Opening on June 17 and starring Ryan Reynolds, and now Aussie Geoffrey Rush (as the voice of Tomar Re, the Lantern who welcomes Hal in the trailer) as well as Mark Strong as Sinestro, is the Green Lantern film. I’ve had my doubts, but this new footage, just show at Wondercon has given my renewed faith in it. It looks fantastic.
Extra Sequential Podcast #34-Elephantmen and Nonplayer
40 mins. Mladen and I occupy the same space once more as we talk about 2 new Image comics debuts we liked plus Ninja Turtles, April Fool’s Day office pranks, iPad 2 queues, and animated Plastic Man.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES
00:56 NEWS
Writer Jonathan Hickman’s new creator owned series
Justice League film set for 2013
Amy Adams has been cast as Lois Lane in the Superman reboot
Wonder Woman’s TV costume changes. Now with less shininess!
6:40 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Kris – IDW’s Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters
FF #1, the new Fantastic Four relaunch. Spider-Man joins the team and it’s black and white costumes all round!
Mladen – Sequelcast film podcast
20:14 FEATURE REVIEWS
Elephantmen: Man and Elephantman by Richard Starkings and Axel Medellin. We find it to be a good intro for new readers, love the art and its effective colour palette and just the general noir vibe of the whole tale.
Nonplayer #1 by Nate Simpson. A very entertaining genre mash-up of a sci-fi world and a fantasy virtual world, with art that you’ll fall in love with. See a preview here and an interview with Simpson here.
Our rambling and amusing conclusion.
Superman Anthology On Blu-Ray
The Red Blue Blur is amping up the Blu, Hmmm…that doesn’t really work, does it? Anyway, all the Superman films are coming to Blu-Ray in a complete boxed set on June 7 for $130. Of course, it’s the first two films that are the stand outs of the series, and purists like me, will be happy to know that there are Richard Donner extended cuts for both. If, again like me, you already have the impressive Superman Ultimate Collector’s Edition that came out in 2007, you may not want this, as the multitude of bonus features from that set are also here, though having these great films with superior sound and picture quality is very tempting, as is the fact that this new set also includes the never before seen alternate opening of Superman Returns, in which Superman visits Krypton, or what’s left of it. Or you could just wait until 2013 when the inevitable newer boxed set including Zack Snyder’s upcoming reboot will be included, but who can wait that long?
Collection Includes All Five Films in the Theatrical Franchise, Two Alternate Versions and 20 Hours of Bonus Features
Superman, the cultural icon and quintessential superhero, is back in a big way. In a powerhouse year marked by the theatrical releases of several major superhero films including Warner Bros.’ Green Lantern, his arrival couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Warner Home Video (WHV) is celebrating the year of the superhero with the June 7 release of Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray. For the first time, fans will be able to own one super-entertaining Blu-ray collection with all four original theatrical Superman films starring Christopher Reeve (available for the first time in high def), Superman Returns, and the two alternate versions of Superman I and Superman II.
Available now in superb hi-def, with new digital/hi-def film masters, the must-own comprehensive Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) on Blu-ray includes all six versions of the films in the original Superman theatrical franchise — Superman: The Movie – Original Theatrical, Superman: The Movie – Expanded Edition, Superman II – Original Theatrical, Superman II – The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III – Original Theatrical, Superman IV – Original Theatrical, plus Superman Returns. The Collection also boasts 20 hours of bonus features including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns. Also included are two documentaries in hi-def, Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and The Science of Superman, as well as You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman, deleted scenes, and much more. Fan-boys and technophiles will especially appreciate that all of the Superman films are being released with English DTS-HD-MA soundtrack for superior sound quality. Also included is Movie Cash good up to $8 off one admission ticket to see the newest Warner Bros. superhero film, Green Lantern, at participating theaters between June 17, 2011 and July 3, 2011. The eight-disc collection will be available for $129.95 SRP. Orders are due May 3, 2011.
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology is also available On Demand and for download through online retailers including iTunes and Amazon on Demand.
