Halloween week saw the release of Sandman: Overture #1, writer Neil Gaiman‘s return to The Sandman universe in an all-new 6-issue miniseries from DC/Vertigo Comics.
The publisher has put out a TV spot for the miniseries, which you can watch here below. (Oh how I’d LOVE to see this TV spot pop up on my television!)
The miniseries, written by Gaiman, has art by J. H. Williams III (that’s a very Pink Floyd’s The Wall-esque piece from issue #1 here above), with Williams and long-time Sandman cover artist Dave McKean providing the covers.
Sandman: Overture #1 is also available right now for the Kindle, and there will be a Special Edition for the issue coming out on November 27, 2013.
In a WonderCon shocker, current Detective Comics writer Greg Rucka announced during his spotlight panel that he has turned in his last story for DC Comics.
The fan favorite writer was putting out what will no doubt turn out to be a classic run on Detective Comics with artist JH Williams III and I’m sad to see him leave the book, as it was my favorite title DC was putting out.
That being said, I’m happy for Rucka because now he can focus on creator-owned books like Queen and Country and Stumptown.
Detective Comics #861 Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Jock
Co-feature Art by Cully Hamner
Cover by JH Williams III DC Comics
Price: $3.99; Release date: January 27, 2010
JH Williams III became one of my favorite artists last year when he was brought on board Detective Comics (along with writer Greg Rucka), bringing with him his impressive layouts and a highly photo realistic style.
With Detective Comics #861Jock takes over for Williams on art detail, bringing a very different dynamic to the art. The two have radically different styles, with Jock having a much more angular style. He doesn’t have the way with the intricate layouts that Williams does, but he adds grit to the issue that Williams doesn’t have. Jock’s has an economy of line, and the coloring adds a very expressionistic angle to the art. If you’re used to his art, and enjoy it as I do, the change will not be as much of a bitter pill to swallow, but if you’re looking for a style similar to Williams III, you may not enjoy the change as much.
A new storyline starts in this issue as Batman and Batwoman are tracking down the same case in two different eras and I’m assuming we will see how they are connected at some point, but as when Williams was drawing it, the star here is Jock’s art. He has a great way of projecting the mood of the scenes.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press