Crisis On Infinite Earths Part 1 Trailers

DC Entertainment is planning to release an animated version of Crisis on Infinite Earths in 2024. The whole story will be told over a trio of movies. But the teaser trailer and the official trailer for part one have dropped and it looks pretty good. 

Head here to watch the teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6oSqBly2ho This one has the most Supergirl content.

There is a lot of classic Crisis iconography. We see the anti-matter wave erasing worlds. We see the Anti-Monitor Shadow Demons. We see the Monitor pulling together the heroes to fight the threat. We even see the Earth-3 villains involved. Their world was the first we saw die in the book. 

The trailer looks pretty good.

Now as many know, I have come to appreciate the Supergirl legacy with Crisis. While I don't agree she was irrelevant and ready to be offed, there is no denying how great the story is and how much her legend grew because of COIE #7.

So will Supergirl face the same fate in the movie?

She actually gets some decent screen time in such a packed trailer. First we see the Monitor say he needs her and her facing the screen (above). 

And then there is a cool action shot of her skimming the surface of the sun!

I like the way Supergirl is drawn in this latest round of DCAU movies. I liked how her character grew in the Legion of Super-Heroes movie. I hope she survives this Crisis. But we'll see!

Catch out the official trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx2srhhtB_c

This one shows much more of the set-up including the presumed destruction of Earth-3. There isn't as much a spotlight on Kara in this one. I think this is Supergirl given she is talking to the Brainiac 5 from the Legion movie. (The costume is a little dark for Supergirl so this could be Black Canary.)

I completely don't like the look of Harbinger here though. This seems like a needless redesign. 

Still, I'll be gearing up to buy this as soon as it is available.

May 2016 Solicits

The news has been in the air for a while now. DC Comics is undergoing a Rebirth of some sort. It isn't a reboot, at least not according to Dan Didio, Jim Lee, and Geoff Johns. But we, as fans, really have no idea what it is. Are we re-numbering books like Marvel? Are we shaking up continuity again? Are we pulling the plug on DCYou and maybe getting back to more classic interpretations of things? At least per Bleeding Cool, all will be made clear today.

What we do know is that the solicits for May's DC Comics are out. Here is a link to view them all:  
http://www.newsarama.com/27995-dc-comics-may-2016-solicitations.html

This is the month with the 52nd issues of the New 52 books that have survived this long. June has to be the start of Rebirth, whatever that means. And knowing that, I assumed that we would be learning more about which books are ending, figuring that next month's solicits will bring the books that are beginning.

But there are two words conspicuously absent from all every solicit. 'Final Issue'. It's nowhere to be seen.

I have to assume that DC is playing their cards close to the vest, not wanting to tip off potential new books by showing which are ending.

Seems foolish to me. Let me know what I can expect. I suppose maybe those announcements will be happening today.

On to pertinent solicits, including some surprises that I think I am on board for.
    

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #12
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

The end of the future may be in sight! Eclipso and the Legion of Death have the Justice League cornered—now, who will live...and who will die?

I thought for sure we'd see Final Issue here. The solicit certainly reads like a final issue, the end of the future, people dying. 

I suppose I can hope this book doesn't end. I am sad to see that my guess last issue was right and we have a warped Wildfire amongst the bad guys. I truly hope that Supergirl survives this book.
 

DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS #12
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Issue #12 art by MIRKA ANDOLFO and LAURA BRAGA
Covers by ANT LUCIA
In issue #12, the Bombshells face triumph and tragedy as the Battle of Britain concludes. Nereus continues to pound London with his horde of undead, ocean-based Tenebrae. The giant Kraken has been defeated, but now an even bigger and deadlier menace rises up to take its place. Not even the combined might of all the Bombshells looks as if it can prevail, leading one person to make an unprecedented sacrifice.

DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS #13
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Issue #13 art by MIRKA ANDOLFO
Covers by ANT LUCIA
It’s back to the home front for an adventure with the Batgirls. Batwoman is still away, fighting the good fight on the European front. So it’s up to Kathy, Nell, Bette, Harper and the rest of the gang to see that the streets of Gotham City are safe from both common criminals and international spies!

