Rian Hughes' BATMAN & ROBIN Logos

Today, you get a special"Grant Morrison" treat when you head to your local comic shop, a deluxe version of Batman & Robin Volume 2 and Batman vs. Robin #16 hit the shelves. DC’s Source blog had a trio of posts yesterday promoting the occasion.

In addition to a preview of Batman & Robin #16, they also shared Morrison’s thoughts on the covers to issues 7-12 and, as seen above, Rian Hughes’ logo design. I love these logos.  Rian Hughes did a great job on these beautiful and creative logos.

Is This the World's Greatest Superhero Cake?

I understand that there is an entire subset of our culture that's really into fancy cakes.  I confess that I don't really understand that culture, but I've seen the TV shows dedicated exclusively to extreme cake design as I flip around the channels on my TV. 

Maybe I should give them a second chance, because this cake is the coolest thing I've ever seen.  And how cool for Aquaman that he somehow made the cut. 

NYCC 10 - DC Releases Covers to Five Batman Titles

Here we go Batman fans.  Five Batman titles will be on sale from DC Comics in November. At the start of what the publisher promises to be a very Bat-heavy weekend at New York Comic Con, DC's The Source blog released a series of five new house ads spotlighting the new Gotham lineup of books from creators including Grant Morrison, J.H. Williams III, Tony Daniel, Scott Snyder, Jock, Yanick Paquette, David FInch and Amy Reeder. Check them out after the jump.

In addition to these five titles, DC presently publishes "Batman & Robin," "Batman: Streets of Gotham," "Gotham City Sirens," "Red Robin" and "Batgirl," among other books featuring the Dark Knight or other Gotham-based characters.

 Via:  the Source and Comics Alliance

BRUCE WAYNE: THE RETURN HOME Teaser Art

DC's The Source released these images for BRUCE WAYNE – THE RETURN HOME, a series of one-shot specials spotlighting the many key players in Batman’s world, "spotlighting not only their attempts to defeat a looming threat, but also to come to terms with the return of their mentor, father figure and friend – for better or worse."

I am very excited to have Bruce Wayne back in Gotham and wearing the cowl.  I don't know exactly how DC will pull this off with all the various story-lines surrounding Bruce, Dick, Tim, Damien, Hush, Brightest Day, JLI, etc., but just knowing the real Batman is back ( don't f*ck it up Grant & Dan) will suffice for now.

My only concern is how DC tends to operate in these situations - One Shots!  I dislike when they do this because traditionally the stories are always sub-par and it usually results in me wasting $3.99 for each of these issues that for all intent and purpose have no relationship to the actual "Event."

Below are the images from the various one-shots that DC will release next month in honor of BRUCE WAYNE: THE RETURN HOME.

Shocking News Alert: Grant Morrison to Frustrate Comic Fans

I know what you will say, "if you don't like it, don't read it."   That is easier said than done since Morrison authors the books from my favorite superhero, Batman.  Now we have so many damn Batman books with more than one Batman and apparently it is all connected because we are awaiting the return of Bruce Wayne and its significance to the DCU and the Batman Universe.  Except, Grant's too busy and we have to wait for these books.

Will everything be delayed?  Does the DCU storyline as a whole revolve around Bruce Wayne?  Is Wayne truly a White Lantern?  Does Bruce a play major role in Brightest Day?  We were told TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT plays an important role in the next DCU storyline?  Who  knows!

Batman: The Return of Bruce #5 was confirmed as being postponed for two months. Originally scheduled for Aug. 5, the DC Comics website now has it coming out on Oct. 6. Blogger David Uzumeri brought this to my attention with a Twitter poster on Friday, and the realization of the delay dovetailed in with two other pieces of stray information from weeks ago.

The first was the news of a sudden artistic change-up to Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #4 from Cameron Stewart to Georges Jeanty; originally solicited for July 21, the book only came out one week late, but the artwork looks a tad rushed. Stewart wrote on his blog that “conditions were such that I felt that my work would be drastically compromised and sub par should I stay on board, and so I felt that it was best that I walked away.” It has proven to be amicable, with pages already filtering out online of a future collaboration with Stewart, Morrison and DC on the 16th issue of Batman & Robin.

