It’s the weekend. That means it’s time to look at all the art we’ve managed to find and gather. Artists often post sketches and commissions on their blogs, Tumblrs and Twitter pages. These are pictures that won’t appear in actual comic books. They’re just way too great and deserve as much attention as possible.

Last week we saw Mitch Breitweiser‘s awesome Captain America print he and Bettie worked on for the Dallas con. Here’s some more Captain America and Bucky sketches he did and posted on his site.

== TEASER ==

Skottie Young took a suggestion on Twitter to draw Jeff Lemire‘s SWEET TOOTH. He posted it on his site and it was sold pretty quickly, as usual.

Chris Giarrusso‘s art always makes me happy. Check out his version of Iron Man along with his selection for his Tribute Tuesday. Be sure to check out his site for a bunch of other fun stuff.

Mike McKone tweeted out some sketches he did this week. Check out his Vision, Nightshade and Darkness (from the 1985 Tom Cruise/Tim Curry movie, Legend).

We can’t have a week without some Paolo Rivera artwork. He mentioned on his blog that he’s still posting headshots from last year’s New York Comic-Con. Here’s a character he’s pretty comfortable drawing.

Has anyone besides me noticed Marcus To changed his signature? He posted a few sketches he did for Sketches for Pledges on his Tumblr. It’s always great to see his Tim Drake (accompanied by Stephanie Brown). Check out his Marko from SAGA and Klarion the Witchboy.

Robert Atkins has been busy with work and is trying to find time to post daily sketches on his blog. He managed to do this really cool Iron Fist sketch.

Peter Nguyen posted a couple new pieces on his Tumblr. The first is a team he put together (check his Tumblr for the description) and the second is Huntress with her old ‘belly window’ costume.

Michael Walsh posted a couple sketches on his Tumblr as well. The first is a quick Nightcrawler drawing and the second is part of his “Sketch Request Mondays.” Each Monday he takes requests as to what to draw. Be sure to check his Tumblr for information on art for sale and how to requests commissions.

Gene Gonzales posted some quick daily sketches on his blog. The first is a Dr. Manhattan he did…on his iPad…while sitting in a waiting room. He makes it sound so easy. The second is a cool Metamorpho sketch.

Check out this sweet Fantastic Four Hero Initiative cover Adam Kubert posted on his Instagram.

Denis Medri is new to this feature. I came across several artists reblogging some of his reinterpretations of familiar characters. You can see more on his DeviantArt page.

Dustin Nguyen posted several pics this week on his Tumblr and, no surprise, they’re all DC characters. Check out his variety in style.

Daniel HDR often does commissions and posts them on his Tumblr before sending them out. That’s great for us since it gives a chance to check them out as well.

Freddie E. Williams II posted some more sketches, in different stages, on his TwitPic account. It’s pretty cool his works in progress.

Marcio Takara has been impressing all of us each week. This week he posted a commission of Stephanie Brown as Robin on his Tumblr. WHERE THE HECK IS SHE IN THE NEW 52?!?

Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul are killing it each month on THE FLASH. Besides co-writing Flash and doing the colors, Brian also has his creator-owned series, FOSTER. He’s been putting out limited convention editions with a blank back cover for sketching. Since he and Francis are at the Phoenix Con, Brian tweeted these two images.

I really really wish I would have tried to go to Phoenix this weekend.

That wraps up this week’s edition. Hopefully we will see some more great art from the artists in Phoenix right now.

We are now nine months into the “New 52” in the DC Universe. Many felt this was something that would be reverted right away. That doesn’t seem to be the case as everything is moving forward.

As we’re still seeing little changes and tweaks to the characters we were familiar with for years, the big question has been, did everything that happened before actually happen? Has all the previous events simply been erased as we get accustomed to this new comic universe? Many events have still happened in some fashion but others clearly cannot have happened.

With the appearance of Pandora, the mysterious glowing pink lady, we saw at the end of FLASHPOINT that it was her intention to combine three timelines to create a new one. It was also at the end of FLASHPOINT where Barry Allen, the Flash, received a letter from that world’s Batman, Thomas Wayne, to deliver to the Batman we know, Bruce Wayne. Because of the letter, is it possible that Batman and Flash know Flashpoint happened and that there could have been a different world before that?

== TEASER ==

It was Pandora’s little speech to Barry that confirms the Pre-New 52 world did happen. She combined three timelines to create a new one because “the history of heroes was shattered into three long ago.” Because the “New 52″ stems from this moment in FLASHPOINT and this Barry Allen was from the pre-New 52 Universe, that Universe happened. So readers that are upset over certain stories being erased can hold onto the fact that they still did happen back then.

