Wednesday, July 1, 2015

SUPERMAN, BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN—OH, MY!

The Justice League: Gods and Monsters mini-series I've co-written with animation legend Bruce Timm launches today.  This is actually DC's first daily digital comic book—bringing you a new chapter every day through July 18—and it's been a genuine pleasure working with Bruce T on this prequel series, deepening the wonderful characters, and mythology, he created for the upcoming Gods and Monsters animated movie (which has a screenplay by the great Alan Burnett).

Our series is really four series in one, because you'll get a three-issue origin of the Justice League (illustrated by Thony Silas), plus individual solo adventures of Superman (art by Moritat), Batman (art by Matthew Dow Smith) and Wonder Woman (art by Rick Leonardi and Dan Green).  But be forewarned:  These aren't the characters you know.  Superman is the son of Zod, Wonder Woman is from New Genesis and Batman is a science-based vampire.  It's a brand new universe with brand new versions of these iconic characters.

You can read more about the mini-series here or just hop on over to your favorite digital comics site and pick up the first chapter.  (And, yes, the series will be available in print, too.)

It's been a pleasure working on Justice League:  Gods and Monsters and I hope that translates to what's on the page.  I also hope there are further opportunities to explore these fascinating characters and their world.  The potential for new stories is limitless.


21 comments:

  1. Very good first issue! This Batman is ... really new and weird and no fun at all, but in a good way. The mystery around him, his life who seems to be very difficult, all of the story and caracter is very well balanced and really interresting. And we will have a new comic every day ! This is Christmas already ?? :D

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Frey. This Batman chapter is, I think, the most tragic story in the series. It's a dark and difficult life for Kirk Angstrom. The fun of the series is that every story has a very different feeling, so they're not all as dark as this one. Hope you like 'em all!

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    2. I always considered that Batman got the most tragic story of them all ! So, this makes sense here too.

      I can't wait to see the differences between the trinity, and what, this time, will make them allies.

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    3. Be sure to let me know what you think, Frey. And thanks!

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    4. Just finish the Batman story. I must admit, the anime short on this character not thrilled me much, too much violence for so few reasons. But now that I know his story and motives, it makes all sense. The first issue was not a lie, it's a dark and sad story, but the characters are really great. I particularly like this "new" Joe Chill and what he becomes. It put a good balance between the "good" and evil of this new bat-universe. It puts some colors and goods reasons to follow this Batman in his quest.
      Thank you for that !

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    5. You're welcome, Frey. Very glad you enjoyed it.

      The shorts are, from what I've seen of the scripts, exciting little action pieces. They don't delve into character too much. Our series is all about character and psychology and emotion. This Batman is a fascinating, and truly tragic, figure. And, yeah, I think Joe Chill was a very strong antagonist. Glad you feel the same way.

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    6. I must talk about Superman. That story just broke my heart at some point. Always had a weak point with family issues... I am so glad for this story. Again, I understand the motives of the character much better now.

      And yes, the feeling is so different with Batman. But I like this Superman, more than I could imagine. His conditions, his life, his sister... Very good choice to make her the narrator. I think she is responsible for us loving and understanding him so well. Superman always must have a light inside him, it's well hidden with this version, but it's here. And I can't wait to see more of it.

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    7. One of the most important things for me when I write is finding the narrative voice and finding Valentina's voice really made the story for me. So glad you enjoyed, and appreciated, that. I found an interesting narrative hook for the JL origin, too.

      Yes, this Superman is a fascinating character and he does indeed have a light inside him. But lots of demons, too. It will be interesting to see how he evolves. I hope I get a chance to tell more stories.

      Thanks for the kind words!

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    8. I read Wonder Woman and I like it too. I Love this idea for this character to learn our world by living slowly in it. A world that she can understand before going deep into the action and make crucial decisions. And, even with her new name and origins, she is really Wonder Woman. A strong woman who loves and want to protect others. It all makes sense and it was a very good book, and refreshing too. The guys took all the grim and let her shine in plain sight.

      And now, it's time for the Justice League !

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    9. Oh, and I confirm for the narrative hook for the JL origin. Just started to read it and the narration is just perfect !!

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    10. So glad you enjoyed it, Frey. I wanted each solo story to have a different flavor. Batman was the darkest, Superman was caught between dark and light and Wonder Woman was the lightest of all.

      Hope you enjoy the JL origin, too!

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    11. It was a challenge finding that voice, Frey, but once I tumbled onto Lois as the narrator, she led me through the whole story.

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    12. And she did a great job ! ;)
      I already read the six first issue. Happy to see you used some parts of the characters' origins. Like Dr. Psycho. Oh, and seeing the Forever People like this was quite interesting too, and very surprising at first. I had a good feeling about it !

      Finally, the relations between the trinity is in construction here but seems well balanced and natural. I already love this new universe, thanks to you ! :)

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    13. And thanks to Bruce Timm for creating it!

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    14. I don't know where to write this, so I do it here, sorry about that !
      But I just read Justice League 3001 #2... And I have only one thing to say... I want MORE Fun F.A.Q. !! Even if "Harvey" doesn't want it, ahah. I can't stop laughing... xD

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    15. Glad you enjoyed it, Frey. We had a blast with the FAQ pages!

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  2. Will they be printing it as well? Sensation Comics is one of my favorite books on the market. Sorry, I don't do digital.

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  3. Yes, there will be print editions as well, Douglas—so no worries there! Not sure of the exact release dates, so check DC's site. Thanks!

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  4. Then I am in. I have heard good things about this series.

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