My favourite comic publisher is also the coolest pensioner since Sean Connery. Now they’re celebrating their 75th anniversary with digital downloads of some of their best films, TV shows and animated series. You can see DC/Warner Bros’ best at the new DC iTunes Experience page or the Warner Bros online shop.
I’ve been to the biggest English language pop culture event that is San Diego Comic-Con for the last 2 years. I met lots of great people, spent a lot of money and had a blast. I won’t be going this year because well, it isn’t cheap to fly there and stay for a week. It’s only a fortnight away, and the schedule has been announced, as have the exclusives, such as these 2 beauties from Mattel. The Plastic Man figures comes in a box shaped like him. He also has interchangeable stretchy arms and other accessories, and has sunglasses that can actually be worn by non-mallebale buyers. The figure will be available at Mattel’s site after the Con, but not for us Aussies and New Zealanders. Bummer.
Also available at the Con is a Starro figure, the kind of villain (huge evil starfish) that only comic book writers of the ’60s could concoct. The packaging is a nod to the classic Starro/JLA debut cover and features the voice of Kevin Conroy, ie, the animated Batman. The video makes it look cooler.
The fourth and final book from writer/artist Robert Luedke’s biblical adaptations is now available. His Eye Witness series has received some impressive mainstream exposure, and awards, and it’s awesome to see something that’s only biblically accurate but also entertaining. You can see more of Unknown God right here.
Here’s the official description:
Just when it appeared forensic Archeologist, Dr. Terry Harper, had safely made it back to U.S. soil, he’s assassinated by a sniper’s bullet. Meanwhile, back in the first century, the Apostle Paul has been stoned to death in the village of Lystra. It appears the tale of the eyewitness has finally come to an end…if not for the power and mystery of The Unknown God.
In this fourth and final book of the Award-Winning Eye Witness graphic novel series, Harper’s allies make one final attempt to reveal to the world the existence of the Gospel of Joseph of Arimathea, while Harper himself become an unwitting witness to the first century trial of the Apostle Paul by the Roman Senate.
Unknown God takes the reader through a full color, fully illustrated roller-coaster ride that features the intertwining of a modern day action-thriller with an unprecedented adaptation of the Book of Acts. In this final volume of the Eye Witness series, both Dr. Harper and the reader will finally learn the reason why he’s been chosen to become a modern day eyewitness to events that occurred 2,000 years in the past.
One of the growing number of sites I visit daily, Coolvibe is a great place to see awesome art from all over the place. Now up is a collection of 40 Star Wars pics from games, parodies and promos. Feed your eyeballs right here.
The last few weeks have seen internet murmurs about the walls between DC and Vertigo slowly breaking down, perhaps as the new DC Entertainment seeks to put all its diverse characters under one proud roof. Now, at CBR a short, but interesting interview with British (and recent DC exclusive) writer Paul Cornell about his just begun tenure on Action Comics sheds a little light on it. It’s DC’s longest running series, with Detective Comics close behind, and the fact that Lex Luthor is now the book’s star, rather than Superman, is surprising enough. However, Neil Gaiman’s much loved character Death will be showing up in Action Comics #894 in October. This could just be crazy enough to work. I must admit that last week’s first Cornell (with artist Pete Woods) ish on AC was grand and full of cool, wow moments. Starring Lex Luthor and not a Superman in sight. Who’da thought?
No, I didn’t make that title up and no Alan Moore’s not appearing on So You Think You Can Dance.
From John M.Chu, who made Step Up 3D, comes this rather unique blend of two hot ticket items in pop culture at the moment – young people dancing and young people being superheroes. Apparently 3 series have already been filmed and the first episode is now live for U.S residents on Hulu. LXD follows two rival dance teams who discover their powers as they dance, whether it be hip hop, ballet and so on. The dancers have performed at this year’s Oscars and during the live Glee tour, so obviously they know their stuff.
New episodes will be released on Wednesday (just like new comics). Initial reaction was cringe inducing laughter, but after watching the trailer, many, including myself, are intrigued.
DC have long been criticised, especially as of late, for not treating their non-white male characters with much respect, whether it be killing them or just not really knowing what to do with them.
Their oldest female superhero hit the headlines last week though thanks to new Wonder Woman writer J. Michael Straczynski, with help from artist Jim Lee and their new costume for Princess Diana. The leather jacket, and streamlined look has very few supporters though, as fans get angry flashback to her similar redesigns in the ’90s. Certainly it’s a less revealing and a more practical costume, but that doesn’t necessarily make it better. I don’t hate the costume (below) as much as my fellow fans in internetdom do, as Diana did need an update. However the new duds do look younger than she’s ever appeared before. WW is not a teenager in desperate need to accessorise. She’s the original warrior princess and should reveal an air of majesty who’s comfortable in her own toned skin. What worries me more is JMS’ new story direction, as hinted at in last week’s Wonder Woman #600. Having an amnesiac Diana running around, dealing with a destroyed Paradise Island, a blind “oracle’ in fishnets and a time altering history leaves very little to be inspired about. Diana doesn’t need to be so drastically “ultimatised.” Greg Rucka wrote her wonderfully in his short time on the title.
