Didio Decided to Fire the Outsiders Instead of Himself

In January of 2010, DC Comics co-publisher Dan Didio took over as writer of The Outsiders series, a team of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League of America. You can no longer argue with the hard facts that Didio's run was a complete and total failure, even if he was too proud to admit it. 

In March 2009, before Didio took over, The Outsiders had monthly sales of roughly 28,000 copies, which was a typical sales figure for the title.

In the wake of Batman's apparent death in Final Crisis, a new team of Outsiders was created, and the title was "relaunched" to great success. Sales for the November release jumped to roughly 51,000.

Fast forward to June 2010, where the book first had to start relying solely on Dan Didio's storytelling skills, and you saw sales of a mere 18,000 copies.



As of December 2010, sales had plummeted all the way down to 13,000 copies, and now DC Comics has just announced that The Outsiders will officially cancel the title after Issue #40 in May.

Wow.  

So Didio not only lost every single one of the new readers who jumped on board for the post Final Crisis reboot, he's also lost more than half of the traditional fan base as well, who you used to able to count on to pick up the title month in and month out.

When Didio was first doing his press tour regarding his taking over of The Outsiders title he said "If I felt that the book was not achieving, I would not be on that book. As simple as that. I'd cancel myself."

Well, it seems that once again, Dan Didio has lied to the loyal fans of the DC Universe. The book did not achieve.  He didn't cancel himself as writer. He didn't bring in a qualified team.  Instead he canceled the entire book.  We feel sorry for the 13,000 of you who are die hard fans of The Outsiders and hung in there with this title while Dan Didio had fun pretending he was a writer.  Hopefully, he has now realized that he is not one.

DC Comics Announces Ongoing BATMAN BEYOND Series!

My prayers have been answered.  Long live Terry McGinnis.  On Saturday morning at Fan Expo in Toronto, DC Entertainment continued their panel schedule with the DC Universe panel, where they announced a BATMAN BEYOND ongoing series after the miniseries. 

Now if we could just get Paul Dini to start developing another Batman Beyond Cartoo, life would be wonderful.

PREVIEW: BATMAN & ROBIN #14 (and why it's a good series)

I have changed my tune on Grant Morrison's BATMAN AND ROBIN.  Admittedly, I was filled with sour grapes when Morrison and Didiot "killed-off" Bruce Wayne and started the run with Dick as Batman and Damien as Robin.  I was upset and did not give this book a chance.  Now, that I have come around and am current on this title, I have been impressed with the book, especially the Tim, Damien, Dick, and Alfred relationship.  Now, I do admit that current plot line of hunting down Bruce, history of the Wayne family, Batman RIP tie-in, Joker, etc. was a very big reason for my turn around but nonetheless I give the Scottish Alan Moore his due.

Well this month BATMAN & ROBIN #14 hits the shelves and DC has given us a preview. 

Grant Morrison and artist Frazer Irving continue their epic BATMAN AND ROBIN tale, as one of our heroes lies near death. Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne enter the ultimate, blood-soaked battle against two foes who almost destroyed the original Batman. But are they up for the challenge? And if they can’t make it as a team, have they sealed their fates?

First Trailer for SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS

On November 9, Warner Home Video will be releasing a very cool documentary called Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics and it’s going to be narrated by Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern). As the press release says:

Warner Bros. Pictures presents an enthralling examination of the creative forces behind the World’s Greatest Super Heroes in Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics, an all-new documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic company with unprecedented access to the Warner Bros. and DC Comics archives. Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will be distributed by Warner Home Video on November 9, 2010 on DVD for $24.98 (SRP). Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will also be available On Demand and for Download.

Behind the amazing tales of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and a host of other well-known characters is the equally impressive story of the challenges, creativity and triumphs of the company that brought those characters to life. Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is both a celebration of the best writers and artists in comics and a thoughtful exploration of 75 years of DC Comics history.

