Justice League Movie Will Be Directed By Zack Snyder, With Shazam, Metal Men, 100 Bullets and Fables Films Planned

It's finally official with The Wall Street Journal broke the news last night. Zack Snyder will be directing  Justice League after Batman/Superman:

First came “Man of Steel.” Next up is “Batman vs. Superman.” And then, “Justice League.”

Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time, Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a “Justice League” movie.

Like “Man of Steel” and its follow-up, which starts production next month, “Justice League” will be directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively, in 2016’s “Man of Steel” sequel tentatively titled “Batman vs. Superman.”

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

A script is still in development and Warner has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018. Mr. Silverman would not comment on what other heroes might join Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in the movie. However the studio has recently been casting the role of Cyborg, a half-robotic hero who is expected to have a cameo in “Batman vs. Superman” and then appear in “Justice League.” Other DC heroes who have been in Justice League comic books include Aquaman, Flash and Green Lantern.

Also announced in the article is that Warner Bros. will be making films based on Shazam, Metal Men, 100 Bullets and Fables:

Warner Bros. has several other movies in development unconnected to the Justice League that are based on DC superheroes and fantasy and crime titles from its Vertigo line of genre comics, said Mr. Silverman and Toby Emmerich, president of Warner’s New Line Cinema label. They include “Shazam,” “Metal Men,” “100 Bullets,” and “Fables.”

All four of those properties have been in development by WB for years now. But the most confusing part of the article is that Shazam and Metal Men won't be connected to the DC Cinematic Universe, which is odd because these character have played huge roles in the DC comics universe for years. I don't know if this could be a misquote or the people at WB have a different vision on using these intellectual properties. I'll guess we have to wait and see at SDCC for any furthermore announcements.

2 Cent Post-Weekend Reviews - Everything second week of December

Welcome back to another instalment of Oz' 2 Cent reviews.  Come back after Wednesday for a massive pile o' goodies for third-week of December books.  Today, I'll cover Avengers Arena #1, Fantastic Four #2, Archer & Armstrong #5, Green Lantern Corps #15, Demon Knights #15, Batman & Robin #15, Stuff of Legend Volume 4 parts 1 & 2, Clone #2, and Rachel Rising volume 2.  Let's dig in eh?

Avengers Arena 1:  Cover of the year!  Arcade is back and this time, he's taking no prisoners.  Unless you count the 16 youths he's placed (against their will) into Murder World.  Someone read Battle Royale over their summer break and now he's using it as a business model for his typically low-murder rated, profit free practice.  Intense from the first panel, glad I picked it up.  I'm here to stay.

 Fantastic Four 2:  Why are we still in the introduction faze?  I thought the Four took off last issue?  Let's get a move on already.  It's been far from Fantastic.

 Demon Knights 15:  Three armies gather on the soil of Avalon and our Knights are stuck in the middle.  The issue felt a bit rushed as it is Cornell's last, but he finally got to the place he wanted to be, showing the clear connection between Storm Watch and our Knights.  Next issue is entitled "30 years later" and that should be cracking!

 Green Lantern Corps 15:  The "All Guy Gardner" issue.  He's my favourite lantern so I really liked this month's installation   It's hard to get your groove back when you fall from the top and Guy just proves that can get you into trouble.  Meanwhile, the Guardians are still fucking shit up in outer space and Salaak is their latest victim.

 Batman & Robin 15:  Death of the Family part 7 million.  Robin is on his own and decides to search for the missing Alfred.  What he ends up finding is the Joker who quickly incapacitates him.  The rest of the issue plays out like a psychological chess match.  Joker is sick of the bat family, he wants Batman all too himself and he'll do anything he must to be rid of them.  All this plus Joker Vision!

 Stuff of Legend - The Toy Collector Part 1:  This book doesn't come out very often so when it does, it's a nice surprise.  The story so far.  A human boy is kidnapped by The Boogeyman into the strange dimension known as The Dark.  He is followed by his dog Scout and 7 of his most loyal toys who all have a different physical manifestation in The Dark .  The present; the toy soldier is dead. Quackers and Harmony lead a small band of rebels. Scout has stayed behind with the recently crowned King Max and his subjects.  There's no trace of the Jester or Percy.  And The Princess remains with her people in the Indian territory.  The boy is still accompanied by the deceptive Boogeyman (disguised as a child himself) and the ex-mayor of Hopscotch who is seeking redemption.  This first chapter is all set up.  The Boogeyman has plans in motion and Max relieves himself of his new throne to continue his original mission:  find the boy!

