Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2007 15:14:50 GMT -5
Here's the latest Planet DC2 column, plus details of this week's new releases. Details of previous and future releases can be found on the calendar.
Welcome back to Planet DC2!
As you've probably seen, and as I've said before, the DC2 has a sister-site, the DC3. Home of different earths, this multiverse is almost new.
Now, for this installment of PDC2, I had an interview with the recently promoted EIC of the DC3, House Of Mystery. Here it is:
Why was this site created? What's the story of its birth?
The DC3 was born from the Apokolips Imperative. There’d been rumblings of a multiverse before then in the DC2 (for those of your who are curious, the Earth-1 of our multiverse), but when Darkseid had control of the Anti-Life equation suddenly he saw an entire legion of universes beyond the Source wall, all out of synch with one another, but still there to be conquered. The Justice League and the New Gods defeated him, but the multiverse remained, sitting there, waiting.
Dave Charlton, founder of the DC2, got to work early on developing the DC3 with Carlos and his art school cohorts and creating an individual place that would serve as a “multiversal” sister site for the DC2. Think of it as a sub-board, like the Elseworlds Section of the DC2, but on a grander scale. We already have three worlds active, and there are more on the way. It’s an outlet for writers to create their own continuity, with basically zero constraints. All you need as a creator is a wanting, a passion, and the DC3 is your playground, just as the DC2 is.
Carlos has created a really diverse staple of talent on the site, including the amazing DiabloKitten, who never ceases to amaze me (check out her recent Titans: Resistance cover to see what I mean) as well as AdamsTalent, Hikalu, Chronicleslayer and johnnyboyv, all artists who are aching to show the world what they’ve got to offer. Also helping out are DC2 stalwarts Borize (who recently accepted the promotion to Art Director due to time constraints on Carlos's part) and Roy Flinchum, writer of Action Comics (check out his book by the way!) and artist on basically every book at the DC2 at one time or another.
How did you end up as the EIC of the site?
Dave got voted off the island, as per usual.
I’m kidding of course! Dave recently got promoted at work so his spare time became less spare and much fuller.
I personally have more spare time on my hands than I used to, after I stepped down from the DC2 months back, but I wanted back in to the fan fiction world, and the DC2. He asked me to step up to the plate and head up the site and I accepted. As simple as that. The DC2 was my home for three years, and it still is, and I hope to make the DC3 like that for anyone else who visits it.
What is the difference between the Elseworld Section and the DC3?
Interesting question, one that caused me to ask about a bit, because I was conflicted on the difference myself, but a friend of mine summed it up pretty well:
“In my mind, Elseworlds are for those stories that can't fit into a continuity, and take things in directions that wouldn't normally, and perhaps never should be, taken in, whereas the various Earths should be viewed as legitimate imprints, "other companies" if you would, with viable and ongoing mythologies and entities and identities in and of themselves as well as offering a greater tableau to the DC multiverse.”
Can you tell us about the current projects of the site?
Earth X debuted a world with a Superman, Batman and Wonder woman wholly different from anything you’ve seen before! One is a film star, one is blind, and one is the lost princess of a hidden world below the world! David Charlton launched the site with this world, and it surely is an intriguing place to visit! World’s Finest is the book that started it.
Earth S is, as the name suggests, home to the REAL Captain Marvel! Old school superhero adventures ensue on this world where the Fawcett heroes reign supreme! Don Walsh is in his element here with his favourite heroes, and it shines through so very much. Plus, DC2 legend Roy Flinchum is providing covers and interior art! What more could you ask for? Read Mightiest Mortals!
Earth Maximus is the Year One world, featuring heroes just starting their journeys as heroes. So far Arcalian is writing the adventures of an unproven Batman, who must teach the criminal element of Gotham FEAR, and it’s one hell of a wild ride. Maximum: Batman looks to have a really visceral, interesting run coming up. I know, I’ve seen what’s to come!
