Comics Universe Blog

Free Comic Book Day 2007

2007-03-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

FCBD 2007 is almost here! Click here to see which comics you'll be able to choose from and click here to find the nearest comic shop near you!

Lego Batman Game In The Works

2007-03-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

Videogame players will have another title to place beside their copies of Lego Star Wars games. According to Variety, Warner Bros. has signed to produce a Lego Batman videogame, to be developed by TT Games, which also developed Lego Star Wars.

According to the trade, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will fully finance and publish the game itself, as well as handle all distribution in North America.

The game will follow the Lego Star Wars model, that is, all the characters and sets will be constructed of Lego pieces. More than likely, the games will follow in the successful footsteps of the two Lego Star Wars installments, which have sold several millions of copies, not only to the younger set, but also to adult gamers, due to the games’ charm, gameplay, and sense of humor.

A 2008 release is planned, more than likely in time with the release of The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, which is due out on July 18, 2008.

Lego currently has a license to produce Batman toys and playsets made from Legos, and is on its second wave of figures and sets.

Cool Stuff: Xbox 360 Elite, Spider-Man 3 & More

2007-03-29T19:37:00.000-04:00

1) The Xbox 360 Elite will come with a 120GB HDD hard disk, an all black wireless controller (In appearance similar to the original Xbox's controller), an HDMI port, and HDMI and component and composite cables. The system's exterior will be black, but will retain the chrome finish that appeared on the original Xbox 360 Premium system. The Xbox website also states that the Xbox 360 Elite will upscale DVD video out of the box

Other accessories confirmed include black wireless controllers, black play and charge kit and black extra battery pack. A bundle pack will be avalible containing one black wireless controller and one black play and charge kit.

The black-cased console, complete with black joypad and accessories, will feature as a third SKU alongside the Core and Premium bundles and will always be available for purchase, rather than being a limited edition model.The Xbox 360 Elite will have a retail price of $479.99 and is expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29, 2007.

2) Rumor: 80GB PS3 On The Way?

Sony told Eurogamer that it currently has no plans to produce an 80GB PS3, despite emerging reports that it filed with the FCC for the model.

The one main point here: With the PlayStation 3, you can replace the 60GB hard drive and add almost any drive of your choice.

3) Stardust, based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name stars Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer & more Check out the trailer here. Stardust will be released August 10, 2007 in the U.S.

4) Check out the Spider-Man 3 trailer below!

Updated List Of Spider-Man: Back in Black Tie-Ins

2007-03-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

Marvel Comics on Thursday issued a checklist of upcoming titles involved in the Spider-Man: Back in Black event.

Not all books will be labeled under the "Back in Black" umbrella.

MARCH

* Amazing Spider-Man #539

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #18

* New Avengers #28

* Sensational Spider-Man #36

APRIL

* Amazing Spider-Man #540

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #17 Granov 2nd Printing Variant

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #19

* Marvel Spotlight: Spider-Man

* New Avengers #29

* Sensational Spider-Man #35 Crain 2nd Printing Variant

* Sensational Spider-Man #37

* Spider-Man Family #1 Kirk 2nd Printing Variant

* Spider-Man Family #2

* Spider-Man: Back In Black Handbook

MAY

* Amazing Spider-Man #541

* Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America: Spider-Man

* Friendly Neighborhood

* Spider-Man #20

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Annual #1

* New Avengers #30

* Sensational Spider-Man Annual #1

JUNE

* Amazing Spider-Man #542

* Avengers: The Initiative #3 *

* Blade #10

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #21

* New Avengers #31

* Sensational Spider-Man #38

JULY

* Amazing Spider-Man #543

* Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #22

* New Avengers #32

* Sensational Spider-Man #39

MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE HEROES AND VILLAINS AVAILABLE ON XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE SOON

2007-03-24T10:48:00.000-04:00

press release:
Expanding on the experience of controlling the world’s largest army of Super Heroes on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today plans to release Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Heroes and Villains. The expansion packs feature eight new playable characters: The Incredible Hulk, Magneto, Hawkeye, Sabretooth, Doctor Doom, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Venom, each complete with new signature powers, skins, dialog, conversations and achievement points. The download will be available in April via the Xbox Live Marketplace online gaming service.

“The signature gameplay of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance has made it a favorite among fans, as well as the best-selling Super Hero game on the Xbox 360 to-date,” said Rob Kostich, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “By adding some of the biggest names in the Marvel Universe to the roster we’re enabling Xbox 360 gamers to build a variety of all-new teams and enjoy the epic action in brand new ways.”

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is the award-winning action/RPG that allows players to create their Marvel dream team from the largest roster of Super Heroes ever in an epic quest that will determine the fate of Earth and the Marvel universe. With a total of over 140 popular Marvel characters and a playable cast of more than 20 Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America, gamers embark on a dangerous journey across exotic terrain and well-known comic book locations like Atlantis, the Shield Heli-Carrier and the Skrull home world in an attempt to defy Dr. Doom and the world’s most notorious Super Villains.

The downloadable content will be released in three packs. The Hero Pack and Villain Pack will each be 500 Microsoft points ($6.25) and the Combined Hero and Villain Pack will be 800 Microsoft points ($10). Heroes and Villains gamer pic packs will also be available for 80 Microsoft points each ($1).

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is currently available for the Xbox 360 for the suggested retail price of $59.99 and rated “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence) by the ESRB.

A Sign Of Things To Come? WW3 Is Coming...

2007-03-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

Hmm... looks like things might get interesting in the DCU later this year...

End Of An Era

2007-03-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

The New Comics Universe Blog will become a permanent archive of the past press releases. To find more current press releases keep an eye out here at Comics Universe.

Quick Bits

2005-09-24T17:56:00.000-04:00

The new season of Justice League Unlimited is now underway, with 2 new episodes tonight. Here's how the network describes "Chaos at the Earth's Core" (Originally titled "Heart of Stone")

Supergirl, Stargirl and Green Lantern go to Skartaris, the fantastic, hidden world at the Earth's core, to help free it from the rule of a brutal dictator.

Here's how the network describes the second episode of the night, "To Another Shore" (Originally titled "Elegy")

Wonder Woman stumbles onto a plot to steal the powers hidden inside the 3000-year-old, frozen remains of the legendary hero, the Viking Prince.

Teen Titans season 5 also begins tonight, here's how the network describes "Homecoming Part 1"

When Beast Boy's former team The Doom Patrol is in trouble, the Titans must embark on a daring mission to save them. Beast Boy explains that this can only mean one thing: the Doom Patrol's greatest foes are back. The Brotherhood of Evil has returned.

In Other News:

-Kids' WB!'s new series, Loonatics Unleashed, was the No. 1 show last Saturday to help the network win the Kids 2-11 ratings. Note the difference in character design after a heavy net protest last spring that deemed the characters "too edgy" & "scary" for younger viewers.

-Superman Returns could turn out to be the most expensive movie ever made. According to News.com: "The revisioned Superman tale, filming at Sydney's Fox Studios, could well be the most expensive film of all time ... director Bryan Singer acknowledged its budget is approaching $326 million -- that would top 'Titanic's $250 million and 'Waterworld's $225 million." (please note was calculated in Australian dollars - the exchange rate from au to us is .77 to 1.00)

-Also, check out the first & only Superman historical documentary out there, "In A Single Bound" created by filmmaker Ross Marroso. Head over to supermandoc.com to download or pre-order the DVD.

-The Fantastic Four DVD is expected to hit shelves Dec. 6, a week earlier than projected. The movie will be available in VHS, DVD and UMD & special features include:

- Cast commentary
- 3 deleted scenes
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes look with the cast
- Making of the movie
- Fox Movie Channel programs on F4 casting and filming
- Two music videos and film soundtrack ad
- First look at X-Men 3

In other Fantastic Four news, Marvel Enterprises has signed a deal with France's Antefilms Productions to produce an animated TV series based the Fantastic Four comic book characters. The deal is expected to be announced at the MIPCOM international TV sales convention in Cannes. The trade says the companies would produce 26 half-hour episodes targeted for premiere in the United States and other countries in late 2006.

-SIN CITY: RECUT & EXTENDED
Sin City: Recut & Extended is due to hit stores on December 13th. Retailing for a reported $39.99, the new cut of the film will include the original theatrical release as well as the 147 minute extended cut.

Extras include:

- commentary track with director Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller
- commentary track with Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino
- commentary track featuring Austin, TX crowd reaction
- 15 Minute Film School featurette
- Movie in High-Speed Green Screen feature
- 17 un-interupted minutes of Tarantino's segment
- footage from the Sin City cast/crew party.
- 10 minute Cooking School with Robert Rodriquez.

The package will also include a copy of the first Sin City graphic novel, “The Hard Goodbye.”

Too Many Games? No Such Thing!

2005-08-03T15:37:00.000-04:00

It might be just me, but I think this guy has a lot of games... click this link to see what I'm talking about.

Massive TV & DVD News

2005-07-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

Back from vacation... now on with the news.

Family Guy:
2005 has been a big year for Fox's once cancelled show, as it came back to primetime May 1st. That episode, the first of the series' 4th season (North by North Quahog) was nominated for an Emmy for "Outstanding Animated Program (for Programs Less Than an Hour") . It's competition? Samurai Jack, The Simpsons, South Park, & SpongeBob SquarePants. Also, Fox has officially announced the direct-to-DVD title "Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story Unrated". The DVD will be released on September 27, will retail for $29.98 US, or $41.98 CAN.

Justice League Unlimited:
The Joining Forces DVD will be on sale September 20th and comes with 3 episodes, with a runtime of 66 minutes. Price is just $14.97 SRP.

Tonight's episode, "Divided We Fall" airs at 9pm tonight and the episode is described as follows:
When most of the Justice League is incapacitated, the League's deadliest enemies emerge to take advantage of the chaos.

July 23rd is the US airdate for "Epilogue"
Fifty years in the future, the history of the Justice League is the key to Batman's darkest secret...and his final destiny.

As for the next season, Rob at Comics Continuum has news from the San Diego Comic-Con on the newest plot details, including the Legion of Doom!

And even more Justice League news... 2006 will see a new Justice League of America video game (the first in over 10 years on a console) for Sony's Playstation 2 & Xbox 360.

In other news... the new Transformers Movie website has been up for a couple days & the movie is set to debut sometime in 2007. The new movie will be live action with a lot of CG... Marvel recently announced at the Comic-Con that they would give Microsoft exclusive rights to create a MMORPG for the Xbox 360 based on the Marvel characters.

Sony Online buys Matrix Online, DC Comics rights

2005-06-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

press release:
MMO giant signs deal with Warner Bros to acquire franchises
Following earlier rumours of a deal between Sony Online Entertainment and Warner Bros. Interactive, it's been confirmed that SOE has acquired massively multiplayer online game The Matrix Online.

SOE has also secured licensing rights to develop a DC Comics MMOG for PC and next-generation consoles, featuring classic DC characters such as Batman, Superman Wonder Woman and the Sandman.

"SOE will work closely with Warner Bros. and DC Comics to maintain the authenticity consumers demand from the franchises," said SOE president John Smedley.

"We will also take steps to continue the same high level of service that subscribers have come to expect from The Matrix Online game."

Warner Bros.'s Jason Hall commented: "Our goal is to deliver quality content and consistently advance our key properties within the online games space. We've done just that with The Matrix Online.

"Because of our compelling work in developing and launching that game we can now move it over to the leaders in the MMO space, SOE," he added.

Matrix Online developer Monolith is now rumoured to be stepping away from the MMO genre altogether, preferring to concentrate on single player and small-scale multiplayer titles instead. According to reports, only 26 members of the current Matrix Online team will be retained, with the rest facing redundancy.

The planned DC comics MMO has yet to be titled, but SOE said the game is scheduled for a winter 2007 release.

The move to launch a comic book style MMORPG is not het first obviously, as both Freedom Force and City of Heroes currently offer online multiplayer gameplay as superheroes. Marvel announce that it was developing a game with Vivendi Universal (as part of a 10-year deal with Universal's Vu Games) in September of 2002 that would see release in 2005.

While there's been no official announcement or news of a Marvel/Universal MMORPG, the publisher has been in the news in relation to MMORPG when it sued City of Heroes publisher and producers (Cryptic Studios and NCsoft), claiming that the game maker was allowing and encouraging players to create characters based on copyrighted and trademarked Marvel characters in the game.

While the bulk of that case is still pending, one of Marvel's stated reasons for the action was that by allowing Marvel-based characters to appear in City of Heroes, NCsoft was damaging Marvel's ability to create its own MMORPG, based on its own universe. While NCsoft and Cryptic have vigorously defended their character generation software and pointed to their rules that forbid characters based on third party copyright holders from being used in the game, DC has stayed silent (at least publicly) about the game, and the possiblity of characters based on DC properties being used.

