Created by Blackmeal, this is 40 seconds of animated greatness paying homage to Marvel.
The Image Revolution Trailer
Last week, Sequart released a trailer for their upcoming doco about Image Comics, which will be a fascinating insight into one of comics’ best and worst periods. It’s already looking better than their last two docos, on writers Grant Morrison, and Warren Ellis.
The Image Revolution will examine one of the most important and daring moves in modern comic book history. Twenty years ago, a group of artists left Marvel Comics to create their own company, a company that continues to influence mainstream comics and culture to this day. Image Comics began as more than just a publisher — it was a response to years of creator mistreatment, and it changed comics forever.
The Image Revolution will tell the amazing story of this from-scratch company, from its founders’ work at Marvel, through Image’s early days, the ups and downs of the ’90s, and the publisher’s new generation of creator-owned properties like The Walking Dead. We will tell this story through new interviews with the people who made it happen. And what better time than during Image’s 20th anniversary to do it?
Rap Sheet, Not Wrap Sheet
Geoff Johns has been writing comics, and TV shows for years now, so maybe this wasn’t his mistake, but in this week’s second issue of DC’s new Justice League of America, Steve Trevor’s dialogue refers to Green Arrow’s fake “wrap sheet.”
That spelling didn’t look right to me, and after some brief investigation, I can confirm that it should actually be, “rap sheet,” when referring to someone’s criminal record. Apparently its stands for Record of Arrest and Prosecution.
As for the series itself, it’s not too bad, and has an interesting line-up with Katana, Vibe and Catwoman, but I kept thinking of the various Avengers launches from Marvel in recent years, with the similar boardroom and press conference scenes, and behind the scenes political shenanigans.
All Crime Comics #1 Review
Comic readers (and creators) are a nostalgic bunch, and the crime comics of decades ago hold a special place in the history of the medium, as the young upstart, for their part in the mid-20th century for bringing sex and violence to the young readers of the time. It also led to U.S Senate enquiries, and eventually the censorship in the industry of the Comics Code, which is now defunct.
Well, indie publisher Art of Fiction obviously look upon that time fondly, judging by their latest release. For some reason, my comic shop only received this debut issue this week, but it looks like other countries got it late last year.
Under that naughty, old school cover by animation legend Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League), is a three part story with more wonderful old school flavour.
Written by Art of Fiction (I assume that means quite a few people from the publisher), with Ed Laroche doing the art for chapters 1 and 3, and Marc Sandroni for the flashback second chapter, it’s a quick, but enjoyable read.
The story is typically gangster/noir flavoured, and set in 1989, with crooks tough Marko and confident Dodger out to reclaim some money, which means getting their gang back together for one last job. The middle chapter goes back to 1969 where Dodger became friends with Louie, before a girl and dirty deals got between them, while the finale focuses on Dodger’s plan and how Louie’s current stint in prison plays into that.
It’s a well paced story, with apparently at least one more issue on the way, and with its narrow focus on key characters, and great art style, including the ’80s colouring for the flashback, it’s a unique read.
The Deep Cartoon Trailer Premiere
Cool, arty things happen in Melbourne. Cool things also happen in my hometown of Perth, but I hope we get to see this trailer online soon.
AUSTRALIAN GRAPHIC NOVELS BY BESTSELLING MELBOURNE AUTHOR TO BECOME INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED SERIES.
PREVIEW SCREENING AND BOOK LAUNCH THIS SATURDAY.
His recent publications sit atop the bestseller lists on Amazon and iBooks among others, and he has written adventures for Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett — however, for Melbourne born and bred comic book author,Tom Taylor, nothing excites him more than crafting tales of the Nekton family in his creator-owned graphic novel series, The Deep.
After receiving the 2012 Aurealis Award for ‘Best Graphic Novel’ for the first volume of The Deep series, Here Be Dragons, Taylor and artist James Brouwer return to the seas for the second volume, The Vanishing Island, published by Gestalt Comics.
The Vanishing Island continues the adventures of a multi-ethnic family of daring Aquanauts who live on a submarine — and will receive its official launch on the 23rd March 2013 at Melbourne’s All-Star Comics.
Written by award-winning writer Tom Taylor (DC’s Injustice, Star Wars: Adventures, Star Wars: Blood Ties) and illustrated by the incredible James Brouwer (Justice League Beyond), The Vanishing Island sees the Nektons, a family who have been exploring the seas for generations, investigate an island that was “completely not hit by a tsunami.”
Book Launch Details
The launch of The Vanishing Island will be held at All Star Comics Melbourne, Level 1, 410 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, on Saturday the 23rd March 2013, from 1pm-3pm, and will feature the first public preview of the upcoming TV series based on The Deep graphic novels.