Anti-Earth features the CSA in our first Mature Audience title, written, aptly, by the DC2 current New Outsiders writer Brian Burchette and former New Outsiders writer David Charlton! Ultraman, Owlman and Supreme Woman battle Alexander Luthor and the mysterious Insiders for mastery over their home world! Covers by familiar face Borize!
About future projects and events?
The debut of an entire line of books sounds like an event to me! January sees an invasion of the DC3 by the UDCU, a fan fiction site that will post their books under the DC3 banner! You won’t want to miss these books, and the DC3 is growing in leaps and bounds in story strength and diversity in the coming new year!
Earth-13, an Earth which contains surely the greatest team of superheroes in existence, debuts in December, with a new miniseries written by DrDread… The book? The Inferior 5!
Do you miss Ted Kord? Vic Sage? All those old school Charlton heroes that are collecting dust in the DCU? Well DC2 staple John Elbe has the remedy to that ailment. Earth 4 will be debuting soon!
Our original character imprint, Nova Comics, is soon to be injected with some amazingly diverse characters, including, tentatively, a superhero you have to read to believe from the pen of DC2 Wonder Woman writer Zirron.
I’m going to be throwing my hat into the ring in the new year, but with what book? You’ll have to wait and see. We’ve got some cool plans forming, and you should check out the upcoming DC3 Sampler that is coming the DC2’s way very soon for a taster!
Can you tell us more about Nova Comics?
Summed up simply, Nova Comics is the home of original concepts, original characters. No ties to DC, but characters born of your own imagination. This isn’t a place for original characters based in Metropolis or Gotham. You create your own world and you populate it with your own characters. Batman won’t be guest starring in the second issue to boost sales in this imprint, you’ve got to grab the reader and hold on to them! A real challenge for writers, but I think our staff are up to it, especially considering what I’ve seen so far from them!
What is the DC3 sampler?
The DC3 Sampler will be something available to the DC2 in the coming weeks (My friend Borize, recently promoted Art Director of the DC3, is working on the cover and I am handling the rest, with help from the rest of the writers workshop… But don’t tell them!) it will introduce the fans at the DC2 to the world(s) of the DC3, and also introduce a brand new character to the entire multiverse, one who will be important in the future of both the DC2 and the DC3!
Will characters from the DC2 meet parts of the DC3?
Eventually! We’re going to wait until next year, and give time for the characters at the DC3 to establish themselves as real presences before we throw them together with the old guard at the DC2. I’m not saying that Ultraman won’t do battle with Superman, but we don’t want to rush things!
You mentioned before two big events coming up, one intrinsically tied to the DC2's history. Can you tell us more about them? When will they debut?
Well, one big event for us at the DC3 is the introduction of the UDCU line of books from another fan fiction site (one run by DC2 writer Don Walsh!), showing how diverse a range we want to put on display for you! You should check that out in January!
I have another announcement that I’m going to hold back on doing right now, but I hope to have news for you soon, depending on the talent behind it, but I’m really excited about it, but it still might not happen. I know I’m being vague but I don’t want to ruin the surprise!
And another big event, for both the DC2 and the DC3 is the debut of a miniseries that will throw a small group of heroes against surely the greatest threat to the multiverse’s existence… Arriving at the DC2 soon is the tentatively titled COUNTDOWN TO ZERO HOUR, of which seeds have been sown for it’s inevitable birth since before the first Crisis! Who? What? Where? When? You’ll have to wait and see, but written by Booster Gold writer Pat Nestor, Blue Beetle and Powers, Inc. writer Chris Paugh, The Flash and Rogues Gallery writer Mike Hewison and by myself, Charles HoM, it is surely going to be one of the most exciting events of the year to come!
Any final comments, thoughts?
Well, I’m not done with the DC2 yet. Hopefully I’m going to be back myself in January writing Wonder Woman, with covers by the amazing Ramon Villalobos and edited by the superb Masoud House. Also coming up is the release of the three part miniseries: The Question Returns! With issues written by myself and [name redacted]. Following that is the launch of the new Question ongoing co-written by [name redacted] and I, where we will be taking turns with arcs. I’m quite excited to be working on that again.
