While New York City got the splashiest “The New 52″ launch event at Midtown Comics — Geoff Johns and Jim Lee handing out pizza to fans in line, and all — the west coast didn’t stay home, with multiple shops holding midnight release parties for Justice League #1 and Flashpoint #5. Newsarama was there at Meltdown in Los Angeles, who hosted DC writers including Scott Lobdell, Kyle Higgins and Joshua Hale Fialkov. We brought back some pictures.
Shortly upon arrival, we met Batgirl, who seemed suitably excited about being part of the relaunch.
Peeking behind the counter before midnight — lots of copies of both Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1 in stock.
Which is good, because the line started building at around 11:45.
Before the show was some stand-up comedy from Tom Franck, who managed to squeeze in a Harvey Comics reference.
Franck also hosted a costume contest, with the winner receiving free copies of all 52 new #1s. This lady was dressed as Wonder Woman — sans pants, as is New 52-appropriate.
Black Canary and Green Arrow were also in competition. Impressive facial hair!
Closer to midnight, the line grew even longer, stretching around the building.
The first guy at Meltdown to score a copy of both comics? A very proud Jason Fever, who told Newsarama, “I’m curious to see how it plays out. I’m not going to buy all 52 #1s, but I think I’m definitely buying 20.”
August 31st, 2011 at 11:41 am
Hey, Albert — nice to meet you last night (I was the dude in the Batman shirt trying to figure out how to say Graeme’s name)! Glad to see you got some pictures. I thought it was an impressive turnout.
I had to take off before they announced the cosplay winner, though.
August 31st, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Green Arrow won
September 6th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Nice to meet you, Kyle!
And congrats to Green Arrow!
May 1st, 2012 at 1:45 am
Before the show was some stand-up comedy from Tom Franck, who managed to squeeze in a Harvey Comics reference.