About The Films
Superman: The Original Theatrical Movie (1978) and Expanded Edition (2001)
A box-office smash, an Academy AwardÒ winner and a fan favorite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles a cast and creative contingent as only a big movie can. At its heart (just as in three sequels) is Christopher Reeve’s intelligent, affectionate portrayal of a most human Man of Steel.
Variety called Superman “a wonderful, chuckling, preposterously exciting fantasy.”
The movie’s legacy soared even higher when director Richard Donner revisited this beloved adventure 22 years later and integrated eight additional minutes into the film. Enjoy more footage of the Krypton Council, a glimpse of stars of prior Superman incarnations, more of Jor-El underscoring his son’s purpose on Earth and an extended sequence inside Lex Luthor’s gauntlet of doom. Reeve, Marlon Brando (Jor-El), Gene Hackman (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film’s aura of legend.
Disc #1
· Superman: The Movie, Original Theatrical
· Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler (Original Theatrical Version)
· The Making of Superman: The Movie [1978 TV special]
· Superman and the Mole-Men [1951 feature]
· Warner Bros. Cartoons
o Super-Rabbit [1943 WB cartoon]
o Snafuperman [1944 WB cartoon]
o Stupor Duck [1956 WB cartoon]
· Trailers
Disc #2
Superman: The Movie, Expanded Edition
Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz (Extended Version)
Taking Flight: The Development of Superman
Making Superman: Filming the Legend
The Magic Behind the Cape
Screen Tests
Superman
Lois Lane with Optional Commentary
Ursa
A Selection of Restored Scenes
Additional Music Cues
Main Titles
Alternate Main Titles
The Council’s Decision
The Krypton Quake
More Mugger/Introducing Otis
Air Force One
Can You Read My Mind (Pop Version)
Music Only Track (Donner Cut)
Superman II (1980 and The Richard Donner Cut)
“I thought the original Superman was terrific entertainment,” the Chicago Sun-Times’ Roger Ebert wrote, “and so I was a little startled to discover that I liked Superman II even more.” Unwittingly released from Phantom Zone imprisonment, three super-powered Kryptonian criminals (Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O’Halloran) plan to enslave Earth – just when Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to show a more romantic side to Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). Gene Hackman (as Lex Luthor) also returns from the first film and with a top supporting cast, witty Richard Lester direction and visuals that astound and delight.
Superman II -The Richard Donner Cut delighted fans who, for years, had been imploring Warner Home Video to release the Donner cut. In fact, the director had already shot most of the Superman II footage during Superman: The Movie. But as production on the sequel continued, creative differences between the director and the film’s producers became irreconcilable and Donner left the project. Although Richard Lester was hired to finish production, he chose to make major changes to the film, leaving only vestiges of Donner’s original vision and concepts in the version of Superman II that was ultimately released to theaters.
Nearly thirty years later, Warner Home Video was delighted to grant the wishes of countless Superman fans. With this DVD release, Richard Donner had become the first director in history to be able to complete a film he left during production with nearly all his footage “in the can.” Adding back a substantial amount of that unused footage, the director has seen his original vision restored and brought to fruition.
Most notably, the “Donner cut” restores the Marlon Brando role, filmed for, but not included in the final theatrical release version of Superman II. The legendary Brando’s performance as Jor-El has finally been restored in key scenes that amplify the Superman lore and deepen the profound relationship between father and son.
With so many other changes, large and small, including a variety of Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) schemes to unmask Clark Kent as Superman, this Superman II proved to be an eye-opening experience and an important addition to film history.
