The Comics Ticker

A New Era Begins in September's Batman #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

DC released some more information on the forthcoming new Batman series by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez.

The main cover for Batman #1 will be illustrated by Jorge Jiménez and will retail for $4.99 US, alongside a foil variant cover by Jiménez for $7.99 US.

Additionally, Batman #1 will feature cardstock variant covers, each retailing for $5.99 US, from some of the most acclaimed artists in comics, including: Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto, J. Scott Campbell, Frank Quitely, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Julian Totino Tedesco, Andy Kubert (1:25 incentive variant), and David Aja (1:50 incentive variant), along with a new Bat-Symbol variant cover and a blank sketch cover with the new Batman series logo.

A premium "DC Showcase" wraparound variant cover by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau will also be available, retailing for $24.99 US.

Fraction, Jiménez, Morey, and Cowles will craft a series of connected but self-contained stories beginning with Batman #1 in September, ensuring that every issue offers a new adventure, a fresh storytelling style, and a unique challenge for Batman to face. With each installment, readers can expect a thrilling surprise, reflecting the dynamic vision of the creative team. Batman #1 debuts on September 3, 2025, available in print and digitally from participating comic book retailers everywhere.

"I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read," said Fraction. "Jorge and I have a very superhero-forward kind of take on Batman. We’ve got a new Batmobile, we’ve got a new costume, we’ve got new characters, and we’ve got a lot of old ones too—good and bad; all the stuff that makes Batman the coolest character in comics. We want to celebrate it all."

"As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as amazing and talented as Matt is just incredible for me," said Jiménez. "As for my work on Batman, the artistic side, I’ve poured years of hard work into this series. Over time, I’ve had to adapt to different styles and paces alongside James and Chip, learning and enjoying every step of the way. I’ve explored Gotham City from multiple angles, but more importantly, I’ve gradually built up more and more artistic tools that have led me to the current synthesis of my style."

"For this new chapter, we’re crafting a revamped aesthetic, bringing back Batman’s blue suit in a definitive way," said Jiménez. "It’s a small shift meant to feel both classic and fresh, subtly evolving while staying true to the original design we’ve used in recent years. At the same time, I’m working on Gotham City’s visual identity, giving it a fresh approach that sets it apart from my previous takes. I’m aiming for a slight pop influence, something that subtly nods to classic stories while keeping the dark and ominous feel of contemporary Batman."

"Part of the reason Batman has lasted as long and has resonated as loudly as a character is that he’s incredibly resilient," said Fraction. "He can be all kinds of things to all different people all at the same time — whether that’s in the comics or in animation or in movies."

DC announces new 'Mature Readers' Red Hood Series

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

per DC Comics press release:

DC Comics today announced Red Hood, a new ongoing comic book series from acclaimed writer Gretchen Felker-Martin and artist Jeff Spokes with lettering by Becca Carey. Launching on September 10, 2025, this mature rated (Ages 17+) DC All In series brings Jason Todd back to the streets, but Gotham City isn’t the city he’s protecting—Jason Todd has left Batman behind. All he’s taking with him to New Angelique is his costume, his bike, a determined sense of justice, and a metal briefcase containing two handguns (and lots of bullets).

"Sweat, blood, and powder burns. Broken bones and mind control. A city rotted from the inside out," said Felker-Martin. "Jason's going through hell on the hunt for an enigmatic telepath, and he's taking us with him. I'm thrilled to be helming this new run of Red Hood with Jeff Spokes."

"Red Hood is gritty, bloody, sexy and stripped down," said Spokes. "Gretchen's writing is a well-crafted blend of superheroes and pulp noir, all with a New Orleans flavored backdrop."

"Red Hood is the in-continuity story Jason Todd fans have been waiting for,” said DC editor Arianna Turturro. “It delivers high-stakes action, a gripping mystery, and raw, unapologetic storytelling. Every element of the book highlights the core aspects of Jason’s character—his difficulties with personal connections, his badass training, his brooding hotness, and his violent approach to heroism. Which means he’ll be killing people—a lot. Let me repeat myself: this is the story Jason Todd fans have been waiting for.”

