Ghost Rider #0.1 Preview

I noticed in the last Previews catalogue how many titles Rob Williams was writing, such as Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force, Skaar: King of the Savage Land and Daken: ark Wolverine. He seems to have come from nowhere to be Marvel’s new go-to-guy, and I’m sure he deserves it, with the more responsibilities he’s being given, the latest of which is Ghost Rider. Text-free preview pages for this new series debut below.

POINT ONE Races GHOST RIDER #0.1

New readers, hold on tight – a bold new beginning for Ghost Rider begins amidst the chaos of Fear Itself as Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Ghost Rider #0.1! From the newly exclusive creative team of writer Rob Williams and artist Matthew Clark,  Johnny Blaze has finally found a way to defeat the demon within and undo his pact for power. But can he allow himself to ‘Give Up The Ghost’? Find out in this special POINT ONE issue as Vengeance rides in a new direction and scorches the Marvel Universe like never before this June, only in Ghost Rider #0.1!

GHOST RIDER #0.1 (APR110617)

Written by ROB WILLIAMS

Artist by MATTHEW CLARK

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

Parental Advisory …$2.99

FOC – 5/16/11. On Sale – 6/8/11


May 6, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Eye Witness Wins

A huge congrats to writer/artist Robert Luedke for his well deserved win for his great Eye Witness series of OGNs. Details below.

HPP logo
Graphic Novel Series Takes Home Reader’s Choice Award

Head Press Publishing received notification this week that author/illustrator, Robert James Luedke’s, Collected Eye Witness Slipcase Set, was chosen as the winner in the catagory of comics & graphic novels in Family Fiction Magazine’s, 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards!  The awards, given in multiple genres of publishing and the media, were announced in the May/June issue of the publication (available for online viewing).

The Eye Witness series has attracted a tremendous amount of media and reader attention over the years due to it’s unique combination of a modern day action thriller with a Biblical adaptation (spanning from Jesus’ Passion story through the Book of Acts).  Unlike most graphic novels, the series not only sells well in comic specialty and secular book stores, but also has done well in Christian bookstores and church libraries.

Since it’s premier in 2004, Luedke’s Eye Witness series has been honored with five indy book awards and been named a finalist in four others.  “The project started out as my answering a calling to create a single graphic novel that could do a bit more than just entertain,” explains Luedke, “and it ended up becoming a mission that basically consumed the better part of a decade of my life!”

May 5, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Captain America #1 Preview

As is Marvel’s usual strategy to tie in with a cinematic adaptation, here comes another series relaunch and yes, Steve Rogers is back in his Captain America guise. Covers and text-free preview pages below.

Your First Look At CAPTAIN AMERICA #1!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the blockbuster Captain America #1 from the superstar creative team of Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven. This July, the original Sentinel of Liberty springs back into action for a high octane adventure that no Captain America fan can miss. When a mysterious figure from Steve Rogers’ past returns, deadly secrets surface that put Captain America back in-between crosshairs. The next big chapter in the life of Steve Rogers begins this summer in an action packed adventure throughout the Marvel Universe, only in Captain America #1!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (MAY110617)

Written by ED BRUBAKER

Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN

Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN

Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL

Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS

Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA SR.

Movie variant available

Blank cover also available

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 6/20/11, On Sale – 7/13/11

                                                                            

May 4, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Free Comic Book Day 2011 Previews

FCBD has been going for a few years now and is the best yearly event for comics newbies to discover the joys of sequential art. All the info you need to know is here, but the most important thing is that it’s this Saturday, May 7. Mladen and I will be discussing our faves of some of the free comic offerings available this year in this week’s Extra Sequential podcast. Below are previews of some of the comics we’ll talk about and you can see 10 more previews here, including goodies from Marvel, DC, Image and Archaia.

Here’s previews for BOOM! Studios’ Elric and Darkwing Duck/ Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers Flip book.

