Good on Comics Alliance for being the most visited comics related site in the US. I’ve only recently gotten to know their charms, but amongst the heap of comics sites out there, it’s always an entertaining stand out, as they don’t focus on reviews and interviews like most others.
At CA right now is the obligatory just released X-Men: First Class trailer, Neil Gaiman’s surprising support of internet piracy, a birthday ode to Bruce Timm and more.
The unique artist on Archaia’s Return of the Dapper Men (one of last year’s best OGNs) has created a variant cover starring Emma Frost. Neato.
Welcome To The X-Men Jane Austen, Hope You Survive The Experience!
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the rising star artist of Jane Austen’s Emma, Janet K. Lee (Return of the Dapper Men), stunning variant cover to Uncanny X-Men #534 depicting the one and only Emma Frost!
“We’re so excited with the plans that we have for Jane Austen’s Emma, that we thought we’d have Janet cover one of our own Emmas!” exclaims SVP of Sales David Gabriel. “This variant is a fun way to draw attention to both books.”
No fan of Janet Lee’s dazzling artwork or the X-Men can miss out on incredible variant! Be sure to be the first one to your local comic shops this March to pick one up!
UNCANNY X-MEN #534 (JAN110779)
UNCANNY X-MEN #534 LEE VARIANT (DEC108200)
Written by MATT FRACTION & KIERON GILLEN
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
Variant Cover by JANET K LEE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 2/28/11, On Sale – 3/23/11
EMMA #1 (JAN110685)
Written by NANCY BUTLER
Art and Cover by JANET K LEE
Rated A …$3.99
On Sale – 3/2/11
I’m assuming this isn’t a sequel to the animated Green Lantern: First Flight film from 2009, as the voice cast is different, but the look is pretty similar. Perhaps Warner Bros. couldn’t get one of they key cast members from First Flight back, so they started anew. It makes sense, as this will undoubtedly be fairly newbie friendly anyway, seeing as it’s being released a few days before the live action GL film starring Ryan Reynolds.
NATHAN FILLION, ELISABETH MOSS LEAD STELLAR VOICECAST FOR
GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS
ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE COMING JUNE 7, 2011 FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO
Primetime television stars Nathan Fillion (Castle) and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) lead a diverse array of performers as the voices behind Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, the
next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Building up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, Green Lantern, in theatres June 17, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights arrives on Blu-Ray™, DVD, On Demand and for Download June 7 from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation.
Fillion provides the voice of the animated film’s central character Hal Jordan, the human Green Lantern assigned to Sector 2814 (which includes Earth). Fillion has starred in several primetime television series including Desperate Housewives, Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He has also developed a popular cult following as a pair of Joss Whedon’s heroic captains: Capt. Mal Reynolds in the space-western series Firefly and follow-up film, Serenity; and Captain Hammer in Whedon’s internet sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Fillion returns to the DC Universe after his successful turn as Steve Trevor in the animated film Wonder Woman,
and has performed voice work on Justice League, Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., and several Halo video games.
Moss gives voice to Arisia, a young recruit forced into her first mission on just her third day as a Green Lantern. Prior to starring as the ever-evolving Peggy Olson in AMC’s ground-breaking series Mad Men, Moss was featured on The West Wing, Invasion and Picket Fences. Moss has been active in voiceovers for animation with previous roles in
Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs, Freakazoid! and It’s Spring Training, Charlie Brown!.
The voice cast for the animated Green Lantern: Emerald Knights also features actor/spoken word artist Henry Rollins (Sons of Anarchy, The Henry Rollins Show) as Kilowog, Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films) as Sinestro, legendary professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (They Live) as Bolphunga, Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy) as Abin Sur, Kelly Hu (The Vampire Diaries) as Laira and Wade Williams (Prison Break) as Deegan. Radio Hall of Fame commentator/talk show host Michael Jackson
voices the esteemed Guardian, Ganthet.
Bruce Timm is executive producer of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. Directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva and Christopher Berkeley.