As Marvel has moved, DC may now possibly find itself in a similar position of desiring to "clear the decks" so to speak, and making sure that if any gamers want to experience online "life" as a DCU character, they will have to do it in the official SOE/WB DCU MMORPG.

Stan Lee to voice Masterminds animated feature

2005-05-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

press release:

MasterMinds Unlimited Options Animated Feature ‘MasterMinds’ toMorph/DG Spot; Comics Legend Stan Lee to Voice

Up-and-coming animation house MasterMinds Unlimited(www.masterminds.us) has optioned their first property, MasterMinds,as a feature to the Korean 3D animation giant DG Spot and itsproduction arm, Morph Studio LLC. The deal marks DG Spot’s move intooriginal content production with Morph Studio’s representation afteryears as a production house for TV and video games. Capping the deal,comics legend Stan Lee has agreed to contribute a voice to the project.

MasterMinds is the story of five freakish felons who have only onething standing between them and global domination – each other! Led byThe Maniacal Monocle, their ranks include: mad scientist DoktorPimento, giant robot CPU-571, mobster Vinnie DiThug and the mutantmonkey Gorilla Kang. Doomed by over-complicated plans and ridiculousinfighting, they’re driven by the dream of being able to call the shotsfor just one day.
“Who doesn’t want to rule the world?” asks MasterMinds co-creatorAaron Sowd. “MasterMinds is a story for everyone who ever wishedthat Wylie E. Coyote would catch the Road Runner. It’s about five guyswho stick to their dreams no matter how utterly misguided those dreamsreally are.”

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spiderman, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, andcountless other titles during his legendary tenure as writer and editorat Marvel Comics, will voice a character on the upcoming project. "Faceit! We all love to hate a great supervillian,” Lee said. “ That's whyartist/writer Aaron Sowd fiendishly created a wild team of trulytwisted bad guys, telling his wacky, way-out tales from the villains'point of view. Why didn't I think of that?"
Sowd was an award-winning art director at Stan Lee Media beforestarting MasterMinds Unlimited with comics writers James Denning andLance Karutz. Together, they’ve published three stories in anthologiesby Komikwerks (www.komikwerks.com) and created more than twentyoriginal properties.

Soo-Mi Kim, C.E.O and Creative Director with Morph Studio LLC willserve as an executive producer on the upcoming MasterMinds feature.“The animation teams at DG Spot and Morph Studio produce fantasticwork,” says Sowd. “But when we talked to Kim, we knew they really gotour mix of slapstick action and character-driven comedy.”

MasterMinds Unlimited manager Dave Alpert, with Circle of Confusion(www.circleofconfusion.com), brought the deal together in conjunctionwith Komikwerks. MasterMinds debuted inKomikwerk’s first volume of anthology material. Circle of Confusion iswell known for bringing smart genre material to feature andtelevision production, while Komikwerks has been a home for onlinecomics since 2000, and features some of the finest artists in the fieldtoday.

The most recent Komikwerks volume, Rockets and Robots, featuresanother MasterMinds Unlimited property, Sally Samson, Super Sitter.Two more MasterMinds Unlimited original properties will debut in thesubsequent volume, which will be released in July, at Comic-ConInternational.

Initial production on MasterMinds will begin this summer. Terms ofthe deal were not released.

Marvel Characters Soon On Your Cell Phone

2005-05-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

MFORMA Group, Inc. and leading global entertainment licensing company Marvel Enterprises, Inc. signed a licensing agreement that will bring Marvel's catalog of world famous entertainment brands to mobile phone users throughout the world. This landmark agreement was announced today by Daniel Kranzler, MFORMA CEO, and Tim Rothwell and Bruno Maglione, presidents, respectively, of Marvel Worldwide Consumer Products and Marvel International.

The agreement calls for MFORMA to publish an extensive portfolio of mobile entertainment products based on many of Marvel's iconic characters as they appear in movies, television, video games and comic books which will be available in all domestic and international territories, except for Japan. As part of the agreement, MFORMA will co-publish selected Marvel-based mobile games with Activision, one of the world's leading video game publishers. Activision brings a rich heritage of developing, publishing, and marketing blockbuster video games based on popular brands, including Marvel's major properties. The MFORMA/Marvel multi-year global product plan identifies mobile entertainment applications of every kind and represents one of the most far-reaching publishing programs seen in the mobile industry.

"Nothing like this has ever before been done in mobile," said Daniel Kranzler, MFORMA CEO. "Today, the market and mobile technology has matured to the point that a deal of this magnitude is possible. We have spent the last year expanding and building our global distribution and production capabilities so that we can serve the needs of an entertainment powerhouse like Marvel. Marvel brands routinely turn gold at the box office and in console gaming and they will do the same in mobile around the world-in Europe, North and South America, and most of Asia. We are pleased beyond words to be working with Marvel and Activision on this fantastic and perfectly-timed opportunity to catapult mobile entertainment to mainstream status all over the world."

Marvel's instantly recognizable characters represent one of the world's most powerful brand franchises. The Marvel/MFORMA relationship will bring the entire universe of classic Marvel characters (with the exception of The Punisher family of characters) to hundreds of millions of mobile phone users worldwide. This includes such world renowned heroes as Spider-Man , X-Men , Fantastic Four , Incredible Hulk , Captain America , Daredevil , Iron Man , Blade , Ghost Rider , Elektra and many more of Marvel's more than 5,000 characters. The MFORMA/Marvel product lineup runs the full gamut of mobile entertainment products, including action, adventure, RPG and trading card games, images, screensavers, graphics, ring tones, voice tones, mobile greeting cards, mobile comic books, phone functions, virtual character simulations, and community and lifestyle applications.

In addition to distributing the new Marvel content through MFORMA's global network of more than 100 wireless operators in 39 countries, MFORMA will create and host Marvel Mobile, a branded wireless and online website featuring informational, promotional and transactional links to all Marvel Mobile content. Marvel Mobile will have its home on the Internet within www.marvel.com. Subscribers to the Marvel Mobile channel will have access to all Marvel Mobile products, plus unique community applications and features, special collectible items, Marvel news alerts and chat rooms, fan clubs and mobile commerce options that will open up access to all of the activity taking place in the Marvel Universe.

"Mobile is a major new entertainment medium and our objective all along has been to enter this new space on a grand scale with an ambitious partner capable of putting together a holistic program across the various developing technologies and applications in the wireless space. We believe MFORMA is capable of delivering on that objective and we are thrilled to be working with them," commented Tim Rothwell, president of Marvel Worldwide Consumer Products.
Bruno Maglione, president of Marvel International added: "Wireless entertainment has been talked about for several years now, but we have really seen the industry starting to break into the mainstream in this past year and we expect that trend to continue into 2005 and beyond. Accordingly, the timing is right for Marvel to develop its presence in this medium especially as our brands synch perfectly with the most popular emerging applications and the user profile we see developing. With MFORMA as our partner, we expect success for Marvel brands in wireless just as we have achieved in the video game arena."

"Marvel will be a force in mobile, just as they have been a force in every other medium they have entered," said Matt Edelman, MFORMA's SVP of publishing and architect of the deal. "Our existing Marvel-branded mobile offering based on X-Men, which was co-published with Activision, has been very successful and I see that the possibilities of what we can create and deliver based on Marvel's rich, diverse, and fascinating set of characters are endless. The built-in audience is huge and global, and we will provide something for everyone. Our plan is expansive and includes every form of mobile entertainment so we can establish each Marvel property as a mobile franchise in its own right."

Activision and MFORMA will co-publish key titles based on rights Activision had previously acquired from Marvel. The two will jointly publish mobile games based on Spider-Man , X-Men , Fantastic Four and Iron Man . The agreement between MFORMA and Activision extends a pre-existing agreement and collaboration that successfully brought Marvel's X-Men to wireless last year in the form of a mobile video game based on the highly successful X-Men movie sequel, "X2" by Twentieth Century Fox. Activision's Marvel-branded video games have proven to be enormously successful, selling more than 15 million copies since 2001.

"Our strategic alliance with Marvel has resulted in some of the most successful Super Hero video games ever," said Dave Anderson, senior director of business development, Activision, Inc. "The co-publishing relationship with MFORMA strengthens Activision's commitment to the super hero genre and allows us to continue developing exceptional Marvel-based games for mobile phone users worldwide."

Marvel franchises will have a significant presence in the film and video game worlds well into the future, and MFORMA, Marvel and Activision will collaborate to leverage each and every important media event. The first products to be delivered under the agreement will be a suite of mobile products based on the Blade Trinity film from New Line Cinema, which is to be released in theaters on December 8, 2004. In January 2005, a second suite of products based on the movie Elektra by New Regency/Twentieth Century Fox will be introduced. In the summer, another suite of products based on the upcoming blockbuster "Fantastic Four" from Twentieth Century Fox and a corresponding video game from Activision will join the lineup. Additional titles coming in the near future include products based on Incredible Hulk, to be released in conjunction with a video game from Vivendi Universal Games, and Ultimate Spider-Man, tied into a next-generation video game from Activision. MFORMA and Marvel will collaborate on marketing programs to help promote the availability of Marvel mobile products to consumers worldwide.
"Mobile entertainment has been successful thus far because it has evolved to take advantage of not only the advancing technology of mobile phones, but also the advancing interests of mobile users who are always looking for the next big thing," said Edelman. "Marvel Mobile represents the next big thing and we believe mobile users will love what they find there."

Added Kranzler, "We are pleased to be Marvel's exclusive mobile publishing partner for a majority of its characters, enabling them to have their brands published around the world in all forms of mobile content. We have reached a level of global distribution capability today where it is possible to handle publishing and distribution for Marvel and other global brand holders such as Activision and leading movie studios on a truly global basis." For additional information visit the Marvel Web site at www.marvel.com and Mforma at www.mforma.com.

MONKEYS, MAYHEM, AND MYSTERY COME TO ONI THIS JULY!

2005-05-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

press release:
Oni Press is pleased to announce the July debut of BANANA SUNDAY, a fun filled four-issue comic from Root Nibot and Colleen Coover (SMALL FAVORS).

Kirby Steinberg is having a bit of trouble fitting into her new school. It’s hard enough being the new kid, but she’s also the guardian of three monkeys who have all gained the power of speech, and will be attending school with her. When her new friend Nickels, a crack reporter for the school paper, decides there’s something suspicious about the monkeys, the fun is just beginning. How do you keep track of three monkeys, make new friends and get good grades? Kirby shows us how in BANANA SUNDAY!

"Many of the ideas for Banana Sunday came about one day while I was at a zoo, watching an orangutan," Nibot commented. "I started thinking about how monkeys and humans would interact, if only monkeys could voice their ideas in ways we could understand. Boom, I wanted talking monkeys. And I wanted THREE monkeys because I needed an orangutan, as one was the catalyst for a lot of my thoughts. But I love gorillas, so I needed a gorilla. Also, I've had a bit of a fascination for spider-monkeys ever since one stole a pair of my sunglasses when I was a child. So, Chuck the Orangutan, Go-Go the gorilla, and Knobby, the spider-monkey. All of whom are monkeys, but represent different types of humanity."

Coover discovered the monkey’s personalities as she set out to draw them. "Root has created distinct individuals so they all have their own body language," she commented. "Chuck conducts himself with an air of superiority, Knobby's constantly on the lookout for someone to flirt with, and Go-Go has the determined focus of a simpleton attempting to understand the world around him. Monkeys are great fun to draw because they look like us, but behave with animal disregard for consequence. In other words, they're naughty!"

But the monkeys aren’t the only ones in the book; Kirby and her human friends get their fair share of attention too. Joining Kirby and Nickels is Martin, a maybe love interest for Kirby.
"All of them are in their mid teens, which I think is a GREAT age to write about," Nibot continued. "Even the easy things are chaotic at that age, and everything is so full of drama. The world is open and waiting, but damn scary at the same time. I pulled from my own high school days; how they were a mixture of freedom and slavery, grandeur and suck."

Coover adds, "What I really love about Root's story is the friendship that develops between Kirby and Nickels, in spite of the fact that Kirby keeps a secret that Nickels is determined to uncover. This is the kind of friendship that only happens in school."

BANANA SUNDAY is jam packed with fun and humor appropriate for all ages.

BANANA SUNDAY #1 will feature 24 pages of black and white story and art. With a cover price of $2.99, it will ship to comic book stores in July 2005. Future issues will ship on a monthly basis.

DF ON QVCUK 05.16.05

2005-05-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

press release:
Dynamic Forces returns to QVCUK for a special, fun-filled hour featuring the best Comics and Collectibles available!

Join DF President Nick Barrucci on Monday, the 16th of May at 7:00 PM GMT as he and the DF crew have prepared tons of fun, excitement and best of all - Signed Comics, Collectibles and More! (And fingers crossed, comics fans, Nick will be joined by Rich Johnston -- This "dynamic" duo had a blast on the air back in December, and hopefully will be able to team up for the first DF show of the year!) Check out the cool collectibles being brought over for this special hour!