Also in January you’ll see the release of DC2 Showcase, Vol. II! With entries from some top talent and some previously unseen writers from around the fan fiction world, you won’t want to miss out these offbeat and exciting tales! The first issue promises some down and dirty adventure as the Martian Manhunter must investigate the murder of a superhero with the assistance of Jason Bard, John Constantine is confronted by a threat from his dreams, and some Golden Age action as the Crimson Avenger fights crime in the 30s! Featuring stories written by Don Walsh, Mike Hewison, Imara, Brian Burchette, myself and others!
Though I shouldn’t get ahead of myself! In December you’ll see my second foray into the world of Elseworlds with a JLA story entitled The Presence and hopefully that will be more successful than my previous efforts. With a cover by Ramon, and interiors by Doc, Roy and Darth, it should be pretty awesome. You’ll also be seeing my final issue of Green Lantern (#10), co-written by Scott Kruger and featuring a cover from Doc that mirrors #8, that resolves the mystery of the death of Hal Jordan! The Flash #22 will finally reach the DC2, co-written by Mike Hewison and I, as the Flash must race against the clock to save those closest to him as he undertakes a dangerous mission for the government if his identity is to remain safe, and also features the debut of a new and mysterious character!
And that's all I have for you today! Now go and read the DC2 Challenge!
Sebastian Gutierrez
Planet DC2 writer
New This Week At The DC2:
Batman #24
(click here to go straight to the issue)
Issue #24: “Trauma” Part Four (of five)
Written by Grant LaFleche
Cover by Sylvain Swimer
Edited by John Elbe
In the second to last story in Batman:Trauma, Batman, Nightwing and Alfred go on the offensive against the Wrath. But in doing so they find themselves trapped in the cross fire of lethal agendas. The ultimate fate of Jason Todd is revealed and stakes for Batman and Gotham are raised.
Booster Gold #4
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #4: “Panning For Gold, Part Four”
Written by: Patrick J. Nestor, Jr.
Cover by: Sylvain Swimer
Flats by: Michael Edwards
Edited by: Mark Bowers
Who snatched Rip Hunter? What happened to Skeets? Who is Supernova? Who has been lying to everyone? Endless questions have been asked, and finally Booster gets some answers... only he's not going to like them. Something big is coming. Hold onto something, because things get bumpy from here.
DC2 Challenge Week 13[/b]
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Week 13: “Power Struggle”
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Craig Cermak
Edited by: David Charlton
Just when you think you know where this story is headed, things get flipped upside down as alliances are broken, betrayal is committed, and a young man with newly given powers, is troubled by one word that could cause doom for him and his brother.
Detective Comics #24
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #24: : "Would You Like Fries With That?"
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Jason Myrick
Edited by: Mark Bowers
Batman's battle with Mr. Freeze continues, and the mysteries of Karen Walker and Jack Todd intertwine. The dangerous trio of Two-Face, Penguin, and Black Mask make a bold move, and before it all ends, betrayal will lead to murder!
Nightwing #21
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #21: "Kiss in the Night"
Written by: Batkid
Cover by: Ramon Villalobos
Edited by: Ellen Fleischer
They're back! Night-Thief and Nocturna are back in action after breaking out of prison, with Nightwing hot on their trail. But Dick had better watch his back--Night-Thief has a score to settle with him.
Suicide Squad #17
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue 17: “Africa” Part 1
Written by: Jay McIntyre
Cover by: Roy Flinchum
Edited by: John Elbe
When one of the few US-friendly nations in Africa nearly loses their leader to an assasination attempt, the Squad is sent to deal with the problem. But there is more going on than would first appear....
Titans Resistance #11[/b]
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #11: "Casualties"
Written by: Jay McIntyre
Cover by: James Lett & Michelle Bond
Edited by: Brian Burchette
The Empress has an audience with one of the survivors of the first major battle against the Titans, while formulating a new strategy; the Titans, for their part, actually take stock of who they are, and what each of them knows about one another.