Once Barry returned to the newly created “New 52″ universe, he found himself at work but made his way directly to the Batcave to deliver Thomas’ letter. He informs Batman of everything that happened. That he tried to save his mother and ended up changing history. He mentioned his memories from his world started fading each moment he was in the alternate timeline just as he likely doesn’t remember everything that happened during Flashpoint.

The memory of Flashpoint and the conversation they had about it can’t fade from their minds. The letter that Flash delivered was from the Flashpoint universe’s Thomas Wayne. Bruce still has the letter. We saw in JUSTICE LEAGUE #9 that he actually has it on display in the Batcave. Because of Bruce’s nature, it would make sense that he would look into where the letter came from. He told Barry that he even thought about trying to save his parents if he could.

Knowing that Barry caused Flashpoint should arouse suspicion as to what else might have changed. Bruce even asked, “But now everything’s back to ‘normal’?” Are they simply assuming that the world Barry was in before Flashpoint was this same exact world? Would Batman be content with just accepting and living with that assumption? Why did he use quotes around ‘normal’?

Batman is not one to sit back and accept things. This is what we saw in regards to the Court of Owls. Young Bruce was sure of the Court’s existence and pursued every possible avenue to discover if they existed or not. He was wrong in his findings but he did do everything he could to find out. He would do the same thing with the letter and the world that came before Flashpoint. As a detective, it’s just part of his nature.

Barry’s memories about the Flashpoint world may have faded for the most part but does that mean they’re completely gone or is it he just can’t access them? With all the telepaths and magical allies they have, would they try to get someone to try to access Barry’s memories to see what the Flashpoint world was like as well as the one before? There’s just no way Batman would accept that this was the only existing world. Knowing that his father could have written him a letter in an alternate timeline, he would want to investigate the possibility that Barry’s actions might have altered other things as well.

The idea of DC having a backdoor to return to the pre-New 52 world is a nice idea. It doesn’t seem likely that they would actually use it based on how things are going. If that was the case, there’s no reason for Batman or Flash to remember or know about what the DCU was like before. It seems suspicious that the letter was shown again in JUSTICE LEAGUE. It’s just a matter of time until we see further investigation into this unless we’re just to assume the possibility will never cross their minds.

Is there anyone that isn’t a fan of Alex Ross? I’m sure there must be somewhere out there on the internet. Every time I see a new piece from Ross, I can’t help but take a moment to just look and appreciate it. We have many great artists and cover artists but Ross was one of the first that added a new dimension to comic art.

Dynamite Entertainment previously released a hardcover for The Dynamite Art of Alex Ross. You can imagine how great that is, if you haven’t seen it already. Today they have announced the book, for the first time, is available digitally on comiXology.

If you’ve seen digital comic art on the new iPad, you can imagine how this will look. It will still cost you $24.99 but we’re talking 328 pages of Ross art. It also contains sketches, designs, layouts and pencils, interior work, covers, and a wealth of unpublished art.

Here’s some more images to check out.

== TEASER ==

This is a piece of ridiculous news. G.I. Joe: Retaliation was set to open on June 29. Despite the lackluster results of the first theatrical attempt, this movie appeared to have potential. With a cast that included Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Ray Stevonson and Adrianne Palicki among others, the set up for the story looked to give us a darker tale that could actually give the movie the edge needed to make up for the first. But now all the momentum that’s been built will be thrown to side.

Deadline Hollywood has reported that the movie will no longer open in June but will now have a March 2013 release date. The reason wasn’t the usual delay issues like needing to reshoot scenes or rework the script. Paramount has decided they want nine months to work on adding 3D to the film.

I like 3D as much as the next person. Maybe even more. But I don’t feel it’s necessary for the success of this movie. Retaliation looked to be a pure action thriller that could do well without what many still see as a gimmick. Yes 3D will add to ticket sales but there are those that will avoid seeing a movie in 3D if it means paying more. Joe fans want a good movie. We don’t need the 3D. I’m sure it’ll look good but I’d rather have the movie next month instead of nine months.

It will be interesting to see how this affects the expectations. We’ve already seen a prequel comic from IDW. There’s also the cost of marketing including the Superbowl ad which are now pretty much a waste. It’s a sad day today. COBRA just moved one step closer to winning the battle.

== TEASER ==

*Insert annoying cackle here*

Here’s a little of what we could have had next month.

Does anyone besides me feel like there’s more to this story than just a desire to add 3D?