The full-length animated Green Lantern: Emerald Knights complements the Warner Bros. theatrical release of the highly anticipated live-action major motion picture, Green Lantern. Green Lantern: Emerald Knights will be distributed by Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD, as well as single disc DVD. The film will also be available On Demand and for Download.
Sequart, the makers of great books offering critical analysis in comics, and the recent Talking With Gods documentary on writer Grant Morrison, have lined up their next project, and it’s a beauty.
Diagram for Delinquents is a doco focused on the recently abolished and controversial Comics Code and really is a fascinating period in history of America’s arts. To make this film a reality, Sequart are seeking donations through Kickstarter to reach their $6000 goal. They’re over halfway there and you have until April 24 to join in.
Beginning in the late 1940s, Wertham began publishing articles linking comic books to juvenile delinquency. This work culminated in his now-infamous 1954 book, Seduction of the Innocent. Burnings of comics were reported across the United States, and Congress held hearings into the matter, which helped spur the creation of the self-censoring body the Comics Code Authority (only just recently dropped by DC and Archie Comics).
Wertham was himself a contradiction. Although forever linked with artistic repression, he was a social crusader whose writings on the damaging effects of segregation were used as evidence in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Although forever linked to the Comics Code, he claimed to be against censorship. Wertham developed his theories about comics while caring for juvenile delinquents, which biased his analysis by ignoring healthy juveniles who read comics — a fact that has caused his case to be often used as a negative example in statistical analysis. But his theories about comics, highlighting Wonder Woman’s themes of lesbianism and bondage, claims of Batman and Robin’s homosexuality, and the excesses of the era’s crime comics, had a lasting impact on the medium.
Wertham’s last book, in 1974, defended the culture of comics fanzines, as if a belated and lackluster apology for his involvement in the by-then infamous Congressional hearings. This led to him being invited to speak at the New York Comic Art Convention, where the audience heckled him. He died in 1981.
Featuring interviews from comics scholars and professionals, this documentary film will not defend Wertham. Instead, it seeks to place the wider story of Wertham and his effects on comics into a historical context, one in which comics subsequently evolved into more sophisticated material that is no longer primarily children’s fare. To illustrate this story, the documentary will use recreations and Wertham’s own files, which were only made public in late 2010 and have mostly never been seen before.
The film’s title comes from Wertham’s own notes, in which he claimed comics provide a “detailed diagram for delinquents.”
This new series from BOOM! sounds interesting. It’s co-written by James Wan, but I can’t seem to confirm anywhere that it’s the same James Wan of the Saw franchise fame. Strange.
WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER!
ENTER THE STRANGE TWISTED SCI-FI WORLD OF MALIGNANT MAN
A BRAND NEW ORIGINAL SERIES BY BOOM! STUDIOS COMING THIS APRIL!
This April enter the twisted sci-fi action epic MALIGNANT MAN, where a doomed cancer patient discovers the sickness thought to kill him will transform him into something more powerful than he could ever imagine! Written by James Wan, fan-favorite author Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER, DINGO) and art by international sensation Piotr Kowalski, MALIGNANT MAN is sure to be the most exciting original sci-fi series on comic book stands this April!
“MALIGNANT MAN will shock and awe!” says BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “If you’re looking for an epic adventure that’s action packed, pulse-pounding sci-fi at its very best, you can do no better than BOOM! Studios’ newest series MALIGNANT MAN!”
MALIGNANT MAN tells the story of Alan Gates, a cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis, who’s resigned to his fate…until he discovers that his tumor is actually a mysterious parasite! Granted a second lease on life and incredible, otherworldly powers, Alan must fight against an evil army buried beneath society’s skin, all the while unlocking the secrets of his forgotten past. Dark, twisted, and unlike anything else on the stands, MALIGNANT MAN is a sci-fi thriller that can’t be missed!
MALIGNANT MAN is written by James Wan and Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER, DINGO) with art by Piotr Kowalski. This title ships in April with A and B covers in a 50/50 split by Trevor Hairsine and Rael Lyra respectively and carries a Diamond Code of FEB110851.
