I so want to see this. Much like Scott Pilgrim is an ode to ’90s video games (and more), The Expendables is a love letter, written in blood, to my favourite ’80s manly action flicks. The most glaring thing about the poster to Stallone’s cinematic testosteronic spectacle is not Arnie’s absence, but the fact that apparently Dolph Lundgren as He-Man in 1987’s Masters of the Universe film killed 41 people. What?! Wow.
My local newspaper The West Australian had an article today on local Perth comics publisher Gestalt about their success at July’s San Diego Comic Con and their new books Rombies and Changing Ways. You can read the whole article right here.
Now while I freely admit any news is good news when it comes to putting a well deserved spotlight on comics, my skin starts to turn a pale shade of Hulk-green when I count numerous errors in the coverage, as I did today. Using “editions” instead of issues is the first warning sign, though certainly a minor one. Making publisher Dark Horse into “Darkhorse” is another fault. However the real errors can be found in one of the last paragraphs.
He said WA had already produced major comic artists, including Ben Templeman, who co-created 30 Days of Night, Ashley Wood, of Spawn fame, Shane McCarthy, who draws for Batman and Transformers, and Justin Randall, who created Changing Ways.
Thankfully The West’s website made the correction to Ben Templesmith’s name (the printed version calls him “Ben Templeman.”) They also mention Shane McCarthy draws Batman and Transformers. Wrong again West. He has written for both series, and they only interviewed McCarthy in March! So that’s an error for almost every paragraph. Wow. Don’t reporters take notes anymore? A 2 minute Google search would’ve made sure none of these happened, at least.
OK, rant over, but please writers for The West. I, and my fellow comic readers, really do appreciate the coverage. Just give me a call next time and I’ll gladly offer my fact checking services for free!
From writer Mark Millar (Civil War, Nemesis, Kick-Ass) comes his next project, a magazine featuring a bunch of comics including Kick-Ass 2, and more, from some talented British creators. Trailer below. The mag goes on sale on September 2.
The ground breaking Iron Man storyline Extremis recently received the motion comic treatment and now those episodes are being released on one handy DVD. Official info below.
This Fall, fans can experience the non-stop action and thrilling adventures of IRON MAN in a whole new way! On November 30, 2010, Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation, will debut IRON MAN – EXTREMIS on DVD for the first time. This is the latest release from the enormously successful IRON MAN series created by Marvel Knights Animation and distributed by Shout! Factory for home entertainment.
Adapting the critically acclaimed storyline by superstars Warren Ellis and Adi Granov, Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man) faces his greatest threat ever – a terrorist transformed into an unstoppable force with the powerful bio-engineered Extremis super-soldier serum! Now Tony Stark redefines Iron Man’s mission for the 21st century, setting the Armored Avenger in a new direction that will alter his life forever…if he can find a way to defeat a modern day nightmare!
Featuring heart-pumping animation and special effects, the collectible IRON MAN – EXTREMIS DVD features six can’t miss episodes from the multi-part series and a spectacular array of exciting bonus content – all collected in a unique replica of comic book-style packaging that bridges the comic book to DVD concept. A must have for fans of comic books, IRON MAN – EXTREMIS DVD is priced to own at $14.97.
Special DVD Bonus Features include:
· A Conversation With Adi Granov
· Behind-The-Scenes Look At Marvel Knights Animation
· Marvel Super Heroes™: What The —? Starring Iron Man
· Visual History Of Iron Man
· Exclusive Music Video
· Trailers
…and More!
Direct from the pages of the critically acclaimed comic books, Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the legendary Marvel experience of sophisticated storytelling and dynamic artwork. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Joss Whedon, Brian Michael Bendis, Warren Ellis, John Cassaday and Adi Granov. Boasting groundbreaking graphics, sensational soundscapes and, of course, the explosiveness of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Knights Animation merges iconic Marvel comic book graphics and dynamic animation, utilizing some of the latest technology to provide incredible, cutting-edge, in-your-face storytelling. A wonderful hybrid that incorporates all of Marvel’s greatest talents, viewers can experience their favorite comics, as the spectacular visions of these authors and artists come alive in Marvel Knights Animation.
A couple of good trailers, and hopefully good films, have been released recently.
Gareth Edwards’ film, simply entitled Monsters, seems almost like a one man band, as Edwards is the writer, director and visual effects artist. Inspired by Jurassic Park, the film follows 2 people as they traverse a quarantined part of Mexico, while the Mexican and U.S armies battle a bunch of creatures. It opens on October 29 in America and in November 12 in the UK.