 Stuff of Legend - The Toy Collector Part 2:  Max, Monty and Scout reach the Deep Dark.  The boy and his companions find Percy, about to be spit-roasted by a handful of savage toys.  The Princess discovers a broken half of the Jester's mask and fears the worst.  The Jester himself is a few meters away, hidden in cave on the same shore and grievously injured.  And finally, Harmony loses all hope for her quest as she finds Max' domain empty.  Quackers calms her down with his new found wisdom.  The adventure continues!!!

Archer & Armstrong 5:  The all out action issue, it's none stop fisticuffs from page one to page twenty two.  Double A are chased by Armstrong's ancient brother.  He is the eternal protector of Earth's Geomancer (who btw,  was murdered last issue), he is the honourable and noble Gilad.  Not to say that Gilad is a bad guy, it's just that he's bonded to his sacred duty.   Not even death itself can retire him from his job.  He's stuck until he avenges the murder and unlucky for Archer, the target has landed on his head.  The only thing that can stop his savagery is to locate the next Geomancer.  Will the boys make it in time?

 Clone 2:  This is such a cool freaking book, I'm really glad I gave it a chance!  We get a little bit more insight on the clone program and, OF COURSE, like anything structured and evil, it's connected to the government.  We discover in this issue that it is an experiment that has been active for over 30 years in silence.  Until it met its ultimate whistle blower, Facebook.  I'm not even kidding here.  This is just a small part in the overall bizarre awesomeness.  You must check out CLONE!  It's fast and fun, political without the bore and it even has time to be packed to the brim with violence.

Rachel Rising V2 - Fear No Malus :  Nothing I say can do this book justice.  It's my pick of the year.  But without mangling the plot or giving away spoilers,  I will simply use the quotes at the start of each issue to give you an idea of how it rolls.  Issue 7:  "Death is not a game that will soon be over.  Death is a gap you can't see, and when the wind blows through it, it makes not a sound."  Issue 8:  "Fear not death for the sooner we die, the longer we shall be immortal."  Issue 9:  "Hell is empty and all the devils are here."  Issue 10:  "Lilith wanders about at night, vexing the sons of men and causing them to defile themselves."  Issue 11:  "Let my enemies devour each other."  Issue 12:  "You never realize death until you realize love."  Some pretty grim shit right?  This book has it together so damn well and this second volume ups the stakes and reveals a lot!  If this isn't picked up and made into a movie, then I really have no faith in human kind left.

2 Cent Reviews Pre-Weekend: Everything first week December

Today, I'll take a look at my entire pile for the first week of December.  These include Avengers #1, X-Factor #248, Dial H #7, World's Finest #7, Earth 2 #7, Animal Man #15, Swamp Thing #15, Great Pacific #2, Storm Dogs #2, and The Hypernaturals #6.  Come back after the weekend for another helping of reviews for the second week of December releases.

 Avengers 1:  This book is dripping epicness.  I don't want to get into it too much, but the story is VERY reminiscent to Giant Sized X-Men #1.  The last page knocked me off my socks.  In Hickman we trust!

 X-Factor 248: So remember a few issues ago when Pip the Troll got shot in the head?  Well umm...no, I better not say anything or else I'll find Peter David at my door with a baseball bat (he hates people spoiling his books).  The team gets set up for something big and it all leads to their milestone issue, #250.

 Swamp Thing 15:  Rotworld, The Green Kingdom part 3.  The final War against Arcane continues as Holland makes his way to Gotham City with the aid of Deadman.   But not without resistance and not without a price.  Alec finally arrives to the batcave to find a very familiar face, one that has taken a shocking manifestation.

 Animal Man 15:  Rotworld, The Red Kingdom part 3.  Buddy Baker continues to build alliances and a crew of insurgents in this chaotic future.  A certain classic monster shows up to lend a hand and tips the gang off to the location of a powerful being who can help the crew stand a chance against Arcane.  The location is Metropolis...but it's not who you THINK!

 The Hypernaturals 6:  The rookies shine in this one.  The storyline is getting so complex and multi-layered that a re-read for better comprehension is in order.  Still, it went by fast which is always an indication of a good book.

 Great Pacific 2:  Lots of big ideas, lots of intelligent and interesting real-world concepts.  But is it entertaining?  Maybe one day when I'm older and I spend half my time sitting in front of the news channel.  But for now?  Not really.  Dropped.

Storm Dogs 2:  Hine is amazing at world-building.  Never thought I'd enjoy a comic with 22 pages of talking heads.  Yet every sentence was fascinating.  This will satisfy your sci-fi fix without a doubt.

