Ok now the news is finally out and they’ve unleashed my tongue. Yes, I’ll be the new artist on Detective following the James Robinson/Don Kramer arc. Numbering will be suspended for the Robinson/Kramer arc and resumed with me and Paul Dini.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to be doing my very first favorite comic character. Batman to me is the ultimate man that exemplifies everything that a comic book can and should be about. Strength, determination, and conviction while wrestling with his flaws…all the stuff of greatness.

As you may have summized in the Newsarama article, Paul and I are going back to basics with this character. Bruce Wayne will no longer be ignored in favor of his alter ego. His supporting cast will be re-established, and we will be doing very few “to be continueds”. Stand alone issues the way comics were created to be in the first place. One of the things that Pete Tomasi said to me was “we’re getting away from the ’spectacle’ and back to grass roots.”

I’m pumped.

You will get my best.

RAGS.

Now I can open up my big yap. Well, not all the way.

Tomorrows NEWSARAMA (Jan. 25th) is supposed to have the announcement of Paul Dini and I handling DETECTIVE.

I’ve been sitting on this nugget since last June and my avatar here in ComicBloc has been a big hint. So, there you have it. I’ll comment more once I see Dan Didio’s official announcement.

RAGS.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz-zexy!

Yeoman’s back with Star Spangled Woman!

a work-in-progress piece by one of the Comics Cup members… Gavin

looks like you are making big strides with your art, gavin. thanks for sharing!

art from Wizard’s Last Man Standing… makes you wonder why doesn’t Wizard come up with a compilation book of all their Last Man Standing issues!

here’s another example of why there should be a Rags Morales sketchbook…

awesome!

Not sure if Hawkman will be back as JSA chair but at least we are sure that Rags is again joining the team. woohoo!

Image is from Hawkman #23 page 22 (courtesy of Michael Bair)

Hey I’m back. Been quiet, I know, but I’ve been whipping into shape my scantilly clad assistants and thats a job all in and of itself.

Where to begin….I know. My run on Wonder Woman is done, finito, gone; my last issue is #223. Now I haven’t been able to complete many issues of Wonder Woman and I am ashamed of that. It’s not the way I wanted it for such a great character and her fanbase. But I had many abrupt changes going on personally, and unfortunately they collided with my work load. Fortunately though, Greg Rucka, the man with the plan, came up with such great stories that my presence was not all that necessary. For those of you who where there you were treated to Diana at her best, thanx to Greg, and for those of you sticking around you’re in for a treat. That book is just gonna get better and better, even with a relaunch. So why a relaunch for such a great character? Why not. Lets face it- every single character gets a new direction and that is always with a new run. Even Superman and Batman–The Untouchables–from time to time get a facelift. I’m so sick of the griping over Diana starting with another #1 and not the “other two”. But lets remember that they do start over, in spin-offs. The only staples are Action and Detective. Sensation died a long time ago, so deal. It’s not like she is lost in comic limbo for the last 30 years. Plus there is a movie coming out in 2007 for her, and DC only goes to the silverscreen when the character has clout.

Where to next? J.S.A. of course. Yes, one of my little dirty secrets is out. Starting with issue #83, Paul Levitz, our Grand Poobah, and I will be handling 5 issues of J.S.A. that is connected to the One Year Later thing. I’m proud that DC has asked me to contribute to J.S.A. again with Master Levitz (contractually I have to say that) and I’m sure you folks will love it.

AAAANNNNDDDDDDD for those of you from the Art of Rags Morales fan site that was started at MSN. I have held true to my promise. In issue #83 of J.S.A. I have put up the graffitti usernames for those who signed up, so check it out.

Personally, my Jets have thrown in the towel until they can get healthy again, The Knicks are having trouble getting acclimated to Larry Browns system, and The Mets are still looking for a right fielder and bullpen help.

Too bad I’m not a hockey fan, otherwise The Rangers are doing well.

See ya next time!

P.S. I just picked up Soulfly Dark Ages. If you’re into Heavy Metal, check ‘em out.

shades of Ultimate Spidey… a nice piece that definitely would look nice inked by rags