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ACTION COMICS VOL. 2 Debuts at #1 on THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Hardcover Graphic Books Best Seller List

On Friday, THE NEW YORK TIMES published their Graphic Books Best Sellers Lists and claiming the top spot on the Hardcover List was ACTION COMICS, VOL. 2: BULLETPROOF!

A demonic Superman, corrupted by corporate greed. A ferocious hunter who sees Metropolis’ champion as the greatest prize of all. An invader from beyond our world capable of crushing Superman with a simple thought. Krypton’s last son has never faced a collection of villains like this and defeating them will push him, and his powers, to their very limits.

In ACTION COMICS, VOL. 2: BULLETPROOF, legendary writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) and a talented roster of collaborators including Rags Morales (NIGHTWING), Brad Walker (GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS), Gene Ha (JUSTICE LEAGUE), Ben Oliver (BATWING), Sholly Fisch (BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD), Cully Hamner (BLUE BEETLE) and Max Landis, screenwriter of the hit film Chronicle, put a young and inexperienced Superman to the ultimate test as he faces off against his greatest challenges to date. This hardcover book collects ACTION COMICS #9-12 and #0 and ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #1.

Click here to read THE NEW YORK TIMES’ full list of Hardcover Graphic Books Bestsellers, which also includes the debut of THE JACK KIRBY OMNIBUS, VOL. 2,as well as 100 BULLETS: DELUXE EDITION, BOOK FOUR, BATMAN, VOL. 2: CITY OF OWLS and MARSHAL LAW: THE DELUXE EDITION. And click here to see THE NEW YORK TIMES‘ list of Paperback Graphic Books Bestsellers which includes BATMAN, VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS and DIAL H, VOL. 1: INTO YOU. Congratulations to all!

Preview Monday: THE MOVEMENT #1 and ACTION COMICS #20

Welcome back to another installment of Preview Monday! This week, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at THE MOVEMENT #1 and ACTION COMICS #20.

This week sees the launch of the eagerly anticipated and all-new ongoing monthly series THE MOVEMENT. Set in Coral City, THE MOVEMENT centers around a group of young people with extraordinary abilities, who take matters of justice into their own hands after the corrupt local police department is exposed. But how will the rest of the world react to these teens? And with so much power at their disposal, can they really be trusted to work towards a greater good? THE MOVEMENT #1 comes to you from writer Gail Simone (BATGIRL; SECRET SIX) and artist Freddie Williams II (CAPTAIN ATOM; GREEN ARROW).

Meanwhile, in ACTION COMICS #20, the Man of Steel must save the people in Suicide Slum, who have become infected with the alien virus that attacked Superman last month. Along with the help of Dr. Veritas, Kal-El  will need to get the answers to fight this new threat quickly – before it continues to mutate and grow into a completely unstoppable force and even when he does Lex Luthor is still on the loose! Plus, in the backup story, journey to the world of Krypton! From the creative team of Andy Diggle, Tony S. Daniel, and Matt Banning on the main story and Scott Lobdell and Frank Hannah writing with Philip Tan and Jonathan Glapion on art for the back-up, ACTION COMICS #20 lands in stores this Wednesday.

Preview Monday: ACTION COMICS #19 and FAIREST #14

Welcome back for another installment of Preview Monday! This week we’re giving you exclusive first looks at ACTION COMICS #19 and FAIREST #14.

A year ago, love was in the air for Lois Lane and Clark Kent while on assignment in the Middle East. But when an urgent message arrives for Clark, Lois is left alone at the bar. Now, find out what that message was, and witness the abrupt ending of what could have been the start of a relationship for the duo. Could Lex Luthor have something to do with all of this? Find out in ACTION COMICS #19, flying into stores this Wednesday, written by Andy Diggle and illustrated by Tony Daniel.

Meanwhile, in FAIREST, FABLES writer/creator Bill Willingham returns to the acclaimed spin-off series for a mesmerizing standalone story. In FAIREST #14, the gorgeous tree nymph, Princess Alder, tells her tales of dating woe to Reynard the Fox. But can Reynard help Alder find the man of her dreams? Featuring the art of comics superstar Barry Kitson, FAIREST #14 arrives in stores this Wednesday.