Produced by the Academy Award ® -nominated team behind Spellbound (Feature Documentary), Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics combines excerpts from comics, films and television series with the insight of some of history’s most influential comic book creators and editors, among them Neal Adams, Karen Berger, Mike Carlin, Dan DiDio, Neil Gaiman, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Paul Levitz, Dwayne McDuffie, Grant Morrison, Dennis O’Neil, Paul Pope, Louise Simonson, Mark Waid, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman.

Source: Collider & DC

Dan Didio Needs to Keep His Word and Fire Himself

In January of this year, recently demoted co-publisher of DC Comics Dan Didio took over as writer of The Outsiders series, a team of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League of America. But with half a year behind us, it's hard to categorize his efforts as anything but a failure. Just look at the numbers:


In March 2009, The Outsiders had monthly sales of roughly 28,000 copies, which was a typical sales figure for the title.

In the wake of Batman's apparent death in Final Crisis, a new team of Outsiders was created, and the title was "relaunched" to great success. Sales for the November release jumped to roughly 51,000.

Fast forward to June 2010, and Dan Didio's version of the book saw sales of a mere 18,000 copies.

So Didio not only lost every single one of the new readers who jumped on board for the post Final Crisis reboot, he's almost lost half of the traditional fan base as well, who you used to able to count on to pick up the title month in and month out.

When Didio was doing his press tour in November regarding his taking over of The Outsiders title he said "If I felt that the book was not achieving, I would not be on that book. As simple as that. I'd cancel myself."

Since it seems that once again, Dan Didio has lied to the loyal fans of the DC Universe. The only question left is will it be Jim Lee or Geoff Johns who has to go in and tell him he's fired.

Another Batman Title Coming Soon from DC, Why?

Today, DC's official blog, The Source announced that DC will publish a brand new monthly Batman comic book. Here's the solicit form DC:

Starting in November, BRIGHTEST DAY and ACTION COMICS artist David Finch will take the reins as writer and artist of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, a new ongoing Batman title featuring the hyper-detailed and kinetic artwork Finch has become known for plus his unique and yet classic interpretation of the Caped Crusader.

Can’t wait until November? The fun begins in October, with BATMAN: THE RETURN, a one-shot featuring Finch’s masterful pencils and words by Morrison, kicking off a new era for the Dark Knight and giving fans a quick taste of what’s coming in the new ongoing.

The Dark Knight takes Batman outside what he knows, into a world of demonology, dark arts, and mystery. He’s the ultimate detective, faster, stronger and smarter than any villian, but now he faces creatures to whom logic and mortality don’t apply.

I want Dark Knight to be true to Batman’s street level, crime fighter roots. He’ll face a rogues gallery that we’re all familiar with, but this book will take him on a darker path where he’ll be stretched to his physical and psychological limits.”

While I am always excited to have Bruce Wayne as Batman in any comic book, do we really need another Batman title right now?  DETECTIVE COMICS, BATMAN, BATMAN AND ROBIN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, JUSTICE LEAGUE/THE 99, BATMAN ODYSSEY, BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, BRUCE WAYNE: THE ROAD HOME, BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL, BATMAN BEYOND, and BATMAN BRAVE AND THE BOLD. 

All these books with two different characters playing Batman and relatively little or no continuity between any of the books. Why do we need another book?  Can we just focus on making the current Batman comics books relative, cohesive, and interesting.  I guess DC (Dan Didio) will do anything to suck another $3.99 a month out of its loyal fans.

Dan Didio Will Actually Let You Talk to Him... for $100

Gfest is all on board with The Hero Initiative which provides a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.

Leading up to Comic Con International, The Hero Initiative  has several really cool items up for auction on eBay.  It also has the opportunity to hang out in a hotel room with recently demoted DC Comics co-publisher Dan Didio and likely be treated like crap. 