Guillermo del Toro has carved out quite the niche for himself in the last few years, as director (the 2 Hellboy films), writer (Splice), producer (The Orphanage) or as all 3 (The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth). His next film, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark stars Katie Holmes and Aussie Guy Pearce. Co-written and produced by del Toro, the film tells of a young girl who discovers monsters in her family’s new house. It opens on January 21 next year. Effectively creepy trailer of the film, which is a remake of a 1973 TV movie, below.
Thanks to the just released solicitations for DC Comics’ November releasing goodies, we have our first look at the new duds of Batman, AKA the resurrected Bruce Wayne. There are only slight alterations, but more than what former Robin Dick Grayson applied when he donned the cowl during Bruce’s supposed death. What happens to Dick now that Bruce is back, and whether Bruce’s illegitimate son, Damian Wayne will stay on as Robin, remains to be seen.
Wallpaper worthy covers and official info below.
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH
Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
BATMAN, INC. #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:200 Sketch variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can’t-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don’t miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
BRIGHTEST DAY #13-14
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS
Don’t miss the hottest event in comics as BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the search for a new White Lantern. And Martian Manhunter returns to Mars as we discover the origin of the creature mysteriously stalking him. Plus, the evil within Firestorm now haunts Professor Stein! And Hawkman: betrayed!
Retailers please note: These issues ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Issue #13 on sale NOVEMBER 3
Issue #14 on sale NOVEMBER 17
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Just to prove that we’re not a one hit, or one podcast, wonder, myself and my good friend Mladen are back for round two of our comic book/pop culture podcast! Now with improved audio and funnier jokes! Chapter times below.
Listen to the episode below, or download it here.
1:23 NEWS
The much delayed Spider-Man Broadway musical, how Star Wars could’ve ended, Neil Gaiman vs Todd McFarlane about Spawn characters, record breaking One Piece sales and the Reel Anime festival in Australia.
13:15
Manga sales compared to comic sales in the West
15:55 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING/WATCHING
Inception, KING! #1, Batman: Under The Red Hood, Battlestar Galactica, Hellblazer: Hooked and Black Hole and detours into the multitude of Robins, Batman Beyond, dead superheroines and the unfunny Bubba Ho-tep film.
39:22 Trade Swap
Asterix! The hugely popular French series is new to myself, but is very familiar to my cohort Mladen. We discuss its origins, success and the animated and live action films. Also – suede pants, theme parks, French puns and dogs in catapults.
50:43 Theme – Vanity Projects
Sometimes creators get so successful that their name alone can be a selling point, regardless of the quality of the content. Not all such projects are bad though. We yak about the recent work of Alan Moore, Dave Sim, Frank Miller, Neal Adams and a few more.
77:25 WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Comic Twart – a different character each week, drawn by a variety of artists. Check it out here. We also meander to Antarctic Press’ Time Lincoln: Fists of Fuhrer, Sandman, different types of triangles and next week’s topics, which will be the Scott Pilgrim comics and film, Eisner Award winners and Harvey nominees including our looks at Darwyn Cooke’s Hunter and Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli.
Man, oh man, what a great film. I’ve been a fan of the great series of graphic novels by creator Bryan Lee O’Malley since I picked up Volume 1 last year. Since 2004 there have been 6 of the enchanting black and white digests, with the final volume, entitled, Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour, having just been released.
The books, from publisher Oni Press, centre on slacker Scott Pilgrim, who in his own words remarks,”I don’t need fun to have a good time.” Basically the story is like a manic soap opera that wears its much loved influences boldly on its sleeve. Those influences include pop culture, from comics to video games and classic TV series, and O’Malley manages to weave all that and more in his seemingly rambling, but not really, tale of Scott and his numerous friends as he must defeat the 7 evil exes of the new love of his life, Romana Flowers. Perhaps the trailer can explain it better than I can.
There couldn’t be a better director for the film version than Edgar Wright. The British director has proved his love of pop culture is as evident as O’Malley’s in his TV series Spaced, and showed that he knows how to combine heartfelt drama, comedy and wild action with his first two films, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
This was always going to be a hard film to make, not merely because there’s over 1000 pages of source material, but also because it’s not a straight forward tale, with its ever growing cast of characters and a concept that may be hard to grasp for some. As a loyal reader, I can honestly say that the movie exceeded my expectations. Michael Cera (TV’s Arrested Development, Juno) was the only logical choice for the confused, yet dedicated man-boy that is Scott Pilgrim, while Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Die Hard 4) lays on quiet charm and beauty as the object of his affection and relative newcomer Ellen Wong is great as Knives Chau, the immature teenager that Scott is dating at the film’s beginning, and who is also a huge fan of Scott’s average band Sex Bob-Omb.
