Young Justice #1, the first regular issue of the new monthly title from DC Comics, sold an estimated 10,750 copies in its first month. The title’s debut numbers puts it on par with the debut sales of the first Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic series. The Young Justice comic series expands on the continuity of the hit animated series, telling stories taking place between episodes. Young Justice #1 originally went on sale February 16th, 2011.
DC Comics released a special preview issue, Young Justice #0, in January 2011, which debuted to equally impressive sales of nearly 9,500 copies moved. To compare, the ongoing The All-New Batman: The Brave and The Bold series from DC Comics averages 6,800 issues sold each month.
The current creative team for the Young Justice comic title features writers Art Balazar and Franco and artist Mike Norton. However, artist Christopher Jones, previously of the acclaimed comic titles The Batman Strikes! and Justice League Adventures, will be taking over art duties with issue six. Balazar and Franco are also expected to step down in the near future, with Young Justice series producer Greg Weisman and writer Kevin Hopps taking over.
Click here for details on the July 2011-shipping issue of the Young Justice comic series from DC Comics. Young Justice ships monthly from DC Comics with a cover price of $2.99US.
Young Justice airs on Cartoon Network every Friday at 7:00pm (ET), with the network airing special encore presentations the following Sunday at 8:00pm (ET). Stay tuned for future updates on both the Young Justice animated series and comic title, including exclusive content and much more, right here at The World’s Finest.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the following gameplay trailer for the forthcoming Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters video game. Hitting shelves on June 7th, 2011 for all major consoles, Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters ties into the upcoming Green Lantern theatrical film. A new description for the title is also available below. Click on the thumbnail image below to view the trailer in the High-Definition Quicktime format.
Featuring the voice and likeness of Ryan Reynolds (in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions), Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters allows players to assume the role of Hal Jordan to battle the Manhuntersa once noble android police force who are now bent on destroying the Green Lantern Corps.
Players take control of the most powerful weapon in the universe the Green Lantern Power Ring and conjure a spectacular range of hard-light constructs including a gatling gun, giant fists, and much more as they take flight to outer space in an effort to restore Intergalactic order. For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/greenlanternvideogame.
Harness the power of the Green Lantern Power Ring on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS when Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters hits shelves June 7th, 2011.
Further details on this upcoming video game release are expected in the near future, including new content.
DC Comics has released comic solicitation information for the publisher’s July 2011 library of releases, including details for The All-New Batman: The Brave and The Bold #9, the latest comic title based on the popular Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated series. Official details for The All-New Batman: The Brave and The Bold #9, scheduled to ship during July 2011, can be found below. Click on the thumbnail for a closer look at the cover art.
THE ALL-NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #9
Written by: Sholly Fisch Art by: Rick Burchett & Dan Davis Cover by: Rick Burchett & Dan Davis
Batman teams up with Hawkman and though they may have beaten the bad guy, the real battle is just beginning. Now, they have to bring their prisoner to jail on the planet Thanagar…and his gangs waiting to make sure they never get there alive! On sale July 13th, 2011. Cover price is $2.99 US. Rated E.
Click here for updated comic guides and further details and on the Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic series. Additionally, stay tuned for continued Batman: The Brave and The Bold updates, including exclusive content and details on upcoming episodes of the acclaimed animated series.
DC Comics has also released details on the July 2011 issue of Young Justice, the comic title based on the acclaimed Cartoon Network animated series of the same name. The Young Justice comic series expands on the continuity of the hit animated series, telling stories taking place between episodes. Further details are available below.
YOUNG JUSTICE #6
Written by: Art Balazar and Franco Art by: Christopher Jones Cover by: Mike Norton
Campfire bonding continues as the members of the team share their background stories as well as their hopes and fears. But when do these team-building exchanges cross over into TMI territory? How about when Superboy tells everyone how hes thinking of taking out Superman? On sale July 20th, 2011. Cover price is $2.99 US. Rated E.
A trade paperback release of the recent Batman: Mad Love and Other Tales hardcover from DC Comics, featuring the The Batman Adventures: Mad Love one-shot and a host of other The Batman Adventures stories, is also advanced-solicited for an August 31st, 2011 release. Cover price for the DC Comics collected release is $17.99.
Stay tuned for further updates, including exclusive content and more, here soon at The World’s Finest.
