Dan Abnett will write comics exclusively for the DC and Vertigo imprints, according to an agreement announced by DC Entertainment on Thursday.  This is a significant shift, as Abnett had been writing a steady flow of books for Marvel recently (see, for example, “Preview:  ‘Civil War II:  Gods of War’ #1”).  It’s not clear when the exclusive relationship will begin, but Abnett wrote Aquaman:  Rebirth #1, and is writing the Aquaman ongoing series, both launching in June. 

Abnett will also write Titans:  Rebirth #1 and the monthly Titans book, flowing out of his work on Titans Hunt.

This marks the 12th creator with which DC has announced an exclusive relationship this year, a big change from recent years; the last announcement we could find prior to 2016 was in 2010 (see “David Finch Signs Exclusive”).   

Creators which with DC has announced exclusive deals with year include Scott Snyder and Amanda Conner in March (see “DC Signs Two Big Exclusive Deals”); Steve Orlando, ‘Doc’ Shaner, and Jesus Merino (see “DC Signs 3 More to Exclusive Deals”); and Tom King, Clay Mann, and John Timms (see “DC Announces Three Exclusive Signings”), at which time DC also announced exclusive deals with Bryan Hitch, writer Peter Tomasi, and artist Tony Daniel.