Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #3 Preview

From the writer of Hopeless Savages and Black Lightning: Year One and the artist of Robin: Year One comes this text-free preview of the penultimate ish of the new Black cat mini.

Your First Look At Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #3!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #3, from the acclaimed creative team of Jen Van Meter and Javier Pullido! The Kravens have set their sights on the Black Cat! Now, Felicia Hardy must face down the family who has made it their mission to take out Spider-Man and everyone he holds dear! Will the Black Cat luck out or will she fall before the dreaded Kravinoff family? Find out in Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Black Cat #3!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS: BLACK CAT #3 (JUN100547)

Written by JEN VAN METER

Penciled by JAVIER PULIDO

Cover by AMANDA CONNER

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 8/5/10, On-Sale – 8/25/10

Thor Comic Con Trailer

Over 5 minutes long, this is the trailer for the next film in Marvel’s Avengers puzzle. It hasn’t been officially released just yet, but surely will be soon. Combing small town drama and romance with Lord of the Rings grand fantasy and superhero action, it looks pretty good. It’s directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. Check out the trailer right here.

On a related note, below is the first trailer for the new cartoon series set to air on the Disney XD channel called Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. It looks somewhat bland and set for an audience a lot younger than the film will be, but DC have always had better animated offerings than Marvel, and they don’t use dated theme songs either.

Pilot Season: Stellar #1 Review

It’s been far too long since I’ve read anything from Top Cow, but I must say, it’s good to be back. Stellar is the latest offering from the Cow’s very smart Pilot Season initiative that sees a bunch of different one-shots compete for a mini-series. This batch is from Image partners Robert Kirkman (writer of The Walking Dead, Invincible) and superstar penciller Marc Silvestri.

Written by Kirkman, with art by Bernard Chang and cover by Silvestri, this is a very good example of how not to judge  a book by its cover. At first glance this may appear to be some sort of homage to the kinds of comics that were far too frequent last decade, ie, bad girl/good girl/sexy girl in a tight outfit fighting crime with mysterious poses, gravity defying poses and a basic plot that’s merely an excuse for all of that. However, upon further investigation, Stellar proves itself as a solid read, thanks mainly to the skilled Kirkman.

As he details in a closing page explaining the genesis of this concept, the book has the potential to go anywhere – to exotic planets with wild creatures and more and we get a tantalising glimpse of those concepts here, but based on these pages, I hope Stellar wins.

The premise for the book is an intriguing place to start. We’re not told the main character’s name, but can assume her nickname is Stellar. Essentially, she’s 1 of 5 soldiers who have been genetically enhanced on Earth. The powers are good, but the fact that the radiation within them causes other humans close to them to get sick is not so good. Nor is the fact that Stellar’s fellow volunteers were driven mad (and apparently evil) by the process. Stellar is the only one who desires to be a hero, so uses her powers to wander the universe doing just that, all the while aware she’s truly alone. All of that is a great spring board for an even greater tale, and Kirkman wisely drops hints about all this throughout each page turn. No awkward exposition here!

The issue begins with Stellar fending off a Rhino-Predatorsaurus type creature to find a healing herb for an old friend’s son, while recording in her journal, Captain Kirk-style. After some interesting developments including a possible romance, her feelings of loneliness and a foreboding offer she can’t refuse, Stellar’s world gets dangerous and complicated, and interesting.

Chang’s art is a nice blend of emotional moments and sci-fi splendour. His layouts are dynamic and there’s never a page without a  sense of drama or danger. Creatures and characters look real; leaning more towards Star Trek than Wars.

My vote’s on Stellar. Kirkman, as he reveals in his afterword, has a host of ideas for this book and I hope we get to see them. Stellar is but a tasty appetiser to what could be a potential buffet.

Days Missing: Kestus Covers

The first Days Missing series from Archaia was a bold, time tripping sci-fi tale (get it now in TPB!). The second series follows again follows the mysterious and powerful Steward in his endeavour to erase dark days from our history, while revealing more about him Official details below about the second volume and its impressive array of cover artists.

FIVE SUPERSTAR COVER ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR ARCHAIA AND RODDENBERRY’S ‘DAYS MISSING: KESTUS’

ALEX ROSS, DALE KEOWN AND DAVID MACK AMONG THE ARTISTS ILLUSTRATING THE COVERS TO THE SECONG VOLUME OF THIS HIT MINISERIES

At the Archaia: Black Label panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Archaia Entertainment and Roddenberry Productions proudly announced the all-star lineup of cover artists contributing to the second volume of the critically acclaimed comic book series DAYS MISSING.

A different artist will illustrate each of the five upcoming covers of Days Missing: Kestus, which launches in September. As previously announced, Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Astro City) will be creating the cover for issue #1. Jorge Molina (Marvel Superhero Team-Up, What If? Spiderman: House of M) will design the cover of issue #2, and Ryan Benjamin (Grifter/Midnighter, New Mutants) will lend his talents to the cover of issue #3. David Mack (Daredevil, Atomika) has signed on to draw issue #4’s cover, and Dale Keown (The Darkness, Pitt), who illustrated all of the covers for Days Missing volume 1, will return to illustrate the cover to issue #5.

