dc comics

DC Comics receives 14 Eisner nominations, the most of any publisher

Thu, 04/07/2011 - 6:38pm | DCE Editorial

The Eisner Awards announced their 2011 nominees today. DC Comics received the most nominations of any publisher, with fourteen nominations (and three shared nominations).

Without further ado, here are the DC Comics and Vertigo nominees:

BEST NEW SERIES:
American Vampire, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo/DC)
iZombie, by Chris Roberson and Mike Allred (Vertigo/DC)
Superboy, by Jeff Lemire and Pier Gallo (DC)

BEST LIMITED SERIES:
Daytripper, by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá (Vertigo/DC)
Joe the Barbarian, by Grant Morrison and Sean Murphy (Vertigo/DC)
Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love, by Chris Roberson and Shawn McManus (Vertigo/DC)

BEST CONTINUING SERIES:
Scalped, by Jason Aaron and R. M. Guéra (Vertigo/DC)

BEST SINGLE ISSUE (or one-shot):
Fables #100, by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and others (Vertigo/DC)
Unknown Soldier #21: “A Gun in Africa,” by Joshua Dysart and Rick Veitch (Vertigo/DC)

BEST SHORT STORY:
“Batman, in Trick for the Scarecrow,” by Billy Tucci, in DCU Halloween Special 2010 (DC)

BEST PUBLICATION FOR KIDS:
Tiny Titans, by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC)

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM REPRINT:
Wednesday Comics, edited by Mark Chiarello (DC)

BEST WRITER/ARTIST:
Joe Kubert, Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965 (Joe Kubert Library/DC)

BEST COVER ARTIST:
Dave Johnson, Unknown Soldier (Vertigo/DC);
Yuko Shimizu, The Unwritten (Vertigo/DC)

BEST COLORING:
Dave Stewart, Detective Comics (DC); Neil Young’s Greendale, Daytripper, Joe the Barbarian (Vertigo/DC)

BEST LETTERING:
Todd Klein, Fables, The Unwritten, and others (Vertigo/DC); Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom (WildStorm/DC)

Congratulations to all the nominees. For a full list click here. The winners will be announced this July in a ceremony at the San Diego Comic-Con International, the largest and oldest comic convention in the United States.

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dc comics, eisner awards, vertigo

DC COMICS AND COMIXOLOGY UNVEIL THE DIGITAL STOREFRONT AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 9:01am | David Hyde

DC Comics and comiXology Unveil the Digital Storefront Affiliate Program
Along With Comic Book Publishers Image, BOOM! Studios,
Dynamite Entertainment and many more

The Program Includes the Option to Sign up for the DC Comics Exclusive Stand Alone Store

New York, NY [03/17/11] - From Metropolis to Gotham City, retailers everywhere will be able to sell digital comics from DC Comics through comiXology's recently announced Digital Storefront Affiliate program, an initiative focused on empowering merchants to thrive in the digital marketplace. In addition, Image Comics (including Shadowline and Top Cow), BOOM! Studios, and Dynamite Entertainment have joined the program to have their content sold digitally through retailer Web sites with a comiXology-powered store and reader. Additionally, as announced at Comics Pro, retailers can sign up for a DC exclusive stand alone store.

"Publishers have quickly recognized that the Digital Storefront Affiliate Program is a win-win situation for both themselves and the retailers to sell more comics," said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "Having DC, Image, BOOM!, Dynamite and all the other publishers on board shows their continued commitment to the vibrant retailer community and ability to continually innovate."

Publishers who are participating in the program will gain additional distribution channels on the Web while also strengthening their bonds with comic stores. Retailers will also benefit from the program by having the ability to sell the participating publishers digital comics directly through their Web sites without adding any additional inventory to the stores.

"We are pleased once again to work with comiXology on a truly significant program to create new opportunities for publishers to distribute their work and grow the market," said Hank Kanalz, SVP Digital, DC Entertainment. "The Digital Storefront Affiliate Program enables all comic book publishers to strengthen their relationships with retailers and put them in a better position to flourish."

