Radical’s Earp

Official details below about the new mini-series, Earp: Saints for Sinners coming soon from Radical Publishing.

EARP: SAINTS FOR SINNERS

Creators MATT CIRULNICK & DAVID MANPEARL

Writer M. ZACHARY SHERMAN

Artist MACK CHATER & MARTIN MONTIEL

Colorist KYUSHIK SHIN

Cover BORKUR EIRIKSSON

32 pages, FC, $1.00

From Matt Cirulnick and David Manpearl comes a modern-day reimagining of the classic western hero, Wyatt Earp, in a special $1.00 issue #0 preview of the upcoming, 3-issue miniseries.

In a world where the American economy has all but collapsed to the levels of the Great Depression, infamous bandits roam the country and the law is as corrupt as the criminals its sworn to stop. Yet one lawman remains a steadfast moral compass for the people: WYATT EARP. Earp has collared more most-wanted men than anyone in history – but after a violent assignment claims the life of his brother, Wyatt sets out to forge a simple life in the only boomtown left: Las Vegas. With gorgeous women and free-flowing money on endless tap, Sin City attracts more people than a modern gold rush. Though Earp no longer wears a U.S. Marshall’s badge, his past is about to catch up to him. With nearly everything to lose, Earp will have to beat the odds stacked against him in order to bring old-fashioned justice to Sin City.

May 31, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Jonah Hex Animated Pics

Official details, and first pics, below from the Jonah Hex back-up tale from July’s Under the Red Hood DVD.

The second DC Showcase animated short, “Jonah Hex,” will appear as a bonus feature on the Special Edition Blu-Ray and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD release of “Batman: Under the Red Hood.”

Scripted by renowned author Joe Lansdale and starring the voices of Thomas Jane (Hung), Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), Michelle Trachtenberg (Mercy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder), the DC Showcase short is based on the award winning comic series. The short is rated PG-13.

In the DC Showcase story, the tough-as-nails bounty hunter Jonah Hex always gets his man – until someone else gets to him first – in this case a murderous madam who wants to steal more than just her bounty from Jonah Hex.

May 30, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

500 International Hyper Roads of Summer

500 Days of Summer. Man, Juno has a lot to answer for, as my mate Mladen will gladly tell you. Though I did enjoy the film, I’m also unsurprised at its numerous imitators. 500 Days is very much one of them. It stars Zooey Deschanel, who amps up her irresistably cute girl shtick and indie star of the moment (and possible future Joker, though I hope Batman 3 moves to a different villain) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Zooey plays arty, flighty and frankly selfish girl Summer who JGL seems drawn to. He is nowhere near as charismatic or as interesting as her, but she takes him into her heart, or her version of one anyway, and the film then flashes to and fro the titular number of days their ill-defined relationship goes through. I hoped for more from this film, but it appears to be a cobbled together script from a bunch of inspired art students who just want to make a quirky film. Yes, there’s songs from bands you’ve never heard of to add arty credence, “witty” dialogue and scenes like playing house in Ikea that get dangerously close to making this film what it should’ve been, but alas, the two leads just have no chemistry, and the finale makes Summer quite the dislikeable character. Then again, it does have a great dance number, complete with an animated blue bird and an interesting approach, but that’s undone by the obvious attempt at cool points. I seem to be one of the rare people who didn’t like it however.

The Road. Another film I’ve been looking to seeing, and one that didn’t disappoint. Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, The Road is directed by John Hillcoat (great Aussie flick, The Proposition). It has little dialogue and rests on the weary shoulders of Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhhe, who both do a fine job as father and son in this inhospitable world. Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce appear as unrecognisable survivors, and Charlize Theron is seen only in flashback. The pair travel the wasteland that is now America thanks to some great war. Ash, empty buildings and falling tress fill the dangerous landscape, which dad and kid must navigate with fear and caution to find food and avoid the roaming gangs of armed cannibals. It’s like Mad Max by way of Lord of the Flies. Gripping, scary and edge of your seat stuff.

Viggo carries a gun at all times, ready to kill his only son if need be, rather than give him up to the cruel flesh eating killers that roam the land, and aims to get all naivete out of him so he can fend for himself when the time comes. It’s a stripped back film, with minimal action and direction, but is extremely effective, and at times depressing, though the end offers a glimmer of hope.

