Interesting fact about Lt. Joe Higgins, a.k.a. the Shield: he does not consider himself a hero, let alone a super one. For Lt. Higgins, the experimental warsuit he wears saved his life and enables him to continue doing his duty. It’s his honor to serve his country and uphold its ideals, and even if the style of his uniform has changed, his commitment to it has never wavered. Higgins doesn’t think of himself as a hero, he thinks of himself as a solider of the United States Armed Forces, now and until the day he lays down his arms.

Today, Lt. Joe Higgins will complete his first mission, aided by former Marine Lance Corporal David Reid now known as Magog. For both of them, their commitment to upholding the virtues of their country is paramount, and their sense of duty remains strong, just like their real-life brothers and sisters in arms. So before heading off to your comics store, join all of us
here at DC in thanking the true heroes today for their service and sacrifice. To all members of the U.S. Military, past and present, we salute you.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes bit of fun for all you Sourcers out there. As one of the most fun editorial tasks yet, I’ve spent the past two days running up and down the hall getting pictures of some of our editors. They all seem to be pretty scared of…something… Can’t be Halloween-related at this point, right? So what’s going on here?

For instance, here’s Mike Carlin and Rachel Gluckstern, looking very unhappy about whatever’s going on over Mike’s desk:

Maybe it’s the same thing that’s about to hit Harvey Richards in the head:

Janelle Siegel is doing a pretty good job keeping it at bay:

While Mike Marts isn’t so lucky – it’s coming right at him!

Sean Ryan and Wil Moss are doing the smart thing and high-tailing it out of here:

Which – oh, man – gives it a clear shot at me. Look out, me!

Welp, looks like it passed me by, considering I’m still here typing. And I think I know where it went – straight for Eddie Berganza and Adam Schlagman:

That’s gonna be trouble. As soon as we can actually see what it is, that is….

Until next time – wish us luck!

Well, it’s Friday, and I’ve managed to finagle the day off. But fear not — we’ve got our regularly scheduled “From the Editors” post right here. This time, it’s Editor Rachel Gluckstern giving us more info on the upcoming THE SHIELD ongoing series. Take it away, Rachel:

With the Red Circle event now underway, I just have to share some art from the amazing team on the monthly Shield book. From Francis Manapul’s amazing cover to the dream art team of Marco Rudy and Mick Gray, everyone’s pulled out all the stops to live up to Eric Trautmann’s impressive first script.

The Shield #1 goes on sale 9/9, leading the way for the Red Circle monthlies and featuring Inferno by Brandon Jerwa and Greg Scott. But how can you resist such a perfect team of talent and characters? Look for the Shield #1 in September!

You may have noticed a trend here at The Source. Sometimes, it’s just better to go straight to the, well, source when we want to shine a light on a given title. Today, I popped by Editor Rachel Gluckstern’s office to get the lowdown on JSA VS. KOBRA, which will have its second issue on stands shortly. Take it away, Rachel (and Eric and Don!):

JSA vs. Kobra #1 hit the stands last month to high critical acclaim and enthusiasm. And it’s just getting started! Check out what Eric Trautmann and Don Kramer had to say about this series and why you should be picking it up. Eric?

“Because Don and Michael are doing amazing work. Like my work, hate my work, whatever: it’s going to be a damn pretty book.”

Eric’s way too modest. C’mon, guy, anything else?

“Plus, people vomit snakes. It’s for the kids, really.”

And Don had this to add:

“We have poured everything into this book and think everyone will definitely be surprised with how intense it is.  Plus, it’s allowed me to do some of my best work I’ve ever done for DC!”

That is the truth!

JSA vs. Kobra #2 is on sale July 15th. You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t get this one. It’s going to be big. Ask for it by name.”

One of the benefits of being a few short steps away from DC Editorial is the slew of great art that is passed around daily. One minute you’re in Mike Marts’ office marveling at Francis Manapul’s new RED ROBIN cover, the next you’re talking about symbolism in comics. One such event involves JSA VS KOBRA: ENGINES OF FAITH,by writer Eric Trautmann and artist Don Kramer, with covers by the one and only, Gene Ha. Sometimes the most interesting thing isn’t only the final product, but the discussions that went into creating it. So, here, thanks to JSA VS KOBRA editor Rachel Gluckstern, is a look at just that. Take it away, Rachel!:

See that stunning cover there? That’s the cover to JSA Vs. Kobra #2, by the incomparable Gene Ha. What should particularly jump out at you is the bloody snake graffiti threatening to overshadow our fearless heroes. That symbol isn’t just Gene drawing pretty, it’s something born out of inspiration and much discussion with writer Eric Trautmann.

Frankly, it was awesome to watch these two smart dudes bounce ideas off each other, delving equally into Eastern philosophy, DCU continuity and real world politics. These guys aren’t messing around, as you’re about to see.

Eric wanted something simple and low-tech that could be scrawled across the DCU as evidence Kobra was in the vicinity. It had to be something that fit his interpretation of the modern Kobra cult as something both religiously extreme and completely contemporary in its terror tactics, as well as convey its goals of ushering in a new age — the Kali Yuga — all in one simple design. A tall order, for sure, but fortunately, Gene was up to the task.

So a day later, here’s what Gene sent our way:

“A01- Not much spiritual symbolism beyond the cobra itself (species Naja naja, which is also the hindi binomial name). It is the one that best matches the old chibi Kobra symbol, without getting too close to the GI Joe Cobra symbol. If I do a tighter version of this, I’ll emphasize the scales in the ‘eye’ markings on the hood. In Hinduism, the king cobra is associated with both the current supreme god Shiva, and all snakes are associated with the male demon Kali of Kali Yuga.”

“A02- A few symbols are worked into here. The infinity symbol, upright and stacked with the top loop broken. DNA. Progress. It also hints at dualism, essentially Siamese twin king cobras. The lower right snake head bowing before the greater upper left cobra (Jeffrey submitting to Jason’s godhood).”

“A03- Infinity loop, with Kobra rising up beyond the shackles of reincarnation and achieving spiritual awareness.”

“A04- Kobra looped around the world, and also forming a subtle swastika.”

“A05- Kobra as part of the infinity loop.”

After we sat around stunned at this display of speedy, yet thoughtful, genius, Eric voted for #2 or #5. A quick consultation with Art Director Mark Chiarello (who knows a thing or two about great art, which you all know from the Wednesday Comics previews, right?) and a tweak to the fangs later, #5 was chosen as the “face” of the new Kobra. It can be sprayed on a wall, scribbled in a note, or emblazoned in blood. No joke. JSA vs. Kobra #2 has just that within its pages. We’re not putting anything on these covers that won’t be in the book.

Now think about THAT. And keep your eyes peeled for the next appearance of that snake sign. It means you’re in the presence of Kobra, and nothing’s safe anymore. Stay alert and keep reading…