Bombshells is one of the books that has been entertaining month in and month out. So I won't complain about getting two issues in May. Interesting to see that one Bombshell makes a sacrifice. Let the speculation begin. Please let Supergirl survive this book.

I thought the Batgirls issue on the homefront to be one of the weaker of this book. Maybe a second adventure with the team set will be better.

ACTION COMICS #52
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON

“Super League” continues—as two Supermen meet at last: pre-New 52 Superman meets the current Clark. A force seeking to end both Men of Steel brings them together, but divided they may fall as one Superman must choose the safety of his family before himself.

This one was solicited for last month before 'Super League' came on board. That is an ominous last sentence. Will one of the Supermen die in this issue, the last before a Rebirth of some sort. With a possible continuity shake-up imminent, anything is possible.

SUPERMAN #52
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN

The “Super League” epic concludes in one explosive fight as the new master villain uses Superman's own solar super flare power against everyone. Can even two Supermen, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Batman be enough to stop this onslaught? And how will the outcome of this battle change Lois Lane's life forever?

A new master villain? The return of the dreaded super-flare power. 3 Kryptonians and Wonder Woman maybe not having enough power. Okay I'm intrigued.

But a change in Lois Lane's life. Remember Lois? She used to be a big deal here! Again, had to know what it all means without understanding Rebirth more. 

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #29
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by KARL KERSCHL

It’s the penultimate chapter of “Super League”! When all the Supermen have fallen, it’s Supergirl to the rescue! But can Kara and Wonder Woman stop a villain who wants to end Clark’s hope for future Supermen?

Hey! Is that Supergirl! Remember her? She used to be a big deal around here! I am thrilled to have her back in the DCU. I am glad she is teaming up with Wonder Woman and not fighting her (remember H'El on Earth? Brrrrrr.)

Will Supergirl get a Rebirth of her own? 

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #32
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by TYLER KIRKHAM
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

“Super League” continues this month as Kal-El’s bid to strengthen his forces brings him, Batman and Wonder Woman into China and into conflict with the might of that nation’s greatest heroes: the Great 10!

Remember the Great 10? Grant Morrison thought they'd be a big deal around here. I liked the characters so glad to see them brought back here. Love the Paquette cover. But I really like Tyler Kirkham's art so glad to see he'll be on interiors.

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #8
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by LEE WEEKS

Don’t miss the climactic chapter of the epic story of the pre-New 52 Superman! Kal-El’s world is falling apart as Intergang makes its final move against Lois! And the cosmic threat that is Hyathis has come to Earth in search of a power source that will give her dominion over her enemies. Now, the future of an entire planet may rest with Superman’s young son, Jon.


Now I am pretty sure that this is the last issue of this mini-series.

Will Jon become Superboy? Will I like this new Hyathis as much as the old one? Will the couple be revealed on this Earth?

I have loved this series so far so I'll be sad to see it go. 

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #4
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

Fry, Superman, fry! The battle between Kalibak and Superman rages on as the denizens of Apokolips cheer. And Darkseid’s homeworld unleashes a weapon that will permanently transmute the terran solar system!

The more I see this book, the more I think it is going to be a train wreck.

I guess we'll see. Should be nice to see Fourth World characters again. 

And now for some craziness ... 

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #16
Written by SHOLLY FISCH
Art and cover by DARIO BRIZUELA

Shazam and his crimefighting companions are missing! It’s up to Tawky Tawny to call in experienced monster-hunters Scooby and the gang…because the kidnappers are the Monster Society of Evil!

I have the utmost respect for Sholly Fisch.  I have loved everything I have read by him. And now he is going to take on the Marvel Family! We get an actual Mary Marvel! And a blue suited Captain Marvel Jr. Much like with Thunderworld and Convergence Shazam, I am ready for a classic Marvel Family. So I am definitely getting this book. Maybe 'Rupergirl' can show up? Pretty please?