Uncity Nation. I have my younger brother to thank for expanding my musical horizons as of late. I never listen to the radio, and though I was involved in community radio for 5 years, those days are long behind me. Discovering a new band I like is therefore quite similar to picking up a new comic on a whim; it gives me the pleasure of discovering something fresh, and the fact that many, many people may have discovered it before me only really adds to the satisfaction. Good artists deserve an audience, no matter their choice of media.

French band International Hyper Rythmique consist of 3 siblings with an impressive and diverse background in all manner of art forms. They’ve been performing since 2007. Uncity Nation is their first full length album. Now, I’m not a music critic, but all I can say is that it’s perfectly chilled out, serene listening, and yes, it’s in English. Plug your ears into their site to hear more from their 11 song debut.

May 30, 2010
Categories: Movies, Music, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Book of Awesome

Thanks to WordPress, which is an awesome thing in its own right, I found this great site by Neil Pasricha. He started a blog in 2008 in the midst of some major turmoil in his life, with the simple goal of finding and sharing with the world, one awesome thing every week day. Since then, he’s won the Best Blog Award 2 years in a row and has a book being released, spinning out from his blog. It’s the kind of tale that puts a smile on your face. Check out 1000 Awesome Things here.

May 30, 2010
Categories: News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant Covers

Press release below about the latest variant covers with great interpretations of Iron Man.

Marvel Unveils New Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant Covers!

Marvel is proud to unveil even more Iron Man By Design 2.0 variant covers, featuring stunning new interpretations of Iron Man by one of the animation industry’s most acclaimed talents, and one of pop-culture’s most influential forces.

Avengers #2 features the art of Alan Aldridge on a variant cover that’ll take you for a trip! Best known for the design and production of artwork of album covers for The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John, Aldridge is also famous for his extensive work with The Beatles and brings his psychedelic style to the Armored Avenger!

Power up with Invincible Iron Man Annual #1, and the multiple Emmy award-winning creator of Dexter’s Laboratory and Samurai Jack, Genndy Tartakovsky! Bringing his unique vision to this variant cover, Tartakovsky delivers one of the most unique Iron Man covers you’ve ever seen.

Get a look at Iron Man like you’ve never seen him before! Don’t miss the Iron Man By Design 2.0 variant covers!

AVENGERS #2 (APR100547)

AVENGERS #2 ROMITA JR VARIANT (APR100548)

AVENGERS #2 IRON MAN BY DESIGN 2.0 VARIANT (APR100549)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.

Variant by JOHN ROMITA JR.

Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant by ALAN ALDRIDGE

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC—6/3/10, On-Sale—6/23/10

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 (MAR100546)

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 IRON MAN BY DESIGN 2.0 VARIANT (MAR100547)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Penciled by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO

Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant by GENNDY TARTAKOVSKY

Rated A …$4.99

FOC—6/10/10, On-Sale—6/30/10

May 28, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Get The Light

Press release below about a great opportunity to get on board the new Image series, The Light. You can get the first two issues in collected form on June 9, and pick up #3 on the same day. If you’re new to comics, or want some solid storytelling in your diet, then make sure you pick it up next month.

SEEING THE LIGHT

The first two issues of Nathan Edmondson and Brett Weldele’s THE LIGHT sold out at the distribution level

Image Comics announces the distribution-level sell out of THE LIGHT #1 and #2, written by Nathan Edmondson (OLYMPUS) and illustrated by Brett Weldele (SOUTHLAND TALES, THE SURROGATES). The two sold out issues will be collected under an all-new cover. Release of THE LIGHT Bumper Edition will coincide with the release of THE LIGHT #3 on June 9, 2010.

“We’re excited to see that THE LIGHT is burning brightly out there,” exclaims Edmondson. “This is an opportunity to let this story glow in the hands of more readers — and we’re ecstatic about that!”

THE LIGHT: In Oregon, a mysterious virus infects anyone that looks into an electric light. An abusive father blindfolds his daughter and together they escape town as people are burning alive from the inside out. A fierce, action-packed and gritty tale of survival, THE LIGHT is 28 DAYS LATER meets 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.

THE LIGHT bumper edition (APR108074), a full-color 48-page comic book collecting THE LIGHT #1 and #2, will be on sale June 9, 2010, for $4.99. THE LIGHT #3 (APR100463), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99 will arrive in stores the same day.