You and four other "lucky" fans will be escorted up to a San Diego hotel suite where you will be given the honor of meeting the Great Didio himself.  Presumably, since you're laying out some serious cash for the event, Dan won't treat you like a scumbag, which is the way he usually treats fans at Comic Con panels.  Although our money says he still treats you like shit. 

Marvel Comics Joe Quesada has also agreed to meet five fans for The Hero Initiative.  It will be interesting to see who raises more money for The Hero Initiative at the end of the auction.  Stay tuned to Gfest for the final tally. 

And if any of you actually win the Dan Didio auction, we would be happy to submit you a list of questions.

Dan Didio Auction is HERE.  Joe Quesada Auction is HERE. 

DC Comics Announces Comic Con Panels

DC Entertainment has announced its complete schedule for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con.  There’s a lot to take in but well worth it.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

10:15-11:15 DC Writers
With Winick, O’Neill, JMS, Simone; hosted by James Robinson. Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 DC NATION Convention Kickoff!

The DC NATION invades San Diego — and you’re invited along for the ride! Come celebrate the start of what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience! Your hosts, DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee, get the party started here! The NATION welcomes all. Room 6DE

12:30-1:30 Batman: The Widening Gyre
As Bat-fans know, Batman: The Widening Gyre revealed a previously untold period in Batman’s life. Join DC Group Editor Michael Marts, series artist Walt Flanagan (Batman: The Widening Gyre) and inker Art Thibert (Batman: The Widening Gyre) as they reveal secrets behind the highly anticipated conclusion. Room 4

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns’ storytelling and creativity fueled event blockblusters Blackest Night, the new Brightest Day and the character rebirths of Green Lantern and The Flash. As the new Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, you can expect Geoff to deliver even more thrills and excitement as his focus shifts to bringing the DCU to life outside of the comics starting with the Green Lantern film and many other surprises! Don’t miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, Group Editor, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in comics. Room 6DE

FRIDAY, JULY 23

12:30-1:30 DC Focus: Grant Morrison
The mastermind behind best-selling hits such as Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, Joe the Barbarian, Final Crisis, Arkham Asylum, All-Star Superman and many more invite you to this rare sit-down. You won’t want to miss this candid chat about projects past, present and future, with glimpses into what goes on in the mind of Grant Morrison as he crafts some of the world’s most thought-provoking comics! Hosted by Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler. Room 6DE

1:45-2:45 Batman: The Return
As the Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne rages on, follow the Bat-Signal to this panel and uncover clues about the future of the Dark Knight from some of the A-list talent behind the publishing line. If you think you know where this story’s headed – THINK AGAIN! Hear it here from Group Editor Mike Marts, David Finch (Batman), Grant Morrison (Batman & Robin), Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham) and others! Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 Superman: Man of Tomorrow
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s The Man of Steel - and he’s back on Earth and primed to take 2010 by storm! Don’t miss members of the exciting new Superman creative teams as they discuss their plans for Superman, Lex Luthor, Superboy, Supergirl and more led by DC Group Editor Matt Idelson with Paul Cornell (Action Comics), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Jeff Lemire (Superboy), J. Michael Strazcynski (Superman: Earth One, Superman) and more! Room 6DE

4:15-5:15 DC NATION Special Edition
It’s the DC Nation State of the Union address as DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee join forces to give fans all the info they can handle! With those two leading the NATION, expect the unexpected! The NATION welcomes all! Room 6DE

6:30-7:30 Artist’s Choice: Drawing Batman
Superstar Batman artists share the secrets of drawing the Dark Knight with a special projector designed so you can see their every stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely blow your mind! Room 30CDE

SATURDAY, JULY 24

12:30-1:45 DC Universe: Event Horizon
Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor, and your favorite writers and artists are here for the main event: The DC Universe! What lies ahead for your favorite heroes and series? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There’s no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Green Lantern: Emerald Empire
No evil shall escape this panel’s sight as the top creative teams on the Green Lantern books drop hints on upcoming stories and take on your questions! Led by Group Editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, The Flash), Tony Bedard (Green Lantern Corps), Joe Prado (Brightest Day) and Ivan Reis (Brightest Day). Room 6A

