DC Comics announced, at the Las Vegas Diamond/Alliance Retailer Summit, that Judd Winnick will take over as the new writer of Batman for a six issue story arc beginning with issue #625.  Art for the Winnick stories will be provided by Wildstorm artist Dustin Ngyuen.

 

Winnick has made a name for himself in recent years with his hilarious writing for Oni Press on The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius, along with well-received stints on Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and The Outsiders for DC.  Winnick does have a fan base that follows him to whatever title he works on, so that, combined with the regular Batman readers, should give a boost to the title's sales.

 

DC also announced that Wetworks will be revived, with art once again by original series artist While Portacio and writing by Mike (Lucifer) Carey.  Wetworks had a half decade run at Image starting in 1994, as well as a spin off one-shot with Vampirella in '97 and two series of action figures.

 

In addition to his work with Image, Portacio has maintained his fan base and high profile with his work over the years on The Uncanny X-Men, The Punisher, X-Factor, and Alpha Flight for Marvel.