Wonder Woman Movie Costume

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.

July 7, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Rombies Review

This is one of those books that I read when it first came out (in this case, December) and then meant to immediately tell the world how awesome it is, before I became distracted, which is a common occurrence these days, happily thanks to Broken Frontier and Extra Sequential. Seeing as this little gem, and the rest of Gestalt’s catalogue is now becoming available internationally through Diamond, now’s the time to give it a rotting thumbs up.

Rombies is a black and white one-shot from local (to me in Perth, Western Australia anyway) publisher Gestalt. The last year has since the company put out some impressive books, including not only this one, but also the Digested series and Justin Randall’s Changing Ways.

It’s written by Tom Taylor, who’s on a roll at the moment writing various Star Wars titles for Dark Horse including the excellent Invasion, and The Authority for DC/Wildstorm. Handsome/gruesome art is supplied by Skye Ogden (Gestalt’s silent Vowels book). Effectively a 24 page #0 issue, Rombies starts the barbaric tale contained within, but also the series (more issues are on the way. Yay!) with a bang, or rather, a slice to the abdomen. Opening on a gladiatorial arena (hence the title, from Roman zombies) filled with bloodthirsty spectators, and desperate men we see the victor standing over his fallen opponent. One glance up at the Emperor, who gives the thumbs down, and it’s a quick finish to the fighter at his feet. Or is it? Um…no. The rules of life and death are quickly rattled in the next few moments as the dead loser gets up ready for round two. He’s soon joined by all the other “corpses” scattered on the dusty floor, with the fact that they’re missing limbs or have an axe in their face existing as a mere nuisance.

This is a great intro to the book, and Taylor does a firm job of skirting expectations from readers who’ve had their fair barrage of both zombies and gladiators in recent years. Combing the two is the best thing since Mr. Mocha put chocolate and coffee in the same cup.

There’s then a wise chase involving a determined undead horde, big cats and an understandably overwhelmed boy. Skye Ogden’s art reminds me somewhat of Kyle Hotz, with his flowing lines and organic approach. He paces things very well, and knows how to make the page have a real impact, with an early double page spread and large panels being used superbly. The ending is, for lack of a better word, a hoot. It made me laugh with its bold, yet dark, approach.

It’s a quick read sure, but one that will make most hunger for more. Thankfully, that’s exactly what we’re getting, and the teaser image below makes me salivate at the prospect of Taylor and Ogden telling their zombie epic through the ages. Really the possibilities are endless. Zombies in Napoleon’s army? An undead Hitler? Elvis rising from Graceland, hungry for impersonator flesh in Las Vegas? They could go anywhere.

Pick this book up now, or in August if you’re not in Oz. It’s daring, entertaining, and cheap! You could also see your own face as a Rombies extra if you’re keen to view how others see you before your morning coffee. Or mocha.

July 7, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Fantastic Four #581 Preview

Text-free preview of this month’s issue of FF below.

Your First Look At Fantastic Four #581!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Fantastic Four #581, from superstar writer Jonathan Hickman along with talented artist Neil Edwards! Nathaniel Richards makes his triumphant return for a mission only he can lead. With the future at stake, Nathaniel must travel to the college years of Reed, Ben, and Victor Von Doom to recruit them for an impossible undertaking – but will he succeed? Find out in the generation-spanning must-read Fantastic Four #581!

FANTASTIC FOUR #581 (MAY100594)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Penciled by NEIL EDWARDS

Cover by ALAN DAVIS

Rated T+ …$2.99

FOC – 7/8/10, On-Sale – 7/28/10

July 6, 2010
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Andrew Gaska Interview

Up now at Broken Frontier is my interview with writer Andrew C.E. Gaska. His new series from Archaia, Critical Millennium launches this week, and it looks epic in the kind of way only sci-fi tales can achieve. Read about his inspiration, his new Planet of the Apes novels, his creative partnership with artist Daniel Dussault and more right here. Check out a nifty preview of the first issue while you’re there too.

Also up at BF is the latest issue of the free weekly mag The Frontiersman. This issue has a chat with legendary Batman artist Neal Adams on his new mini-series that puts Bats through the wringer, plus a feature about the hit Image series Chew, a chat with the creators of Radical’s Time Bomb and an insightful article from guest contributor A. David Lewis aptly titled Sexless Superman.

July 6, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, Interviews, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The A-Team Review

The A-Team, simply put, is awesome. Director Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces) stated that he set out to make an unabashed action film, and that’s exactly what he achieved. Perhaps it was because the same week I saw this film, I also watched three romantic comedies, but I discovered a wildly entertaining ad refreshing boy’s own adventure in The A-Team.

