DC COMICS NEWS ROUNDUP - UPDATED!

DC Comics has announced writer John Layman and artist Jason Fabok as the new creative team on Detective Comics beginning with #13 in October.

"Not only is this my first work within the DC Universe, but I get to work on one of DC's undisputedly coolest and highest-profile characters," Layman said. "I'm going to take a look at the role of criminal organizations within Gotham City, hopefully from a perspective that does not get considered very often -- if at all. From the symbiotic relationship a master criminal must have with Gotham in order to survive, to the lowly, often faceless criminal underling hoping to rise up the ranks. All that, plus Batman's gonna play with a bunch of crazy new toys and kick all kinds of butt."

"I'm really hoping to deliver a dark, epic Batman with hints of the art deco stylings of the old animated series and the more modern take seen in recent incarnations," Fabok said. "I am hoping to let my influences gush out onto the page and create something that is familiar, classic and yet my own. As for working with John Layman, I couldn't be more excited. John is a great visual storyteller and he packs every page with meaningful panels that bring the story forward and add incredible depth. Together we hope to deliver a quality Batman tale, filled with mystery, twists, turns, shockers and most of all, fun!"

In other DC news:

* The publisher has announced four annuals to be released in October.

Following is a rundown:

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #1

Written by Sholly Fisch and Max Landis, art by Cully Hamner and Ryan Sook, cover by Cully Hamner.

The secrets of the "missing five years" between when Clark Kent came to Metropolis and the present day continue to be revealed! In the wake of Brainiac's attack on Metropolis, Superman faces his first Earth-born villain: the Kryptonite Man!Plus a special backup story written by screenwriter of Chronicle, Max Landis!

48 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 31.

BATGIRL ANNUAL #1

Written by Gail Simone, Art by Admira Wijaya, cover by Ed Benes.

Batgirl is on the hunt for Catwoman -- but who is after Batgirl?

48 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 31.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1

Written by Jeff Lemire, rt by Mikel Janin, cover by Ryan Sook.

Continued from Justice League Dark #13, it's the big finale to Jeff Lemire's first epic story! Guest-starring Frankenstein and from the new series Sword of Sorcery, Amethyst!

48 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 31.

SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1

Written by Scott Snyder, art by Becky Cloonan, cover by Yanick Paquette.

Years ago, Alec Holland met Anton Arcane...and the seeds of that encounter created the nightmare that is Rotworld! This extra-sized tale of monsters and madness examines one of the greatest rivalries in the DC Universe!

48 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 31.