Staring with:

LUCKY 21 - COOL COLLECTOR CARD SET!
Not just a Lucky 21, it's much more than that, a "Lucky 21 Plus 1" for a total of 22 Collectible Cards, featuring 1 DF Random Hand Drawn Sketch Card, 1 Set of 4 Marvel QFX Laser Cut Cards featuring the Hulk, Spider-Man, Punisher, and Wolverine from Marvel Comics 1997 Laser Card Set, 1 Set of Six Random signed Chase cards, 1 Set of 5 box toppers, and 1 Set of The Complete 6 card chase set of chase Acetate Cards!

Also, be sure to check out the following featured items:

THE SUPERFRIENDS - SUPER PACKAGE!
This package of Super Books features - SEVEN comics and TWO hardcover collections in all -- DC Comics greatest super heroes, including Batman, Superman, The Justice League the Teen Titans and their most famous creators, writers and artists!

Featuring: JLA Another Nail #1 - Signed by Artists Extraordinaire Alan Davis & Mark Farmer; Teen Titans Hardcover - Signed by the legendary Titans Team of Marv Wolfman & George Perez; Superman/Batman #10 - Signed by superstar artist Jim Lee; Superman/Batman #9 - Signed by writer Jeph Loeb; Batman #619 - Signed by artist Jim Lee; JLA Adventures #1 - Signed by cover painter Alex Ross; Superman 204 signed by the entire team of writer Brian Azzarello, artist Jim Lee, and inker Scott Williams; Green Lantern #176 - Signed by writer Ron Marz and the MASSIVE JLA Avengers Hardcover collection (unsigned).

DF is also bringing our word-famous starter sets to the show, perfect for the new or old fan:

THE "EIGHT LEGS OF THE SPIDER" SET
This set features TWO signed limited edition comics and a set of great unsigned comics for your collection! The signed and authenticated comics include: Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 - Signed by Terri & Rachel Dodson and Powerless #1 - Signed by writers Matt Cherniss & Peter Johnson, of "Nip/Tuck", the Shield and "The OC" fame and more!

3 TIMES THE 5 STAR STARTER SET!
Dynamic Forces is known for our world-famous 5 Star Starter Sets -- 5 times the adventures, 5 times the characters, 5 books from one comic book company, 5 sets of signatures in an amazing pack, 5 chances to start collecting the most popular comics that everyone has been hunting
For! Now, the 5 star starter set is back and bigger and better than ever!

DF PLATINUM SERIES
Our Platinum - the rarest of all metals -- series has something for everyone and is sure to delight and amaze, featuring: X-Men: The End #1 - Signed by Sean Chen; Ultimate Fantastic Four #13 - Variant sketch cover signed by Adam Kubert; and Daredevil: Father #1 - Signed by writer/artist and Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada. PLUS 37 random signed and unsigned books making this Set Forty Books BIg!

DF "CUBED" COLLECTION
For this set, we've opened the throttle wide and are screaming down the road of comics collecting fun! Check it out: Ultimate Spider-Man #62 9.8; X-23 Variant Cover CGC 9.6; and 1 Random CGC book with a grade of 9.6 or greater. THREE CGC Graded Books in one set at one great price!

DF is also bringing along a limited number of marquee items and sets, featuring the legendary creators whose signatures can often be the hardest to obtain for your collection:

THE MIGHTY MARVEL MARQUEE SET
These comics span the entire Marvel Universe - filled with adventures that are beyond comparison -- together in one incredible package. Featuring the signatures of such luminaries as Paul Jenkins, David Finch, Brian Michael Bendis, Greg Land, Joe Quesada and more on such great titles as Ultimate X-Men, X-Force, New X-Men #130, Wolverine: Origin, Ultimate Fantastic Four and more!

THE BEST OF BENDIS SET!
Brian Michael Bendis is an award winning comics creator and one of the hardest and most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For the last five years, Brian's books (including Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers, Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Alias, The Pulse, Powers) consistently sit in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic sales chart. This limited set features the best of his work, and best of all, signed by the writer himself, featuring the Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate Spider-Man and more surprises put together by DF!

THE INCREDIBLE HULK VOLUME 1 HARDCOVER - Signed by Stan "the Man" Lee.
The man who co-created the entire Marvel Universe is represented here with a special, signed and limited item, featuring one of his most brutish creations - The Incredible Hulk! Stan Lee, whose credits include co-creating the Amazing Spider-Man, the Uncanny X-MEN, the Avengers, Iron Man, Thor, and so many more, including the Heroes and the Villains, also created everyone's favorite jolly green monster - the Incredible Hulk and signs this special Hardcover Collection is the massive and mighty Marvel Hero! Not to be missed.

It all begins on Monday, the 16th of May at 7:00 PM GMT as DF President Nick Barrucci brings a TON of great Signed Comics and Collectibles to your own home thanks to QVCUK!

For more information on Dynamic Forces specialty merchandise, product art, exclusive creator interviews and upcoming releases, please visit the Dynamic Forces website at www.dynamicforces.com

CHAOS! & DEVIL'S DUE???

2005-05-11T12:56:00.000-04:00

press release:
EVIL COMES HOME TO DEVIL’S DUE
Chaos’s Evil Ernie takes on Cassie and Vlad in HACK/SLASH vs. EVIL ERNIE

Chicago, IL -- May 9, 2005 -- The most deadly, powerful, metal-loving killer of all---Evil Ernie---comes to Hack/Slash this June from Devil’s Due Publishing. It was only a matter of time before the legendary Evil Ernie found out about Cassie Hack, the not-to-be-intimidated slasher killer who’s taken on deranged lunch ladies, crazed catholic schoolgirls and even homicidal comic book fans. But how can Cassie and Vlad defeat a killer who can raise the dead and unleash arcane energies? HACK/SLASH vs. EVIL ERNIE tells the tale of horror, death, mayhem and…love.

The $4.95, 48-page one-shot is written by Tim Seeley, with art by Aadi Salman (whose previous credits include Silent Hill: Dying Inside); Seeley provides the cover.

“When we had the chance to team up with characters from Chaos!, how could we refuse?” said Josh Blaylock, president of DDP. “Tim came up with a great story and we not only think fans of Hack/Slash and Evil Ernie will enjoy the read, but readers who’ve never experienced either book will find something new to love.”

The acclaimed Hack/Slash series has showcased the exploits of Cassie Hack and Vlad in the one-shots “Euthanized”, “Girls Gone Dead”, and “Comic Book Carnage”. Those titles and HACK/SLASH vs. EVIL ERNIE are each available from comic book shops everywhere.

Devil's Due. Reminding everyone that pop culture IS our culture.

ABOUT DEVIL'S DUE PUBLISHING (DDP)

Devil's Due Publishing was formed in 1999 as both a commercial art studio and a small press comic book publisher. DDP's first breakout success was 2001's revamp of G.I. JOE, returning the long-lost 1980s characters to comics. Fans bought over 100,000 copies per month, immediately propelling G.I. JOE to the top of the charts. Today, DDP's lineup includes Army of Darkness, Street Fighter, Hack/Slash and the Aftermath universe, a new imprint featuring super-powered heroes in titles like Defex, Breakdown, Blade of Kumori and Infantry.

ABOUT CHAOS! COMICS
Chaos! Comics was the leading horror comic book publisher of the 1990s. In 2005, Chaos! Comics is resurrected under new ownership. Chaos! Comics is dedicated to bringing the best in horror and supernatural stories to the comic book industry.

MARVEL EXTENDS STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

2005-05-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

press release:
Marvel Enterprises, Inc., a global entertainment and licensing company, announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized an additional $150 million to be utilized in Marvel's common stock repurchase program and extended that program to June 30, 2006.

As of May 10, 2005, Marvel had approximately $13 million remaining under its initial $100 million stock repurchase authorization. Giving effect to today's authorization, Marvel now has a total of approximately $163 million authorized for share repurchases. Marvel currently has cash and short-term investments in excess of $200 million.

Morton E. Handel, Chairman of Marvel's Board of Directors, commented, "Marvel's strong cash position and our expectations for continued strength in our business and our annual cash flows are the attractive byproducts of our unique, risk-averse, business model. Given these factors, Marvel's Board of Directors continues to believe that share repurchases represent an excellent use of capital that should enhance shareholder value over the long term. Accordingly, the Board felt it should act ahead of the completion of our initial $100 million repurchase authorization so that Marvel would be able to continue to pursue repurchase transactions as market conditions permit."

Pursuant to the authorization, Marvel may purchase shares from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Marvel has no obligation to repurchase shares under the authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of Marvel's stock price and market conditions.

Marvel's Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman and largest stockholder, Isaac Perlmutter, has agreed to continue not to sell any of his shares of Marvel stock while the expanded repurchase program is in effect. Mr. Perlmutter had previously agreed, when the initial $100 million stock repurchase program was authorized in July, 2004, not to sell any of his shares of Marvel stock until that initial authorization was completed.

DIAMOND CALLS FCBD '05 A SUCCESS!

2005-05-10T11:07:00.000-04:00

press release:

Free Comic Book Day 2005: "This was amazing."

May 9, 2005

"It was outstanding. We did a week's worth of business in a day."

"Our best ever sales in the 2 years we've been in business"

"We entered into it cautiously. That was a mistake."

"Business was about 4 times a normal Saturday"

"Though we're not closed yet...we've already exceeded any Saturday we've done at our new location."

On FCBD 2004, the folks at Kingdom Comics in Veslavia Hills, Alabama stopped counting customers after 600, co-owner Stan Daniel told Diamond Daily. But in 2005? "Our guy counting this year stopped at 850 before 1:00 pm."

Why did he stop? Because the store was so packed and had so many visitors that at one o'clock it ran out of FCBD 2005 comics!

"We had to restock the shelves with leftovers from last year," Daniel recounts, "which almost lasted another hour. We then began using excess store stock. Others who were volunteering at our event insist we easily saw a thousand or more people through the store by 5 pm. It was outstanding. We did a week's worth of business in a day (compared to the successes last year!). This was amazing. Our local 501st Imperial Stormtrooper Legion was on hand and it was like a mini-con. The effort and planning (about 6 to 7 months worth) was well worth it. Our biggest complaint was that we weren't able to move around the store with everyone there to restock as quickly as we wanted -- as you can imagine, I am willing to live with that problem!"

Sydney Walton from Collector's Dream in Tavares, FL reports: "What a GREAT day!! We had our best ever sales in the 2 years we've been in business!! We had a couple of comic book professionals here signing autographs (thank you Jerry and Jay!!), a storewide reduction sale, door prizes, free soda, HeroClix tournaments, and, of course, TONS of free comics and other swag!!! We also had, straight from the Death Star.....Darth Vader himself. He was a hit with the kids!! All in all, not a bad day.....can't wait until next year!!"

In Alberta, Canada, Jay Bardyla of Happy Harbor Comics & Toys admits that he may have underestimated the potential of the event: "...we were very unsure about how big the day would end up being. Our file customer base didn't seem too excited either so we entered into it cautiously. That was a mistake.

"Our special guest Andrew Foley, writer by trade but a very capable artist, had a very steady day of making sketches for a handful of the 350-375 people that came through our doors. Quite a step up from the normal 20-30 people we see on a typical Saturday....by 2 pm we were pulling out last years stock just to be able to give people something. Still, everyone was happy.

"Moms who had no idea comics were still for kids and that comic stores could be fun for them as well left with smiles and many thanks. In the end, we could have not asked for a more rewarding day. We have found dozens of new comics fans."

From Comic Relief's new location in Berkeley, CA, Rory Root reports a successful day: "At times, the line wrapped from our back counter around our Fiction/Lit/Alternative comics bins all the way to our information station (in the middle of our huge new location) four deep, and at others it was a concentrated frenzy around our back counter. Couples, kids, and fans of all ages came in to see about these so-called 'free comics,' and everyone left satisfied. We at Comic Relief are satisfied with the scattered remnants of our once-proud Free Comic Book Day table setup, but happier still at the hundreds of new readers who have discovered the joy of comics."

It wasn't just store traffic that was up, either. Root report that sales were up, as well, "an aspect of FCBD we've come to expect. Though we're not closed yet, and won't be closed until 10pm, we've already exceeded any Saturday we've done at our new location."

At Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord, CA, FCBD Originator Joe Field sent in a midnight missive on the event: More than 1,000 people came through Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff on FCBD '05. A full third of those visitors had never been here before! Business was about 4 times a normal Saturday, but the story of the day was all the dedicated Moms coming to FCBD on their special weekend. Moms accounted for 20% of our FCBD attendance!"

