A couple months ago, my internet-pal Jon Morris invited me to take part in a super-secret blog-project (blogject?) he was creating inspired by DC Comics' announcement to reboot their entire universe of comics with fifty-two new #1 issues, redesigned costumes, and modified origins. These 'New 52' titles were announced over the following couple weeks, and Jon got this idea:

Once DC started releasing the cover images of what the New DC Universe would look like, it got me wondering what the New DC Universe would look like ... if it were out of DC's hands.

I contacted a plethora of very talented - and very different - cartoonists with a simple challenge: If DC approached you and offered you any DC property - past or present - of your choice to be your own new ongoing part of the DC Universe, what would the cover to the first issue look like?

When I got the email from Jon asking me to participate, and asking which character I'd like to do, there was only one answer:

BLUE DEVIL.

As a huge fan of the original run of the character, with his down-on-his-luck reluctant super-hero ways, and goofy adventures that always felt a little like super-heroing but often had him dealing with magic and leaving him out-of-his-league, I was for years disappointed with attempts in the '90s and later to reinvent the character as a full-on demon, a magical 'tough' with a chip on his shoulder. So, with this opportunity to revamp the character in a form which I would actually read and enjoy, I absolutely had to bring him back to his roots:

(Click to see the full cover)

Here's Dan Cassidy, 20-year old electronics expert and special effects artist supreme, hired to design a prosthetic suit with some pyrotechnic bells and whistles, the main 'hero' suit for the reboot of the classic 'Blue Devil' monster movie franchise. The elongated legs of this demonic warrior give Dan extra jumping strength, and the gauntlets contain electronic circuits that allow him to control the 'Flames of Hell' that erupt on cue from his trident! But a mishap during filming opens a gateway to a REAL demon dimension, and Dan is exposed to a demonic curse that forever traps him inside his costume!

I'm really happy to be part of Jon's imaginary reboot, and thrilled to be the one to launch the site! I know there's some amazing artists lined up for the remaining 51 covers, and some fantastic characters that are getting the Fifty-Too! treatment! Go check it out today, and every day, for a glimpse at what SHOULD have been!

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