Today we move to Lois Lane. Yep. Lois Lane. She’s the one I think should have been included in the poster. Before you get all in a tizzy, I realize that all the women depicted are going to play some sort of role in the DCU in the upcoming months and that Lois has no superpower power. But when it comes to feminism and women’s lib, Lois has the moxy, and therefore, she has “real power”.

Ever since she debuted in Action Comics #1 (yeah, she’s as old as Superman), she has been portrayed as smart, headstrong and with gusto. Sure, she plays the fool from time to time, but nowadays, she can even match wits with Lex Luthor, and that’s why she deserves to be among the elite female heroes. Lois hasn’t had many books with her own title, but here are a few collected editions of where you can find her stand out moments.

• Superman Archives Volume 1. There are several Superman themed DC Archives editions, but here you will find Lois’ first Golden Age appearances.
• Showcase Presents Superman Family Volumes 1-2. Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane started in March 1958 and ended its run October 1974 with 137 issues. These two books collect her early Silver Age issues.
• Lois Lane #1-2 (1986). These are the final appearance of the Silver Age Lois Lane. The revised Post-Crisis Lois Lane makes her first appearance in Man of Steel #1. This two part story has not been collected.
• Superman: Lois Lane 1. Part of the multiple one-shots Girlfrenzy!. Other titles include: Batgirl, The Secret, Tomorrow Woman, Donna Troy, The Ravens, and The Mist. None of these books have been collected.
• The Daily Planet TPB. This collection, of many different stories throughout history, revolves around the Daily Planet newspaper and its staff. Featuring classics with reporters Clark Kent and Lois Lane, photographer Jimmy Olsen, Editor-in-chief Perry White, and many more – showing how far they will go to get a great story!
• Superman: The Wedding and Beyond TPB. It’s all here.

Lois can be found in the Superman books and Final Crisis. You can also see her on Smallville thanks to Erica Durance.

Today we move to Harley Quinn. Certifiable. Not much else describes her. Let’s face it, anyone who falls in love with The Joker can’t be described in any other way.

Interestingly, Dr. Harleen Quinzel didn’t originate from the comics, she was created for Batman: The Animated Series; “Joker’s Favor” (episode #22, airdate: September 11, 1992). She proved to be so popular that DC added her into the DCU comics in 1999. These days she’s not some much involved with Joker as she is with Poison Ivy and former Catwoman, Holly Robinson. Now let’s take a look at some of her collected editions:

• Batman: Harley Quinn OGN by Paul Dini. The book that brought Harley into the pages of the DC Universe.
• Batman Adventures: Mad Love Timed to coincide with Harley Quinn’s DC Universe debut, this award-winning special showcases the irrepressible Harley in the “adventures” animated style.
• Harley Quinn: Preludes and Knock-Knock Jokes Collects the first seven issues (of 38) of her own ongoing series.
• Batman: Harley and Ivy TPB Collects Batman: Harley and Ivy, Harley and Ivy: Love On The Lam OGN and a colored story from Batman Black and White Vol. 2

Harley Quinn was last seen in Countdown.

Today we move to Zatanna. More and more these days it seems that Zatanna is getting more and more page time. I think it’s because editors at DC realize that she more than just a pretty face in fish nets and a top hat. As seen in the pages of Countdown, Zatanna is very formidable and can be adapted to many different situations.

Originating from the Silver Age, Zatanna, is the daughter of the DCU’s greatest magician Giovanni Zatara, who was a hero in the Golden Age. She first appeared in Hawkman #4 and has teamed up with many heroes including Batman, The Atom and others before joining the Justice League of America. Let’s take a look at where you can find more of her and some collected editions:

• JLA: Zatanna’s Search The Silver Age saga that introduced Zatanna. Collects The Atom #19, Hawkman #4, Green Lantern #42, Detective Comics #335, #355 And Justice League of America #51. Also, a 10-page Zatanna origin by Gerry Conway and Romeo Tanghal.
• Everyday Magic (One-shot) by Paul Dini. Zatanna and John Constantine?!?!
• Identity Crisis HC Zatanna takes care of Dr, Light and even Batman.
• Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol. 1 (of 4) Grant Morrison’s epic. Collects Seven Soldiers of Victory #0, Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight #1-2, Seven Soldiers: The Guardian #1-2, Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #1-2 and Seven Soldiers: Klarion #1.

Currently Zatanna can be seen in the pages of Justice League of America, where she is current member.

Today we move to Poison Ivy. Every man’s fantasy but deadly to the touch, Poison Ivy is one of the most diabolical female villains in the DCU. Debuting in Batman #181 (1966), Dr. Pamela Isley established that no man, especially Batman, should take her lightly. She has no real regard for humanity; she has a strong will for ecological balance in a man made world and will usually stop at nothing to achieve her warped goals.

