You’ve seen the cover to OUTSIDERS #27, but what else does artist Philip Tan have in store for the team with writer Dan DiDio? Well, we don’t know all the answers, but we have some, courtesy of this week’s DC NATION column, which you can find in every DCU comic this week.

How’s it going DC Nation? Not a ton of time to post today, as I’m about to get on a flight from LA to Baltimore. Make sure to check back on Monday for a full update from the 10th annual Baltimore Comic Con. We’ll be doing DC Nation and Sunday Conversation and I will probably talk about pro football. Just a hunch on that last one. The one good thing about the length of this flight is that I’ll have time to watch the new Superman/Batman animated DVD. See ya back East!

Yeesh, then what are you waiting for? San Diego is in full swing – the crowds are flowing, the energy is high and I’m sitting down in anticipation of what has become a staple event at comic conventions across the country: Dan’s DC NATION panels.

If you’re at the con – hop to Room 6DE. A DC NATION panel is not to be missed. Part circus, part press conference and all energy and fun, these panels are a highlight for fans and talent alike.

In addition to Dan, we’ve got Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler, writers James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka and a few surprises on the panel, prepared to talk about anything and everything of note in the DCU — ::cough:: BLACKEST NIGHT ::cough:: WEDNESDAY COMICS ::cough:: BATMAN ::cough – and take fan questions, of course.

If you couldn’t make it out this year, be sure to visit our convention hub to download photos and audio from the panel, which should give you some idea of what all the fuss is about. Then book your ticket for next year. Might as well be ahead of the game, no?

Circle June 19-21 on your calendars, gang — DC NATION is making a stop at the Heroes Convention in Charlotte this year.

Sadly — or thankfully, for some — I won’t be there personally, but we’ll have an impressive lineup of creators holding court at Shelton Drum’s event, including Mark Bagley, Ivan Brandon, Bernard Chang, Cully Hamner, Scott Hampton, Adam Hughes, Jamal Igle, Georges Jeanty, Dustin Nguyen, Steve Niles, Phil Noto, George Perez, Stephane Roux, Brian Stelfreeze, Jen Van Meter and a ton more. Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler will also be the ringmaster for any and all panels, so make a point to stop in to hear the latest bits of DCU info.

While you’re there, make a point to stop by the DC booth to say hi and pick up some free swag. Free stuff is cool. It makes people happy.