The Intrepids From Image

Looks like Image Comics has another intriguing creation on their hands. By the cover and description, it reminds me of a fun, modern Doom Patrol or rather, The Losers. Neato. Plus, I prefer the new title for this series.

The Intrepids is a 6 ish mini and you can check out a great preview of the debut issue, plus an honest offering of the genesis of the project at the official site.

MAD SCIENTISTS ARE A GIRL’S WORST ENEMY

New Title The Intrepids Arrives in March

Mad scientists are a disease and this March, fans will meet the cure: THE INTREPIDS! Image Comics continues to promote the best new talent by introducing this six-issue miniseries by the up and coming creative team of writer Kurtis Wiebe and artist Scott Kowalchuk.

THE INTREPIDS are a collection of runaway homeless teenagers that have been taken in and cared for by an aging inventor named Dante. Applying his brilliance, he crafts marvelous technological contraptions and with his vision and help, the motley crew he has assembled agree to use his gadgets for the betterment of mankind. Together, they combat tyranny and stop madmen from bringing harm to the world!

“THE INTREPIDS is a James Bond-style action-adventure that takes mad science to new heights. It’ll be wild, it’ll be action packed and it’ll have sexy dames with rocket packs!” says Wiebe. “It’s really our best case scenario to be publishing this book with Image. They’ve been producing some of the most engaging work in comics.”

“Kurtis and I have had a lot of fun developing this book,” adds Kowalchuk. “That fun will shine through. We’re extremely proud of the series, and we hope the fans will have as good a time with it as we do!”

Originally announced with the title of RAT BASTARDS, THE INTREPIDS reverted to the series’ original name to avoid a trademark conflict with a previously published title.

THE INTREPIDS #1 (JAN110555), a 24-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores on March 2, 2011. Meet the INTREPIDS at www.theintrepids.com.

February 3, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #26-Action!

74 mins. We dissect how action is portrayed in comics, and also talk about the questionable manliness of Jude Law, and the cost efficiency of choking vs lightsabers.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE, ON ITUNES OR MIXCLOUD

1:17 NEWS

Brit actor Henry Cavill cast as the next big screen Superman

5:30 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Alternate ending of Scott Pilgrim vs the World, the classic spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West, Darth Vader and the Lost Command, and WE3

19:04 ACTION (IN) COMICS!

We define Subjective and Objective action and examine such things as:

Joker killing the 2nd Robin, Jason Todd

Frank Miller’s work as seen in The Dark Knight Returns and Daredevil, Alan Moore’s work in the Batgirl crippling Killing Joke

the explosion of pointless, and long, fight scenes in superhero comics in the ’90s

how motion is portrayed and the influence of manga
the importance of sound effects
and the lack of car chases in American comics

February 3, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

DC’s Stars of the Screen

Bleeding Cool managed to get a draft of the back-on-again live action Wonder Woman TV show by David E. Kelley, creator of Ally McBeal. The more I read of it, the queasier I got. Please let this be a really early April Fool’s joke. See their major spoiler free analysis here and a snippet below.

Well, this Wonder Woman:

Identifies with ET the Extra Terrestrial when his movie comes on TV.

Really loves planes. Like really.

Pines for Steve like Carrie for Big.

Wants to belong and be “among” people, not just “with” them.

Sings along to the radio in multiple scenes – but nothing with a hairbrush in front of the mirror just yet.

Doesn’t like being “marketed, commercialized, merchandised”, though she is – there’s a joke about Wonder Woman tie-in dolls having their costumes redesigned that seems to reference the recent makeover for the comics.

When she’s Diana Prince she’s a mousey Miley Stewart, when she’s Diana Themiscyra she’s the Hanna Montana of businesswomen, and when she’s Wonder Woman she’s Wonder Woman – which is precisely twice in the whole episode.

Is a capitalist.

Puts on her PJs for an ice-cream filled sleepover with best friend Myndi.