SUNDAY, JULY 25

11:00-12:00 DC Kids: Aww Yeah!
Don’t miss your chance to chat with Mike Norton, Art Baltazar and Franco, the creative team behind Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam and the best kid-friendly comic on the market, Tiny Titans! DC Co-Publisher Dan DiDio hosts what is sure to be entertaining discussion for the whole family! Room 4

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Premiere Teams
DC Comics knows a thing or two about teams. From the company that brought you the first team in comics’ history (Justice Society of America) don’t miss this panel on the DCU’s top teams roaming Earth (JLA, JSA, Secret Six, Titans), the farthest reaches of space (R.E.B.E.L.S.) and even across time (Legion of Super-Heroes)! Senior Group Editor Mike Carlin is joined by Tony Bedard (R.E.B.E.L.S.), Marc Guggenheim (Flash), JT Krul (Teen Titans), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Matthew Sturges (JSA All-Stars) and others for this collaborative panel! Room 6A

3:00-4:00 DC Town Hall Meeting
All are welcome to join DC Co-Publishers Dan DiDio & Jim Lee for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts on what you love about comics now and what you hope to see in the future! Room25ABC

via The Source

DC Comics Continues to Kill Superman Fans Slowly and Painfully

You thought the run in Action Comics staring Flame Bird and Nightwing was a boring Superman story, as the band Bachman–Turner Overdrive said, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet."

DC Comics announced yesterday that rather than traveling the galaxy defending the universe from dark forces, Superman may soon arrive in your hometown in a very pedestrian way.

As part of the Grounded story line that kicks off in July with issue No. 700 of DC Comics' Superman series, the Man of Steel will walk across the USA to reconnect with the everyday people he is committed to protecting.

The story may be fictional, but many of the places and people that Superman will visit are real. DC Comics is asking readers to write in and campaign for their towns and residents to be depicted in the 13-issue Superman series.

Great idea because no one wants to see Superman taking on Darkseid, Lex Luthor, Mongul, Brainiac, Intergang, etc.  

Why do you continue to F*%ck the DC Universe up Dan Didio? Why?

Source USA Today

New DC Comics Promo Poster on its Way by Ivan Reis

Gfest has always been a huge fan of DC Comics promotional teaser images.  They do a brilliant job of telling you very little but teasing you sooo much.  On Friday, recently demoted co-publisher of DC Comics Dan Didio confirmed the new teaser image on his Facebook page. 

He also confirmed that one of DC Comic's superstar Blackest Night artist, Ivan Reis, will be drawing the image.  We can't wait. 

NEW Brightest Day #5 Variant Covers

DC Comics released two wonderful variant covers for Brightest Day #5.  The cover art has become the best part of the Brightest Day storyline.

Four issues into this bi-monthly series and Gfest has yet determine the significance of this story as it relates to the DC Universe.

DC Comics hit the lottery on 52 and has been playing the same numbers ever since in the hopes of hitting it again.

Despite the storyline, Ivan Reis and David Finch have produced some wonderful cover art.  enjoy.

Did Dan Didio Just Bitch Slap Vertigo Comics?

A Rich Johnson rumor says that Dan Didio has decided to take Swamp Thing away from Vertigo to bring him back to the DC Universe.

Recently demoted DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio has decided that a new Swamp Thing title will be released under the DC banner, instead of a planned reboot from science fiction author China Mieville.

What's more, Johnston contends that the Didio proclamation extends to any of the Vertigo superheroes that originated in the DC Universe.

