Atomic Comics are having a rather generous sale next week on Marvel products to celebrate Marvel’s 70th anniversary this year. Details below and at Atomic’s website.
DC On iTunes
The following DC titles are now available on iTunes, while Green Lantern: First Flight and Watchmen: Director’s Cut are also available on DVD, Blu-Ray and On Demand. Here’s 2 preview clips for your vieiwing pleasure.
The new Superman: Red Son Motion Comic is available here.
Green Lantern: First Flight can be bought here and Watchmen: Director’s Cut can be purchased here. Ain’t technology grand?
Resistance Trailer
I saw these guys at Comic-Con where they debuted this impressive trailer for their upcoming film, Resistance, which garnered a lot of well-deserved attention. Watch it from about 1:42 and be even more impressed.
The Darkness #79 Preview
On sale August 12th is The Darkness #79 from Top Cow. Below are a few pages from it, as well as the two covers by Jorge Lucas and Whilce Portacio.
The Darkness #79
Phil Hester (A) Jorge Lucas (Cov) Lucas, Whilce Portacio
Jorge Lucas returns for a special issue of The Darkness.
Jackie Estacado, bearer of The Darkness, is through with being someone else’s bag man and assembles a special team of thieves, smugglers, and murderers for one purpose – to take down The Sovereign.
A Few Good Films
And a few bad ones too. It’s been a while since I’ve done a film review, so here’s some I’ve seen recently that are worth watching, or worth avoiding.
JCVD. Jean Claude Van Damme was always one of the best action stars back in the day; the day being the ’90s. It always amused me how he somehow managed to do the splits in every flick. A few expensive divorces and bad films later and he’s not the star he once was. I can’t even remember the last time he was in a cinematically released film. Anyway, JCVD is his comeback of sorts. He plays himself as a fading star, with fans everywhere he goes, and gets caught up in a robbery at a post office. Let me just say that he’s brilliant in this. Yes, brilliant. He gives an Oscar worthy performance and shows the audience that he’s more than just the guy with the fancy footwork. If you don’t mind subtitles, give this a go. It’s more of a drama than an actioner, but hopefully it allows Van Damme more meatier roles in the future.
Punisher: War Zone. I liked The Punisher with Thomas Jane and John Travolta, back in 2004. It stayed close to the dark comics, and despite the low budget and speed with which it was shot, it worked. The sequel, of sorts, doesn’t have as much – character, and Ray Stevenson does have a hardness that Jane didn’t bother with. The fight scenes are more brutal and gory and the plot is thin. Classic characters such as Microchip and Jigsaw aren’t really explored at all. It’s – okay as an action film, but Frank Castle deserves better.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop starring hefty Kevin James is somewhat funny. James is great in it, as a naive and loveable security guard in a shopping centre. It’s a little too Disney, but at least it’s safe for family viewing. The bad guys aren’t really so evil and the physical comedy mostly works.
Fighting. If you’ve seen last year’s Never Back Down, which was a cross between Fight Club and The O.C, there’s no need to see this film. It stars Channing Tatum as a young, homeless ex-wrestler who doesn’t mind a fight. Terrence Howard is in this film for some reason as a hustler who guides Tatum in his fights for cash. It’s a simple film and there’s no real substance to it.
12 Rounds. The best of the WWE Studios films so far, but that’s not saying a lot. Wrestler John Cena does his best to become actor John Cena and doesn’t too badly. He’s a New Orleans cop who accidentally kills the girlfriend of a bad guy who then kidnaps Cena’s woman a year later and forces him to run around the city completing 12 tasks in order to save her. Yes, it’s a little too similar to Die Hard: With a Vengeance (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger) but director Renny Harlin stamps a visual flair on it that makes it better than average.
Dark Horse Goes Classic
And the love of classic comics characters continues. It’s not only Dynamite and Alex Ross that are getting in to the act. Press release below.
AFTER MUCH SPECULATION, DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TUROK®, DOCTOR SOLAR, MAGNUS, AND MIGHTY SAMSON
DARK HORSE TEAMS WITH COMICS LEGEND, JIM SHOOTER, TO EXPAND GOLD KEY COMICS’ SUPERHEROES
In a packed panel on Saturday morning during Comic Con, Dark Horse president, Mike Richardson called a surprise guest to announce Dark Horse’s plans to develop new comics and graphic novels for the Gold Key Comics’ superheroes. Fans were shocked to see Jim Shooter enter the room; the man recently named the “Steve Jobs of Comics” by Comic Book Bin.
