Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

Oh, happy day. It’s now official that the 9th release in DC’s series of awesome animated films is another Superman/Batman entry. Last year’s Public Enemies was based on the first story arc of the classic title, and now September 28 sees the release of the much loved Jeph Loeb/Michael Turner arc which saw the debut of the new Supergirl. All the details you need to know are below, including the fact that the original actors behind the cartoon versions of Superman and Batman are once more teaming up. Woo hoo!

THE END IS NEAR

WORLD’S FINEST WAGE WAR WITH DARKSEID IN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGNAL MOVIE

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE AVAILABLE FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Andre Braugher, Summer Glau, Ed Asner join popular voices Kevin Conroy & Tim Daly;

New DC Showcase GREEN ARROW on Special Edition Blu-ray & 2-Disc Special Edition DVD

To save an earthbound Kryptonian, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight unite once again – this time to battle the powerful forces of Darkseid – in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, the ninth entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies coming September 28, 2010 from Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation. The highly anticipated, full-length film will be distributed by Warner Home Video as a Special Edition Blu-Ray™ and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD as well as single disc DVD. The film will also be available On Demand and for Download.

Fan favorites Tim Daly (Private Practice) and Kevin Conroy (China Beach) return to their seminal roles as Superman and Batman, respectively. The celebrity-laden guest cast is headed by Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age) as the daunting Darkseid. Sci-Fi heroine Summer Glau (Serenity/Firefly, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) provides the voice of Supergirl, and seven-time Emmy Award winner Ed Asner (Up) reprises his Superman: The Animated Series/Justice League role as Granny Goodness.

Based on the DC Comics series/graphic novel “Superman/Batman: Supergirl” by Jeph Loeb, Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is produced by animation legend Bruce Timm and directed by Lauren Montgomery (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths) from a script by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Tab Murphy (Gorillas in the Mist).

After a spaceship splashes down in Gotham City Harbor, Batman and Superman encounter a mysterious Kryptonian with powers as great as those of the Man of Steel. The Kryptonian is soon revealed to be Kara, cousin of Superman, who takes her under his wing to educate her about the ways of Earth. However, the villainous Darkseid has other plans. Seeing an opportunity to finally defeat Superman, Darkseid abducts and gains control of Kara, utilizing the powerful Kryptonian to do his bidding. It’s up to Batman and Superman to save Kara, but they’ll have to take the fight to Darkseid within his hostile world – where unknown, deadly threats lurk around every corner, including a brainwashed Kryptonian able to match Superman blow-for-blow.

In addition to the feature film, the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Special Edition Blu-Ray™ and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD include the third DC Showcase animated short, Green Arrow. Screenwriter Greg Weisman’s story finds Oliver Queen at the Star City International Airport to pick up his girlfriend, only to be forced into action as Green Arrow to protect the 10-year-old Princess of Vlatava from his old nemesis Merlyn the Magnificent and the League of Assassins. The short features the voices of Neal McDonough (Desperate Housewives) and Malcolm McDowell (Entourage). Bruce Timm is executive producer.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse 2-Disc Special Edition DVD features more than 1 1/2 hours of exciting extra content, including:

• Feature film (est. 75 min)

• DC Showcase: Green Arrow (10 min)

• Sneak Peak at the Next DC Universe Animated Original Movie (10 min)

• Featurette: Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton – A comprehensive look at The Maiden of Might from her introduction in the classic age of comics to her death in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event to her appearance on Smallville and beyond.

• 2 bonus episodes from animated television series handpicked by Bruce Timm

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Special Edition Blu-Ray™ will include more than 2 1/2 hours of intriguing bonus features, starting with all of the content available on the 2-Disc Special Edition DVD and adding:

• All-New Featurette: The New Gods – This documentary covers Darkseid’s story, particularly in reference to the adaptation of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. A primer on the wealth of material and stories contained in the New Gods series, along with a deeper understanding of why these characters – and especially Darkseid – are so memorable and important to the DC pantheon.

• All-New Featurette Pods

• Orion – The mightiest warrior on either New Genesis or Apokolips, Orion follows an almost Shakespearean arc culminating in the slaying of his father, Darkseid. This mini-featurette shines a light on this classically tragic character.

