Writer Paul Dini and artist Dustin Nguyen continue to tell tales stories from Batman’s city in the latest issue of BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM. And with Batman’s recent “Bruce Wayne” issues somewhat contained, Gotham’s new Dark Knight must now deal with someone far more frightening — the frightening psycopath Victor Zsasz.

Meanwhile, in writer Marc Andreyko and artist Jeremy Haun’s MANHUNTER co-feature, Kate faces off with Jane Doe, as she tries to determine why the villain offed the last DA. Will Jane flip on her boss the Black Mask? We’re not telling. But the pages below might have some clues for you.

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #4 hits 9/16.

Happy Friday, Source crew. Are these Frazer Irving covers cool or what? Well, there are two more to show, and we’ve got one right here. Enjoy the cover to December’s ARKHAM REBORN #3, from writer David Hine, artist Jeremy Haun and the aforementioned Irving, as they team up to tell the tale of Jeremiah Arkham’s mad quest to rebuild the asylum that bears his name.

We promised you more Bat-news on Monday, so here we go. And, yes, it does have something to do with the lovely Frazer Irving cover you see above.

ARKHAM REBORN #1 (of 3), written by David Hine with interior art by Jeremy Haun, picks up after the events of BATTLE FOR THE COWL. After the Black Mask’s destruction of Arkham Asylum, Dr. Jeremiah Arkham has rebuilt the Asylum following the design of his mad uncle Amadeus. Intended as a model for enlightened treatment of mental illness, the building soon mutates into a torture house, and the inmates find themselves trapped in a living hell. And when Jeremiah starts hearing a voice from beyond the grave, it becomes painfully clear that you can’t really get rid of the crazy when it comes to Arkham Asylum.

This new mini, which reunites the creative team behind BATTLE FOR THE COWL: ARKHAM ASYLUM, hits 10/28.

Writer Peter Tomasi and artists Fernando Pasarin and Jeremy Haun continue delving into “The Deep,” as the fifth part of their story finds the Outsiders captured with the remaining members on the run. And as things reach a boiling point for Alfred’s band of heroes, Deathstroke discovers he may have a way to increase his already-amazing powers. Check out some pages below.

THE OUTSIDERS #19 hits 6/17.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Computer’s on, the day begins… 45 emails overnight, argh. Start with the easy ones first. No, wait—Executive Editor Dan DiDio is pulling the Bat Group down into his office for an urgent meeting. Topic: BATGIRL.

Just emerged from Dan’s office. Decided the fate of several characters. As usual, we created more questions then we set out to answer, but hey—that’s the fun part of the job. I’m surprised we ended up where we did, but WOW. Can’t wait to actually start on the title.

Back to the emails… confirmation that BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2 made it safely to the printer. Phew. That’s a relief. We just made it in time. Tony Daniel drew twelve pages in five days! Issue looks great…  Jeremy Haun completed his final page of BATTLE FOR THE COWL: ARKHAM ASYLUM—and he saved the best page for last—readers will think of the LOST map when they see this page…  Heard from that New York Times best-selling fantasy author I’ve been speaking to. She wanted to check in on the artwork of the hardcover we’re doing… Oh yeah—also received new artwork from Frank Quitely on BATMAN & ROBIN #2. Truly amazing artwork.

Got through emails… on to the phone calls. Andy Kubert to run over DETECTIVE #853 balloon placements. Pete Tomasi to talk about the OUTSIDERS roster issues. Tony Daniel to discuss plot notes on BFTC #3 and his AMAZING cover to BATMAN #688… DCU Publicity Manager Alex Segura and Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler stop in for meeting with IGN.com to discuss “the wall”… have Neil Gaiman’s lettering corrections come in yet? Must check with Janelle.

Have to push back color deadlines for SGT. ROCK #5 and ARKHAM ASYLUM… more BATGIRL discussions… have I eaten lunch yet?

Received RED ROBIN cover sketches from Francis Manapul—three great designs to choose from…should we have the camera looking down at the grave or up from inside it? Also received final colors on Freddie Williams RED ROBIN cover… talked to Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen about cover to STREETS OF GOTHAM #3—too risky to put Tommy Elliot on the cover?

Ate lunch, finally… Email from Grant Morrison, checking to make sure correct tombstone reference was used… plot discussions, more plot discussions, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, Misfit…

Just realized three phone calls will have to wait till tomorrow… Frazer Irving’s final colors on AZRAEL #2 just came in…breathtaking. Script in from Fabian Nicieza, script in from David Hine…do quick balloon placements on both and send down to lettering.

Wait—is the day over? Still so much to do… ah, tomorrow’s another day.