Upcoming Animated TV Series
A new CGI series is in the works based on the The Deep graphic novels, with Paris-based animation studio Technicolor developing and producing 26 half-hour episodes of The Deep targeting viewers 6 years and up.
The Deep: The Vanishing Island and the previous volume in the series, Here Be Dragons, are distributed by Madman Entertainment in Australia & New Zealand, with an RRP of $19.95 aud.
Slave Labor Graphics Sale
Indie publisher SLG are moving, and are having a huge sale to celebrate.
SLG Publishing is moving from it’s long time home in downtown San Jose to a new warehouse in the midtown area. We are having a moving sale this week with 30% off everything in stock in the store (sorry, no back orders). No coupon code is required.
Our new place will feature a bigger gallery store than the old one and we will be carrying a lot more comics and graphic novels from other publishers. Come visit us for the grand opening on May 4th at44 Race StreetSan Jose, CA 95126
Go here to see the goodies on offer.
Ultimate Comics Ultimates #25 Preview
Ooh, sweet, destruction! Text-free preview pages below.
Fialkov & DiGiandomenico Disassemble ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES!
This June, the red-hot creative team of Josh Fialkov and Carmine DiGiandomenico take Ultimate Comics Ultimates in an all-new direction…by tearing the team apart! With the hunt for the Infinity Gems on everyone’s mind, disaster creeps up on the steps of the Triskellion. Can Thor, Captain America and Iron Man figure out the source of the dark force crippling the Ultimate Comics Universe in time before it’s too late?!
“Josh and Carmine hit the ground running hard and fast with issue 25” explained Mark Paniccia, Senior Editor – Marvel Entertainment. “From page one it’s a non-stop, 90 miles an hour ride that takes the book in an unexpected and dangerous direction.”
Meanwhile, Reed Richards, Hulk, and Quicksilver, form an pact with a powerful new ally who promises redemption and…revenge! Things change big time this June in Ultimate Comics Ultimates #25!
ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #25
Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover by MICHAEL KOMARCK
ON SALE JUNE 2013!
Ten Grand Preview
Joe’s Comics, the Top Cow imprint that gave birth to Midnight Nation and Rising Stars from celebrated scribe J. Michael Straczynski is back, now at Image. The first series to be released is Ten Grand, about murder, resurrection and love. The press release gives a much better idea of the story, which kicks off on May 1, with renowned artist Ben Templesmith.
The premise: Joe Fitzgerald was a mob enforcer until the day he met Laura, who convinced him to leave that world behind. Before quitting, Joe agrees to one last job, little realizing that the man he’s been sent to kill was deeply involved in demonlogy. He survives Joe’s attempt and comes after him, fatally wounding Joe and killing Laura. As he lies dying, an angelic force promises that if Joel agrees to work for them as a different kind of enforcer, they will bring him to life and keep on bringing him to life every time he is killed in a righteous cause. The reward: for those five minutes of death, he will be with Laura again. Would you endure an eternity of pain and death, dying over and over, to be with the woman you love for just five minutes each time you died? Most people might say no. But Joe Fitzgerald isn’t most people.
Image have also released 11 text-free preview pages from the first two issues, and below are two of those spooky pages.
Get To Know The Guardians Of The Galaxy – For Free!
Marvel are smart. They know that the announcement of next year’s Guardians of the Galaxy film was a surprise to many people, as even to us regular comics readers, the Guardians aren’t household names, but the diverse cosmic team, which includes a gun toting raccoon, and a talking tree has the potential to be as cool as The Avengers.
So, in order to get interest, and breed familiarity with the Guardians, Marvel are offering a four part bi-weekly series spotlighting each member, and it’s written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Michael Avon Oeming!
Get the first part, which focuses on Drax, here on ComiXology.
New Iron Man 3 Trailer
Here’s the latest trailer for the May releasing third Iron Man film, starring series regulars Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle, who are joined by newcomers Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall. This looks like an epic superhero film for sure, and all those different Iron Man suits will look awesome on the big screen.
Bodie Troll #1 Review
Just a quick review to give my thumbs up for a great all-ages comic from publisher Red 5 (the always entertaining Atomic Robo series). I don’t read many family friendly comics these days, but their popularity is high, and can they hopefully go a long way to creating an enchanting reading experience for the younger set, and getting them hooked on reading (comics) for many years.
The first noticeable feature of Bodie Troll’s debut is the visual feast of its cartooning approach, with generous, sweeping lines and playful composition. It’s easy to follow for younger readers, and makes it a breeze to enjoy. It’s all exaggerated expressions, and funny dialogue, and is also impressive as it’s seemingly all the work of one man – creator Jay P. Fosgitt (Little Green Men, Dino Duck).