To request more information about the Digital Storefront Affiliate program, retailers can visit http://retailers.comixology.com/digital_form/

Additional participating publishers include:

AFirst Salvo
A Wave BlueWorld
AdHouse
Alterna
Antarctic Press
Arcana Comics
Asylum Press
Bluewater
BOOM! Studios
Com.x
DC Comics
Devil's Due
Digital Webbing
Dynamite Entertainment
EigoMANGA
Evil Twin Comics
Keenspot
Kickstart
Image Comics (including imprints)
Markosia
Moonstone
Red 5
SLG
Th3rd WorldStudios
Viper Comics

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 7,100 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.
http://www.comixology.com/

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comixology, dc comics

Neil Gaiman and Jim Lee's Collaboration, 100 Words, Now Available Digitally

Wed, 03/02/2011 - 9:00am | DCE Editorial

New York Times bestselling novelist Neil Gaiman and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee’s illustrated poem “100 Words” is available today for the first time digitally. This seven page poem can be purchased for .99 cents through the DC app and DCcomics.com storefront. All of DC Comics’ proceeds benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

“From The Sandman and Black Orchid to Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?, Neil Gaiman has provided some of the most memorable stories of the comic book industry,” said Jim Lee. “This was a unique opportunity for the two of us to collaborate together and I’m thrilled that the story is now available for even more fans in this format.”

This project was originally published as part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund 2010 annual comic book and was, until now, only available as a limited edition print on neverwear.net.

“The project began when I was asked to write a hundred word poem about death. And I did. I tried to make it honest and, given the word limit, simple and true,” said Neil Gaiman.

“Jim Lee took my poem and illustrated it, in a beautiful pencil style, turned it into a comic, as a limited edition print that was published by Neverwear for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and it made people happy. It made me especially happy, as I've been a fan of Jim's since Chris Claremont showed me some advanced pages by a talented newcomer, somewhere back in the dawn of time, and we've been trying (and failing) to work together ever since.

Most people haven't seen “100 Words.” I love that there's now an opportunity for everybody to see what Jim and I did, all up close and digital. And I'm thrilled that DC Comics is publishing it for such a good cause.”

Tags:

100 words, comic book legal defense fund, dc comics, jim lee, neil gaiman

Mark Chiarello Named VP Art Direction & Design – DC Comics

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 2:00pm | David Hyde

Mark Chiarello Named VP Art Direction & Design – DC Comics

(December 2nd, 2010) Mark Chiarello has been named VP Art Direction & Design for DC Comics, it was announced today by DC Comics Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. This newly-created position will oversee the operations of DC’s Editorial Art Department and lead in establishing the style, visual look and graphic design across all of DC’s imprints. He will be located in New York and report directly to the Co-Publishers.

“Mark is the kind of artist, editor and collaborator who is invaluable in not only his knowledge of the craft but his ability to inspire and pull out the very best work from the creators with whom he works,” said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher. “He's a true artist's artist.”

“Mark Chiarello is one of the most respected figures in the comic book industry,” said Dan DiDio. “From NEW FRONTIER to SOLO to WEDNESDAY COMICS, he’s spearheaded projects that helped elevate our expectations for what the art form can accomplish.”

Mark Chiarello joined DC Comics in 1993 as the comic industry’s first Color Editor. He soon became the Editorial Art Director at DC, where he originated and oversaw titles such as BATMAN: HUSH with Jim Lee & Jeph Loeb, BATMAN BLACK & WHITE, SOLO, WEDNESDAY COMICS, THE NEW FRONTIER by Darwyn Cooke, and COVER RUN: THE ART OF ADAM HUGHES. He is a recipient of the comic book industry’s Eisner, Harvey and Reuben Awards.

As a freelance illustrator, Mark has done work for LucasFilm, Disney and Universal, among others.

Mark is the co-author of the baseball book “Heroes of the Negro Leagues,” published in 2007 by Abrams.