Mister Miracle – This mini-featurette focuses on the greatest escape artist the universe has ever known and how he was traded in a peace effort to be raised by Darkseid, the enemy of all New Genesis.

• 2 additional bonus TV series episodes handpicked by Bruce Timm

• Digital copy on disc of the feature film

“Great things happen when powerful entities come together, and the partnership of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation is proud to continue this popular film series by once again uniting the two most popular characters in the DC Universe in a story that truly tests their strength, trust, loyalty, ingenuity and heroism,” said Matt Bierman, Senior Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.

“It is a testament to the larger-than-life nature of Jeph Loeb’s blockbuster storylines that two of the first nine DC Universe movies are based on his work,” said Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse lets us see Superman and Batman in action side-by-side again, but this time along with Supergirl and one of DC’s greatest villains, Darkseid.”

“Just as Superman and Batman stand atop the DC canon of characters, so do the respective seminal voices of Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy in the hearts and minds of fans. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse will no doubt please comic-centric and mainstream audiences alike – particularly in the performances of Daly and Conroy opposite dynamic actors like Andre Braugher and Ed Asner, and fanboy favorite Summer Glau,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands.

June 30, 2010
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Dark Horse Bring it up a Notch

Let’s face it, comics publishers are behind the game when it comes to blogs, leaving fans to pick up the slack. DC only got a blog a few months ago, but now Dark Horse is coming to the party. It launched on May 26 with little fanfare and this humble message.

Welcome to the Dark Horse Blog!

Swing on by every week for comics news, creator interviews, and exclusive content available no where else online! See something you like? Tell us about it in our comment section! Or is you’re feeling particularly ambitious, link to us on Twitter and Facebook. Check back every week and see what’s new at Darkhorse.com!

–Max Sato, Blog Guy

In the days since, though it’s been worth visiting, with previews of upcoming releases such as Hellboy and Star Wars and news such as Dark Horse’s recent exciting partnership with Toshiba and USA Today. Check out the Dark Horse blog here.

June 26, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Megamind Trailer

Brad Pitt as a superhero! Finally. Well, a DreamWorks “parody” anyway. Looking at the trailer, the Superman and Lex Luthor influence is strong. It could be hilarious, but will probably appeal to kids more than adults, or at least fanboys with kids perhaps. It opens November 5 and also stars Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill. The official description sounds like something from a new Mark Millar series.

From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda.” “Megamind” is the most brilliant supervillain the world has ever known. And the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way. Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as “Metro Man,” an invincible hero until the day Megamind actually kills him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, Megamind has no purpose. A supervillain without a superhero. He realizes that achieving his life’s ambition is the worst thing that ever happened to him.

June 25, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Lady Deadpool #1 Preview

Yes, the wisecracking ‘merc with the mouth’ is Marvel’s current favourite child, with more guest appearances and spin-offs than almost Wolverine. At least they’re not taking it too seriously though. Text-free preview of Lady Deadpool’s debut ish below.

Your First Look At Lady Deadpool #1!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Lady Deadpool #1, from the creative team of writer Mary H.K. Choi and artist Kenneth Lashley! In a future rife with poverty and hopelessness, the only thing left for Lady Deadpool is…cable TV? On a virtuous mission to reclaim the one thing she holds dear, Lady Deadpool must take down the government’s Boy Scout do-gooder, General America! Don’t miss everyone’s favorite female Merc With A Mouth in Lady Deadpool #1!

LADY DEADPOOL #1 (MAY100527)

Written by MARY H.K. CHOI

Pencils by KENNETH LASHLEY

Cover by GREG LAND
Parental Advisory… $3.99

FOC – 7/1/10, On-Sale – 7/21/10

June 23, 2010
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Green Hornet Trailer

Opening next year is this long delayed adaptation of the classic pulp hero, The Green Hornet. It stars Seth Rogen who appears to be the sidekick, rather than Jay Chou’s Kato and is directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind, Rewind). Cameron Diaz and Christolph Waltz also star. Throughout its development George Clooney and Jake Gyllenhaal have been attached and Kevin Smith wrote a screenplay (which has since been adapted into Dynamite’s excellent comic). Taking Rogen seriously, and especially as an action hero is a stretch, although he did come somewhat close in the hilarious Pineapple Express and the less funny Observe and Report. Of course, the last comedy star to become an action star was Will Smith, so maybe Rogen will surprise us all.

