DC bigwig Dan DiDio told Newsarama in his 20 Questions feature today that “The ’80s JLA group is going to be back, and be back with a vengeance, in 2010,” and it got me thinking that maybe a handful of recent comments and announcements add up to something–that something being the reformation of the Justice League International, a development I’ve been expecting since DC announced that there would be two Titans titles and two JSA titles but that the JLA, their tentpole franchise, wouldn’t have the same treatment.

So what’s happened lately that might play into this? Characters like Blue Beetle, Superboy and Kid Flash/Impulse, who have been written with a humorous aspect in the past, have been freed up lately. Also free of obligations right now is Wally West, who served on the Justice League Europe for a while. You’ve also got DiDio trumpeting a “new direction” for Booster Gold in 2010, both as a character and as a title (complete with creative changes). When he announced the jettisoning of Jaime Reyes’ second feature in Booster Gold, DiDio told CBR that the character would be seen as a regular in another title soon, but that he wouldn’t be featured as either the headliner, or the second feature. Of the existing DC Universe teams, the only one that would really make sense for Blue Beetle III to be on is the Teen Titans–of which he’s already a member. Recent comments by Geoff Johns suggest that Martian Manhunter’s life as a character may not end as a Black Lantern–and when I think of his being back I wonder about Aquaman–another character who seems, based on February’s Brave and the Bold solicitation, to be back among the living after Blackest Night.

There was, a couple of years ago, a panel in Booster Gold that depicted a reformed JLI as having played a role in Final Crisis. The story hasn’t yet come to fruition, but it did depict Aquaman on the team and wearing his blue-camo suit. Although it was very short-lived when he wore it in the early ’90s (I think), he does appear dressed that way in a new toy available at KMart. Do the marketing folks know something we don’t?

Not conclusive, I grant you, but all of that tends to suggest that some or all of these characters could be headed in the same direction. Add to that famed JLI artist Kevin Maguire’s recent departure from Doom Patrol’s Metal Men backup–the co-feature was ended when, DiDio said, Maguire had to leave for “another project” and they decided it would be best not to try and go on without him. What project could he be working on? UPDATE: Not this one, apparently. When questioned via e-mail, Maguire responded that he had no idea whether or not a project like this was in the works. “This is the first I’m hearing of Dan’s comment,” the veteran penciller told us. “Whatever’s going on doesn’t involve me.”

To me, if even half of these announcements are connected, they suggest a JLI mini-, maxi- or ongoing series starting in late spring 2010.

  Revealed early today, Green Lantern Corps will be getting a back up feature in the book. Similar to Booster Gold and Teen Titans. So what does this mean? Well first off all, say hello to the $3.99 price tag for the book. Also, look fore more John Stewart action in the pages of both Green Lantern titles (hinting at the new Guardian status) Also, it’s time to vote. What will the feature be? Well, we need a feature that is closely connected to Green Lantern like Ravager is to Teen Titans or Blue Beetle is to Booster Gold.

  I have two ideas for this, one dealing with the other Lantern Corps. We can’t let them just fade into the background and this is GLC. So, having stories dealing with the other corps would be perfect. My second thoughts? More Soranik Natu please!

The various eras – or legacies – of the DC Universe is the focus of the next project DC announced this week at their official website. Legacies is a 7-part mini-series kicking off in May from writer Len Wein and “an all-star cast of artists”.

According to DC’s The Source, “Each issue will spotlight a different era from the history of the DCU in two stories, with each issue moving us closer to the present.”

The father and son team of Joe and Andy Kubert are the artists of the first issue, along with J.G. Jones in the second story, which focuses on the birth of the DCU and rise of mystery men, and the Golden Age.

 “Legacies is the history of the DCU as told from the point of view of the man on the street,” says Wein. “It starts at the dawn of the Golden Age and right now it runs right up to the moments before Countdown to Infinite Crisis begins.”

 “Being asked to work on these historic and iconic characters is an honor,” adds Andy Kubert. “Being asked to work with the creators involved — that I grew up reading…and got RAISED by — is not only an honor, but awe inspiring.”

But the exploration of DC’s history and heroes doesn’t end there. Also announced to be published in tandem with Legacies is a brand new The History of the DC Universe series and an all-new 12-issue Who’s Who, “profiling some of the best and lesser-known characters populating the DC Universe.”

The DCU in 2010 will be “very much about pushing our most beloved characters into new worlds and to face new challenges. There’s a lot to be said about tipping your hat to the past, and the legacy of those that came before,” concludes DC’s announcement.

More on Legacies can be found at www.comicbookresources.com.

The DC Blog the Source released information that BRUCE WAYNE will return in an all new series written by Grant Morrison.

Set to hit in April, BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1 (of 6) “will prove to be Bruce Wayne’s defining moment as a hero, and his toughest challenge yet.”

Apparently after getting hit by Darkseid’s omega beams in Final Crisis, Batman is flung through time where he must do all he can to return!

USA Today has an interview up with Morrison.

Head on over to the DC Blog – THE SOURCE for all the info!

  I’m not to surprised by this news, it’s been a year since Bruce was “killed” by Darkseid and with Batman and Robin apparently coming to an end in some form this spring. Not to mention the War of Supermen this summer and Wonder Woman’s major change in status coming up this year. I think its a safe bet that this is leading to the supposed Justice League story in late 2010 that will see more of the formation of the classic League. I do question this kind of “Captain America Reborn” approach, with the time lost Bruce Wayne. But this is Grant Morrison we’re talking about, so I’m not too worry about this since he started Bruce Wayne’s journey in the first place since 52.