The evil exes don’t appear for long, as there are seven to get through after all, but thankfully they are played very well and the battles that are sprinkled throughout the film are unique and visually remarkable. Comic book fans have more reason to see this film, as Chris Evans, who has played The Human Torch in Fantastic Four and is currently acting as Captain America in next year’s film shows up as ex-skateboarder/current hammy action star Lucas Lee, while Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh is a mindreading Vegan and Jason Schwatrzman arrives at the climax as mastermind Gideon Graves, the man behind the League of Evil Exes. Thomas Jane (The Punisher) and Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek) also show up as Vegan cops.
With its cast of sometimes selfish friends and a world charmingly placed in fantasy land, in which fights resemble something from a frantic video game, it won’t be for everybody, and the first half is more concerned with hilarious jokes and visual gags, while issues of love and maturity are the focus of the second half.
You’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the comics, and don’t mind going with the rich and hypnotic world in which Pilgrim is set. This is not a film for those who like cinema to reflect reality. However, it does have a surprisingly emotional centre (more so than even the comics) and an unashamed sense of child-like, and often childish, fun. Filled with a hectic pace, yet never seeming rushed, it explodes onto the screen like a multicoloured volcano and entices you to pay attention lest you miss a joke. There are plenty of those here, whether it be a running gag about Pilgrim’s haircut or a scene complete with the Seinfeld theme and a laugh track. Yep, charming nonsense has a new name and it is Scott Pilgrim.
Oh, and this is what I’d look like in Scott Pilgrim’s world. See yourself right here.
Publisher Oni Press have wisely made the most out of the attention they’ve been getting with the Scott Pilgrim film and Bryan Lee O’Malley’s last volume in the excellent series, both of which I’m hoping to enjoy tomorrow.
I just noticed that they’ve also relaunched their site, with a bunch of features, including a Twitter feed from its talented creators and a host of classy previews. Check it out here and an interview with Oni publisher Joe Nozemack about translating their comics for the cinema screen here.
As a bonus, here’s a short trailer for the nostalgic side-scrolling Scott Pilgrim game, now with a code for zombie fun!
The Hulk family continues to grow with this new series. Details and text-free preview below.
Marvel Announces She-Hulks #1!
Prepare to see green as She-Hulks #1 hits comic shops everywhere this November! Spinning out of World War Hulks, rising-stars Harrison Wilcox and Ryan Stegman bring fans the incredible alliance of the Sensational She-Hulk Jen Walters and Lyra the Savage She-Hulk! When the fugitive members of the Intelligencia escape, this gamma-fueled duo are hot on their tails to make them pay for their crimes against humanity! Klaw, Mad Thinker, Red Ghost, Trapster, and Wizard tried to take over the world but now they must answer to the She-Hulks. Filled to the brim with non-stop action and covers by superstar artist Ed McGuiness, fans can’t miss this exciting new series that will send shockwaves throughout the entire Hulk landscape!
SHE-HULKS #1
Written by HARRISON WILCOX
Penciled by RYAN STEGMAN
Cover by ED McGUINNESS
Rated A …$3.99
On-Sale This NOVEMBER!
Thanks to Marvel, here’s a text-free preview, under a gorgeous Alex Ross cover, showing Marvel’s first superhero team from WWII reunited. Perty pics and details below.
Your First Look At INVADERS NOW!
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Invaders Now #1, from superstar creator Alex Ross, writer Christos Gage, and artist Caio Reiss, with packaging by Dynamite Entertainment!! For the first time in decades, the original Invaders are alive and active at the same time. When a mysterious force from the past brings the Invaders together, they must do battle like never before! Featuring Captain America , Namor, the original Human Torch, Steve Rogers and more, Invaders Now #1 brings back this incomparable team for an all-new adventure!
INVADERS NOW #1 (JUL100588)
INVADERS NOW #1 BUSCEMA VARIANT (JUL100590)
INVADERS NOW #1 GRANOV VARIANT (JUL100589)
INVADERS NOW #1 ROSS SKETCH VARIANT (JUL100591)
Story by ALEX ROSS & CHRISTOS GAGE
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by CAIO REISS
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Variant Cover by SAL BUSCEMA
Variant Cover by ADI GRANOV
Sketch Variant by ALEX ROSS
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 8/19/10, On-Sale – 9/9/10
The 9th issue of the free, digital mag from Broken Frontier has now been released. In its pages you’ll find a review of Scott Pilgrim’s cinematic adventure, a look at Ex Machina, a history of the Young Avengers and much more, including my interview with Chandra Free, creator of October’s OGN The God Machine from Archaia.