For 40 years, the exploits of Elric have thrilled comic book fandom, beginning with his introduction to the world of comics in Marvel’s Conan The Barbarian #15 in 1972. Now, Michael Moorcock, the godfather of the Multiverse concept, brings one of the most critically acclaimed and recognizable figures in the history of fantasy fiction back to sequential art! This Free Comic Book Day edition heralds the new ongoing Elric series featuring a crisis across multiple worlds that will involve Moorcock’s other famous fantasy franchise characters: Corum of the Scarlet Robe and Dorian Hawkmoon. Meet the Pale Prince in an epic that could only be called The Balance Lost! And make sure you don’t miss the new ongoing series this summer! Written by white-hot New York Times bestselling author Chris Roberson (Superman, iZombie, Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love)!

An all ages flip book from BOOM! On one side, experience Darkwing Duck! Reprinting the blockbuster sold-out first issue of the Darkwing Duck ongoing series. But don’t forget to flip this comic over, or you’ll miss Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers, reprinting the first issue of the critically acclaimed bestseller from BOOM! Two hit series, both all ages, one flip book of pure fun! Don’t miss the return of the Disney Afternoon Revolution that grabbed the attention of Disney fans everywhere!

You can read even more previews here including books from Red 5, Dark Horse and 12 Gauge.

May 3, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dale Eaglesham’s Alpha Flight Variant

Below is a look at the former Green Lantern artist’s variant cover for Marvel’s Canadian superteam relaunch.

Marvel Unveils Dale Eaglesham’s ALPHA FLIGHT #1 Variant

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at superstar artist Dale Eaglesham’s variant cover to Alpha Flight #1 ( of 8 ) – featuring the return of Canada’s greatest heroes! As the shadow of Fear Itself falls across the globe, will a nation turn to – or turn on – Alpha Flight in Canada’s greatest hour of need?

“I’ve always wanted to do Alpha Flight, but didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity, so I’m very excited about this,” said Eaglesham. “This is the ideal team book – the characters have such depth and are so unique, so colorful. We have the heroic and iconic in Guardian, Snowbird and Northstar, for example, along with some quirkier heroes like Sasquatch and Marrina. As an artist, this is something I can really sink my teeth into and I’m loving every minute! With Greg and Fred writing, we also have some very topical, gripping and moving stories. I think the fans are going to fall in love with this book. I know I am.”

Discover why the team still stands tall as the greatest heroes of the Great White North, only in the Alpha Flight #1 ( of 8 ) Eaglesham Variant! No fan can miss the thunderous return of a legendary Marvel superteam this June!

ALPHA FLIGHT #1 ( of 8 ) (APR110547)

ALPHA FLIGHT #1 ( of 8 ) EAGLESHAM VARIANT (MAR118215)

Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE

Penciled by DALE EAGLESHAM

Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ

Variant Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM

FOC – 5/16/11. On Sale – 6/8/11

May 3, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Deadlands in June

Image Comics is launching a new western series called Deadlands. Below is the official info, with an impressive list of creators, plus covers for the first 3 issues, and some text-free pages from June’s #1.

HOW THE OLD WEST WAS WEIRD!

Image Comics Presents a Series of One Shots with Can’t-Miss Creative Teams 
 
Westerns, one of the truly original American genres! From books, movies and comics, the genre has always held a special place in the hearts of fans. This summer, Image Comics and Visionary Comics, along with Strider Nolan and Pinnacle Entertainment are bringing westerns to comics in a big way. But not just any western… the weird western! With a mix of horror, steampunk and the supernatural, the old west was never a more frightening and weird place than with DEADLANDS!
 
The old west will get a fresh new take in the DEADLANDS comics with the exciting interpretations of a list of super star talents. Those contributing their masterful storytelling to the series will include: David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Lee Moder, Ron Marz, Bart Sears, Steve Niles, and Francesco Francavilla.
 
Ron Marz, who also heads up the project as series editor, stated, “It’s been amazing. All these guys have been wanting to do a western, and there it was, the perfect chance. The books have each taken shape by creator choice. We couldn’t have hoped for better.”
 
C. Edward Sellner, Creative Director for Visionary and writer of the four part backup series appearing in each book also commented on the enthusiasm of the teams, “We just keep hearing how much fun everyone is having and this stuff looks like some of the best work of their careers. I think everyone loves westerns, and everyone loves a scary story, so when you combine the best of both, you get something everyone can love.”
 
While Deadlands is based on the popular RPG game from Pinnacle, one doesn’t have to be a gamer to love the books, explained Marz, “If you love westerns, if you love horror tales, if you love good comics, great art and storytelling, you’ll love these books. Part of my job was to make sure these books were accessible to all.”
 