June 22, 2010
Categories: Movies . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dingo TPB Preview

On sale this Wednesday June 23 is a bunch of BOOM! goodies, including the latest issues of 7 Psycopaths and 28 Days Later, as well as more kid friendly material such as Disney’s Hero Squad: Ultraheroes and The Incredibles. Also available will be the Dingo TPB from the always reliable writer Michael Alan Nelson. Preview and official description below.

Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Drawn by Francesco Biagini
TPB, 120 pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99
Diamond Code: FEB100746
ISBN13: 9781608860197

The writer of HEXED and FALL OF CTHULHU brings you an all-new, all-nasty graphic novel! Dingo is man trying to get back something that was taken from him. A box. The contents of which will make Dingo stop at nothing to get it back. It’s a mystery that starts in Los Angeles and takes him to Vegas and beyond. Add in a very dangerous ex-wife, the biggest dog on the planet, and dark magic and you’ve got a recipe for disaster that’s a mix of pulp and urban fantasy. Don’t miss writer Michael Alan Nelson’s critical hit!

June 21, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Light of the Meta Day

Traditionally the second issue of a new series drops dramatically in sales. I can testify to that. I have countless #1s sitting in boxes, and that’s because I always like to give a new series a chance. Occasionally a new series will tick the right boxes and I’ll follow it through. Lately, I’ve discovered 3 such series.

The Light, simply put is awesome. Nathan Edmondson (Olympus) and Brett Weldele (The Surrogates) are creating the best work of their careers. This 5 part mini-series from Image is just magnificent in its storytelling simplicity. The elevator pitch would be something along the lines of, “troubled father and daughter try to survive a mysterious virus within light sources that is brutally killing anyone who looks directly into…the light.” Each issue has been better than the last, and that’s a rarity within any new mini. Edmondson knows just how to throw the right story morsels at the reader, leaving them wanting more. In this 3rd ish (of 5) Coyle and his daughter Avery run into 2 armed brothers, who are filled with confidence and a cavalier attitude to the madness surrounding them, ie, people dropping dead and the safety of darkness. My first reaction was to expect some sort of disturbing backstabbing behaviour from the pair, but Edmondson presents them as a helpful duo (though that may change next issue). That and the startling transformation of some victims into walking torches, and the effect of the virus on local birdlife proves that The Light is far more than just a cool concept without any surprises. See a preview here and you can also grab the first 2 issues in one new, handy book.

Meta4 is another 5 ish mini from Image. From creator Ted McKeever it is enjoyably weird, like a David Lynch film. Trying to explain it after just one issue in easy to grasp terms is somewhat difficult, but I’m hooked already. His sketchy art style should appeal to fans of Sam Kieth and he uses black and white with the same skill that Frank Miller does in Sin City. McKeever also worked on 3 books for DC’s Elseworlds line that re-imagined Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman through the lens of classic German Expressionist films. Man, I gotta get my hands on those. Well, Meta4 (assumedly a reference to “metaphor” which descriptions of future issues indicates) centres on an amnesiac dressed as an astronaut  who wanders in to a petrol station, gets accosted by a grotesque hillbilly and then saved by a manly woman dressed as Santa, whose name is Gasolina. So weird, yes but strangely mesmerising too. McKeever could go anywhere from here, and his experiments with captions, and symbols as speech works a treat.

Daytripper from Vertigo is a 10 issue mini-series. If you like Demo, then this is for you. Created by Brazilian brothers Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba (who worked with Matt Fraction on Casanova), the series follows former obituary writer and novelist Bras de Oliva Domingos throughout his life at different ages. This issue he attempts to track down an old college friend who mysteriously vanished years ago. Like every issue in this series, it looks like a vibrant dream and is filled with unexpected emotion.

June 20, 2010
Categories: New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Batman and Superman Fan Films

Two different approaches, for two very different DC characters.

First up is the 30 minute short film made by Bat in the Sun Productions,who also made the Joker-centric Patient J film in 2004. Their latest endeavour, City of Scars was made on a budget of $27, 000 and looks very impressive. It’s all suitably dark, with noir overtones. Batman looks great, as do Joker, Mr. Zsasz, Harley Quinn and Ventriloquist and Scarface. The plot is appropriately low key (Joker escapes Arkham Asylum and takes a boy hostage) befitting its fan made status. The Alex Ross inspiration seems obvious too, evidenced by Bruce’s imposing yet scarred body, the all black and grey costume, and the pose below. See the whole film  right here.