According to Cartoon Network, five new episodes of Batman: The Brave and The Bold are slated to air during the month of April 2011. Episodes include the long-awaited episode “Bat-Mite Presents: Batman’s Strangest Cases!” and the adaptation of the Batman: The Brave and The Bold #13 comic story entitled “Night of the Batmen!” Batman: The Brave and The Bold airs Fridays at 6:30pm (ET) on Cartoon Network. Schedule details for upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold episodes are available below, with unaltered episode details directly from Cartoon Network.
Friday, April 1st, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#51 Bat-Mite Presents: Batman’s Strangest Cases!” Bat-Mite takes us on adventures with Batman and Robin in a variety of art styles including anime and Mad Magazine styles!
Friday, April 8th, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#52 The Malicious Mr. Mind!” Batman and the Marvel family take on the evil Dr. Sivana and the Monster Society!
Friday, April 15th, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#53 Joker: The Vile and Villainous!” Joker teams up with the Weeper to stop Batman!
Friday, April 22nd, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#54 Shadow of the Bat!” Batman gets infected by a vampire bite, and proceeds to attack his JLI friends!
Friday, April 29th, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#55 Night of the Batmen!” When Batman gets hurt, his friends Captain Marvel, Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Plastic Man attempt to fill his cowl.
An updated episode guide for the series, featuring episode production numbers, can be found at The World’s Finest Batman: The Brave and The Bold subsite. Please note schedule details are subject to change without notice. Batman: The Brave and The Bold airs Fridays at 6:30pm (ET) on Cartoon Network.
Continuing, Cartoon Network has also released schedule details for the April 2011 installments of the acclaimed Young Justice animated series. Young Justice is airs Fridays at 7:00pm (ET) on Cartoon Network, with special encore presentations airing Sundays at 8:00pm (ET). No new episodes are currently slated to air during the month. The schedule break-down is as follows below, along with episode-specific details.
Friday, April 8th, 2011 at 7:00pm (ET) – “#3 Welcome to Happy Harbor” After Speedy declines to join the new team, Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash fear Young Justice is just a big jokewhile new member Miss Martian fears theres no room for her to be part of it. So when the four heroes and Superboy come up against Mister Twister, it looks like all their fears have just been realized
Friday, April 15th, 2011 at 7:00pm (ET) – “#4 Drop Zone” On their first official assignment a covert recon mission to the Venom-producing island of Santa Prisca the team finds itself caught in a struggle between the deadly Bane and cult leader Kobra for possession of something far worse than they suspected.
Friday, April 22nd, 2011 at 7:00pm (ET) – “#5 Schooled” Superboys anger over his non-relationship with Superman is getting out of control. He refuses to train with Black Canary, and when the team faces an opponent that even the Justice League had trouble defeating, the Boy of Steel goes rogue.
Friday, April 29th, 2011 at 6:30pm (ET) – “#6 Infiltrator” Artemis faces an uphill battle trying to win over her new teammates as she tries to fill Red Arrow’s boots on a mission he initiated: saving a brilliant young scientist from the League of Shadows.
Please note that Young Justice will be pre-empted on Friday, April 1st, 2011, due to special programming. Young Justice airs on Cartoon Network every Friday at 7:00pm (ET), with the network airing special encore presentations the following Sunday at 8:00pm (ET).
Stay tuned for further coverage on both Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Young Justice here soon at The World’s Finest.
Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation has released a new trailer for the Young Justice animated series. The trailer consists of scenes from previously-aired episodes of the series and plugs the timeslot for the show. Click on the image below to view the trailer in the Quicktime format.
Schedule details for upcoming episodes of Young Justice are slated to be released by the network shortly. Young Justice airs on Cartoon Network every Friday at 7:00pm (ET), with the network airing special encore presentations the following Sunday at 8:00pm (ET).
In further Cartoon Network updates, the network has released the April 2011 schedule for upcoming new episodes of Batman: The Brave and The Bold. Episodes include “Bat-Mite Presents: Batman’s Strangest Cases! ” on Friday, April 1st, 2011, “The Malicious Mr. Mind!” on Friday, April 8th, 2011, “Joker: The Vile and Villainous!” on Friday, April 15th, 2011, “The Shadow of the Bat!” on Friday, April 22nd, 2011, and “Night of the Batmen!” on Friday, April 29th, 2011. Specific episode details are set to released shortly. Batman: The Brave and The Bold airs Fridays at 6:30pm (ET) on Cartoon Network.
Stay tuned for further coverage here soon at The World’s Finest.
Cartoon Network has provided the following press release highlighting announcements from the Cartoon Network 2011 Upfronts. Announcements include the creation of a new “DC Nation” programming block, new episodes of Young Justice and Batman: The Brave and The Bold, along with the introduction of Green Lantern: The Animated Series to the channel’s schedule. Please continue below to view the press release and related images. Additionally, scroll past the press release for further updates.