The first book out of the gate is DEADLANDS: THE DEVIL’S SIX GUN by the Harvey award-winning team of David Gallaher and Steve Ellis. In classic Faustian tradition, a weapons maker comes to America to pursue the American dream in the former colonies. Instead, he becomes immersed in plots and manipulations to gain unearthly power through the supernatural Ghost Rock. His goal? To make a gun that can kill anything, including the powerful Hellstromme! Its a journey that will cost him everything he loves, including his soul!

DEADLANDS (APR110410), the first 32 page full color one shot in this series of weird westerns, will be available in stores June 15, 2011 for $2.99.

May 2, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Behind the Flashpoint Covers

Flashpoint is the new Flash-centric DC Comics event which, apart from the main mini-series, has 15 different mini-series showing alternate versions of well known characters. Not much is known about these series yet, but we know Aquaman looks set to rule a flooded earth, Bruce Wayne spends his time running Wayne Casinos, Lois Lane is a resistance fighter and Cyborg plays a pivotal part. We’ll certainly no more when Flashpoint #1 launches on May 11. Go here to download the complete checklist for the event.

In the meantime, DC’s blog The Source have revealed a few behind the scenes looks for 2 Flashpoint series, the Emperor Aquaman #1 cover and  a scene from its pages, and the cover for Reverse Flash #1. Click the links for the process behind these great pages from Ardian Syaf and to see the great job the inkers and colourists do.

May 1, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #38-Body Image

67 mins. This week we talk about body image in superhero comics, plus the Spice Girls, the Royal Wedding and sagging shelves.

DOWNLOAD IT HERE, LISTEN TO IT BELOW OR ON ITUNES

2:45 NEWS

Dark Horse Comics’ Digital Store

Shannon Wheeler ‘s I Thought You Would Be Funnier can now be read for free online

Captain America and The Avengers film info

Free Comic Book Day on May 7

8: 28 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Portal 2

Brightest Day #24 – John Constantine and Swamp Thing travel from Vertigo to the DC Universe

Avengers #12.1 – Spider-Woman gets captured by the evil smarty pants team, The Intelligencia. The Avengers rescue her and meet Ultron, who then vanishes. Not for newbies but great art by Bryan Hitch.

Action Comics #900 – The controversial landmark issue in which Superman renounces his American citizenship, plus some other cool tales.

The Complete Peanuts Vol. 1 1950-52 – Charles Schulz’s classic and funny work with Charlie Brown and co.

A Lesson Is Learned But The Damage Is Irreversible – an experimental webcomic

34:15 FEATURE TOPIC – BODY IMAGE

We look at the sexy spandex brigade and how male and female characters are treated differently.

April 30, 2011
Categories: Comics, Games, Movies, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Art of Mike Deodato Preview

Getting his mainstream start in comics with Wonder Woman for DC in the ’90s, artist Mike Deodato Jr. has been a Marvel man for most of the last few years. In July the publisher will give him his own art book. I have similar books for Joe Quesada and was actually looking at Marko Djurdjevic’s one last weekend. If Deodato’s is similarly filled with insightful comments to go along with his awesome art, this should be one worthy of the bookshelf. I interviewed the man himself for the Extra Sequential magazine here (on pages 8 – 13).

Your First Look At THE ART OF MIKE DEODATO HC

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at The Art Of Mike Deodato HC, a stunning chronicle of the Marvel Architect’s life and work for the House of Ideas! Since breaking into the industry in the early 1990s, Mike Deodato has established himself as one of comics’ most celebrated superstar artists. Now, in one oversized tome, follow Deodato’s artistic evolution from his iconic early work on Avengers and Thor through his now legendary successes on Amazing Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, Thunderbolts, Dark Avengers, and much, much more.

“Since I was a kid, I’d loved art books collecting my favorite artists. More recently, I’ve been thrilled to see works of comic book artists taken more seriously,” said Deodato. “To be featured among talents such as Joe Quesada and Marko Djurdjevic in a book like this makes me awfully happy. My dad, who bought me all my early Frazetta hardcovers, was beaming with pride when I told him Marvel was doing one about me. I feel honored.”