Shooter is perhaps best known for his nine year tenure at Marvel Comics, beginning in 1982, with highlights including Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on the Uncanny X-Men, and Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil. Also under Shooter’s editorial reign, Walt Simonsen revamped The Mighty Thor and made it again a bestseller. Following his successful run at Marvel, Shooter launched the well-received Valiant comics imprint in the early 90s, bringing many of Marvel’s creators with him.
Now, Jim Shooter comes to Dark Horse as head writer for the re-launch of the Gold Key Comics characters: Turok, Son of Stone®, Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, Magnus, Robot Fighter, and Mighty Samson, with further characters and new comic writers to be announced shortly.
“It’s great to be at Dark Horse, working with Mike Richardson, world-class creator, honorable gentleman and industry powerhouse” said Jim Shooter. “It’s great to be reunited with Magnus, Solar, Turok, Samson and the other wonderful Gold Key properties. The opportunity is tremendous and the time is ripe. Let’s do it.”
“Jim and I share a great affection for these terrific characters. We have some very exciting ideas on how to introduce them to a whole new generation of fans.” said Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics.
Turok®
An original comic book hero, Turok is best known today for a successful video game franchise boasting more than five million units sold since the first game was introduced in the 1990s. The legend of the brave and ruthless dinosaur-hunter has lived on for more than thirty years in comic book series from Dell Comics, Gold Key Comics and Valiant. Anthologies of the original classic comics are now available from Dark Horse Comics.
Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom
Doctor Solar must find a way to become normal again after surviving an explosion that leaves him with the power to control atomic energy. When danger and disaster threaten the innocent, Solar leaps into action as the “Man of the Atom.” One of Gold Key Comics’ most popular titles in the 1960s, the original nuclear-powered superhero reached legendary status by the 1990s in new comics from Valiant. The original classic comics now appear in hardcover anthologies published by Dark Horse Comics.
Magnus, Robot Fighter
Haling from the year 4,000 A.D. is the stalwart hero of humanity, Magnus, Robot Fighter. These gripping adventure stories, in which a human who battles evil robots in the sprawling futuristic city of North Am, elevated the comic book medium when they debuted in the 1960s from Gold Key Comics, and captured the imagination of millions in new comics published thirty years later by Valiant. The original science-fiction classics now appear in hardcover anthologies published by Dark Horse Comics.
Mighty Samson
A popular Gold Key Comics character from the 1960s and 70s, the post-apocalyptic adventures of Mighty Samson are set in the land of N’Yark, an earth devastated by nuclear war. Amazingly large and strong, Samson uses his mutant strength only for good—and to protect his friends, Sharmain and Mindor, responsible for saving his life.
Watch 90s Spider-Man Series For Free
I remember the Spidey cartoon from the 1990s. It was a good decade for comics related toons, with Batman: The Animated Series and the X-Men being faithful to their printed origins. Now the Spidey toon is available for free on Marvel’s web-site. Details below.
MARVEL DIGITAL LAUNCHES 1990’s HIT ANIMATED SERIES SPIDER-MAN
First episode available on Marvel.com on August 5, 2009
Adding to its ever-growing selection of streaming video, featuring award winning animated TV series and innovative original short-form video, Marvel Comics announced the launch of the 1994 animated series, Spider-Man on Marvel.com, featuring Marvel’s seminal web-slinging Super Hero. This original 65 episode series aired from 1994-1998 and will be available for free starting on Wednesday, August 5th on Marvel.com. A new 30-minute episode will be made available each week. The 1994 Spider-Man series was created and produced by Bob Richardson and Stan Lee. Christopher Daniel Barnes provides voice over for Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
The 1994 Spider-Man series joins other new and classic Marvel animated TV series available free on Marvel.com, including Wolverine and the X-Men, the 1990’s X-Men series, the 1960’s Spider-Man series, X-Men Evolution, Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes and the live-action Japanese Spiderman series.
For more information on Marvel’s video offerings, digital comics, motion comics and more please visit Marvel.com at http://www.marvel.com
Incarnate #1 Review
In the new tradition of musicians creating comics comes Radical’s Incarnate, from Nick (son of KISS’ Gene) Simmons, and I gotta say, it’s not too bad. This 3 issue mini-series is a reinvention of the vampire mythos, but before you roll your eyes at that notion, let me say that Simmons, as both writer and artist does a respectable job of breathing new life in to the undead.
It opens with one of preacher/poet John Donne’s works about death, from a few centuries ago, before revealing a naked boy eating a dog in an alley, while speaking lines like, “I am a bloodhound tethered to an invisible master.” Right off the bat, you know this isn’t a typical vamp comic.
