The latest face-in-silhouette X-Men First Class posters released a while ago are bad. Go here and judge for yourself. Thankfully, as we all know, fans are smart and creative! Super Punch shows off some fan made posters, and an imaginary opening title video for the June-releasing film. My two faves are below, and go here to see them all, in their great ’60s era glory.
Staying on the topic of costumed mutants, CBR has an interesting interview with X-Men writer Kieron Gillen (Phonogram) here. Fans pose the questions to the scribe and the discussion ranges from the Uncanny X-Men title to Fear Itself to the upcoming Schism. It’s for X-Men fans only really, as Nightcrawler’s death, Kitty in a space suit and the similiarities between Hope and Jean Grey are all brought up.
Lastly, and not really an X-Men story, but certainly a Marvel one – here’s a preview and trailer for Marvel’s 7 part Fear Itself series by Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen.
Radical Publishing are hoping to produce their new video series, called R News, on a bi-weekly or monthly schedule. From this latest episode host Josh Berger is joined by new co-host Karolina Nilsson as they put the spotlight on the dark sci-fi mini-series After Dark and it’s 3rd issue. It’s a short video, but is well made and not a bad way at all to let the world know of Radical’s great (and great looking) books.
Aussie writer/artist Jason Paulos (who I just interviewed here) is the creator of Hairbutt the Hippo and has recently been working on EEK!, a great horror anthology, which has just been collected by Asylum Press. He’s also looking for artists, so this could be your big break!
Email Jason for more details, and with samples of your work, here:
Unsurprisingly, with the patriotic Super Soldier getting his film treatment released in July, Marvel is putting a lot of attention on Steve Rogers. Here’s the latest official news from Marvel, plus a few more tidbits.
Marvel Announces Brubaker & McNiven’s CAPTAIN AMERICA #1
New Ongoing Series Begins In July Featuring Marvel’s First Avenger
Marvel Entertainment is proud to announce Captain America #1, the first issue of an all new ongoing series premiering in July from two of the comic industry’s most acclaimed creators—writer Ed Brubaker (Death of Captain America) and artist Steve McNiven (Civil War)!
Steve Rogers is back as Captain America but when a mysterious figure from his past returns with the Sentinel of Liberty in his crosshairs, deadly secrets will surface—and send shockwaves through the lives of everyone Steve holds dear. An all-new, high octane Captain America series begins here, just in time for the First Avenger’s highly anticipated feature film from Marvel Studios.
“I gave myself a few challenges for this new #1 – I wanted to do the perfect Cap comic for anyone who walks out of the Cap movie and wants to know what’s next, but it also had to build on everything I’ve done on the book beforehand, too, and feel like the natural next step,” explained Brubaker. “Thank God Brevoort wrangled me Steve McNiven to pull all this off. Steve is at the top of his game, and no one draws action like him. I can’t wait for these issues to start coming out.”
McNiven revealed, “Captain America has been a character I’ve wanted to work on in more depth since Civil War, a real icon of the Marvel Universe. Not only do I get to run with Cap, but Ed Brubaker, a guy who has redefined the character at Marvel, is writing the books and he’s come up with an absolutely brilliant storyline that I can’t wait for folks to read.”
Perfect for readers new and old alike, the extra-sized Captain America #1 kicks off the next big chapter in the life of Steve Rogers, courtesy of superstars Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven!
CAPTAIN AMERICA #1
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS
Variant Cover by TBA
Movie variant available
Blank cover also available
Rated T+ …$3.99
ON SALE IN JULY
The good Captain also has a few recent one-shots out now, spotlighting his allies and enemies, such as The First Thirteen (what or whoever that is), Crossbones and Batroc The Leaper (who’s a bad guy that …leaps). I picked up only one of these – Captain America and the Secret Avengers. Cap only appears in one panel, despite the title, and as for his Secret Avengers, well, they don’t appear at all. Not the whole team anyway, only Black Widow and new member Sharon Carter. I only grabbed this tale because Greg Tocchini (who created interlocking covers for these Cap one-shots) is the interior artist. Unfortunately it’s not his exotic painted style as seen in last year’s great Last Days of American Crime, but it’s still dynamic. Written by Kelly Sue Deconnick, it has the two lovely ladies infiltrating an evil all girls assassin training school ball and thankfully, it never takes itself too seriously. The art is stylised, but the blank backgrounds are a bit disappointing. It’s fast paced and entertaining enough though, and also includes a short ’80s story from Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld starring Black Widow and Silver Sable chasing a baddie in France.
Black Panther, the African former king from the nation of Wakanda (and husband of X-Men’s Storm) is the new Daredevil. Well, he’s just taking over the protection of Hell’s Kitchen from blind lawyer Matt Murdock after he went crazy evil, but don’t worry, Daredevil returned in Daredevil: Reborn. Novelist David Liss took over when Black Panther did and created a street level tale with new characters, a new costume for the Panther without his Wakandan riches, a new day job at a diner, and most importantly a new villain in super powered mob boss Vlad. I’ve enjoyed this new arc, but with artist Jefte Palo now on board (taking over from Francesco Francavilla, who’s been working on the James Gordon-centred Detective Comics lately), it’s much more impressive. Francavilla is a good artist, certainly, but his creepy visuals work much better in ‘Tec than they did with Black Panther. Palo’s style is less washed out and more rendered and Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s moody colouring adds real grit. With rare but focused action, evil family feuds and a wise cracking guest appearance by Spider-Man, Black Panther #516 works a treat and it’s obvious that things are building to a fateful end.
As a nice combo of Cap and Panther, Marvel will be launching something called American Panther in July, with Black Panther sporting a new Captain America-styled armour. All we have so far is the teaser image below, but it looks like it will tie in to the upcoming Fear Itself event.
Now at Broken Frontier is the latest edition of the digital magazine, The Frontiersman. In it is, well a bunch of stuff, including a review by me of the first TPB collection of Image Comics’ fun, fantasy series, Skullkickers.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 FORAMORY 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.
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.
I did my first interview (on the other side of the keyboard for the first time) and now I’ve received my first review. How exciting. My monologue (performed by an actor) went down well and almost every night at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth was sold out last week. It was a great honour to be a part of the theatre scene and although I didn’t win any of the 3 awards, just being a finalist and having my words coming out of someone else’s mouth on stage was very exciting. Here’s my first and only review of my monologue, Nut Job.
Nut Job by Kris Bather. Actor Nick Candy bounced his way through this often hilarious work about a very dark subject; testicular cancer. The pace was relentless and the double entendres and witticisms were reminiscent of a Seinfeld episode. Even more so when our hero moves to New York. Bather developed the plot extremely well – there was pathos as well as black humour and a clever twist to the love interest angle in the story. A gentle warning to men in the audience was a subtle touch with which to finish.
Yep, my name in lights. Kinda.
Mladen (the hairy one) and me. Your Extra Sequential podcast hosts.
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.
The lively art of Aussie Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz is eye meltingly good as anyone who’s seen his stuff on Udon’s Street Fighter comics knows. Here is a nifty piece showing all manner of cartoon faves from the 1980s. Ninja Turtles, Danger Mouse, Mighty Mouse, Inspector Gadget and more below.
See more of Cruz’s great work here and here and my interview with him in the first issue of the Extra Sequential magazine here (on page 22).
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.
comicbookjesus 