This big screen action film is based on the fondly remembered (at least by myself and fellow male Gen Xers) TV series that ran from 1982 to 1987. The plot for the 98 episodes throughout its run was pretty much identical. Filled with explosions, cigar smoking, token female characters and violence (with little after effects), it was perhaps the last unashamedly fun TV series that was still considered to be family friendly. Mr.T, the famous black van, and catchphrases like, “I ain’t getting on no plane,” made sure the show has stayed in pop culture’s radar for the last twenty years.

This film, which has been in development for a long time is a faithful and entertaining adaptation. There have been many similar TV series to film attempts over the last decade, and they haven’t always been a success, such as Bewitched. Where The A-Team makes the most sense is by acknowledging its roots and not pretending to be a new, mature reinvention. The characters are the same, with Liam Neeson as leader Murdock, Bradley Cooper as “Faceman” Peck, District 9’s Sharlto Copley as “Howling Mad” Murdock and former cage fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson as B.A Baracus. They all bring machsimo and charisma and the fun just oozes off the screen. For fans, the hum-worthy theme tune appears, as does the opening narration (“Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire… The A-Team.”).

The premise is the same, though it had to be updated, so now the four framed soldiers are not veterans of the Vietnam War, but of its modern Iraq equivalent. Carnahan, Brian Bloom (who also plays baddie Pike) and Skip Woods’ screenplay makes sure to give fans what they want, so there’s plenty of nods in their direction, including “Pity” and “Fool” tattooed on B.A’s knuckles, elaborate plans that embarrass the bad guys and plenty of banter between the team.

Jessica Biel shows up as the only female character of note, as an ex-flame of Peck’s, but the focus is squarely on the four intriguing characters; each of whom has more than one moment to shine, including unexpected highlights such as B.A’s temporary divergence to a life of non-violence and Murdock’s stint in an insane asylum. The numerous daring escapes and wild set pieces include a tank firing while parachuting, and a prison transport rescue and the climax at a dockyards is a dazzling display. There’s very little bloodshed, just like the original TV series, and really the plot about counterfeit money and betrayal is just an excuse for non-stop, over the top action, but it works so well. It’s not a film for everybody, but for those who like their movies to have a playful attitude, you’ll be well satisfied.

July 6, 2010
Categories: Movies, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

We Kill Monsters TPB

From Red 5 on July 14 comes the Trade Paper Back of the excellent mini-series We Kill Monsters. It’s wonderfully created by writers Christopher Leone and Laura Harkcom (The Lost Room TV series) with artist Brian Churilla (The Engineer, The Avengers and the Infinity Gauntlet). The original 6 issue mini-series was one of the great recent surprises for me in the last few months and will be even better in collected form. It follows two mechanic brothers in a small town who are forced to do exactly what the title says,  and is a fun and surprisingly emotional throwback to classic action/horror stories. Most importantly, it’s accessible and very entertaining. Look for the TPB on shelves next week. Discover more of WKM right here.

July 5, 2010
Categories: New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Matt Fraction On GQ

There’s a great interview with writer Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man, upcoming Thor) at GQ’s website. Yes, it’s 11 pages long, but if you’re at all interested in the economic truths of creating a cult fave series like Casanova, or the Marvel/Disney merger, this is a must read.

July 4, 2010
Categories: Interviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel’s Vampire Generation

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

July 3, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Showgirls, Teen Wolves and Astro Zombies Review

Well, maybe not a review, but definitely a recommendation. I had a 2 month gap between starting this and finally finishing it this week, so I’m going by my pleasant memories of this over 300 page book. Written by Michael Adams, who writes for my favourite magazine Empire, it chronicles “a film critic’s year-long quest to find the worst movie ever made.” It made my daily train commute fly by as each page turn would bring a new cinematic disaster that would conjur chuckles of disbelief. From home movies made to test out a new video camera that somehow found a distributor to a series of films with an all dwarf cast, this is a wonderfully entertaining look behind the sofa of cinema’s history. Everyone has their favourite “so bad it’s good” film and Adams spent a lot of time and money trawling through forgotten 1950s monster films to straight to DVD messes.