Disc #3
· Superman II, Original Theatrical
· Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler (Original Theatrical Version)
· The Making of Superman II [1980 TV special]
· Deleted Scene
· First Flight: The Fleischer Superman Series
· Fleischer Studios’ Superman
o Superman
o The Mechanical Monsters
o Billion Dollar Limited
o The Arctic Giant
o The Bulleteers
o The Magnetic Telescope
o Electric Earthquake
o Volcano
o Terror on the Midway
· Theatrical Trailer
Disc #4
Superman II – The Richard Donner Cut
Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz (Donner Cut)
Introduction by Richard Donner
Superman II: Restoring the Vision
Deleted Scenes
Famous Studios’ Superman
Japoteurs
Showdown
Eleventh Hour
Destruction, Inc
The Mummy Strikes
Jungle Drums
The Underground World
Secret Agent
Superman III Theatrical Version (1983)
After Superman: The Movie’s epic storytelling and Superman II’s awesome battles, how could the first two hits be topped? In Superman III, meet Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a half-witted computer programming natural. For him a keyboard is a weapon – and Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his life. Christopher Reeve reprises his most beloved role, deepening his character’s human side as Clark Kent reunites with old flame Lana Lang (Annette O’Toole) at a Smallville High class reunion. And when Superman becomes his own worst enemy after Kryptonite exposure, Reeve pulls off both roles with dazzling skill. Incredible visual effects abound – but above all it has heart, heroism and high-flying humor. All in superabundance.
Disc #5
· Superman III Theatrical Version
· Commentary by Iilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
· The Making of Superman III (1983 TV Special)
· Deleted Scenes
· Theatrical Trailer
Superman IV The Quest For Peace Theatrical Version (1987)
Christopher Reeve not only dons the cape for the fourth time but also helped develop the movie’s provocative theme: nuclear disarmament. “For me, it’s the most personal of the entire series,” Reeve said. “It directly reflects what Superman should be, and should be doing.” Superman does a lot this time around. To make the world safe for nuclear arms merchants, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) creates a new being to challenge the Man of Steel: the radiation-charged Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow). The two foes clash in an explosive extravaganza that sees Superman save the Statue of Liberty, plug a volcanic eruption of Mount Etna and rebuild the demolished Great Wall of China.
Disc #6
· Superman IV The Quest For Peace Theatrical Version
· Commentary by Mark Rosenthal
· Superman 50th Anniversary Special (1988 TV Special)
· Deleted Scenes
· Theatrical Trailer
Superman Returns (2006)
He’s back. A hero for our millennium. And not a moment too soon, because during the five years (much longer in movie-fan years!) Superman sought his home planet, things changed on his adopted planet. Nations moved on without him. Lois Lane now has a son, a fiancé and a Pulitzer for “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” And Lex Luthor has a plan that will destroy millions – no, billions – of lives.
Filmmaker Bryan Singer (X-Men) gives the world the Superman it needs, honoring the legend everyone loves while taking it in a powerful new direction. Brandon Routh proves a perfect choice to wear the hero’s cape, leading a top cast that includes Kate Bosworth as Lois and Kevin Spacey as Lex. And the thrills – from a sky-grapple with a tumbling jumbo jet to a continent-convulsing showdown – redefine Wow.
Disc #7
· Superman Returns
· Requiem for Krypton: Making Superman Returns
o Pt. 1 Secret Origins and First Issues: Crystallizing Superman
o Pt. 2 The Crystal Method: Designing Superman
o Pt. 3 An Affinity for Beachfront Property: Shooting Superman- Superman on the Farm
o Pt. 4 An Affinity for Beachfront Property: Shooting Superman- Superman in the City
o Pt. 5 An Affinity for Beachfront Property: Shooting Superman- Superman in Peril
o Pt. 6 The Joy of Lex: Menacing Superman
o Pt. 7 He’s Always Around: Wrapping Superman
· Resurrecting Jor-El
· Deleted Scenes including the never-before-seen original opening to Superman Returns
· Bryan Singer’s Journals – Video production journals
· Trailers
Disc #8 Additional Bonus Material
· Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman [Hi-Def]
· You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman
o Pt. 1- Origin
o Pt. 2- Vision
o Pt. 3- Ascent
o Pt. 4- Crisis
o Pt. 5- Redemption
· The Science of Superman [Hi-Def]
· The Mythology of Superman
· The Heart of a Hero: A Tribute to Christopher Reeve
· The Adventures of Superpup [1958 TV pilot]
Amory Wars For Newbies
Musician Claudio Sanchez (from the band Coheed & Cambria) is also an accomplished comics scribe, with his sci-fi epic Amory Wars continuing at BOOM! Studios. I interviewed the man himself right here (on page 60) and if you’re like me and new to the Amory Wars story, now’s the time to see what it’s all about.