I’ve been waiting for Warner Bros./DC to do something like this for a while. They’ve had plenty of practice with all the bonus features they’ve been putting on their animated film DVDs. Now comes this Ryan Reynolds-nararted doco about the history of the publisher, with plenty of nods to adaptations in to other media by the looks of it. Details, trailer and great cover below.
SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS
RIVETING DOCUMENTARY NARRATED BY RYAN REYNOLDS CELEBRATES THE CREATIVE
TALENT BEHIND THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER HEROES
WARNER HOME VIDEO TO DISTRIBUTE DVD NOV. 9
Warner Bros. Pictures presents an enthralling examination of the creative forces behind the World’s Greatest Super Heroes in Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics, an all-new documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic company with unprecedented access to the Warner Bros. and DC Comics archives. Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will be distributed by Warner Home Video on November 9, 2010 on DVD for $24.98 (SRP). Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics will also
be available On Demand and for Download.
Behind the amazing tales of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and a host of other well-known characters is the equally impressive story of the challenges, creativity and triumphs of the company that brought those
characters to life. Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is both a celebration of the best writers and artists in comics and a thoughtful exploration of 75 years of DC Comics history.
Produced by the Academy Award ® -nominated team behind Spellbound (Feature Documentary), Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics combines excerpts from comics, films and television series with the insight of
some of history’s most influential comic book creators and editors, among them Neal Adams, Karen Berger, Mike Carlin, Dan DiDio, Neil Gaiman, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Paul Levitz, Dwayne McDuffie, Grant
Morrison, Dennis O’Neil, Paul Pope, Louise Simonson, Mark Waid, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman.
Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is written and directed by Mac Carter. Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound, The Office) served as executive producer. Producer is Gregory Noveck and co-producer is Ivan Cohen.
Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is produced by Sean Welch and Janet Eckholm.
“From the bans to the breakthroughs, from humble pulp beginnings to the literary rise of the graphic novel, the story of DC Comics holds a mirror to an ever-evolving enterprise and the society reflected in its comic book pages,” said Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment. “It’s a true American story – Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics is a riveting, exciting, surprising revelation of that fascinating history and the men and women who forged it.”
This looks like another great book from Archaia. Press release below about this unique OGN, that will be in shops in November.
ARCHAIA UNVEILS FINAL COVER TO ‘RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN’ ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL FAIRY TALE BY JIM MCCANN AND JANET LEE FEATURES COVER DESIGN BY EISNER AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER TODD KLEIN
Turning to one of the most well-respected designers in the comics industry to create an elaborate cover for one of 2010’s most anxiously awaited titles, Archaia revealed the final cover to RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, designed by the award-winning Todd Klein (America’s Best Comics). RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (with pre-order sales nearing 5,000 units even before official solicitation) is the highly anticipated all-ages title coming from writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed and award-winning visual artist Janet Lee.
“Having a master designer like Todd Klein on board Team Dapper is a great honor,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “I’ve been talking for months about how special this book is, and how much fun it is as an editor to be working on a fairy tale entirely unlike anything seen in comics before. With Todd joining creators Jim McCann and Janet Lee as we bring Dapper down the homestretch to publication, I can promise readers that this is one of those instances where the quality and artistry of this book lives up to the hype!”
The cover draws in many influences both within literature and without. “We wanted to go for a timeless feel, given both the importance that time plays in the story and the fact that this is a sort of classic fairy tale of old with some modern twists,” explained McCann. Janet Lee’s stunning découpage art is featured prominently in the cover design. “I love the look of books from the turn-of-the-century and classic children’s fiction. I love how they incorporate filigree and natural elements with illustrations that are now iconic,” said an excited Lee. “Todd was able to reference that feel and yet make it very today.”
RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5” x 11”, $24.95) is a visually stunning fairy tale that combines steampunk with fantasy and science fiction with Renaissance style. Together, McCann and Lee have created a world where J. M. Barrie, Lewis Carroll and Maurice Sendak meet Jim Henson and Tim Burton—all sharply dressed in a pin-stripe suit and a dapper bowler hat!
“Seeing this whole package come together with this level of production and talent involved, along with more surprises to be announced in the coming weeks, is a dream come true,” beamed McCann. “Knowing that Archaia is behind us and recognizing their established high quality production values in their hardcovers makes RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN even more exciting as it gets closer to hitting shelves!”
A limited amount of advance copies of the RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN hardcover will be available at New York Comic Con (Oct. 8-10 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, NY) and will go on sale in comic shops and wherever books are sold in November. To pre-order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905.
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