The second is from the blog of Sean Murphy, artist of the Morrison-penned Joe the Barbarian. According to his post, he’s waiting on the script for the final two issues of the series. Joe the Barbarian #7 was originally scheduled for release on July 21, while DC’s website now has a release of Sept. 15.

Checking with the solicitations for the past three months, Morrison is working on four series: Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne and Joe The Barbarian. He’s also been announced to work on two miniseries, Batman: The Return and Multiversity, a new series titled Batman Inc., as well as a prose book titled Supergods: Our World in the Age of the Superhero.

Source:  Robot6

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?

What is BATMAN: HIDDEN TREASURES?

From what I have gathered DC is is putting out yet another Batman solicit.  Apparently DC has Wolverine envy.

Ron Marz is apparently writing the story and Bernie Wrightson is doing the art.  Other than that, I am confused as what plot direction this book will utilize as it relates to the Batman universe.  Is it Bruce Wayne?  Is it Dick Grayson?  Is it an Elseworld Tale?  Is it set in DC Universe continuity?

If any has any answers it would be much appreciated.  I guess I am just overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) depending on the day.  DETECTIVE COMICS, BATMAN, BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE, BATMAN: LONG ROAD HOME, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, BATMAN BEYOND, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATMAN INC., and RED ROBIN to name a few.  It's a lot to keep track of as a Batman fan.

THeseare some pages from BATMAN: HIDDEN TREASURES. Any help?

FIRST LOOK: Grant Morrison's BATMAN INC.

Grant Morrison did an interview with the Geoff Boucher over at Hero Complex and talked about various Batman related projects, including BATMAN, INC.

After time travels and dark challenges, Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham City and writer Grant Morrison has big plans for the hero. I interviewed Morrison about "Batman, Inc.," a new series that launches in October and will present the "franchising" of the caped crusader -- essentially the dark knight of Gotham City drafts, trains and commands a team of heroes who will wear their leader's colors. "It's all about branding," says Morrison. The team will include Dick Grayson, Knight and Squire, El Gaucho and eight others. Their leader, meanwhile, gets that little yellow circle back on his costume. Read all about it below and check out the exclusive art after the jump . -- Geoff Boucher

Here are some highlights from the interview regarding BATMAN INC.:

 Sane or not, Batman is not a guy that plays well with others, at least not all the time. That makes it intriguing to hear that you have plans for the Bruce Wayne to "franchise" Batman and enlist others to wear the costume.

" Oh yeah, I mean, 10 of the team-ups will be like that.  A lot of the experiences that he's been through now, the way I want to play it is that they have changed his focus and his view of what his mission is and what he can accomplish. He starts to bring in more people. The first 12 issues of the book will be team-ups with Batman and different characters as he traveling the world and kind of training people. [SPOILER ALERT: THE REST OF THIS ANSWER REVEALS SOME LONG-VIEW STORY ARC] And at the end we found out what that's all about; it's not just habit or routine. He actually has a big agenda. That leads into where I'm taking this. At the end of the "first season" I want to wind up with a really enormous Batman story. Everything is building up to that kind of climatic arc."

For the characters around Batman, I imagine there's some tension. To wear a Batman costume and join his team, you have to submerge yourself, correct?

"10 of the team-ups will be like that. The second team-up is Batman with El Gaucho, the Argentinian hero. So here's these super macho guys, these alpha males, and the Gaucho isn't sure he wants to wear that bat symbol, He doesn't always agree with Batman but he does agree with his principles and ideals. He agrees with the mission but not the branding. That's what it's all about: Branding."

You can read the entire interview by heading over to Hero Complex.  

What do you think after reading the highlights from Morrrison's interview? AS with anything Morrison, I reserve judgment until I read a few issues.  Will it be ALL STAR SUPERMAN or FINAL CRISIS? We'll have to wait and see.  Let's hope it's more ALL STAR SUPERMAN.