Joe Ferrara of Santa Cruz, CA's Atlantis Fantasyworld was quick to point out that his FCBD was a hit, too: "Free Comic Book Day was loads of fun. Bill Morrison signed over 300 copies of the Simpsons free comic and did a sketch on each one! Attendance was slightly down from last year but sales were up. Most importantly everyone who came in had a positive experience in a comic book store!"

And from across the Pond, Jared Myland of OK Comics in Leeds let us know that regardless of country, FCBD is a hit: "As always Free Comic Book Day was a great success. I was interviewed on local radio in the morning and that exposure seemed to bring in tons of new people. It was one of our busiest sales days ever, many of the people who came for the freebies ended up spending more money on comics than they were expecting to. We seemed to leave people with a positive impression of comics and the diverse range available."

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is a joint effort of dozens of publishers, thousands of retailers, and Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's largest distributor of English language comics.

Update On DC's Price Change

2005-05-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Here are all the titles affected by the price change & exactly the issue when the change goes into effect:

These titles will arrive in stores with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.:
BATMAN #641, BATMAN #642
THE FLASH #223, THE FLASH #224
JLA #115, JLA #116
NIGHTWING #109, NIGHTWING #110
ROBIN #139, ROBIN #140
WONDER WOMAN #218, WONDER WOMAN #219

These titles will arrive in stores with a cover price of $2.75 U.S.:
100 BULLETS #62
THE BOOKS OF MAGICK: LIFE DURING WARTIME #12
FABLES #38, FABLES #39
LUCIFER #63, LUCIFER #64

Short Takes

2005-05-06T22:08:00.000-04:00

What If...?
I saw this all over the web today & had to show it. Here's "the 1000 Faces of Brandon Routh!"
Thats the new Superman by the way.

DC Raises prices on six DCU Titles:

A couple days ago, many noticed that they have raised the prices on their last remaining DC Universe $2.25 titles. Beginning with their June issues, Batman, Nightwing, Robin, The Flash, JLA and Wonder Woman will arrive in stores with a new retail price of $2.50. Because they were solicited in both June and July with the previous cover price of $2.25, DC reported the affected issues will be announced as returnable at a later date.

The cover price change comes on the heels of Marvel’s elimination of their $2.25 price point on nine titles also beginning with issues on sale in June.
DC has not eliminated their $2.25 price point entirely, however. Their "Johnny DC" titles, including Justice League Unlimited, Batman Strikes and Teen Titans Go (among others) currently remain at $2.25.

Additionally, DC announced that 100 Bullets (with issue #62) and The Books of Magick: Life During Wartime, Fables, and Lucifer will have their price raised from $2.50 to $2.75, the latter three with their June on-sale issues.
Mad Magazine will arrive in stores with a cover price of $3.99 beginning with issue #454.

Gambit, Rouge Cancelled???

Gambit solo series writer John Layman confirmed that in the absence of a July solicit for Gambit, the series will end with issue #12.

Layman wrote:
"Well, I've told a few people already, and some others have figured it out since there is no Gambit #13 solicitations in the current batch of solicits, so I should probably break the news here. Gambit #12 will be the last issue of the series. It's been a fun run, and when I took it, I was only ‘guaranteed’ six issues, so I've got absolutely no reason to complain. The creative team was great to work with, in particularly the editorial staff, and X-editor Mike Marts is threatening to give me more work, so it looks like a happy ending for your humble narrator. The sales simply were not there, and if you follow the month-to-month tracking of sales on Pulse, Gambit's cancellation should come as no surprise. That being said, the last three issues are written, and I'm hoping those of you who support the book don't disappear in droves. Next issue, with Gambit breaking into the X-Mansion to steal his sex tape before Rogue finds it, is, I think, my favorite issue so far. And if you have been supporting the book, you have my thanks."

Maybe we can assume the same thing about Rogue's solo comic as well, as there is no July solicit for that title either.

Spider-Man 3, 4, 5, 6

2005-05-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

Director Sam Raimi talked to Sci Fi Wire, and said there's plenty more webs to spin. "I've heard Amy Pascal [chairman of Sony's motion picture group] say she wants to make six 'Spider-Man' pictures," Raimi said. "So I think she's a woman of her word. And if she says there'll be six, there'll be six. ... If they were to ask me, and if I felt as passionate as I feel now about the character and had this great hunger and desire to tell the story, which I really do now, you couldn't keep me away from it."

In addition to that news, Spider-Man 2 was nominated for four MTV Movie Awards, including Best Movie, Best Villain (Alfred Molina), Best Action Sequence and Best video Game Based on a Movie. Elektra was nominated for Best Kiss with Jennifer Garner and Natassia Malthe.

Check out Comics Impulse for info on Marvel's House of M & DC's Infinite Crisis!

3 DAYS TILL FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2005-05-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

Click here for stores around you. Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7th.

1ST Annual Shuster Awards Announced

2005-05-02T12:04:00.000-04:00

Press Release

The 1st annual Shusters Awards were presented at the Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon on Saturday April 30th. Hosted by Rick Green and Rob Salem, the event was attended by many of Canada's best and brightest talents.

Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Publisher
Was awarded to Arcana Studio publisher of Ant, Kade, Ezra, and 100 Girls.

Outstanding Canadian Achievement Related to Comic Books
Was awarded to Dave Sim and Gerhard for completing the landmark run of Cerebus, the longest running creator owned & published comic book series.

Outstanding Canadian Retailer Award
Was awarded to Harry Kremer, the late owner of Kitchner's Now and Then Books. This award will be renamed the Harry Kremer Canadian Retailer Recognition Award in future years.

Outstanding Canadain Comic Book Writer
A tie was declared and awards were given to Ty Templeton for his work on Batman Adventures, and Samm Barnes for her work on Doctor Spectrum.

Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artist
Awarded to Kaare Andrews for his work on Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Year One.

Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist
Awarded to Darwyn Cooke for his work on DC: The New Frontier.

In addition to the six category winners the inagural six Hall of Fame inductees were also presented with their awards.

The six hall of fame awards went to:

Joe Shuster the creator of Superman, and in many ways the inspiration for all who followed him.

Leo Bachle a.k.a. Les Barker, creator of Johnny Canuck.

Adrian Dingle, creator of Nelvana.

Hal Foster, creator of Prince Vallaint.

Ed Furness, creator of Freelance.

Rand Holmes, underground cartoonist.

DC COMICS: Ed Benes Stays Exclusive For 3 More Years

2005-04-26T18:45:00.000-04:00

April 26th, 2005 - Acclaimed artist Ed Benes, whose run on SUPERMAN begins with next month's issue #217, has extended his exclusive agreement with DC Comics for an additional three years."I'm really honored to know that DC wants to continue to work with me," says Benes. "I'm even more honored to have the chance to have the chance to draw Superman. It's a dream come true for me! And with Supes came the chance to work with some of the greatest professionals that I've ever met: Mark Verheiden, who writes truly amazing stories, Eddie Berganza and Tom Palmer, Jr., my editors who take very good care of me, and Rod Reis, a Brazilian fellow who's the colorist of the book! I hope to continue working with DC for many years to come. So far, it has been a blast!" "Following Jim Lee is not easy, but Ed is doing a phenomenal job," says Group Editor Eddie Berganza. "I've loved his stuff since he was doing GEN13 and SUPERGIRL, and that's nothing compared to what he's bringing to the table on SUPERMAN! Ed's known for his hot women, and he's got some great storytelling and powerful action going on too... and yeah, the ladies are still fine!"

Watch for SUPERMAN #217, coming to comics shops on May 11!

3 Flavors For Fantastic Four #527

2005-04-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

Marvel Comics has announced a 50/50 variant cover for Fantastic Four #527, the first issue by the new creative team of J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone.

The issue stars the "Distant Music" arc in which a conflicted Reed is presented an intriguing offer.

Fantastic Four #527 is scheduled to be in stores on May 25. In addition, Marvel is preparing a Director's Cut version of the issue, scheduled for release on June 22, the same day as Fantastic Four #528. The issue will include the contents of the regular edition of #527, as well as a script, interviews and sketch art. It will cost $3.99.

TV & Movie News: Week In Review

2005-04-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

Blade:Trinity

Blade series star Wesley Snipes is suing New Line Cinema, director David Goyer and others over Blade:Trinity.

BBC News reports that Snipes contends that the third film was merely a setup for a spin-off series and that the director (Goyer), screenplay and supporting cast (Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel) were all forced on him – in violation of his contract.

Despite lackluster critical response, Trinity went on to make $123 million worldwide. Snipes is suing for upwards of $5 million.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, also contends that New Line owes Snipes $3.6 million of the $13 million he was supposed to get up front for making the vampire flick.

Superman Returns:
Obviously everybody know the 1st offical pic of Brandon Routh as Superman has leaked to the internet Monday. Check out the official press release here if you haven't seen or read it yet.

Man-Thing:
Man-Thing will be making his television premiere on the Sci-Fi Channel April 30th at 9 p.m..
Agents of an oil tycoon vanish while exploring a swamp marked for drilling. The local sheriff investigates and faces a Seminole legend come to life: Man-Thing, a shambling swamp-monster whose touch burns those who feel fear. Jack Thompson (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones) stars.

Daredevil & Elektra To Wed?
Daredevil star Ben Affleck asked Elektra/Alias' Jennifer Garner to marry him over the weekend during a lavish 33rd birthday party for her, sealing the deal with a 4.5-carat diamond ring from Harry Winston valued at $500,000, according to People magazine. Affleck reportedly proposed to Garner after her 33rd birthday party Saturday at her Brentwood, Calif., home.

"Affleck and Garner first worked together on the 2003 movie 'Daredevil.' According to imdb.com, Garner became tangled in the wires that were helping her do a flip in a stunt for the movie, and she nearly crashed into a wall that she was supposed to flip off.

"Affleck, in his Daredevil costume, rushed up to her, grabbed her, and pulled her away from the wall before the accident could happen. Jennifer later commented: 'It was like he was Superman'.

Batman Begins:
The WB will air an eight-minute preview of Warner Brothers' upcoming comic-book movie Batman Begins during the May 18 episode of Smallville, a 90-minute extended segment that begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Smallville/Superman Event:

ABC Family will stage a Smallville marathon on Sunday, May 15, featuring Christopher Reeve's two episodes and culminating with Reeve in Superman: The Movie.
The schdule of episodes includes:
2 p.m.: "Rosetta."
3 p.m.: "Calling."
4 p.m.: "Exodus."
5 p.m.: "Exile."
6 p.m.: "Legacy."
7 p.m.: "Covenant."
8 p.m.: Superman: The Movie.

How Did They Do Those Cool Sin City Digital FX?

Troublemaker Digital Studios answered filmmamer Robert Rodriguez' call, that's how.

Click over to VFX Blog to read an interview with Troublemaker Digital Studios' Rodney Brunet and Eric Pham. Troublemaker did the digital special effects on Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's Sin City, near tearing up the box office.

Here's a clip from the interview: "To help bring Frank Miller's 'Sin City' graphic novels into the movie world, director Robert Rodriguez entrusted his own Troublemaker Digital Studios to visualise the look and feel of the film. A small team of artists delivered a multitude of storyboards, layout designs, animatics and early scene renders to aid filming on the green screen stage and for later visual effects completion. Troublemaker's Rodney Brunet and Eric Pham discuss their time-crunching design and previz work on Sin City with vfxblog."

Interviewer Ian Failes asked Brunet how hard it was to work on two so very different Rodriguez' films (Spy Kids, Sin City): "It really seemed to be a natural transition from the Spy Kids series, specifically. The third installment was almost completely shot on green screen. I think we have all grown so accustomed to shooting this way. Sin City was initially easier, mainly because we had Frank Miller’s work to use as a guide. His panels laid it all out for us to match and sped up the layout phase considerably."

Sin City has earned $67,267,000 worldwide as of this writing. The budget was $40 million.

Wonder Woman:

Bruce Willis' ex NADIA BJORLIN is fighting to suit up as WONDER WOMAN in Buffy creator JOSS WHEDON's new comic book adaptation.
The former opera singer, who made her name as a star in US daytime soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES, admits she wants to be considered alongside Jessica Biel and other hopefuls when it comes to casting for the role.

She says, "I'm a tall, statuesque, Amazonian type."

