DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » SOURCE SPECIAL: GEOFF JOHNS TALKS THE FLASH, PART 2

Read the rest of the interview at the link below

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » SOURCE SPECIAL: GEOFF JOHNS TALKS THE FLASH, PART 2

Friday, March 5th, 2010

By Alex Segura

Yesterday, we talked to THE FLASH writer Geoff Johns about Barry Allen, his Rogues and what it means to be a hero. But there’s more to cover, folks, so why stop there?

We’re happy to present the conclusion of our two-part chat with Geoff, where we talk about his amazing artistic collaborator Francis Manapul, what’s coming with the new series and the one page that’ll keep you guessing.

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » SOURCE SPECIAL: GEOFF JOHNS TALKS THE FLASH, PART 1

Read the rest of the article at the link below

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » SOURCE SPECIAL: GEOFF JOHNS TALKS THE FLASH, PART 1

SOURCE SPECIAL: GEOFF JOHNS TALKS THE FLASH, PART 1

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

By Alex Segura

He didn’t have to come back.

I’m not talking about Barry Allen – readers have seen his rebirth and will learn more about his role in the DCU and Central City with the launch of THE FLASH #1 in April.

No, I’m talking about superstar writer Geoff Johns, who will be pairing with superstar artist Francis Manapul to put the Flash through the ringer on a monthly basis.

But as most fans know, Geoff left his mark on the Flash character and his universe not that long ago. So what is it that brings him back to the world of the Scarlet Speedster and his dastardly Rogues gallery after such a definitive and classic run?

Well, short answer: There’s a lot of story to be told when it comes to the Flash. Especially when we’re talking about the newly returned Barry Allen: A lot of surprises, a lot of villains and a lot of high-speed, high-stakes action.

Long answer? Well, that’s something special. As most of you may have noticed, it’s been a pretty FLASH-heavy week here at The Source, but we’ve saved the best bit for last. We sat down with Geoff for a lengthy, two-part discussion about all things FLASH, where we talk Barry, the Rogues, the new series and just why the character remains as vital today as he was when he first burst out of that film reel in SHOWCASE #4.

So, sit back and enjoy part one, and swing back to The Source tomorrow morning for the conclusion.

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » Get a signed copy of THE FLASH #1 via TWITTER

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » Get a signed copy of THE FLASH #1 via TWITTER

Get a signed copy of THE FLASH #1 via TWITTER

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

By Alex Segura

April 14 is a big day for fans of THE FLASH. How can The Source make it bigger, though?

Well, we’re hoping you’re as excited as we are about the launch of THE FLASH #1. Surely, you’ve seen the preview of THE FLASH #1 we ran on Monday and yesterday’s sneak peek into artist Francis Manapul’s concept art for the series? If not, they’re definitely worth a look.

But here at The Source, we’re always trying to brainstorm new and cool ways to make the comic reading experience a bit more fun. So what would be cooler than buying a copy of THE FLASH #1 — from the creative minds of Geoff Johns and artist Francis Manapul? How about getting a copy of the comic signed by some of the amazing talent involved in putting the issue together?

How can you swing that? Well, it’s easy. Starting 4/7 and continuing during the week leading up to the release of THE FLASH #1, DC NATION’s Twitter account will be asking one Flash-related question a day. The first five Flash fans who correctly answer the question will be eligible to win a signed copy of one of DC’s biggest new launches of 2010. Think you’re an expert in all things Flash? Well, get ready to have your Scarlet Speedster knowledge tested, pal. Not only will I be bringing my years of Flash fandom to the task at hand, but I’ve enlisted the writer of THE FLASH himself, Mr. Geoff Johns to help me in crafting questions that will will be far from simple.

We’ll announce all the legal goodies and rules on 4/7, the day before the contest actually launches. In the meantime, you can prep for the fun by signing up for a Twitter account if you don’t have one. Once that’s done, take a moment to start following DC NATION, THE FLASH writer Geoff Johns and artist Francis Manapul.

Good luck!

