DC Comics Reveals Details of "Rebirth"

DC Comics unveiled its plans for Rebirth, and it starts with "DC Universe: Rebirth" an 80-page one-shot from Geoff Johns that hits shelves on May 25.

It's no secret that the publisher's sales numbers are lagging far behind those of industry-leading Marvel Comics. Just take a look at the latest figures on Comichron. January is always a tough month, but Batman was the only title to sell more than 100,000 copies. Clearly, the publisher needs to kickstart interest in its titles.

Rebirth will rearrange the DC lineup of comics. Interestingly, all comics will have a price of $2.99. But many will move to bi-monthly publishing schedules, which will likely have an impact on sales. Action Comics and Detective Comics will return to their previous numbering systems -- and the New 52 numberings will become an interesting asterisk for the folks at the Overstreet Comic Book Guide to deal with, I'm sure.

HERE is the full press release from DC Comics.

Staff Picks for February 10: The Eltingville Club

The Eltingville Club hardcover debuts Feb. 10 from series creator Evan Dorkin. If you're familiar with his collaboration on Beasts of Burden with Chicago-based artist Jill Thompson, you know that Dorkin is a fine storyteller.

In his Eltingville Club series, Dorkin examines the darker side of comics fandom. The ugly stereotypes that perfectly describe some real fans are his playground. You've met them at your local comics shop, you've smelled them in line at your favorite con, and you've been appropriately appalled at their antics. And in Dorkin's hands, these archetypes are the heartbeat of a comic that uses them in the finest tradition of underground comix--to make us take a hard, humorous, and sometimes uncomfortable look at ourselves.

The Eltingville Club hardcover from Dark Horse Comics is my staff pick this week for Broken Frontier, and you can read the full preview HERE.

Staff Picks for February 3: Sherlock Holmes Crime Alleys

Sherlock Holmes is a longtime favorite, so it was a no-brainer to select Dark Horse Comics' newest release featuring the world's greatest detective. Sherlock Holmes: Crime Alleys is the third installment from writer Sylvian Cordurie in his Holmes series, and I hope it's a sign that Dark Horse will make mysteries a priority. The company does them so very well, that in their post-Star Wars environment, I hope Dark Horse stretches out and tackles all facets of mysteries. I know a whole noir lineup would be too much to ask for, but why not? I'm asking.

For my full preview of Sherlock Holmes: Crime Alleys, go HERE.