We've had plenty of time to settle down after all the big news from Comic-Con International in July, and now they're hitting us with some huge news.
First, for those serious comic book fans: We will now have two Batmans (Batmen?) at the same time. Bruce Wayne will return to don his cape again in November, and instead of taking up the sidekick mantle, or even Nightwing, Dick Grayson will continue to operate as Batman, as well.
Say what now?
As Batman expert (and major fanboy) Chris Sims explains it, this has never quite happened before. Sure, there have been others who've dressed up like Batman, but this will be two separate masked vigilantes, with Wayne franchising his vengeance. Grayson's character will head up in "Detective Comics," "Batman and Robin" and "Batman." Wayne will appear in "Batman, Inc." and "Batman, the Dark Knight."
What's the verdict, Batfans? Are you glad, mad or indifferent to the changes?
I'm holding off to see how things shape up -- but if they end up killing Grayson off to make room for Wayne in his original role, I won't be happy.
And on a slightly lighter, yet more socially aware note, Archie comics is bringing on its first gay character. Of course, it looks like the joke's on Veronica:
Something tells me Veronica's going to make it through, even if the plot does call on all of her friends to leave her in the dark for purely selfish reasons. Oh, Riverdale.
(Baltimore Sun photo by David Stuck)