However, she has been seen as an ally at times, and has even made a best friend (and onetime lover) with Harley Quinn. Ivy is usually depicted as having green skin and has the charm and will to ensure that men do her bidding. Always a force to reckon with whether friend or foe, Ivy is a great female character and will be around for years to come. Now, let’s take a look at some Poison Ivy’s collected editions:

• Showcase Presents: Batman Volume 2 The first appearance of Poison Ivy! Collects Detective Comics #343-358 and Batman #175-188.
• Batman: Poison Ivy (1997) This OGN was created for the release of the Batman and Robin movie. Not surprisingly this book is far better then her depiction by Uma Thurman. See the film at your own risk.
• Contagion Batman gathers a team of unlikely allies Azrael, Huntress, Catwoman and Poison Ivy.
• Batman/Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows Written by Ann Nocenti. Ivy goes a step to far – murder!

Currently Poison Ivy can be seen in her, just released, one-shot as part of the limited series The Joker’s Asylum.

On a side note, there is another pic of The Real Power of the DCU that has Ivy in her green skin. That pic can be found on the DC Comics website. For this blog series, I grabbed the image from the offical Adam Hughes website which has his original.

Today we move to Batwoman. Kathy Kane has been a part of the DC mythos since Detective Comics #233 (1956). A great ally to Batman, she essentially was the prototype for Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl to come some years later. But she continued to play a large part until she met her demise, like so many other heroes, in Crisis On Infinite Earths in 1985.

It wasn’t until 2006 that DC decided to bring her back, and did they ever! Donning a costume that is eerily similar to the Terry McGinnis/Batman look from the animated series Batman Beyond, this new Kathy Kane had only a name in common with the original. She even came out of the closet (or really bolted out of the closet) and she brought Renee Montoya with her. The latest Batwoman is so new that she really hasn’t had time to be featured and therefore collected, but here is where you can find all of her work (sans pin-ups and minor cameos):

• Batman In The Fifties Classic Kathy Kane. Collects many memorable Batman and Robin tales and includes Bat-Mite and Ace The Bathound.
• 52 Volumes 1-4 Batwoman makes her debut in Week Seven and has a recurring role throughout the series.
• Countdown To Final Crisis Vol. 2 Batwoman’s only appearance in Countdown happens in #38.
• The Question: Five Lessons of Blood HC written by Greg Rucka. Teaming up with the new Question aka Renee Montoya.
• She also appears in the DCU Infinite Holiday Special #1 (2007), but that particular Batwoman/Nightwing story has yet to be collected.

Currently Batwoman can be seen in well, in nothing. She is suppose to have her own series and she hasn’t shown up in any of the Batman family of books. You can always check out the completely unrelated, but decent tale, Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman Direct to DVD.

Today we move to Vixen. Something that I didn’t know until I started doing research for this project was that Vixen was slated to be one of the first black female DC heroines to headline her own series (1978), but the series was canceled before it was even started. She debuted to the public in Action Comics #521 (1981).

I’ve never really paid much attention to Vixen, probably because no one at DC did either. She seems to play a back-up role in just about every book she is in, and therefore she can’t be found in too many collected editions. Sure she has her moments, but then she goes away or is put aside until a creator has a need of a female character that isn’t being over exposed at the time (i.e. Power Girl). Now, let’s take a look at some Vixen’s collected editions, or at least where you can find her:

• Unpublished Vixen #1 from Cancelled Comics Cavalcade
• Animal Man Vol. 2 TPB Origin of the Species Vixen meets and teams up with Buddy Baker. Collects #10-17 and Secret Origins #39 written by Grant Morrison.
• JLA Classified: Ultramarine Corps The JLA vs. Gorrila Grodd and some other “super team”. Collects JLA Classified 1-3 and JLA/Wildcats written by Grant Morrison.
• Birds of Prey: Between Dark and Dawn Huntress battles former Justice League member Vixen. Collects #69-75, written by Gail Simone.
• Justice League Of America The Tornado’s Path Vixen reteams with the JLA and becomes a central figure. Collects Justice League Of America 1-7 written by Brad Meltzer.

Currently Vixen can be seen in Justice League of America. She will also get her own (five issue limited) series, Vixen: Return Of The Lion starting in October 2008; it only took her 30 years to get it.

Today we move to Black Canary. A true classic – that’s what Black Canary is. First appearing as a villain opposite Johnny Thunder in a backup story in Flash Comics #86; she was too pretty and headstrong to be used only as a foil. In fact, the next issue she was a full fledged hero and then she joined up with the Justice Society of America!