What makes Showgirls…. so enjoyable is not only the hundreds of films, but also the stories behind them, from “auteurs” who don’t know how to give up, to the tragic figures and countless unbelievable tales behind these big screen diamonds in the rough. Adams wisely just didn’t give us a huge list but rather weaves a loose narrative as he details his journey to unearth and view these gems. Using a form of bingo and categories such as stinky sequels and blaxploitation, Adams gives each film a score of 100, with more than a few barely gaining double digits. He’s a fun and funny writer and gives us glimpses of his non-movie watching life involving his day job at Empire (where he occasionally asks well known directors and actors for their recommendations) and his tolerant wife Clare and young daughter Ava. I can honestly say that most of the films mentioned in Adams’ book, I would love to see with a few friends, ready for a laugh. Not all of the films sounds unintentionally hilarious though, and a lot sound downright vile and boring.

Despite the premise of Showgirls… this will indeed quench your thirst for cinema, as it did with Adams, and give you an honest appreciation for that true cinematic gem when you find it. You can download the intro and first chapter of the book for free right here.

July 3, 2010
Categories: Movies, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Fincher’s Facebook Film

A film about the early years of Facebook directed by David Fincher, the man behind Fight Club and Zodiac? I am so there. Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires and starring Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland) and written by Aaron Sorkin, the creator of The West Wing, the film opens on October 1. It’s touted as a comedy/drama, but the poster and teaser seem to indicate the drama over the comedy.

July 1, 2010
Categories: Movies . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Artifacts #1 Preview

Top Cow’s expanding universe continues with this 13 part maxi-series from writer Ron Marz and artist Michael Broussard. Official details and preview pages below. The first issue goes on sale on July 21.

Artifacts #1 (of 13)
(W) Ron Marz        (A) Michael Broussard   (Cov) Top Cow’s Finest, John Tyler Christopher, Dale Keown

The Event FIVE Years in the Making!
Thirteen mystical Artifacts, including the Witchblade, the Darkness and others, guide the fate of the Top Cow Universe. For centuries, it’s been whispered that bringing together all 13 Artifacts would herald mankind’s destruction. But a mysterious figure has been manipulating events, laying plans to put Armageddon into motion. The final phase begins here, with the abduction of Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado. What ensues will remake the entirety of the Top Cow Universe, from the Witchblade and the Darkness, to the Angelus, Magdalena, and countless others. Artifacts #1 is the perfect place for faithful readers to see their loyalty pay off, and for new readers to experience the Top Cow Universe.

From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and Top Cow superstar artist Michael Broussard (The Darkness) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a jam piece cover by Broussard, Marc Silvestri, Stjepan Sejic, Sheldon Mitchell, and Nelson Blake II, as well as a variant cover series featuring each of the 13 Artifact bearers by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade), and a special first-issue cover by Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt).

Cover A – Top Cow Jam Cover
Cover B – John Tyler Christopher
Cover C – Dale Keown

Full Color        32 pages        $3.99      limited series

July 1, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

Oh, happy day. It’s now official that the 9th release in DC’s series of awesome animated films is another Superman/Batman entry. Last year’s Public Enemies was based on the first story arc of the classic title, and now September 28 sees the release of the much loved Jeph Loeb/Michael Turner arc which saw the debut of the new Supergirl. All the details you need to know are below, including the fact that the original actors behind the cartoon versions of Superman and Batman are once more teaming up. Woo hoo!

THE END IS NEAR

WORLD’S FINEST WAGE WAR WITH DARKSEID IN ALL-NEW DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGNAL MOVIE

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE AVAILABLE FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

SEPTEMBER 28, 2010!

Andre Braugher, Summer Glau, Ed Asner join popular voices Kevin Conroy & Tim Daly;

New DC Showcase GREEN ARROW on Special Edition Blu-ray & 2-Disc Special Edition DVD

To save an earthbound Kryptonian, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight unite once again – this time to battle the powerful forces of Darkseid – in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, the ninth entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies coming September 28, 2010 from Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation. The highly anticipated, full-length film will be distributed by Warner Home Video as a Special Edition Blu-Ray™ and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD as well as single disc DVD. The film will also be available On Demand and for Download.

Fan favorites Tim Daly (Private Practice) and Kevin Conroy (China Beach) return to their seminal roles as Superman and Batman, respectively. The celebrity-laden guest cast is headed by Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age) as the daunting Darkseid. Sci-Fi heroine Summer Glau (Serenity/Firefly, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) provides the voice of Supergirl, and seven-time Emmy Award winner Ed Asner (Up) reprises his Superman: The Animated Series/Justice League role as Granny Goodness.

