Ahead of Comic-Con, DC readies readers for new 52

[July 14, 2011]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- DC Comics says it is prepping its readers and fans for its upcoming relaunch in late summer, offering a free guide to its multiple relaunches of comic characters and series.

The guide, "DC Comics -- The New 52," will be given away free starting July 20 at comic book shops and at the annual Comic-Con International in San Diego, which starts next week, the publisher said Wednesday.

Besides a six-page preview of the upcoming "Justice League" No. 1 written by DC's chief creative officer Geoff Johns and illustrated by co-publisher Jim Lee, the guide will have covers for all 52 new series, sketches and details from writers and artists.

The series, which include new takes on characters ranging from established heroes such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, will also see new costumes and background for other characters, too, such as Sgt. Rock and western bounty hunter Jonah Hex, among others.

At the same time, the company, which has been publishing comics for 76 years, also said it would start selling digital copies of its printed ongoing superhero titles through apps and a website the same day they're released in comic shops, a move dubbed by the industry as day-and-date sales.

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Online:

http://www.dccomics.com/

[Associated Press]

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