Well, on a similar note, Bleeding Cool has revealed some preliminary costume designs from the Wonder Woman film that Buffy creator Joss Whedon was attached to in 2007. The film should be a priority for Warner Bros. Out of their Trinity only Batman has had a good film or two this decade and Superman’s last awesome film was in 1978. So if she ever does get to the silver screen, maybe they’ll look at these designs from Shawna Trpcic, who also worked with Whedon on his Firefly TV series.
Below are a few new pics from Marvel, including vampire variant covers in October and two Greg Land teasers for what looks like the return of the Generation X cast of characters.
Marvel Announces Vampire Variants!
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at upcoming Vampire Variants from some of the industry’s top artists! Just in time for Halloween, your favorite Marvel heroes will be re-imagined…as Vampires! Want to know more? Stay tuned to Marvel.com as more of these jaw-dropping variants are unveiled.
AVENGERS ACADEMY #5 VAMPIRE VARIANT
Vampire Variant by J.S. ROSSBACH
HULK #26 VAMPIRE VARIANT
Vampire Variant by SALVA ESPIN
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #31 VAMPIRE VARIANT
Vampire Variant by SALVADOR LARROCA
NEW AVENGERS #5 VAMPIRE VARIANT
Vampire Variant by STEPHANIE PERGER
A New Generation of Hope
Don’t miss the stunning emergence of a new generation of heroes this July in Uncanny X-Men #526.
UNCANNY X-MEN #526 (MAY100634)
“THE FIVE LIGHTS” PART 1
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by WHILCE PORTACIO
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Backup Story by ALLAN HEINBERG & OLIVIER COIPEL
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 7/8/10, On Sale 7/28/10
Let’s face it, comics publishers are behind the game when it comes to blogs, leaving fans to pick up the slack. DC only got a blog a few months ago, but now Dark Horse is coming to the party. It launched on May 26 with little fanfare and this humble message.
Welcome to the Dark Horse Blog!
Swing on by every week for comics news, creator interviews, and exclusive content available no where else online! See something you like? Tell us about it in our comment section! Or is you’re feeling particularly ambitious, link to us on Twitter and Facebook. Check back every week and see what’s new at Darkhorse.com!
–Max Sato, Blog Guy
In the days since, though it’s been worth visiting, with previews of upcoming releases such as Hellboy and Star Wars and news such as Dark Horse’s recent exciting partnership with Toshiba and USA Today. Check out the Dark Horse blog here.
The long talked about animated series based on the recent series that brought the classic character to the front of the Marvel U once more is out next week. Full details below and more screen shots including Captain America, Black Knight and Juggernaut fighting a rhino (yep) right here.
Marvel Announces Release of BLACK PANTHER: WHO IS THE BLACK PANTHER?
Marvel Knights Animation is proud to announce Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther?, a twelve-episode, weekly, all-new series debuting on iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network on June 23rd.
Inspired by the acclaimed graphic novel from respected filmmaker/producer Reginald Hudlin and legendary comic book artist John Romita Jr, Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? introduces viewers to the Black Panther, the warrior king of Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation in the heart of Africa . As outside forces conspire to plunder this proud nation, the Black Panther will face his greatest threats as he meets Klaw, the man who murdered his father.
“The positive responses to news of the show have been so overwhelming, it’s great to finally make the Black Panther series available to everyone,” said Hudlin. “Audiences get caught up on many levels – seeing John Romita Jr’s art come to life; the quality of the voice work by an award winning cast; the boldness of the politics, the music and humor. But see it for yourself!”
Romita Jr added, “The reaction by any person, upon viewing footage of a black panther, is universal: Awe. There is no more elegant a creature on the face of the planet. The creation of the character by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, in a turbulent political time, maintained that quality. Reggie Hudlin’s updated version follows that and adds an amazing, cinematic flair to it. In my opinion, reading, and now viewing, the Black Panther series is much akin to witnessing a panther in person. Enjoy the elegance of the story, the elegance of the actors, their voices, their words, and….the imagery.”
This exciting series also features the voices of major celebrities including Academy Award-nominee Djimon Hounsou as Black Panther; Jill Scott as Storm, Kerry Washington as Princess Shuri; Alfre Woodard as both Dondi Reese and Queen Mother; Carl Lumbly as Uncle S’Yan; and comics legend Stan Lee in a special role.
Learn more about Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther? right now at www.marvel.com/blackpanther
This is something Dave and I have been talking about recently, regarding our Extra Sequential mag. We love paper, to be sure, but the digital horizon sure is exciting.
Thanks to Image, here’s 2 good news press releases!
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE. FIGHT EVIL WITH SCIENCE!
SCIENCE DOG gets his first collection from Image Comics
Half man, half dog and all hero, Science Dog gets his first collection in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, coming this September from Image Comics. He’s INVINCIBLE’S favorite comic book character. Soon, he’ll be yours as well!