DC’s Executive Justice League – Comic Book Resources

Read the rest of the article at the link below.

DC’s Executive Justice League – Comic Book Resources

DC’s Executive Justice League

* by Kiel Phegley, News Editor
Posted: 27 minutes ago | Updated: 13 minutes ago

Since Paul Levitz left his post as publisher of DC Comics with the formation of DC Entertainment in September 0f 2009, who his replacement would be and how they’d affect the future of DC’s publishing, creative and business decisions was the #1 topic on the minds of the industry and fans. As it turns out, the pick…or picks made by DC Entertainment Diane Nelson to lead DC into its next incarnation shows equal commitments to continuity and brand new moves for the company.

Below, new co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee and new Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns (along new executive John Rood) talk first with CBR News about what will and won’t change with their new roles, where they’ll be making their comics, what new ventures into other media they’ll help make, why they’re DC’s Justice League and why their motto is “No Fear.”

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » A note from Geoff Johns

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » A note from Geoff Johns

A note from Geoff Johns

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

By David Hyde

“WOW.”

That’s the first thing I said too when I heard about the team Diane wanted to form to guide DC Entertainment both in and out of the comic book pages and into the not-so-distant future. That not-so-distant future being today.

And in the words of my Tiny Titans collaborators, “AW YEAH, DC COMICS!”

The second thing I said to Diane was, “Um, what about writing? I love writing. I can’t stop writing!” Diane smiled and said, “…writing’s part of the job!” Right away, I knew I was in. This was a dream come true. So what am I going to be doing besides writing Green Lantern, The Flash, Batman: Earth One and Brightest Day? What’s “Chief Creative Officer” even mean? It sounds like a suit job…thankfully I’m still wearing my t-shirts. Even in the blizzards here in New York. But before I get into what new things I’ll be doing, I want to tell you why I’ve decided to jump into DC Entertainment full on, as if it wasn’t obvious already.

1) The People.

I’ve worked with Dan and Jim over the years and, honestly, there are very few people I admire more in my life, inside or outside of the comic book world. Dan’s leadership, endless energy and devotion to pushing boundaries is infectious and Jim’s pure talent, enthusiasm and dedication to exploring the outlets of the future inspiring. In the short time I’ve come to know John and Patrick, I feel a sense of progression and history forging together, both of which make DC what it is.

And now there’s Diane. Someone whose passion and understanding of the value of the creative process is undoubtedly going to lead DC Entertainment into an incredible new era for all of us fans, soon-to-be-fans and fellow creators – the writers and artists who create the lifeblood of this industry. I can’t wait for you to meet Diane. Her warmth and sincerity has made me feel like I’ve known her my entire life. Just like DC Comics. Which brings me to the second reason this totally rocks.

2) The Mythologies.

There is no place on Earth that has a more diverse and deep universe of characters and worlds. From Atrocitus to Y: The Last Man. My love for DC started when I first saw the Flash take on Captain Cold in the Challenge of the Super-Friends. I never ate my Honeycomb that fast. It when I bought my first comic books in 1985, including Crisis on Infinite Earths, alongside my Super Powers figures and only grew over the years until I broke into the industry myself.

So what does a “Chief Creative Officer” do? Well, I still wear t-shirts and write and go to conventions, but I’ll be doing a whole lot more too.

Under the leadership of Jim and Dan, I’ll continue writing and giving my creative input as I have been in comic books. But expanding onto that, Diane’s asked me to take our comic book world, embrace it (as I do) and use it to lead the creative charge on bringing it all to film, toys, television, video games, animation and beyond. The Justice Society appearing on Smallville was only the beginning.

