DC Comics Direct Channel #923

February 17, 2009


The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they've read WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics' "AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT'S NEXT?" program.

DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN's broad appeal - including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers - and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited below.

The marketing campaign includes:

Five "AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT'S NEXT?" Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:

. SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION
. TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION
. PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION
. PREACHER #1 SPECIAL
. IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL

Please see below for more information on these Specials.

Print:
. 32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores
. House ads in the DC Universe, Vertigo and WildStorm titles
. Editorial page promotions in Vertigo: On the Ledge, DC Nation and WildStorm Stormfront columns
. Trade ads

Online:
. E-mail Blasts
. National Consumer Online Banner Advertising Campaign
. Retailer Tools on DC Comics retailer page on diamondcomics.com
. Checklist, Header Card, Shelf Talker and Bag Slick
. Bag Stuffer for DC Retailer page for Direct Market retailers

Social Networking:
. AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT'S NEXT? MySpace Group
. AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT'S NEXT? Facebook Group

Conventions:
. Ad pages in Convention Program Guides
. 32-page Booklet distribution at DC booth
. Bookmark distribution at DC booth

DCCOMICS.COM:
. Website at Watchmen
. Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo throughout February, March and April to capture new WATCHMEN readers
. Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages

Co-op:
. Co-op Movie Slide
. Co-op Ad Slick


Tying into the new "After Watchmen, What's Next?" program, DC rush solicits five key titles priced at just $1.00 each!

These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and prominently feature the "After Watchmen, What's Next?" branding and trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special "C" discount code of 60% off.

Retailers may order these issues by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@....

The "AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT'S NEXT?" Specials are:

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098009)
Written by Alan Moore
Art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben
Cover by Tom Yeates
On sale March 11; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US . MATURE READERS
Final Order Cutoff date: February 19

TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098010)
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore
Cover by Geof Darrow
On sale March 18; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US . MATURE READERS
Final Order Cutoff date: February 26

PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098011)
Written by Warren Ellis
Art and cover by John Cassaday
On sale March 25; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US
Final Order Cutoff date: March 5

PREACHER #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098012)
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Steve Dillon
Cover by Glenn Fabry
On sale April 1; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US . MATURE READERS
Final Order Cutoff date: March 12

IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098013)
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair
Cover by Michael Turner
On sale April 8; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US
Final Order Cutoff date: March 19


DC Comics reminds retailers that MAD #498, featuring the "Obama: The First 100 Minutes" cover, is in stock and available for reorder!

This Obama-riffic issue also features articles parodying the election, inauguration and first hours of the Obama Presidency, as well as unused Obama cover concepts.

Retailers may order this issue under the new item code (JAN098055) by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@.... Please note that these are newsstand copies, with their own UPC code.

Quantities are limited - order yours today!


Please note that the DARK KNIGHT JOKER POKER PACK (DEC080237), which is scheduled to arrive in stores on March 11, will be made returnable at a later date.


Please note that the BATMAN #686 (DEC080105) and its variant edition (DEC080106) will be made returnable at a later date.


The following titles have been reprinted and are available for order:

BATMAN AND SON TP (APR080221) (3rd printing) Now priced $14.99/16.99 Can.
BATMAN: FALSE FACES TP (NOV080172) (2nd printing) Now priced $14.99/16.99 Can.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY TP (APR050327) (4th printing) Now priced $17.99/21.99 Can.
V FOR VENDETTA TP - NEW EDITION (SEP088030) (2nd printing) Now priced $19.99/22.99 Can.