Cartoon Network Continues the Funny and Builds on Success by Growing Its Global Brand and Franchises
Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network Harness Power of Assets to Form DC Nation
DreamWorks Animations Jeffrey Katzenberg Unveils Details for New How to TrainYour Dragon Series
Level Up Makes Debut as Networks Newest Live-Action Scripted Comedy Series
Springboarding off its 2010 ratings growth across key kids and boys demos, in which series/specials Adventure Time, Dude, What Would Happen, Generator Rex and Hall of Game helped propel the network to new heights, Cartoon Network described its plans for building new global franchises today as it unveiled a broad slate of new content for 2011 at its annual Advertising Upfront presentation. Thirteen new animated series, 19 returning shows, and the networks newest live-action scripted comedy series, Level Up, which will launch with a 90-minute original movie, will debut over the next year. The mornings announcements also spotlighted a new partnership between Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network in which the three entertainment brands would unite their powerful assets in publishing, theatrical and television to create a multi-platform block of exclusive branded original content on the network named, DC Nation.
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) CEO and Co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg also appeared to reveal development plans for the new half-hour CG-animated series based on the Oscar-nominated and hugely popular 2010 motion picture adventure, How to Train Your Dragon. Coupled with new and returning acquisitions, these projects represent Cartoon Networks largest episodic commitment to date for new content.
Our commitment last year to build on the volume of broad content for our audience has paid off in solid ratings growth and renewed strength among our core 6-11 audience, said Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer, Turner Broadcastings Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM). We now have successful new shows that we can grow into the next big franchises. By partnering with premier entertainment companies like Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation SKG and DC Entertainment, we are laying the groundwork for even further growth and expansion opportunities across the coming year.
As Cartoon Network continues to strategically align great new content with exciting franchises, our ad sales team is committed to developing innovative ideas for our partners that will extend the reach of their message and brands across our linear and digital platforms, said John OHara, executive vice president and general sales manager, Cartoon Network Ad Sales & Marketing. The recent success with Hall of Game is a key example of how we collaborated with our advertising partners to develop high-profile, custom opportunities, which live across multiple viewer experience levels and delivered measurable return on their investment.
Exclusive first looks of new original animated comedy series revealed to advertisers at Jazz at Lincoln Center included: The Problem Solverz and Secret Mountain Fort Awesome, two new series from Cartoon Network Studios joining the networks successful Monday night prime-time comedy block of quarter-hour programs Adventure Time, Regular Show and MAD which rank #1 in their timeslots across all television among kids and boys 2-11, 6-11 and 9-14; The Amazing World of Gumball, the U.S. premiere of a new international series from Cartoon Networks U.K. production studio; and The Looney Tunes Show, an all-new series in the tradition of classic theatrical shorts from Warner Bros. Animation. Sneak peeks of new animated action-adventure series included a new version of the global hit franchise Ben 10; an all-new remake of the action series ThunderCats from Warner Bros.; and a CG-animated follow-up to this summers highly-anticipated action movie starring Ryan Reynolds, Green Lantern: The Animated Series.
Cartoon Network also debuted what will be its newest venture into live-action scripted comedy with the series Level Up, a fantastical comedy for the video game age. The show will launch as a 90-minute movie event in late fall and serve as a platform to promote the new half-hour series scheduled for spring 2012. Level Up is created and written by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman (both credited for Chasing Liberty). The series will be executive produced by Peter Murrieta (Wizards of Waverly Place, Hope and Faith). The movie is directed and executive produced by Peter Lauer (Sons Of Tuscon, Chuck).
Over the last year, the most notable growth at Cartoon Network has been driven by prime-time comedy programs, said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. This season, well build upon that momentum by amping up the funny across all formats and debuting an array of wonderfully unique animated and live-action series.
Debuting in 2012 as a multi-platform franchise, DC Nation will be the exclusive home for original DC animation properties. Backed by the production, publishing and marketing resources of Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network, DC Nation will be an on-air and online programming block populated with event programming, interstitials, exclusive behind-the-scenes of theatrical production and an insider look into the world of all things DC.
DC Nation on Cartoon Network will be the first-ever dedicated broadcast destination to showcase the depth and breadth of the DC Universe, said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. We and our partners at WBTV are thrilled that fans will be able to immerse themselves in DCs phenomenal stories, experience a wide spectrum of amazing characters and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings of the worlds greatest superheroes and their creators, both on-air and online.