 Dial H 7:  How is that a book with such sub-par art keeps me entertained so much each month?  As a comic fan, I am more of a visual-reader but I do recognize and enjoy good writing and this book has that in spades.  The hunt for a new dial continues and takes our two mismatched heroes on a quest out to sea.  Meanwhile, we meet the next antagonist in the series and he has some pretty funky powers.

 Worlds' Finest 7:  Damian continues guest starring and it's a pleasure.  Not a bad issue, but as typical of the title, not much happens.  Still entertaining enough to warrant another issue, but my patients does grow thin.

Earth2 7:  The slow process of the book can be quite boring but I have to admit that I am excited about upcoming characters.  Mr. Terrific.  Red Tornado.  Sandman.  Doctor Midnight.  Add those to the already "gathered" Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, The Flash and The Atom, and you've got a start to gathering the JSA.  I just wish they would get together faster.  All this politics is doing my head in.

U-Request Tuesday..!

Requested by our own not so evil Mohlmann...

Renaldo's Reviews: DCnU Wave 2

Earth 2 #1 –

I enjoyed James Robinson in the past although he doesn’t have the most solid handle on Superman. That all changes here with a lot of curve balls and left-field plays in this script. It’s like the Ultimates-version of the JSA and it incorporates well a blank canvas for Nicola Scott to glisten and gleam her confident art upon. They are a match made for this book and as consistently impressive a creative duo as such a new book needs upon embarking to stores.

DC Announces 'Before Watchmen'!

From DC, By David Hyde: "This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.
“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee.

Review: Green Lantern: New Guardians #1-4

Kirkham and Batt offer a repository of breathtaking art here with impactful and tenaciously colorful renderings that gleam and glisten. The art shines brilliantly and it’s well built upon by Tony Bedard’s dramatic plot that makes Rayner more appealing than Hal at this time. Circumventing the new 52 is something the GL universe had no problem doing as it picks up where the war left off. It’s hinging on Ganthet’s new mindset under the ever-nefarious Guardians as they rebuild Oa with hidden agendas, only to encounter Kyle Rayner and Saint Walker. Rayner has attracted a multitude of rings and each corp is gunning for him, and as he approaches his Guardians, a lab-rat betrayal sinks in

DC Announces the New 52 Wave 2!

From the DC blog, by Josh Kushins: "In May of 2012, DC Comics will release a “Second Wave” of titles as part of its historic DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 initiative. Six new, ongoing series will build on the shared universe and bold concepts introduced in September 2011 with the renumbering of DC Comics’ entire line of comic books.


Featuring a variety of different genres and storytelling sensibilities, the titles in the “Second Wave” will be helmed by some of the most legendary writers and artists in the comic book industry, and will also feature the first ongoing comic book series written by acclaimed novelist China Miéville.

“The excitement of the initial launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 was in seeing the re-imagining of these classic characters and concepts,” said Bob Harras, DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief. “The ‘Second Wave’ is all about world-building.”

DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 “Second Wave” includes:

• BATMAN INCORPORATED – Writer: Grant Morrison. Artist: Chris Burnham. The acclaimed ongoing writer of ACTION COMICS, Grant Morrison, presents a fresh take on BATMAN INCORPORATED, in which the Batman brand is franchised globally in preparation for a major international threat.

• EARTH 2 – Writer: James Robinson. Artist: Nicola Scott. The greatest heroes on a parallel Earth, the Justice Society combats threats that will set them on a collision course with other worlds.

• WORLDS’ FINEST – Writer: Paul Levitz. Artists: George Perez and Kevin Maguire. Stranded on our world from a parallel reality, Huntress and Power Girl struggle to find their way back to Earth 2. Perez and Maguire will be the artists on alternating story arcs.

• DIAL H – Writer: China Miéville. Artist: Mateus Santoluoco. The first ongoing series from acclaimed novelist China Miéville, this is a bold new take on a cult classic concept about the psychological effects on an everyman who accidentally gains powers to become a hero.

• G.I. COMBAT – Writer: J.T. Krul. Artist: Ariel Olivetti. Featuring the return of a classic DC Comics series, THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT, along with rotating back-up stories and creative teams – including THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, with writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Dan Panosian; and THE HAUNTED TANK, with writer John Arcudi and artist Scott Kolins.

• THE RAVAGERS – Writer: Howard Mackie. Artist: Ian Churchill. Spinning off from TEEN TITANS and SUPERBOY, this series finds four superpowered teens on the run and fighting against the organization that wants to turn them into supervillains.

