In defiance of the other group of Earth's Mightiest Heroes's day in the sun, The Justice League made their presence felt in this massive gatefold cover illustrated by Jim Lee.

Probably the most annoying notion these days that I can imagine for the good people working at DC Comics would be getting had to be those asking why Batman or Superman were not featured in Marvel Studios' The Avengers. Yes, both Disney and Marvel are no doubt laughing all the way to the bank now with the record-shattering results of the superhero all-star film, but Warner Bros. and DC Comics do yet have an "ace in the hole" in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises.

As the Big Two goes to war at the big screen, the funny papers aren't exactly lying on their laurels.

The past May. 5 was incidentally the "Free Comic Book Day" where major comics publishers and retailers put forth a selection of specially-made comic books for free to both reward loyal readers while pulling in new ones.

For DC Comics, The DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 FCBD Edition was published on the day. Featuring a host of popular creators from writer Geoff Johns and artwork by Ivan Reis, Gene Ha, Kenneth Rocafort, as well as Jim Lee (the current DC Co-Publisher by the way) himself, the title was graced with a typically gorgeous gatefold cover that folds out to four pages, courtesy of Jim Lee.

With no further ado, hit the jump to check out the cover.

From the official press release:

It’s that time of year again!

Free Comic Book Day is tomorrow and DC Entertainment is proud to participate with the must-have DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 FCBD Edition. Hot on the heels of the historic launch of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52, this exclusive FCBD issue will feature reveals and surprises, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what’s still to come for 2012.

The DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 FCBD Edition will include:
A cover by legendary artist Jim Lee, who also illustrated five interior pages – ­ including a gorgeous, four-page gatefold.
An all-new story written by New York Times bestselling author Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jim Lee, Ivan Reis, Gene Ha and Kenneth Rocafort.
Exclusive preview material from DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 “Second Wave” titles, including BATMAN INCORPORATED, DIAL H, EARTH 2, G.I. COMBAT, THE RAVAGERS and WORLDS’ FINEST.

Free Comic Book Day will also include:
Vertigo’s free preview of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO graphic novel.
FCBD Super Sampler, highlighting the all-ages adventures of GREEN LANTERN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, YOUNG JUSTICE and the all-new SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES.
A custom-designed FCBD T-shirt featuring art by Jim Lee.

For fans of DC Entertainment, this is a nation-wide event that is not to be missed.