CBR has an interview with Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti, the producers of the new Young Justice cartoon, that I really want to be shown here in Oz. I like the choice of characters and the Teen Titans as a black ops team working for the JLA approach.

Here’s a just released video, that’s supposed to be a trailer but looks like an in-game cinematic. Not that it matters, it’s awesome, with a future Batman and Lex teaming up. Sort of. Titled In Lex We Trust it’s from the new DC Universe Online game from Sony.

Finally in DC news, the publisher is teaming up with the Hero Initiative , a great company that all us fanboys should support. Details and snazzy art of the project below.

The Hero Initiative, a charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need, most proudly announces their new partnership in the Justice League Of America #50 project with DC Comics. This is the first collaboration with DC comics ever and Hero is chomping at the bit to pull the collection together. The call has gone out and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. DC has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of Justice League Of America #50 to Hero, and work is being created by well-known stars such as Jim Lee, Alex Ross, George Perez, Jason Bone, Jim Valentino, and many many more.

“It’s an honor to participate, not only because this is the first time DC Comics is collaborating with Hero Initiative, but because Hero Initiative is such an important organization to our community” said Jim Lee, artist and Co-Publisher of DC Comics.

“We’re thrilled to be working in new ways with DC Comics, and showcasing some of the greatest artists and greatest characters in the world,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “And of course, sales of the covers and the collected book will go toward helping many other comic creators in need.”

All 100 original Justice League Of America covers will be published in a book slated for release in 2011, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.

February 2, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Games, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Henry Cavill is Superman

This photo is set to be plastered all over the geekosphere, as Brit actor Henry Cavill has just officially been cast as Superman in the latest reboot. Non-American actors are doing well in superhero roles these days. Brit Andrew Garfield is Spider-Man, Brit Christian Bale is Batman and Aussie Chris Hemsworth is Thor.

Cavill is known primarily for his role in TV’s The Tudors, and the 6’1″ actor certainly looks like he could portray the Man of Steel on screen and as he’s only 27 he could play the part for a sequel or two (and maybe even the Justice League film!).

Director Zack Snyder’s (300, Watchmen) film is set for a December 2012 release.

January 31, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Read True Grit Comic for Free

A prequel comic to the new True Grit film from the Coen Brothers starring Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon can be read for free at comiXology right now. It’s black and white and not a bad way to promote the film. There’s no credits in the Paramount commissioned comic itself but according to Bleeding Cool, it’s written by Dan Light and Ben Read with art by Christian Wildgoose. It’s also available in 7 languages.

January 29, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Final Fantastic Four Teaser and Preview

Since this week’s death in FF the team have been in the news, and will continue to be on fans’ minds, with the release of next month’s final issue. Teaser for said issue below, but don’t worry, Marvel’s First Family will return in the new FF series by Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting on March 23. If you don’t want to know which member of the FF died, don’t scroll down – whatever you do!

FANTASTIC FOUR #588 – The Final Issue!

FANTASTIC FOUR #588 (DEC100592)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Penciled by NICK DRAGOTTA

Cover by ALAN DAVIS

Rated A …$3.99

FOC – 1/31/11, On Sale 2/23/11

Your First Look at the FINAL ISSUE OF FANTASTIC FOUR!

The end of the Fantastic Four is here! Huge choices that dramatically impact the Marvel Universe are made this February in Fantastic Four #588, from the superstar creative team of Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta and Mark Brooks! Following up on the sold-out hit Fantastic Four #587, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the FINAL issue of the long-standing series, guest starring all your favorite Marvel heroes! But the story isn’t over yet because where one door closes, another opens. It’s now up to Reed, Sue, and Ben to make life-changing decisions of their own volition that set them on a course destined to change the Marvel Universe in Johnny’s honor!

“The reaction from fans and retailers to Fantastic Four #587 was overwhelming and we’re excited to show fans, who have been chomping at the bit, to see what’s next!” exclaims SVP of Sales, David Gabriel. “It may be the end of the series, but it’s the beginning of something much bigger.”

