JMS Leaving SUPERMAN and WONDER WOMAN for EARTH ONE Sequel

DC First Look: SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE CREDIT: View full size image

J. Michael Straczynski is off both of his high-profile ongoing monthly titles, Superman and Wonder Woman, a move that DC Comics says is in order for him to focus on writing a sequel to the recently released original graphic novel Superman: Earth One.

The news was announced Wednesday afternoon on official DC Universe blog The Source. iZombie writer Chris Roberson is taking over scripting duties on Superman with issue #707, and Firebreather co-creator Phil Hester replaces JMS on Wonder Woman as of #605. According to DC, both writers will be using Straczynski's "story notes."

According to DC's release, Straczynski won't be working on monthly comics for the foreseeable future. The writer is quoted in the publisher's statement as saying this news coincides with a "one- to five-year sabbatical from writing monthlies" for him.

DC's post stated that the Earth One creative team "will be reuniting," indicating a return for artist Shane Davis, but also said in the release "it's too early to talk art, story or release date." The first volume of the series modernizing Superman's origin was released last month and debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times best seller list for graphic novels.

Straczynski debuted on both Superman and Wonder Woman in June 2010 with the anniversary issues #700 and #600, respectively. Both storylines attracted mainstream media attention, with "Grounded" taking Superman on a walk across America, and Wonder Woman #600 introducing a new, less revealing, costume for the iconic superheroine.

Art-wise, Alan Goldman is scheduled to illustrate January's Superman #707, with original "Grounded" artist Eddy Barrows returning with #708. Eduardo Pansica co-pencils Wonder Woman #605 with series regular Don Kramer, with Pansica on #606 solo, and Kramer taking back over with #607.

Previously, Air writer G. Willow Wilson filled in on October's Superman #704 for a "Grounded" interlude. {{ embed="20101110" }}

What's your take on the JMS news?