After Watchmen

First and foremost, my wife just finished reading Watchmen. Was miraculous to sit and talk to her about what is...um...what's been arguably the most important book in my life. I could literally talk for hours on it, and even though I usually know to keep it in check, my inner 15 year-old kept leaping out with geek-glee (trandemark!). The amazing part was how much she loved the book -- got the depth and nuances and all the goodies -- but really didn't like the kill-all-NY ending. In post-9/11, it's just not what we read in 1985. And totally fair point by her. (See more on this in tomorrow's blog about what I heard from people who saw the movie).

Second, see below for DC's new "After Watchmen...What's Next" program. Brilliant. Really. And yes, I know everyone tends to put out more books when the Spider-Man or Batman films hit, but this is different (and not just because we're a part of this one). In truth, I thought this was genius and only after, did I realize we were in it. Watchmen isn't just a movie right now. It's a publishing phenomenon. And I know John Cunningham and the DC crew were the key reason for that. They saw the wave and were ahead of it with this one. So for all those people who ask, what should I read next, see below (or better yet, buy them something YOU love (Y, Ex Machina, Scott Pilgrim, etc).

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020918-Watchmen.html

DC COMICS ANNOUNCES “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” PROGRAM

The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics’ “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” program.

DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN’s broad appeal — including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers — and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited below.

The marketing campaign includes:

Five “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:

• SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION
• TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PREACHER #1 SPECIAL
• IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL

Please see below for more information on these Specials.

Print:

• 32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores
  
• House ads in the DC Universe, Vertigo and WildStorm titles
  
• Editorial page promotions in Vertigo: On the Ledge, DC Nation and WildStorm Stormfront columns
  
• Trade ads
  

Online:

• E-mail Blasts
  
• National Consumer Online Banner Advertising Campaign
  
• Retailer Tools on DC Comics retailer page on diamondcomics.com
  
• Checklist, Header Card, Shelf Talker and Bag Slick
  
• Bag Stuffer for DC Retailer page for Direct Market retailers
  

Social Networking:

• AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? MySpace Group
  
• AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? Facebook Group
  

Conventions:

• Ad pages in Convention Program Guides
  
• 32-page Booklet distribution at DC booth
  
• Bookmark distribution at DC booth
  

DCCOMICS.COM:

• Website at www.readwatchmen.com
  
• Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo throughout February, March and April to capture new WATCHMEN readers
  
• Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages
  

Co-op:

• Co-op Movie Slide
  
• Co-op Ad Slick
  

**********

DC COMICS RUSH SOLICITS FIVE “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” SPECIALS

Tying into the new “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” program, DC rush solicits five key titles priced at just $1.00 each!

These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and prominently feature the “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” branding and trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special “C” discount code of 60% off.

Retailers may order these issues by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.

The “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials are:

SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098009)

Written by Alan Moore

Art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben

Cover by Tom Yeates

On sale March 11; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 19

TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098010)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore

Cover by Geof Darrow

On sale March 18; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 26

PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098011)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art and cover by John Cassaday

On sale March 25; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 5

PREACHER #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098012)

Written by Garth Ennis

Art by Steve Dillon

Cover by Glenn Fabry

On sale April 1; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: March 12

IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098013)

Written by Brad Meltzer

Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair

Cover by Michael Turner

On sale April 8; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 19