The following downloadable promo items are now available on the DC Retailer page at Diamondcomics.com:

DCU SECTION

. AZRAEL: DEATH'S DARK KNIGHT / BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 Ad
. ORACLE: THE CURE #1 / BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 Ad
. GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN DEAD? / BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 Ad
. SOLOMON GRUNDY Ad
. GREEN LANTERN: PRELUDE TO BLACKEST NIGHT Ad

VERTIGO SECTION

. 100 BULLETS COUNTDOWN TO THE END 3 Ad
. 100 BULLETS COUNTDOWN TO THE END 2 Ad
. 100 BULLETS COUNTDOWN THE END Ad
. AIR SERIES Ad
. HELLBLAZER PRESENTS: CHAS THE KNOWLEDGE TP Ad
. SCALPED SERIES Ad
. THE WITCHING HOUR TP Ad
. V FOR VENDETTA HC Ad

DC DIRECT SECTION

. SUPERMAN/BATMAN SERIES 7 ACTION FIGURES Ad
. JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA SERIES 1 ACTION FIGURES Ad
. BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE THE JOKER Ad

WILDSTORM SECTION

. DC VS WILDSTORM DREAMWAR TP Ad
. WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER HC Ad
. RESISTANCE Ad


AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #5
BATGIRL #5
BATGIRL #6
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #24
BIRDS OF PREY #125
BOOSTER GOLD #15
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #32
DCU HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2008
GEN13 #25
GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #15
HELLBLAZER #248
HELLBLAZER #249
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #7
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #8
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #11
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #12
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #13
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #14
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #15
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #16
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #17
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #18
MAD CLASSICS #22
MAD CLASSICS #24
MAD MAGAZINE #497
MANHUNTER #37
ROBIN #180
ROBIN #181
SIMON DARK #15
THE SPIRIT #20
THE SPIRIT #22
THE SPIRIT #23
THE SPIRIT #24
STORMWATCH PHD #16
STORMWATCH PHD #17
SUPER FRIENDS #6
SUPER FRIENDS #9
SUPER FRIENDS #10
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #7
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #8
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #9
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #10
TERRA #1
TERRA #2
TERRA #3
TERRA #4


The following hot projects are on Final Order Cut-off this week. Be sure you've got enough copies of each - check your orders and process any changes by Thursday, February 19. Retailers may access the DC FOC page at the Diamond website by going to https://retailer.diamondcomics.com/main/MyAccount.

03/11/2009 - ACTION COMICS #875 $2.99
03/11/2009 - BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 $3.99
03/11/2009 - BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 VARIANT EDITION $3.99
03/11/2009 - BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #27 $2.99
03/11/2009 - BOOSTER GOLD #18 $2.99
03/11/2009 - CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #35 (JOHNNY DC) $2.50
03/11/2009 - DMZ #40 (VERTIGO) $2.99
03/11/2009 - EX MACHINA SPECIAL #4 (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - EX MACHINA SPECIAL #4 VARIANT EDITION (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - FABLES #82 (VERTIGO) $2.99
03/11/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #5 (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #5 VARIANT EDITION (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - GEN13 #28 (WILDSTORM) $2.99
03/11/2009 - GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #18 $2.99
03/11/2009 - GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34 $2.99
03/11/2009 - GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34 VARIANT EDITION $2.99
03/11/2009 - NORTHLANDERS #15 (VERTIGO) $2.99
03/11/2009 - R.E.B.E.L.S. #2 $2.99
03/11/2009 - RESIDENT EVIL #1 (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - RESIDENT EVIL #1 VARIANT EDITION (WILDSTORM) $3.99
03/11/2009 - SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (VERTIGO) $1.00
03/11/2009 - SCALPED #26 (VERTIGO) $2.99
03/11/2009 - SCOOBY-DOO #142 (JOHNNY DC) $2.50
03/11/2009 - SIMON DARK #18 $2.99
03/11/2009 - SUPERMAN/BATMAN #56 $2.99
03/11/2009 - TITANS #11 $2.99
03/11/2009 - TOP 10 SEASON TWO #4 (ABC) $2.99
03/11/2009 - TRINITY #41 $2.99
03/11/2009 - YOUNG LIARS #13 (VERTIGO) $2.99
04/08/2009 - GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE TP $14.99
04/08/2009 - HELLBLAZER PRESENTS: CHAS - THE KNOWLEDGE TP (VERTIGO) $14.99
04/08/2009 - JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED: HEROES TP (JOHNNY DC) $12.99
04/08/2009 - SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE DOOM PATROL VOL. 1 TP $16.99