Let’s all let this sink in a little more: Martin Campbell of Casino Royale is directing Green Lantern. And over the last few months, I’ve met with Ryan Reynolds to talk all-things Green Lantern, I’ve worked closely with Green Lantern producer Donald Deline and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg on the script (Aw yeah, Kilowog!) and I’ve realized that the Green Lantern comics and film and everything growing out of them (wait until you see what!) is only the beginning of what DC Entertainment has coming our way under Diane and Jeff Robinov’s leadership. And I have to say something about Jeff too. He’s made Warner Brothers the most successful and artist-friendly studio out there and that will carry over into DC Entertainment. He knows what we know: the potential of DC is infinite. We couldn’t be in better hands on that front. Expect the characters we love, the A-list and the ones even you and I might barely know, to be shepherded into the “outside world” with respect, care and unbridled energy. They’ll be plenty of Batman and Superman, but there are a whole lot of characters from the DC Universe, Mad, Vertigo and Wildstorm waiting to be unleashed.

They might say, “The sky is the limit!” at other places when looking at the new opportunities ahead. They think too small. We all know the sky isn’t the limit at DC. The universe isn’t even the limit. There isn’t one.

I was going to close this out with one of my favorite phrases from Blackest Night – “All Will Be Well!” – but I think another one can sum up DC Entertainment and the people and creative teams behind it.

“Beware Our Power!”

Aw.

Yeah.

Geoff

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DC ENTERTAINMENT NAMES EXECUTIVE TEAM

So does this mean that Johns will have creative control instead of DiDio?  I certainly hope so!!

DC Universe: The Source » Blog Archive » FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DC ENTERTAINMENT NAMES EXECUTIVE TEAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DC ENTERTAINMENT NAMES EXECUTIVE TEAM

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

By David Hyde

Jim Lee and Dan DiDio Named Co-Publishers DC Comics

Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer

John Rood Named EVP, Sales, Marketing and Business Development
Patrick Caldon Named EVP, Finance and Administration

(February 18, 2010 – New York, NY and Burbank, CA) DC Entertainment, founded in September 2009 to unleash the power of the DC Comics library of characters across all media platforms, has named its executive management team, including new co-publishers of DC Comics and a Chief Creative Officer, as well as heads of Sales/Marketing/Business Development and Finance/Administration. Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, made the announcement today.

The new senior executive team includes Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, who have been named Co-Publishers of DC Comics, and Geoff Johns, who will serve as Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. Additionally, John Rood has been named Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and Patrick Caldon will serve as Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration. Each of these executives will report directly to Nelson.

“DC Entertainment’s new executive team is a creative ‘dream team,’ with accomplishments and talent unrivaled in the business,” said Nelson. “This announcement continues and underscores DC’s legacy as the ultimate destination for creators. We’ll benefit enormously from the deep experience this team represents, while re-energizing the direction and focus of the company. I’m excited and honored to have each of them with me at the helm of DC Entertainment.”

“With this new leadership team, Diane will be able to fully and respectfully integrate DC’s brand and characters, not only as key content drivers in the film division, but across all of the businesses of Warner Bros. and Time Warner,” said Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “I am very proud and excited about the accomplished executives who are charged with expanding this powerful library. They each have a diverse and complementary skill-set and are deeply committed to contributing to the DC Comics legacy.”

Prior to his current post, Lee served as Editorial Director, where he oversaw WildStorm Studios and was also the artist for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic books and graphic novels, including “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Batman: Hush” and “Superman: For Tomorrow.” He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the upcoming DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.
Lee is an award-winning comic book illustrator/creator/publisher who started his professional career at Marvel Comics where his work on the X-Men continues to hold the all-time sales record for single issue sales at eight million copies sold in one month. At Marvel, he also drew the Punisher and co-created many characters, the most popular being Gambit, featured in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” feature film. In 1992, he started his own production company, WildStorm Productions, and co-founded Image Comics, an independent comics company which quickly grew to become the number-three North American comics publisher. His most notable creations, “WildCats” and “Gen 13,” saw life beyond comic books as a CBS Saturday morning cartoon and as a direct-to-video animated movie distributed by Disney, respectively. In 1998, he left Image Comics and sold WildStorm to DC Comics.

DiDio most recently served as Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, DC Universe, overseeing the editorial department for the DC Universe imprint, including the ongoing adventures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and scores of heroes and villains. He also worked to develop new titles with the industry’s premier writers and artists. At DC Comics, DiDio has spearheaded such bestselling projects as “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Identity Crisis,” Green Lantern, Teen Titans and The Outsiders.