“Each talented cover artist brings his own perspective of The Steward and Kestus to the series, which creates a richer, deeper understanding of these multi-layered characters,” said Roddenberry Productions Head of Development Trevor Roth.

Artist David Marquez (Syndrome: The Graphic Novel) will illustrate the pages of all five issues of the continuing epic, which fan-favorite and Eisner Award-nominated author Phil Hester (Firebreather, The Darkness, Green Arrow) will write.

Days Missing: Kestus continues the tale of The Steward, a mysterious being who has the ability to literally “fold” days of time, secretly removing critical days from history. At the end of the first series, hints were dropped that The Steward was not alone in his powers. The second series will focus on his relationship with a new being, Kestus, as well as more days for him to “fold.”

Hester and Marquez joined Archaia’s SDCC panel along with Roddenberry Productions’ CEO Rod Roddenberry. Fans were treated to a limited run, complimentary preview book written by Creator Trevor Roth and drawn by David Marquez.

“Archaia and Roddenberry Productions have assembled five of the best cover artists in the industry today to lend their talents to this exciting franchise,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “It just goes to show that Days Missing is one of the best science-fiction comics out there, and this new set of issues will not only just add to its popularity, but bring in new fans!”

Days Missing: Kestus will be published under Archaia’s new Black Label line of titles, which specializes in co-developing intellectual properties with prestigious partners who are seeking to flesh out and realize their original ideas through the use of Archaia’s resources.

Issue #1 of Days Missing Vol. 2: Kestus (five-issue miniseries, full color, $3.95, 32 pages, Diamond Order Code JUL10 0764) is set to debut in September wherever comic books are sold.

Future updates on the series, including preview images and other behind-the-scenes material, can be found at www.daysmissing.com.

Marvel’s Tron Comic

It looks like this is the first official collaboration between Marvel and Disney since their new merger, and they’ve picked a good film to partner with. Official details below.

Marvel Announces TRON: THE BETRAYAL

Marvel is proud to announce TRON: The Betrayal, a new two-issue limited series serializing the highly anticipated graphic novel from Disney Publishing Worldwide, tying into Walt Disney Pictures’ high-tech adventure TRON: Legacy, which hits U.S. theaters in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX 3D® on December 17, 2010. The limited two-issue series arrives in October and serves as a prequel to TRON: Legacy. Each extra-sized issue of TRON: The Betrayal features a new cover by superstar artist Salvador Larroca (Invincible Iron Man). Featuring art and stories by some of the top names in comics today, this all-new story extends upon the mythology of the world of TRON.

The storytelling picks up in the aftermath of Walt Disney Pictures’ first film in its franchise TRON. Kevin Flynn is now in charge of Encom, the world’s largest video game company. Kevin, a break-through game developer, has built the Grid, a digital world filled with living programs. This new virtual world is about to develop a life of its own and, in order to control it, Flynn’s going to need to help of an old friend…named Tron.

“Marvel Publishing is excited to bring Disney Book Group’s first TRON graphic novel to comic book fans in this limited series,” said Ruwan Jayatilleke, Marvel Senior Vice President, Development & Planning, Print, Animation and Digital Media. “So whether you’re new to TRON or a longtime fan, TRON: The Betrayal is an action-packed thrill-ride that will not disappoint!”

This October, experience this must-read story in TRON: The Betrayal #1 before TRON: Legacy lights up the big screen!

TRON: THE BETRAYAL #1 (of 2)

Written by JAI NITZ

Plot courtesy STARLIGHT RUNNER ENTERTAINMENT

Pencils by ANDIE TONG

Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA

Rated A…$3.99

ON SALE IN OCTOBER 2010

Sucker Punch Trailer

Opening March 25 next year is the new film from Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Starring Aussie Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens and other pretty young actresses the’50s set films focuses on a girl confined to a mental institution who escapes in a fantasy world. The wild trailer combines dragons, giant robots, burning zeppelins and a bunch of other cool stuff.

Green Lantern Film Posters

The character posters from Comic Con have now been unleashed upon the internet. They don’t reveal much, but it’s probably wise to have a subtle and slightly intriguing way to initially promote the film to non-fanboys who may be getting sick of superhero films. Below are posters of Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, Blake Lively as Carol Ferris/Star Sapphire, Mark Strong as Sinestro and Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond.

Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) the film opens on June 17 next year. Here’s the official synopsis.

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax … he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Under the posters is a great video from Comic Con in which Reynolds recites the Green Lantern oath. It can’t be easy to make it sound cool on the big screen, but Reynolds sure does here.

Daomu To The West

Press release below about Image bringing a popular, new Chinese comic to a Western audience. Curiously though, there’s no mention of the creator/s involved, not even on the cover. However it must be pretty awesome if Image swooped on it so quickly.

