Editor of Skybound.com. Founding Editor in Chief of DC Universe. Author. Bon vivant. My tweets and opinions are my own.
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Articles by Joseph McCabe
Classic Creepouts: Five Truly Terrifying DC Animated Episodes
Angels and Demons. The Sacred and the Profane. Gods and Monsters. They go together like chocolate and peanut butter, which is why there’s so much horror entertainment featuring superheroes. What? You thought it was just Clayface? You clearly weren’t a DC Animated Universe devotee! Otherwise, you’d know that executive producer Bruce Timm and his collaborators poured their lifelong love of the horror genre into many of its acclaimed shows.
A New Generation of Monsters Inhabit “Absolute Batman: Abomination”
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! Writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman took fans and critics by storm when it arrived in 2024 with the full force of a Category 5 hurricane.
“Lanterns” Creators and Stars on that Emotional Finale and John Stewart’s New Oath
SPOILER ALERT: The following feature contains spoilers from the Lanterns season finale. The eighth and final episode of HBO Max’s Lanterns has arrived, and Earth has a new Green Lantern in John Stewart. John’s journey to his power ring was by no means an easy one, but its resolution proved as well-earned as it was emotionally satisfying.
Noir Nightmares: The Best Villains from “Batman: Caped Crusader”
There’s a lot for devoted Batman fans to enjoy in Prime Video’s animated hit Batman: Caped Crusader: its period setting, its noir visuals and the pulp sensibility that executive producer Bruce Timm brings to each episode. But any Batman series—be it in comics, film or TV—lives or dies by its villains. Thankfully, Caped Crusader offers a number of memorable ones. Some are bold new takes on established favorites, while others are deep cuts given vibrant new life.
“Lanterns” Gives John Stewart a Hero’s Journey
Welcome to the Couch Club, our recurring column devoted to all things #DCTV! This week, Joseph McCabe looks at John Stewart’s hero’s journey over the first season of Lanterns. SPOILER ALERT: The following column contains spoilers from the first six episodes of Lanterns. Live-action adaptations of superhero comics walk a fine line between the stylized and the realistic. To its credit, Lanterns has walked this line with the sure steadiness of its protagonist, John Stewart.
Ten-Year Triumphs: The Best Batman Stories by Decade
Though he’s not yet a century old, Batman’s career spans ten decades. Since his first appearance in May 1939’s Detective Comics #27 to the latest issue of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s ongoing “All In” Batman series, new adventures of the Dark Knight have appeared in print continuously, usually on a weekly basis.
Indiana’s Batman Museum is a Love Letter to the Caped Crusader
Holy pop culture, Batman! The 1966 Batman TV show is a landmark of Americana. It helped cement the Caped Crusader as one of the most recognized fictional characters in the world today. So, it’s fitting that a museum has finally been created in its honor. Welcome to Fiberglass Freaks’ Batman Museum.
Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez's “Batman: Daylight” Shines Bright
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! Batman fans have a good problem on their hands these days, as they try to figure out which comic they like more: Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s buzzy Absolute Batman or the Caped Crusader’s recently relaunched flagshipby Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez.
Off World Warriors: Five Essential Alien Green Lanterns
HBO Max’s Lanterns is introducing the fabled Green Lantern Corps to scores of TV viewers. So far, the show’s Corps has been represented by Earth’s human Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
The Blazing Light of HBO’s “Lanterns”
Welcome to the Couch Club, our recurring column devoted to all things #DCTV! This week, Joseph McCabe unpacks the first three episodes of Lanterns and how the most recent, “OutKast,” reintroduces themes from John Stewart’s comic book debut. SPOILER ALERT: The following column contains spoilers from the first three episodes of Lanterns. Lanterns is the Green Lantern show fans of the fabled Emerald Gladiator didn’t know they needed.
Lantern Lights Unite in “Tales of the Green Lantern Corps”
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! With Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan winning tons of new fans on HBO’s Lanterns, the test pilot turned Green Lantern is more popular than ever.
Rob Justus Recruits “Superman’s Good Guy Gang”
It’s summertime and the dog days are doggone hotter than ever! If you’re the parent of a young child, you might be seeking out something to entertain your son or daughter while they’re cooped up inside. Well, look no further than writer/artist Rob Justus’ Superman’s Good Guy Gang, its new sequel Superman's Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader and its companion title Supergirl’s Zoo-per Heroes: Krypto’s Big Break.
The “Lanterns” Stars Shine a Light on Their Rushville Residents
Charge those power rings, folks! (Or at least make sure your TVs are plugged in.) The latest DC Studios TV series premieres this Sunday, August 16th on HBO Max—the long-awaited Lanterns. Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and acclaimed DC Comics writer Tom King, the show stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as grizzled veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan and his taciturn trainee John Stewart.