Before joining DC in 2002, DiDio was with Mainframe Entertainment, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs, overseeing the development, distribution, marketing and promotion of all Mainframe’s television properties. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of Children’s Programming for ABC, where he was also a publicity manager, having started his television career at CBS, working in a variety of positions.
Johns builds on his current role at DC from being one of today’s most prolific, popular and award-winning contemporary comic book writers with this new executive role. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has written highly acclaimed stories revitalizing Green Lantern, Superman, the Flash, Teen Titans, and the Justice Society of America for DC Comics.

Johns began his comics career creating and writing “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” for DC Comics while at the same time working with film director Richard Donner. After acclaimed runs on Flash, Teen Titans and the bestselling “Infinite Crisis” mini-series, Johns co-wrote a run on Action Comics with his mentor, Donner. Johns has also written and produced for various other media, including the acclaimed “Legion” and “Absolute Justice” episodes of Warner Bros. Television’s “Smallville” and Adult Swim’s “Robot Chicken” and “Titan Maximum.” He also wrote the story of the DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.

Rood returns to Warner Bros. after 10 years with the Disney ABC Television Group, where he most recently was Senior Vice President of Marketing, ABC Family. While at ABC, he also consulted for ABC News during the recent transitions at “Good Morning America” and “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.”

Prior to Disney, Rood worked for six years at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, negotiating promotional deals with national advertisers using Warner Bros.’ properties, including the DC Comics characters. He has also worked in promotions for Equity Marketing on the Burger King account and in advertising for Leo Burnett on the McDonald’s and Miller Brewing accounts.

Caldon most recently served as Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations of DC Comics and MAD Magazine. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations, and his other posts at DC include Vice President, Finance and Operations, and Controller, the position in which he joined the company in 1985. Prior to joining DC Comics, Caldon spent a decade at Warner Communications in corporate accounting and as Senior Vice President and CFO of the Cosmos soccer team (owned by Warner Communications at the time).
DC Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment, is charged with strategically integrating the DC Comics business, brand and characters deeply into Warner Bros. and all its content and distribution businesses. DC Entertainment utilizes the expertise the Studio has in building and sustaining franchises to prioritize the DC properties as key titles and growth drivers across all of the Studio, including feature films, television, interactive entertainment, direct-to-consumer platforms and consumer products. The DC Comics publishing business is the cornerstone of DC Entertainment, releasing approximately 90 comic books through its various imprints and 30 graphic novels a month as well as continuing to build on its creative leadership in the comic book industry.

The Geoff And Grant Show – How DC May Look Next Year | Bleeding Cool Comic News & Rumors

Holy shit, this should be interesting

The Geoff And Grant Show – How DC May Look Next Year | Bleeding Cool Comic News & Rumors

The Geoff And Grant Show – How DC May Look Next Year
Submitted by Rich Johnston on October 6, 2009 – 10:00 am (19) comments

zaphodThose Long Beach Comic Con freelancers are a gossipy lot. Away from their corporate masters, giddy with a mix of fear and excitement over the coming changes at Marvel and DC, they tend to talk, gossip, exaggerate and compare notes. And then email me.

So, with the best will in the world, and a modicum of fact checking that dropped out a few stray ends, here’s what I’ve been hearing about certain DC plans next year.

Well Geoff Johns announced that he and Francis Manapul will be on Flash, I understand that Johns will stay on Green Lantern that he will head up a new core Justice League Of America title to be announced shortly. So while Geoff keeps control over the League and two of its members, friend and colleague Grant Morrison will be keeping the others in check, continuing a monthly Batman book but also adding a Superman and Wonder Woman book to the mix, for the full Trinity set.

With Geoff and Grant at the centre of the DC Universe, expect trusted writers like Pete Tomasi (coming off The Outsiders, replaced by Dan DiDio) to take on the secondary characters, keeping the central thrust of the DC Universe consistent and coherent. No more problems with repeated New God deaths… just the Geoff and Grant show, writ large.