02/20/2009 - A - FINAL CRISIS #5
02/20/2009 - K - TOKEN
02/27/2009 - A - DC UNIVERSE ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS VOL. 1 HC
02/27/2009 - C - FINAL CRISIS: SECRET FILES #1
02/27/2009 - A - GREEN LANTERN #36
02/27/2009 - A - JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 1
02/27/2009 - A - JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 2
02/27/2009 - A - JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 3
02/27/2009 - C - JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #27
02/27/2009 - B - JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #28
02/27/2009 - B - LOONEY TUNES #170
02/27/2009 - B - WORLD OF WARCRAFT #14
02/27/2009 - A - WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER #3
02/27/2009 - A - WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER #3 VARIANT EDITION
03/06/2009 - K - AIR #1
03/06/2009 - K - AIR #2
03/06/2009 - K - AIR #3
03/06/2009 - K - AIR #4
03/06/2009 - K - AIR #5
03/06/2009 - A - FINAL CRISIS #6
03/06/2009 - A - JLA TROPHY ROOM: THE JOKER CANE PROP REPLICA
03/06/2009 - A - JOKER 1:2 SCALE BUST
03/06/2009 - A - WONDER WOMAN 1:4 SCALE MUSEUM QUALITY STATUE
03/13/2009 - B - JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #29
03/13/2009 - C - TINY TITANS #12

Returnable Books Key:
A - Late Ship
B - Change In Creative Team
C - Not As Solicited
D - Mislabeled Crossover
E - Unlabeled Mature Title
F - Incorrect Price
G - Wrong UPC Code
H - Unmatched Cover & Interior Content
I - Printing Error Comic
J - Shipped Returnable
K - With Qualifying Initial Order
L - Made returnable at DC's discretion

* Accompanied by a Diamond Comic Distributors Return Form


BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #10
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #2 (JOHNNY DC)
BLUE BEETLE #36
CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #54 (JOHNNY DC)
CRAYON SHINCHAN VOL. 7 (CMX)
GREEN LANTERN #37 (2ND PRINT)
GREEN LANTERN #38
JACK OF FABLES #31 (VERTIGO)
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24 VARIANT EDITION
MADAME XANADU #8 (VERTIGO)
PUSH #6 (WILDSTORM)
REIGN IN HELL #8
RESISTANCE #3 (WILDSTORM)
SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION #4
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL. 3 TP
STARMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC
SUPERMAN #685
SUPERMAN: CAMELOT FALLS VOL. 2 TP
TALES OF THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL. 1 TP
TEEN TITANS #68
TRINITY #39
UNKNOWN SOLDIER #5 (VERTIGO)
WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #10
WILDCATS #8 (WILDSTORM)
WONDER WOMAN #29
WONDER WOMAN #29 VARIANT EDITION
WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER #4 (WILDSTORM)
WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER #4 VARIANT EDITION (WILDSTORM) OCT080207

DC DIRECT:
HOT TOYS DARK KNIGHT: 1:6 SCALE BATPOD
WATCHMEN MOVIE ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #2 BALANCED CASE ASST
WATCHMEN MOVIE ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #2 BALANCED INNER CASE
WATCHMEN MOVIE ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #2 WEIGHTED CASE
WATCHMEN MOVIE ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #2 WEIGHTED INNER CASE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: THE COMEDIAN ACTION FIGURE SOLID CASE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: DR. MANHATTAN ACTION FIGURE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: NITE OWL (CLASSIC) ACTION FIGURE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: SILK SPECTRE (CLASSIC) ACTION FIGURE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: THE COMEDIAN ACTION FIGURE
WATCHMEN MOVIE: DR. MANHATTAN (TRANSLUCENT) ACTION FIGURE VARIANT