CLAUDIO SANCHEZ & BOOM! STUDIOS BRING YOU A HUGE WEEK FOR AMORY WARS RELEASES:
NEW READERS! JUMP RIGHT INTO THE ACTION WITH THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #1 $1 EDITION
CATCH UP WITH ANY ISSUES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED WITH THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 VOL. 2
CONTINUE THE EPIC SCI-FI SAGA IN THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #9
Claudio Sanchez and THE AMORY WARS fans prepare for a release of gigantic proportions as today, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, three fantastic titles take you back to Heaven’s Fence with THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #1 $1 EDITION, THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 Vol. 2 and THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #9. Start, catch up and continue the epic sci-fi saga written by musical mastermind Claudio Sanchez with comics legend Peter David , and featuring sensational art by BATMAN & ROBIN’s Chris Burnham, Kyle Strahm and Aaron Kuder!
For anyone who’s never experienced Claudio Sanchez’ intergalactic 12-issue tour de force, THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #1 $1 EDITION is an amazing way to jump straight into the action for $1. That’s right! For only one dollar, begin Claudio Kilgannon’s adventure of war and rebirth against the evil forces of galactic dictator Wilhelm Ryan!
Enjoy the series but not sure if you’re reading the whole story? THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 Vol. 2 collects issues #5-8 and drops you right in the middle of the greatest war Heaven’s Fence has ever known! It’s heart-stopping action as Inferno leads his rebel forces against the sinister Wilhelm Ryan and Mayo Deftinwolf’s Red Army. But when the dust settles, the war is far from over.
Once you’re caught up, continue the unfolding space opera with the latest release THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #9! The grand victory of Inferno and the rest of the Rebellion soon gives rise to their biggest fear. When an evil figure reappears…Heaven’s Fence faces its darkest hour. Claudio Kilgannon must step up and be the hero the universe needs — but will he answer the call?
THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #1 $1 EDITION is written by Claudio Sanchez and Peter David with art Chris Burnham. This issue carries Diamond Code of JAN111024 and a price point of only $1. THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 Vol. 2 collects issues #5-8 and is written by Claudio Sanchez and Peter David with art by Chris Burnham with Kyle Strahm and Aaron Kuder. This issue carries Diamond Code of JAN111022 and a price point of $14.99. THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #9 is written by Claudio Sanchez and Peter David with art by Aaron Kuder. This issue carries a Diamond Code of JAN111021 and a price point of $3.99.
Unknown God Is A Book Of The Year Finalist
Robert Luedke’s great Eye Witness series of OGNs continue to get the praise they deserve. Press release below.
Head Press Publishing received notification today that the fourth book in our Eye Witness series, Unknown God, has been named a finalist for the 2010 Fore Word Reviews, Book of the Year Awards!
According to ForeWord, “The finalists were drawn from more than 350 publishers and were selected from 1400 entries in 56 categories. These books are examples of independent publishing at its finest.”
Eye Witness: Unknown God is a finalist for the 2010 Awards in the graphic novel category. “Given the quality of the titles and creators also named in this year’s finals, I’m quite humbled and honored,” stated Eye Witness author/illustrator Robert Luedke. Here is a list of the graphic novel finalists:
■Beasts of Burden by Evan Dorkin
■Binky to the Rescue by Ashley Spires■Blacksad by Juan Daz Canales
■Book of Hours by George A Walker
■Days Missing Vol. 1 by Ian Edginton, Phil Hester, David Hine and Matz
■Eye Witness by Robert James Luedke
■Gunnerkrigg Court Vol. 2 by Tom Siddell
■Return of the Dapper Men by Jim McCann
■Tumor by Joshua Hale Fialkov
■Wanderlust by Megan Speers
Eye Witness: Unknown God, is the final book in the Eye Witness tetraology and it features a unique and fast paced combination of a modern-day action thriller with an adaptation of the Biblical book of Acts.