Facing a bunch of nonplussed goats crossing a bridge, Bodie is reminded yet again that despite his best efforts at being scary, he’s just…cuddly, and is well loved by the folk in his Medieval village of Hagadorn, which include barmaid Cholly, and Miz Bijou, the fairy godmother with a magical spatula. Yes, there is magic in this world, but so far it’s understated, and it all seems cohesive in a world in which a cute troll can talk to the locals.
With an amusing puppet show, and an actual scary monster in these pages, it’s a joyful and entertaining adventure, and its unique artistic approach is as cuddly as the lead character.
The first issue of this four ish mini-series won’t be released until April 17, but can be pre-ordered before Feb 28 to secure your copy. I suggest you do.
Mad Max On Blu-Ray In June
One of the greatest Australian film successes, and directed by the guy who almost made Justice League, and starring the guy who I always thought would’ve been a great Wolverine, comes news of the complete Mad Max Bluy-Ray release.
As a barely interesting side-note, I should also point out that last year I won a copy of the first film on Blu-Ray when my rather geeky letter was published in Empire magazine, pointing out their many mistakes regarding their article on The Amazing Spider-Man film. Now, on to the high-def details.
THE MAD MAX TRILOGY
BLU-RAY™ COLLECTION DEBUTS JUNE 4
FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Mel Gibson Stars in the Franchise that Made Him a Star
Mad Max, the sci-fi franchise that introduced Mel Gibson to the world, will come together for the first time as a Blu-ray collection when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) debuts the Mad Max Trilogy on June 4th.
The three films – Mad Max (1979), Mad Max Road Warrior (1982) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) – are all set in the near-future in Australia. From the very first film, Oscar® winner George Miller (Happy Feet, 2006) proved a master at creating the gritty, bleak dystopian world and staging the incredible car stunts and crashes in the era when stuntmen, not computers, achieved the effects. All three movies starred Mel Gibson, virtually unknown until after the second film, as Max Rockatansky, a highway cop traveling through the Outback in a society descending into chaos. The films started Gibson on his road to international superstardom, led to his signature Lethal Weapon series, and later two Academy Awards® for his roles as producer and director of Braveheart (1995).
This must-own collection for action fans is available in limited premium tin packaging and makes a perfect gift for Father’s Day. The collection will sell for $49.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc™. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, which is making its Blu-ray debut, will also be available as a single along with Mad Max Road Warrior. Order due date for all is April 30th.
About The Films
Mad Max (1979)
George Miller’s first entry in the trilogy, Mad Max packs brutal action and insane stunts as it follows the inevitable downfall of relentless cop Max Rockatansky (Gibson) in a world gone mad. Living on the edge of an apocalypse, Max is ready to run far away from it all with his family. But when he experiences an unfortunate encounter with a motorcycle gang and its menacing leader, the Toecutter, his retreat from the madness of the world is now a race to save his family’s life.
Mad Max Road Warrior (1982)
The sequel to Mad Max, Mad Max Road Warrior provides action-packed, “automotive” entertainment, telling the story of a selfish-turned-selfless hero and his efforts to protect a small camp of desert survivors and defend an oil refinery under siege from a ferocious marauding horde that plunders the land for gasoline.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Mel Gibson returns for his third go-round as the title hero who takes on the barbarians of the post-nuclear future – and this time becomes the savior of a tribe of lost children. Music superstar Tina Turner co-stars as Aunty Entity, a power-mad dominatrix determined to use Max to tighten her stranglehold on Bartertown, where fresh water, clean food and gasoline are worth more than gold.
THE MAD MAX TRILOGY
ON BLU-RAY
Street Date: June 4, 2013
Order Due Date: April 30, 2013
Catalog/UPC #: 1000334058 / 883929266661
Pricing: $49.99 SRP
Mad Max Run Time: 94 minutes; Rated R
The Road Warrior Run Time: 91 minutes; Rated R
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome Run Time: 107 minutes; Rated PG-13
Hellboy Is So Cute!
See? Official details below.
DARK HORSE DELUXE PARTNERS WITH TOY2R TO DISTRIBUTE LIMITED EDITION HELLBOY MINI-QEE VINYL TOYS!
At this year’s International Toy Fair, Dark Horse revealed what is sure to be one of the year’s most-talked-about toy releases! Hong Kong’s innovative designer-toy company Toy2R will produce a new range of 5” vinyl figures in their popular “Mini-Qee” format, putting their unique design spin on Mike Mignola’s popular Hellboy character.
Mike Mignola’s Hellboy has emerged as one of the classic comic book characters of the modern day, spawning a successful series of graphic novels, motion pictures, animation, interactive games, and toy lines. Excitement around this character is at an all-time high, as Mignola takes him back to whence he came in the smash-hit series Hellboy in Hell, currently in its third issue.
