DC Comics has finally done what mainstream comic book publishers have been talking about for years by unveiling three new comic book series for its Johnny DC kids' imprint that might just have a chance to interest and entrance young readers.  The cartoon-based Justice League Unlimited is heading for the dustbin, replaced by books created by artists who have a real affinity for producing children's comics.  Mike Kunkel, creator of the critically-acclaimed Herobear and the Kid, is providing Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam, a kid-friendly reworking of Captain Marvel, the classic superhero saga of child empowerment.

Art Baltazar, whose Patrick the Wolf Boy comics (published by in trade paperback by Devil's Due) are woefully underappreciated by the mass audience they deserve, is creating Tiny Titans, while Sholly Fisch, who has racked up a number of publishing credits for the Children's Television Workshop, is putting his stamp on a new Super Friends comic book series.

All things considered the launching of the three titles represents a significant effort by DC to reach out to young readers, but in spite of the high quality of the creators involved its success is far from assured, since reaching the youthful target audience is no mean feat.