Mot, the naked kid grabs some clothes off a hobo he’s just drained blood from before shooting Connor, a vamp assassin in the face, but it’s just a flesh wound. The pair then go to a club of vamps, or “revenants” as they’re known in Incarnate where they discover that their old foe Solomon Vane and his family are tracking them. Not only that, they’ve finally discovered a way to kill them. A battle comences with Vane’s eager general Vincent and an army of well armed soldiers but only Mot and Connor remain behind to fight them, and things don’t look good for the pair.
Incarnate is off to an impressive debut. It’s wildly different from any of Radical’s other offerings. Their painterly, serious approach is not taken here and this resembles a standard comic that you’d find from another publisher. Having Nick Simmons’ name on the cover certainly helps, as does the exposure its received on his family’s reality TV show. Not alot is revealed about the revenants at this point. We know they’re immortal and treat humans with disdain, but that’s about it. Two more issues isn’t much at all to build upon that mythology, but perhaps if this series is successful enough, more will follow.
The manga influences are strikingly obvious, but Simmons makes it work. His passion for manga can be seen on every page, with flowing blood, speed lines and jagged panels everywhere. However, there’s a sense of clarity and purpose to the design. It never feels cumbersome and the story is satisfyingly streamlined. I can only assume Simmons is the primary penciller, as there is also an inker, a colorist and three assistant artists given credit. I’ve never seen that before, but Nam Kim is the only one given the honour of a cover credit besides Simmons’ name. However, from all the interviews I’ve read, and his appearance at Radical’s Comic-Con panel, this is Simmons’ show all the way. Considering this is his first comic as both writer and artist, he’s off to a good start. Hopefully with his name attached, and its manga flavour, many non-regular comics readers will pay attention and give Incarnate the chance it deserves.
Oblivion Book And Film
I first saw the simple image of Oblivion from Radical a while ago and wondered what it was. The publisher has a good handle on sci-fi epics and has been making strong steps in to the film biz lately, so this bodes well. Press release below.
TRON LEGACY’s JOSEPH KOSINSKI SET TO DIRECT OBLIVION
Coming out of San Diego Comic-Con International, Radical Publishing is proud to announce that Joseph Kosinski, director of the upcoming Tron Legacy, is slated to direct Oblivion as a full-length feature film, based on the upcoming hardcover book also created by the director. Oblivion will be produced by Kosinski alongside Radical Publishing’s President and Publisher Barry Levine, filmmaker David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Anonymous Content’s David Morrison. Radical Publishing’s Executive Vice President Jesse Berger is attached as executive producer.
Set in the distant future, Oblivion revolves around a court-martialed soldier who is exiled to a desolate planet ravaged by the wrath of time. During his efforts to explore his surroundings and bring an end to the last remains of a primitive alien race, he comes across a mysterious traveler. Through the help of this enigmatic traveler, the soldier begins to question everything he knows – both about the galaxy at large and himself.
“I was looking to make a science fiction film that I could do on a budget,” stated Kosinski of the initial concept. “It’s grown since then, but it’s intended to be a very spare science fiction film, with a small cast but big ideas and big landscapes.”
“We’re very excited to have Joe Kosinski’s Oblivion at Radical,” said Barry Levine. “This our very first non comic property and the first book to debut in our illustrated novels collection. Not only has Joe crafted a unique vision for this book, he’s managed to create an incredible world and a compelling story. We’re pleased and proud to be a part of this project and fans will be overwhelmed with what we are planning for this book’s release.”
Oblivion will debut as a Hardcover hybrid novel in a landscape format, mixing the traditional text based novel with highly rendered illustrations. The book is set for a San Diego Comic-Con 2010 release under the Radical Books imprint.
Punisher Wars
Something strange is going to happen with the Punisher in November, judging by Marvel’s latest teaser simply image entitled Frankencastle. Also just released is Steve Kurth’s variant cover to Ultimate Armor Wars #1, which is being released on September 16. Marvel describes it thusly:
ULTIMATE ARMOR WARS #1
COVER BY: Steve Kurth
WRITER: Warren Ellis
PENCILS: Steve Kurth
THE STORY:
Exploding from the ruins of ULTIMATUM, Tony Stark races against time to save his crippled corporation and stop the theft of his armored arsenal! Superstar writer Warren Ellis (ULTIMATE HUMAN) teams up with rising talent Steve Kurth (IRON MAN) to bring you a globe-spanning, high-octane thriller with a blast from Tony’s past that you’ve gotta see to believe!