Some praise for THE LIGHT:

“One new Image series that shouldn’t be overlooked.” — The A.V. Club

“…many critics are calling for Nathan Edmondson’s (OLYMPUS) newest horror laced offering THE LIGHT to be nominated for an Eisner Award” — Bloody Disgusting

“THE LIGHT #1 is a great opening to an exceptionally spooky horror series that gets you right into the greatest scares that you can get.” — Comics Should Be Good

“The Light #1 is magic, a gripping, chilling tale that is ambitious and promises to be complex.” — Comic Book Bin

“Edmondson and Weldele have created a fascinating meditation on the warp speed with which we now exchange and ingest information.” — Pop Matters

“When you’ve read this book, there’s no way you won’t be curious about what happens next.” — Broken Frontier

May 28, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Death and the Frenemy’s Claw

Here’s a quick look at some new indie series.

Death Ship from IDW is a 4 issue mini-series based on an untold story from Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. Behind Cliff Nielsen’s spooky cover I was pleasantly surprised to some equally moody art. Being printed on slightly rougher paper, with muted colours by Dom Regan, means that Death Ship will carry you to its 1897 setting with ease. Stuart Sayger’s artwork is like a more refined Bill Sienkiewicz or Klaus Janson. His work is suitably sketchy, yet equally enchanting and fits beautifully within the old world setting, which is filled with tough as nails sailors with manly beards. Sayger knows when to fill the pages with simplicity, which adds great tension to Gary Gerani’s script. The first few pages initially seem like a bland tale of sailors vs the sea; the kind of film you catch in black and white on a lazy Sunday arvo on TV, but it soon reveals itself to be something more, as a sinister force lurks about their vessel. There’s a boy, a tough veteran, a wise captain and a scared priest, but it all works well, plus the art is awesome. I’m thankful for comic moments like this, when I pick something by blind faith and it proves to be better than expected.

The Claw and the Fang. This new series has great covers, and that’s what intrigued me. That, plus the preview art looked unusual – in a good way. Bluewater Productions have become known as of late for their bio comics on stars of the moment, but that’s not all that they produce. This issue begins with Justin, a hardcore gamer losing his job before crossing to Outer Mongolia where a witch summons a huge, hooded demon to serve her. From then on it moves quickly, as Justin gets fed up with the MMORPG he’s invested his life in, and the supernatural world and his dull existence collide. There’s a slight awkwardness, as this hurriedly takes place and it would’ve benefitted from an extra few pages, but this debut ish has laid enough seeds to hopefully bear fruit in the remaining issues. Michael Kutcher’s script is filled with great captions that carry the tale without revealing too much just yet, and Matias Basla’s angular art lends a refreshing design to the pages. The sparse use of colour is a great addition to the mainly earthen look too.

Frenemy of the State has its Hollywood tongue planted firmly in its cheek and is an unashamedly fun adventure. It’s written by actress Rashida Jones (The Office, Parks and Recreation), Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis and comes to us from Oni Press. Opening with a quick account of protagonist Ariana Von Holmberg’s life in the spotlight (via Twitter snapshots) as she attends an Alice in Wonderland theme party, we soon learn that she’s not just a dumb heiress, but a well educated woman. She also seems to know her way around hi-tech security systems, but with all those skills, she’s still not above seeking revenge on a cheating lover. The script is rather obvious from that point on, as she becomes a C.I.A recruit. The odd flashback transition comes from nowhere, when all that’s needed was a simple caption, but otherwise, the issue is fine. It’s not a remarkable debut, but the central concept leaves a lot of room for story possibilities. Jeff Wamester’s art is light, with a slight Kevin Nowlan approach and the simple feel adds to the bubbliness of the story. It’s not hilarious by any means, but fans of pop culture with an awareness of celebrity obsessed media will find this likeable enough.

May 25, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

John DiMaggio Talks The Joker

Here’s an official interview with famed voice actor John DiMaggio about his new roles as The Joker in DC’s next animated film.

John DiMaggio Undertakes a Villainous Icon as The Joker in “Batman: Under the Red Hood”

Known to adults as “Bender” in Futurama and tweens as “Dr. Drakken” in Kim Possible, John DiMaggio takes an iconic step forward as the voice of The Joker, the pivotal villain in the all-new DC Universe animated original movie, Batman: Under the Red Hood.