The six new series will replace BLACKHAWKS, HAWK AND DOVE, MEN OF WAR, MISTER TERRIFIC, O.M.A.C. and STATIC SHOCK, all of which will conclude with their eighth issues in April.
“Many of the characters from our canceled books will appear in DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 titles, and in some very surprising ways,” said Harras. “We’re developing stories that reach from cultures around the globe to parallel worlds. We’re just getting started.”

DC's Q&A With Tony Akins

This interview is from DC, by Pamela Mullin: "Tony Akins is best known for his work on FABLES and JACK OF FABLES written by Bill Willingham. Now, he gives Cliff Chiang a breather as he takes over art duties for a two-part WONDER WOMAN story which begins on January 18th. I spoke to Tony about his art and getting the call to work on one of the most iconic superhero characters below.
Tony, you’re drawing Wonder Woman issues #5 and #6. This is your first time drawing a DC Comics superhero comic book. What’s it been like to be given the opportunity to draw such an iconic character?
TA: It’s really amazing. It’s also a little daunting. Amazons, in general, are heavy…and Diana is VERY HEAVY! It’s akin to what an executive officer on a navy ship-of-the-line would feel when given the bridge while the ship is still in port and has to take out to sea. In your mind you know that what you are charged with is awesome, and will be awesome and you’re in the chair because people believe in you. Still there’s that little voice in the back of your head yelling, “Don’t SUCK!”… which is one of my personal maxims, btw. If anyone can translate that to Latin, I’d appreciate it.
Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang have such a strong vision for the comic book. Was it a welcomed challenge to jump in?
TA: Is there another sort of challenge? I was in Seattle over the summer, was there to visit and to pursue a project with a publisher in the area but had extended my stay a week to avoid the miserable weather in the Midwest.
I was walking along Pike St. with my girlfriend when my phone rings…it’s Jill Thompson calling and she wants me to call Brian, which I do. He lays the possibility of my contributing to Wonder Woman in my path and tells me what he has planned to do with the title. I’m interested but I say that I have to really consider the other job I’m after as I’m intending to take the Cascadia Run down to Portland, OR to try and seal the deal with this other series, you know? So as excited as I am about the possibility of working with Brian again, ducks need to be in a row…
So I am literally standing at a crosswalk while having this conversation, waiting for a light to change so I can cross the street when I hang up with Brian. I get the green light to cross… by the time I’ve reached to opposite side of the street the phone is back in my hand and I’m dialing him back because I’ve made up my mind that I’m on board with the Wonder Woman relaunch.
Who could say no?
Cliff and Brian’s vision for the title is very striking, very deliberate, unique and independent. I believe I can compliment what Cliff is delivering to the title. The challenge for me is the genre; Superheroes. So… the challenge, for any artist worth their salt, means engaging the opportunity to grow and expand skill sets. Who would turn such a thing down?
How has your FABLES work influenced your art on Wonder Woman?
TA: It hasn’t. These are two totally different arenas of the comic craft. I don’t think I’d approach Wonder Woman the same way I’d approach Fables or Jack of Fables or Hellblazer. There are different dynamics that need to project from superhero page; the highly emphasized poses, aggressive posturing, you know…the standardized visuals that I will acknowledge but try to break and reset in my own strange way. I never said I was a conformist. Brian told me, directly, “This is a horror story…there’re monsters in this series…this is all You.” That’s all I needed to hear.
Are you a long time reader of superhero comics?
TA: I was never a reader of superhero comics. I’ve read a few here and there over the years, a select few; Watchmen was the first superhero series I had ever followed monthly, and then more recently I followed, again monthly, DC’s New Frontier over it’s run. The New Frontier was iconic and completely electrifying… I remember reading the end of The Losers in the first issue, the very last page with those last two panels where John Clouds’ grenade illuminates the silhouetted grave markers… wow…just, Wow. As I remember it now, I could feel the wave of heat and the shock of the blast. I know the cat remembered it too because I whooped and stood with the issue rolled in one hand smacking it into the other hand laughing and yelling, “This…THIS is a (freaking) comic book!” If I’m fortunate and clever enough, maybe I can bring that to the page and give the reader a similar effect. This is my hope.
Comic books for me, as a young person “under the influence”, were CREEPY and EERIE, MAD and then Heavy Metal. As an adult, comic books became my profession, so I have to spend more time making them than reading them. I hope that would not cheat me of the state of the craft. If there is a series I hear about and that I need to read, I have friends that will lend me the titles. I trust their suggestions.
Are you a fan of Greek mythology? What are your favorite stories?
TA: Orpheus and Eurydice has always been a favorite of mine. The Artemis Mythology is terrific and I am fond of the childhood of Zeus in the cave on Crete and the by-products of that story like Aegis and Cornucopia. The loss of Argos, the watchman and how he was mourned and then celebrated. Then there’s the mountains of paintings and sculpture of the Romantic Period inspired by all of this that I like to pore over…
Which of the Gods has been your favorite to draw? Why?
TA: Of course I’m going to be fondest with the Gods I create… but if there has to be a favorite among those that we’ve seen so far, it has to be “The Wax Child”, or Hades. From “go” he was a little creep. Brian’s initial direction on him was that he had to be a kid, like “Village of the Damned”…pale, mean, powerful. Horace Vernet painted a work called “The Dead Go Fast” and it’s always been a favorite of mine. His other works are dramatic enough, but with this painting… he must have gotten into some bad Absynthe because it’s brilliant. That’s where my Hades comes from. That’s the sepulchral king-child with his deadlights that I want standing in your thoughts at night…and, you’re very welcome!
Wonder Woman finds herself back in London where you introduce a new character named Lennox. Tell us about your creative process. Do you have a sketch or two you can share with us?
TA: Sure. As you know this is a collaborative process between Brian and Cliff and I. For Lennox, Brian described the manner of Lennox, his powers and how he fit into the Wonder Woman scheme in London. Brian has an idea of the look for him, a Jason Statham type, but more of a bulldog, pug-nose tough. We wanted a “superhero” but sans cape, but a look that was still iconic. Lennox got his black top coat to serve as cape, and it’s stylish. In leui of tights, he gets Bruce Lee ‘Game of Death’ trackpants; urban and definitely kick-ass. Beyond this, it’s basically me drawing versions of Lennox and Brian saying “no” until he says “yes” and then I can stop. Lennox was the toughest chase of them all, but he was bang-on when he arrived.