THE AUTHORITY #8 (WILDSTORM)
BANG! TANGO #2 (VERTIGO)
BATMAN: CACOPHONY #3
BATMAN: CACOPHONY #3 1:25 VARIANT EDITION
BATMAN: CACOPHONY #3 1:50 SKETCH COVER EDITION
BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #5
DC COMICS CLASSIC LIBRARY: THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES - THE LIFE AND DEATH OF FERRO LAD HC
FINAL CRISIS: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS #1 (3RD PRINT)
FRINGE #3 (WILDSTORM)
GO WEST! VOL. 2 (CMX)
GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN DEAD? #1
HAUNTED TANK #4 (VERTIGO)
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #11 (VERTIGO)
JACK OF FABLES VOL. 5: TURNING PAGES TP (VERTIGO)
JONAH HEX #41
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1 TP
LOONEY TUNES #172 (JOHNNY DC)
MAD KIDS #14
MAD MAGAZINE #499
THE MIGHTY #2
MIRROR'S EDGE #5 (WILDSTORM)
ORFINA VOL. 5 (CMX)
SECRET SIX #7
SHAZAM!: MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL TP
SOLOMON GRUNDY #1
STRANGE ADVENTURES #1
STRANGE ADVENTURES #1 VARIANT EDITION
SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE 8TH GRADE #4 (JOHNNY DC)
SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC HC
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #1
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #1 VARIANT EDITION
TERROR TITANS #6
TRINITY #40
WAR THAT TIME FORGOT VOL. 1 TP

DC DIRECT:
WATCHMEN MOVIE: NITE OWL (MODERN) BUST
WATCHMEN MOVIE: SILK SPECTRE (MODERN) BUST
WATCHMEN MOVIE: THE COMEDIA'S GUNS AND DOG TAGS DISPLAY SET PROP REPLICA


DC COMICS SHIPPING CHANGES:
03/11/2009 - JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 4 HC - 03/04/2009
03/11/2009 - SUPERMAN/BATMAN #56 - 02/18/2009
03/18/2009 - DETECTIVE COMICS #853 - 02/25/2009
03/18/2009 - DETECTIVE COMICS #853 VARIANT EDITION - 02/25/2009
03/25/2009 - BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #4 - 02/25/2009
03/25/2009 - GREEN LANTERN #39 - 03/05/2009
03/25/2009 - GREEN LANTERN #39 VARIANT EDITION - 03/05/2009
04/01/2009 - THE SPIRIT #27 - 03/18/2009
04/01/2009 - SUPERMAN/BATMAN #57 - 03/18/2009
04/08/2009 - FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #4 - 12/24/2008
04/29/2009 - GREEN LANTERN #40 - 03/25/2009
04/29/2009 - GREEN LANTERN #40 VARIANT EDITION - 03/25/2009
05/13/2009 - FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #5 - 03/25/2009
TBA - AMBUSH BUG YEAR NONE #6 - 12/24/2008

DC DIRECT SHIPPING CHANGES:
03/11/2009 - SUPERGIRL 1:6 SCALE DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE - 02/18/2009
03/18/2009 - DARK KNIGHT: THE JOKER POKER PACK - 04/15/2009
04/15/2009 - JLA TROPHY ROOM: GREEN LANTERN BATTERY PROP - 01/21/2009

VERTIGO SHIPPING CHANGES:
03/11/2009 - NORTHLANDERS #15 - 02/25/2009
03/11/2009 - SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE VOL. 7: THE MIST & PHANTOM OF THE FAIR TP - 02/25/2009
03/11/2009 - SCALPED #26 - 02/18/2009
03/18/2009 - 100 BULLETS #100 - 02/11/2009
03/18/2009 - GREATEST HITS #6 - 02/18/2009
04/01/2009 - SCALPED #27 - 03/18/2009

WILDSTORM SHIPPING CHANGES:
03/11/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #5 - 02/11/2009
03/11/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #5 VARIANT EDITION - 02/11/2009
03/11/2009 - TOP 10 SEASON TWO #4 - 01/07/2009
04/08/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #6 - 03/11/2009
04/08/2009 - GEARS OF WAR #6 VARIANT EDITION - 03/11/2009