[glow=red,2,300]PLANET DC2[/glow]
Welcome back to Planet DC2!
As you've probably seen, and as I've said before, the DC2 has a sister-site, the DC3. Home of different earths, this multiverse is almost new.
Now, for this installment of PDC2, I had an interview with the recently promoted EIC of the DC3, House Of Mystery. Here it is:
Why was this site created? What's the story of its birth?
The DC3 was born from the Apokolips Imperative. There’d been rumblings of a multiverse before then in the DC2 (for those of your who are curious, the Earth-1 of our multiverse), but when Darkseid had control of the Anti-Life equation suddenly he saw an entire legion of universes beyond the Source wall, all out of synch with one another, but still there to be conquered. The Justice League and the New Gods defeated him, but the multiverse remained, sitting there, waiting.
Dave Charlton, founder of the DC2, got to work early on developing the DC3 with Carlos and his art school cohorts and creating an individual place that would serve as a “multiversal” sister site for the DC2. Think of it as a sub-board, like the Elseworlds Section of the DC2, but on a grander scale. We already have three worlds active, and there are more on the way. It’s an outlet for writers to create their own continuity, with basically zero constraints. All you need as a creator is a wanting, a passion, and the DC3 is your playground, just as the DC2 is.
Carlos has created a really diverse staple of talent on the site, including the amazing DiabloKitten, who never ceases to amaze me (check out her recent Titans: Resistance cover to see what I mean) as well as AdamsTalent, Hikalu, Chronicleslayer and johnnyboyv, all artists who are aching to show the world what they’ve got to offer. Also helping out are DC2 stalwarts Borize (who recently accepted the promotion to Art Director due to time constraints on Carlos's part) and Roy Flinchum, writer of Action Comics (check out his book by the way!) and artist on basically every book at the DC2 at one time or another.
How did you end up as the EIC of the site?
Dave got voted off the island, as per usual.
I’m kidding of course! Dave recently got promoted at work so his spare time became less spare and much fuller.
I personally have more spare time on my hands than I used to, after I stepped down from the DC2 months back, but I wanted back in to the fan fiction world, and the DC2. He asked me to step up to the plate and head up the site and I accepted. As simple as that. The DC2 was my home for three years, and it still is, and I hope to make the DC3 like that for anyone else who visits it.
What is the difference between the Elseworld Section and the DC3?
Interesting question, one that caused me to ask about a bit, because I was conflicted on the difference myself, but a friend of mine summed it up pretty well:
“In my mind, Elseworlds are for those stories that can't fit into a continuity, and take things in directions that wouldn't normally, and perhaps never should be, taken in, whereas the various Earths should be viewed as legitimate imprints, "other companies" if you would, with viable and ongoing mythologies and entities and identities in and of themselves as well as offering a greater tableau to the DC multiverse.”
Can you tell us about the current projects of the site?
Earth X debuted a world with a Superman, Batman and Wonder woman wholly different from anything you’ve seen before! One is a film star, one is blind, and one is the lost princess of a hidden world below the world! David Charlton launched the site with this world, and it surely is an intriguing place to visit! World’s Finest is the book that started it.
Earth S is, as the name suggests, home to the REAL Captain Marvel! Old school superhero adventures ensue on this world where the Fawcett heroes reign supreme! Don Walsh is in his element here with his favourite heroes, and it shines through so very much. Plus, DC2 legend Roy Flinchum is providing covers and interior art! What more could you ask for? Read Mightiest Mortals!
Earth Maximus is the Year One world, featuring heroes just starting their journeys as heroes. So far Arcalian is writing the adventures of an unproven Batman, who must teach the criminal element of Gotham FEAR, and it’s one hell of a wild ride. Maximum: Batman looks to have a really visceral, interesting run coming up. I know, I’ve seen what’s to come!