Another fan driven project is this first episode of this twelve part Superman web series, utilising live action, CGI and animation. It may not be as polished as City of Scars, but it’s a lot harder to make a good Superman film on a small budget. It features the expected supporting cast, plus Metallo, Toyman and Lex Luthor in future episodes by the looks of things. For the most part, the blend of different visual imagery works rather well. Follow the rest of the series at the team’s website.

June 20, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Black Panther Cartoon on iTunes

The long talked about animated series based on the recent series that brought the classic character to the front of the Marvel U once more is out next week. Full details below and more screen shots including Captain America, Black Knight and Juggernaut fighting a rhino (yep) right here.

Marvel Announces Release of BLACK PANTHER: WHO IS THE BLACK PANTHER?

Marvel Knights Animation is proud to announce Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther?, a twelve-episode, weekly, all-new series debuting on iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network on June 23rd.

Inspired by the acclaimed graphic novel from respected filmmaker/producer Reginald Hudlin and legendary comic book artist John Romita Jr, Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? introduces viewers to the Black Panther, the warrior king of Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation in the heart of Africa . As outside forces conspire to plunder this proud nation, the Black Panther will face his greatest threats as he meets Klaw, the man who murdered his father.

“The positive responses to news of the show have been so overwhelming, it’s great to finally make the Black Panther series available to everyone,” said Hudlin. “Audiences get caught up on many levels – seeing John Romita Jr’s art come to life; the quality of the voice work by an award winning cast; the boldness of the politics, the music and humor. But see it for yourself!”

Romita Jr added, “The reaction by any person, upon viewing footage of a black panther, is universal: Awe. There is no more elegant a creature on the face of the planet. The creation of the character by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, in a turbulent political time, maintained that quality. Reggie Hudlin’s updated version follows that and adds an amazing, cinematic flair to it.  In my opinion, reading, and now viewing, the Black Panther series is much akin to witnessing a panther in person. Enjoy the elegance of the story, the elegance of the actors, their voices, their words, and….the imagery.”

This exciting series also features the voices of major celebrities including Academy Award-nominee Djimon Hounsou as Black Panther; Jill Scott as Storm, Kerry Washington as Princess Shuri; Alfre Woodard as both  Dondi Reese and Queen Mother; Carl Lumbly as Uncle S’Yan; and comics legend Stan Lee in a special role.

Learn more about Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? right now at www.marvel.com/blackpanther

June 19, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 4 Comments

Awesome Star Wars and Tron Game Trailers

After two successful games set thousands of years before the Star Wars films, the Knights of the Old Republic franchise, (KOTOR for those in the know) is getting a MMORPG. The SW games aren’t always the greatest, but they always have the best trailers, as this beauty unveiled at the recent E3 conference attests.

Tron Legacy, the sequel to the 1982 fan fave film, opens on December 17. The game looks set to be just as shiny with a minimalist veneer of cool. Tron Evolution is out sometime this year, and is proof that Disney can have a grand film series for adults too (Pirates of the Caribbean doesn’t count).

Also unveiled at E3 was this brutal barrage for the Metal Gear Solid line of games. Gotta love the Japanese.

June 19, 2010
Categories: Games . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Wired on the iPad

This is something Dave and I have been talking about recently, regarding our Extra Sequential mag. We love paper, to be sure, but the digital horizon sure is exciting.

June 17, 2010
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Blue Boxing Beetles

This week 3 rather interesting and very different films (or rather 2 films and a TV show) unveiled a few first looks. Hugh Jackman’s latest film is called Real Steel and is directed by Shawn Levy who made Night at he Museum. Hmmm…not great so far, plus Jackman plays an ex-fighter who returns to the ring in the midst of robot boxing. This could be absurdly hilarious, or surprisingly awesome. It is based on a short story from Richard Matheson (I Am Legend) and was previously adapted in a Twilight Zone episode, so it may just be OK after all.