New Angelique, a city drowning in corruption, seems like the perfect place for Red Hood to put down roots. There’s crime, vice, and sedition everywhere. When Jason discovers a super-powered serial killer who is targeting the city’s police, he finds himself sucked into a deadly conspiracy with seemingly no end in sight.

But Jason isn’t the only person on the scene. Following his trail is Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. Huntress. Is she here to stop him, or will she join his crusade? What will happen when the two black sheep of the Bat-Family start working together?

“Jason isn’t a regular antihero who coldly does things their own way and feels nothing,” continued Turturro. "He is an exposed nerve, a beating heart with no protection, a man lashing out at both his world and himself for the violence he has survived. Helena deeply understands where Jason has come from. They're two severely broken people who can't help but hurt themselves and others… and together they might just end up bringing out each other’s worst instincts.”

"Red Hood is a mature and richly layered Jason Todd series that gives the long-troubled outcasts of the Bat-Family a place to truly shine,” concluded Turturro. “Jason is going to take a crack at doing things on his own terms in a city of his own. And well, you’re going to need to read the series to see how that goes. But let’s just say that we’re not pulling any punches. Buckle up.”

Red Hood #1 arrives in comic shops and digital platforms on September 10, 2025, and will be available to preorder and add to pull lists beginning Friday, June 20. Get ready for an angsty, sexy, and violent new chapter in Jason Todd’s legend.

Red Hood, a DC All In comic book series written by Gretchen Felker-Martin with art by Jeff Spokes and lettering by Becca Carey, will launch with a main cover by Spokes and variant covers by Jim Lee, Brian Bolland, Jae Lee, Kyuyong Eom, and Nick Robles. Artist Taurin Clarke will be the ongoing series cover artist beginning with Red Hood #2 in October. Main covers will retail at $4.99 US, with card stock variants at $5.99 US and foil variants at $7.99 US. Red Hood will carry DC’s Ages 17+ content descriptor (for mature readers).

Last Trailer for Superman before it Premieres

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:27:00 +0000

DC Studios released the final trailer for James Gunn's Superman movie before its July 11 premiere.

Joe Mad Back on X-Men!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

From Marvel:

The Age of Apocalypse, the revolutionary ‘90s X-Men crossover, is reborn this September in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE, a six-part event series by legendary scribe Jeph Loeb, a writer behind the original event, and Eisner nominated artist Simone Di Meo. Today, Marvel Comics is thrilled to announce that Joe Madureira, another superstar creator who brought Age of Apocalypse to life, will draw a variant cover for each issue.

Madureira transformed the look of the X-Books throughout the ‘90s with his distinct and innovative art style. Now, this highly influential artist returns to the franchise for the first time in decades with glorious depictions of the very characters he defined—the iconic X-Men of the Age of Apocalypse!

“I am beyond excited to be dipping back into this corner of the X-Men universe,” Madureira said. “I was literally a kid when I drew the Astonishing X-Men—it feels like several lifetimes ago, and I want to bring something new to these characters on my covers. Hopefully I can do justice to Simone’s incredible, explosive pages!”

“I met Joe Mad during the original 1995 Age of Apocalypse,” Loeb shared. “His style and storytelling brought a revolutionary look that is still influential today. When Marvel and I first started talking about this project there was no way we couldn’t ask Joe to do his distinctive, incredible covers (pencils, inks, colors) to the book. We were so thrilled when he said ‘Yes!’ I should point out that despite our friendship/partnership and overlooking his role in designing these characters, his real reason for joining was he’s a huge fan of Simone Di Meo! Uncanny!”

THE X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE CRASH INTO THE MAIN MARVEL UNIVERSE!

A dystopian future created when Charles Xavier was killed in a tragic time-travel accident, AGE OF APOCALYPSE is home to a wartorn group of X-Men led by Magneto. In order to free their Earth from Apocalypse’s cruel reign, they were willing to sacrifice their very existence—or so they thought! The main timeline was restored, Apocalypse was defeated, but their world lived on!

Taking place in the direct aftermath of the original crossover’s explosive finale, X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE reignites the mission of this iconic reality’s X-Men as they journey here to ensure their universe’s survival. This desperate mission will take them into the main Marvel Universe, where they will come into conflict with their classic counterparts, forever impacting both team’s destinies!