Fantagraphics Putting Out Complete Dennis The Menace

2005-04-24T14:10:00.000-04:00

Press Release
An American icon defined: the first two years of Hank Ketcham’s classic comic strip, in one handsomely thick hardcover volume.From the publisher of the New York Times bestselling series THE COMPLETE PEANUTS comes the most exciting comics publishing project of 2005! DENNIS THE MENACE began on March 14, 1951 (four months after Ketcham’s friend and colleague, Charles Schulz started his own historic comic strip) — and went on to become the 2nd most popular cartoon kid in the world after Charlie Brown.DENNIS THE MENACE first appeared in 16 American newspapers; by the end of 1951, it was appearing in over a hundred. The strip’s success in only the first 10 months of syndication was a harbinger of greater success to come — as Ketcham himself put it, “The sales chart was not an upward curve but more the flight of an arrow.” The timing was perfect: the post-war generation, at the height of the baby-boom, embraced the perennial troublemaker and turned Dennis into a global publishing, merchandising, and multi-media phenomenon, with over 50 million book collections sold, the fondly remembered live-action TV show from 1959-63, a cartoon from 1986-89, theatrical productions, TV specials, a major motion picture in the ’90s, and a full-length animated film in 2002. The strip is still enjoyed by readers of over 1,000 newspapers every day.The reason for Dennis’ success is easy to figure out: It was one of the most brilliantly observed and empathetic comic strips about childhood ever drawn. Ketcham captured the mischievousness, rambunctiousness, and anarchy of a kid’s world better than any other cartoonist. The strip appeals to both parents and children —while parents shake their head ruefully at how accurately Ketcham caught the essence of children’s natural zest for mayhem, children identify with Dennis and the chaos that he leaves in his wake — just a hop, skip, and a jump away from their own fantasy of themselves! Ketcham was a cartoonist with a vivacious line that was exquisitely suited to depicting adults and children. His gags were funny, subtle, and touching.Ketcham drew DENNIS THE MENACE from 1951 to 1994, when he retired and let his assistant take over the strip. This first volume of HANK KETCHAM'S COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE publishes every single panel strip from 1951 and 1952 in one handsome and thick hardcover volume resembling a Big Little Book on steroids. HANK KETCHAM'S COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE will continue with new chronological volumes annually until the entire run of Ketcham’s strip is collected.The series is designed by Fantagraphics Lead Designer Jacob Covey (THE PIN-UP ART OF DAN DeCARLO, HANGING WITH THE DREAM KING: CONVERSATIONS WITH NEIL GAIMAN AND HIS COLLABORATORS, BUDDY DOES SEATTLE, etc.) and edited by Fantagraphics President and Founder Gary Groth.Hank Ketcham was born in 1920 and created Dennis the Menace in 1950. He passed away in 2001.

DENNIS THE MENACE FACTS:

• Over 50 million Dennis books have been sold worldwide
• The strip continues today in more than 1000 newspapers
• Dennis has been a “spokesman” for UNICEF, the Boy Scouts, and the Red Cross
• Dennis is one of the most recognizable characters in the world.

HANK KETCHAM'S COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE 1951-1952By HANK KETCHAMForeword by PATRICK McDONNELL (Mutts) Introduction by BRIAN WALKER (The Comics After 1945) 624 pages
• HARDCOVER5.5” x 6.25”
• Black-and-whiteISBN 1-56097-680-2
• $24.95Humor / COMIC STRIPS Sales Area: World (Except the UK)Publication Date: Sept. 25, 2005

DF ON THE AIR IN CANADA ON THE SHOPPING CHANNEL 04.28-29.05

2005-04-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

Press Release
Join DF President Nick Barrucci for 2 special appearances of comics and collectibles on TSC's "The Game Room" beginning Thursday, April 28 at 9:00 PM EST and Friday, April 29 starting at 12:01 AM EST on The Shopping Channel in Canada! That's right comic fans, to see both dynamic shows, you need to stay up a little past midnight on the 28th, and stay up for a morning of the 29th, but we promise it will be worth it!!!!!!!! Premiering on the eve of the Toronto Comic Convention, DF is bringing some of the rarest and coolest comic collectibles of all time on the air!Each show is packed with cool, different and dynamic collectibles - and DF is featuring the best Signed Comics and Collectibles, so be sure to turn in starting at 9:00 PM EST for the following:DC Platinum Set You've heard of the "Perfect 10"!? Well, here's twice the good luck with twice that amount of comics and fun!!!!!!! The Justice League has become unlimited, why can't the rest of DC Universe? Dynamic Forces brings you an unlimited collection of some of the greatest comic stories from the DC universe collected in the unbelievable package (hey, you can read these over and over again!). This set includes the most jam packed adventures of all time spanning the entire DC Universe! This entire collection cannot be found anywhere else unless you went scouring the globe, but we are bringing them all together here and The Shopping Channel. This collection of 21 cool comics features a "Lucky 7" number of signed comics! From Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth signed by Alex Ross to Superman #204 signed by Jim Lee, Batman #611 signed by Jim Lee and Scott Williams, Catwoman: When in Rome #1 signed by Tim Sale, Detective Comics Annual #2 signed by Mark Waid, Silver Age Green Lantern #1 signed by Joe Rubinstein and Kevin Nowlan, Superman/Batman: Supergirl Hardcover signed by Jeph Loeb, Teen Titans: A Kid's Game TPB, PLUS 13 random DC comics signed and unsigned!'THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD' COLLECTOR SET Faster then a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and no, its not who you think it is, but one the greatest pairs of superheroes ever to grace the pages of the DC Universe. It's the Green Lantern and the Flash - Two of the Brave'est and the Bold'est heroes of all time. For years the two heroes have teamed up for some of the most earth shattering adventures ever to shake their universe and now, with the return of the original Hal Jordan, Dynamic Forces is proud to bring a collection as unbeatable as the emerald avenger and the fastest man alive. Featuring: Green Lantern: Rebirth #1 signed by Ethan Van Sciver, Flash #217 signed by Geoff Johns, JSA #68 signed by Alex Ross and Geoff Johns, PLUS 6 total signed comic books featuring The Flash and The Green Lantern. '66 MEGA YEARS OF MARVEL' STARTER SET X-men, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Spiderman, Iron Man, The Avengers, The Hulk - this collection has them all! Marvel Comics is the largest comic book companies in the world with over 5,000 comic book characters in its universe. DF is going above and beyond by offering a collection of Marvel Comics as large as this one. For the fulltime collector, or for the new fans who want to dive right in and immerse themselves in the Marvel universe, this collection is for you! Featuring: Daredevil: Father signed by Joe Quesada, New X-Men #153 signed by Tim Townsend, Marvel Knights Tour Book signed by Jae Lee, Excalibur #2 signed by Aaron Lopresti, Captain America #12 signed by Jae Lee, PLUS: 60 randomly filled signed and unsigned Marvel comic books!THE HAND THAT CREATED THE SPIDER! STAN LEE ORIGINAL COMIC STRIPS The rarest Spider-Man collectible of all time! Thirty-three years ago, Spider-Man first made his way into the visual medium of comic strips swinging from building, clutching to the side of buildings and always bring his enemies to justice. Written by Stan "The Man" Lee, these comic strips captured our young imagination and now, from TSC and Dynamic Forces, comes a once-in the lifetime opportunity to own a piece of that nostalgic action that so many of us have grown up with. Dynamic Forces has acquired a limited quantity of these rare, highly sought after, AND ORIGINAL, Spider-Man comic strips that were originally printed in national newspapers. These select pieces are the original art from Stan's personal collection, each autographed by Lee himself. These are not reproductions, these are the actual, and authentic, 1 OF A KIND original pieces of stunning artwork where no two are alike, and each part of a sequential story! During the fledgling years of Marvel Comics in the 1960's, Stan Lee personally invigorated the comic book industry by creating classic characters such as Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and the X-Men, who are all seen as the greatest comic book properties to this day. Later, in the 1990's Lee once again used his talents, some say "powers", to once again, save Marvel Comics from bankruptcy by launching them into the film industry with Spider-man, which grossed $821,700,000 worldwide. Not only are his creations high commodity properties, but in 2004 Stan Lee's personal comic collection of File Copies and other assorted pieces of Stan's History were auctioned by Heritage with proceeds coming back in excess of $1,000,000! The fans are there and they are waiting for these original pieces for their own personal collection. These pieces of original comic book art speak for themselves. Stan Lee transferred his talent and creations through the medium of pencil and ink to one of the most collectable pieces that every comic book fan will be flooding the phone lines to get their hands on. With the release of these pieces of original Spider-Man Strip Art you can hang a piece of the legend in your own home or office. If you were to acquire one of these rare pieces, NO ONE IN CANADA, OR THE WORLD, WILL HAVE THE SAME PIECE AS YOU! Make no mistake about it - this is an AMAZING deal. Due to the limited number of available strips THE SPIDER-MAN EXPERIENCE EDITION! Spider-Man, a teenager bit by the radioactive spider. Iron Man, kept alive by the miracles of science. The Incredible Hulk, the inner demon in search of inner peace. Daredevil, given second sight by the hazards of radioactive waste. The X-Men, the epitome of mutant outsiders; metaphors for discrimination and acceptance. The Fantastic Four, humans exposed to a spatial anomaly -irradiating and transforming them into a group of fantastic heroes. All of these timeless characters from Marvel Comics were created and born from one man's mind, Stan "The Man" Lee. Stan Lee stands apart as a truly American author, in a truly American medium - comic books. A true artist, Stan defined the format and the form of comic books, dominating the field as no one has dominated any other. This is the definitive collectors piece for any Stan Lee fan. His work on Spider-Man has spawned comic strips, novels, video games, television series and motion pictures and Dynamic Forces has found one of the most rare pieces ever to come across its inventory. This is the primer of the 'Spider-Man Experience Edition' signed pieces by "the man" himself, Stan Lee. This framed piece measures 25"x20", with the historic cover of Spiderman's first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 along with a sericel never released before of Spiderman with Stan Lee's signature. Stan Lee, Chairman of Marvel Comics and Marvel Films, is known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry. Hundreds of legendary characters such as Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, The Avengers, Thor and Dr. Strange all grew out of his fertile imagination. There are only 62 of these pieces ever produced and Dynamic Forces has brought this honorable piece as an exclusive to The Shopping Channel for the definitive fan of all of Stan Lee's work. So, mark your calendars for Thursday, April 28 beginning at 9:00 PM EST and set your alarm - or better yet, just stay up to catch all the fun and excitement -- Friday, April 29 starting at 12:01 AM EST (it's just a few minutes after midnight ?) on "The Game Room" as seen on The Shopping Channel in Canada! Don't Miss It!Fellow comic fans in Canada - help us to continue to make these shows ongoing events - please forward this press release to as many comic fan sites and fan boards as possible!For more information on Dynamic Forces specialty merchandise, product art, exclusive creator interviews and upcoming releases, please visit the Dynamic Forces website at www.dynamicforces.com.For more information on this show, exclusive sneak peaks and to make sure you're the first to know about upcoming Dynamic Forces' visits to Canada please be sure to visit http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/

Ghostbusters Update

2005-04-22T16:48:00.000-04:00

Press Release

Ghostbusters News Update : April 11th 2005

Ghostbusters Legion Hard Cover Collector's Limited Edition is now available for order at www.88mphstudios.com

This Limited Collector's Edition is packed with material, including; all four issues of the "Legion" mini-series, the twelve page San Diego Comic-Con 2004 Exclusive "The Zeddemore Factor" short story, in COLOR for the first time, never before seen characters case studies, and a preface by Ghostbusters co-creator Dan Aykroyd!

This may be very well be the only time 88MPH collects the "Legion" mini-series in a single volume.

Ordering now is important, therefore we invite all Ghostubsters fans to spread the word and order this once in a lifetime offer.

Please visit our website at : www.88mphstudios.com for more information on how to order.

Eagle One Media Brings Micronauts To DVD

2005-04-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

Press Release

Macomb, MI, April 19, 2005 – Eagle One Media, a multi-media company is proud to announce it has acquired the license from Abrams Gentile Entertainment to produce a DVD digital comic based on the hugely successful Micronauts toy line of the 70’s and 80’s. Titled MICRONAUTS: REVOLUTION this action adventure story for all ages is set for release on DVD in July 2005 with a retail price of only $ 12.99. Eagle One Media is also making available a Special Offer to Micronaut fans.

Termed a DVD Digital Comic this unique DVD product will utilize the stunning visual artwork and storyline from six acclaimed comic book issues published by renown Devil’s Due Publishing and with the blending of animation, professional voice-over for the characters, music, sound and special effects, create a flowing viewable product that simply plays on any DVD player device. The DVD Digital Comic will have a run time of 90+ minutes for the viewer with a quality on par of a motion picture release that can be purchased for less then the cost of the printed comic book version.

Based on popular Micronauts toy line of the 70’s and 80’s, MICRONAUTS: REVOLUTION will give viewers a first rate action adventure tale as a band of rebel Micronauts lead by the hero Acroyear and lone abducted human from Earth try to survive and take on a universe under the control of the tyrant Baron Karza and his evil empire.

With digital imagery, surround sound, and animation, fans of the Micronauts will be able to fully experience in a whole new way a fantastic adventure in the “Microverse” saga. Fans can also expect within the DVD bonus features such as bios and drawings of some of the main Micronaut characters and a cover gallery as well.

SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate the release of MICRONAUTS: REVOLUTION on DVD, Eagle One Media is offering a FREE Micronaut 36 piece trading card collector set produced by the Hero Factory to the first 500 individuals who visit the eagleonemedia.com website and register to reserve their own copy of the DVD. This unique card set will be included within the individual’s future DVD order at the time of shipping.

