Since it was announced at Emerald City Comic Convention, details have been relatively scarce surrounding Gerard Way's so-called "pop-up imprint" at DC, Young Animal. We know the four comics that will make up the line, the creators involved, and tidbits of individual synopses, but not much else.

Last night, Way took to his blog to give fans the first of what will seemingly be a weekly sneak peek behind the curtain of Young Animal, discussing the creative and collaborative processes that went into the genesis of each title. He also unveiled brand new art for each series by the likes of Tommy Lee Edwards, Nick Derington and Michael Avon Oeming.

Speaking first about Doom Patrol, Way mentions that the genesis of his take began when he pitched for the concept alongside Becky Cloonan, and while a lot of that initial pitch informs the new book, it has taken on a life of its own since then. Way also shared details about the creation of one the Doom Patrol's new members, Casey Brink, and how she evolved from a bitter, cynical character in the original pitch to something more fun.

Nick Derington

Way also talks about the differences between paying homage to legacy characters, as in Shade The Changing Girl with Cecil Castellucci and Marley Zarcone, and creating brand new characters, like Jody Houser and Tommy Lee Edwards' Mother Panic. The art from each series --- along with Oeming's work on Cave Carson Has A Cibernetic Eye --- is packed with the kind of vibrant individualism and excitement that has come to be associated with Gerard Way's artistic output.

It seems that Young Animal has been in the works for some time, even if Way himself didn't know it, because he often makes mention of wanting to work with the likes of Edwards or Jon Rivera on new comics for a while, and it took DC offering him a small imprint for all the pieces to come together.

Check out Gerard Way's blog for full details, weekly updates and even more art from the upcoming Young Animal line of comics.