You may have already heard the news. Or perhaps you already figured it out when Marvel teased the wedding that was coming out. If you’ve somehow managed to avoid hearing about this, I’d be pretty surprised. But this is your final warning before proceeding.

ASTONISHING X-MEN #50

Today ABC’s The View, Marvel announced that Jean-Paul Beaubier, AKA Northstar, proposes to his boyfriend Kyle Jinadu in tomorrow’s issue. Northstar first revealed his sexual orientation back in 1992′s ALPHA FLIGHT #106. Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins are putting the relationship to the test and they’re about to take their biggest step yet. The question is, how smoothly will their path to wedded matrimony be?

Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso made the following statement:

The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality. We’ve been working on this story for over a year to ensure Northstar and Kyle’s wedding reflects Marvel’s “world outside your window” tradition.

== TEASER ==

Marjorie Liu said:

The story of Northstar and Kyle is universal, and at the core of everything I write: a powerful love between two people who have to fight for it against all odds. This is the quintessential Marvel story, one that blends the modern world with the fantasy of super heroes in order to tell an exciting story that begins with a wedding—and continues in ways you can’t imagine.

If anyone knows how to write relationships, it’s Liu.

The wedding is set to take place in ASTONISHING X-MEN #51. Here’s a preview for tomorrow’s issue.

If you’ve been watching AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead,’ you’re most likely eagerly awaiting the next season. This Fall seems like a long ways off but filming is currently underway. The Huffingtonn Post had an exclusive video with behind-the-scenes footage with the cast and crew. Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes said this season is “harder, darker, faster, deeper. It’s incredibly dangerous, and it’s thrilling.”

Check out what the rest of the cast has to say.

Are you ready for more Walking Dead?

The first in-game footage has been released showcasing the new Web Rush mechanic for the upcoming Spider-Man video game.

Each week we search high and low across the internet to find the coolest comic book art you won’t see in comics. The reason you won’t see them in comics is because artists often post sketches and commissions on their blogs, Twitters and Tumblr accounts. They are way too great to go unnoticed and we want to be sure everyone gets a chance to check them out. You can also contact some of these artists through their sites and get your own commission.

The first amazing piece comes from Mitch Breitweiser, which he posted on his Tumblr. He will be be at the Dallas Comic Con this weekend and will be selling prints of this Captain America image. Bettie Breitweiser did the gorgeous colors.

If you’re going to the Dallas Con this weekend, be sure to look for Mitch.

Ryan Stegman posted these recent commissions on his Tumblr. Can’t wait to see what he’ll be doing on FANTASTIC FOUR in August. Take a look at his Thanos, Thing and Hellboy.

It’s always great to see new art from Marcus To. Here’s some he posted on his Tumblr this week.

Mike McKone posted some really sweet sketches this week on his TwitPic account.

Gabriel Hardman was at the Summit City Con and posted some commissions he did on his site.

Joel Gomez updated his Tumblr with a sketch he did and more sketch cards for Upper Deck.

This is just one reason why I like Peter Nguyen. He posted a sketch of Songbird on his Tumblr and mentioned how much he digs her classic look.

Paolo Rivera posted his tribute to Maurice Sendak on his blog that he originally posted on Twitter.

Speaking of tributes, Phil Noto also posted on to MCA (Adam Yauch) on his Tumblr.

Skottie Young posted a Daily Sketch on his site of Lobo along with some interesting commentary. You should definitely check it out.

If you’re looking to bring a smile to your face, all you have to do is check Agnes Garbowska‘s Tumblr. This is a good example why. Check out her web comics as well.

Marcio Takara has been killing it lately. Last week he had a lot of DC characters on his Tumblr. This week he did post Death and Batwoman but check out his Avengers pic as well.

Gene Gonzales posted more of his “Conventionless Convention” sketches on his blog. Check out his blog for more sketches and for information on art he has for sale.

Robert Atkins made April “Avengers Month” on his blog. He claims it was a bust since he wanted to do more. You may have seen many of them here in past installments but if you missed any, check out his site. He mentioned he’s finishing up a bunch of commissions he already has lined up but check out his Phoenix sketch.

Michael Walsh is also offering commissions through his Tumblr. Check it out and be sure to head over there for his “Sketch Request Mondays.”

Daniel HDR does a lot of commissions as well and recently posted this nice Batman Family image on his Instagram.

Freddie E. Williams II posted a couple more sketches on his TwitPic page as well this week.

I keep kicking myself each week because I keep forgetting to check Chris Giarrusso‘s website. Check out this sketch he did of The Blur (aka Clark Kent from Smallville).

That’s it for this week. Hope you enjoyed all these beauties as much as I did.