About Eagle One Media, Inc.:

Eagle One Media, Inc., a multi-media company, develops and produces DVD digital comic products based on licensed media properties for the retail marketplace. Currently set for release in June 2005 is the DVD digital comic THE TERMINATOR: HUNTERS AND KILLERS, based on the classic blockbuster sci-fi motion picture. The company also distributes comic book CD-ROM and DVD comic products. The complete product line is available to retailers and distributors, and directly consumers through its website www.eagleonemedia.com.

For more information on Eagle One Media, visit www.eagleonemedia.com or by sending an e-mail to info@eagleonemedia.com.

™ 2005 Takara Co., Ltd/Abrams Gentile Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Character Vision, Inc. Los Angeles, CA 90016. All Rights Reserved.

Red Sonja #0 On Sale April 27!

2005-04-21T21:35:00.000-04:00

Red Sonja #0 Hits Comics Shops Wednesday, April 27!

April 21, 2005, Runnemede, NJ - Just in time for Free Comic Book Day, Dynamite Entertainment has announced that the introductory issue of their Red Sonja ongoing series -- Red Sonja #0 a special 16 pages of original story and art available for a quarter - will be in comic book shops this coming Wednesday, April 27, 2005.

"Well, break out the chain mail and sharpen your swords because we are declaring the 27th to be "She-Devil With a Sword Day" at comic shops around the county," proclaimed Dynamite Spokesperson J. Allen. "We're relieved the big day is finally upon us and we even managed to cook up a few surprises for this special introductory issue! On to #1!"

Written by two of the best writers working in comics today - Michael (Thor) Avon Oeming and Mike (Ultimate Elektra, Lucifer, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere) Carey and illustrated by up and coming superstar Mel Rubi, Red Sonja #0 also features two great colorists completing Sonja's world - Richard (Origin) Isanove with Caesar (Sojourn) Rodriguez!

In issue #0, Sonja's enters a town with no name and a Red Storm enters with her!

Red Sonja #0, the top ordered item in February Previews for April shipping, will now ship with two covers. Both covers feature the beautiful Greg Land artwork, with one cover featuring a black background and the other cover featuring a white background. Regarding the two cover, Dynamite Entertainment acknowledges and is incredibly grateful for retailers support of this new project and wanted to help them by giving them two ways to sell and display the introductory zero issue.

Fans and Retailer should note that all retailers' orders have been split across two newly created cover codes. Issue #0 will be shipping with two covers along with the incentive covers - featuring RRP Editions by (Rare Retailer Premium) Greg Land cover and the "Sneak Peak" Alex Ross high end cover - and Reorder copies will also be made available under these two codes: FEB058469 E RED SONJA CVR A #0 and FEB058470 E RED SONJA CVR B #0. The issue is sold out from Dynamite Entertainment, but it is our understanding that a few copies may be left at the distribution level.

"I think the creative team is superb and besides that, Red Sonja is one of my favorite characters ever! I also think that the timing for the #0 issue is great-I'm going to order a bunch of extra copies for free comic book day!"
-- Jimmy Hayes
Graham Cracker Comics, IL

"Conan is Hot! Red Sonja will be hotter! Especially with the team Dynamite has on the book. And the cover artists, unbelievable! It's icing on the cake. At only a quarter each, I'll give it out to all of our customers.
-- Loop
Stormwatch Comics, NJ

For more information on Dynamite Entertainment, including more Army of Darkness and Red Sonja product, please visit the Dynamite Entertainment website at http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/
Note to everybody:this issue only costs 25 cents! Its definitely a great jumping on point so pick it up!

Namco Gets License For Peanuts Video Games

2005-04-21T12:17:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

Legendary Comic Strip Coming To Multiple Video Game Platforms

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 20, 2005) – Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. today announced that United Media has awarded Namco the interactive entertainment publishing rights to "Peanuts," the renowned comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz. The partnership allows Namco to create and publish games featuring "Peanuts" characters and properties, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Pigpen for all current and upcoming game platforms through 2009.

“'Peanuts' is one of the most celebrated comic strips of all time, and Charlie Brown and his friends have firmly cemented their place as American icons of the highest order,” said Jeff Lujan, Business Director at Namco Hometek, Inc. “We relish this opportunity to continue these beloved characters’ storylines through the medium of games and are honored to introduce this cherished property to an all-new generation of gamers.”

Debuting in just seven newspapers in 1950, "Peanuts" has since been enjoyed by millions of readers and viewers worldwide. Today the popular strip can be read in over 2400 newspapers in 75 countries and 21 languages worldwide. Charles M. Schulz’s unique art style and endearing characters have inspired an entire generation of cartoonists, while becoming a perennial favorite with both parents and children through compilation books, television specials, and countless consumer products.

“Namco has proven its ability to translate franchises to the video game format with respect and care,” said Jean Sagendorph, Licensing Manager at United Media. “Working with such a capable partner will allow us the opportunity to grow the 'Peanuts' property in this popular category, as well as reach new audiences.”

For more information about Namco and its products visit www.namco.com

About United Media
Peanuts is licensed and syndicated by United Media. United Media (UM) is a worldwide licensing and syndication company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content. The company recently signed Televisa, a leading Spanish speaking media company, to represent the US rights to the company’s children’s telenovelas, as well as its long-running hit television series “El Chavo.” It also added "D.I.C.E." and "Tamagotchi Connection," two new properties from industry toy leader Bandai America, Inc. United Media licenses and/or syndicates other properties, including "Precious Moments," "Raggedy Ann & Andy," "Jakers!" "The Adventures of Piggley Winks," "Arthur," and "Dilbert." United Media is an E.W. Scripps Company.

About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: "Tekken(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "Dead to Rights(R)," "Pac-Man World(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)." For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com

New Inuyasha Game For Cell Phones

2005-04-20T21:31:00.000-04:00

SORRENT LAUNCHES INUYASHA MOBILE GAME

Leading Mobile Publisher Launches Mobile Game Based on Popular Animation Series from VIZ Media

SAN MATEO, Calif. – April 19, 2005 –Sorrent, Inc., a leading creator
and global publisher of mobile entertainment, and VIZ Media, a global
provider of animation entertainment and merchandise licensing, today
announced the launch of a mobile entertainment suite based on the
wildly popular Japanese animation TV program and one of the top-selling
graphic novel series in America – INUYASHA. The mobile game captures
the energy and excitement of the successful animation series.

INUYASHA fans will now be able to bring their favorite animation
characters with them wherever they go through Sorrent’s mobile game.
Fans can traverse environments based on feudal Japan, encounter
familiar friends and well-known enemies, battle evil demons and relive
favorite themes from the best-selling anime series. The mobile game,
which is available on every major wireless carrier in the US, gives a
side-scrolling perspective reflective of the characters and themes from
INUYASHA. Fans can play as two of the series’ heroes, INUYASHA and
Kagome, and have the ability to unlock and play as additional
characters once they’ve mastered the game.

According to IGN.com, “For fans of the manga and anime, INUYASHAis a
no-brainer. It's an action-filled romp that treats the source material
with great respect.”

“Withthe INUYASHA mobile game, we aimed to give the millions of
dedicated fans a way to relate to the storyline and characters they
love no matter where they are,” said Robert Nashak, vice president of
production, Sorrent. “The INUYASHA mobile game includes some of the
most progressive gameplay around and is yet another example of the
high-caliber, critically-acclaimed capabilities of Sorrent’s production
team.”

INUYASHA, created by world-famous manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, is
taking a popular place in the hearts of American audiences and is one
of the top-rated animated series on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block.
INUYASHA was also named No. 1 anime for 2004 by icV2 - the premiere
news and information provider for pop culture retailers. In addition,
VIZ Media has sold more than one million copies of both INUYASHA DVDs
and graphic novels and released the first INUYASHA movie,"Affections
Touching Across Time," on DVD in September 2004.

“The launch of the mobile game enhances the world of INUYASHA for fans
and continues the momentum for licensing this successful brand,” said
Cynthia Money, vice president of consumer products, VIZ Media. “Sorrent
has captured the essence of INUYASHA and effectively translated that
into an engaging mobile experience true to the graphic novel and
animation series.”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one
of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of
manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese
content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of
manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan
Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the
publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking
audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation.
The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such
as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio
soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from
initial production, television placement and distribution, to
merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all
ages.

OMAC Project #1 Goes Back To Press!

2005-04-20T07:18:00.000-04:00

second print cover

Spinning out of the blockbuster hit COUNTDOWN TO INFINITE CRISIS, OMAC PROJECT #1 sold out at DC Comics nearly two weeks before its in-store date of April 20.

Now, DC Comics offers a new printing of this incredible issue, written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Jesus Saiz. THE OMAC PROJECT #1 Second Printing will feature a variant version of the original cover by Ladrönn, which pictures Batman holding Blue Beetle's goggles.

THE OMAC PROJECT #1 Second Printing is available for order now and is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 18.

"This is so damn cool I'm at a loss for words," says Rucka. "The momentum coming off COUNTDOWN TO INFINITE CRISIS has been incredible, and it's a testament to the work that everyone involved put in on that book that this one's already off to the races! I think people are going to be thrilled — and surprised — by what we've got in store for THE OMAC PROJECT."

For more information, visit The OMAC Project minisite.

Katy Keene Returns For FCBD

2005-04-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

KATY KEENE RETURNS ON FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
Just in time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, Archie Comic Publications is proud to announce the return of one of its classic characters: Katy Keene!

Katy begins her 60th anniversary celebration in style, as she returns to Riverdale in the BETTY AND VERONICA FCBD EDITION by writer/artist Dan
Parent. The story, "Model Citizen," sees Katy return as Riverdale regular Ginger's assistant at Dazzle Magazine. An aspiring model, Katy is hoping to learn the rules of the fashion world, and when Archie's gal pals get in the mix, you know hilarity will ensue! Along the way, reader fashions will be worked into the story as a tip of the hat to past Katy Keene tales.

The chance to bring Katy back was a no-brainer, according to Parent.

"When the idea to bring Katy back was first floated, I jumped at the chance," Parent explained. "Simply put, she's a classic character. And what better time to bring her back than Free Comic Book Day?"

Katy debuted in Wilbur Comics #5 and quickly became the queen of glamorous comic book women. Unlike other pinup ladies from the past, Keene brought a new level of interactivity to her fans. Every page of every Katy story featured designs created by fans and also credited them! A tradition Archie Comic Publications continues to this day in the fashion pages of the newly-revamped BETTY AND VERONICA SPECTACULAR.

"This was the ideal moment to put the spotlight on Katy again," said Michael I. Silberkleit, Chairman and Co-Publisher for ACP. "We've made a commitment to create content geared toward all-ages, and Betty and Veronica have lead the way in connecting with a younger, female fanbase. It was time for Katy to be a part of that as well."

As for future plans involving the rejuvenated supermodel, plans are still in the formative stages.

"We hope to have more Katy news to announce in the coming months," hinted Richard H. Goldwater, Editor in Chief and Co-Publisher for ACP. "It's an
exciting time for Archie Comics and their readers!"

The BETTY AND VERONICA FCBD EDITION will be available on May 7 to coincide with FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2005 at all participating comic book stores. To learn more about FREE COMIC BOOK DAY and to find the comic book store nearest you, please visit their website:

http://www.freecomicbookday.com.

NBA Superstar Lebron James Teams With Powerade, DC Comics

2005-04-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA, April 13, 2005 — POWERade and DC Comics unveil today a Web "first": the first of four new online comics starring LeBron James as "King James," the world's newest superhero. Each POWERade online comic available at http://www.flava23.com features LeBron drawn by a dynamic DC Comics art team — uniting one of the NBA's hottest talents with the coolest talents in comic books. The POWERade online comic translates still comic book pages into animated Flash pages that use LeBron's voice, audio clips and interactivity to create a dramatic, serialized story. The first online comic, "The Offer," features all new content written by Ron Perazza with art by fan favorite comic book artist Rick Leonardi (BATGIRL). The first 12-screen Webisode of "The Offer" will premier on April 13, with an additional Webisode rolling out each week for five weeks. The Website also will feature a "Hack the Hetairia" game and instant-win Sweepstakes. Prizes include a trip to New York for the winner to be drawn into a future issue of a "King James" comic book.LeBron's King James superhero persona first appeared last summer in the popular DC Comic, "King James." At 20 years old, LeBron James has already achieved many "firsts": first "prep to pro" player to score 25 points in his pro debut; youngest player to score 56 points in a game; youngest player to score 1,000 career points; the first superstar athlete to create his own sports drink flavor — POWERade FLAVA23.