FUTURE QUEST #1
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art and cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER

When the adventurous and inquisitive Jonny Quest and his adoptive brother Hadji make a startling discovery in the swamplands of Florida, they are pulled into an epic struggle between the Space Rangers and a dangerous villain who threatens the galaxy. Now it’s up to the combined forces of Team Quest, Inter-Nation Security, Space Ghost, and a host of Hanna-Barbera’s greatest action heroes to stop him and save their universe!


DC had me at Jeff Parker and Doc Shaner. But we are talking about the Herculoids! Johnny Quest! The Galaxy Trio! I am in! I am definitely in!

THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES: GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: BATGIRL, HARLEY QUINN, LIVE WIRE, POISON IVY AND SUPERGIRL ACTION FIGURE 5-PACK

"Girls Night Out," one of the most popular episodes of THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES animated series, comes to life in this new action figure 5-pack featuring Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Live Wire, Poison Ivy and Supergirl! Includes five bases.
On Sale SEPTEMBER 2016

I just covered this recently. But here is the solicit for the Girls' Night Out 5-pack.

It's $80. So I guess I'm out.

But they sure do look great!

So as much as I like what I am seeing in these solicits, I have to temper that with the unknown of the month following.

At least Supergirl is back in the DCU in some fashion.   

So Much Supergirl Merchandise!

It would be so simple to declare 2016 as the year of Supergirl, She has never had so much mainstream exposure. And, not surprising, with an increased presence and with 11million fans viewing each week, more and more Supergirl merchandise is being announced. After all, those fans might want to spend money on their new favorite character. I already have a Supergirl show-style statue and a Darwyn Cooke-style Supergirl action figure on layaway.

At the recent NY Toy Fair, several new Supergirl toys and statuettes were announced. Frankly, I don't think I'll have enough room or money for all these. But we'll see ...

The first news I heard was on a 5 figure pack being released based on the main characters in the New Adventures of Batman and Robin episode 'Girls Night Out'. Here is the information:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/02/11/exclusive-batman-animated-toy-line/80222456/#

Now I reviewed 'Girls Night Out' here; it is a show I absolutely love. I love the Supergirl of the DC Animated Universe and would definitely want to add this to my collection. But I don't think I can spring the money for the 5-pack if I really only want Supergirl. (Although they all look slick and who wouldn't want that Livewire.) I wonder if they will sell these as individual figures.

As cool as that 5-pack is, I have to say I love this one more. Funko is finally making a Supergirl Funko Pop! figure. Here is an official instagram from the Fair:
 https://www.instagram.com/p/BBs1oy5TFCN/

I am so happy this is the Matrix version of the costume, my favorite. It is close enough to the television show that it will cross-pollinate both comic and TV fans.

I can't tell you how hard it was as a Kara fan to walk by a huge wall of these figures and see that Supergirl wasn't available. I mean, everybody seems to have a Pop!figure. So glad Supergirl if finally getting one!

While I was glad that Supergirl is getting a Pop! figure, it is this Funko figure that is the merchandise item I want the most. Funko is making a series of 5 inch figures under the series name of Rock Candy. Here is a link: http://funko.com/blogs/news/90592963-introducing-rock-candy

This Supergirl figure is just sweet!

And then we got word that Mattel is doing 6in. action figures for Batman v Superman (although the sign on the back says DC Comics Multiverse) and included in that is Supergirl, clearly based on the television show. I don't think Supergirl is in the movie (I actually hope she isn't). But how can I not want to grab this!

Incredible!

And don't forget that DC Superhero Girls is bringing the fun. It was just announced that Superhero Girls merchandise will be available in March 2016 exclusively at Target. I don't know if I'll grab the more Barbie style doll. But an action figure! Count me in!

So I better start saving my money!

As I said, you could be tempted to name 2016 the year of Supergirl. But until I get a monthly comic, I don't know if I can go there yet.