Geoff Johns’ new position as Chief Creative Officer isn’t slowing down his great writing of Green Lantern and Brightest Day. He’s also making fans happy with his tidbits of the Ryan Reynolds-starring GL film and this little peek at a possible live action Blue Beetle TV series. The latest incarnation is teenager Jaime Reyes and he’s the version that will be the focus of the show, if it happens. More of the screen test photos and details here.

Next year is the CGI/live action/3D Smurfs film. It looks to be yet another bland attempt to bring a beloved franchise screaming and kicking into today’s world. See the trailer below. Yes, it has an “epic” intro, “tantalsing” shots of the Smurfs loose in a big city and a “hip” re-imagining of the original TV show theme tune. How original. OK, that’s enough sarcasm for one day.

On a related note, here’s a cringe inducing piece on Dark Horizons about the upcoming Fraggle Rock movie and how the screen writer’s vision was rejected from the studio. The reason? It wasn’t edgy enough. I fear for today’s kids.

June 17, 2010
Categories: Movies . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Peter Milligan Interview

Over at Broken Frontier is my interview with British writer Peter Milligan, who has written everything from X-Force (during it’s controversial phase), Human Target and now Hellblazer and Greek Street for Vertigo. We mainly chatted about his new mini-series with Radical, After Dark and working on it with Hollywood bigwigs Antoine Fuqua and Wesley Snipes.

While you’re at BF, check out the latest issue of the weekly mag, The Frontiersman. Scott Pilgrim, Jonah Hex, Webcomic Factory and more. Download the PDF for free. Yay!

June 16, 2010
Categories: Interviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Science Dog and $1 Comics

Thanks to Image, here’s 2 good news press releases!

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE. FIGHT EVIL WITH SCIENCE!

SCIENCE DOG gets his first collection from Image Comics

Half man, half dog and all hero, Science Dog gets his first collection in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, coming this September from Image Comics. He’s INVINCIBLE’S favorite comic book character. Soon, he’ll be yours as well!

“In the INVINCIBLE universe, Science Dog is a superstar — comic books, movies, action figures — the works,” says writer Robert Kirkman. “This is a step toward making him the superstar he should be in our universe!”

“It’s exciting to finally see Science Dog in his own book,” adds artist Cory Walker. “The character is front and center in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, where he belongs.”

SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1 collects the never before reprinted Science Dog back-up stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50. This story leads right into the senses-shattering back-up story contained within INVINCIBLE #75. If you’re only reading INVINCIBLE in collected form, this is what you’ve been missing! Don’t miss out a second time!

SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, a 32-page full-color comic book collecting the Science Dog backup stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50, will be available for $3.50 on September 1, 2010.

TRY SOME, BUY SOME

Image Comics reprints the first issue of classic series in IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO

This Fall, Image Comics is re-presenting 10 first issues as an introduction to some of its most acclaimed titles. Each debut acts as a perfect primer to its corresponding ongoing series and collected editions. Starting September 1, 2010, and continuing through November, each reprinted first issue will be available for only $1.

“Response to Image Firsts has been phenomenal,” exclaims Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. “So, we are expanding the line with a second wave of IMAGE FIRSTS. Image Firsts is a fantastic way for readers to discover new titles and for retailers to introduce customers to Image’s unsurpassed backlist.”

IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE 2 shipping this September include:

IMAGE FIRSTS: THE DARKNESS #1

story GARTH ENNIS

art & cover MARC SILVESTRI

SEPTEMBER 1

IMAGE FIRSTS: LIBERTY MEADOWS #1

story FRANK CHO

art & cover FRANK CHO

SEPTEMBER 8

IMAGE FIRSTS: WANTED #1

story MARK MILLAR

art & cover J.G. JONES

SEPTEMBER 15

IMAGE FIRSTS: I KILL GIANTS #1

story JOE KELLY

art & cover J.M. KEN NIIMURA

SEPTEMBER 22

IMAGE FIRSTS: MAGE #1

story MATT WAGNER

art & cover MATT WAGNER

SEPTEMBER 29

Discover some of Image Comics’ best series in September with IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO, re-releasing the first issue of THE DARKNESS, LIBERTY MEADOWS, WANTED, I KILL GIANTS and MAGE for only $1.

Be on the lookout for more IMAGE FIRSTS in October and November!

June 16, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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