The Joss Whedon directed The Avengers film opens next year. All we know is the cast and actors, but now we have a better idea of what the team members will look like, thanks to a promotional poster at the Licensing Expo 2011. Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow we’ve already seen on the big screen and their costumes don’t look much changed. Cap’s duds look modernised as is to be expected, and Hawkeye looks much cooler than he did in his bland Thor cameo. Hulk looks like every other time we’ve seen him. These may very well not be their final looks however.
And jaded fanboys and girls everywhere poured over the new September solicitations from DC Comics with great interest, but greater cynicism. We’ve known all the creative teams and titles for a few days now, but this is the first time all the official information has been revealed for the 52 superhero relaunches. Check them all out right here with cover images and some minor details about the new directions. If you want to find out just why, “Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis,” “Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law,”or why the Demon Etrigan leads a band of warriors, “in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe,” then you’ll have to buy a few of these new #1s come September.
Apart from the obvious superhero choices, seeing Martian Manhunter as part of the Stormwatch team, the return of Resurrection Man (he gets a different power each time he returns to life) and John Constantine hanging out with Deadman and Zatanna in Justice League Dark, there are some unexpected turns in this massive, headline getting plan. Let’s really hope it works.
95 mins. Yes, it’s our longest episode ever, but with good reason. It’s our X-Men special, in which we focus on the films, the cartoons and some forgotten TV appearances. Joined by Mat from popular podcast, Sequelcast we discuss the highs, lows and more of the merry mutants. Also, Jake Busey’s teeth, Paul Hogan and a heap of useless X-Men trivia to impress your friends.
If you haven’t ordered this 3 ish mini yet, I suggest that you do. It’s a well crafted adventure from Image and is released next month. Official details below about a new contest on The Vault’s Facebook page.
WIN A $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD WHEN YOU SHARE THE VAULT
If you’re a Facebook fan of THE VAULT, you could easily win a $100 Amazon gift card. All you have to do is help spread the word on www.facebook.com/TheVaultComic that THE VAULT #1, goes on sale July 27th. If it sounds too easy, it’s because it is.
2) To be entered in the drawing, make sure to both comment and share on your Facebook wall a post from The Vault’s Facebook wall.
3) You can enter in the drawing, up to four times, by both commenting and sharing on your Facebook wall four separate posts on The Vault’s Facebook wall.
4) On June 29th, a winner will be randomly selected from all of the entered drawings.
THE VAULT, from writer Sam Sarkar (Caliber: First Canon of Justice) and artist Garrie Gastonny (Warren Ellis’ Supergod, Caliber), is about a small team of treasure hunters struggling to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits. They believe are prepared against nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash.
THE VAULT #1 (1 of 3), a 32-page full color comic book from IMAGE COMICS, will be on sale in stores July 27th for $3.50 and is available to order in the June 2011 edition of Diamond Previews (Diamond Order Code: JUN110501).
No, it wasn’t a wild party, but the last announcement of DC’s 52 superhero title relaunch is now finalised, with the decades running series Action Comics getting a new debut issue. In fact, AC is the longest running comic ever, having premiered in 1938. Scotttish writer Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated, All Star Superman) and artist Rags Morales (Identity Crisis) are the new creative team on the series, which sees Kal-El get some new (underwear-free) duds.
No, that’s not it. That’s just a teaser image. This is it. Unfortunately.
That art is by George Perez, giving us the first reveal of the new costume, which I don’t like. The segmented armour look just seems unnecessary and how is he supposed to fit those boots under his Clark Kent clothes? Perez will be writing the second Supes title, simply called Superman, with art by Jesus Merino.
Also, Supergirl and Superboy get new looks. Here they are, with the official info about their new series.
Supergirl’s got the unpredictable behavior of a teenager, the same powers as Superman and none of his affection for the people of Earth. Writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson (Smallville, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) will team up with artist Mahmud Asrar to give a new take on the teenager from Krypton in SUPERGIRL #1.
They thought he was just a failed experiment, grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon. SUPERBOY #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.
Now, Supergirl’s costume I actually don’t mind – the top half at least, but the almost- bare legs look awkward. Superboy now looks more like the evil Cyborg Superman, which would go with their new weapon motif.
I don’t know how many of these I’ll actually pick up come September, but Morrison and Morales on Action Comics seems like a fair bet.
Looks like DC’s not the only one with finishing long running series on the brain. Take it away, Marvel.
X-MEN: SCHISM Brings UNCANNY X-MEN To An End!
All things must come an end…even for the X-Men, and this October fans will bear witness the end of an era as Uncanny X-Men #544 concludes the long running series. It’s all come to this! Years in the making, the seeds of dissent finally bear fruit as the events of X-Men Schism tear the X-Men and the Marvel Universe apart! When the dust settles, the state of mutantkind will irreparably be changed forever. Don’t miss the historic final issue of the longest running X-Men title this October, in Uncanny X-Men #544!