Super Friends Supergirl

Hat tip to blog friend Craig who emailed me some images of Supergirl as part of the DC Super Friends merchandising line. I haven't seen this version of Supergirl here in the States and Craig said that these images are from international sites.

As someone who bought this Super Friends comic book when it came out (art by J. Bone in places!), I was waiting for Kara to appear but she never did.

But there she is in the upper right corner, wearing her white t-shirt, DCAU costume. One of 8 heroes on the cover!

And here is her 'Who's Who' page in the Super Friends book. "Don't let her sweet smile fool you - Supergirl is an unstoppable force for good!" I love it.

There is a fresh, young, sweet look to this version of Supergirl which I love. And I am a complete sucker for the 'Gwen Stacy' head band look.

Craig also pointed out that this version of Supergirl was also a toy in the Happy Meal equivalent at Quick restaurants. I never heard of Quick so I had to do some research. I bet the Suprême Cheese tastes great.

But onto the toy. Pretty slick toy with a nice base sporting the S-shield. Again, just a lovely look to this.

And it has some action! You can push the button on the back and her arms move up and down.

Such a nice design. If only I lived in Belgium when these were out.

And the Quick love isn't done. They also came out with Super Friends sticker books. Supergirl versus the Riddler? Seems almost unfair. But the Supergirl stickers are lovely.

As part of the DC Super Friends line, we get some 'chapter books' including a Supergirl one. This one sports a New 52 costume and looks pretty stylized. But it also includes 30 sparkly stickers! How much fun!

Hope someone out there got to enjoy these treats! And thanks again to Craig for sharing!

Supergirl In Animated 'Brainiac' Movie!

So some stealth news did come out at San Diego Comic Con about Supergirl and I have to say it is great news!

Here is a link to a TV Guide article in which actress Molly Quinn leaks that in 2013 there will be a DC Animation movie based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 'Brainiac' story from 2008: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Molly-Quinn-Supergirl-1050007.aspx

And here is some of the text from that article.

There wasn't a Castle panel at Comic-Con this year, but that didn't stop self-proclaimed fangirl Molly Quinn (Alexis) from heading down to San Diego for the geek fest. And she couldn't contain her excitement over a new project that will endear her even more to future Con crowds: The 18-year-old actress is voicing the role of Supergirl in an upcoming animated project based on a popular DC Comics storyline. "I'm so excited to be a part of the DC family, not to mention helping Superman fight crime," Quinn told TV Guide Magazine. "Yes, I am a supergirl!"

The as-yet-untitled project, the latest in a successful series of DVD movies from Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, adapts a 2008 story by Geoff Johns featuring Superman's nemesis Brainiac and the bottle city of Kandor, which survived the destruction of Krypton, Superman's home planet.

"I'm thrilled about our 'Super' project," she said of the movie, which will be released in 2013. "And that my character happens to be named Supergirl? Well, that's just a bonus."

The Brainiac story was a fantastic, reintroducing Kandor, Argo City, Zor-El, and Alura to the DCU while reinventing Brainiac. It was wonderfully written and drawn, a perfect story for adaptation to the small screen. In fact, I think several blog friends here have been asking for this since the arc finished 4 years ago!

Supergirl did some pretty heavy lifting in the story, overcoming her fear of Brainiac, burning through robot troops, and ultimately saving the world when she stops Brainiac' Solar Aggressor missile! No complaints about anything here.

And Molly Quinn seems like a perfect choice to play Supergirl. So no complaints there!

I guess there really is a Santa Claus! Brainiac is being made into a movie!

Animated Anthem Day - Fan Made Supergirl:The Animated Series Opening

I am always thrilled to include Supergirl Comic Box Commentary in comic blog crossovers. So when Frank Delano, mastermind behind the great Martian Manhunter blog Idol-Head of Diabolu, suggested a massive crossover of animated themes for DC characters, I had to hop on board.

Now Supergirl has never had her own show but played a pretty hefty role in both Superman:The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited. Heck, a major long-running plotline in JLU revolved around Supergirl and her doppelganger Galatea.

