The Scoop – Auctions/Prices: CGC Amazing Fantasy #15 3.0 Clears $3,000

Auctions/Prices: CGC Amazing Fantasy #15 3.0 Clears $3,000

CGC Amazing Fantasy #15 3.0 Clears $3,000

Auctions/Prices, Scoop, Friday, April 06, 2007

A CGC-certified 3.0 copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 with off-white to
white pages sold for $3,006.50 after receiving 22 bids. The CGC Census currently
notes 874 copies certified with the highest graded copy grading 9.6.

Technorati Tags: comic books, auctions, CGC,

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The Scoop – Auctions/Prices: Heroes Original Art Auction Closes

Auctions/Prices: Heroes Original Art Auction Closes

Heroes Original Art Auction Closes

Auctions/Prices, Scoop, Friday, April 06, 2007

NBC.com’s auction of the original Tim Sale artwork used throughout NBC’s
hit television show, Heroes, has come to a close with the pieced bringing
top dollar for the Epilepsy Foundation. The artwork was auctioned off in two
auctions, one being held on March 26, 2007 and the second taking place on April
2, 2007, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.

The final prices for the pieces were all very high, but by far the most
popular piece was Homecoming (Claire on the stairs), which closed at an amazing
$25,000. The other three pieces closed at respectable prices as well: Hiro
vs. The Dinosaur brought $9,200; Exploding Man closed at $8.500; and
Eclipse sold for $7,650. All of which were “painted” by Santiago
Cabrera’s character, Isaac Mendez, whose power is pre-cognition, and have all
played an integral part in the plot of the show.

Each winning bid
received a limited edition print on canvas signed by Tim Sale, an original
drawing signed by Tim Sale, a DVD featuring a clip from Heroes showcasing
the artwork in the show, a photo of Tim Sale autographing the artwork and a
Certificate of Authenticity. For more information, please visit http://nbcauction.auction.seenon.com.

Click the images for a close-up view (when available)

Technorati Tags: comic books, Tim Sale, Heroes,

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JUSTICE SOCIALIZING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – NEWSARAMA

JUSTICE SOCIALIZING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – NEWSARAMA

JUSTICE SOCIALIZING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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by Troy Brownfield with four-color commentary by Geoff Johns

Welcome to the first installment of the newly minted Justice Socializing.
Over the past few months, Geoff Johns and I have teamed up a few times
to give you an inside look at the new Justice Society of America. Now,
thanks to Geoff and the illustrious Mr. Brady, we’re making these
pieces an ongoing monthly concern. With the rich tapestry of the DC
Universe to draw on, and a number of big developments in the future,
we’ll address characters, concepts and ongoing themes in this new
regular space.

First off, let’s wrap up our look at the roster from the first issue by profiling some of the more veteran members of the team.

Dr. Mid-Nite III
Name: Dr. Pieter Cross
First Appearance: Dr. Mid-Nite #1 (1999)
Powers: He’s a brilliant physician and surgeon who employs gadgets like
his ultrasonic lens (to compensate for his vision) and blackout bombs.
Legacy: Cross bears the name originally borne by Dr. Charles McNider.
There was a second Doctor, Elizabeth Chapel, though she spelled the
name Dr. Midnight. McNider died at the hands of Extant in Zero Hour, while Chapel was killed fighting Eclipso in the thirteenth issue of that ‘90s series.

Key Story: His origin mini and his inaugural mission with the team in the second JSA trade, Darkness Falls are both great.

Dr. Mid-Nite has quite the high profile in the DCU of late. He’s the
super-community’s go-to guy in times of medical crisis, and he also
troubleshoots for S.T.A.R. Labs and others. On the personal side, he
had an ill-fated relationship with Black Canary. Dr. Mid-Nite still has
a team of operatives working in his home town of Portsmouth City, and
pals around with his sidekick, Charlie the owl.

Geoff Johns Says: Dr. Mid-Nite is a visionary, figuratively and
literally. Blinded by an accident, he’s able to see on all spectrums
through the filters on his goggles. And as Troy said, in an age of E.R. and HOUSE,
Dr. Mid-Nite is more relevant and important to the DC Universe than
he’s ever been before. Expect him to pay close attention to Nathan
Heywood and his ongoing developments.

The Flash
Name: Jay Garrick
First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940)
Powers: Super-speed (and persistent vitality)
Legacy: Legacy? He’s the original, kids.
Key Story: Good Lord. How do you choose? I’ll let Geoff have this one. Geoff?

Geoff Johns says: The Flash #123 without question. It’s his
first team-up with Barry Allen and more importantly the first time he
appeared as a mentor figure. It also set the stage for the entire
comeback of the Justice Society of America.

