BATMAN AND SUPERMAN TOP JUNE CHARTS & DC PREPS FOR STRONG COMIC-CON

Batman and Superman team up is helping DC kick ass in June here’s the press release:

DC Entertainment took the top three spots on the June comic book sales charts, with SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1 – the debut issue of a new ongoing series by the dream team of writer Scott Snyder and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and artist Jim Lee – clocking in as the top-selling DC Entertainment periodical according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest comic book distributor in the world.  

 

In addition to the record-breaking June debut of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Man of Steel” and DC Entertainment’s SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, the month saw additional success with the periodical launch of June’s #2 book in sales, BATMAN/SUPERMAN #1. The new series debuted with a story showcasing the first meeting between the two iconic characters from writer Greg Pak and artist Jae Lee. Additionally, Pak was named the new ongoing writer of the original Superman comic book series, ACTION COMICS, starting in November.

 

The year continued to be a strong one for Batman, as the Dark Knight’s flagship title kicked off the anticipated origin story “Zero Year” with June’s #3 book in sales, BATMAN #21 – also written by the prolific Snyder with art by Greg Capullo. The story, slated to run for 11 issues, will also feature tie-ins with other DC Comics–The New 52 titles in November.

 

The flurry of news and activity arrives as DC Entertainment prepares for a full-court press at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013, the world’s largest pop culture event. With an interactive booth featuring Superman costumes through the years in celebration of The Man of Steel’s 75th anniversary, creator signings, giveaways, on-stage demos, video game consoles, DC Collectibles showcases, a green screen for photos, numerous panels – including the company’s first ever DC Digital panel – and events throughout the show, the con promises to be a can’t-miss moment. Fans can also check out a new Justice League “Trinity War” promo reel discussing the major beats of the summer event – directly from superstar writer and “Trinity War” mastermind Geoff Johns, in advance of September’s universe-wide FOREVER EVIL event, featuring art by top talent David Finch. The video debuted today and can be seen here.

 

Last week, Vertigo revealed details of Neil Gaiman’s highly anticipated return to the Sandman universe. Twenty-five years in the making, THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will explore what the Dream King was up to prior to being captured and trapped, as shown in THE SANDMAN #1. Brought to life by renowned artist J.H. Williams III, the new six-issue, bi-monthly series is set for release on October 30^th and will feature covers by Williams and original series cover artist Dave McKean.

 

“Superman, Batman, Justice League and The Sandman – an all-star cast of characters, books and creative talents are converging to tell some of the best stories in DC Entertainment’s history,” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “We’re extremely excited to connect with our fans in San Diego and showcase some of the amazing stories and moments we have in store. It’s already been an amazing year, and we’re excited to unveil what’s next.”

 

Earlier this month, Vertigo’s upcoming genre-defying fall titles were announced in The New York Times. The impressive lineup includes the dark fantasy COFFIN HILL, the epic adventure HINTERKIND, the post-apocalyptic SUICIDERS, THE SANDMAN spin-off THE DEAD BOY DETECTIVES, a new THE WITCHING HOUR anthology and the erotic thriller THE DISCIPLINE. Adding to the excitement was news that AMERICAN VAMPIRE, the critically acclaimed series from Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque, would return in December.

 

The box office success of “Man of Steel” carried over into DC Collectibles’ June sales, as the high-end toy and collectibles line from DC Entertainment saw extremely strong sales of its acclaimed statue line based on characters from the film including Superman, Jor El and General Zod.

 

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US was again the leading title for digital comics sales in June, with all four new chapters taking the top four sales spots, followed by popular Same-Day-Digital titles BATMAN #21, SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN #1. Looking forward to July, DC Entertainment’s digital comics line-up adds highly anticipated new title BATMAN ’66, featuring a DC² interactive experience.

 

On the book trade side, the prequels to WATCHMEN made their debuts as collected editions. BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN/SILK SPECTRE and BEFORE WATCHMEN: OZYMANDIAS/CRIMSON CORSAIR Deluxe Editions performed well in the marketplace, debuting as two of DC Entertainment’s top sellers. Also of note, several DC Comics – The New 52 collections – including BATMAN Vol. 2, BATMAN, INCORPORATED Vol. 1, AQUAMAN Vol. 2, ACTION COMICS Vol. 2, BATMAN AND ROBIN Vol. 2 and the WATCHMEN and SOLO Deluxe Editions – landed on The New York Times Hardcover Graphic Book Bestseller list. Vertigo titles THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Book 2 and GET JIRO! landed on The New York Times Hardcover and Paperback Graphic Book Bestseller lists, respectively.

 

The company hit the road to spread the word on all things DC Entertainment with the company’s second successful “Retailer Roadshow” series of events. DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee traveled across the country and met with key direct market comic shop retailers to discuss upcoming projects, retailer-focused initiatives and announce new titles like October’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 and the “Lights Out” Green Lantern crossover.

 

Later this month, the newest issue of MAD Magazine will hit stands and feature another hearty dose of “The Usual Gang of Idiots” sharp wit and cutting satire – including celebrity jabs, another ridiculous MAD fold-in and a riotous riff on “The Hobbit.” Editor John Ficarra and co. will also be on hand at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 for the annual hilarity that is the MAD Magazine panel, along with teases and information on the much-anticipated INSIDE MAD collection.