Say your final farewells to the Fantastic Four, this February in Fantastic Four #588!

FANTASTIC FOUR #588 (DEC100592)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Penciled by NICK DRAGOTTA & MARK BROOKS

Cover by ALAN DAVIS

Rated A …$3.99

FOC – 1/31/11, On Sale 2/23/11

January 28, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Win an iPad From DC Comics

If you’re a U.S resident, you have until Jan 31 to enter the sweepstakes for an iPad, customised with an original Batman sketch from Jim Lee. Go here to enter.

January 28, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Emma #1 Preview

It’s great to see gallery artist Janet Lee getting more comics work in her unusual layered style, as seen in one of last year’s best OGNs Return of the Dapper Men. Details and perty pics below.

Your First Look At Janet Lee’s Mesmerizing Pages of Emma #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Emma #1 from New York Times best-selling writer Nancy Butler (Sense & Sensibility) and rising star artist Janet K. Lee (Return of the Dapper Men)! This March, delve into the world of nineteenth century courtship courtesy of a Rita Award-winning author and the illustrator whose work Newsarama.com calls “truly breathtaking.” Local matchmaker Emma Woodhouse can make anyone the perfect pair – provided she can stop the men folk from falling for her first! Find out how one upstanding young woman comes to find herself stuck in a love triangle as big as an English village, only in Emma #1!

EMMA #1 (JAN110685)

Written by NANCY BUTLER

Art and Cover by JANET K. LEE

Rated A… $3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale – 3/2/11

January 27, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Black Panther, Red Sonja and FF Minus One

The Black Panther motion comic has been on DVD here in Australia since the 1st of December last year, but for some reason other countries haven’t had that privilege until now. The 6 episodes briefly premiered on iTunes before disappearing, but now the DVD is out collecting all the episodes based on the Reginald Hudlin/John Romita Jr. comic story. See if it was worth the wait here.

Jen Van Meter is writing a 40 page Red Sonja one-shot for Dynamite that arrives in April. It’s a surprising choice for the writer of Hopeless Savages and Black Lightning: Year One, but it should be worth a purchase, even though the title seems a bit odd.

Written by Jen Van Meter and drawn by Edgar Salazar, the Red Sonja: Break the Skin one-shot is a must-read!  In the story hitting comic shops this coming April, it looked like such a simple job: Zepur, a princess of the nomadic Talakma Horsemen, sought Sonja’s sword to defeat an unwelcome suitor and his army. When Sonja discovers she’s led her mercenary band into the middle of a bitter and vicious rivalry for leadership of Zepur’s clan, she’s got to figure out who’s lying to her the least, which promises she can keep, and how to fight the soul-eating avatar of an angry ape god.

“It had been awhile since I’d gotten the opportunity to write a character like Sonja–an unapologetic badass who answers to little outside herself–so I dove into this gleefully,” says writer Jen Van Meter.  “Red Sonja: Break the Skin is my effort to really look at her mercenary, sword-for-hire life in a world in which  the lies and political machinations that are handled comparatively cleanly in other genres are visceral and passionate and immediate, and in which angry gods are active players who can be manifest, grotesque and cruel.  The great thing about Sonja, to me, is that she feels like a lone gunslinger and a wild-eyed pirate captain at the same time; there’s tons of charisma, lusty bravado and brazen ego there, alongside this wonderfully quiet isolation.  There aren’t a lot of female characters who have both those modes available to them so readily, so it’s been a real delight to write her.”

Writer Jonathan Hickman talks about the death in this week’s issue of Fantastic Four. I won’t mention who it is, unlike the mainstream press.

Sticking with Marvel super teams, you can see two more full episodes for free of the new Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! cartoon, focusing on Hawkeye, Captain America and Black Widow. I assume it only works if you’re a U.S resident though as it won’t work for me, alas.

