

The great thing about the Squad is you have two or three main characters then a merry go round of characters coming in and out of the book. Some are well known like Harley, King Shark, DeadShot and Black Spider. Others haven’t been seen for a while, while others are brand new.

Will we see new character designs?

Yes you will, by the amazing Jim Lee. And art by Marco Rudy, who just keeps blowing me a way with the pages he’s been sending us. This guy is a huge rock star. I’m lucky to have caught him on his way up. He’s going to become one of comic’s biggest artists, no doubt.

What’s the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

A SCREAM!!!

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

Characters start out as one thing in your mind, but as you write them they take on a life of their own and you start to realize things about them that you never thought possible in the beginning. I had a minor character in the start that now has become not only a major player but pivotal to the arc of the book.

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

That I was doing this book. So many people kept asking me and I had to keep denying it.

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

Kick Ass!

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

Awesome. The future is here. Comics will never be the same. When I grew up, the closest you came to this kind of connection to the fans was reading the editorials in the back of comics. Now you can have direct dialogue with the fans. Pretty cool.

In the conclusion to the “Hunger City” arc, Dick Grayson meets with James Jr. Is he a friend who can be trusted or a villain that must be taken down? But before he finds this out, Batman must escape the clutches of Tiger Shark, who has held him captive miles off the coast of Gotham City.

DETECTIVE COMICS #878 features a shocking reveal that will truly heighten the stakes for Batman. Written by Scott Snyder and with art by Jock, the issue is in stores now. If you missed it, check out COMIC BOOK RESOURCES for exclusive preview pages.

This summer, the bestselling series FLASHPOINT has taken the comic book world by storm. In August, four FLASHPOINT action figures (manufactured by DC DIRECT) will be shipping to retailers. And if you’re heading to San Diego next month, you’ll want to pay very close attention: San Diego Comic Con is the only place where you’ll be able to complete your FLASHPOINT action figure collection. Head over to the Graphitti Designs Booth (#2315) for your chance to purchase an extremely limited DC DIRECT action figure of one of FLASHPOINT’s central villains: Zoom.

Zoom stands approximately 6.5” inches high, features multiple points of articulation and includes a removable display base. But don’t wait too long! Due to its rare availability, attendees will each be limited to only one Zoom figure each.

Last week, we showed you all the covers for the 1970’s books in this summer’s RETROACTIVE series.

Today, take a look at all the covers for the 1980’s books:

DC RETROACTIVE: SUPERMAN – THE ‘80s cover by Dan Jurgens, Livesay, & Carrie Strachan.

DC RETROACTIVE: WONDER WOMAN – THE ‘80s cover by Rich Buckler & Kevin Colden.

DC RETROACTIVE: GREEN LANTERN – THE ‘80s cover by Joe Staton & Allen Passalaqua.

DC RETROACTIVE: THE FLASH – THE ‘80s cover by Greg LaRocque & Carrie Strachan.

DC RETROACTIVE: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA – THE ‘80s cover by Ron Randall & Carlos Badilla.

DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘80s cover by Jerry Bingham & Carlos Badilla.

Last week, BRIGHTEST DAY AFTERMATH: THE SEARCH FOR SWAMP THING #1 hit stores. The premiere issue of this 3-part miniseries teamed John Constantine up with some of the biggest superheroes in the DC Universe in the search for the plant elemental known as Swamp Thing.

This morning on YAHOO! Associated Content, series writer Jonathan Vankin gave an exclusive interview about his writing process, the series’ characters, and what to expect in issues #2 and #3.

“John has to make a decision that, whichever way he goes, will alter the course of both Swampy’s existence and possibly his own — and even the fate of the world — for a long time to come,” Vankin said.

Head on over to YAHOO! Associated Content for the complete coverage. And while you’re waiting for issue #2 to hit stores next month, be sure to check out the standard cover by Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes and the variant cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado below.