One of the rocks of the team, Jay is one of the few members to also
serve as a member of the Justice League (remember that, way back in the
early ‘90s?). Though a little bit slower than he used to be, Jay still
has the vitality of a man around the age of 50 thanks to his prolonged
connection to the Speed Force. Jay is still married to Joan and acts as
a mentor to Bart Allen (presently bearing the mantle of The Flash IV).

Geoff Johns Says: Along with Alan Scott, Jay is as important to
the DC Universe as Superman in my eyes. He represents that tie to
history and tradition and he fills a role no one else does. I think
it’s important to have older mentors in a fictional universe who kick
ass, just like Obi One and Gandalf. There was an editor at DC who no
longer is there that said when we launched JSA back in ’99, “You should
get rid of the ‘old guys’; they just make it lame.” I immediately
thought, this guy doesn’t get it. The greatest thing about the DC
Universe is the diversity in character types. From Adam Strange to
Zatanna. From Krypto to Swamp Thing. Why have all the same type of
characters? There are so many more stories to tell when you make the
possibilities endless.

Green Lantern
Name: Alan Scott
First Appearance: All-American Comics #16 (1940)
Powers: Originally a regulation ring-slinger, Alan is now infused with
the green flame from the mystical Starheart. His focusing of his power
via a ring was something that he resumed in issue 50 of the recently
concluded JSA series.
Legacy: Though there are thousands of Green Lanterns in the galaxy due
the Guardians of the Universe, Alan Scott was the first Earthman to go
by that name, and independently at that.
Key Story: Princes of Darkness from JSA is pretty key, as he returns to the ring and the name and manages to set Obsidian’s path toward redemption.

Father of hero-turned-villain-turned-hero Obsidian and deceased heroine
Jade (and husband of Golden Age Harlequin Molly Mayne), Green Lantern
is another long-time adventurer that acts in a mentor capacity. He was
also briefly affiliated with the government agency Checkmate. The
overall history of his power is rather complicated, but for now, Alan
Scott is indeed a ring-wielding guy named Green Lantern.

Geoff Johns Says: Like Jay, he’s a mainstay in the DC Universe.
He’ll be taking center stage in the last half of the year of Justice
Society of America as he comes face-to-face with a new member he sees a
lot of himself in…

Hawkman
Name: Carter Hall
First Appearance: Flash Comics #1 (1940, a very busy year at National)
Powers: Carter uses Nth metal implements and his artificial wings for
flight. The Nth also allows for other abilities, like greater strength
and eyesight. Carter favors ancient weapons, and has a marked
predisposition for being reincarnated when he dies. On top of that,
he’ll just flat kick your ass.
Legacy: Can of worms? Hi! Let’s just leave it at this: Carter is a
reincarnated Egyptian prince whose abilities are tied in to the Nth
metal of the planet Thanagar. Damn! That was easier than I thought.
Thanks, Geoff!
Key Story: For the present version of the character, it’s gotta be “The Return of Hawkman”, collected in the third JSA trade.

Hawkman’s history has been a little murky over time due to retcons and
general weirdness, though it began to get more linear after the “Return
of Hawkman” arc. Like the Flash, he served alongside the JLA post-COIE.
He’s also been a long-term chair of the JSA. Hawkman is regarded as
something of the team enforcer, and occasionally takes delight in
heavy-duty combat. His eternal love is presently incarnated as Kendra
Saunders, Hawkgirl of the JLA. His son, Hector Hall, began a heroic
career as the Silver Scarab, and later became Sandman III and a recent
incarnation of Dr. Fate; Hector and his wife Lyta apparently departed
this reality during the events surrounding Infinite Crisis. Carter has
just returned to Earth after a year spent in space.

Geoff Johns Says: Hawkman is one of the most visually impressive
characters in comics to me. His wings, helmet, mace and blood-stained
uniform say it all. Like I’ve said before, he’s a flying Conan. But
meaner. It’ll be interesting to see him interact with Hawkgirl…I really
like what Brad did in Justice League of America #9.

Mr. Terrific II
Name: Michael Holt
First Appearance: The Spectre #54 (1997)
Powers: The third smartest man on Earth (likely just behind Lex Luthor
and David Hasslehoff), Michael Holt holds fourteen PhD’s, is an Olympic
gold-medal-winning decathlete, a gadgeteer, and rich. His best gadgets
are his floating T-spheres, which can be used for a variety of
purposes, and his nanotech-laden mask. His sole “super-power” is that
he can’t be detected by machines.
Legacy: Michael is inspired by the “Fair Play” motto and example of Terry Sloan, the original Mr. Terrific.
Key Story: While his origin comes in The Spectre #54, the JSA trades Fair Play and Lost feature him well. Mr. Terrific also became a popular member of Justice League Unlimited on the animated series of that name; he gets several great moments in a late episode called “Patriot Games”.