This is good news as this is one of those comics that deserves a wider audience. Official details below.
Variety broke the news this morning that Academy-Award-winning visual effects designer John Dykstra (Star Wars, Spider-Man 2, X-Men: First Class) plans to direct a film based on Tales From the Farm, the award-winning first volume of Jeff Lemire’s much-acclaimed Essex County trilogy!
The film, currently using the working title “Super Zero,” is adapted from Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel by John Carr, and will be produced by Steven Gilder and Alec Chorches as well as Top Shelf Productions. Jeff had this to say: “I’m excited about the news and optimistic that John Dykstra will make an entertaining film that stays true to the heart of Essex County.”
Tales From the Farm is the story of Lester, a 10-year-old boy coping with the death of his parents while isolated on his uncle’s farm, escaping into fantasy games with retired hockey pro Jimmy Lebeuf. The book memorably launched the Essex County trilogy by winning the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award (and instantly selling out its first printing). Essex County would go on to win the Doug Wright Award, the Joe Shuster Award, and a top 5 spot (and the People’s Choice Award) on Canada Reads’ Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. Originally published in three parts, it’s now available as a single 512-page volume.
You can meet Jeff in person at his summer convention appearances: he’ll be in the Top Shelf booth at both the Calgary Entertainment Expo (June 17-19) and the San Diego Comic-Con (July 21-24). Hope to see you all there!
See a hefty preview of Essex County here and an interview with Lemire here about his work writing the upcoming Animal Man, and Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE titles for DC’s massive relaunch in September.
With the live action film just days away from its June 19 debut, Warner Bros. have unveiled an unprecedented 8 clips from the film. Most are over a minute long and aren’t heavy on the action. I must say, seeing these clips doesn’t fill me with extreme confidence though. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively really lack chemistry, but I’m happy that he says, “By the power of Greyskull,” in his attempt to state the GL oath (that’s from the He-Man cartoon for those of you who aren’t Gen Xers) and his ring constructs certainly look diverse. In the first clip Reynolds and Likely couldn’t call each other Highball and Sapphire more, though perhaps the latter is a nod to Lively’s Carol Ferris’ transformation into Star Sapphire in a sequel. I must also say that the Earth bound scenes (in what is the reverse of Thor’s film) seem to be the lowlights.
The tie-in videogame is available now. Below is the latest trailer, plus the official description.
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters is set in the universe of the film with an original story by award-winning comic book writer Marv Wolfman. Players will take flight across the universe to planets Oa, Zamaron and Biot, and utilize an arsenal of constructs to restore intergalactic order by wielding the ultimate weapon: the Green Lantern Power Ring. Gamers playing the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions will also have the option to join forces with a friend to play as Hal Jordan or Sinestro to battle the Manhunters.
The Nintendo 3DS version of the game is designed specifically to take advantage of the system’s stereoscopic 3D capabilities and deliver multi-plane graphics that delve players further into the Green Lantern universe.
In addition, players on Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system will be given the option to play in anaglyphic 3D with technology that is compatible with high definition TV sets and visible to players wearing the 3D glasses that will be available for the video game. Fans can also enjoy the game in stereoscopic 3D when playing on any 3D HDTV while wearing active shutter glasses that are compatible with the television.
Also now available is the Green Lantern: Emerald Knights animated anthology film, on BluRay and DVD. This one – I am excited for. See the latest clip below, spotlighting Hal and Arisia in space.
GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS, the 11th film in the popular series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, is AVAILABLE TODAY — JUNE 7, 2011 — from Warner Home Video on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download.
Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, and distributed by Warner Home Video, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights weaves six legendary stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Castle’s Nathan Fillion) mentors Arisia (Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades – including Kilowog, Abin Sur, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona.
I’m sure these will show up on DC’s official blog soon now, but here you can find a handful of leaked September releasing debut covers, including Batwoman, Catwoman, Swamp Thing and yes, unfortunately the long running Detective Comics series. There’s also an official list of the four new Green Lantern related #1s here.
Lastly, here’s the cover for Nightwing #1 from artist Eddy Barrows. The speculation is that it’s actually the third (and resurrected) Robin Jason Todd under the mask, which could be true, especially considering his natural red hair would go with the red (instead of the usual blue) colour on this Nightwing costume. However, all I can think of after seeing this image, is Chris O’Donell from Batman and Robin.
UPDATE
Nope, it’s the original Robin, Dick Grayson who’s reclaiming his first post-Robin identity as Nightwing, meaning he’ll presumably give up the mantle of the Bat for the second time in his crimefighting career. DC have now officially posted more info about the Bat-family relaunches, including new series focusing on the African Batman, Grant Morrison’s Batman Incorporated, Jason Todd’s Red Hood and the Outlaws, and Batgirl, which sees Barbara Gordon leave the Oracle identity behind and reclaim her Batgirl one. That means DC continuity is maddeningly being rewound a few years, but at least her series will be written by Gail Simone.