Supergirl and Damien Team-up in SUPERMAN/BATMAN #77 and Why I am Starting to Like Damien Wayne

I will be the first to admit, I did not like Damien Wayne when he was introduced as a character into the Batman family. In my opinion, the Bat family was already too crowded with Bruce, Dick, Jason, Tim, Barbara, Stephanie, etc. I found Damien's character to be the Scrappy Doo or Kazoo of the Batman family.

Now, I am starting to come around about Damien. I like the dynamic he throws into the relationships in and around the Bat family. I especially love the tension between Tim and Damien. The writing of Damien by Grant Morrison Chris Yost and Fabian Nicieza is fantastic. Damien is smart, sharp and very quick witted. Damien's dialogue with Tim is funny and useful to help shape the story of the Bat family in the future. Don;t get me wrong my favorite part of any Tim and Damien encounter is still seeing Red Robin kicks Robin's little pompous butt around Gotham city.

That's why the recently announced team-up of Damien and Supergirl has me really intrigued. I can't wait to read the dynamic between the two. Especially, since Kara and Tim have such a good relationship.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #77 by writer Joshua Williamson puts the teenage Supergirl together with the talented but rather exasperating new Robin, Damian Wayne. Featuring art by Alé Garza, the issue shows the two heroes facing off against a threat that ties into Blackest Night.

When the issue showed up in October's solicitations, SUPERMAN/BATMAN #77 immediately caught the imagination of comics fans, who guessed at how the pair might interact. After all, they didn't get along so well during their brief encounter in Sterling Gates' World's Finest mini-series.

Wonder Woman and Batman Marry Over the Weekend

You thought Chelsea Clinton's was in the biggest wedding of the weekend?  You were wrong.

Sharon and Neil Vaughan married this weekend as Wonder Woman and Batman because they love wearing fancy dress.

But what happened to the caped crusader's sidekicks?  Well, Robin was the best man and the Joker was the master of ceremonies.

Mrs Vaughan, 40, in red corset, blue hotpants, boots and a tiara and veil, made her entrance to the Wonder Woman theme tune.

Her bridesmaids came as the PowerPuff girls while other guests included Superman, the Incredibles, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk and Captain America.

WTF? Batman & Robin on Set of ARTHUR Remake

Earlier this month, the Batmobile from Batman Forever was spotted on the New York set of Arthur and now Batman and Robin have been as well! Okay, so it's really Russell Brand and Luiz Guzman filming a scene for the Warner Bros. remake.

I have to say this version of Arthur looks a whole hell of a lot better than they original. I don't remember Batman and Robin with Dudley Moore.

The new Arthur follows a very rich, happy drunk who is told by his mother that he must marry the wealthy girl of her choosing or else lose his inheritance, just as he meets a poor girl and falls in love.

Source Superhero Hype

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.

2010 Harvey Awards Nominees Announced

BALTIMORE, MD (July 11, 2010) -- The Harvey Awards Nominees have been announced with the release of the final ballot, presented by the Executive Committees of the Harvey Awards and the Baltimore Comic-Con.  Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry's most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art. They will be presented August 28, 2010 in Baltimore, MD, in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators - those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field.  They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.  Thank you to all that have already participated by submitting a nomination ballot.

BEST WRITER

  Jason Aaron, "SCALPED", Vertigo/DC Comics
  Geoff Johns, "BLACKEST NIGHT", DC Comics
  Robert Kirkman, "THE WALKING DEAD", Image Comics
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Mark Waid, "IRREDEEMABLE", BOOM! Studios

BEST ARTIST

  Robert Crumb, "BOOK OF GENESIS", W.W. Norton
  Guy Davis, "BPRD: BLACK GODDESS", Dark Horse Comics
  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  David Petersen, "MOUSE GUARD : WINTER 1152", Archaia Studios Press
  Frank Quitely, "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  JH Williams III, "DETECTIVE COMICS", DC Comics

BEST CARTOONIST

  Darwyn Cooke, "RICHARD STARK'S PARKER: THE HUNTER", IDW
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Roger Langridge, "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Seth, "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", Drawn and Quarterly

