Assigned to drop the Green Arrow Industries bomb, Hal Jordan has the chance to become the ultimate hero. The only obstacle? Carol Ferris refuses to let him take on the risks of this challenge alone. As the two of them embark on their mission, Hal will stop at nothing to drop the bomb and keep Carol out of harm’s way – no matter the personal sacrifice.

FLASHPOINT: HAL JORDAN #3, by Adam Schlagman and Cliff Richards, delivers a bittersweet conclusion to Hal Jordan’s most dangerous undertaking yet. Look for it when it hits stores next week.

Neil Sinclair is no more. His transformation into Subject Zero has destroyed his former self and turned him entirely into a merciless warrior with an unquenchable thirst for power and vengeance. As he sets out to destroy all meta-humans who pose as threats to his dominance, it’ll be up to Kal to protect Lois from this monster seeking to exact revenge on the Lane family. But when Subject Zero tracks them down and their reunion is interrupted, Kal will have to become the Superman he is inside to take on the battle. The question is: can he do this in time to save Lois?

Featuring a shocking ending that raises the stakes for FLASHPOINT #5 in major ways, FLASHPOINT: PROJECT SUPERMAN #3 comes from the creative team of Scott Snyder, Lowell Francis and Gene Ha. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping conclusion to this miniseries when it goes on sale next week.

The Resistance has found their ultimate weapon: Britannia. Listen as Penny Black tells the story of her origins as the biotechnologically armored warrior and watch as she joins the Resistance to bring down those who’ve destroyed her homeland. But when she comes face to face with Wonder Woman, a shocking realization will impact the Queen of the Amazons more than even Britannia could have anticipated. Which one of these femme fatales will emerge as the victor of their showdown?

FLASHPOINT: LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #3, by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Christian Duce and Walden Wong, brings the miniseries to its cliffhanging final issue (to be continued in FLASHPOINT #5), is on sale this Wednesday.

If you attended San Diego Comic Con last month, you may have picked up a copy of FLASHPOINT #1 with a rare, wraparound SDCC exclusive cover. Well don’t worry if you missed out because next week at Fan Expo Canada, DC Entertainment will be selling another brand-new, awesome wraparound variant cover edition of the issue.

Featuring a black background with a lightning surge of color across the center, this stunning cover comes courtesy of series artists Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope and Alex Sinclair. And with Andy Kubert attending the convention, you may even get the chance to have your copy of this collector’s item signed.

The exclusive Fan Expo Canada variant cover edition of FLASHPOINT #1 will be available at the Fan Expo Canada Exclusives Booth for $10.00. Fan Expo Canada will be taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 25th through 28th.

We told you yesterday about the great Midnight Madness event happening at Midtown Comics in New York City marking the official launch of DC Comics – The New 52. We know, though, that not everyone will be able to make it to New York City on August 30th.

The good news is you may not have to.

Many retailers across the country will be holding their own midnight launch parties celebrating the release of both Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1 and giving customers the opportunity to pick up both as soon as the clock ticks over into Wednesday. You can read about the events that have been shared with us on our Events page and find out who’s offering bundle deals, who will be giving away prizes and much more. New information will be added throughout the next couple weeks so keep checking back to see if a location convenient for you has been added.

If you don’t see your favorite retailer listed there give them a call and find out if they’ll be open late to give you your first look at DC Comics The New 52. You can visit read.dccomics.com to find a comic shop near you as well as to find out more about DC Comics’ initiative to release new issues digitally at the same time they hit store shelves.

Whether you’ll be at Midtown Comics or at a comic shop near you we want to hear from you! Send a message to @DCComics on Twitter with pictures from the midnight release party you attended and the name of the store you were at. And be sure to follow us both on Twitter and on Facebook to get updates from Midnight Madness on 8/30 in New York City as the event unfolds.

THE SOURCE: How do you draw a first panel of a first issue?

FERNANDO DAGNINO: Actually the first panel I draw usually ends up in the dustbin. The second or third version of that panel is the one that you will finally see in the finished book. It usually takes me some time to warm up the mind and the hand.

In the case of RESURRECTION MAN #1, I first searched for the correct references of the items featured in the panel – in that particular case a Coroner´s Office building – then I tried to make a nice composition of the panel using the storyboard as a reference, but focusing now in putting as much energy and narrative elements in it as possible.

How do you introduce a new hero?