55 mins. We focus on the hottest topic, the talk of the town, the big news that has superhero comics readers everywhere yakking – the relaunch of the entire line of DC Comics’ superhero line. We attempt to gather all the tidbits released so far and chime in with our opinions. Also, leg warmers, eye patches, and our mutual affection for April O’Neil.
Well, there’s not really much else to talk about in DC’s shadow, apart from a new convention dedicated to He-Man and ThunderCats. Woo hoo!
5:06 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Duncan Jones’ great Source Code film
The visually dazzling and epic Hellboy: The Fury #1, by Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo. Preview here.
The classic, detailed and violent Hard Boiled OGN from Frank Miller and Geof Darrow
The mature approach of toys in The Stuff of Legend Book 1 from Th3rd World Studios
15:15 DC Comics’ Relaunch
DC’s whole superhero line is relaunching in September, with new costumes and series for some of the world’s favourite spandex clad characters. There’s not heaps of official info released so far, but we break it down for those new to the…news.
As an added bonus, here’s the George Lucas Strikes Back trailer.
This classic work of beauty and love and faith from writer/artist Craig Thompson has been on my desert island list of comics ever since I first read it a few years ago. If you haven’t, or even if you have, August is the time to fall in love with the gorgeous tome as it’s getting new hard cover, and soft cover editions to make it even more attractive. Official details below and as a reminder, Thompson’s next book, Habibi is out on September 20.
BLANKETS fans, rejoice! One of the most beloved and best-selling books in Top Shelf’s 14-year history is getting an upgrade.
Shipping in August, and available now for pre-order, are brand-new deluxe hardcover and softcover editions of Craig Thompson’s award-winning graphic novel, BLANKETS. In addition to the gorgeous new cover design, the new BLANKETS features higher-quality paper, Smyth-sewn bindings, a spot gloss, and a slightly wider trim size.
BLANKETS is one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time, having won the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards for Best Graphic Novel and Best Cartoonist. Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, it explores the complex power of family and faith, the thrill of falling in love for the first time, and the coming-of-age of a remarkable young man.
If you’re one of the countless readers who love BLANKETS, get ready to fall in love all over again, or share it with friends & family. And for those who’ve never read it, now is the perfect opportunity to discover this incredible graphic novel.
Pre-order your copy now from your favorite retailer (via Diamond PREVIEWS), or direct from Top Shelf via our web site, and join us in celebrating the rebirth of Craig’s awe-inspiring book!
— Blankets HARDCOVER: (New) ISBN 978-1-60309-096-4, $39.95 (US)
— Blankets SOFTCOVER: (Original) ISBN 978-1-891830-43-3, $29.95 (US)
No, not this one, but the upcoming OGN from Gestalt, and writer Tom Taylor (Rombies, Star Wars) and artist James Brouwer. The pair have recently started uploading great looking preview pages on the project’s Facebook page and you can read an interview with Taylor about his past, present and future projects at The Sci-Fi Block.
Novelist Robin Parrish (The Dominion Trilogy, Offworld, Nightmare) has started updating his blog regularly again, which is good news. From posts for writers, including a TED video talk from J.J. Abrams, to an offer to reviewers and bloggers to get their hands on his upcoming novel Vigilante, and more, it’s good reading. Check out his blog right here and the Apple Gazette for Mac fans, which he has just taken over for as lead blogger.
Yes, the rumours are true. Once the current alternate reality series, Flashpoint ends, the month of September (well technically beginning at the end of August) will see a bunch of new series starring familiar characters. We’ll be talking about this in this week’s Extra Sequential podcast, but the essentials are that most current series will be relaunching with new #1 issues. It’s a controversial decision for readers and retailers, but here’s what DC’s The Source blog have to say:
This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.
On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.
DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.
In the hours, days and weeks to come, we’ll have more news about the other titles. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about this momentous occasion. Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates about the other first issues.
This year, make history with us.
Hmmm. The last time Lee was a regular penciller was on the ill-fated All Star Batman and Robin. Some of the costume changes (see below) are cool, and DC’s writers have been championing a Superman redesign sans undies since the must read Superman 2000 proposal in 1998, so that’s a welcome decision.
You can read a brief interview at USA Today about the relaunches here. More details will come, including if this affects the long running Action Comics and Detective Comics series, which are both getting closer to their historic 1000th issues. DC would be silly to do away with that.
I don’t really like the uniform collar that most of the characters below are wearing, but I understand why they chose 52 titles, as DC had a weekly series of that name and there are now 52 alternate earths in their continuity. Hopefully, with the continued mainstream coverage, new DC films on the way and newbie friendly #1 issues, this could be the start of something special.
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