BEST LETTERER

  Chris Eliopoulos, "FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SON OF A GENIUS" stories, Marvel Comics
  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  Thomas Mauer, "RAPTURE", Dark Horse Comics
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Richard Starkings, "ELEPHANTMEN", Image Comics

BEST  INKER

  Oclair Albert, "BLACKEST NIGHT", DC Comics
  Steve Ellis, "HIGH MOON",  Zuda/DC Comics
  Klaus Janson, "AMAZING SPIDER-MAN", Marvel Comics
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Mark Morales, "THOR", Marvel Comics

BEST COLORIST

  Brian Fies, "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", Abrams ComicArts
  Steve Hamaker, "BONE: CROWN OF HORNS", Graphix
  Laura Martin, "THE ROCKETEER: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", IDW
  David Mazzucchelli, "ASTERIOS POLYP", Pantheon
  Dave Stewart, "BPRD: BLACK GODDESS", Dark Horse Comics

BEST COVER ARTIST

  Jenny Frison, "THE DREAMER", IDW
  Mike Mignola, "HELLBOY: THE BRIDE OF HELL", Dark Horse Comics
  Michael Avon Oeming, "MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY, PART I", Image Comics
  Frank Quitely, "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  JH Williams III, "DETECTIVE COMICS", DC Comics

BEST NEW TALENT

  Kevin Cannon, "FAR ARDEN", Top Shelf
  Rob Guillory, "CHEW", Image Comics
  Reinhard Kleist,"JOHNNY CASH: I SEE A DARKNESS", Abrams ComicArts
  Nathan Schreiber, "ACT-I-VATE: POWER OUT", http://act-i-vate.com
  Matthew Weldon, "NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY", Image Comics

BEST NEW SERIES

  "BATMAN AND ROBIN", DC Comics
  "CHEW", Image Comics
  "IRREDEEMABLE", BOOM! Studios
  "SWEET TOOTH", Vertigo/DC Comics
  "UNWRITTEN", Vertigo/DC Comics

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES

  "BEASTS OF BURDEN", Dark Horse Comics
  "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID", Amulet Books
  "GANGES",  Fantagraphics Books
  "INVINCIBLE", Image Comics
  "SCALPED", Vertigo/DC Comics
  "THE WALKING DEAD", Image Comics

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC PUBLICATION FOR YOUNGER READERS
  "AMULET: STOREKEEPER'S CURSE", Graphix
  "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  "GROWN-UPS ARE DUMB", Hyperion Books
  "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  "NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY", Image Comics
  "3-2-3 DETECTIVE AGENCY", Amulet Books

BEST ANTHOLOGY

  "ACT-I-VATE", http://act-i-vate.com
  "FLIGHT # 6", Villard
  "POPGUN # 3", Image Comics
  "STRANGE TALES", Marvel Comics
  "WEDNESDAY COMICS", DC Comics

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC ALBUM

  "ASTERIOS POLYP", by David Mazucchelli, Pantheon
  "BOOK OF GENESIS", by Robert Crumb, W.W. Norton
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "FOOTNOTES IN GAZA", by Joe Sacco, Metropolitan Books
  "STITCHES", by David Small, W.W. Norton
  "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", by Brian Fies, Abrams ComicArts

BEST PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED GRAPHIC ALBUM

  "A.D.: NEW ORLEANS AFTER THE DELUGE", by Josh Neufeld, Pantheon
  "COLLECTED ESSEX COUNTY", by Jeff Lemire, Top Shelf
  "GRAVESLINGER", by Shannon Denton, Jeff Mariotte, John Cboins & Nina Sorat, IDW
  "MASTERPIECE COMICS", by R. Sikoryak, Drawn and Quarterly
  "MICE TEMPLAR VOLUME 1", by Bryan J.L. Glass and Michael Avon Oeming, Image Comics

BEST SYNDICATED STRIP OR PANEL

  "CUL-DE-SAC", by Richard Thompson, Universal Press Syndicate
  "FOXTROT", by Bill Amend, Universal Press Syndicate
  "GET FUZZY", by Darby Conley, United Feature Syndicate
  "MUTTS", by Patrick McDonnell, King Features Syndicate
  "PEARLS BEFORE SWINE", by Stephan Pastis, United Feature Syndicate