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dc comics, mark chiarello

Manufacturing & Operations Department Staff Announcement

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 12:00pm | David Hyde

Alison Gill Named SVP, Manufacturing & Operations – DC Comics
Nick Napolitano Named VP, Manufacturing Administration – DC Comics
Jeff Boison Named VP, Publishing Operations – DC Comics

(December 2nd, 2010) Three executive promotions in the Manufacturing & Operations departments were made today by DC Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. Alison Gill was named SVP, Manufacturing & Operations, while Nick Napolitano and Jeff Boison were promoted to VP, Manufacturing Administration and VP, Publishing Operations, respectively. Gill will report directly to the Co-Publishers and both Napolitano and Boison will report into Gill.

“These three have played pivotal roles behind-the-scenes at DC,” said Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. “The team in Manufacturing and Operations are essential in producing our books and making sure that a finished, high-quality product makes it to market. Alison, Nick and Jeff will further strengthen these processes and create several new ones in their elevated roles.”

In her new role, Alison Gill will support the transition of workflows between East and West coasts; will work with other WB divisions to make DC’s material more accessible and oversee the preservation of its film archives. Environmental concerns have always been important to her, and in 2008 she oversaw DC’s move towards using SFI-certified paper stocks, something she considers one of her most significant achievements. Alison Gill first joined DC Comics in 1999 as Executive Director of Production. Previous to DC, Gill worked in various capacities at Marvel Comics’ UK and New York offices.

“Alison’s been critical in not only finding the most efficient manufacturing methods for DC Comics, but also the ones that make the least impact on our environment,” said DiDio, “We take great pride in Alison’s efforts to ensure that we are always exploring the most eco-friendly publishing options in the industry.”

Nick Napolitano returned to DC Comics in 1999 as a Pre Press artist. Napolitano has also worked as a comic artist, including on “Legion of Super Heroes” and “Crisis on Infinite Earths” for DC and has done prolific work as a letterer. In his new role, Nick will continue to oversee the Production and Lettering departments as well as head up DC’s newly-created Tech Ops department. Tech Ops’ main role will be to assist in creating synergy between DC Entertainment’s bi-coastal production workflows.

“I’m eager to work with Nick to develop new ideas for our digital workflows,” said Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics, “Nick’s played so many roles in so many different departments over the years – he’ll bring the sort of broad, valuable experience that few others in the industry can provide.”

Jeff Boison has been DC’s Executive Director of Publishing Operations since 2009. Prior to joining DC, Boison worked for Random House for 11 years, most recently as Director of Sales. In his new role, Boison will be responsible for overseeing green light process on project approvals, managing long and short-term scheduling concerns, creating a balanced product mix and supervising the supply chain management and logistics department.

“Jeff has played a humongous role in maximizing our ability to get our hottest books into readers’ hands,” said DiDio. “Bringing in his long track record from the book publishing world, Jeff has been able to fast-track sellout books like the Superman: Earth One to make sure they stay in-print and return quickly to store shelves.”

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dc comics

Bob Wayne Named SVP, Sales DC Comics

Tue, 10/12/2010 - 4:00pm | David Hyde

(October 18, 2010) Bob Wayne has been named Senior Vice President, Sales of DC Comics, it was announced at New York ComicCon by John Rood, EVP Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, DC Entertainment. Wayne will continue to oversee sales distribution for DC Comics in the direct market and bookstores, and in his new role will and will now oversee digital sales and all international distribution. He will be based in New York and report directly to John Rood.

“Bob Wayne's dedication to the direct market is boundless and he's been an instrumental, guiding force in DC Comics' growth in traditional bookstores,” said Rood. “Bob has a stellar reputation with our partners in the retail community and I look forward to watching his—and the company's-- expanded influence internationally on all platforms.”

Bob Wayne joined DC Comics as Retail Promotions Manager in 1987. He was promoted to Vice President, Direct Sales in 1998. He was honored with an Inkpot Award in 2009 at Comic-Con International: San Diego.

Prior to joining DC, Wayne operated a chain of comics and science fiction stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

He is the co-author of the DC comic book series Time Masters.