It depends on the script, but if I have enough space to show off, I prefer to handle it with a cover-like approach rather than dealing with it as just another panel.

How do you introduce characters?

It usually depends on the amount of information I have about the character, but most of the time I use a simple, clear, but powerful shot of the character. If I have some extra info, I will try to focus on his expression and make an attempt at portraying his personality.

How do you draw a first appearance?

Appearances in comic books, like in colloquial language, are a set of formulaic phrases/poses well defined so the reader understands it’s the epic presentation of a hero saying, “Here I am.” Depending on the type of hero, he or she may be coming out of a lurking alley or appearing among the clouds half eclipsing the bright sun. But it certainly should transmit his or her personality, power and determination. The scene itself should be a hyper-concise iconic summary of who this hero is.

What was the first comic you ever worked on?

Tales of the Black Spain (La Factoria de ideas 1998)

What was the first series you collected?

Mr.Men.

Who was the first writer you followed?

I remember being (and am still nowadays) quite intrigued by Bill Mantlo. His stories have left such a huge impact in me.

Who was the first artist you followed?

There were so many that it’s really hard to just choose one. I remember buying everything I could afford of what John Byrne was drawing. Craig Russell is amongst my favorites too. Bill Sienkiewicz, Brian Bolland, Alan Davis, Butch Guice, Walt Simonson, and so many others.

What was the first convention you attended as a fan?

Ficomic Barcelona in 1993.

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

Ficomic Barcelona in 1999.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

I suddenly remember I got paid one summer, many years ago for tying up bundles of comic books in a comic book shop in Madrid that were supposed to be sent to the coast. So there I spent that July with my friend Eduardo, listening to Tanika Tikaram’s first album over and over, while packing up comics.

THE SOURCE: What was the first comic you ever worked on?

JOSE VILLARRUBIA: Who’s Who in the Legion of Superheroes #7. I did the pencils for a White Witch pin up.

Who was the first writer you followed?

Steve Gerber. His work was truly transgressive when I was growing up… Loved his Defenders, Man-Thing, Omega, and, of course, Howard the Duck. I also loved those two issues that he did of Mr. Miracle for DC…

Who was the first artist you followed?

Neal Adams. Although Spanish reprints had no credits, my brothers and I could tell that there was an artist superior to all the rest working on Marvel 70′s comics. In the absence of a name credit, we called him “the Futurist”…

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

I think it was either San Diego or New York 2000.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

Penciling for Who is Who in the Legion of Superheroes.

What was the first piece of original art you bought?

The first pieces were sketched that Moebius gave me at a Book Festival in 1978. The first page I bought was by Scott Hampton from Legends of the Dark Knight.

THE SOURCE: How do you draw a first panel of a first issue?

MIKEL JANIN: I try to draw not only what is in the script, but to stablish, as much as I can, the story mood and setting. For example, in the first panel of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1, I included more characters in the cards of Madame Xanadu that were in the script to present the team to the reader, even if we don’t know yet who they are. But this is not only me. The editors (Rex Ogle and Eddie Berganza) and Peter Milligan were involved in such things.

How do you introduce a new hero?

Giving him/her a good shot! I usually draw him/her in full body and then a shorter view so we can see the face, or maybe first the face then a full shot.

How do you introduce characters?

Full body shot and face, in the same page if it’s possible. And hands. Corporal language is important to define a character. I try to give them personality, and set any character apart of the others.

How do you draw a first appearance?

It all depends on the script, but I like to give room in the page for a first appearance, and add atmosphere to it.

How do you introduce a new villain?

Villains are the pepper in the story! I try to make them scary and dangerous. I am lucky to be in JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK where there are really creepy villains!

What was the first comic you ever worked on?

As a professional, Les Aventures d’Antonin Phylifandre, a graphic novel for the French market.

Who was the first character you followed?

Superman! When I was a child I went to the theater to see Richard Donner’s Superman II in a Superman costume!

What was the first series you collected?

I think they were the Tintin books. I still love them.

Who was the first artist you followed?

So many at the same time! I think Francisco Ibáñez. But I can say hundreds.

What was the first convention you attended as a fan?

Barcelona Comic Con, in 1993 or 1994, I’m not sure.

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

Will be NYCC this October!

What was the first comic book you read?

Mortadelo y Filemón, from Francisco Ibáñez. I know because I learned to read with them, when I was 4 years old.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

A short story published in the Heavy Metal Magazine.