Underscoring the point of great franchises was Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of DreamWorks Animation SKG, who discussed how his team was planning to bring the global smash hit How to Train Your Dragon, which grossed $500+ million at the worldwide box-office, to Cartoon Network via an all-new weekly CG-animated series.
DreamWorks Animation recognizes the importance of building brands around great franchises, so you can imagine how thrilled we are to be joining forces with Cartoon Network to bring our newest franchise How to Train Your Dragon to television audiences around the world, said Katzenberg. Todays presentation marks an exciting new beginning for our company and reaffirms our goal to ensure that How to Train Your Dragon has the ideal home, which we have found in Cartoon Network.
Additional programming announcements from the network included a fourth season renewal for the LucasFilm Animation Ltd. CG-animated juggernaut, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which continued to significantly grow key kids and boys demos throughout its third season. Also coming next year is a fourth season of the animated comedy reality show franchise, Total Drama. In this new iteration, the competition returns to its roots with Total Drama: Revenge of the Island.
Further highlights of Cartoon Networks newly announced content slated for launch across the 2011-2012 season include the following:
NEW SERIES The Problem Solverz: Created by celebrated artist Ben Jones, The Problem Solverz presents a fresh, distinctive visual style and tone in a new series that follows three crazy young dudes, Horace, Roba and Alfe, the proprietors of an unorthodox detective agency dedicated to solving the mysteries of the universe, one case at a time. Slated to premiere Monday, April 4, at 8:45 p.m. (ET/PT).
Secret Mountain Fort Awesome: From Pete Browngardt (Chowder), Cartoon Network Studios presents a hilarious new comedy about a mega-rad group of monsters that live underground and do crazy awesome stuff like steal the sun, fight CGI-sharks, and get their butts kicked by a velociraptor. Plus they wrestle! See, its awesome, right? But remember, its a secret. Shh!…premiering this summer.
The Amazing World of Gumball: Dad is a 64″ pink rabbit who stays home while Mom works in the rainbow factory. Their children include Gumball, a blue cat with a giant head; Anais, a 4-year-old genius bunny; and Darwin , a pet goldfish who became part of the family when he sprouted legs. The eye-catching animated series combines 2D and 3D animation techniques in a live-action setting and originates from Cartoon Network UK . The Amazing World of Gumball premieres Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
The Looney Tunes Show: Screen icons Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are back, starring in an all-new modern comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation featuring all of the favorite Looney Tunes charactersPorky Pig, Speedy Gonzales, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, the Tasmanian Devil, Marvin the Martian, Tweety, Sylvester, Granny, Gossamer, Lola and Tina, Daffys new no-nonsense girlfriend. Fresh designs coupled with a vivid, contemporary animation style enhance the timeless wit and charm that make these classic characters so beloved around the world. The Looney Tunes Show will premiere on Tuesday, May 3, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
Level Up: After high schoolers Wyatt (Gaelan Connell), Lyle (Jessie T. Usher), Dante (Connor del Rio) and Angie (Aimee Carrero) unwittingly open a portal from a video game into the real world, characters from the game and internet start leaking into the real world. The group now finds themselves balancing their everyday lives with the extraordinary things that show up in their town. Level Up is created and written by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman (both credited for Chasing Liberty) and executive produced by Peter Murrieta (Wizards of Waverly Place, Hope and Faith).
New Ben 10 Series [Title TBD]: Ben 10 has been one of Cartoon Networks most successful original series since first premiering on the network in January 2006. The franchise has since spawned four animated series, one animated movie, two live-action movies, a widely-popular consumer products line and has captured the imaginations of viewers on a global scale.
ThunderCats: The re-imagined animated series based on the beloved 80s classic tells the tale of a heros epic journey to fulfill his ultimate destiny. On Third Earth, the kingdom of Thundera is being threatened by the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra and young heir to the throne Lion-O embarks on a great quest to take his rightful place as king. The unlikely champion, joined by his faithful comrades Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, WilyKit, WilyKat and his loyal pet Snarf, must work together to save their world from darkness.
Green Lantern: The Animated Series: Based upon the DC Comics super hero, the series is an all-new CG animated action series from Warner Bros. As Earths Green Lantern, Hal Jordan is used to being in dangerous situationsbut hes never faced anything like this! Set at the farthest reaches of deep space, Hal must face down an invasion from the Red Lantern Corps. Hal is soon joined by an all-new group of heroes on a mission to protect Guardian Space and the Green Lantern Corps itself!