If true, it’s a bold new creator-driven approach from DC, learning from Final Crisis and building on Blackest Night, reminiscent of moves made by Marvel in the past to great success.

And the message is this. Look out Marvel… after all, you did quite well out of putting an American and a Scot in creative lead positions.

The Quick and the Read #9 – Final Crisis Edition

Its been a while since I have done one of these, I have just been busy working on the book.? I decided to take a break and clean my writing “pallet” and write some reviews focused around Final Crisis and its tie-ins.

Final Crisis #4 – Up until this issue, this series has been practically impossible to figure out what was going on.? I know I am not alone on this.? After reading this issue, I think I finally understand what is going on now.? I have to say that this has been the best issue of this series so far, with some good scenes (even if some where a little cliché) that are just the kind of thing that reminds me of why I love comics. Overall the whole series has been a big disappointment when compared to the hype that followed it.? So far I have enjoyed all the “tie-in” series\one-shots with the “Final Crisis” banner a lot more.? Hopefully this will get better by the end, but somehow I doubt it, considering the drama that seems to be going on behind the scenes on this book.

FC: Submit #1 – I liked this issue, and I think it was a mistake not to convey somehow that it takes place before Final Crisis #4.? I read Submit after that issue, not knowing any better, and it would have made my reading of Final Crisis #4 a lot more enjoyable.? Even though this was a good story, some of the dialogue seemed a little cheesy at times and I think Morrison made Black Lightning sound a little bit too preachy. The only other thing that kind of bugs me is the idea of the newspapers, and heroes running around delivering them.? Having someone like the Ray do that I can understand, he can travel pretty fast, but having BL running around on foot with Justifiers everywhere is just kind of silly.? A little bit of a plot hole if you asked me.

FC: Revelations #3 of 5 – I really have been enjoying Greg Rucka’s work on this series, and I think the art really fits the overall tone of the book perfectly.? I am glad to see more being done with the new Question, I enjoyed what Rucka did with the Crime Bible series and I was happy to see that story continued here.? It was also good to see a new character like Radiant be introduced last issue.? It makes more sense to have another entity like the Spectre around but be sort of his opposite number.? I am looking forward to the next issue of this and see how things turn out.

FC: Rouges’ Revenge #3 of 3 – What can I say?? Johns delivered an excellent end to another awesome story. I am so glad things ended the way they did (trying to stay spoiler free here), but I don’t see how they could have ended any other way.? Regular readers of my blog know I love John’s work, so no need to go on about it here.? I will however say I would like to see more of Scott Kolins work, I didn’t appreciate it enough until I saw it again in this title.? He has a very gritty style that fit perfectly for this book.? This was one of the Final Crisis tie-ins that was definitely worth every penny.

FC: Legion of 3 Worlds #2 of 5 – Holy shit, this is the greatest comic I have read in a while.? Which is pretty much a given for me considering its 1) Johns writing, 2) Perez doing the penciling, and 3) its about the Legion.? This is like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one.? The obvious care and hard work that was put in this title just pours off the page.? I LOVE IT!!? I hate it when books are late, but if they need time on the next one, then so be it.? I am willing to wait for this kind of quality in this one case.

FC: Resist #1 – Here is another book I liked better than the series that it is tied to.? Rucka did a good job with this one, I really like the interaction with Mr. Terrific and the rest of the characters.? I have to admit I was beginning to wonder how the heroes were going to pull their asses out of the fire up until this issue, and I am actually looking forward to seeing one hell of a battle come out of this.

FC: Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 – Wow this comic is really something.? There is a lot of going on here, some of it might be lost on you if haven’t been reading the Secret Origins arc in Green Lantern, but it might not be too bad if you are picking this up cold.? Once again, Johns delevers a great Green Lantern story that I really enjoyed.? I am really looking forward to watching this play out in the GL titles, it should be a lot of fun.

Well that is it for now.? Next time I will either cover the New Krypton or Batman R.I.P. stuff I have read so far.