Each month in the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE we find out a little more about the team and information from the five year gap between the first arc and the present day in the “New 52.” Jim Lee returns as he and Geoff Johns set things up for upcoming issues.

With a new arc, “The Villain’s Journey,” it’s not the most cheerful of times for the team. There’s a new and deadly villain coming their way. So while we’re finding out more about the team, we’re also witnessing the birth of what could be the end of the team (most likely not, though).

Be sure to read JUSTICE LEAGUE #9 if you haven’t already. There will be some minor spoilers below.

== TEASER ==

The Fate of David Graves

Who is David Graves? Don’t click on his page unless you want even more spoilers revealed.

Graves is the guy first seen in JUSTICE LEAGUE #6, during Darkseid‘s attack. He witnessed the triumph of the team as he was certain he and his family were about to perish. He later wrote a book on the Justice League, Justice League: Gods Among Men. That’s not the only book Graves wrote. It was in issue #3, we saw an excerpt from another of his books, The Secret History of Atlantis. He’s also written several other with revealing titles.

The main thing here though is his present condition. In issue 6 he was fine. But somehow a year later, his condition rapidly took a turn for the worst. We don’t find out how exactly he reached this condition but it’s one that will soon be brought to the Justice League’s attention

Steve Trevor has a Sister

This obviously isn’t a major revelation. As far as I know, Steve never had any siblings. Originally his mother, Diana Trevor, flew and crashed a jet she was test flying onto Paradise Island. During her short time there, she became a hero but was killed, leaving her husband and son behind.

As Steve deals with the press trying to get any information out of him about Wonder Woman or the League, he heads over to his sister’s for a visit. She also has some kids, adding to Trevor’s immediate family. The fact that he has some family will have an effect on the League.

Thomas Wayne’s Letter

Now again, this isn’t exactly a startling revelation but it was great to see what became of the letter Barry Allen was given at the end of FLASHPOINT by Thomas Wayne to deliver to Bruce. There hasn’t been any mention of follow up from that moment. Because that letter exists, Barry and Bruce know that things were not always as they are now. At the very least, they have to be aware of the Flashpoint timeline if not the previous DCU one.

Batman has Arkham under Surveillance

Batman has an invested interest in Arkham Asylum. That’s where all his enemies go. He is constantly having to chase after them when they inevitably break out. There’s always been the theory that enemies like Joker must know all the ins and outs of the place as he seems able to come and go as he pleases.

What we see here is Batman has a map of the place, courtesy of Cyborg, who is plugged into “every computer on Earth.” Having a map may not give him complete access to every single scare inch and secret passageway at the Asylum. Superman notes that “Arkham’s a labyrith. And the lead pipes are obstructing my x-ray vision.”

To add to Batman’s overplanning, he’s also installed motion detectors and secondary cameras in certain areas. Yet, there are still break outs occurring.

The Team is There for Each Other

Something we don’t often see in the members’ solo titles is other heroes helping out when needed. Batman doesn’t call any of the team during the Night of the Owls story but here he gives Superman a call, probably more so because he knows Superman would want to. Flash and Green Lantern are seen together and there is more mention of past team-ups they’ve had. Also when trying to get information from Weapons Master, they have no choice but to call Wonder Woman to get him to talk.

It’s little touches like this that strengthens the bond they’re supposed to have. They’ve been a tight nit group for five years so it makes sense that they work on non-Justice League missions as well.

The Rest

Of course there are other things that happen. As I mentioned, there’s going to be some bad news for the team. You’ll also want to see what happens in the SHAZAM back-up with Billy Batson. There’s big things coming next month in both stories.

Everyone’s talking about The Avengers. Last week we saw it successfully smashed box office opening records with a $207.4 million opening weekend, the biggest domestic debut of all time. Tickets sales haven’t slowed down too much as it’s expected to cross the $1 billion threshold at the global box office on May 13, its 19th day in release. As one of only 12 films in history to gross $1 billion, it joins Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Alice in Wonderland, Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Disney’s list of billion-dollar films.

Everyone’s happy including Robert Iger, Disney’s Chairman and CEO. He’s stated that the franchise will continue with “great stories and compelling characters for years to come.”

So obviously we will be seeing more:

On May 8, Disney announced that a sequel to Marvel’s The Avengers was in development, following last month’s announcement that a follow-up to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger will be released April 4, 2014. A sequel to last summer’s Thor is scheduled for release November 15, 2013, and the third installment of the hit Iron Man series, which has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide, will arrive in theaters May 3, 2013.

Let’s hope we get an official release date for The Avengers 2 soon.