Lots of fun stuff going on around the web, so let’s hop to it, shall we?

• The gang at MTV SPLASH PAGE have an interview with BATGIRL writer Bryan Q. Miller discussing the first few issues of the series, with preview pages from BATGIRL #4. Worth a read.

• IGN previews pages from GREEN LANTERN CORPS #42. Stay tuned for more on that issue and #43 later today right here on The Source.

• NEWSARAMA’s got their latest installment of 10 Questions Plus One Answer with our very own Dan DiDio, and Dan gives some interesting teases about what’s in store for some key characters in 2010.

• And, in case you missed it, culture and entertainment site POP MATTERS has a lengthy and engaging essay on writer Grant Morrison’s run on BATMAN AND ROBIN. Perfect lunch break reading material.

Happy Friday, Source gang. It’s been a long week, so why not take a few minutes from your busy day and unwind with a few interesting interviews and reviews?

• NEWSARAMA’s Chris Arrant talks shop with DETECTIVE COMICS writer Greg Rucka about all things Batwoman in this all-encompassing and insightful read.

• IGN’s Dan Phillips talks up JMS and artist Jesus Saiz’s second issue of THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, noting that “JMS and Saiz have crafted two timeless, poignant, entertaining and very moving adventure stories that make profound statements on DC heroes of both the iconic and obscure varieties. This is the type of superhero series I always yearned for but never thought enough of to demand.”

• AIN’T IT COOL NEWS reviews the latest issue of writer Chris Yost and artist Ramon Bachs’ RED ROBIN series.

• And last, but certainly not least, CBR’s Doug Zawisza talks up the final issue of the BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN mini-series, calling artist Eddy Barrows’ art “ raw and gritty, perfect for the battle between reanimated corpses and our heroes.”

• Over the weekend, the 2009 Harvey Award winners were announced at the Baltimore Comic-Con. Congrats to all the winners, with a special pat on the back for Grant Morrison, who won for Best Writer for his work on ALL STAR SUPERMAN, which also won as Best Continuing or Limited Series.

• The team at IGN continues their BLACKEST NIGHT coverage, with a preview of the final issue of BLACKEST NIGHT: BATMAN.

• Speaking of BLACKEST NIGHT, NEWSARAMA’s Vaneta Rogers sits down to chat with BLACKEST NIGHT artist Ivan Reis about his work on the series.

• And, in case you missed it over the weekend, at the DC NATION panel in Baltimore it was announced that Matthew Sturges will be stepping in as the new regular writer on THE WEB, replacing Angela Robinson after a one-issue cameo by Marc Guggenheim. Check back Friday for more on the new team.

But that’s not all the news we have percolating in Baltimore, folks. Check back here around 9pm EST tonight for some major news that’ll make coming to work tomorrow that much easier.

The first issue of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank’s modern re-telling of Superman’s origin hit stores last week, and reception couldn’t be stronger. Gawker’s pop culture and sci-fi blog, IO9, had some kind words for the first issue of SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN, noting that “you might just find yourself wanting to believe a man could fly after all.”

Meanwhile, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES’ Doug Zawisza points out that “Johns and Frank are setting out to give us the absolute version of Superman’s origin. Once and for all.”

THE ONION AV CLUB has some nice things to say about the creative team, noting that “Johns has a gift for windswept, heartfelt Smallville stories, and his script is served well by Frank’s tendency to make characters look simultaneously heroic and neurotic.”

And last, but certainly not least, IGN notes that “Once again, Johns does a tremendous job of tinkering with a property in a way that simultaneously injects new life into it and reminds readers why they fell in love in the first place. Gary Frank’s artwork is as gorgeous and iconic as ever, and comes as further proof that he was born to draw Superman and his world.”

It’s Wednesday. We know that means new comics. More specifically, it means a new issue of WEDNESDAY COMICS. Check out the latest SUPERMAN strip installment over at USA TODAY before you head to the shop.

• Over at AIN’T IT COOL NEWS, “Ambush Bug” talks to BLACKEST NIGHT writer Geoff Johns about his plans for the summer event and beyond. A snippet:

BUG: I know BLACKEST NIGHT is just beginning, but do you have things planned out for what’s next?

GJ: I can’t say much, but I will be on GREEN LANTERN for a long time. I have no plans to leave the book. Next year, GREEN LANTERN is going to be my main focus for the entire year. I’m launching a FLASH monthly book soon and there’s going to be a KID FLASH monthly book by Sterling Gates. Those two books are going to work in unison and explore the Flash in very much the same way GREEN LANTERN and GREEN LANTERN CORPS are tied together right now. They’ll be their own separate books, but then they’ll come together. The idea, some of it comes from BLACKEST NIGHT and REBIRTH, but the idea is to explore what it means to be the Flash, what the Speed Force is, and all that and take it to a different level.

• And, speaking of Geoff, in case you missed it, IGN had a lengthy two-part interview with the writer to discuss the recently-unveiled cover to BLACKEST NIGHT #5, featuring Nekron.

• Over at NEWSARAMA, they’ve got a first look at THE RED CIRCLE: THE WEB.

