But that’s not all.

We all know that BLACKEST NIGHT will reach its epic conclusion in March, but there’s more. This universe-shaking issue will also feature 10 extra story pages for the same $3.99 price. Good deal, no?

And, to tide you over until the issue hits stands, we’ve got an inked version of the cover to BLACKEST NIGHT #8, courtesy of artist Ivan Reis. Enjoy!

Spinning right out of the last page of BLACKEST NIGHT #7, I’m proud to present you with these two jaw-dropping GREEN LANTERN #52 cover images, courtesy of artists Doug Mahnke and Shane Davis. Be sure to wipe the drool off your desks.

Have you all read BLACKEST NIGHT #7? I’d hope so. If not, step away from your computers and sit down with a copy. I don’t mind waiting.

Back? Ok, great. How awesome was that last page? Take a moment to collect your thoughts, because we’ve got a nice bit of news to go with that amazing double-page spread.

Ready?

With BLACKEST NIGHT #7 on sale today, we’re happy to announce a new, White Lantern promotional ring, tying into retailer orders for BRIGHTEST DAY #1. Want one to complete your set? Then make sure to mention this to your local retailer:

For every 25 copies of BRIGHTEST DAY #1 ordered by 4/15, retailers can order one bag of 50 White Lantern rings, at $8 a bag.

Cool? Well, that’s not all. In addition to the promotional rings, our friends at DC DIRECT have made no secret of their plans for a BLACKEST NIGHT POWER RING SPECTRUM SET, featuring every Lantern ring with light-up capability. And because we’re aware it’s not the full spectrum without all the ring colors, the White Lantern ring will be included at no extra cost.

Like the other wearable rings in the set (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet and black), the white ring instantly lights up with a long-lasting LED bulb when you slip the ring on your finger — depending on your mood, of course. You can also turn the rings off, but why would you?

And because we’re all about visuals here, take a look at both the White Lantern promotional ring and the DC DIRECT SPECTRUM SET, below.

Things aren’t looking too relaxing for Guy, eh? Courtesy of GLC artist supreme Patrick Gleason.

Saying today was busy would be an understatement, gang, but it was worth it. Tons of cool news to get you through the weekend. But why stop there? Click below and get the full list of BRIGHTEST DAY solicits hitting in May. We’ve saved a few surprises for you. Enjoy.

Read the rest of this entry »

We figured you’d need a few hours to fully process how awesome that David Finch Aquaman image is. But it doesn’t end there. And we did promise you more news, right? Well, here we go.

As you know, BRIGHTEST DAY affects a number of titles, including GREEN LANTERN and GREEN LANTERN CORPS. And it’s no surprise that some of the changes affecting the post-BLACKEST NIGHT DCU will hit these titles.

So, say hello to the new GREEN LANTERN CORPS writer: Tony Bedard.

Bedard’s not a newbie to the DCU’s sci-fi side, having blazed an impressive trail of chaos and drama with his epic work on R.E.B.E.L.S. He should feel right at home overseeing the adventures of the no. 1 interstellar police force in the universe. And his deft handling of the R.E.B.E.L.S. BLACKEST NIGHT tie-ins show he’s no stranger to all things Oa. But don’t take my word for it. Tony?

“This is far and away the most exciting gig of my career. When they called to offer me the job and Geoff literally said, ‘Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps’ I felt like I’d put on a power ring. Now I just have to play up to Pete Tomasi’s impossibly high standards–!“

Oh, and who’ll be starring in GREEN LANTERN CORPS? Well, some names you might be familiar with: John Stewart, Kyle Rayner and Green Lantern Ganthet. Yup. You read that correctly.

On the art side, we have Source “Artist to Watch” Ardian Syaf taking point on Tony’s first arc. His detailed style and dynamic camera angles are reminiscent of some of the biggest names in the industry. In less than a year, Syaf has put together a remarkable resume, including BLACKEST NIGHT: BATMAN, PHANTOM STRANGER and an arc on SUPERMAN/BATMAN. Not too shabby, eh?

But before you hit the panic button, let me calm your fears about the super-talented team stepping away from GREEN LANTERN CORPS — they’re not going very far. This is where the drumroll starts in my head.

