This week in Super Folk, Publishers Weekly’s news column of superheroic proportions, DC Comics’ reveals the new Shazam and shares some Earth-2 imagery (aka new costumes!), Marvel’s sudden affinity for infinity , the wave of new series announcements continue, and more.
Did you see what they were wearing?
DC Comics blog, The Source, spent last week sharing some sketches of the characters that will be featured in its new “Earth 2” titles (Earth 2 and World’s Finest) such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman (mostly from artist and DC Co-Publisher Jim Lee) . Lee’s sketches, which have become a staple of the publisher’s hype machine in recent months, for the new Earth 2 characters don’t deviate too far from their main Earth originals, and fans’ feathers have remained mostly in order, for now.
However that changed when, to accompany an interview with Earth 2 writer James Robinson, DC revealed the new Jay Garrick, aka the Golden Age Flash. The new Garrick is no longer the avuncular figure he had been for almost half a century, and is now a young man with sporting a futuristic take on his classic Mercury-inspired costume. Fans’ feather status: officially ruffled. So far the reaction has been mostly negative since characters like Jay Garrick and the Justice Society have been fan favorites as well as nostalgic symbols of yesteryear. DC Comics seems unfazed though, and are hoping that the fresh takes on old heroes will appeal to new fans.
DC also previewed the upcoming Curse of Shazam miniseries (published incrementally behind Justice League), giving the first look at the new Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel). Writer (and DC chief creative officer) Geoff Johns elaborated on the decisions to shift the tone of the series (and character) to focus on magic and mysticism, as opposed to standard superhero fare. Even the titular character’s new costume reflects this; he now wears a hooded cloak instead of a cape.
Marvel: Hickman off Fantastic Four, onto Bigger Things?
While at Image Expo last weekend, Jonathan Hickman, one of Marvel’s “Architects” and current writer of Fantastic Four, revealed that he will be leaving the series by the end of the year. Hickman took over writing the title in 2009, and made waves when he killed off the Human Torch in issue #587 in March of 2011, followed by the highly publicized introduction of a new Fantastic Four which included Spider-Man in issue #600, as well as writing the spinoff series, FF. No word on where Hickman will go next, but some speculate that he may replace Brian Michael Bendis on the Avengers franchise, or that he may (like Bendis) somehow be involved with Marvel’s big plans for the future.
These plans, which will be unveiled at this year’s South by Southwest (aka SXSW) Interactive/film/music festival, have remained mostly shrouded in mystery, but Marvel let slip a morsel of a detail earlier this week, revealing the name of this supposed initiative as “Infinite Comics.” The publisher beckoned fans to “join the revolution” and “stay tuned” for more details as they emerge. Unsurprisingly, fans and critics are left to wonder what Marvel plans to do, with most assuming a broad multi-platform reading experience, encapsulating mobile devices, social media, and perhaps even television (Marvel’s new programming block, Marvel Universe, debuts in April on Disney XD).
Even More New Series
It’s the first week of March and new series (plus returns of familiar ones) continue to roar in. First off, Image announced Danger Club, a new series written by Landry Walker and with art by Eric Jones, which follows teenage sidekicks after the disappearance of their superhero partners. The sidekicks, now the world’s only line of defense, must put their egos and hormones aside and learn to work together. Walker and Jones, known for their work on Supergirl and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, expressed how rewarding it has been to work with an original set of characters and the narrative possibilities that come with it.
Also coming from Image is Creator Owned Heroes, a new anthology series from Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Kevin Mellon and Phil Noto. The series will feature at least two creator owned stories, as well as interviews and other material. The aim of the series is to showcase and celebrate creator owned properties, a movement that has gained enormous momentum in recent months. Creator Owned Heroes debuts in June.
Valiant Entertainment added a second title to its upcoming lineup (currently consisting of May’s X-O Manowar) with Harbinger, a new ongoing series written by Joshua Dysart and illustrated by Khari Evans. The story focuses on two unrelated people, a teenager and a billionaire, who develop psionic powers strong enough to change the world.
At the London Super Comic Convention, Hellboy artist Duncan Fedrego revealed that he is working on a new Hellboy original graphic novel, titled Hellboy: Midnight Circus, written by series creator Mike Mignola.
June’s Dark Horse Presents #13 will see the return of Ghost, a character that first made her debut in 1993. The new three-part series, written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Phil Noto, will act as a reboot for the character, and follow the avenging spirit as she tries to solve mysteries reminiscent of an those found in Lost.
Then there are a few series that are still so early in development that don’t even have names yet. First, a new project from Ultimate Spider-Man team Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli. Next a creator owned collaboration from Howard Chaykin and Matt Fraction. And finally, Colleen Coover and Paul Tobin (who are married) revealed sketches for a new “secret project.”