Now he's the first superstar comic book hero to bring his game to the courts and the Web.Extending LeBron's super exploits to the Web was a natural progression for POWERade," said Mary Herrera, Director of Marketing for Sports & Energy Drinks in North America. "These online comics demonstrate the non-traditional approach the POWERade brand takes to sports and marketing — challenging convention and anticipating consumer interest."POWERade will support the online comic launch with a highly targeted digital campaign. DC Comics will support with a trade ad in SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL on April 18 and advertisements in DC Comics' monthly comic books in May 2005. "LeBron James is one of the most popular and charismatic players in the league today. To satisfy demand for the "King James" comic book, DC Comics is printing over three million copies for what was the most expansive sports-related custom comic book we have ever created," said David McKillips, Vice President, Advertising & Custom Publishing, DC Comics. "Now the POWERade online comics allow us to expand on that audience, while continuing the adventure and introducing King James' fans to the exciting DC Comics' storytelling of creators like Rick Leonardi, Shawn Martinbrough, and Yanick Paquette."POWERade FLAVA23 is the first sports drink flavor to be created by a professional athlete.

LeBron introduced his first version, POWERade FLAVA23 SourBerry, in 2004. POWERade is a brand of The Coca-Cola Company, the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit our website at www.coca-cola.com.

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

Spider-Man 2 on Cinemax

2005-04-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

Spider-Man 2 will debut on Cinemax on Sunday, June 4 at 10:30 p.m.

Other dates for the sequel include Sunday, June 5 at 4:20 a.m.; Monday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesday, June 7 at 5:15 a.m.; Wednesday, June 8 at 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.; Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.; Friday, June 17 at 4:30 a.m.; Tuesday, June 21 at 12;30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. and at 7:45 p.m.; and Saturday, June 25 at 3:35 a.m.

The network will also air Max on the Set: Spider-Man 2 on Wednesday, June 8 at 1:45 p.m.
Spider-Man 2 will also air on HBO later this year.

Prez Bush Is On The RIAA List???

2005-04-13T19:20:00.000-04:00

I know this isn't comic related but I recently found out the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has filed suit against President George W. Bush for possession of pirated music on his iPod! Read more about it here.

Cartoon Network In May

2005-04-13T17:55:00.000-04:00

Cartoon Network has released its schedule for May 2-June 5 and it includes three new episodes of Justice League Unlimited.

On Saturday, May 21, "Task Force X" will air. Five incarcerated super villains are offered suspended sentences if they can survive an impossible mission -- to steal a deadly weapon from the Justice League's satellite headquarters.

On Saturday, May 28, "The Balance" will air. Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl must put aside their feud and go to the depths of Tartarus where the evil sorcerer Felix Faust establishes dominion over Hades.

On Saturday, June 4, "Double Date" will air. Green Arrow and Black Canary race to stop The Question and Huntress from killing organized crime lord Tobias Whale.

A new episode of Teen Titans, "The Prophecy," is scheduled to air on Saturday, June 4.

For more listings check the link.

He-Man & The Masters Of The Universe On DVD!

2005-04-13T07:52:00.000-04:00

Press Release

Company to Release All 130 Episodes This Summer

Initial Two-Disc, 10-Episode "Best Of" Collector’s Edition
To Premiere, July 12th, and Be Featured at San Diego Comic-Con

Los Angeles, CA – One of the most requested—and anticipated—animation series ever created is heading to DVD. The recent agreement between BCI Eclipse, a Navarre Corporation Company, and UK media company Entertainment Rights granted BCI the license to distribute all 130 episodes of the classic "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" animated series on DVD. BCI Eclipse is currently working on an initial two-year release strategy, and the first, two-disc set—available July 12th during the week of the 2005 San Diego Comic-Con International convention—will be a special, 10 episode Collector’s Edition, and include a groundbreaking number of extra features. The announcement was made today by Greg Glass, Senior Vice President, BCI Eclipse.

"As studios and independent suppliers release television programming on DVD, one of the most requested shows for DVD release over the years has been the original ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,’" said Glass. "We have not only acquired the rights to this classic ‘80s, iconic animation series, but have spent many hours interviewing virtually all of the key players in the creation and production of the series. The initial Collector’s Edition is just the beginning of what ‘He-Man’ fans will see over the course of the next 18 months."

Mike Heap, CEO, Entertainment Rights, added, "We had the opportunity to work with a number of partners for ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’ and decided to partner with BCI because of their innovative marketing approach to He-Man. The extraordinary level of demand for this release underlines the level of affection the public holds for He-Man and its position in the market as a classic brand."

"The Best of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" will feature five of the all-time best episodes from season one (disc one) and five of the all-time best episodes from season two (disc two). The "best of" episodes were chosen in part by "He-Man’s" multitude of fans through voting on the www.He-Man.org website. In addition, each disc in the Collector’s Edition will feature documentary interviews with a variety of talent involved with the original series, including Emmy-award winning writers, directors, artists, and others working behind the scenes. These first two documentaries, produced and directed by best-selling entertainment writer Andy Mangels, are the beginning of a 16-part documentary series produced by BCI Eclipse for release in future "season" box sets.

The two-disc set will also include two 4" x 6" He-Man art cards, which will feature one-of-a-kind renderings of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters drawn by two of the world’s most famous comic book artists. These first two cards will be part of a collector series of 16 cards released throughout the "season" box set series – each displaying the work of another world-famous comic book artist.

The Collector’s Edition will include two exclusive art cards by Bruce Timm and Adam Hughes. Timm is one of the world's finest animators, well known for his contributions building the modern DC Comics cartoon franchise. Timm landed his first animation job in 1981 with Filmation Studios where he worked on He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power and a variety of others. He also illustrated a number of the mini-comics that came with the toys from Mattel, before going on to an Emmy-award winning career on shows such as Batman, Batman Beyond, Superman, Justice League and Teen Titans. Hughes is one of the greatest artistic contributors in the field of comics today, and has won multiple Harvey and Eisner Awards in the comic book industry. Primarily known as a ‘good girl’ artist, his credits include Justice League, Wonder Woman, Star Trek, Tomb Raider and Gen 13, as well as countless covers and pin-ups for just about every comic company. Hughes was recently chosen to illustrate Warner Bros. Wonder Woman film poster.

Beginning this fall, BCI Eclipse will begin releasing the complete, 130 episode series in multi-disc "season" box sets, each including an abundance of extras that, altogether, will make up the most comprehensive collection of extras ever produced for a classic animation DVD series. Consulting with BCI on the project and providing extra content is Val Staples, the owner of www.he-man.org , the internet’s largest portal for the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe fan community, the owner of MVCreations graphic design company, and the publisher of the recent Masters of the Universe comic. Producing the special features documentaries and most of the extra content is entertainment writer Andy Mangels, a best-selling novelist, and author of Animation on DVD—The Ultimate Guide.

"He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" is a landmark in children’s television history, being the first nationally syndicated television program based on a successful toy line. Originally produced from 1983-1985 by world renowned Filmation Studios and syndicated until 1990, the show has experienced consistent popularity over the years, demonstrated by its two subsequent animated series which from 1990-1991 and from 2002-2004. The series has also experienced an exceptional multi-year run as a successful toy and merchandising line for Mattel.

BCI Eclipse is a leading independent entertainment video and audio supplier. Since 1988, BCI has continually redefined the standards and concepts of this industry, often introducing national success categories through its intuitive mass marketing skills.

Its vast collection of titles represents both exclusively licensed titles from around the world, as well as in-house produced CDs and DVDs. BCI offers a wide variety of the best value-priced CDs and DVDs being sold. For over 15 years, BCI Eclipse has brought the finest music and movies to homes at a value price.

Movie Updates

2005-04-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

Batman Begins:
HBO First Look will debut on HBO on Tuesday, June 7 at 8:15 p.m..
As with most of HBO's First Look specials, the behind-the-scenes look at Batman Begins will run 13 minutes.

Additional air dates include Friday, June 10 at 8:45 p.m.; Sunday, June 12 at 10:45 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 11:45 a.m.; Friday, June 17 at 10:45 a.m.; Saturday, June 18 at 2:15 p.m.; and Wednesday, June 22 at 5:15 p.m.; and Thursday, June 23 at 12:30 a.m.
Batman Begins opens in theaters on Friday, June 17.

X3:
Now Playing Magazine has spoilers of what Famke Janssen's role in the new movie & possible spin-offs from the X franchise.

Ghost Rider:
Superhero Hype also has the exclusive first look at Ghost Rider's Hell Cycle. Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matt Long, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda and Donal Logue, will arrive in theaters on August 4, 2006

Superman Returns:
Superhero Hype has provided an alternative "S" shield. Brandon Routh plays the dual roles of Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. Joining Routh are Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane; Kevin Spacey as Superman's archenemy, Lex Luthor; James Marsden as Richard White; Eva Marie Saint as Martha Kent; Parker Posey as Kitty Kowalski; Kal Penn as Stanford; and Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen.

Frank Miller On G4TV

2005-04-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

The re-broadcast of the Icons episode featuring Sin City creator Frank Miller will air starting on May 5th. Check out the air dates below:

5/6/2005 2:30am ET / 11:30pm PT
5/6/2005 9am ET / 6am PT
5/6/2005 1pm ET / 10am PT
5/6/2005 9pm ET / 6pm PT
5/8/2005 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT

You can see the write-up on the Icons episode and see if G4 thinks Sin City is in a class all its own here.

Week In Review

2005-04-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

Brenda Starr Creator Passes On

Dale Messick, whose long-running comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter" gave her entry into the male world of the funny pages, has died at age 98. She died after a long decline that began with a stroke in 1998, her daughter, Starr Rohrman, told The Associated Press.

Messick, whose strip debuted June 30, 1940 & ran in 250 newspapers at its peak in the 1950s, died Tuesday, said her daughter, Starr Rohrman, who had been caring for her mother in Sonoma County. Ms. Messick was born on April 11, 1906; Brenda Starr was born in June 1940. An impossibly glamorous redhead, her appearance was inspired by Rita Hayworth, her first name came from the most famous debutante of the day, Brenda Frazier, and her last name was chosen because she was the star reporter on her newspaper, The Flash.

She jettisoned her given name Dalia to further her career -- once said Brenda had "everything I didn't have." But she charmed acquaintances with spunk and style worthy of her redheaded creation. Ms. Messick retired from drawing the strip in the mid-1980's, and it was passed on to other artists, all women. She said she did not like the way later versions of Brenda Starr looked. In the 1990's, she developed a new comic character called "Granny Glamour," who appeared in a single-panel cartoon in a local senior citizens' publication (Oakmont Gardens Magazine) in California. It ended after she had a stroke in 1998 and couldn't draw any more. In 1995, Brenda Starr was one of twenty comic strips honored by a series of United States postage stamps; Messick was the only living creator. In 1997, Messick received the National Cartoonist Society's Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award. The strip is now written by Mary Schmich and drawn by June Brigman.

For more info check out CNN.com.

Superman Returns:
A rumor from Superhero Hype about the spaceship: The crash site isn't from Clark's child-hood, but in fact from his return to Earth at the beginning of the film. Also, Sir Richard Branson will make a cameo in the film, according to News.com.au. Ain't-It-Cool-News has pics of the Daily Planet delivery truck & more. I can't forget, look here (Spoilers abound) for more pics from the set.

As always, keep a lookout for updates on Bryan Singer's blog as more news comes in.

X-men 3 News:
It was already announced that X-Men 3 would be directed by Matthew Vaughn. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry and Ian McKellan are all set for "X-Men 3" as well. Famke Janssen, as heavily rumored before, will become Dark Phoenix. No official word yet on James Marsden - who will be busy for a big chunk of the year on "Superman" - reprising his role as Cyclops, though it's understood he will be back.

Superhero Hype also reported that Sir Ian McKellan has confirmed he'll be Magneto if another sequel is made. Even though he imagines the writers will base a possible Magneto spinoff on a younger Magneto in the past, McKellan had this to say:

"If my character is in it and if he's my age. They might bring Magneto back but it may be the young Magneto. Who knows?"

X-Men 3 is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2006.

Sin City:
Dimension Films' Sin City, directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller and Quentin Tarantino, dropped 51.5% in ticket sales for the graphic novel adaptation's second weekend, making $14.1 million for a total of $50.7 million and second place. The movie cost just $40 million to make.

As I've reported last month, Maxim will feature a special edition cover by none other than Frank Miller as a tribute to the Sin City movie.It will be out April 12 (May) edition and will only ship at a 20% of the press run while Sin City star Brittany Murphy will be on the cover of the other 80% of issue. You can read what Superhero Hype says here.

Check here for an update on what could ultimately become The Sub-Mariner & Silver Surfer movies.

Really Short News

2005-04-07T17:17:00.000-04:00

Kevin Smith interviewed Frank Miller & Robert Rodriguez on Sin City and you can hear it here.
And don't say I didn't warn you- The Movie Spoiler has a huge Episode III spoiler (view at your own discretion!)