Since it’s premier in 2004, Luedke’s Eye Witness series has garnered four indy book awards and been named a finalist in four others. Besides the ForeWord honor,Unknown God has already been named the winning graphic novel in the 2010 USABookNews.com, book of the year awards and listed as a finalist in the catagory of “Young Adult” literature in this year’s Christian Small Press Publisher, Book of the Year Awards.
ForeWord Reviews’ Book of the Year Awards program was established to help publishers shine an additional spotlight on their best titles and bring increased attention to librarians and booksellers of the literary and graphic achievements of independent publishers and their authors. ForeWord is the only review trade journal devoted exclusively to books from independent houses.Winners will be determined by a panel of librarians and booksellers selected from the ForeWord readership. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor’s Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans this June.
Jonathan Hickman’s New Image Series
This is a surprise. I thought the days of writer Jonathan Hickman unveiling a new creation were long gone, since his now busy days writing for Marvel. Hickman made his name as writer and artist with the awesome The Nightly News, which is perfect for comic newbies, graphic designers and anyone who likes to see experimental sequential art. Since then, he’s hardly done much art and has focused on his mad writing skills, particularly for Marvel. Now, he’s back with Image with a brand new concept. Expect this series to sell out quickly, probably before it hits shelves in July.
FUTURE REFLECTIONS
Jonathan Hickman Debuts New Creator-Owned Series at Image in July
No one can ever claim Jonathan Hickman is lazy. Not content with helming head-turning runs on Fantastic Four, Secret Warriors and S.H.I.E.L.D., not to mention re-imagining the FF for his most recent hit, The Future Foundation, Hickman returns to Image this summer with an all-new creator-owned miniseries, THE RED WING.
“We’re all pretty excited for this one,” Hickman explained. “We believe we not only have a solid concept for an engaging new series, but even at this early stage, THE RED WING has that lightning in a bottle feel to it. I think people are really going to like it.”
Written by Hickman, with art by amazing newcomer Nick Pitarra and colors by Rachelle Rosenberg, THE RED WING marks Hickman’s first creator owned work since the conclusion of the critically acclaimed A RED MASS FOR MARS.
“Nick is going to really surprise some people,” Hickman said. “When the art for this starts hitting the web, and then when the finished product shows up in stores, many of them are going to wonder where this guy has been hiding. Nick’s a very hungry, special, special talent. I consider myself fortunate to be working with him.”
Set in a future where the best fighter pilots in the world not only have to master their craft and perfect their skills, the heroes of THE RED WING also have to learn how to navigate through time. Described by Hickman as “the greatest battle in the history of the history of three worlds,” the four-issue miniseries is but the first concept to be mined by Hickman & Pitarra as part of Hickman’s ongoing “PLUS!” project.
“Well, I’ve been promising I’d get to this for over a year, so now it’s time,” Hickman said. “We’ll start with THE RED WING, and then I’ll be writing and drawing something called, FEEL BETTER NOW, before Nick and I move on to our next exciting project. We have a busy, aggressive slate of exciting stories to tell, and, like I said before, it’s time.”
“It’s a real privilege to be working with Jonathan and the incredible team he’s assembled for THE RED WING,” added Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “Since his comics debut with THE NIGHTLY NEWS, Jonathan has been one of the most unique and visionary voices in contemporary comics, and after hearing what he has planned for THE RED WING and the rest of the PLUS! series, I can guarantee you he’s not planning to rest on his laurels anytime soon!”
THE RED WING #1 (of 4), a 32-page full color comic with a cover price of $3.50, will be available for order now in the May issue of Previews and will go on sale July 6.
This Is Lois Lane!