Preview Mondays: ACTION COMICS #9 and SWEET TOOTH #33

For this week’s installment of Preview Mondays, we’re giving you exclusive first looks at ACTION COMICS #9 and SWEET TOOTH #33.


With guest artist Gene Ha joining regular series writer Grant Morrison, ACTION COMICS #9 features a standalone tale of an alternate Superman on a parallel Earth. Returning to the comic book page with his debut in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, this Superman of Earth 23 is now confronted with a rift between worlds, and faced with a monstrous Superman surrogate from another Earth gone horribly wrong.
 
The issue also features a back-up story by writer Sholly Fisch and artist Cully Hamner, which showcases this alternate Superman and his adventures on Earth 23.


Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue, highlighting the heroic origin of this alternate Man of Tomorrow – whose secret identity is Earth 23’s United States President, Calvin Ellis.

And SWEET TOOTH #33 features the continuing adventures of the big man and the boy, as they traverse the apocalyptic wasteland. Written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire, this issue features a special landscape presentation, providing a storybook view of the austere environments and the bleak tale of survival. But the issue’s visual orientation isn’t all that makes it special; SWEET TOOTH #33 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sweet Tooth’s journey. And though he would never admit it, even Jeppard fears what’s still to come. Click here for an exclusive preview of the issue.

Holiday Gift Guide: for the Grant Morrison Fan

Looking for the perfect gift for the Grant Morrison fan on your list? Well, look no further. Here are a few of Morrison’s newest comic books that are guaranteed to delight.

ACTION COMICS issues #1-4

Newly launched as part of DC Comics-The New 52, ACTION COMICS, with art by Rags Morales and Rick Bryant, features Superman as the new guy in town, and the people of Metropolis are none to pleased with their new champion.

BATMAN INCORPORATED: LEVIATHAN STRIKES

Batman realizes to his dismay that he's been outwitted as the true identity of Leviathan continues to elude him, in this sensational, giant-sized one-shot spinning out of the critically acclaimed BATMAN INCORPORATED, with art by Chris Burnham and Cameron Stewart.

JOE THE BARBARIAN Deluxe Edition

“Gorgeous and haunting” – IGN

"Intelligent, honest and beautifully illustrated."- IO9

With art by Sean Murphy, JOE THE BARBARIAN is an emotional journey through one boy’s epic adventure that may be an insulin deprived delirium.


WE3 Deluxe Edition

“Writer Morrison and illustrator Quitely meld incisive dialogue with action visualized from a four legged point of view.” — WASHINGTON POST

“A smart and surprisingly touching high-tech fable.” —SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

With art by Frank Quitely, WE3 includes 10 new story pages and a 28 page bonus section featuring a wealth of character designs and sketches from Quitely, with commentary and script excerpts from Morrison.

DIDIO AND LEE ON THE FUTURE

2010 was a huge year for DC. Just take a look at all of our titles on NPR’s Monkey See blog’s and Entertainment Weekly’s Shelf Life blog’s “Best of 2010” lists: DC’s BATWOMAN: ELEGY, ABSOLUTE ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, WEDNESDAY COMICS, ACTION COMICS, and Vertigo’s REVOLVER, STUCK RUBBER BABY, and HOW TO UNDERSTAND ISRAEL IN 60 DAYS OR LESS.

Well, we’re not going to slow down. 2011 is going to be even bigger.

Co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan Didio recently spoke with Newsarama and Comic Book Resources about the many highlights of the past year and what we all can look forward to in the next.

Reading the lists and checking 'em twice

It’s the end of the year and, if you’re like me this year, that means there’s still some last minute shopping to be done. Need help seeking out the perfect gift for your comic book loving friends and family? Just check out the latest and greatest best of 2010 lists...