Mirroring the first AGE OF APOCALYPSE saga, X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE will kick off in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1, continue through X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE #1-4 starting in November, and conclude in X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE OMEGA #1. Check out Joe Madureira’s variant cover for X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE ALPHA #1 and be on the lookout for the rest to be revealed in the months ahead! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Classic Detective Comics #880 cover by Jock up for Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

From Heritage Auctions:

Jock Detective Comics #880 Joker Cover Original Art (DC, 2011). A piece that's sure to put a smile on your face! This cover, easily one of the most iconic from the Modern Age of comics, comes from one of the era's most celebrated Bat-artists: Jock. Instantly recognizable, this image has helped the finished issue consistently sell for triple digits on the collector's market. Known for his atmospheric, stylized work on Batman titles, often alongside writer Scott Snyder, Jock has become a pillar of modern Batman fandom, crafting some of the most striking imagery ever associated with the Bat-family. This cover is no exception, delivering one of the most unforgettable renderings of the Joker in recent memory.

It's no secret the Clown Prince of Crime is a little batty, but what elevates this piece is the brilliant design: hundreds of tiny bats swirling to form the contours of the Joker's maniacal face -- a haunting suggestion that Batman is always on his mind. Rather than heart-eyes, Joker has bat-eyes, reinforcing his obsessive, singular focus on the Dark Knight. Even his nose, cleverly, is shaped like a bat.

Crafted in ink over graphite on Bristol board with an image area of 10" x 15.5". The piece presents with white paint highlights, splatter effect, minor smudging, and light warping to the board. Also included is a copy of the published comic, signed and inscribed by Jock. The comic presents with creasing and folding in the lower right corner, affecting the cover and first few pages, along with a small piece missing from the same area of the cover. The original art is signed and in Excellent condition.

Detective Comics #880 by Jock at Heritage Auctions

New Movie Predator: Killer of Killers debuted on Hulu on 6/6/25

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

‘Prey’ director Dan Trachtenberg hops through human history with the notoriously ruthless aliens, bringing a stylized aesthetic to the impressive action set-pieces and copious bloodshed.

Starring: Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, Michael Biehn

See the trailer below and check out the movie currently available for streaming on Hulu:

Marvel Releases all the covers for MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL: FRIENDS, FOES & RIVALS #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:51:00 +0000

From Marvel:

The one-shot will have an overarching story written by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs and drawn by superstar artist Nick Bradshaw that stars Earth's Mightiest fashion designer, Janet Van Dyne, aka the Wasp, along with unforgettable, instantly-iconic imagery from top artists including Mirka Andolfo, Mahmud Asrar, Joshua Cassara, Nic Klein, Aaron Kuder, Ron Lim, David Marquez, Marguerite Sauvage, Luciano Vecchio, and Ryusei Yamada.

Plus, the issue will spotlight designs for new costumes coming soon to the Marvel Rivals, the mega popular multiplayer video game from Marvel Games and NetEase Games, and come with a bonus digital redeem code for "The Unlimited Thing" skin to use in the game!

Check out all the covers including pieces by Adam Hughes, Mark Brooks, Taurin Clarke, Russell Dauterman, Terry Dodson, Pablo Villalobos, and Lucas Werneck!

MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL: FRIENDS, FOES & RIVALS #1
Written by TIM SEELEY & TONY FLEECS
Art by NICK BRADSHAW, MIRKA ANDOLFO, MAHMUD ASRAR, JOSHUA CASSARA, NIC KLEIN, AARON KUDER, RON LIM, DAVID MARQUEZ, MARGUERITE SAUVAGE, LUCIANO VECCHIO & RYUSEI YAMADA
Wraparound Cover by ADAM HUGHES
Variant Cover by TAURIN CLARKE
Variant Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON
Variant Cover by PABLO VILLALOBOS
Variant Cover by LUCAS WERNECK
Wraparound Variant Cover by MARK BROOKS
On Sale 7/9

First look at Greg Capullo's art from Deadpool/Batman

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

As anticipation builds for the recently announced Deadpool and Batman team up books, artist Greg Capullo who is handling the art for Marvel's Deadpool/Batman book shared a couple of early peeks at his work for the one shot.