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bob wayne, dan didio, dc comics, dc entertainment, jim lee, john rood

Hank Kanalz Named SVP, Digital – DC Entertainment

Sun, 10/10/2010 - 4:16pm | David Hyde

(October 10, 2010) Hank Kanalz has been named Senior Vice President, Digital of DC Entertainment, it was announced today at New York ComicCon by Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher and John Rood, DC Entertainment EVP of Sales & Marketing. In this newly created position, Kanalz will develop and oversee the execution of the annual digital publishing schedule, coordinating all digital comic content across DC Universe, Vertigo, and MAD. He will also oversee digital special projects and business development such as custom publishing and e-commerce.” Kanalz will be based in Burbank and report to Lee and Rood, and will work closely with the Warner Bros. Digital Distribution group, which supports the Company’s digital initiatives.

“Hank has been integral to the launch of our digital comics initiative, and was an essential part of WildStorm for the past six years,” said Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. “I’m eager to have him working alongside me to blaze new trails in digital publishing and bring our comics to more readers beyond print.”

Previous to his new role, Hank Kanalz served as Vice President and General Manager of WildStorm, where he oversaw day-to-day operations including editorial, production, coloring and administration, as well as edited several comic titles, including World of Warcraft and Fringe. Kanalz was a key figure in building WildStorm’s strong crossmedia relationships, which led to adaptations of popular film, television and gaming properties to the comics medium.

Before coming to DC Comics in 2004, Kanalz was Director of Worldwide Theme Parks for Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where he oversaw the company's relationship with theme park licensees such as Six Flags and Universal Studios, as well as other destination entertainment businesses. He was a key liaison between DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products for several years.

Kanalz has also written comic books, including The Flash and Green Lantern for DC.

Tags:

dan didio, dc comics, dc entertainment, hank kanalz, jim lee, john rood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DC COMICS DROPS prices on $3.99 titles; MOVES TO $2.99 price point for ongoing COMIC BOOK series

Thu, 10/07/2010 - 3:05pm | David Hyde

New York, October 7, 2010– Beginning January 2011, DC Comics will implement a line-wide pricing adjustment, lowering the prices of all standard length 32-page ongoing comic book titles currently priced at $3.99 to $2.99, it was announced today by DC Comics Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio.

“Today’s announcement re-affirms DC Comics’ commitment to both our core fans and to comic book store retailers,” said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher. “For the long term health of the industry, we are willing to take a financial risk so that readers who love our medium do not abandon the art form.”

“As Co-Publishers, we listened to our fans and to our partners in the retail community who told us that a $3.99 price point for 32 pages was too expensive. Fans were becoming increasingly reluctant to sample new titles and long term fans were beginning to abandon titles and characters that they’d collected for years.” said Dan DiDio, DC Comics Co-Publisher. “We needed a progressive pricing strategy that supports our existing business model and, more importantly, allows this creative industry to thrive for years to come. With the exceptions of oversized comic books, like annuals and specials, we are committed to a $2.99 price point.”

When taking into account mini-series, annuals and specials, more than 80% of DC’s comic books will be priced at $2.99.

As of January, the following titles standard length ongoing titles, previously priced at $3.99 for 32 pages/22 story pages, will be priced at $2.99 with 32 pages/20 story pages:

American Vampire;
Batman: The Dark Knight;
Batman Incorporated;
Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors;
JSA All-Stars.

As of January, the following licensed titles, previously priced at $3.99, will be priced at $2.99:

Gears of War;
God of War;
Kane & Lynch;
Ratchet & Clank.

As of January, the following ongoing titles previously priced at $3.99 for 40 pages/30 story pages including co-features, will no longer include co-features and will be priced at $2.99 for 32 pages/ 20 story pages:

Action Comics;
Adventure Comics;
Batman: Streets of Gotham;
Detective Comics;
Doc Savage;
Justice League of America;
Legion of Super-Heroes;
The Spirit.

In January, five books are $3.99 for 40 pages/30 story pages:

Batman: Europa # 1
First Wave # 6
DCU: Legacies # 9
Weird Worlds # 1
World of Warcraft: Curse of the Worgen

The following oversized anniversary issue will be $4.99 for 48 pages/38 story pages:

Hellblazer # 275

“Fans of our co-features should stay tuned. Some of these characters will find a new platform,” said Dan DiDio. “Going forward, mini-series and special events may feature a different price point and page count to best allow writers and artists the flexibility of format and story pages they need to tell their stories best.”