Presently the White King of Checkmate, Mr. Terrific just ended a long
tenure as the JSoA’s Chair. An avowed atheist, Mr. Terrific has
nevertheless suffered a lengthy existential crisis arising from the
death of his wife. He’s currently involved with Sasha Bourdeaux of
Checkmate.

Geoff Johns Says: I find it astonishing how much Mr. Terrific
has grown since he was first introduced. He took a major supporting
role in a Justice League cartoon. It’s fantastic. And just like the JSA
itself, if you ever said Mr. Terrific would be a popular character back
in ’98 you’d be laughed at. Now he’s one of the most capable leaders in
the DC Universe. I’m as proud of how far we’ve brought Mr. Terrific as
I am Stargirl.

Obsidian
Name: Todd Rice
First Appearance: All-Star Squadron #25 (1983)
Powers: Obsidian’s powers are shadow-based, fed by the
extra-dimensional locale known as the Darklands (presumably the same
place from whence the Jesus and Mary Chain draw their powers of
overdrive guitar). Capable of becoming a living shadow, Obsidian’s also
evinced great strength, the ability to grow to mammoth size, and to
spread darkness from himself.
Legacy: Obsidian is the son of Green Lantern and Thorn I.
Key Story: In recent years, the two most critical are from JSA:
“Darkness Falls” and “Princes of Darkness”. They chart Todd’s immersion
into villainy and his subsequent journey toward redemption.

Obsidian and his late sister Jade were founders of Infinity Inc., and he briefly served in Justice League America after Zero Hour. One of the few openly gay super-heroes, Todd is in a relationship with A.D.A. Damon Matthews (who appears in Manhunter.) Obsidian was shown in the first few issues of the new JSoA
series in his shadow form, acting as the “security guard” for the new
JSoA HQ. In issue #4, he’s seen having what will likely be a critical
conversation with Sand.

Geoff Johns Says: Obsidian is going to uncover some bizarre
phenomenon as we explore his powers and the worlds he walks between.
He’s very reluctant to participate with the Justice Society directly.
Why will be revealed soon…

Power Girl
Name: Karen Starr/Kara Zor-L
First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 (1976)
Powers: The full Kryptonian layout
Legacy: After a completely insane history (which I documented here ), we can once again safely say that Kara is the cousin of the late Earth-2 Superman
Key Story: See referenced article, in which I include about a dozen.

Something of a lost soul for a number of years in the DCU, due largely
to having her history repeatedly yanked out from under her, Power Girl
was restored to her original origin during the lead-up to Infinite Crisis. Typically a hothead in her early days, Power Girl has now been entrusted to be Chair of the new JSoA.

Geoff Johns Says: She represents the success story of the
Justice Society. She was one of the first “new kids” to be taken in
under their wing and since then she’s grown so popular she can stand
next to Supergirl and win. Her taking the role of chairwoman of the
Justice Society is just another step in her growth. And she’ll do this
with all the guts and energy she’s always had. Her relationship with
one of her teammates will become romantic.

Stargirl
Name: Courtney Whitmore
First Appearance: Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 (1999)
Powers: Courtney draws her powers from two gadgets: the Cosmic
Converter belt, and the Cosmic Staff. The first gives her enhanced
physical abilities and her “shooting stars”, while the second allows
her to fly and project energy blasts.
Legacy: Originally known as the second Star-Spangled Kid, Courtney in
effect carried on the late Sylvester Pemberton (who was the
crime-fighting partner of her step-father, Pat “Stripesy/S.T.R.I.P.E.”
Dugan) by using his name and equipment. Later, after Starman VII, Jack
Knight, gave her his Cosmic Staff, she took on the name Stargirl.
Key Story: How about her own series, soon to be collected in trade paperback?

Since becoming the JSA’s youngest member, Courtney has matured quite a
bit. She’s an inspiration to new team member Cyclone, and in fact,
Geoff Johns considers her the “team cheerleader”. Her step-brother,
Mike, has been strongly hinted as a candidate for the S.T.R.I.P.E.
armor, and at least one adventure has shown that their toddler sister
may eventually become a new Stargirl when she reaches her teens.

Geoff Johns Says: What else can I say about Stargirl? I’m hoping
the trade of Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. does well enough to warrant at
least a Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. special, mini-series or more. Her
friendship with Maxine will continue to grow in a positive way. The
goal is to really move these two towards the same kind of team between
Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite or that great friendship between Wonder
Man and Beast in Avengers.