Anti-Earth features the CSA in our first Mature Audience title, written, aptly, by the DC2 current New Outsiders writer Brian Burchette and former New Outsiders writer David Charlton! Ultraman, Owlman and Supreme Woman battle Alexander Luthor and the mysterious Insiders for mastery over their home world! Covers by familiar face Borize!
About future projects and events?
The debut of an entire line of books sounds like an event to me! January sees an invasion of the DC3 by the UDCU, a fan fiction site that will post their books under the DC3 banner! You won’t want to miss these books, and the DC3 is growing in leaps and bounds in story strength and diversity in the coming new year!
Earth-13, an Earth which contains surely the greatest team of superheroes in existence, debuts in December, with a new miniseries written by DrDread… The book? The Inferior 5!
Do you miss Ted Kord? Vic Sage? All those old school Charlton heroes that are collecting dust in the DCU? Well DC2 staple John Elbe has the remedy to that ailment. Earth 4 will be debuting soon!
Our original character imprint, Nova Comics, is soon to be injected with some amazingly diverse characters, including, tentatively, a superhero you have to read to believe from the pen of DC2 Wonder Woman writer Zirron.
I’m going to be throwing my hat into the ring in the new year, but with what book? You’ll have to wait and see. We’ve got some cool plans forming, and you should check out the upcoming DC3 Sampler that is coming the DC2’s way very soon for a taster!
Can you tell us more about Nova Comics?
Summed up simply, Nova Comics is the home of original concepts, original characters. No ties to DC, but characters born of your own imagination. This isn’t a place for original characters based in Metropolis or Gotham. You create your own world and you populate it with your own characters. Batman won’t be guest starring in the second issue to boost sales in this imprint, you’ve got to grab the reader and hold on to them! A real challenge for writers, but I think our staff are up to it, especially considering what I’ve seen so far from them!
What is the DC3 sampler?
The DC3 Sampler will be something available to the DC2 in the coming weeks (My friend Borize, recently promoted Art Director of the DC3, is working on the cover and I am handling the rest, with help from the rest of the writers workshop… But don’t tell them!) it will introduce the fans at the DC2 to the world(s) of the DC3, and also introduce a brand new character to the entire multiverse, one who will be important in the future of both the DC2 and the DC3!
Will characters from the DC2 meet parts of the DC3?
Eventually! We’re going to wait until next year, and give time for the characters at the DC3 to establish themselves as real presences before we throw them together with the old guard at the DC2. I’m not saying that Ultraman won’t do battle with Superman, but we don’t want to rush things!
You mentioned before two big events coming up, one intrinsically tied to the DC2's history. Can you tell us more about them? When will they debut?
Well, one big event for us at the DC3 is the introduction of the UDCU line of books from another fan fiction site (one run by DC2 writer Don Walsh!), showing how diverse a range we want to put on display for you! You should check that out in January!
I have another announcement that I’m going to hold back on doing right now, but I hope to have news for you soon, depending on the talent behind it, but I’m really excited about it, but it still might not happen. I know I’m being vague but I don’t want to ruin the surprise!
And another big event, for both the DC2 and the DC3 is the debut of a miniseries that will throw a small group of heroes against surely the greatest threat to the multiverse’s existence… Arriving at the DC2 soon is the tentatively titled COUNTDOWN TO ZERO HOUR, of which seeds have been sown for it’s inevitable birth since before the first Crisis! Who? What? Where? When? You’ll have to wait and see, but written by Booster Gold writer Pat Nestor, Blue Beetle and Powers, Inc. writer Chris Paugh, The Flash and Rogues Gallery writer Mike Hewison and by myself, Charles HoM, it is surely going to be one of the most exciting events of the year to come!
Any final comments, thoughts?
Well, I’m not done with the DC2 yet. Hopefully I’m going to be back myself in January writing Wonder Woman, with covers by the amazing Ramon Villalobos and edited by the superb Masoud House. Also coming up is the release of the three part miniseries: The Question Returns! With issues written by myself and [name redacted]. Following that is the launch of the new Question ongoing co-written by [name redacted] and I, where we will be taking turns with arcs. I’m quite excited to be working on that again.