"Am I dreaming? This crossover is likely to be the high point of my career…and, I've had a great career. Some of my earliest work (many years ago) was on X-Force, so Deadpool and I go way back. More recently, I spent 10-plus years drawing Batman at DC. The idea that I get to do a crossover event with Deadpool and Batman…If I am dreaming, please don't wake me!" – Greg Capullo

PREVIEW: Marvel's Captain America #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sat, 31 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Marvel has released a few unlettered preview pages of their upcoming Captain America series by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti. Series goes on sale 7/2/25.

Preview: Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Building off his exciting movie trailer debut in James Gunn's Superman movie preview, DC Comics is giving Krypto his own mini-series starting next month.

Check out this special preview below:

Welcome Back Frank! Marvel brings back The Punisher in a Red Band series in September

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Frank Castle's brutal war on crime is reignited this September in Punisher: Red Band. The five-issue limited series will be by writer Benjamin Percy and artist Julius Otha, currently delivering twisted horror together in Hellverine. Polybagged for explicit content, the Red Band series promises to be the most violent in Punisher history, as Frank Castle--freshly resurrected and back in his classic costume – is allowed to fully unleash his brutal brand of justice on the criminal underworld.

Reread and reload, True Believers – Frank Castle is BACK. With no memories, a full clip and a thirst for wrathful vengeance, his violent search for answers could only be chronicled in a Red Band series! Bullets will fly, blood will flow, and the citizens and criminals of New York City alike will fear the name THE PUNISHER!

Check out covers by Marco Checchetto and E.M. Gist along with a Hidden Gem cover by industry legend Mark Zeck. Plus, get your first look at Punisher’s new chapter with a lettered preview. Stay tuned for more news and preorder Punisher: Red Band #1 at your local comic shop today!

Punisher: Red Band #1 (Of 5)

Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Julius Ohta
Main Cover by Marco Checchetto
Variant Cover by E.M. Gist
Hidden Gem Variant Cover by Mike Zeck

On Sale 9/10

First Look: Jessica Jones and Daredevil in Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Wed, 28 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Following the recent confirmation that Krysten Ritter would be reprising her Jessica Jones character from her previous Netflix Jessica Jones and Defenders series, a few images of her and actor Charlie Cox as Daredevil have popped up online from the currently in production Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. See below:

First Look: Marvel's the Baxter Building in Fantastic Four: First Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Tue, 27 May 2025 22:54:00 +0000

Here's our first HD look at the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building headquarters from the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps movie.

Marvel to Launch New Spider-Gwen Series in August

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:43:00 +0000

Starting in August, Stephanie Phillips and Paolo Villanelli are launching a new All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #1 series from Marvel Comics.

: All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #1

: All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #1

ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #1
Written by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by PAOLO VILLANELLI
Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
Variant Cover by NOGI SAN
On Sale 8/20
A BRAND-NEW DAY FOR SPIDER-GWEN!
Gwen Stacy isn't from this Earth but she's here to stay, so it's time to make herself at home! A new costume, a new home life– heck, she's even starting a new band! Unfortunately for Gwen, new threats are also heading her way, starting with one that just might be her own fault! Follow the Ghost-Spider as she settles into Earth-616 to stay!
"The adventures of Spider-Gwen will undergo an exciting evolution this August in ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST-SPIDER #1 by writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Paolo Villanelli. The series follows Phillips and Villanelli's current run of SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER which comes to a thrilling conclusion this July and sets the stage for this bold new beginning. Departing her home dimension under mysterious circumstances and finding herself trapped in Earth-616, Gwen embarked on a journey involving Loki, the TVA, and the reality-altering Cosmic Cube. Now, Gwen's extended stay becomes permanent as her very life is rewoven into the main Marvel Universe!
"For Gwen, this new start is about possibility. She's carrying the weight of her past, but she's finally in a place where she can build something new—new allies, new purpose, and maybe even a new sense of self… or, recovering an element of herself we haven't seen in a while. Like playing in a band." – Stephanie Phillips

Marvel's Ironheart trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Premiering on Disney+ on June 24 with its first 3 episodes, Marvel's Ironheart released its full trailer today. See below:

First Look at Daredevil Born Again Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:53:00 +0000

On display at NYCC is our first up close look at the costumes for Daredevil and Wilson Fisk from the upcoming Daredevil Born Again Disney+ series.