BEST DOMESTIC REPRINT PROJECT

  "THE BEST OF SIMON AND KIRBY", by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; edited by Steve Saffel, Titan Books
  "HUMBUG", conceived and edited by Harvey Kurtzman and created by Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Davis, Will Elder, Al Jaffee and Arnold Roth; edited by Gary Groth, Fantagraphics Books
  "RIP KIRBY", by Alex Raymond;  edited by Dean Mullaney, IDW
  "THE ROCKETEER:  THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", by Dave Stevens; edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
  "THE TOON TREASURY OF CLASSIC CHILDREN'S COMICS", edited by Art Spiegelman and Francoise Mouly, Abrams ComicsArt

BEST AMERICAN EDITION OF FOREIGN MATERIAL
   "THE ART OF OSAMU TEZUKA: GOD OF MANGA", by Helen McCarthy, Abrams ComicArts
  "MANGA KAMISHIBAI", by Eric P. Nash, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE PHOTOGRAPHER", by Emmanuel Guibert, Didier LeFevre and Frederic Lemercier, First Second
  "PLUTO: URASAWA X TEZUKA", by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, Viz Media
  "20TH CENTURY BOYS", by Naoki Urasawa, Viz Media

BEST ON-LINE COMICS WORK

  "HARK! A VAGRANT", by Kate Beaton, http://harkavagrant.com
  "HIGH MOON", by Steve Ellis, David Gallaher and Scott O. Brown, http://www.zudacomics.com/high_moon
  "POWER OUT", by  Nathan Schreiber, http://act-i-vate.com
  "PVP", by Scott Kurtz, http://www.pvponline.com
  "SIN TITULO", by Cameron Stewart, http://www.sintitulocomic.com

SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS

  Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, "BEASTS OF BURDEN", Dark Horse Books
  Jeff Kinney, "DIARY OF A WIMPY KID #3: THE LAST STRAW", Amulet Books
  Roger Landridge, "THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK", BOOM! Studios
  Bryan Lee O'Malley, "SCOTT PILGRIM #5", Oni Press
  Andrew Pepoy, "THE ADVENTURES OF SIMONE & AJAX: A CHRISTMAS CAPER", ComicMix

SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION

  "ART OF HARVEY KURTZMAN: THE MAD GENIUS OF COMICS", by Denis Kitchen and Paul Buhle, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE BRINKLEY GIRLS: THE BEST OF NELL BRINKLEY'S CARTOONS FROM 1913-1940", edited by Trina Robbins, Fantagraphics Books
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "THE ROCKETEER: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES", by Dave Stevens, edited by Scott Dunbier, IDW
  "SECRET IDENTITY: THE FETISH ART OF SUPERMAN'S CO-CREATOR JOE SHUSTER", edited by Craig Yoe, Abrams ComicArts
  "WEDNESDAY COMICS", edited by Mark Chiarello, DC Comics

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL OR JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION

  "ALTER-EGO", edited by Roy Thomas, TwoMorrows
  "ART OF HARVEY KURTZMAN: THE MAD GENIUS OF COMICS", by Denis Kitchen and Paul Buhle, Abrams ComicArts
  "THE BEST OF SIMON AND KIRBY", by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; edited by Steve Saffel, Titan Books
  "THE COMICS JOURNAL", edited by Gary Groth, Michael Dean and Kristy Valenti, Fantagraphics Books
  "UNDERGROUND CLASSICS", by James Danky and Denis Kitchen, Abrams ComicArts

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY

  "ALEC: THE YEARS HAVE PANTS", by Eddie Campbell, Top Shelf
  "ASTERIOS POLYP", by David Mazucchelli, Pantheon
  "GANGES #3", by Kevin Huizenga, Fantagraphics Books
  "GEORGE SPROTT (1894-1975)", by Seth, Drawn and Quarterly
  "JONAH HEX #50", written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, artwork by Darwyn Cooke, DC Comics
  "RICHARD STARK'S PARKER: THE HUNTER", by Darwyn Cooke, IDW
  "WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE WORLD OF TOMORROW?", by Brian Fies, Abrams ComicArts

Congratulations to all of the nominees!  If you know a nominee, please pass on the good news!
 