USA TODAY 's list of Essential 2010 Graphic Novels recommends some top notch DC books like WEDNESDAY COMICS, A GOD SOMEWHERE, BATGIRL: BATGIRL RISING, and THE UNWRITTEN. FRESH INK’s Best of 2010 list includes ABSOLUTE ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, BATWOMAN: ELEGY, SCALPED, and DAYTRIPPER. Finally, TECHLAND’s Ten Best Comic Books of 2010 and Best Graphic Novels of 2010 salute ACTION COMICS, DAYTRIPPER, BATMAN AND ROBIN and HOW TO UNDERSTAND ISRAEL IN 60 DAYS OR LESS.

Give the gift of comics this year.

DC Comics and Vertigo take home seven of IGN's Best of 2010 Awards

Seven, they say, is a magic number. And this morning, we can't disagree.

Because DC and Vertigo have put on an impressive showing, combining to win seven, yes seven of IGN's thirteen awards for the Best of 2010.

Here's the rundown...

Best New Series: Vertigo's AMERICAN VAMPIRE

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Best Art Team: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon & Dave Stewart (DAYTRIPPER)

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Best Series Revamp: ACTION COMICS

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Best Moment of the Year: BATMAN & ROBIN 13

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Best Story Arc: "Batman and Robin Must Die" from BATMAN AND ROBIN

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Best Series: BATMAN & ROBIN

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Best Writer: Grant Morrison.

Here's IGN on Grant's many accomplishments in 2010:

"The writer wrapped up his run on Batman and Robin in grand fashion. He brought Bruce Wayne back to the present where he belongs. He celebrated the legacy of Batman as a whole in Batman #700. And luckily, Morrison did find time to weave his own original stories with Joe the Barbarian. Any of these projects numbered among the most unique and memorable of the year. Taken together, it's clear Morrison is still at the top of his game."

Congratulations to everyone on IGN's list.

The cover to ACTION COMICS #894 will surprise you

Hey Everyone! There’s a big announcement on THE SOURCE blog today and I bet you’re wondering why I’m writing about it. Well, let’s just say, it has to do with a fan favorite character from SANDMAN, British writer Paul Cornell, best known for Doctor Who, and I think you’re really gonna like it.

My colleague Alex Segura says it best:

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There are some characters that connect so strongly with readers that they take on a life of their own, becoming more than just ink on a page. Like modern fables and folklore, comics create strange and exciting worlds and landscapes for readers to visit and experience, and they populate these worlds with characters so well-defined, it’s as if we’d known them forever.

Neil Gaiman’s SANDMAN is one such work. An epic, 75-issue opus that was both genre-bending and trend-setting during its original release and to this day, it, like WATCHMEN and a number of series, is what many point to when discussing comics as high art. It’s not a stretch to call it a masterpiece.

But why are we talking about SANDMAN on the DCU blog, you ask?

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For those unfamiliar with the character at the center of the cover – and shame on you if you don’t know who that is – that’s Death, sister to Dream of the Endless and one of the most enduring characters introduced during Gaiman’s 75-issue SANDMAN series. Beautifully presented by ACTION COMICS cover artist David Finch, the cover begs the question – what is Death doing in ACTION COMICS?

Though the worlds of the Sandman and the DC superheroes have bled into one another from time to time, ACTION COMICS #894 marks a unique moment for not only Death, but the star of ACTION – Lex Luthor. Luthor, as fans of the series know, is in the midst of a storyline that takes him on a winding and dangerous quest for power – a quest that will bring the megalomaniacal villain into close proximity with characters in and beyond the far reaches of the DC Universe.

We touched base with writer Paul Cornell who, along with artist Pete Woods, are the team entrusted with the task of chronicling this special issue. Take it away, Paul:

“Death appearing in Action Comics was my own mad idea, the extreme case of putting Luthor up against characters he's not used to dealing with.

“I'm very pleased that, after I ran the idea by him, Neil Gaiman approved me using Death in this issue. He's been very supportive. It's so interesting to see her back in the DC Universe. Though Vertigo readers can rest assured that the character, and the way she's used, will be true to the spirit of what has gone before.”

ACTION COMICS #894 hits in October.

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