It’s hard to believe, but redhead Amy Adams is 36 years old. Wow. The actress from Doubt, Enchanted, The Fighter and more is also the new Lois Lane. She joins Brit Henry Cavill as Superman, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as his earthly parents. The reboot, directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) is due out in December next year and the cast, though surprising, is impressive. The last time the feisty reporter was seen on the big screen she was played by Kate Bosworth in Superman Returns and there was nothing about her character that would catch the eye of the Man of Steel. Margot Kidder in the original Richard Donner films and Erica Durance in TV’s Smallville have shown us the perfect portrayals of the classic character. Independence, toughness and a well hidden sweet centre is what Lois needs on the big screen. Hopefully Adams can give us that. To refresh your memory about all the actors who’ve played Clark Kent/ Superman read this nifty post.
On a related note, Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator (with Joe Shuster) Jerry Siegel passed away last month at the age of 93. Before she did the original inspiration for Lois wrote a letter to the CEO of Time Warner in relation to the ongoing court case regarding Superman’s copyright. In it, she reveals all the attributes mentioned above.
So I ask you to please consider – do these mean spirited tactics meet with your approval? Do you really think the families of Superman’s creators should be treated this way?
As you know, DC and Warner Bros. have profited enormously from 72 years of exploiting Jerry and Joe’s wonderful creation. Superman is now a billion dollar franchise and has been DC’s flagship property for all this time.
Read the entire letter here.
Extra Sequential Podcast #33-Tie-in Comics
54 mins. We shall not let minor technical issues stop us from talking about comics! No sir! Gianni joins us again to form the geek trio in our special on comics related to video games and other pop culture products. We discuss all the below, plus Boston Legal, CSI guest stars, how to be a “pack leader” and more.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES
1: 15 NEWS
Kevin Costner as Pa Kent in the Superman remake
Marvel’s deal with Starbucks
Wonder Woman’s shiny new TV costume
The new DC Nation TV show to be shown on the Cartoon Network
12: 05 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Kris watched Battle Los Angeles and read the TPB of Image’s fun fantasy series Skullkickers and Erik Larsen’s amusing Herculian one-shot.
Gianni’s been reading the Dead Space mini-series based on the game as well as the new Mass Effect.
Mladen has been watching The Dog Whisperer. Yes, we laughed at him too. He also read Asterix and the Falling Sky, and Price Valiant Volume 3.
25:30 THEME-TIE-IN COMICS
Phew. Tomb Raider, Sonic the Hedgehog and more have been produced over the years, and continue to be made, for video game fans to become comic book fans, and vice versa. There have been many more video game tie-ins recently too, such as Dante’s Inferno, Prototype, Infamous, Halo, God of War, Batman: Arkham City, World of Warcraft, Warhammer 40, 000 and more. Plus, anime and novel tie-ins and movie adaptations, including Tron.
Marvel At Starbucks And DC On TV
Some very impressive team-ups have been announced in the last day. Marvel is partnering with all 6,800 Starbucks coffee shops across America to give customers free (browsing, presumably) access to their growing Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited library. Good work Marvel! Hopefully this gets newbies in to comics. More info right here. Maybe if they did this last year Starbucks wouldn’t have had to close all those stores! Doubtful.
DC are making the most of their restructuring and desire to grow closer to their film and TV arm, by having their own TV show on the Cartoon Network called DC Nation. It won’t be until next year, with CN also hosting the ThunderCats remake and Green Lantern animated series, but this is a grand idea. I always thought a comics show would work. We don’t know many details, but I guess there would be looks at DC related films and TV shows, plus interviews with writers and artists of their comics. More info here.
My Maj Monologue
Yay! A friend told me about this annual competition at Perth theatre, His Majesty’s (the only operating Edwardian theatre in the Southern hemisphere!) so I entered and I made it into the final 8. Woo hoo! The theme for this year is Treachery and Lechery in the 21st Century and we had to create a monologue for an actor that was 8-15 minutes long.
Last night was the premiere and it runs until Saturday night. I gotta say, it was a blast. My monologue is entitled Nut Job and is a dark comedy based on my cancer experience. I’m all good now though. It’s great to hear my words coming out of someone else’s mouth, and to hear a packed room laugh at all the right places. It’s such a blessing and an encouragement.