We’re proud to announce that, starting in a few short months, there’ll be a new ongoing GREEN LANTERN series joining the shelves: GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD WARRIORS, starring everyone’s favorite ring-wielding hot head, Guy Gardner — with regular appearances from Kilowog. And who better to handle Guy’s adventures than Peter Tomasi, who’s knocked it out of the park on a monthly basis with his sharp dialogue and plotting on GREEN LANTERN CORPS? Hard to argue with that, I think.

On art duties we have Fernando Pasarin, who, like Ardian, has built a solid list of credits here in the DCU in a very short amount of time — from JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA to THE OUTSIDERS. Pasarin’s modern and kinetic style make him a perfect candidate to chronicle the new, monthly Guy Gardner series. We’ll have some snazzy Pasarin art right here in no time.

But enough from me. What’s Pete got to say about it all?

“I’m really excited to be working on this new series, expanding the mythology and franchise of the Green Lantern Universe.”

Thanks, Pete! And, as for Mr. Gleason, well, like I said, it’s a busy day here at The Source…

First the Black Lantern Corps rose from the Crypt on Oa decimating the planet and many Lanterns in their horrific path.

Then Kyle Rayner’s brush with death and a Black Lantern ring resulted in Guy Gardner being blinded by great rage as he transformed into a Red Lantern killing machine.

All this tragedy and devastation led to the collapse of the Green Lantern Central Power Battery.

How could writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason make things any worse for our Emerald Warriors?

How about the return of one of the greatest threats the DC Universe has ever known: THE ANTI-MONITOR?

Thanks, Adam. Now, let’s sit back and stare at that amazing Greg Horn cover, shall we?

Not long ago, we showed off upcoming variant covers for GREEN LANTERN #51, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45 and BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH #3. We thought we’d give you a little bit to process those before we unveiled the main covers. So, ready?

GREEN LANTERN CORPS by Patrick Gleason:

GREEN LANTERN by Doug Mahnke:

BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH by Scott Kolins:

We can’t promise it’ll make you any faster, or that it’ll respond to your willpower, but hey — that’s what our imaginations are for.

But we can promise a way for you to get your hands on one. With BRIGHTEST DAY banner issues THE FLASH #1 and GREEN LANTERN #53 soliciting in the February issue of PREVIEWS, DC Comics is offering promotional FLASH and GREEN LANTERN rings to qualifying retailers.

Cool, right? “But Alex, how do I qualify?” Good question:

With a purchase of 10 copies of THE FLASH #1, retailers may order FLASH PROMOTIONAL RINGS. THE FLASH #1 and the FLASH PROMOTIONAL RINGS are scheduled to arrive in stores on April 14.

With a purchase of 10 copies of GREEN LANTERN #53, retailers may order GREEN LANTERN PROMOTIONAL RINGS. GREEN LANTERN #53 and the GREEN LANTERN PROMOTIONAL RINGS are scheduled to arrive in stores on April 21.

Retailers will be getting more details on the promotion later today.

We swung by our very own Dan DiDio’s office to get his thoughts on the incentive, and he was happy to share.

“These rings are not only very cool, but they’re a big thank-you to our fans, who’ve helped make BLACKEST NIGHT a huge success. We’re hoping we can all keep the momentum going once the BLACKEST NIGHT ends and the BRIGHTEST DAY begins.”

Thanks, Dan! But there’s more. We gave Geoff Johns a quick call to get his thoughts. Geoff?

“One of the many great Flash Facts about DC Comics is that they actually do support the retailers with promotions like this that not only make our whole business a bit more fun, but also bring the promotion to every single reader. Of course, the proof is in the content and I couldn’t be prouder of the work Francis Manapul and I are doing on THE FLASH and Doug Mahnke and I are creating on GREEN LANTERN. Thanks to everyone, retailers and readers, for an amazing 2009 and here’s to an even better 2010!”

Sounds good to me. And did you think we’d let this blog post conclude without a picture of the rings? Of course not. Enjoy:

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45 by Brian Bolland.

BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #3 by Francis Manapul.

GREEN LANTERN #51 by Greg Horn.