DC reveals at SDCC 2023 that every hero’s about to morph into an animal

DC Comics revealed the company’s next crossover extravaganza at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend: Beast World — in which millions of people are transformed into rampaging anthropomorphic animals, including, naturally, plenty of heroes and villains.

The whole thing appears to have roots in the Teen Titans’ foremost shapeshifter, Beast Boy, and also some mad science, and also him turning into a giant space starfish in order to combat another giant space starfish and losing his mind in the process, but… I’m kind of cautiously optimistic about it?

For one thing, the book comes from Tom Taylor (with art from Ivan Reis and potentially the likes of Nicola Scott and Bruno Redondo), who is simply the king of taking a wild premise — in this case, a literal one — and turning it into hyper-compelling superhero drama. Another reason is that it would have been hypocritical to me get hyped for Jurassic LeagueThe story of the Justice League as anthropomorphic Dinosaurs is a good one. But, it should be set within the DCU.

Third… take a look. Sometimes it’s nice when the crossover event isn’t about a universe-ending threat, or the multiverse collapsing, or every hero getting trapped in their own worst nightmare. Perhaps it’ll be fun when everyone fights it out, like Street Sharks and FFXI. Zoo. Titans of Beast WorldStarts in November

What is going on with our favourite comics now? We’ll tell you. Welcome to Monday Funnies, which is usually Polygon’s weekly list of the books that our comics editor enjoyed this past week. But comics creators and editors usually plan a pretty quiet fictional SDCC week, knowing that they’re all gonna be busy at the biggest real-life industry event of the year. So this week, we’ll be highlighting the most interesting real-life comic book happenings instead. You can read the previous edition if you haven’t.

Amazons attack this Fall

Image: Alitha Martinez, Laura Martin/DC Comics

The Comic Book (Shazam: The New ChampionsThe TV and radio (She-Ra, My Adventures With SupermanJosie Campbell takes on Amazons for a limited series. Amazons Affrontation. The series won’t directly tie into Tom King and Daniel Sampere’s new Wonder WomanThe plot of both books seems to revolve around the same idea: The United States banning Themyscirans from their shores. It’ll star Queen Nubia of the Amazons, Mary Marvel (whose powers now derive from the Amazons’ goddesses) and other non-Wonder Woman Amazons.

On October 24, the first issue of The First Issue will be available.

Chip Zdarsky is back (briefly), to Howard the Duck

Joe Quinones/Marvel Comics

Sure, Dan Slott is returning for a new series about Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock’s superhero identity, and there’s going to be a Spider-Man crossover called “Gang War.” But we’re here for the Bigger is not always better. Marvel news: Howard the Duck’s birthday.

Chip Zdarsky, who penned the character’s last notable, fan-favorite series, will return to the character for a new Howard the DuckThe book is a 50th-anniversary one-shot. Talent on the book will include Zdarsky’s HowardJoe Quinones was a collaborator as were people such as Daniel Kibblesmith Annie Wu and Ed McGuinness. It’ll hit shelves in November.

It’s just a guy.

Image: Rod Reis/Marvel Comics

Marvel released a teaser image of the new Punisher, with a question-mark graphic on his face. As if to confirm that we’d recognize him. Fans went wild in speculation. Leading contenders to have short hair and two laser guns included Bishop and Cable of the X-Men, but Marvel instead revealed that the new guy in the Punisher’s outfit is…

A character that is original. Like, he’s just some guy.

Eisner highlights

Kevin Conroy and J. Bone/DC Comics

The Eisner Awards, which are often overlooked by big news about movie studios in San Diego Comic-Con, is the nearest thing that the U.S. Comics Industry has to an Oscar. And some of Polygon’s own favorite picks won big. Evening EatersWinner of the Best Graphic album Ducks: A Year on the Oil SandsThe Best Graphic Memoir was awarded. Do a Powerbomb got Best Publication for Teens, and Best Short Story was given to “Finding Batman” from artist J. Bone, and Kevin Conroy.

Andy Samberg made a cartoon where a man kills neo-Nazis by using trick bowling balls.

Image: Mike Hawthorne/Image Comics

Andy Samberg is teaming up Joe Trohman of Fall Out Boy, Rick Remender the writer and artist for comics, and Roland Boschi the actor/comedian. Holy Roller. And, well, I’ll let Image Comics’ news release say it:

Levi Coen must leave his job as a professional bowler to take care of his dying father. When he returns home, Levi discovers his town has been invaded by Neo-Nazis. With only his bowling ball collection to defend himself, Levi becomes THE HOLY ROLLER!”

On November 22, the first issue will arrive. It looks like a hilarious, gore filled adventure.

The TMNT Last Ronin II series introduces an entirely new generation of martial arts for adolescents.

IDW Publishing Image

After the success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – The Last Ronin — a far-future tale of the last living turtle brother co-written by TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird — IDW is following up the series with a new generation of turtles for the new future. Here’s the official synopsis:

Guided by Casey Marie Jones, the formidable and strategic daughter of April O’Neil and the late Casey Jones, the next generation of Ninja Turtles – Yi, Uno, Odyn, and Moja — will face the ultimate enemy! Can the heroes adapt to a city in war?

Eastman, who will also be writing the series with Last Ronin Ben Bishop and Tom Waltz, co-writers of the series. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II — Re-Evolution #1 (phew, that’s a mouthful) will hit shelves in December.