Based on the DC Comics series/graphic novel “Superman/Batman: Supergirl” by Jeph Loeb, Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is produced by animation legend Bruce Timm and directed by Lauren Montgomery (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths) from a script by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Tab Murphy (Gorillas in the Mist).

After a spaceship splashes down in Gotham City Harbor, Batman and Superman encounter a mysterious Kryptonian with powers as great as those of the Man of Steel. The Kryptonian is soon revealed to be Kara, cousin of Superman, who takes her under his wing to educate her about the ways of Earth. However, the villainous Darkseid has other plans. Seeing an opportunity to finally defeat Superman, Darkseid abducts and gains control of Kara, utilizing the powerful Kryptonian to do his bidding. It’s up to Batman and Superman to save Kara, but they’ll have to take the fight to Darkseid within his hostile world – where unknown, deadly threats lurk around every corner, including a brainwashed Kryptonian able to match Superman blow-for-blow.

In addition to the feature film, the Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Special Edition Blu-Ray™ and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD include the third DC Showcase animated short, Green Arrow. Screenwriter Greg Weisman’s story finds Oliver Queen at the Star City International Airport to pick up his girlfriend, only to be forced into action as Green Arrow to protect the 10-year-old Princess of Vlatava from his old nemesis Merlyn the Magnificent and the League of Assassins. The short features the voices of Neal McDonough (Desperate Housewives) and Malcolm McDowell (Entourage). Bruce Timm is executive producer.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse 2-Disc Special Edition DVD features more than 1 1/2 hours of exciting extra content, including:

• Feature film (est. 75 min)

• DC Showcase: Green Arrow (10 min)

• Sneak Peak at the Next DC Universe Animated Original Movie (10 min)

• Featurette: Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton – A comprehensive look at The Maiden of Might from her introduction in the classic age of comics to her death in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event to her appearance on Smallville and beyond.

• 2 bonus episodes from animated television series handpicked by Bruce Timm

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse Special Edition Blu-Ray™ will include more than 2 1/2 hours of intriguing bonus features, starting with all of the content available on the 2-Disc Special Edition DVD and adding:

• All-New Featurette: The New Gods – This documentary covers Darkseid’s story, particularly in reference to the adaptation of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. A primer on the wealth of material and stories contained in the New Gods series, along with a deeper understanding of why these characters – and especially Darkseid – are so memorable and important to the DC pantheon.

• All-New Featurette Pods

• Orion – The mightiest warrior on either New Genesis or Apokolips, Orion follows an almost Shakespearean arc culminating in the slaying of his father, Darkseid. This mini-featurette shines a light on this classically tragic character.

Mister Miracle – This mini-featurette focuses on the greatest escape artist the universe has ever known and how he was traded in a peace effort to be raised by Darkseid, the enemy of all New Genesis.

• 2 additional bonus TV series episodes handpicked by Bruce Timm

• Digital copy on disc of the feature film

“Great things happen when powerful entities come together, and the partnership of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation is proud to continue this popular film series by once again uniting the two most popular characters in the DC Universe in a story that truly tests their strength, trust, loyalty, ingenuity and heroism,” said Matt Bierman, Senior Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.

“It is a testament to the larger-than-life nature of Jeph Loeb’s blockbuster storylines that two of the first nine DC Universe movies are based on his work,” said Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse lets us see Superman and Batman in action side-by-side again, but this time along with Supergirl and one of DC’s greatest villains, Darkseid.”

“Just as Superman and Batman stand atop the DC canon of characters, so do the respective seminal voices of Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy in the hearts and minds of fans. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse will no doubt please comic-centric and mainstream audiences alike – particularly in the performances of Daly and Conroy opposite dynamic actors like Andre Braugher and Ed Asner, and fanboy favorite Summer Glau,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands.

June 30, 2010
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Dark Horse Bring it up a Notch

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.

June 26, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Megamind Trailer

Brad Pitt as a superhero! Finally. Well, a DreamWorks “parody” anyway. Looking at the trailer, the Superman and Lex Luthor influence is strong. It could be hilarious, but will probably appeal to kids more than adults, or at least fanboys with kids perhaps. It opens November 5 and also stars Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill. The official description sounds like something from a new Mark Millar series.

From the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda.” “Megamind” is the most brilliant supervillain the world has ever known. And the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way. Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as “Metro Man,” an invincible hero until the day Megamind actually kills him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, Megamind has no purpose. A supervillain without a superhero. He realizes that achieving his life’s ambition is the worst thing that ever happened to him.

June 25, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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