In the film, Batman faces his ultimate challenge as the mysterious Red Hood takes Gotham City by firestorm. One part vigilante, one part criminal kingpin, Red Hood begins cleaning up Gotham with the efficiency of Batman, but without following the same ethical code. And when The Joker falls in the balance between the two forces of justice, hard truths are revealed and old wounds are reopened.

DiMaggio gets free reign to play the iconic villain amidst a stellar voice cast that includes Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) as the Caped Crusader, Supernatural star Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, and Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) as Nightwing.

Best known for his near-100 episodes as “Bender,” DiMaggio has parlayed his deep, gravelly tones and versatile acting style into a major force on the voiceover scene for the past decade. DiMaggio’s credits include roles in Kim Possible, Samurai Jack, Teen Titans, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Duck Dodgers, Jackie Chan Adventures, The Penguins of Madagascar and Chowder.

Voiceover has so dominated his time that DiMaggio has virtually abandoned his on-camera career – despite past work as a regular cast member on Chicago Hope and a number of guest roles in TV series such as Becker, N.Y.P.D. Blue, Felicity, Bones, Without a Trace and My Name is Earl.

Batman: Under the Red Hood is the next entry in the popular ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The full-length film will be distributed by Warner Home Video on July 27, 2010 as a Special Edition version on Blu-Ray™ and 2-disc DVD, as well as being available on single disc DVD, On Demand and for Download. But before you race to Amazon to pre-order your copy, take a minute to get to know John DiMaggio.

QUESTION: What were your initial thoughts about assuming this iconic role?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I was shocked when I got the role, shocked when I came in to record, and shocked when I saw the finished product during ADR. I just wanted to honor the real true lunacy of the character. I didn’t want to make him campy, but I wanted to pay a little bit of tribute to the past Jokers – and yet keep it original at the same time. That’s walking a fine line, if there ever was one.

It was a little intimidating because it is such an iconic role. It’s an honor to get this job — and especially to play the Joker in this version because it’s so dark and twisted. I felt like I got a really wonderful opportunity.

QUESTION: Can you remember your early connections with the Batman mythology, and how any of the previous Joker actors might have influenced your performance in this role?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I think the thing that influenced me the most when I was young is the television show, which is really sad because there have been so many great comics and graphic novels and stories about the Dark Knight that I haven’t been able to delve into yet – and yet I know about them. I actually would’ve loved to see Cesar Romero take the role to its darkness. There was a bit of Cesar Romero in what I did, but it’s Cesar Romero if he was in A Clockwork Orange. I guess my naiveté in my approach kind of kept it clean. I wasn’t trying to do a Jack (Nicholson) or a Heath (Ledger). I respect all the folks that have come before me, and their take on the character. Mark Hamill is awesome, Heath Ledger was unbelievable, and Jack Nicholson – what can you say? But I wanted to do my own thing.

QUESTION: Was there any particular direction you wanted to take this Joker?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I wanted to cover what I saw on the paper, and I wanted to ensure Andrea (Romano, casting/dialogue director) got exactly what she wanted. Usually if the script is good enough, you know where your emotions should be, where your character lies. It should all be in the dialogue, and it certainly was.

QUESTION: How do you interpret the Joker’s mindset?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I think the Joker thinks of himself, quite literally, as a necessary evil. And when I say that, I mean he really feels there is a place for him, and that he somehow balances the chaos with the non-chaos. It’s a yin and yang thing. And it’s really not personal, it’s business. Although he can get personal and he enjoys it. That makes it that much more twisted.

QUESTION: You’ve certainly done more than your share of villains. Do you prefer to go to the dark side?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I love playing the villains. I’ll play anything, I don’t care. As long as its not tons of walla or gasping, I’m good. I hate the inhale.

QUESTION: When you were a kid, did you ever imagine you’d be voicing cartoons for a living?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: I was a class clown – I basically started acting when I was a kid. I wanted to play drums, but I couldn’t afford a drum set. It was easier to be in a play, so it just kind of happened. I walked into voiceover in New York in 1994. I was doing stand-up (comedy) at the time, and was looking to get out of it and into acting. An actor buddy of mine, Zak Orth, said it was a way to make a good living between acting gigs. I moved to LA, because there’s more animation here, and the rest is history. So yeah, thanks Zak – give me a ring.