January 26, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Takio Preview

Writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Avon Oeming got their big break around the same time with their work on Powers. Now they’re reuniting for an all-ages OGN due for release in March. Details and preview below.

Your New Look At Bendis and Oeming’s TAKIO!

On March 2nd, the powerhouse creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming, take the comics industry by storm with their first all-ages graphic novel – TAKIO! When two sisters from a multiracial, adoptive family drive one another to the brink of insanity, is there anything that can bring them together? Well after a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime accident gives them real-life superpowers; the world’s first superheroes will be closer than ever! Perfect for comic fans of any age, Takio brings together Bendis’ acclaimed trademark dialog with Oeming’s fan-favorite art style for an action packed adventure like no other!

With its release right around the corner, the masterminds behind Takio are teeming with enthusiasm!

“As exciting as it was to stretch my writing muscles and help create this new modern all ages superhero world, I am most excited for people to see a new side to the entire Powers crew,” explains writer Brian Michael Bendis. “This book is so good looking.”

Artist Michael Oeming adds “This has been an exciting adventure for me, drawing and creating with my extended family has added a whole new dimension to our work. One of the best times I’ve ever had making comics.”

Can these two sisters put aside their differences, save the world and be home in time for dinner? Be sure to get in on the ground floor for the graphic novel that will have everybody talking, as Takio hits stores everywhere this March!

TAKIO GN HC (DEC100634)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils and Cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING

All Ages …$9.95

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale – 3/2/11

January 25, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Craig Thompson’s Habibi on September 20

The creator of that marvellous tome, 2003’s Blankets, Craig Thompson is readying his new project, Habibi. It lands on September 20. Yes, it’s been a while between drinks but anyone who’s seen the intricate style (in both art and story) of Blankets knows that his time consuming renderings are worth the wait. The 672 page book will be published by Pantheon and feature clothbound hard cover with stamped gold foil. The big pic below is the final cover, and next to it are some that didn’t make the cut.

For me, (and many, many others) Blankets was a real eye opener and revealed to me the wonder of non-superhero comics. I have lent it, bought it and recommended it to many non-comics readers in the years since, and will surely do the same with Habibi.

January 23, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Bane and Catwoman in Batman 3

So the dust of casting rumours has settled and now the facts can be revealed. Anne Hathaway is playing Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy is playing Bane in the third and final Batman film from Christopher Nolan, entitled The Dark Knight Rises. Both are interesting choices.

Hathaway has shown more light hearted humour in her roles rather than the darkness that the former prostitute and inconsistent flame of Bruce Wayne requires, but we don’t know what Nolan’s version of the femme feline fatale will be. The press release from Warner Bros. notes that she’s playing Selina Kyle, not Catwoman, so she may not leather up and grab her whip, but Aaron Eckhart was only ever credited as Harvey Dent, not Two Face in 2008’s The Dark Knight, so we could be in for a nice surprise when TDKR opens on July next year.

Tom Hardy starred in Nolan’s Inception (and as the bad Picard clone in Star Trek: Nemesis) and bulked up considerably for crime drama Bronson, so playing Bane is a good choice. Everyone expected Hardy to play doctor Hugo Strange, not Bane though, but I am curious to see what they do with the character who broke Batman’s back in the awesome KnightFall saga in the early ’90s. Bane is a master strategist and the most recent comics supervillain to show up in these films and is a pivotal one in Batman’s history, and it’ll be good for the Dark Knight to have a bad guy to match his strength and dedication on screen. More than just a forgotten character from the ’90s period, Bane has shown up as a multi-faceted character in Secret Six, showing honour and surprising concern for his fellow crims.

Being as this is the final film in this trilogy, it’ll be interesting to see Batman’s arc. Things left off in the last film with Batman taking the fall for Dent’s death and being labelled a rebel. Will Bruce now retire and marry Selina? Will Batman have his back broken by Bane? Or will Bane even replace Batman as Gotham’s law enforcer?