Yes, many of the below solicits are censored. As of February, Blackest Night will be moving into its penultimate month. It seems very obvious that big, big developments are hitting hard in the coming three months, so it makes sense that DC is going to protect its secrets as best it can.

At any rate, enjoy the brief glimpse into the future. And if you look, don’t say we didn’t warn you about spoilers… because they’re there.

BLACKEST NIGHT #7

On sale February 24 – 7 of 8 – 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by Geoff Johns – Art and cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert – Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari – Sketch variant cover by Ivan Reis

As Nekron continues to wage war on life throughout the universe, Hal Jordan discovers the grim, true mission behind the villain’s return. But the truth is so cosmically abysmal that it threatens to expose a secret that could tear the very universe asunder. You can’t miss this stunning, penultimate issue to the year’s biggest event!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Rodolfo Migliari). For every 100 copies of the Standard Edition, retailers may order one copy of the Sketch Variant Edition (with a cover by Ivan Reis). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

GREEN LANTERN #51

On sale February 17 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Geoff Johns – Art and cover by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy – Variant cover by Greg Horn

The most epic battle in BLACKEST NIGHT yet comes to a shocking conclusion as Hal Jordan makes the ultimate move to take on the Black Lantern Spectre. But what price comes with the unleashing of Parallax? And what does this mean for the future of the emotional spectrum’s avatars?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Greg Horn). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #45

On sale February 17 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Peter J. Tomasi – Art and cover by Patrick Gleason & Rebecca Buchman – Variant cover by Greg Horn

The battle for the Green Lantern Battery on Oa comes to a bloody end as the new front in the War of Light emerges!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Patrick Gleason & Rebecca Buchman), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Greg Horn). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

BLACKEST NIGHT: FLASH #3

On sale February 17 – 3 of 3 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Geoff Johns – Art and cover by Scott Kolins – Variant cover by Francis Manapul

It’s a case of the chicken-or-the-egg as Barry Allen takes on the Black Lantern Reverse-Flash and seeks answers to the very nature of Professor Zoom’s impending resurrection. Plus, the Rogues witness an act so horrifying that it changes one of their own forever.

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Scott Kolins), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Francis Manapul). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

BLACKEST NIGHT: JSA #3

On sale February 24 – 3 of 3 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by James Robinson – Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Nei Ruffino -Variant cover by Gene Ha

The bloodthirsty combat in Manhattan reaches its stunning conclusion here! Earth-2 Superman returns to prove that the true legacy of the Justice Society of America is death. Can our heroes rise up to defeat their dead mentors, role models and villains? And can even the third- smartest man in the world, Mr. Terrific, devise a way to destroy them – or will Manhattan and the world perish under Nekron’s might?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Eddy Barrows & Nei Ruffino), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Gene Ha). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #3

On sale February 3 – 3 of 3 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Greg Rucka – Art by Nicola Scott – Cover by Greg Horn – Variant cover by Ryan Sook

Following closely to the events of BLACKEST NIGHT, this miniseries event concludes as the Amazonian Princess comes to terms with who she is and what her role is in the world. But will her acceptance make her more appetizing to the Black Lantern hordes – or could that emotion be their undoing?

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Greg Horn), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ryan Sook). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

ADVENTURE COMICS STARRING BLACK LANTERN SUPERBOY #7

On sale February 10 – 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by Tony Bedard – Art by Travis Moore – Covers by Francis Manapul

TOP SECRET!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Francis Manapul), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Francis Manapul and renumbered ADVENTURE COMICS #510). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

BLACK LANTERN GREEN ARROW #30

On Sale FEBRUARY 24 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by JT KRUL • Art by WILL CONRAD • Cover by GREG HORN • Variant cover by MIKE GRELL

TOP SECRET!

And check out page 79 for GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #29!

Retailers please note: This issue is actually GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #30. This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Greg Horn), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Mike Grell). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

SECRET SIX #18

On sale February 10 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by John Ostrander & Gail Simone – Art by Jim Calafiore – Cover by Daniel LuVisi

It’s the exciting conclusion of John Ostrander and Gail Simone’s epic team-up! The Black Lanterns have both the Suicide Squad and the Secret Six up against the wall. But Amanda Waller always has a plan. That plan: Manhunter! Plus, Deadshot is forced to make the decision of his life!

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 Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing great. I’m doing fine myself, just getting use to being a married man now. Well, as I deal with life and all the joys and stresses. I’ve decided to dabble back into the website creation again. I’m currently working on a small fan site devoted to The Great Ten. The super hero team of China from DC Comics. The new mini series launches this week and so I’ve started. You can check out the small preview as I get the site up and going. Keep your eyes open, it will be unfolding in the weeks ahead with the Green Lantern Spotlight as it’s main blog piece. So, look forward to seeing some Great Ten articles on here.

  Yep, you read right, the count down to my wedding is under way. Two weeks from Saturday, I will no longer be a bachelor but a married man. I know, lots of you are saying congrats and others are saying to run and hide. I have to say I’m both excited and nervous about my up coming nuptials and I have to say I’m very tired. You realize once you get the church squared away, the rings almost paid for and a few other things. It’s those minor details that jump out at you to get finish. Such as wedding programs for the church, getting a hair cut and making sure everyone knows how to get there. I’m also in the middle of doing some home improvement work on my place before the future Mrs. Read moves in. So, I’m doing it all and studying karate and enjoying a great issue of Green Lantern and Nova in the process. I’m happy but I’m tired but in 2 weeks, I’m heading down the aisle.