The Harvey committee and the Baltimore Comic-Con will make every effort to contact all nominees.  If you are a nominee and do not hear from us by July 23, please contact us at baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.  We would love to discuss your involvement in the ceremony and the Baltimore Comic-Con.
 

For additional information about Harvey Kurtzman and the Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org.

For additional information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
 

For additional information about the Harvey Awards Master of Ceremonies Scott Kurtz, visit
www.pvponline.com.

Batman and Robin Find a Citizen in Need of Help

Enjoy this Dan Piraro cartoon.  Most people think Batman is always busy fighting huge threats to Gotham like the Joker and the Penguin.  But Batman is always on the lookout fro trouble, no matter how big or small.

Batkids

As huge fans of Batman and Robin, Gfest is always scouring the internet to find creative and unique art containing the dynamic duo.  Luckily, we stumbled upon the deviantART page of Jenzee and found this picture entitled, "Batkids."  What makes this drawing even more impressive is she drew it while watching an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (a Gfest favorite) which is only a 30 minute show.

New Frank Quietly Batman & Robin #15 Cover

In the final chapter of “Batman Must Die,” all is lost and everything has gone to pieces! Is Dick Grayson alive? Will Damian make a pact with the devil? And what will happen after the final confrontation with Dr. Hurt?

Gfest has a love hate relationship with Grant Morrision.  He's the Brian Michael Bendis of DC Comics. Just when you're ready to give up on him, he will knock a story out of the park.

We hate the false Batman and Robin - Dick Grayson and Damien Wayne.  The only interesting part of this story has been the search for the real Batman, Bruce Wayne. Let's hope Grant gets a big hit to finish off this story arch.

Frank Quitely’s cover to BATMAN AND ROBIN #13

DC Comics just released the Cover to Batman and Robin #13 over at The Source.  The cover done by Frank Quitely features the Joker who was the big surprise reveal in Issue #12. 

Official Description of the Issue - In "Batman Must Die!" part 2 of 3, 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. Are the new Dynamic Duo up to this final confrontation with absolute evil? If they can't truly bond as a team, they're dead!

Return of Bruce Wayne Takes Detour at Jersey Shore?

The folks at topspeed.com have found the Dark Knight, as you can see in this picture of him driving on the New Jersey Turnpike.  Wow, that trip through time that Darkseid sent Batman on at the end of FINAL CRISIS, just keeps getting stranger. 

Caveman Batman, Pirate Batman, Pilgrim Batman, and now Jersey Shore Batman?  In this picture, Bruce Wayne is seen driving in a replica of the 1960’s Batmobile that Adam West made famous.  He even went as far as to dress up a manequin as his beloved Robin to ride shotgun.  Although you can't really blame him for missing Robin.

Poor Bruce Wayne.  Darkseid's Omega Sanction is a thousand times more cruel than gfest could have ever imagined.  I mean, Batman had to fight his way through the Jersey Shore.  Even DESAAD might think that's over the top.

Batman Holds a Press Conference

A classic Who's Line is it Anyway sketch where Colin Mocherie plays Batman holding a press conference.

Who Loves Hot, Sultry, Sexy Italian Women?

Well than without a doubt you will love the Italian Model, Actress and TV host, Elisabetta Canalis.  While May 6 is not Elisabetta's Gfest birthday her boyfriend George Clooney's turns 49 today.  

Obviously, your friends at Gfest are not going to post a picture of George.  Not that we have anything against Mr. Clooney.  Gfest thinks he is the coolest gentleman in  Hollywood (except for that brief, sad period when he played Batman in Batman and Robin). 

Your friends at Gfest are willing to forgive George for his role as Batman and post his picture today if he allows us to spend some time with Elisabetta. 

Is that too much to ask on your birthday?  No reason to be selfish today, George.