Below are a few (they don’t show much, as I couldn’t distract the actors) photos of last night and an interview with me that appeared in a local paper last week, with my Zoolander pose. It was fun to be on the other side of an interview I must say.
And Here It Is-Wonder Woman’s TV Costume
Blue pants? Man. The more I see about this, the more inclined I am to think that it’s being made for teenage girls. Strong, action driven female characters on TV are rare, with Buffy and Sarah Connor being two obvious examples, but Warner Bros. seem to be playing it safe, making Diana Prince a corporate executive who must balance that life with her superheroine duties. With a princess/Amazonian warrior/ambassador/tough gal who can hold her own against Superman, this could be a great series with action, drama and Greek mythology. It could, but it appears that it won’t.
The costume is somewhat similar to artist Jim Lee’s redesign, but without the jacket and black pants, and a daring increase in the shiny factor.
Adrienne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, Legion) plays Wonder Woman, with Cary Elwes and Elizabeth Hurley also starring. It’s produced by David E. Kelley. (Boston Legal, Ally McBeal). The pilot is being filmed now.
Extra Sequential Podcast #32-Comics Are Cool
67 mins. Joined by our buddy Gianni we discuss the how, why and when of the coolness of comics and their popular acceptance. Also, the correct pronunciation of Ben Affleck, replacing beer with soda pop and the differing meanings of the word jocks. Plus, as an added bonus after the end song, hear some Skype shenanigans.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES
2:00 NEWS
David Slade set to direct the Daredevil reboot
Australia’s Supanova convention is not far away
Batman: Arkham City game trailer
The wispy Conan teaser
14:40 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Mladen’s been reading Metabarons and likens it to Dune. It has nuns that fly in whales. So there.
Kris has been reading Superman/Batman #81. It has an armoured Superman, a bad future and Detective Chimp, who is a character who is exactly that. He also read Venom #1 starring a legless former Spider-Man bully.
Gianni saw Matt Damon and Emily Blunt run around in The Adjustment Bureau.
35:00 THEME-COMICS ARE NOW COOL. DISCUSS.
Which we do, despite me dropping off Skype occasionally.
Marvel News App
Marvel Zombies rejoice! Now you can have your finger on the pulse.
Get Instant Marvel News With The MARVEL EVENTS App!
Landmark App Gives Fans Unprecedented Access To Breaking Marvel News
Get the backstage pass of a lifetime with the all-newMarvel Events app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, which is now available free in the iTunes store! Debuting alongside spring’s biggest pop culture event, Chicago’s C2E2, theMarvel Events app – and its companion mobile Web site events.marvel.com – is the best way to get exclusive videos, real-time announcements from the convention floor and up-to-the-minute panel, in-booth, and signing schedules of all your favorite Marvel creators! But that’s not all—with the Marvel Events app’s social networking features fans can submit and share their own photos, check-in at the Marvel Booth & panels, and follow the official Marvel Twitter feed! Discover why Marvel Events is the must-have app for any comic fan set out to make the most of their convention experience from home or on the show floor!
“The Marvel Events app is the next step in Marvel’s unparalleled commitment to fans at every show we attend and reinforces our position as the number one exhibitor” said Tim Dillon, Business Development Manager, Marvel Entertainment. “Not only does this app enhance the experience of fans on the show floor but allows people across the world instantaneous access to the Marvel experience as if they were right there next to us.”
As the latest addition to Marvel’s industry leading digital initiatives, the Marvel Eventsapp is provided for free to fans around the world with the support of our sponsors. Whether you’re braving the crowds or want to keep up on the latest Marvel news from the comforts of home, be sure to download the Marvel Events app for your iOS device today!
The future of comic fandom begins this month when the Marvel Events app goes live for free on the iPad, iPhone & iPod touch and at events.marvel.com for mobile web browsers!
Wonder Woman TV Series Logo
I have a feeling this new TV series starring the Amazonian superhero (from David E. Kelley) will receive more criticism than the Spider-Man Broadway show. Here’s the logo and here’s a brief look at a day’s shooting, with Elizabeth Hurley, and no she’s not the titular heroine.
comicbookjesus 