As always, DC Comics have a lot of announcements and developments arising during this week, January 14th-17th, 2013!
DC announces new creative teams on "Constantine" and "Birds Of Prey"...twice!
On Monday, Jan. 14th, DC's editor-in-chief Bob Harras and editorial editor Bobbie Chase made two major announcements in terms of two of their ongoing titles come April. It was revealed to Comic Book Resources that Christy Marx, writer of "Sword Of Sorcery", would take over writing "Birds Of Prey" from Duane Swierczynski with April's 17th issue. In addition, Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes will be writing the relaunched "Constantine" which debuts that month, too.
The wrinkle is that DC had originally planned for different writers to handle these two books months ago. As 2013 began, writer Jim "Zub" Zubkavich ("Skull-Kickers") had been slated to write "Birds Of Prey"; according to his blog, Jim only recently learned he would not be handling the title. As far back as November, writer Robert Venditti was under the impression that he would be writing the new "Constantine" in the spring. This is similar to how Gail Simone, within the span of a fortnight, was both fired from and then rehired to the position of writer of "Batgirl".
Harras and Chase explained the situation by stating that Venditti ultimately backed out of the project, while Zub was apparently in competition for "Birds Of Prey" with Marx and lost out. Considering how much lead in time is needed for comics to ship on schedule, hopefully these sudden shifts won't effect the schedule.
"Green Lantern: The Animated Series" tie-in comic changes schedule!
Announced on Jan. 15th, 2013, DC Comics stated that as of March, their official tie-in comic book series to the Cartoon Network (CN) animated program would shift to a bi-monthly schedule. This is different from how DC Comics handled the tie-in comic to CN's "Young Justice" cartoon; that series was canceled outright as of its 25th issue. Neither "Green Lantern: TAS" or "Young Justice" have been renewed for the next season on CN, and it was seen as a poor sign when the comic series for the latter was axed. DC Comics has historically maintained tie-in comics for animated series months if not years after they ended in order to appeal to kids.
Developments for The CW's "Amazon"!
Back in September, it was revealed that a pilot for a new Wonder Woman TV series called "Amazon" was in the works for The CW network. The network's president, Mark Pedowitz stated that the pilot hasn't been officially ordered, there are plans to cast the lead role of Diana Prince after the script is properly vetted. The series will be set in modern day as the heroine who will become Wonder Woman leaves Paradise Island for the world of man in her 20's. It is similar in theme to the "young versions of heroes" meme the network has successfully embraced with "Smallville" and now "Arrow".
Yesterday, Jan. 16th, the Evening Express hinted that UK based actress Amy Manson is an initial pick to land the lead role of Diana. She has apparently survived two rounds of auditions and may be best known in the states for appearing in "Torchwood". If the CW intends to debut this new show in time for the fall, casting and filming will have to begin soon. Back in 2011, David E. Kelley was tasked with producing a "Wonder Woman" pilot for NBC mid-season, which failed to be picked up. Hopefully the second time is the charm for the iconic heroine.
Read last week's DC Comics news here!
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