Raymond Choy’s Toy2R is recognized as being among the first companies to explore the potential of the designer/art toy movement since their arrival in 1995. Choy managed to turn his passion for collectible toys into an internationally known company, which today continues to push the boundaries of product design, art, and graphics.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be involved in this program,” Dark Horse Product Development head David Scroggy said. “We have worked with Toy2R for many years, and to see their fun take on Hellboy is a thrill. These vinyl figures will be in very tight edition quantities, so we expect a quick sellout of most of the variants.”
Toy2R’s trademark Qee format gives Hellboy a new look, altering his appearance in several ways, all of which were personally approved by Mignola. The results have already gotten comics fans and toy collectors alike talking, after they were revealed on Tomopop last week. All three were on display at the Dark Horse exhibit booth at this year’s Toy Fair at the Jacob Javits Center.
Dark Horse Comics is the exclusive North American distributor of the Hellboy Mini-Qee line and will handle sales to the specialty market in Europe and other territories. Toy2R will be the exclusive sales entity to Asian territories.
Slated for release in July 2013, the figures will be produced in various limited edition sizes, all with a retail price of $19.99.
Superman: Unbound Disc Details
Below are the official details for DC Comics/ Warner Bros’ next animated feature film. Yes, Superman’s chin may be a tad too pointy, but the film looks set to be pretty spectacular and action packed.
‘WHITE COLLAR’ STAR MATT BOMER DONS THE ICONIC ‘S’
SHIELD OPPOSITE ‘FRINGE’S’ JOHN NOBLE AS BRAINIAC IN AN
ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL MOVIE
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND
COMING MAY 7, 2013
FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
‘Castle’ Duo of Stana Katic & Molly Quinn Voice Lois Lane & Supergirl on
Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand & For Digital Download
A destructive force is devastating
planets across the galaxy – with Earth next in its sights – and even
Superman may not be capable of halting the terror in SUPERMAN:
UNBOUND, the next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated
Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and
Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives May 7,
2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack
($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Digital Download.
The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.
Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,”
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the Man of Steel aptly handling day-to-day
crime while helping acclimate Supergirl to Earth’s customs and
managing Lois Lane’s expectations for their relationship. Personal
issues take a back seat when the horrific force responsible for the
destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – begins his descent upon Earth.
Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting
planets – including Supergirl’s home city of Kandor – and now the
all-knowing, ever-improving android has his sights fixed on
Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual
resources to protect his city, the love of his life and his
newly-arrived cousin.
The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as
Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as
Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn (Castle)
as Supergirl. Additional voices in the cast include Golden Globe Award
winner Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under) as Ma Kent, Wade Williams (The
Dark Knight Rises) as Perry White, Diedrich Bader (The Drew Carey
Show, Office Space) as Steve Lombard, Stephen Root (Boardwalk Empire,
Justified) as Zor-El, and Alexander Gould (Weeds) as Jimmy Olsen.
Supervising Producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave
and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman
(Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).
“SUPERMAN: UNBOUND adds an all-new chapter to the growing legacy of
animated films featuring the Man of Steel and his epic challenges to
maintain peace on Earth,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video
Vice President, Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “Matt
Bomer’s voice epitomizes the All-American hero that is Superman, and
John Noble counters that tone with a commanding, chilling delivery for
Brainiac. A superhero is only as good as the depths of his opposition,
and Noble brings out the best in his villainous portrayal of
Brainiac.”
SUPERMAN: UNBOUND Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has over 4 1/2 hours of exciting
content, including:
• Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
• UltraViolet™*
• Sneak Peek at Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the next DC
Universe Animated Original Movie
• Featurette – “Kandor: History of the Bottle City” – An all-new
featurette. Kandor: a peaceful scientific community dedicated toward
the preservation of all that is good on Krypton, the home world of
Superman. That is, until the city was ripped from its world and
placed into a small glass bottle! This is the short story
highlighting the shrunken city of Kandor. Its history just as
fascinating as it is unique, here is how it ties in directly with the
Man of Tomorrow.
• Featurette – “Brainiac: Technology and Terror” – An all-new
featurette. Mostly machine, but part sentient being, Brainiac steals
cities and destroys worlds. Is he the most vile of Superman’s
villainous foes? Experience the Brainiac mythology and find out why
Superman barely stands a chance!
• Audio Commentary – Featuring members of the creative team: Mike
Carlin, Bob Goodman and James Tucker.
• Four bonus episodes from Superman: The Animated Series (“The Last
Son of Krypton, Part 1”; “New Kids in Town”; and “Little Girl Lost,
Parts 1 & 2”), all handpicked by producer Alan Burnett.
• Digital Comic – Excerpt from the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac by
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.
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