Also catch rare insights in the creative process from many of Deodato’s collaborators, including writers Mike Benson, Charlie Huston and Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso! From Thor’s clash with the World Engine to the fall of Norman Osborn, relive the greatest artistic triumphs of this superstar artist, only in The Art Of Mike Deodato HC!

THE MARVEL ART OF MIKE DEODATO HC (FEB110649)

Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS

Pencils & Cover by MIKE DEODATO

On-Sale 7/6/11


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

The Outlaw Prince

I’m usually not a fan of fantasy comics, but this has some impressive creators behind it. Plus, it’s from the mind of the man who gave the world Tarzan. Details below and more preview pages here. The Outlaw Prince OGN is available now. The Regular Edition is 80 pages for $13 and the 112 page Deluxe Limited Edition is $50 and is signed.

A riveting tale of historic fiction in the classic Burroughs’ style! Writer Rob Hughes and renowned illustrators Thomas Yeates and Michael Wm. Kaluta present in fully painted format the medieval masterpiece The Outlaw of Torn, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs a century ago. This timeless tale unfolds during the tumultuous Second Baron’s War as a young and innocent Prince is ruthlessly abducted from his royal family, taken into the remote and rugged mountainous regions of Derbyshire to be brainwashed to forget his very heritage and relentlessly trained to become the greatest swordsman the world has ever known—and ultimately, the most dreaded name in all of Britain. With civil war looming upon the horizon, the fate of the Kingdom of England may very well rest in his hands.

The ancient archive of his remarkable life had been lost for more than 700 years, shrouded by the mists of time…until now!

Brilliant storytelling and the beautiful artwork of two industry titans combine to bring to life the origin of Norman of Torn — The Outlaw Prince!

Writer: Rob Hughes
Penciller: Thomas Yeates, Michael Wm. Kaluta
Inker: Thomas Yeates
Colorist: Thomas Yeates, Lori Almeida, Steve Oliff and Gloria Vasquez
Cover Artist: Esad Ribic
Deluxe Edition Cover Artist: Alan Lathwell
Genre: Action/Adventure, Classic

This timeless tale unfolds during the tumultuous Second Baron’s War, when a young prince is ruthlessly abducted from his royal family, taken into the rugged mountains of Derbyshire, and brainwashed to forget his very heritage. He’s trained to become the greatest swordsman the world has ever known–and grows to be the most dreaded name in all of Britain! With civil war looming upon the horizon, the fate of the kingdom of England may very well rest in his hands!

  • Presenting a medieval adventure based on The Outlaw of Torn, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
  • A classic Edgar Rice Burroughs novel–adapted for a modern audience!
  • This deluxe limited edition features an introduction by Burroughs expert Frank Westwood, a feature-length article by Rod Jackson exploring the history behind the story and a painted cover by artist Alan Lathwell!


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

Space Warped #1 Preview

From BOOM! Studios’ new all-ages imprint Kaboom! comes Star Wars parody Space Warped. Most sci-fi parodies are for mature audiences (except Space Balls I guess), so way to go BOOM! Below is a hefty 10 page preview. Love the fantasy interpretations of the characters. Yes, even Princess Leia’s unibrow. Click on the pages to see them bigger, and y’know, actually read the text.

SPACE WARPED #1 COMES TO KABOOM! THIS JUNE!

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW
THROUGH DIAMOND: APR110907

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK WITH THIS 10-PAGE PREVIEW!

Far away, in a land long ago…there was an orphaned farm kid with daddy issues trying to rescue an orphaned princess unaware of her daddy issues! In the tradition of ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS and SPACEBALLS comes a loving, affectionate parody of the greatest science fiction franchise of all time! The first of a two-issue mini-series, this is a fan-pleasing romp that skewers one of the greatest adventure stories ever!

SPACE WARPED #1 debuts this June written by Hervé Bourhis witih hilarious art by Rudy Spiessert. This title ships with a price point of $3.99 and a Diamond Code of APR110907.

While I’m on the topic of Star Wars parodies, there’s this:

April 28, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel and Dark Horse Digital Comics

The brave new frontier of comics being digitally available is a great opportunity for techno-centric fans. Here’s the latest from Marvel (who have offered digital options for a while) plus the impressive offerings from the new Dark Horse Digital.