Of Corps Importance: Five Comics to Read Before Watching “Lanterns”
As a famous frog once said, it’s not easy being green. This is especially true if you're a member of the fabled Green Lantern Corps, but it sure is fun experiencing their legendary adventures! This month, two of the Corps’ most fabled members will hit TV via HBO Max’s long-awaited Lanterns. But before you thrill to John Stewart and Hal Jordan on screen, you might want to take in some of their most important comic storylines.
Finding Family: Hayden Sherman Talks “Legion of Super-Heroes”
Long live the Legion! Everyone’s favorite futuristic teen metahumans are back, with the first issue of the new Legion of Super-Heroes series arriving September 2. Written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Eisner-winning artist Hayden Sherman, the DC Next Level title is one of the year’s most highly anticipated comics, and it’s not hard to see why. We recently caught up with Sherman, who told us what we can expect from the Legion’s return… How did you discover the Legion of Super-Heroes?
If You Wrong Us: Seven Times Superheroes Sought Revenge
Superheroes are, more often not, aspirational figures. Designed to reflect the best part of us and to inspire us to do better. But heroes don’t always fit this mold. Some, like young Ruthye in this summer’s Supergirl movie, are traumatized by forces beyond their control and seek a path of vengeance. Not all succeed in their attempt, but it’s always a little jarring to watch avatars of righteousness demand an eye for an eye.
Mashing Up the Multiverse: Tom Taylor Gets Medieval and Primeval
Few DC writers have wreaked as much havoc across the DC multiverse as Tom Taylor…and he’s just getting started. The co-creator of imaginative out-of-continuity megahits like Injustice: Gods Among Us and DCeased is back this summer with the second volume of his high fantasy DC reimagining, Dark Knights of Steel II. But as if that’s not massive enough, Taylor will follow his return to the realm of swords and sorcery with his first Vertigo title, the undead dino thriller Necretaceous.
The Book of Steel: Edward Gross Chronicles “Superman: The Definitive History”
Since his debut in June 1938’s Action Comics #1, Superman has accrued more history than many real-life figures. In addition to his comic book career, the Man of Steel has conquered all manner of media, so telling his complete story is no easy task. Fortunately, Insight Editions recruited noted Superman experts Edward Gross and Robert Greenberger to write the mammoth Superman: The Definitive History, the Revised Edition of which is now in bookstores.
“Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?” is Optimal Kara Zor-El
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! There’s a Supergirl tale for every comic reader, from the kid-friendly Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade to the Eisner-winning Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the basis for this summer’s film.
Smashing the Kryptonite Ceiling: Claudia Sarne Scores "Supergirl"
Unbelievable as it may sound, despite the decades of live-action DC superhero films to hit theaters, none of them have been scored by a female composer…until now.* British-American musician Claudia Sarne is responsible for the rousing score behind this summer’s Supergirl. A newcomer to the world of comic book films, Sarne began her career as a songwriter for her band 12 Rounds, in which she collaborated with her husband Atticus Ross.
Steel-ing Looks: Supergirl’s Ten Most Iconic Outfits
No character in comics (with the possible exception of Betty and Veronica) has worn as many different outfits as Kara Zor-El of Krypton. Ahead of Milly Alcock’s debut as the Girl of Steel in this month’s Supergirl, let’s take a look at Kara’s fashionable history and what each new costume teaches us about her and the era she was in. The Silver Age Unlike Superman, Supergirl arrived on Earth grown, garbed and ready for action when she first appeared in May 1959’sAction Comics #252.
Che Grayson’s Absolute Catwoman Fights for Freedom
Award-winning filmmaker, writer and TED speaker Che Grayson is entering mainstream superhero comics in a big way with the new Absolute Catwoman. Co-written by Absolute Batman scribe Scott Snyder with art by Bengal, the six-issue series offers a bold new take on Selina Kyle, one inspired by Grayson’s own background. We recently sat down with the multi-hyphenate storyteller to get the lowdown on the Absolute version of Gotham’s greatest femme fatale.
Impact-acceleration head injury results in optic neuropathy in the thirteen-lined ground squirrel
Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by rapid head acceleration produces visual impairments from damage to the optic nerve (ON), as well as widespread perturbations of the central visual system. Widely used mouse and rat models have limitations in translational relevance due to their nocturnal habits and rod-dominant retinas.
The Life and Death and Afterlife of Deadman
You can’t keep a good Deadman down. DC’s resident circus performer turned supernatural avenger Boston Brand has captured the imaginations of comics fans for over fifty years with his tragic origin and unique ability to take control of anyone’s body. The character was conceived by Arnold Drake, the co-creator of the equally offbeat Doom Patrol.