QUESTION: Your primary focus is voiceovers these days. Do you have any inclination to do more live-action acting or stand-up comedy?

JOHN DIMAGGIO: On-camera acting is fun, but I don’t miss it. Voiceovers are quicker, and you get to work with such amazing, talented people – it’s a blast to play in the studio with these actors and writers and directors. With (on-camera) acting, there so much more waiting around, and my patience has run thin. Plus it beats the hell out of slinging jokes six nights a week at a Chuckle Hut in East Bumbleblard.

May 25, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Interviews, Movies . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Scratch9 #1 Preview

Below are a few pages from the latest all-ages series from Ape Entertainment, and here’s the official description.

SCRATCH9 is the all-new, all-cats comic for young readers coming from Ape Entertainment and KiZoic (the same folks bringing you the SHREK and PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR comics).

The book focuses on a cat who gains the ability to summon any of his nine lives to help him out in his adventures. It was written and created by Rob M. Worley, with artwork by Jason T. Kruse and covers by Mike Kunkel.

SCRATCH9 #1 is available in the June Diamond Previews catalog for titles shipping in August (JUN10 0739).

May 25, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Under the Red Hood Site Now Live

The next DC animated film, Batman: Under the Red Hood is out on July 27 and the official website is now up. You can check out the awesome trailer plus 11 pics from the film, including Joker, Ra’s al Ghul, Nightwing and Amazo. Check it out here.

May 24, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Fringe’s Alternate Universe DC Covers

What a brilliant idea. Now, I’ve never seen an episode of Fringe, but after reading this, I just might have to. As part of an alternate universe within the show’s plot, a few Easter Eggs were shown, parodying famous DC Comics covers over the years. Jonah Hex in the Justice League? The Death of Batman? Awesome.

May 22, 2010
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The Light #2 Review

Nathan Edmondson and Brett Weldele make for a formidable duo on this new mini-series from Image. The writer of Olympus and artist of The Surrogates really do work well together, and there is a brave story being told within these pages. Yes, this issue has been out for 2 weeks now, but in order to catch up you can read the entire first issue for free here and Edmondson’s commentary on the same issue here.

The “elevator pitch” is that there’s a mysterious infection making contact with anyone who looks into a light source, killing them instantly. In this mad panic are thrust bad dad Cole and his initially skeptical daughter Avery. It may appear to be an unpublished Stephen King story, but the creative duo behind the series make it their own. The first issue was a remarkably bold exercise in dramatic storytelling. The status quo was set up with great economy before father and daughter woke up to their dangerous new world. Here, the confusion and running continue. The cliffhanger from last issue is not resolved yet, but I know it will be before the remaining 3 issues hit shelves.

The scale is larger here, while still remaining the simple glimpses of humanity that give The Light its appeal. The first few pages reveal Avery and Cole on the run, or rather drive, and arguing about Avery’s mother, before almost being destroyed by an airplane seeking a desperate landing. This sequence is handled particularly well, in that it’s not directed like a scene from an action film, but with a subtlety that lends genuine surprise. After wondering what their next step is, the pair find an understandably shocked survivor who seems genuinely unaware of the catastrophe around her.

Edmondson’s great afterword focuses on heroism, whereas it focused on interconnectivity in the debut issue, and it’s those two elements that are at the core of this engaging series. Whenever we are offered a glimmer of hope, The Light snuffs it out with reckless abandon. It’s the kind of page turner that we don’t have enough of in today’s comics, and I can already see myself grabbing the TPB as well as the individual issues, so I can share it’s raw magic with others.

Edmondson reveals superb skills at pacing within this taut tale and Weldele’s sketchy yet enchanting art is the best of his career and a perfect fit for the story of the darkness within the light.

May 22, 2010
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Predators Posters

Finally a reboot that fanboys can get excited about. Predators hits screens on July 8 and looks set to get the bad taste out of our mouths after two average AvP films. Produced by Robert Rodriquez and starring some unusual choices (Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Adrien Brody) on a desolate planet as game for the titular warriors, this could be quite awesome.

May 21, 2010
Categories: Movies, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Frontiersman #3

Broken Frontier’s new, weekly digital mag has just released its third issue. It’s all about The Avengers, and has lots of nifty features. Check it out right here.

May 20, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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