Always smart, in charge and working both as a team member and solo, she is now married to Green Arrow. Black Canary is easily recognizable by her fishnet stockings and her bright blonde hair and she is not one to mess with. Besides making your ears bleed with he sonic scream, Dinah Lance can kick you butt in five seconds flat. Leather, lace and a chick who can ride a Harley – every man’s fantasy. Now, let’s take a look at some Black Canary’s collected editions:

• Black Canary Archives Volume 1 Every solo adventure (spanning from 1947 to 1972) is collected in this beautiful hardbound color edition. Collects Flash Comics #86-104, Comics Cavalcade #25, DC Special Edition #3, The Brave & the Bold #61-62, and Adventure Comics #399, #418-419
• Birds Of Prey Of Like Minds TPB Black Canary is held hostage and Oracle reluctantly enlists the aid of the Huntress. Collects Birds Of Prey #56-61 written by Gail Simone.
• Green Arrow/Black Canary: For Better Or Worse Be a witness to one of the most screwed up and loving relationships in the DC Universe. Collects Justice League Of America #75, Action Comics #428, #434, The Joker #4, Green Lantern/Green Arrow #94-95, Detective Comics #549-550, Green Arrow: Longbow Hunters# 1, Green Arrow (Vol.1) #75, #101, Green Arrow(Vol.2) # 4-5, #12, #21 and Birds Of Prey #88
• Green Arrow/Black Canary: Road To The Altar Collects Birds Of Prey #109, Black Canary #1-4, and The Black Canary Wedding Planner
• Green Arrow/Black Canary: The Wedding Album HC Collects Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special and Green Arrow/Black Canary #1-5

Currently Black Canary is in Green Arrow/Black Canary and the Justice League of America. She can also be seen as a recurring guest on Smallville played by Alaina Huffman.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter. I’ll do my best to post on Flickr, too. I’ll get all your e-mails when I get back.

In the mean time please download my latest podcast on all things that is the DC New Frontier and you can also catch me at TwoMorrows Publishing, with Bob McLeod and with John Mayo at his Podcast, Comic Book Page, where John and I discuss the Collected Edition Sales estimates for June 2008. As for what I’ll be reading while I’m away, American Flagg, The Eternals (Kirby and Gaiman) and perhaps some more Luke Cage and Iron Fist Essentials. Here are a few links that may interest you:

• Not Comics: The Mayor of Detroit is, and has been, in hot water for several months now. Here is a great blog for the latest.
• Titan Books will release three books tied to the Watchmen feature film in January, offering more opportunities to capitalize on the sizzling buzz the film is getting.
• Monsters Get Their Due As Screamland Gets Collected. The guys on the Around Comics Podcast were just talking about this book.
• Covers Revealed To Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Lords Of Avalon HC
• Review: Collected Editions Blog on Checkmate: Fall of the Wall TPB (DC Comics)

 

• Showcase Presents Supergirl Volumes 1-2 and The Supergirl Archives Volumes 1-2 Take your pick – 1000 pages of black and white or 450 pages in color. Personally, I like the color.
• Absolute Crisis on Infinite Earths Barry Allen wasn’t the only hero to sacrifice his life.
• Supergirl TPB written by Peter David Witness the origin of Matrix who would eventually merge with one Linda Danvers to become Supergirl. Collects Showcase ’96 #12, Supergirl #1-9 (1996)
• Superman/Batman Vol. 2: Supergirl The return of Kara to the mainstream DCU. Collects Superman/Batman #8-13
• Elseworld’s Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl (1998) Based in a world in which Bruce Wayne was never Batman, and the infant Kal-El did not survive long enough to become Superman. The orphaned Barbara Gordon becomes Gotham’s near-dictatorial protector and Kara Zor-El as the Girl of Steel teams with Lex Luthor and the Justice Society.

Currently Kara is headlining the current title and Supergirl can be seen as a recurring guest on Smallville played by Laura Vandervoort.

• Showcase Presents: Batgirl The debut of Barbara Gordon! Collecting several 1960’s stories from Detective Comics, Batman, Adventure Comics and World’s Finest Comics
• Batgirl: Year One TPB by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon, this volume collects the 9-issue miniseries that uncovered Gordon’s transformation from average citizen into costumed super-heroine.
• Birds of Prey 1 and Birds of Prey 2 Old Friends, New Enemies The very first BoP one-shots, min-series and first six issues of the ongoing series are collected over two trade paperbacks.
• Birds of Prey: Catwoman/Batgirl & Catwoman/Oracle One woman fought crime valiantly as Batgirl before finding a new role as the all-seeing Oracle. The other stalked the dark streets of Gotham as Catwoman, earning a living by stealing from the rich. Now they must forge an uneasy alliance.
• Thrillkiller TPB (Elseworlds) Collects the 3-issue mini and Thrillkiller ’62 by Howard Chaykin. Batgirl and Robin/Babs and Dick – together again.

Currently Oracle can be found in Bird of Prey and occasionally in the various Batman books especially Nightwing and even the Justice League of America. For a live action Oracle, the Birds of Prey TV show was recently released on DVD.