Many are outraged by this move, but it makes a lot of sense to gfest.  While Vertigo's roots are in edgier takes on classic DC superheroes, that's not what drives the Vertigo train today.  Today Vertigo is THE home for highly acclaimed original series like 100 Bullets, Preacher, Scalped, DMZ, Transmetropolitan and Y: The Last Man.

For years, Vertigo's flagship series was Hellblazer, but that's no longer the case.  Today, Fables rules the world of Vertigo. 

So mark it down, today gfest agreed with a Dan Didio decision.  We're as shocked as you are.

First Five Pages of Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne - Early Preview

As Gfest said earlier in the week, we are huge fans of Bruce Wayne as Batman NOT Dick Grayson.  As all good disciples of Jack "The King" Kirby know Bruce Wayne has been lost in time as a result of Darkseid's Omega Sanction. He is believed dead by his closest allies with the exception of the greatest sidekick of all time, the true Robin, Tim Drake.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #1 launches a special, six-issue event that chronicles the return of the original Dark Knight.  Each issue spans a different era of time and featuring the dynamic artwork of a different, A-list comic book artist.

As excited as Gfest is for this event, we have one major concern - GRANT MORRISON.  High-Father himself cannot predict how this madman will draft this series.  Gfest is afraid that by issue #6 of this series, we will feel like we did after reading Final Crisis #7 - how do I wake up from this nightmare!!

Until that time, Gfest is going to remain positive that Dan Didio and Grant Morrison will restore Bruce as Batman and restore all that is right to this world.


Enjoy the first five pages of issue #1 below.

Dan Didio Needs to Start Acting Like a Real Businessman

Do you know who Harold Winer REALLY is?  Well according to Gfest's friends over at Scans-Daily

he's an average fan like you and me who is at time frustrated with DC Comics and Dan Didio. 

Herald has apparently made Didio-bashing a profession on message boards.  He has gotten into arguments with DC Comics creators and had one say that he is well known in the DC offices, where he is regularly laughed at.

So Dan Didio who is taking a wildly unsuccessful turn as writer of The Outsiders, decided to put "Harold Winer" into his latest issue, and then he kicked the crap out of him.  Really?  That's how you treat your fans?

Black Lantern Corps Version of Mogo Revealed.

Black Lantern Superman was recently humbled to meet the Black Lantern Corps version of Mogo, Dan Didio.  "It's a real honor," said Black Lantern Superman.  "As our Corps spiritual leader, he has done more to expand our ranks that anyone else I can think of.  He's been so successful that I'm not sure we even need any more Black Lanterns.  I think he's just killing people for fun now." 

When asked what about Didio made him such a great leader, Superman responded that "Dan wakes up every morning and starts thinking about who he can kill today.  I mean how can you not admire that?"

Dan Didio's Run as Writer of the Outsiders is Officially a Failure

In January of this year, newly demoted co-publisher of DC Comics Dan Didio took over as writer of The Outsiders series, a team of superheroes who do not fit the norms of the mainstream superhero community, namely the Justice League of America.  But with three issues out so far, it's hard to categorize his efforts as anything but a failure.  Just look at the numbers:

• In March 2009, The Outsiders had monthly sales of roughly 28,000 copies, which was a typical sales figure for the title.
• In the wake of Batman's apparent death in Final Crisis, a new team of Outsiders was created, and the title was "relaunched" to great success.  Sales for the November release jumped to roughly 51,000.
• One year later, in March 2010, Dan Didio's version saw sales of a mere 19,600 copies. 

So Didio not only lost every single one of the new readers who jumped on board for the post Final Crisis reboot, he lost more than 40% of the traditional fan base who could be counted on to pick up the title month in and month out. 

When Didio was doing his press tour in November regarding his taking over of The Outsiders title he said "If I felt that the book was not achieving, I would not be on that book. As simple as that. I'd cancel myself."

Since it seems that once again, Dan Didio has lied to the loyal fans of the DC Universe.  The only question left is will it be Jim Lee or Geoff Johns who gets to tell him he's fired.