In case you missed it, this week's Catwoman #1 and Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 did more to undermine DC's reputation as a female-friendly publisher than a dozen Dan DiDio Comic-Con panels. We're all dealing with the fallout in different ways, DC is continuing it's stance of 'if you don't like it, don't buy it' which is an odd but sadly commonplace attitude for a company in a desperate downward sales spiral.

Those of us who love comics and are therefore something of a captive audience, like artist Eric Canete, are dealing with the craziness by having a good laugh, and imagining what happens after the Cat and the Bat get their luv thang on.

Red Hood was so full of WTF that it sort of defies parodying as far as I can see - though if anyone out there wants to give it a go, by all means have at it and send me a link!

Etrigan: He's a writer, a poet, a genius, he knows it.

It's the advertising lingo of the 21st century: if you liked book (A), try game (B). It's called predictive advertising, and it's used in some places to better effect than others. Netflix, for instance, is still struggling with the algorithm:

DC is apparently hoping to use the method to sell its new 52 titles, as references to pop culture hot properties are being dropped repeatedly as selling points for new titles. Writer Paul Cornell has referenced Game of Thrones and Dragon Age repeatedly in the push for Demon Knights. From the Huffington Post:

"If you watch Game of Thrones," says Cornell, "or if you play Dragon Age, you'll know where we are. That kind of harsh modern take on medieval fantasy."

And in yesterday's Supergirl piece in USA Today, writer Mike Johnson sold the series thusly:

"We’re really excited about the opportunity to hand this book to a female reader who is into things like The Hunger Games.”

I'm not a huge fan of the unsubtle 'if you like THIS popular thing, buy MY thing!' form of advertising, but it does appear to be part of DC's current marketing strategy - it may even be a necessary evil for the New 52, which at this stage is as much about selling the concept of comics to a new audience as it is about storytelling. What do you think, are the references doing it for you? What popular game, book or film would you use to sell other New 52 titles, like Batwoman, Green Arrow, Mister Terrific, etc.?

Supergirl #1, written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with art by Mahmud Asrar and Dan Green, arrives in stores tomorrow (September 21). This is potentially a very important title for DC Comics, as women continue to be woefully underrepresented in comics, and many of DC's female characters are not going to reappear anytime soon, if ever, in the new DCU.

So there is both a lot at risk here and a real opportunity to undo some of the damage caused by Dan DiDio's behavior at San Diego Comic-Con, which unfortunately did a lot to reinforce DC's image as a male-centric publisher.

Meet Supergirl. She's got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman - and none of his affection for the people of Earth. So don't piss her off!

Teen Titans artist Brett Booth has confirmed, via a Twitter exchange with writer Gail Simone, that the relaunched Titans have a gay member, a new character named Bunker.

We’re trying to make being gay a part of who he is, your gaydar should be pinged right off the bat:)

Pinged? My gaydar doesn't have that much RAM. It crashed, and I can't reboot the damn thing!

Seriously though, I'm thrilled to see comics embracing diversity, particularly DC who have been comparatively slow in this regard. And Booth is clearly not the one who made the call for the violet-on-violet, set against a violet skyline (!) look.

Bunker is gay (the purple guy, I know, not my first color choice!)

Teen Titans #1, written by Scott Lobdell, with art by Booth and Norm Rapmund, hits stores on September 28.

Jason Todd, Arsenal and an even more naked Starfire make their new DCU debut in Red Hood and the Outlaws #1, in stores September 21. Scott Lobdell (Superboy, Teen Titans) is writing the series, with art by Keneth Rocafort. Check out this preview, and let me know what you think. Is Red Hood and the Outlaws going to be on your pull list this week?

No sooner has Batman's former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow's rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won't be chained again.

As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what's he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader? Find out in this hot new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men), featuring art by rising star Kenneth Rocafort (ACTION COMICS)!

(Click on the images to view full-size)

Just when I thought I couldn't be surprised by fan responses to DC's 'New 52' - this happens. Red Hood and the Outlaws #1, featuring Jason Todd, Starfire and Arsenal, hits stores on Wednesday, but there's already this clip of them performing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." I don't even begin to know why, but it's worth a look if only for a sneak peek at Starfire's new costume.

It's week three of the most talked about event in comics history (aside from the Death of Superman, the Clone Saga, Wertham... well look, it's a big deal, OK?), DC's 'New 52'. This week sees the integration of Wildstorm's Grifter into the new DCU, as well as the launch of Batman and Robin, Batwoman (finally!), Superboy, the protest-tacular Suicide Squad, and more. So, I've updated last week's poll and once again I want to know your favorite book so far.

I'll be doing this again next week, so I'm putting you on the honor system here - if you've voted for a tiitle already but want to vote again - for a NEW book, that's won your heart, go right ahead. But no ballot-stuffing; we all love Swamp Thing, but don't shatter my fragile faith in democracy by going back and giving him four votes or whatever. I'm trusting you here, so don't let me down (plus, I'll totally know and call you on it; I'm smart like that).

And now, let's see your votes! Also hit me up in the comments with your thoughts, good and bad, about the New 52.

Check out this preview for Grifter #1, part of week 3 of DC's 'New 52' event. Written by Nathan Edmonson with art by Cafu and Bit, Grifter officially makes the leap from the now-defunct Wildstorm Universe into the New DCU.

The DCU's most wanted man stars in his own series! Cole Cash is a charming grifter few can resist. And yet he's about to be branded a serial killer when he begins hunting and exterminating inhuman creatures hidden in human form - creatures only he can see!

Can the biggest sweet talker of all time talk his way out of this one when even his brother thinks he's gone over the edge?

So what do you think of the New 52 so far? I want to see some comments. If you're like me, you're loving some of it, and are having trouble finding the words to describe how you feel about Hawk and Dove.

Here are some upcoming covers from the heavy hitters: Justice League, Detective Comics, and Action Comics #4. How about that Aquaman? Why is it that all the Justice Leaguers seem so intent on killing each other when they first meet? The way things are shaping up, this is going to be a seriously dysfunctional superteam.

Justice League #4

Detective Comics #4

Action  Comics #4