January 20, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Movies, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 4 Comments

Hulk #30 Preview

Ed McGuiness draws bulging muscles and bombastic, powerhouse battles like no-one else, and now he’s returning to Hulk. Details, and rare preview pages with text, below.

Ed McGuinness returns to HULK!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at HULK #30, as superstar artist Ed McGuinness returns to the book he helped create and joins red hot writer Jeff Parker for the gamma-irradiated team-up you never thought you’d see! That’s right, the Green Goliath and the rampaging Red Hulk must put aside their differences to take on a threat so massive it’ll take the both of them to put a stop to it. The Earth will shake as the COMPOUND HULK makes its shocking debut!

“Thanks to his amazing run with Jeph Loeb, Ed’s become THE definitive Hulk artist of our time,” said Senior Editor Mark Paniccia. “HULK #30 is pure McGuinness madness, introducing new characters that are bound to be instant classics, and some Hulk villains that fans have been frothing for. All this and the Impossible Man, too.”

Prepare for an action-packed, gamma-fueled beat down that only the combined might of two Hulks can deliver in HULK #30, on sale this February!

HULK #30 (DEC100576)

Written by JEFF PARKER

Pencils and Cover by ED McGUINNESS

T+…$3.99

FOC 1/24/11, On-Sale 2/16/11

January 19, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Mighty Thor by Fraction and Coipel

Thor is the man of the hour, or the year, and now has a new title. At least this series has promise, thanks to its creative team though. Here’s the skinny, and the two covers including a film focused one and an even better variant from artist Travis Charest. Artist Oliver Coipel helped relaunch Thor back in 2007 with a new series with writer J. Michael Straczynski, and Matt Fraction has been writing the current Thor series for a while. However that series will now be renamed Journey into Mystery, (by Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite) the series that debuted Thor decades ago. Poor Thor. He’s getting shuffled around all over the place, just to make the most of becoming a movie star. Fair enough really. Find out more here.

Marvel Announces THE MIGHTY THOR By Fraction & Coipel

Prepare yourselves for a new Asgardian age with The Mighty Thor #1! In this all new ongoing series, from the superstar creative team of Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel, Thor must defend his homeworld of Asgard from Galactus! When Thor and Sif retrieve an artifact from deep within the World Tree, nobody expected the Silver Surfer to show up. And where the Sentinel of the Spaceways travels, Galactus is sure to follow! It’s the World Eater vs. Asgard in the explosive opening arc that’s great for new readers! No fan can miss this monumental new series that will redefine what it means to be the Odinson!

“The God of Thunder ain’t never been mightier than now!” exclaims writer Matt Fraction. “Everything is going beyond-epic in The Mighty Thor and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Olivier onboard for the book’s maiden voyage. Look up – think big – fight hard!”

“It’s a really exciting time to be working on Thor. A lot of things that have been developing over the last few months are about to come to fruition in a big way—and in a way that’s going to affect not only all of Asgard, but all of the Marvel U,” said Marvel Editor Charlie Beckerman. “With the release of Marvel Studios’ Thor this May, we wanted to be sure that we pulled out all the big guns. And I’m talking talent—Matt, Olivier, Mark and Laura—and I’m talking characters: I can’t say exactly who’s going to show up, but I will say that it will knock your socks clear off.”

The fate of the golden city of Asgard, the wonder of the nine realms, hangs in the balance and only Thor can ensure the survival of the Asgardians! What does the World Eater seek and what terrible outcome awaits the Mighty Avenger? Discover the answers you seek as Fraction and Coipel pull out all the stops in The Mighty Thor!

THE MIGHTY THOR #1

Written by MATT FRACTION

Pencils & Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL

Variant Cover by TRAVIS CHAREST

Variant Cover by WALT SIMONSON

Blank Variant Cover also available

Thor Movie Variant also available

Rated T+ …$3.99

ON SALE IN APRIL!

January 18, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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