Experience FEAR ITSELF: THE WORTHY On The Marvel Comics App

Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, hitting the Marvel Comics app on April 27, 2011. Now fans can experience their favorite Marvel heroes bursting into action on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch! Today, be the first to discover the secrets behind the summer’s hottest comics event in Fear Itself: The Worthy #1 – an all-new, story from acclaimed creators Christos Gage and Elia Bonetti! The first of eight weekly tales to come,Fear Itself: The Worthy #1 details the catastrophic rise to power of the Red Skull’s daughter, Sin, and her plans for the whole of the Marvel Universe now that she wields the mysterious of hammer of Skadi! And, best of all, the entire story is available for free on the Marvel app! Now’s the time to find out why Fear Itself has fans and critics raving!

And that’s not all! With a wide array of titles already available there is something for everyone! Stay tuned each week for a brand new list of Marvel releases so that you’ll never miss your favorite heroes in action.

To download the Marvel Comics app, visit: http://www.marvel.com/marvelcomicsapp

Here’s your official list of comic books, hitting the Marvel Comics app today!

Digital Comics On-Sale Today:

5 RONIN #5

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST – QUASAR

(Annihilation: Conquest Prologue #1, Annihilation: Conquest – Quasar #1-4)

CAPTAIN AMERICA: HAIL HYDRA #4

FEAR ITSELF: THE WORTHY #1

MARVEL BACKLIST CHRONOLOGY

MARVEL ZOMBIES 4

(Marvel Zombies 4 #1-4)

SECRET INVASION: INHUMANS

(Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1-4)

SPIDER-MAN: THE GAUNTLET VOL. 4 – JUGGERNAUT

(Amazing Spider-Man #626-629)

THOR BY WALT SIMONSON VOL. 1

(Thor #337-348)

ULTIMATE VISION

(Ultimate Vision #0-6)

WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS VOL. 2 – TO RUSSIA, WITH LOVE

(Wolverine: First Class #5-8)

FREE This Week On The App:

CAPTAIN AMERICA #445

CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIRST VENGEANCE #1

CAPTAIN AMERICA: A LITTLE HELP #1

FEAR ITSELF SKETCHBOOK

SPIDER-MAN: A MEAL TO DIE FOR #1

SPIDER-MAN: YOU’RE HIRED #1

ULTIMATE SIX#1

VENOM: LETHAL PROTECTOR #1

DARK HORSE LAUNCHES DIGTIAL COMICS PROGRAM!

OVERWHELMING DEMAND CRASHES SERVERS!

Earlier today, Dark Horse’s iOS app and digital store went online and opened for business! Even after extensive load testing, demand for Dark Horse digital comics was still too high for our servers!  Thousands of fans rushed to download our digital comics, resulting in intermittent service outages.

The Dark Horse Comics iOS digital app is now available for free download in the iTunes store and comes loaded with the first full issue of Hellboy: Seed of Destruction. While we are still working on a native Android app, any device with a modern web browser can be used to read Dark Horse comics at Digital.DarkHorse.com.

Thanks to fans who signed up for our Dark Horse Digital newsletter, full first issues of Criminal Macabre, Abe Sapien: The Drowning, The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite, Mass Effect: Redemption, and Joss Whedon’s Fray are available in the digital store for free.

Other free comics available today include:

Beasts of Burden #1

Conan #0: Conan the Legend

Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom/Magnus, Robot Fighter (FCBD 2010)

Dungeon Siege III #1

Falling Skies #1, #2, and #3

Grendel: Behold the Devil #1

Kull: The Shadow Kingdom #1

Solomon Kane #1

Solomon Kane: Death’s Black Riders #1

The Terminator: Death Valley #0 and #1

The Terminator: 2029 #1

The Umbrella Academy #0

April 28, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spidey Dies, Avengers Sit and Lanterns Pose

The Ultimate version of Spider-Man is dying, to be replaced by someone other than Peter Parker with new duds. Here’s a look at the variant covers by Marvel head honcho Joe Quesada, with Peter walking along with his beloved Uncle Ben to the afterlife. The ish goes on sale June 22.