The best that could be found was a fan-made opening to an imagined Supergirl series set squarely in the Timm-verse. Here is the link to the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5JvtbCggwE&feature=youtu.be by VladGLX.

Between JLU, Superman/Batman:Apocalypse, and Super Best Friends Forever, I have little to complain about. That said, I keep hoping that Supergirl will guest star on Young Justice at some point. I mean that makes sense! And wouldn't that add a spicy wrinkle to the Superman spurning Superboy sub-plot?

Please visit the other blogs participating in Animated Anthem Day. These folks are the best, passionate about their favorite character, and stoking the fires of fandom! And thanks to Frank for organizing this. An amazing 15 blogs participated in this crossover!

Animated Anthem Day

• Aquaman @ The Aquaman Shrine
• Hawkman @ Being Carter Hall
• Swamp Thing @ The BLOG from the BOG
• Booster Gold @ BOO$TERRIFIC
• DC Characters @ DC Bloodlines
• Wonder Woman @ Diana Prince
• Firestorm @ Firestorm Fan
• Superman @ Fortress of Baileytude
• Martian Manhunter @ The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Green Lantern @ The Indigo Tribe
• The Vixen @ Justice League Detroit
• The Atom @ Power of the Atom
• Doctor Fate @ Tower of Fate
• Flash @ Speed Force

And feel free to look back at the other times Supergirl Comic Box Commentary was part of a blog crossover.

There was the DC Challenge!

And there was the Mayfairstivus look at the Mayfair DC Heroes RPG!

Animated Supergirl Show!

In what has to be considered great news, a DC Nation animated block on Cartoon Network was announced yesterday ... and that includes animated Supergirl short features. Here is a link to the official story from the MIP Junior conference from Cannes France:
http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/news.php/news.php?action=fullnews&id=1139

As always, the whole article is worth reading, but here is a blurb setting things up.

Sam Register confirmed the title of the next animated Batman series, due in 2013. Register, executive vice president for creative affairs at Warner Bros. Animation, closed the MIP Junior conference in Cannes, France on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011, with a keynote address on upcoming Warner Bros. Animation plans. MIP Junior is an intensive two-day conference agenda of debates, interactive workshops, pitching and matchmaking sessions that update executives and consumers on the latest developments in kids’ entertainment.

So the big news was at new Batman show, Beware the Batman, which will have CG animation. It also will have Katana in the role of sidekick. More on this in a bit.

But this was the big news for me.

The creator behind My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic working on a series of animated shorts teaming Wonder Girl, Batgirl, Supergirl called Super Best Friends Forever.

How fantastic is that? It is the DC Trinity of heroes ... kind of. While this isn't the best pic, it is the only one showing Supergirl, clearly sporting some version of the Matrix costume complete with red pleated skirt.

I can't help but think that the buzz created from Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade, as well as the positive internet buzz from things like the Mike Maihack DC Fifty-Too as well as other Supergirl/Batgirl webcomics (like the one by Johnny Zito and Tony Troy of South Fellini studios) helped DC and Warner Brothers realize just how great a Supergirl/Batgirl World's Finest style show could be. I don't know if this will be Donna (my gut tells me yes) or Cassie.

And it being produced by the folks who make My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic show. I was introduced to this show by the supergirls at home and I have to say it is pretty funny and has great animation. Trust me, you haven't lived until you see Rainbow Dash fly fast enough to cause a Sonic Rainboom!

So great characters from a great creator/production studio. I can't wait to see these.

Here is a shot of the Batman show. Adding Katana is a interesting wrinkle. And there will be other animated shorts of the Doom Patrol and Plastic Man. Most know I am a Doom Patrol junkie, so I am thrilled to hear that too!

I think Young Justice and The Brave and the Bold were high quality shows and I am hoping that these new shows, a DC block of animation, will also be fantastic.

And a new Supergirl, Batgirl, and Wonder Girl show! Too fantastic!