DC Connect, a previously digital-only free previews magazine featuring upcoming DC Comics projects, will soon arrive in print in participating comic book stores. Having only run since June 2020 after DC ended its decades-long exclusive distribution deal with Diamond Distributors, DC Connect #14 will be the first time the magazine hits comic book stands. Just like Marvel Previews, the magazine will be a free monthly book available at comic book stores, providing previews for the hottest upcoming books from the publisher.
The comics featured in DC Connect release two to three months after the magazine's publication, and the issue that started it all showcased Jason Fabok's Batman: Three Jokers cover. The description for the first issue of the magazine promised that the book would be evolving over time, but it would begin by providing readers with the solicit info for not just upcoming issues but also original graphic novels, collected editions, and collectibles. Marvel has been offering a similar service for almost two decades now, launching Marvel Previews back in 2003, which is now over 200 issues into its run.
DC Comics officially announced on its website that DC Connect will be coming to comic book stores starting with issue #14 of the free previews magazine on June 29, 2021. Similar to previous issues of the magazine, DC Connect #14 will include cover art, preview pages, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at developing projects. This particular issue focuses on September titles from DC's catalog, the biggest of which is featured on the cover of DC Connect #14 - the I Am Batman #1 story featuring the Next Batman, written by John Ridley (Academy Award winner for 12 Years a Slave) with artwork by Olivier Coipel (Batman, Thor).
Another closely connected title featured in DC Connect #14 will be Batman: Fear State, a Gotham City crossover that promises to create a link between the main continuity of DC Comics and the Future State event, coming from writer James Tynion IV (Batman Eternal) and artist Riccardo Federici (Aquaman). The magazine will also put a spotlight on Deathstroke, Inc., a new comic bringing writer Joshua Williamson (Infinite Frontier) and Howard Porter (JLA) back together again after their celebrated run on the Flash. The new series sees Slade Wilson teaming up with T.R.U.S.T. to take down villains. The magazine also features details about two six-issue monthly limited series: Aquaman: The Becoming by writer Brandon Thomas (Future State: Aquaman) and artists Diego Olortegui (Slapstick) and Wade Von Grawbadger (Starman); and a Black Manta story by writer Chuck Brown (Bitter Root) and artist Valentine De Landro (Bitch Planet).
Some other key books being showcased include the softcover Milestone Compendium One, which has over 1,300 pages from DC's legendary Milestone Comics imprint stories. This will include the first story arcs featuring key characters such as Static, Blood Syndicate, and Hardware. There will also be a prestige format anthology, Are You Afraid of Darkseid?, with plenty of scary stories spanning the DC Universe to send a shiver up readers' spines. DC Connect #14 will also showcase Batman Day versions of Batman: The World, Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #1, and Batman – Knightwatch/Bat-Tech Special Edition #1. If your comic book store is participating, you can see for yourself for free when you check out DC Connect #14 on June 29, 2021.
Source: DC Comics