Also in January you’ll see the release of DC2 Showcase, Vol. II! With entries from some top talent and some previously unseen writers from around the fan fiction world, you won’t want to miss out these offbeat and exciting tales! The first issue promises some down and dirty adventure as the Martian Manhunter must investigate the murder of a superhero with the assistance of Jason Bard, John Constantine is confronted by a threat from his dreams, and some Golden Age action as the Crimson Avenger fights crime in the 30s! Featuring stories written by Don Walsh, Mike Hewison, Imara, Brian Burchette, myself and others!
Though I shouldn’t get ahead of myself! In December you’ll see my second foray into the world of Elseworlds with a JLA story entitled The Presence and hopefully that will be more successful than my previous efforts. With a cover by Ramon, and interiors by Doc, Roy and Darth, it should be pretty awesome. You’ll also be seeing my final issue of Green Lantern (#10), co-written by Scott Kruger and featuring a cover from Doc that mirrors #8, that resolves the mystery of the death of Hal Jordan! The Flash #22 will finally reach the DC2, co-written by Mike Hewison and I, as the Flash must race against the clock to save those closest to him as he undertakes a dangerous mission for the government if his identity is to remain safe, and also features the debut of a new and mysterious character!
And that's all I have for you today! Now go and read the DC2 Challenge!
Sebastian Gutierrez
Planet DC2 writer
New This Week At The DC2:
Batman #24
(click here to go straight to the issue)
Issue #24: “Trauma” Part Four (of five)
Written by Grant LaFleche
Cover by Sylvain Swimer
Edited by John Elbe
In the second to last story in Batman:Trauma, Batman, Nightwing and Alfred go on the offensive against the Wrath. But in doing so they find themselves trapped in the cross fire of lethal agendas. The ultimate fate of Jason Todd is revealed and stakes for Batman and Gotham are raised.
Booster Gold #4
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #4: “Panning For Gold, Part Four”
Written by: Patrick J. Nestor, Jr.
Cover by: Sylvain Swimer
Flats by: Michael Edwards
Edited by: Mark Bowers
Who snatched Rip Hunter? What happened to Skeets? Who is Supernova? Who has been lying to everyone? Endless questions have been asked, and finally Booster gets some answers... only he's not going to like them. Something big is coming. Hold onto something, because things get bumpy from here.
DC2 Challenge Week 13[/b]
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Week 13: “Power Struggle”
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Craig Cermak
Edited by: David Charlton
Just when you think you know where this story is headed, things get flipped upside down as alliances are broken, betrayal is committed, and a young man with newly given powers, is troubled by one word that could cause doom for him and his brother.
Detective Comics #24
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #24: : "Would You Like Fries With That?"
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Jason Myrick
Edited by: Mark Bowers
Batman's battle with Mr. Freeze continues, and the mysteries of Karen Walker and Jack Todd intertwine. The dangerous trio of Two-Face, Penguin, and Black Mask make a bold move, and before it all ends, betrayal will lead to murder!
Nightwing #21
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #21: "Kiss in the Night"
Written by: Batkid
Cover by: Ramon Villalobos
Edited by: Ellen Fleischer
They're back! Night-Thief and Nocturna are back in action after breaking out of prison, with Nightwing hot on their trail. But Dick had better watch his back--Night-Thief has a score to settle with him.
Suicide Squad #17
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue 17: “Africa” Part 1
Written by: Jay McIntyre
Cover by: Roy Flinchum
Edited by: John Elbe
When one of the few US-friendly nations in Africa nearly loses their leader to an assasination attempt, the Squad is sent to deal with the problem. But there is more going on than would first appear....
Titans Resistance #11[/b]
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Issue #11: "Casualties"
Written by: Jay McIntyre
Cover by: James Lett & Michelle Bond
Edited by: Brian Burchette
The Empress has an audience with one of the survivors of the first major battle against the Titans, while formulating a new strategy; the Titans, for their part, actually take stock of who they are, and what each of them knows about one another.