Marvel Unveils Joe Quesada’s “Not A Dry Eye In The House” DEATH OF SPIDER-MAN Variant Cover

Death of Spider-Man, the story that everyone from ABC to MTV and FOX News are talking about, reaches its stunning conclusion this June and, to commemorate this momentous issue, superstar Joe Quesada illustrates an all-new variant cover! This powerful piece, from Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, arrives in two different versions—the full color Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Quesada Variant and the raw, penciled version for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Quesada Sketch Variant.

It’s the biggest story in Ultimate Comics history—and it all ends in Ultimate Spider-Man #160. No fan can miss out on the story that’ll have fans around the world talking for years!

The Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly, Dollhouse) helmed Avengers film from Marvel has just started shooting. Here’s the first teaser image under the S.H.I.E.L.D logo showing at least 4 of the many characters in the team.

On a related note Captain America actor Chris Evans has confirmed that his film, although mainly set in WWII will have the hero also come to the modern day, while in The Avengers he’ll get a new costume (presumably like his blue suit from the Secret Avengers comic) and will spar with Iron Man’s ideology. Cool.

Lastly, here’s 2 more character posters for the June releasing Green Lantern film.

April 27, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Thor Review

Verily I say unto thee – there be spoilers ahead! I did talk about this in the last Extra Sequential podcast, but I wanted to spotlight my ramshackle thoughts in a separate post. Forgive the unusual rambling approach.

Marvel’s classic blonde god of thunder was always going to be difficult to adapt, but now’s the time, with greater acceptance of cinematic superheroes and a great recent revival of the character in the pages of Marvel’s comics. The familiar elements of the origin are still present from his ’60s debut, primarily including Thor being the son of Odin, who in turn strips him of his power and banishes him to Earth where, as a mortal man, he can learn humility. With plenty of Norse mythology, sci-fi, fantasy and superheroics the film thankfully never goes off the rails.

Aussie Chris Hemsworth (Kirk’s Dad in the last Star Trek film) plays Thor well, as he is obviously the centre of this film, and has a worthy character arc from arrogant almost-king to sacrificial warrior. The romance with astrophysicist (originally nurse in the comics) Jane Foster played by Natalie Portman is subtle and interesting.

Kenneth Branagh directs it well and offers some surprising humour in the film’s opening and while showing Thor’s god-like antics amongst the mortals. The last film Branagh directed was 2007’s excellent Sleuth starring Jude Law and Michael Caine. Watch it! The film is at its best during the Earth bound scenes. Although Anthony Hopkins is a fierce king, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki turns evil far too easily and the Asgardian fights with the Frost Giants, though well paced are distractingly loud.

I did enjoy it, but not as much as I was hoping too. The costumes are grand and Asgard is the best fantasy environment seen on screen since The Lord of the Rings, though the ending did surprise me. I expect Thor 2 will be much better. Some pleasant moments include a flying Thor (!), Clark Gregg’s S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Coulson being as coolly entertaining as he was in both Iron Man films and Idris Elba’s Bifrost rainbow bridge guardian Heimdall remaining suitably stoic.

The post-credits scene isn’t really worth it. Nick Fury (head of S.H.I.E.L.D appears) played by Samuel L. Jackson, as he did in both Iron Mans, to reveal a powerful object that will only mean something to Captain America fans (and no, it’s not his shield). The fact that this object looks very similar to the one used by the Frost Giants only complicates matters.

However, as us fans expected to see fellow future Avenger Hawkeye in this bonus scene, it was nice to see him instead, briefly, in the film itself. Only referred to as Barton (Hawkeye’s real name is Clint Barton) the archer is played by Hurt Locker’s Jeremy Renner, as he will be in next year’s Joss Whedon led The Avengers team film.

Oh, and a few things for geeks to look out for:

A tourism billboard uses the phrase, “Journey into Mystery,” which is the name of the comic series that Thor debuted in

Stellan Skarsgard’s scientist Erik Selvig mentions that he had a friend who had breakthroughs in gamma radiation and once S.H.I.E.L.D discovered them he was never seen again (that’d be Bruce Banner AKA Hulk)

Agent Coulson upon seeing the Destroyer remarks that it might be Stark’s as he never tells him anything; Stark being Tony Stark AKA Iron Man

Thor co-creator Stan Lee in a great pickup driving cameo

April 27, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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