Daredevil Born Again Premiere Date Announced at NYCC

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 01:50:00 +0000

“Daredevil: Born Again” will finally debut on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, Marvel Television announced at New York Comic Con on Saturday. Series stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio attended the show’s panel at the fan event and revealed the premiere date.

Frank Miller's Variant Cover for Avengers Twilight featuring Captain America

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:39:00 +0000

Previously unannounced, Marvel has released a variant cover for Avengers Twilight #1 by comics legend Frank Miller featuring Captain America. The cover is an homage to his own cover for The Dark Knight Returns.

Avengers Twilight #1 goes on sale 1/10/24.

PREVIEW: Marvel's Superior Spider-Man #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:30:00 +0000

Marvel has released a new preview of Superior Spider-Man #1, out next Wednesday November 14 by Dan Slott and Mark Bagley,

PREVIEW: DC's Action Comics #1060

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:30:00 +0000

Premiering this February is DC's Action Comics #1060 from the creative team of Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira and Matt Herms.

First Look: the new Ms. Marvel in Marvels' Avengers Twilight #1

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Marvel Comics has released two of it's variant covers for February's Avengers Twilight #3 featuring who they call the Ms. Marvel of Tomorrow. See below for the Alex Ross and Daniel Acuna covers:

AVENGERS: TWILIGHT #3 (OF 6)
Written by CHIP ZDARSKY
Art by DANIEL ACUÑA
Cover A by ALEX ROSS
Cover B by DANIEL ACUÑA
On Sale 2/28

TRAILER: Marvels' Loki Season 2 Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:50:00 +0000

Marvel Studios and Disney+ have released a trailer for tonight's Loki Season 2 finale providing that 'all your questions will be answered'.

TRAILER: Sony's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:36:00 +0000

Sony has released their first trailer for the upcoming Ghostbuster sequel. Per Sony:

In Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returned to where it all started- the iconic New York City firehouse- to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

The movie is directed by Gil Kenan from a script by Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan.

Black Widow and Hawkeye to Headline new 60th Anniversary Limited Series

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Marvel Comics has announced that as part of it's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Hawkeye and Black Widow characters the two will star in a limited series set to debut on March 13, 2024.

Per Marvel:

Celebrating 60 action-packed years of Black Widow and Hawkeye, this new chapter in the pair’s storied legacy will be told by rising Marvel stars, writer Stephanie Phillips, known for her acclaimed work on Contest of Chaos and Cosmic Ghost Rider, and Paolo Villanelli, currently delivering cosmic brilliance in Captain Marvel: Dark Tempest. The four-issue limited series will both dive into the duo’s history of secrets and espionage while playing off recent developments including Natasha Romanoff’s recent bonding with a symbiote!

THE EYES OF A HAWK AND THE VENOM OF A WIDOW! Even when Black Widow and Hawkeye had no one to trust, they still had each other – even though their paths sometimes diverged. So when Clint Barton is accused of a rogue assassination attempt that puts the U.S. and Madripoor at odds, a symbiote-equipped Natasha Romanoff thinks nothing of coming to his aid. But as echoes of their past ripple into the present, it will take all their faith in each other – and the lessons learned along the way – to protect their futures.

“I love getting the chance to dig deep with Natasha Romanov and Clint Barton to tell a fast-paced spy story that celebrates their 60th anniversary,” Phillips shared. “Nothing is as it seems, and I’m having a ton of fun writing these characters. Not to mention they both look great for 60.”

'Blade' to be Marvel Studios 2nd R-Rated Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Spatola) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 21:49:00 +0000

In an interview with Deadline, director Yann Demamnge confirmed that Marvel Studios is allowing him to go forward with his vision of an R-Rated Blade feature with Oscar winner Mahershala Ali still attached to star.

"They gave me the R, which is so important."

Read the full interview HERE.