DC Nation: A multi-platform, branded block of original programming and exclusive content based on the DC Comics library of legendary character properties, DC Nation is developed in partnership with Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment. The all-new venture will harness the publishing, theatrical and television assets together for one powerful on-air block on Cartoon Network with exclusive online content.
How to Train Your Dragon: Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, DreamWorks Animations new series rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story. Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foesa ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both of their worlds.
Total Drama: Revenge of the Island: Its back to the island where Total Drama began for an all-new season with an all-new cast! Since Chris took the show worldwide, Camp Wawanakwa has been abandoned and turned into a toxic nuclear waste dumpthe perfect place for a new season of painful, cringe-inducing challenges! Fighting for the million dollar prize are thirteen wild new players.
RedaKai: Conquer the Kairu: An animated kids adventure series stars Ky, a 15-year-old student of ancient martial arts who embarks on an incredible quest to find the Kairu, a primordial alien energy force. Helped by his friends Maya and Boomer, Ky travels the globe looking for the Kairu to protect it from his extraterrestrial teenage opponents, with the hope that one day he will become the greatest Kairu warrior of them alla Redakai.
Lego Ninjago: After a time of peace in Ninjago, our four Ninja heroes are about to face a new dangerous enemy. Lloyd Garmadon, son of their archenemy Lord Garmadon, has unleashed a new evil with unique powers. Soon his ambition to follow in his fathers footsteps has put all of Ninjago in jeopardy.
SPECIALS AND MOVIES Level Up: The 90-minute movie pilot will introduce audiences to three high school gamers, Wyatt (Gaelan Connell), Lyle (Jessie T. Usher) and Dante (Connor del Rio ) who unwittingly open a portal from an online game into the real world. The trio must put aside their social differences and join forces with classmate Angie (Aimee Carrero) in order to play the game for real and defeat evil. Created and written by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman (both credited for Chasing Liberty), the Level Up movie is directed by Peter Lauer (Sons Of Tuscon, Chuck) and will premiere in fall 2011.
Cartoon Network HALL OF GAME Awards: Hall of Game is Cartoon Networks signature venture into the broadcast awards arena, created and produced in association with IMG Media, the production arm of global sports, entertainment and media company, IMG. This high-energy, multi-platform experience lets viewers decide whos got game, by honoring their favorite sports stars and sports moments of the year. From the red carpet, to the never-before-seen stunts and surprises on stage, this unconventional celebration in 2012 will be led by a celebrity host and feature icons from television, film, music and sports, as kids experience an evening of humor and fun at the most raucous and biggest sports awards show ever presented on television.
RETURNING SERIES Adventure Time Regular Show MAD Dude, What Would Happen Destroy Build Destroy Hole in the Wall Star Wars: The Clone Wars Generator Rex Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Young Justice Batman: The Brave and the Bold Scooby-Doo, Mystery Inc. Bakugan Caspers Scare School The Garfield Show Hero 108 Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 Johnny Test Pokmon
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 99 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families. Nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animated and live-action comedy programming for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
Cartoon Network has also passed along an extended description for the upcoming Green Lantern: The Animated Series:
Based upon the DC Comics super hero, Green Lantern: The Animated Series is an all-new CG animated action series from Warner Bros Animation and overseen by world-renowned producer, artist and animator Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, DC Universe Original Animated Movies).
As Earths Green Lantern, Hal Jordan is used to being in dangerous situations but hes never faced anything like this! Set at the farthest reaches of deep space, Green Lantern: The Animated Series finds Hal on the Guardian Frontier, where he must face down an invasion from by the Red Lantern Corps. Powered by pure rage, the evil Red Lanterns have sworn to destroy the Green Lantern Corps and everything they stand for. Dispatched with his friend and former drill sergeant the gruff, hulking alien Kilowog on the experimental spacecraft The Interceptor, Hal is soon joined by an all-new group of heroes on a mission to protect Guardian Space and the Green Lantern Corps itself!
Additionally, Cartoon Network has formally announced the new 6:30pm (ET) Friday timeslot for Batman: The Brave and The Bold, which it will hold for the foreseeable future. The remaining episodes are set to air over 2011, possibly into 2012.
Cartoon Network has also announced a special 10-episode Young Justice mini-series dubbed “Invasion,” spinning out of the popular animated series, set to air either late 2011 or 2012. Further details are expected.
Finally, Cartoon Network states that new series starring DC Comics characters are slated to air only on Cartoon Network for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned for further news right here at The World’s Finest, including updates on Batman: The Brave and The Bold, the DC Nation programming block, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Young Justice and more.