Top 5: DCnU Cancellation Predictions

This week, we count down the top 5 DCnU titles we think will be cancelled first, as voted by members of the facebook group. 

The rules stated that they must be titles that were part of the original 52 relaunched DC books.
As always, the very nature of lists means that absolutely no one will agree with it, but feel free to voice your opinions in the comments.
See the countdown HERE.

DC one of America's Hottest Brands

Advertising Age has recognised DC comics as one of America's hottest brands. With the DC New 52 Initiative, their movie franchises and all the merchandise that goes with them, DC have cemented their place in current popular culture. Brian Steinberg reports "DC began parceling out news of its characters to as many niche and mainstream publications as showed interest. It also tapped into a technique that comic-book publishers rarely embrace -- actual paid video commercials.

Top 5 - DCnU Titles

This week, we count down the top 5 titles from the DCnU, as voted by members of the facebook group.

As always, the very nature of lists means that absolutely no one will agree with it, but feel free to voice your opinions in the comments.
Click HERE.

DC Show Amazon Some Love, B&N Get Jealous

Publisher Weekly reported that DC comics are selling 100 graphic novels, including Watchmen, The Dark Night Returns and the Sandman series, exclusively on the Amazon Fire for a rumoured four months. Barnes and Noble were none to happy about this, so the ordered their stores to pull the physical copies of the trades of their store shelves. Basically B&N have taken the 10-year-old petulant child approach, and may possible ignite a content war.
UPDATE: United States bookstore chain Books-A-Million have followed Barnes and Noble’s lead, pulling the 100 DC graphic novels off their shelves as well.

Little Red Glowing Hood Wave 4

The mysterious hooded girl is back once again! Here’s the final where’s Waldo collage of all her DCnU wave 4 appearances. check it out after the jump and see if you can spot all 13!

DC Gives Retailers a Boost

CBR has an interesting report from retailers regarding sales this past week. One retailer said: "I think we've added maybe 25 new subscribers at this stage in the relaunch," Exum added. "And they're not just asking for DC. Whatever new stuff is coming in from Marvel or Image Comics or anything we have to offer [is of interest.] And that's just fantastic. Whenever a small business can have a week where 25 new people are willing to say, 'I will see you next week and in two weeks,' that's a huge deal.” A huge deal indeed. well done DC, and let’s hope the industry continues to grow.

Little Red Glowing Hood Wave 2

The mysterious hooded girl is back! as we previously reported, she appears somewhere in each of the DC New 52 issues so far. We’ve put together another where’s Waldo collage of all her DCnU wave 2 appearances. check it out after the jump and see if you can spot all 13!