Wildcat
Name: Ted Grant
First Appearance: Sensation Comics #1 (1942)
Powers: Ass-kicking. And, at one time, nine lives.
Legacy: He’s the original super to bear the name.
Key Story: JSA #10, wherein Ted lays a beating on the Injustice Society by himself.

A former prize fighter and the trainer of many heroes (Batman, Black
Canary and Catwoman among them), Ted is the brawler and ladies’ man of
the original team. He professes a hate/hate relationship with Power
Girl, but it belies a deep affection. Ted recently learned that he has
a son, Tom Bronson.

Geoff Johns Says: The man who didn’t want to be a father is
going to start being one, all in his own special way. And that includes
going one-on-one with his son in Justice Society of America #7.

Wildcat III
Name: Tom Bronson
First Appearance: Justice Society of America #1 (late 2006)
Powers: Tom can transform into a were-panther. Neat, eh?
Legacy: He’s the son of Ted Grant. The second Wildcat, Yolanda Montez,
took over as Wildcat II after Ted was wounded in COIE. Unfortunately,
she was killed, along with Dr. Midnight/Mid-Nite II, due to the
machinations of Eclipso. Technically, there was already a third
Wildcat, Hector Ramirez, though he only appeared one time and died; he
was never officially recognized as a carrier of the name. (For the
curious, that was in Batman/Wildcat from ’97).

We just met Tom, but he seems like a good kid. Throughout his life,
he’s avoided conflict because he was afraid what he might do to someone
with his powers. Though he grew up without a relationship with his
father (who only recently learned of his existence), Tom appears to
have no overwhelming issues with his pop and teams up with him against
Vandal Savage. Tom is introduced to the JSoA by his dad, who insists
that in a world with multiple Flashes and Green Lanterns, there can be
two Wildcats.

Geoff Johns Says: Hell, yes there can be two Wildcats. And Tommy
isn’t coming in to replace Ted, he’s coming in to help Ted grow. The
banter between them is the most fun to write next to Starman.

And now that we’ve finished dealing with the roster, how about a few wrap-up questions? Mr. Johns, if you please . . .

Q1. What was your goal with the first arc, and how pleased are you and Dale Eaglesham with the results?

GJ: Dale is the star. He absolutely knocked this out of the park and everyone stood up and took notice.

The goal of the story was to illustrate the purpose, function,
strength, vitality and all around kick assness of the Justice Society
of America. All while introducing brand new characters to the JSA and
the DC Universe. We won’t rest even after JSoA is on the top of
everyone’s reading list.

Q2. You’ve really pumped up the ranks, but have hinted that the
membership isn’t done growing. Can you ballpark how much more the
roster will expand this year?

GJ: It will slowly welcome two more members on to the Society. We actually have enough members for two books, don’t we…?

Q3. Some readers have challenged the depiction of violence in
issue #3, particularly in regard to the picnic ambush. For my part, I
thought that the vicious nature and intensity of the conflict made #4
more satisfying in its resolution. Would you care to comment on the
overall issue of violence in this book, and/or the industry in general
at present?

GJ: Dale and I made a choice on how to depict it and it
obviously garnered a reaction. It was supposed to be horrifying and
terrible. They are Nazis. For me, like you, this made the triumph and
the ultimate message of the first arc resonate that much more within
the scene between Ted and his son at the close of issue #4. You can’t
kill these symbols. So don’t try.

But next time we’ll portray nicer Nazis.

Q4. Looking ahead, we’ve got the JLA/JSA crossover. And between
the inclusion of Starman and that very specific guest star in the last
panel of #4, it doesn’t take a 12th-level genius to guess what’s coming
next. Care to drop any hints or teases for the tale?

GJ: Look up “Dream Girl” on Wikipedia. And read Justice League of America #7 this week.

Q5. One last one, totally off-topic. Dude! Booster Gold?! Spill it, if you please.

GJ: I know! Crazy, huh? But I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t believe in the premise I’ve had spinning in my head since we started 52.
And working this all out with Jeff Katz and Dan Jurgens has been a
blast. I grew up with him in the Justice League. So it is a chance to
work on a character that I loved and have really grown closer to over
the last few years. The humor, the attitude and the character journey
of Booster Gold was too much of a draw. I kept thinking about what a
series for him would be. Connecting it to the greatest moments and
characters in DC history. It’s more snarky than what I usally do, got a
sprinkle of Giffen in there, and there’s a different feel all round.
I’m really just trying to serve the character and the high concept as
best I can.

Some writers only write A-list characters. I think that’s frankly
rather boring. If they’re not A-list then make them A-list.

It worked for JSA.

Geoff Johns writes a metric ton of comics every month. Troy
Brownfield reads a metric ton of comics every month. Together, they
fight crime!

Technorati Tags: comic books, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Justice Society of America,

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