What was the first piece of original art you bought?

I didn’t buy art, but I got some original pieces of Antonio Bernal he gave to me. Amazing, I love them.

THE SOURCE: How do you write the first line of a new series?

PAUL CORNELL: Just dive in, I’ll rewrite it later anyway.

How do you introduce a new hero?

I like to give them a big hero shot, like the Horsewoman in DEMON KNIGHTS #1 gets a big cinematic entrance.

How do you introduce characters?

In action, usually, then we’ll get to know them when we’re interested.

How do you introduce a new villain?

Through their actions. They can’t just talk in a bad way, they have to be seen to do bad.

What was the first comic you ever worked on?

Doctor Who Magazine.

Who was the first character you followed?

Probably the Bash Street Kids in the Beano.

Who was the first writer you followed?

Consciously, I think Chris Claremont, but way before that Stan Lee was all I knew about anything.

Who was the first artist you followed?

George Perez. I used to try and draw the moon like he did!

What was the first convention you attended as a fan?

The Longleat Doctor Who Experience!

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

It must have been one of the Bristol Comics Expos, or the Gallifrey con in LA. Kind of slipped easily between the categories without thinking about it, business as usual.

What was the first comic book you read?

It would have been an issue of Pippen and Playhour. Get your British Auntie to look it up.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

Co-writing a short 7th Doctor strip in Doctor Who Magazine.

On your creative process:

Initially, I’ll plot out a story arc, just saying in a couple of paragraphs what happens in each issue. Most editors are happy, once we’ve worked that back and forth, for me to go from that to writing an issue. Sometimes for my own use I’ll write the numbers one to twenty down the side of a piece of paper, then a quick few words about happens on each page of the issue, often starting by working out how much space I need for the ending. I’ll often have a scene or a line in mind for many issues before finding the right place to use it. I keep those on my iPad.

This week, you’ve heard from many writers and artists who are working on books within the Justice League, Batman and Young Justice families. Today, beginning with I, VAMPIRE writer Joshua Hale Fialkov, hear from various people working on titles within THE DARK family.

THE SOURCE: How do you write the first line of a new series?

JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV: Usually, I have an image that’s the root of the series. In the case of I,Vampire, it was a foot being put down. Something simple, but, at the same time, it’s what the book is about in its most bare and unnuanced form. From there, it’s just explaining why.

How do you introduce characters?

Andrew is not a character a lot of people are familiar with, so the challenge of the first issue was telling as much of his story as possible while still writing something that was loaded to the gills with blood and gore and action and monsters. It was not easy, but I think with Andrea Sorrentino’s amazing art, we nailed it.

How do you introduce a new villain?

Mary is a character who’s literally pulsing with power, so, it’s a bit easier to show her for what she is than it was for Andrew. Mary is sexuality and strength and anger and passion all at the same time, and she lives entirely in the moment. Where she came from and who she was don’t matter even half as much as what’s happening right now at this very second in her life.

What was the first comic you ever worked on?

I published a series of webcomics that I both wrote and drew back around 2002. My first ‘comic-comic’ was WESTERN TALES OF TERROR #1.

Who was the first character you followed?

Batman. Absolutely loved him from the time I was seven years old.

What was the first series you collected?

I remember seeking out Creepy and Eerie as well as House of Secrets and House of Mystery at my very first convention.

Who was the first artist you followed?

The first guy who I was actually conscious of who they were was probably Paul Chadwick. CONCRETE was the first series that really spoke to how rife with potential to be different comics really were.

What was the first convention you attended as a fan?

One of the early, early Pittsburgh Comic Con’s at, ahem Al Monzo’s Palace Inn in Monroeville, PA.

What was the first convention you attended as a professional?

Alternative Press Expo 2003.

What was the first comic book you read?

I’d read comics before, but I clearly remember reading Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12 and falling in love with April O’Neill and comics.

What was your first job in the comic book industry?

Writer/Artist/Editor/Publisher/Marketing/Tap Dancer, also known as Self-Publisher.

What was the first piece of original art you bought?

The cover to Western Tales of Terror #1 by a then barely famous Tony Moore. It still hangs proudly in my office over my desk.

What was the first digital comic book you downloaded?

The first chapter of my original digital graphic novel TUMOR. Aside from that, it was probably Crisis on Infinite Earths #1. I was so excited to zoom in on that GORGEOUS Perez art!