Defenders Unite: A Look at Superman’s New Immersive Experience
It’s all about the Doghouse of Solitude. Krypto’s personal retreat—introduced way back in January 1962’s Superman #150—is the kind of deep cut that shows the folks behind “Superman Experience: Defenders Unite” love the Man of Steel and his world as much as anyone. Even better, the Doghouse is just one of the many Easter eggs in this new can’t-miss attraction, which opened earlier this spring on the studio’s iconic Burbank lot.
Send in the Mechs: Scott Snyder’s Absolute Robins Take Flight
As the author of some of the most widely read and highly acclaimed Batman comics of the 21st century, Scott Snyder has nothing left to prove when it comes to the Dark Knight. And yet, ever since its 2024 debut, his game-changing Absolute Batman has made it clear that Snyder has plenty more to say about the character. More impressive still, it’s done so while emerging as the most popular, propulsive Batman comic in years.
Bat Behind Bars: Mariko Tamaki Puts Barbara Gordon in the Big House
No stranger to Gotham City, Mariko Tamaki has written about the Bat-Family in Future State: Dark Detective, Detective Comics and the acclaimed YA graphic novel Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass. But for her next act, she’s taking the original Batgirl out of her costume and locking her up in one of the most unique and eagerly anticipated series to come out of DC Next Level.
G. Willow Wilson’s “Poison Ivy” Branches Out
One of the most celebrated writers in comics today, G. Willow Wilson has won the World Fantasy Award for her novel Alif the Unseen and the Hugo and American Book Awards for Ms. Marvel (for which she co-created Kamala Khan). She’s also written DC’s Vixen: Return of the Lion, Wonder Woman and The Dreaming: Waking Hours, but DC fans these days likely know her as the mastermind behind one of the publisher’s most surprising titles, Poison Ivy, which is about to enter its fourth year.
The Blue and the Gray: Writer Matt Fraction Brightens Gotham’s Skies
Matt Fraction has spent his illustrious comic book career crafting both critically acclaimed creator-owned titles like Sex Criminals and unique takes on popular superheroes like Hawkeye. He last brought that experience to DC with gusto in 2019’s wildly entertaining Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen. Now he’s tackling the company’s most popular character in a new Batman series with artist Jorge Jimenez that’s brought the book back to its basics while still managing to offer up plenty of big swings.
“Zatanna by Paul Dini” is Dark Fantasy Done Right
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out.
From Cancellation to Resurrection: The History of Rick Veitch’s “Swamp Thing 1989”
The Swamp Thing has always been about death and resurrection. From the day scientist Alec Holland was murdered and reborn as a “muck-encrusted mockery of a man” back in October 1972’s Swamp Thing #1 (written by Len Wein and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson). So, it makes sense that the character would one day face the most famous resurrection tale of all time—that of Jesus Christ.
Classic and New: Tom Taylor Talks “Detective Comics” and “C.O.R.T.”
Many creators have worked within the DC Universe, but few have created as many worlds within that universe as Tom Taylor. The Eisner-winning writer has proven time and again that he is the man when it comes to crafting alternate universes for our favorite characters to inhabit. From Injustice to DCeased to Dark Knights of Steel, Taylor’s imagination has spanned multiple dimensions.
Dan Watters and Denys Cowan Take Nightwing Back to the Streets
Nightwing is one of the hottest books in the DC Universe thanks to the talents who’ve chronicled Dick Grayson’s adventures over the years. But the title’s already high standards have gone through the roof with its latest arc, starting with Nightwing #136and continuing in this week’s issue #137, which has seen legendary artist Denys Cowan joining writer Dan Watters on a tale that promises to ground Dick and his city in intriguing new ways.
Beyond Boundaries: Ten Defining Vertigo Artists
Vertigo is back! DC’s fondly remembered adult imprint has at long last returned, offering new tales of crime, horror, science fiction and fantasy. In its original incarnation, Vertigo was the premiere label for comics of all genres, introducing readers to scores of unforgettable titles. Vertigo’s writers like Grant Morrison, Bill Willingham, Mike Carey, Brian Azzarello, Peter Milligan, Garth Ennis and Brian K. Vaughan have received heaps of praise over the years.
When Clark Met Peter: Mark Waid Unites Two Superhero Icons
Few comic creators today wear their heart on their sleeve like Mark Waid. The writer of classic works like Kingdom Come, Superman: Birthright and his epic run on the 1990s The Flash—as well as his current stints on Batman/Superman: World’s Finest and Action Comics—Waid brings a joy and optimism to all his work, presenting superheroes as the better angels of our nature. So he’s the perfect scribe to lead the highly anticipated Superman/Spider-Man #1, illustrated by Jorge Jiménez.
Up, Up and Make Way: Joshua Williamson Ushers in the Reign of the Superboys
The Reign of the Superboys is upon us! In the wake of DC K.O., the next major DC Universe event casts the spotlight on Conner Kent (in the pages of Supergirl), Jon Kent (in Superman Unlimited), the young Clark Kent (in Action Comics) and the infamous Superboy Prime (in Superman). To find out if the DC Universe is big enough for four Superboys, we sat down with the event’s architect, K.O. and Superman writer Joshua Williamson. Here’s what he had to tell us about letting the boys come out to play.