Justice League: Cry For Justice #2 Preview
With this new 6 part mini-series by writer James Robinson and excellent artist Mauro Cascioli, plus the unique format of Wednesday Comics, let alone sending Superman away from Earth and killing Bruce Wayne, DC are taking some bold steps as of late. It seems to be paying off. Now, on to some pages from this week’s Justice League: Cry For Justice #2.
Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1 Preview
On sale on September 2 is a new Moon Knight series, with a new man under the mask, and covers by Leinil Francis Yu, Alex Ross and a variant by Tim Sale. Official skinny below.
The White Knight Strikes Back in Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1!
Revenge is a dish best served at night, and Moon Knight has a fresh serving for Norman Osborn in the extra-sized Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1! The red hot team of writer Gregg Hurwitz and artist Jerome Opeña unleash an all new Moon Knight on the streets of New York City with a flurry of high tech weaponry in his vengeful arsenal! Exiled by Osborn’s rise to power, how does Moon Knight bring law and order to Norman ’s Dark Reign? From whom did he acquire his stunning new armor? And does he still kill criminals? One thing’s for sure, there’s something very different about this Moon Knight! Don’t miss covers by Leinil Francis Yu, Alex Ross and Tim Sale!
Marvel urges retailers to check all orders of Vengeance of the Moon Knight as it continues to garner significant buzz from all corners before its release! Marc Spector might be gone, but Jake Lockely is back in town, and he has a bone to pick with Norman Osborn. With new weapons, a new vehicle, and a new attitude, the extra-sized Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1 is a must read!
Twilight Comic-Sort Of
And the Twilight bandwagon rolls on. Press release below.
“TWILIGHT” IN THE SPOTLIGHT: STEPHENIE MEYER FEATURED IN “FEMALE FORCE” BIO COMIC
In time for the November theatrical release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” Bluewater Productions announced it is producing two versions of an upcoming biography comic on best selling author Stephenie Meyer.
“Female Force: Stephenie Meyer”, scheduled for release right before the movie hits theaters on, November 20th, provides readers two options: a standard 22-page version and a double-sized collector’s edition that contains a variety of extras.
“We get to turn the tables on Meyers and she becomes the featured protagonist,” said Bluewater’s president Darren G. Davis. “And we are going to tell her story in a very fun, respectful and unique way.”
The comic, written by Ryan Burton (“Flying Saucers vs. The Earth”) examines her rise to popularity, her “Twilight” saga novels, the launching of the successful movie franchise and her future plans. According to Burton, a very recognizable and iconic vampire will serve as the story’s narrator.
“It’s an equally strange and great feeling to write about an author of this magnitude, especially in a format that’s near and dear to my heart. I think it’s brilliant that Stephenie Meyer’s story will be read by both fans of her work, and fans of the comic book medium,” Burton said.
The alternate 40-page collector’s edition will include the history of Forks; the Washington peninsula town where her stories take place as well as other bonus material not found anywhere else.
The title is being drawn by Dave Macneil and Vinnie Tartamella provides the cover art.
Meyer, Named USA Today’s “Author of the Year” in 2008, is the first author of fiction featured in the Female Force series. The series, to date, has published biographies on such influential women as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Palin and Princess Diana.
“Female Force” offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture.
“Stephenie Meyer has captured the imagination of millions. She has parlayed her stories into a cottage industry and that’s why we felt she was indeed a “Female Force’,’” Davis added. “Also, I’m hooked on the books like everyone else!”
Davis notes other prominent and influential female authors, business executives, entertainers, journalists, politicians and activists are currently in development.
The monthly comic book series, launched earlier this year, has drawn considerable media attention, including features on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” It has also been featured in such periodicals as People Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and thousands of blogs and other media outlets.
The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming comic book is $3.99 for the standard 22-page version and $6.99 for the 40-page trade paperback collector’s edition.
Mr. Oblivious
One of the great things about Comic-Con is the massive amount of undiscovered talent on show. On my last day, with time dwindling I went for a last look down the Small Press aisles and browsed, and grabbed a few cards and flyers for later perusing on-line. Mr. Oblivious is one such discovery. The brainchild of Mark Gonyea, Mr. Oblivious is a regular web toon. The great thing about it is that the majority of the silent strips take a bit of thinking before the laughing commences, and all are accompanied by his initial sketches and thoughts. The wit on display is greater than the simple artistic approach may suggest. Gonyea is a talented guy and besides his Mr. Oblivious work, has also done graphic design, Story Posters and has released two books on design. Snoop around his site for a look at some unique art and a few chuckles.
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