• Also, the team at iFanboy continue to roll out content from San Diego. Worth a listen.

• THE NEW YORK TIMES talks to Chip Kidd about his work and love of comics, including a snazzy slideshow of his DC work.

It’s almost the weekend, so let’s give you a few things to read to make the work day go by a tad faster, shall we?

• THE NEW YORK TIMES has unveiled it’s latest Graphic Novel Best Seller list, and GREEN LANTERN: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS is sitting pretty atop the chart. Other notables: FINAL CRISIS, THE KILLING JOKE, BATMAN R.I.P., JOKER and ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER.

• USA TODAY has the second chapter of WEDNESDAY COMICS’ SUPERMAN strip. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s definitely worth the click.

• Neil Gaiman was on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” to chat up WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER.

• NEWSARAMA’s got the latest 20 Questions with Dan DiDio, covering a plethora of topics, including BLACKEST NIGHT, WEDNESDAY COMICS and some surprises.

• The BLACKEST NIGHT goodness continues, with IGN unveiling preview pages from BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #2, CBR reviewed the first issue of the series and MTV’s SPLASH PAGE blog gives the book some love.

Not too long ago, we told you about the nice job the team at IGN did with their BLACKEST NIGHT mini-site, which includes previews, reviews, interviews and tons of exclusive content relating to the blockbuster event, the first issue of which you should have in your hands by now. If not, we’ll wait while you run to the store and catch up with the rest of us.

Back? Ok. Well, over on our own site, we’ve created the ultimate BLACKEST NIGHT reading companion with a page dedicated to the series and all things Green Lantern. Whether it’s a list of essential trades you should seek out or a comprehensive list of the various Lantern Corps and which Green Lanterns have fallen in the line of duty, the site’s an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make their BLACKEST NIGHT reading all that much more enjoyable.

So, done with the first issue? Looking for more info and loads of stuff to keep you occupied until BLACKEST NIGHT #2? Between IGN’s hub, the extensive coverage the series is getting in the press and our own BLACKEST NIGHT presence, we’ve got you covered.

Check back here on The Source regularly for updates on any new additions to the site.

In a little under a week, the comic book industry will converge for San Diego Comic-Con, arguably the largest pop culture event of the year. And one comic book series will be the talk of the show: BLACKEST NIGHT, by New York Times-bestselling writer Geoff Johns and superstar artist Ivan Reis.

Five years in the making, this blockbuster summer event is equal parts chilling zombie horror show and gut-wrenching and gripping personal drama, involving the most famous comic book heroes ever known.

Johns and Reis team up to not only raise the dead in a frightening and surprising way, but to also bring new meaning and definition to the concept in comics, in a story that will both shock and engage you amidst a War of Light between the various Lantern Corps representing the entire emotional spectrum.

As the BLACKEST NIGHT spreads, the dead shall rise. Are you ready?

And, as if you’d need any more convincing, a few press hits have already landed, on this day of BLACKEST NIGHT. USA WEEKEND spoke to Johns today, as did THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS. If you head over to IGN, they’ve got a complete guide to the series, while NEWSARAMA outlines the 10 things you need to know about BLACKEST NIGHT. If that’s not enough, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES also talks to Johns aas part of their regular “Geoff Johns Prime” feature.

• The Miami Herald’s Richard Pachter has a few kind words for the FINAL CRISIS HC, calling the collection “provocative, thrilling and resonant.” And because it’s not a blog post without me shamelessly interjecting my life into it, it’s nice to see my old stompin’ grounds giving DCU books some love.

• Continuing their concerted BLACKEST NIGHT coverage, IGN unveiled a first-look at GREEN LANTERN #43, a prologue to BLACKEST NIGHT #1 spotlighting Black Hand. And, in case you missed it the first time, up above is a spread from #43 which has a few hints about BLACKEST NIGHT, to say the least.

• Over at THE BEAT, Heidi has the 2009 Harvey Award nominees. Winners will be announced at the Baltimore Comic-Con, which will be held October 10-11, 2009. The ceremony and banquet for the 2008 Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, October 10. Congrats to DC’s nominees, which include Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely for their work on ALL STAR SUPERMAN, Alex Ross for his cover work on JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA and Rob Leigh for his lettering on THE SPIRIT.

Two big things are hitting the wire today, so here we go:

Today marks the launch of IGN.com’s BLACKEST NIGHT mini-site, which will include previews, interviews, video features, sketches and more exclusive content. Check back on Monday, as IGN will unveil a first look at GREEN LANTERN #43, a BLACKEST NIGHT prologue, and early next month they’ll debut an exclusive video feature about the upcoming event, including interviews with series writer Geoff Johns. So, swing on over and bookmark the page, as it’ll be the hot spot for all things BLACKEST NIGHT.

The New York Tmes unveiled their weekly graphic novel bestseller list, and Grant Morrison, J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco and Doug Mahnke’s superhero epic FINAL CRISIS is atop it, in its first week of eligibility. Neat, huh?

Other notable titles making the list: BATMAN R.I.P., BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, JOKER and BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.