Completing Kate: Greg Rucka Returns to “Batwoman”
Kate Kane is a legend among legends. DC’s breakout LGBTQ+ character has won a legion of fans since Eisner Award-winning writer Greg Rucka reintroduced her in the pages of 2007’s much praised Batwoman: Elegy. Now, after almost twenty years, Rucka is returning to continue the story he started and to bring Kate to a new generation of thrill seekers.
Upping the Anti: Skottie Young Discusses the Return of the Main Man
The Main Man, the Last Czarnian—call him what you will, Lobo is returning to DC in high style this year. Poised to become DC’s latest breakout movie star with his appearance in this summer’s Supergirl (where he’ll be portrayed by Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), he’s also getting his own new solo series, a part of DC Next Level.
Killer Instincts: Tony Fleecs Sets His Sights on Deathstroke
Slade Wilson is back! Everyone’s favorite killer-for-hire gets a new solo series with Deathstroke: The Terminator #1, which hits comic shops this week as a part of DC Next Level. Written by Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs, Omega Kids) with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash), this monthly title finds one of Slade’s many, many enemies out to make his life a living hell.
“We3” Is a 21st Century “Frankenstein”
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! Let’s start this edition of Weekend Escape by getting something out of the way…We3 is not an easy read for animal lovers.
How “The Dark Knight Returns” Redefined Comics
In the beginning there was Batman, and Batman was vengeance incarnate. Bill Finger and Bob Kane gave superhero comics its shadowy id—a nocturnal avenger with the coolest costume, the richest rogues gallery and the darkest origin story, which even the bright light of his cheerful kid sidekick Robin couldn’t diminish.
House of Kiss-ery: DC’s Twelve Most Romantic Covers
Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, so it’s time to take a look at the tender side of the DC Universe. Super-powered slugfests might be what made DC famous, but it’s love that gives our heroes something worth fighting for! In that spirit, we’ve pulled together twelve of the sweetest, most swoon-worthy covers in DC history for your amorous enjoyment. Check ’em all out below, Romeo.
We Rank Absolute Batman’s Rogues Gallery
Absolute Batman is one of the most propulsive, compulsively readable DC comics out there right now. It gives readers little chance to catch their breath before plunging headlong into each action-packed storyline. It’s the cape book equivalent of the Safdies’ Uncut Gems or Marty Supreme—an adrenaline shot in the thigh of the genre. A large part of the book’s success is due to writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta’s fresh take on the Batman’s rogues gallery.
Ten Must-See Sights for DC Fans on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Planning your winter vacation? What if I told you that you could take a trip to Gotham City, Metropolis, Central City and Themyscira, and it would only take a single ticket? All of those classic DC locations can be visited on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! This time-honored attraction is a must for anyone visiting Los Angeles. And for DC fans, it’s a mecca in which our favorite imaginary locales actually exist. Here are ten Warner Bros.
The Red and the Green: Eight Great Flash and Green Lantern Team-Ups
It’s holiday time! No color combination is so immediately identifiable with this season of the year than red and green. The two are complementary colors, opposite each other on the color wheel, and they look great together. Though that doesn’t quite explain why DC’s embodiment of those colors—the Flash and Green Lantern—are such good buddies. Why should a speedy scientist and a test pilot with a power ring get along so well?
My 2025 Top Three: Joseph McCabe
If 2025 had a name, it had to be Superman. But this summer’s release of James Gunn’s long-awaited epic re-introducing the Last Son of Krypton to moviegoers—along with an entire new DC Universe—was just the party getting started. The announcement of a welcome sequel in 2027, plus anticipation for next summer’s Supergirl movie kept the fun going all year long. Adding to the festivities were a host of new Superman comics and plenty of fresh merchandise.
Supergirl Isn’t Interested in Being Your Hero
It’s been over forty years since Kara Zor-El took her first and only flight on the big screen, but that’s about to change. Next summer will see the release of Supergirl, the second film in the new DC Universe after this year’s Superman (in which the Maid of Might—as played by House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock—made a cameo).
“Batman: Strange Apparitions” is the Definitive Caped Crusader
Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape! Little things often slip through the cracks, disregarded and forgotten. But every once in a while, their value is recognized and extends far beyond their size, like Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers’ run on Detective Comics.
Super Scares: Seven of DC’s Most Terrifying Horror Stories
Greetings, fright fans! While it may be best known for its superhero action, the DC Universe is vast enough to allow for countless types of stories—from cosmos-spanning sci-fi tales to hilarious comedies to thrilling cowboy westerns. But at Halloween time, we here at DC HQ are all about the scary.
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