Why Before Watchmen? Why continue to malign a masterpiece that already has somewhat been through the ringer? (Watchmen the movie anyone?) Unless you were living under a rock, that was under another rock, next to ….well you know what I mean, DC officially announced yesterday that they would be releasing a series of books called Before Watchmen. Seems the new creative/executive teams up at DC Entertainment are really trying to leave their mark. As any good corporation should do, their #1 goal is to make money for the share holders, that’s it… lock stock and barrel.  

As the news was breaking that DC Entertainment would be releasing Before Watchmen, a series of prequels involving the characters of the famed Watchmen Comics and graphic novel. Well, for those that didn’t see the cover shots, here you go…  

Opening with a keynote address from Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson on Friday night that will include some exclusive announcements, the programming at the upcoming Image Expo on February 24-26 in Oakland, California features some of comics’ most creative personalities discussing the industry’s hottest topics, as well as talking about their own work.  

Acclaimed novelist Gregg Hurwitz will be taking over as the writer for BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT beginning with issue #10 in June. Hurwitz is the internationally bestselling author of YOU’RE NEXT. No stranger to the shadows of Gotham City, he is also currently writing PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE, a five issue mini-series which explores the dark and peculiar past of one of Batman’s most iconic rogues.  

The wait is finally over! VIZ Media launches the debut issue of its new digital manga (graphic novel) magazine – WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA. The first issue is available now through VIZManga.com; it will also be part of the upcoming update to the VIZ Manga apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.  

In ALPHA GIRL, Judith is the last woman left standing when a cosmetic company’s new product turns the world’s women — and only women — into man-eating zombies. Retailers pursued the first issue of the new Image Comics series with equal voracity, as ALPHA GIRL #1 sold out in the week leading up to its release.  

Today Marvel Comics released a new teaser for something called Spider-Men. no news yet on what this might be, but stay tuned to metalmachine.net for up coming hints!  

 Universal City, California –Universal Studios HollywoodSM prepares for battle with the debut of an innovative, national 30-second commercial for its exciting, new motion-based thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” debuting May 2012.  

IMAGE EXPO, the one-of-a-kind celebration commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Image Comics and showcasing creator-owned comics, has announced that Ed Brubaker, writer of FATALE, will be the latest independent comics star to be added the impressive list of special guests.  

This March, fans worldwide cannot miss the essential opener to the biggest pop culture comic event of the year as Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Avengers VS. X-Men #0! Just before the Avengers and the X-Men go head to head, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron & Frank Cho set up the crucial roles of the Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers before their allegiances come into question. With all eyes on Wanda and the Mutant Messiah, the Marvel Universe has become a powder keg on the verge of exploding! No fan can miss Avengers VS. X-Men #0, in stores and the Marvel Comics app  

This March, fans worldwide cannot miss the essential opener to the biggest pop culture comic event of the year as Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Avengers VS. X-Men #0!  

DC released a list earlier today of several properties coming to the trade market in late 2012. It’s a doozie! DC is planning some obvious releases like War Of The Green Lanterns and Brightest Day. They also plan to release a super omnibus of 52. Also, DC seems to be digging into the vault with some for some really cool stuff. Take a look below…