Image Comics and Concept Art House Bring China’s Best-Selling Daomu Series to the U.S.

First issue to arrive in stores this December

Image Comics and Concept Art House announced plans to release a series of Daomu comics based on one of China’s best-selling novel series. This will be Daomu’s debut in the U.S., following a successful graphic novel launch in China earlier this year. The upcoming comic book series is the first of several Daomu releases planned to include games, an animated series, and a feature film.

Daomu, which translates to “tomb raider,” explores an underground world that has been active in China for thousands of years. After witnessing his father’s violent murder, Sean Liu discovers that his family belongs to a secret society of tomb raiders. Led by his uncle, Sean joins an elite team of Daomu to go deep underground in search of answers. Who are they? Who—or what—killed Sean’s father? And what horrors await beneath the earth’s surface? With a distinctive digital art style and high-energy adventures steeped in Chinese tradition and superstition, the comic series will follow Sean’s coming of age as a modern-day tomb raider and his quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s death.

The Daomu Bi Ji or “tomb raider’s journal” novel series on which the comics are based has become a sensation in China since its debut in 2007, reaching well over 20 million fans. Concept Art House, a leading digital art and entertainment company with a focus on transmedia storytelling, is responsible for the popular novel’s conversion to graphic format. Their first Daomu graphic novel released in Asia in early 2010 and quickly secured the #2 spot on Dangdang.com, China’s leading ecommerce website. Though Western audiences have long embraced Japanese comics and cartoons, Daomu’s arrival in the U.S. is a first for a high-profile Chinese entertainment property.

“The quality of comics in China is exceptional,” says Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “Daomu is no exception. Daomu has exemplary digital art and an outstanding story. We’re excited to be bringing this amazing graphic novel to the United States for its first English translation.”

“American comics are extremely popular among Chinese comic book fans due to their great stories and amazing artwork. We believe the American audience will love Daomu for the same reasons,” says James Zhang, Concept Art House’s CEO. “Image is a great partner, not only because they understand quality art and story, but also because they truly respect the creator’s vision. We’re thrilled to be working with Image to introduce Daomu to the U.S.”

Intended for readers ages 13 and up, the first Daomu comic book will release this winter. To learn more, visit Image Comics at http://www.imagecomics.com.

DCUO Trailer

Sony’s new DC Universe Online multiplayer game will finally be released in November. I’ve often thought that a CGI superhero film would be the way to truly capture the grandeur of the comics, as it sells the fantasy much more easily. A live action adaptation means studios are more inclined to forego spandex in favour of more realistic leather costumes, but a CGI film would  make that redundant. A look at the new trailer below and you’ll know what I mean. Epic battles, drama and costumed characters fighting each other without holding back. Awesome stuff. Watch the trailer all the way to the end so it makes more sense.

All About The Avengers

That was the focus of events at Comic Con today, apart from an incident in which someone was stabbed in the eye with a pen earlier during the day. Samuel L. Jackson introduced the now official cast of the Avengers film, including new members Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) as archer Hawkeye, Mark Ruffalo (Shutter Island) as Bruce Banner, and fan fave director Joss Whedon. Also below is the new logo for the 2012 film, as well as the Destroyer suit of armour seen on the Con floor that will be seen in next year’s Thor film.

Young Justice Cartoon Sneak Peek

I have to admit, I’m getting more excited about DC’s new animated series and films than I am about most of their comics these days. Just screened at Comic Con was this little gem; a behind the scenes look at the new Young Justice series, with producers Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti. With the new Aqualad, plus less familiar characters to outsiders, such as Artemis, Miss Martian and Speedy/Red Arrow, this looks set to be a ‘toon for older viewers than Batman: The Brave and the Bold. What’s interesting about this series is a 16 strong Justice League, a new DC Universe (Superman has only been around for a decade) and a teen cast, some of whom will die. Plus the sleek designs look similar to those in the recent Crisis on Two Earths film.

New Tron Legacy Trailer

Unveiled at Comic Con is the brand new trailer for Tron Legacy, the sequel to the 1982 classic. The film stars original actors Jeff Bridges (in both current and de-aged forms) and Bruce Boxleitner and opens December 16. The more I see from this film, the more excited I get.

Comic Movie News

It’s no surprise that big reveals of upcoming comic films are being shown before, and as, San Diego Comic Con starts today. Below are pics of Abin Sur from next year’s Green Lantern film. He’s the dying alien that gives his power ring to Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds. See more photos here.

Here’s a pic of muscular Aussie Chris Hemsworth as Thor in next year’s film, as he retrieves his powerful hammer Mjolnir.

Finally here’s a teaser for The Goon animated film, based on the Dark Horse series from Eric Powell. It stars Paul Giammati (Sideways, Shoot ‘Em Up) as sidekick Frankie and is apparently directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Panic Room).

The Light #4 Review

My review of the penultimate issue of this excellent mini-series from Image is now up at Broken Frontier. Every issue has been a winner.