Time for some perty pics.
Geoff Johns made Green Lantern the centre of the DC Universe for a while, and now it’s time for another superhero he resurrected to take the spotlight in May’s Flashpoint series, which launches 15 mini-series set in an alternate future, or something. The cover by Andy Kubert for Flashpoint #1 is below. DC have also released 5 new cryptic teaser images for the series.
Marvel’s next big event is similarly secretive. Here’s the Steve McNiven cover for Fear Itself #1, the first of the 7 ish mini which launches in April.
Finally, the Captain America film opens in July, but the first teaser trailer (as well as Thor’s) is being launched this Sunday during the Super Bowl, as well as a free digital tie-in comic. The grungy official poster for the film is below.
Earlier this week I was reminded of this great site dedicated to the unseen future of the Super Powers action figures from the ’80s. Now even more unused designs have shown up and you can check them all out here, and man, are they whacky, but if they ever got made, they would’ve been awesome. Wonder Woman with crazy hair, Firestorm with a flaming wrench, Batman with two groin pistols and Superman with a stick! Oh yeah.
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
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.
I’m blessed to write for comics site Broken Frontier. Last year we launched a digital mag, chock full of interviews, reviews, previews and articles, which can be read on your computer, or iPad. Now we’re doing a survey to see what our readers think, so if you have a few minutes to spare go here to tick a few boxes.
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.
Working with architects does have its advantages, I must say. In the myriad links I get sent daily, sometimes something blog worthy like this will crop up. It’s an article about a proposed museum dedicated to comics and cartoons in a huge space in Manhattan. It looks great, and is not to be confused with the current MoCCA in New York. I hope it gets made. Here’s the original article.
Comic or rather”graphic novel” fanatics will soon get to share their love with liked minded fellows and no I don’t mean Comic-Con. The proposed Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art MoCCA will sited on a 14000sq ft lot in Manhattan’s lower east side near the Williamsburg Bridge from Brooklyn and seeks to be a hub for the most comprehensive comic and cartoon art collection. The design proposal lists spaces for gallery, classrooms, café, retail, theater, lecture hall, IT/computer lab, offices, archives, workshops, library, conference and convention center and the idea to have a fully immersive environment. The project has been conceptualized by architects Reid Nystrom and Alessandro Ortiz and I can’t wait to see it take shape.
69 mins. It’s our 25th podcast and we celebrate the occasion by looking at the 25th anniversary of the year 1986, and what a year it was. We talk about the comics of the time plus power ballads, being born, multiple Sheens, the popularity of the high-five, and the shock of seeing Transformers dying.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE, ON ITUNES OR MIXCLOUD
1:32 NEWS
Death of the Comics Code and the upcoming doco about it, death of the powerful comics magazine Wizard and Shaun Tan’s Oscar nomination.
11:22 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING
Arrested Development, and the whacky shenanigans of Axe Cop Vol. 1 TPB.
21:30 1986-THE YEAR THAT WAS
We kick off with the year’s Top Ten grossing films, talk about dying Transformers, Steve Guttenberg, and then get to comics of the time.
John Byrne’s Superman: Man of Steel that revamped and streamlined Clark and co.
Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, that showed an aged Bruce Wayne putting on the cowl once more in a mad future that put Batman back into the darkness, where he belongs.
Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
The British Invasion that saw English creators (such as Grant Morrison and Neil Gaiman) getting huge success in America, particularly DC Comics.
The rise of the independent publisher such as Dark Horse Comics and Slave Labor Graphics.
Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize winning Maus.
The formation of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
A few long running characters debuted including Booster Gold, Kilowog, Sodam Yat, Apocalypse and Eddie Brock (Venom).
For non-superheroes, 1986 saw the debut of Dylan Dog, Tintin and Alph-Art, Golgo 13, Area 88, Lone Wolf and Cub, Crying Freeman and Spirit of Wonder.
comicbookjesus 