“In the INVINCIBLE universe, Science Dog is a superstar — comic books, movies, action figures — the works,” says writer Robert Kirkman. “This is a step toward making him the superstar he should be in our universe!”
“It’s exciting to finally see Science Dog in his own book,” adds artist Cory Walker. “The character is front and center in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, where he belongs.”
SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1 collects the never before reprinted Science Dog back-up stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50. This story leads right into the senses-shattering back-up story contained within INVINCIBLE #75. If you’re only reading INVINCIBLE in collected form, this is what you’ve been missing! Don’t miss out a second time!
SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, a 32-page full-color comic book collecting the Science Dog backup stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50, will be available for $3.50 on September 1, 2010.
TRY SOME, BUY SOME
Image Comics reprints the first issue of classic series in IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO
This Fall, Image Comics is re-presenting 10 first issues as an introduction to some of its most acclaimed titles. Each debut acts as a perfect primer to its corresponding ongoing series and collected editions. Starting September 1, 2010, and continuing through November, each reprinted first issue will be available for only $1.
“Response to Image Firsts has been phenomenal,” exclaims Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. “So, we are expanding the line with a second wave of IMAGE FIRSTS. Image Firsts is a fantastic way for readers to discover new titles and for retailers to introduce customers to Image’s unsurpassed backlist.”
IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE 2 shipping this September include:
IMAGE FIRSTS: THE DARKNESS #1
story GARTH ENNIS
art & cover MARC SILVESTRI
SEPTEMBER 1
IMAGE FIRSTS: LIBERTY MEADOWS #1
story FRANK CHO
art & cover FRANK CHO
SEPTEMBER 8
IMAGE FIRSTS: WANTED #1
story MARK MILLAR
art & cover J.G. JONES
SEPTEMBER 15
IMAGE FIRSTS: I KILL GIANTS #1
story JOE KELLY
art & cover J.M. KEN NIIMURA
SEPTEMBER 22
IMAGE FIRSTS: MAGE #1
story MATT WAGNER
art & cover MATT WAGNER
SEPTEMBER 29
Discover some of Image Comics’ best series in September with IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO, re-releasing the first issue of THE DARKNESS, LIBERTY MEADOWS, WANTED, I KILL GIANTS and MAGE for only $1.
Be on the lookout for more IMAGE FIRSTS in October and November!
Press release below, revealing a good move from BOOM!.
Today BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce the arrival of the BOOM! Studios Comics app for the iPad and iPhone in the iTunes App Store. Built on comiXology’s popular digital comic platform, the BOOM! Studios Comics app launches with a number of top pop culture-inspired titles including comics based on 28 DAYS LATER, DIE HARD and a word-for-word comic translation of Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, as well as BOOM! Studios’s top-selling original series IRREDEEMABLE, INCORRUPTIBLE and THE UNKNOWN.
Partnering with comiXology to create an incomparable reading experience for BOOM! Studios fans and comic fans everywhere, BOOM! Studios launches its mobile app with nearly 50 comic book titles optimized specifically for mobile devices. In addition to stunning high-resolution comics in an amazingly easy-to-operate user interface, the BOOM! Studios Comics app utilizes comiXology’s patent-pending Guided View™ technology to create a completely immersive digital comic experience for new and old fans alike. The app also comes fully equipped with comiXology’s Retail Locator, giving fans unprecedented access to BOOM! Studios titles both on and offline.
“While comic-based movies are thriving on the big screen, the reality is most fans have never been exposed to comics books as a medium unto themselves,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Digital comics give us the opportunity to reach a broader audience and inspire them to connect with the comics community through titles they’re already passionate about.”
An innovator in the field, BOOM! Studios, in partnership with MySpace, was the first publisher to offer digital comic releases the day and date of print releases in 2008. BOOM! Studios was also one of the first comic book publishers to make comics available on the iPhone and Android mobile devices. BOOM! Studios continues its mission to fill the void between comic book culture and pop culture with digital distribution. With the release of the BOOM! Studios Comics app, the company marks a significant move toward engaging pop culture fans with the comics that have inspired by world.
Through the app, fans will have access to new issues of each current series, released on a regular basis, and BOOM! Studios’s entire back catalog in the coming months. The BOOM! Studios Comics app will also offer readers the first half of every first issue in each series for free.
“Comics have long since been the landscape for pop culture. So many comics have inspired movies, television and video games, but so few people have encountered the actual comic books that form the basis for that inspiration,” said BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. According to Mosher, “comiXology has proven, time and again, that digital comics are the key factor in uniting these worlds and exposing the pop culture audience to comic culture. Now they’re helping BOOM! Studios do the same.”
With the BOOM! Studios Comics app, now available for free in the iTunes App Store (link to be included), BOOM! Studios fans and comic fans everywhere can experience some of the best comics available anywhere starting at $1.99 each.
So the film based on the comic opens August 13. The game based on the film based on the comic, inspired by retro games is out soon. It promises to be old school fun. Trailer below and a wilder montage right here. I’m getting ’90s arcade flashbacks.
comicbookjesus 