Tags:

dan didio, dc comics, dc universe, jim lee, vertigo

ROBERT HARRAS NAMED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VP DC COMICS

Mon, 09/27/2010 - 3:16pm | David Hyde

New York, NY, September 27—Robert Harras has been named Editor-in-Chief, VP, DC Comics, it was announced today by DC Comics Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. Harras will oversee editorial for DC Comics, DC Universe, MAD Magazine and Vertigo and will be based in New York City, reporting directly to the Co-Publishers. Harras becomes the company's first Editor-in-Chief in nearly 10 years since the position was held by Jenette Kahn from 1981 to 2002.

“Bob Harras' personal and creative integrity is respected and renowned throughout the comic book industry,” said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher. “As an editor, he provides invaluable insight into storytelling and character.”

“We could not be more excited to make this announcement,” said Dan DiDio, DC Comics Co-Publisher. “Bob is a tremendous evaluator of talent, character and story. He is a proven leader who brings a keen understanding of the marketplace to the position.”

Prior to being named Editor-in-Chief, Harras was the Group Editor, Collected Editions at DC Comics.

Before joining DC Comics, Harras was the Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000.

Tags:

dc comics, mad magazine, vertigo

A message from Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, DC Comics Co-Publishers

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 1:14pm | David Hyde

The changes happening behind the scenes this week are part of a greater campaign to reshape DC Comics and build a company for the future. Our responsibility as Co-Publishers is to find a balance between short term opportunities and long term vision; between our strengths in traditional print formats and the infinite potential beyond print; between our characters’ rich legacies in the past and the bright promise for the future they hold.

As we’ve said before, there’s much to celebrate about DC. The foundation for long-term success is already here.

The DC Universe features the modern adventures of the World’s Greatest Superheroes, as envisioned by an exciting mix of new and fan favorite comic book creators. Vertigo is committed to publishing cutting edge, creator owned comic books and graphic novels by a wide array of creative voices.

One of our first decisions of the Co-Publishers was to up the publication of MAD Magazine from a quarterly periodical to a bimonthly one. In the wake of that decision, the magazine has seen increased sell-through growth. And we’re thrilled that MAD's brand of madcap humor now stretches across media, with a highly-rated television show on Cartoon Network. The Usual Gangs of Idiots are an important part of this company and pop culture.

As we move forward, we also have to acknowledge the need for change.

After taking the comics scene by storm nearly 20 years ago, the WildStorm Universe titles will end this December. In this soft marketplace, these characters need a break to regroup and redefine what made them once unique and cutting edge. While these will be the final issues published under the WildStorm imprint, it will not be the last we will see of many of these heroes. We, along with Geoff Johns, have a lot of exciting plans for these amazing characters, so stay tuned. Going forward, WildStorm's licensed titles and kids comics will now be published under the DC banner.

After this week, we will cease to publish new material under the ZUDA banner. The material that was to have been published as part of ZUDA this year will now be published under the DC banner. The official closing of ZUDA ends one chapter of DC’s digital history, but we will continue to find new ways to innovate with digital, incorporating much of the experience and knowledge that ZUDA brought into DC.

We’ll be further expanding our digital initiative and making a lot more news in this space. As part of that transformation, the WildStorm editorial team will undergo a restructuring and be folded into the overall DC Comics Digital team, based in Burbank, which will be led by Jim Lee and John Rood. With nearly two million free downloads and hundreds of thousands of paid downloads, our digital foray is already reaching a new audience worldwide. We could not be more excited by the successful launch of our Digital Publishing products in June, which exceeded all sales forecasts and will be building on our early success with new applications for DC material on all major formats and hardware, partnering with Warner Bros Digital Distribution. It has extremely been rewarding to hear anecdotal stories of lapsed readers returning to the art form and of brick and mortar stores gaining new customers who sampled digital comics.

We remain, as ever, dedicated to working with the greatest creators this industry has to offer, while inspiring generations of creators and readers to embrace this medium that we all love.

Jim Lee and Dan DiDio
DC Comics Co-Publishers

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dan didio, dc comics, dc entertainment, jim lee