Viz Gets A Name Change

2005-04-06T16:08:00.000-04:00

press release
San Francisco, CA, APRIL 4, 2005 — VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., two prominent North American based companies specializing in Japanese content, announced the completion of their merger today to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a groundbreaking new entertainment company specializing in the production and licensing of animated content for TV and theatrical distribution, publishing, home video distribution, and consumer products. VIZ Media, based in its new location just two blocks from historical Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, will leverage the unique collaboration, vision and ownership of three global powerhouses in Japanese manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc. and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. VIZ Media will be owned 40% by Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. respectively, and 20% by Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd.

The merger was a natural progression for VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., who have successively collaborated on many hit properties including the wildly successful INUYASHA and MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR. As one entity, the new company will benefit from shared resources and creative talent, and gain access to Japan's strongest content, enhancing its ability to reach a wider audience.

VIZ Media's mission is to enrich lives worldwide through the highest quality entertainment and unmatched storytelling.

"We are excited to continue expanding our business by developing entertainment content across all available mediums for people of all ages on a worldwide basis," said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. "Having the support and leveraging the combined assets of three of Japan's largest and most respected content creators provides VIZ Media with a significant competitive advantage and will create unlimited new opportunities for our company."

Going forward, VIZ Media will grow its business by working with its parent companies to maximize their brands' exposure on an all rights basis. Implementing a comprehensive brand strategy that effectively bridges a range of media, including TV broadcast, publishing, home video, licensing, consumer products and promotions, VIZ Media aims to become an industry leader worldwide for audiences of all ages.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc. recently merged to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

check out the new Viz Media site.

More DC Comics News

2005-04-05T18:31:00.000-04:00

DC COMICS SENDS GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 BACK TO PRESS

April 5th, 2005 -

With the debut of the new GREEN LANTERN series coming next month, DC Comics announces that the sold-out GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 will go back to press for a third printing.

GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 Third Printing, written by Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver and Prentis Rollins, will feature a recolored version of Van Sciver's original cover art for the issue.

GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH has received feature coverage in the mainstream press with stories from the Scripps Howard News Service and in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Boston Herald, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and The Onion.

For more information, visit the GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH minisite.

For more info on the releases of Green Lantern: Rebirth are as follows:

GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #5 is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 6. ($2.95 US)

GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #6 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 11. ($2.99 US)

GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES 2005 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 18. ($4.99 US)

GREEN LANTERN #1 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 25. ($3.50 US)

GREEN LANTERN #2 is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 15. ($2.99 US)

DC TO COLLECT SOLD-OUT NIGHTWING YEAR ONE STORY IN JULY

With the entire 6-part NIGHTWING: Year One story now sold out at DC Comics, DC announces that this hard-hitting tale will be collected in trade paperback in July.

The story, written by Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty and illustrated by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, appeared twice monthly in NIGHTWING #101-106.

"Collaborating with my good friend Chuck Dixon is always an exciting ride, this time made even more thrilling with Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens rendering our story," says Beatty. "Many thanks to the retailers for spreading the buzz about NIGHTWING: Year One and going above and beyond to see that their customers were able to find the issues. And much appreciation to the readers who were so supportive of this untold tale of Dick Grayson's transition from Teen Wonder to adult crimefighter."

"Scott and I have been very pleased with the fan response to all the Year Ones we've done," Dixon says. "This sell-out is especially gratifying since it's a return to a title I've had a lot of success with in the past. Plus, I got teamed with Mr. McDaniel again, which is always a blast."

The NIGHTWING: YEAR ONE TP is scheduled to arrive in stores in July.

And don't miss the debut of the new NIGHTWING creative team of writer Devin Grayson and artists Phil Hester & Ande Parks in issue #107, scheduled to arrive in stores on April 13.

For more information, visit the NIGHTWING minisite.

Batman is enjoying mainstream success with Batman: Cover To Cover: The Greatest Comic Book Covers of the Dark Knight.

Various authors. DC Comics, $39.99 (240p)
"This dazzling collection of pop-art miniposters spans six decades of readers' fascination with the costumed hero. The editors selected roughly 250 from among the more than 2,000 covers done for Batman-themed publications. Batman has huge advantages as a graphic image. For one, the character has wonderfully dramatic looks-a swirling cloak, an inhuman mask and a grimly clenched don't-mess-with-me jaw. He also lends himself to strikingly lit, foreboding night settings. Regardless of what a particular story is about, he's always been a comics artist's dream subject. Consequently, though the book is organized loosely according to subjects, such as "Fearsome Foes" and "The Batman Family," it also takes pains to include examples of covers from different eras, featuring interviews with some of the artists who created the covers. Famous comics and media people from Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan to actor Mark Hamill also get to choose a favorite cover and explain briefly why they chose it. Fortunately, the editors have resisted the temptation to print a huge number of covers reduced to matchbook size, so these selections are large enough to appreciate. From Brian Bolland's hyper-detailed realism to Alex Toth's b&w minimalist rendering, this book does a good job of showing how much fun artists have had designing this comic book icon." — Publisher's Weekly

DC COMICS TALENT AND PROJECTS HONORED BY COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE READERS

The May issue of Comics Buyer's Guide features the annual CBG Fan Awards, with DC Comics being named "Favorite Publisher" for the eighth consecutive year.

Many other DC talents and projects were honored as well, with DC winning in nearly every category.

DC congratulates all the winners, and thank the Comics Buyer's Guide readers who participated in the voting. DC's winners are:

Favorite Comics Story:
• IDENTITY CRISIS

Favorite Writer:
• Geoff Johns (THE FLASH, GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH, JSA, TEEN TITANS)

Favorite Penciller:
• Jim Lee (SUPERMAN)

Favorite Inker:
• Scott Williams (SUPERMAN)

Favorite Comic Book:
• JSA

Favorite Graphic Novel or Album:
• THE ORIGINALS, written and illustrated by Dave Gibbons

Favorite Colorist:
• Laura Martin (SUPERMAN/BATMAN, PLANETARY, I AM LEGION)

Favorite Cover Artist:
• Alex Ross (SUPERMAN: STRENGTH, SPACE GHOST, ASTRO CITY)

Favorite Letterer:
• Richard Starkings and Comicraft (SUPERMAN/BATMAN, CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME, ASTRO CITY)

Favorite Character:
• Batman

DC News

2005-04-05T02:42:00.000-04:00

DC'S SOLD-OUT SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 MARCHES BACK TO PRESS

April 4th, 2005 -

SEVEN SOLDIERS #0, the powerful 48-page special written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by J.H. Williams III that leads into seven new miniseries, has sold out at DC Comics. Now, DC sends this landmark issue back to press for a second printing, which is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 20.

SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 Second Printing will feature a variant version of the original cover by Williams. This updated cover will feature the faces of the new Seven Soldiers team.

"Thanks to all the readers who took a chance on SEVEN SOLDIERS and helped the book become a hit," says Morrison. "No one was really sure how a story about super-hero losers and also-rans would be received, so the success of the project has been very gratifying. Much appreciated, and we hope readers will stick with us through the twists, turns and shocks that lie ahead!"

"This issue serves as the starting point for the entire SEVEN SOLDIERS event, so we're happy to offer a new printing," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP — Sales. "As always, we urge retailers to order it now, while they still can."

SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 Second Printing is available for order now and is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 20 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. To ensure delivery on that date retailers must place orders by Sunday, April 10; please note that quantities will be limited and may sell out before April 10. DC recommends that retailers place orders as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

For more information, visit the DC SEVEN SOLDIERS minisite.

Peep the Boston Herald's interview with Dan Didio on the future of DC & Infinite Crisis.

Lara Croft's New Look

2005-04-02T15:34:00.000-05:00

Lara Croft is on the move again. The upcoming Tomb Raider:Legend is previewed in the May issue of PSM. A far cry from her early days in TR1 & TR2, this version of Croft appears more lifelike & realistic. Hopefully so will the gameplay (Angel of Darkness for PS2 had numerous glitches.)

click here for bigger image

This title is in pre-production & should be out between July of this year & June 2006. It's also rumored this game will debut on the PSP and X-Box 2 later this year. Keep a lookout on the official Tomb Raider site & E3 next month for more news.

COMIC NEWS:

TOMB RAIDER: THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL

Written by Dan Jurgens, art and cover by Joe Jusko.

The greatest Tomb Raider saga ever is worth the wait! Lara thought she had recovered the most precious items history had to offer...until now. Hop on for Lara's most unique adventure ever as she treks through the jungle of death to experience the unreal. This is classic Lara Croft at her best in a very special story by original Tomb Raider scribe Dan Jurgens, with stunning, lavish, painted art & cover by Joe Jusko. Five years in the making…at last! See the book George Pérez calls "an out-and-out revelation!"
Full color 48 pages $6.99 one-shot special- coming in June

click here for a larger view

100 Free Gmail Invites!

2005-04-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. In the spirit of April Fool's Day, I've decided to give out 100 Gmail invites to those who leave a comment on this post. It's been 1 year to the day since Google started the email service as an invite-only beta (and plan to keep it that way). Setting up the [Gmail] account is painless and takes less than a minute. It's the best webmail app out there. Simple, usable and powerful. Packed with innovative features such as message threading and fast searching, Gmail provides a full 1 gigabyte of server space and does away with both banner and pop-up ads, relying instead on sponsored links similar to those on Google's search engine page. … If you would like a free and uncluttered Web mail service with tons of storage, check out Gmail the moment it launches. Gmail is infinitely cleaner, faster, more useful, more efficient, less commercial and less limiting than other Web-based e-mail services. Once Gmail goes live, Hotmail and Yahoo won't know what hit them

If you don't log in to your account for an extended period of time, they'll mark it 'dormant' and after 9 months, Google will delete all messages in the account, close it, and recycle the username. (Other free web-based email providers delete dormant accounts after as few as 30 days.) Google plans to increase the inbox storage of its Gmail Web mail service from 1GB to 2GB & beyond, and it will continue to raise that ceiling in coming weeks and months, on a rolling basis, to unspecified heights (as of this writing, Google had increased all of my accounts to 1525 MB or roughly 1.5GB.) Google Inc. has decided to make an indefinite number of ongoing increases to Gmail's storage limits to meet user demand. Since introducing Gmail on April Fool's Day a year ago, Google has heard from users wanting to know what happens when, and if, they reach the 1GB cap, Harik said. "There are people approaching 500 to 600MB, and even 900MB, and people are asking what the plan is for them," Harik said. "We're trying to stay ahead of any issue [users] may have with Gmail and anticipate their needs."

Gmail is a great email service & I recommend it to all. Look here for more info & remember to comment with your email and I'll send up to 100 invites out this weekend only!

Little Updates...

2005-03-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

Mark Bagley still on Ultimate Spider-Man
from Ugo.com

Fan-favorite Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley has extended his exclusive contract with Marvel Comics, re-confirming his ties with the company he's called home since the beginning of his comic book career.

"I'm enjoying my working situation more every day I'm with Marvel," said the penciller. "I'm working with a terrific creative team and have wonderful support from both editorial and the big guys upstairs. A commitment from Marvel is a hell of a compliment. I've had an incredibly stable and fulfilling career with Marvel, and I'm as happy with the company now as I've ever been. And I think the contract means they are just as happy with me."

Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley is more than delighted with Bagley's work and his long-time association with the company. "I'm blown away by the length of Mark's tenure on Spidey's books. He's outdistanced both Steve Ditko and John Romita, Sr. in that respect and he's at least equaled them in putting a definitive and unique stamp on the character."

"We know a good thing when we see it, and we want Mark to know we love him and appreciate the incredible time and energy he puts into the Marvel characters," said Joe Quesada, Marvel Editor-in-Chief. "We're proud he got his start right here...he's our Marvel Boy!"

Bagley is well known for having gotten his professional artistic start by winning the famed Marvel Try-Out Contest. From there he distinguished himself on such titles as Amazing Spider-Man, New Warriors, Thunderbolts, The Pulse, and currently is wowing the fannish masses on the immensely popular Ultimate Spider-Man book. He's also been teamed with a bevy of top writers, including Brian Michael Bendis, Kurt Busiek, and Fabian Nicieza.

The artist is quick to recognize the warm and favorable reaction he's gotten from Marvel readers and the creative talent he's worked alongside since the beginning. "I'm pretty proud of my Thunderbolts work. It was gratifying the way the fans embraced the series. I look at my Ultimate Spider-Man work as a blessing. It is so great to work with such a talented bunch of guys, and the fact that fans so enjoy the book is really a tribute to the team."

Bagley's immediate future brings him to the drawing board, producing the kind of pages his fans like best. "I'm trying to make Ultimate Spidey my main focus for the time being. We're doing six fewer issues this year, and I'm really going to try and bring all I can to the book."

Ugo.com also has a new Todd McFarlane interview on the future of Spawn, his new series on FOX & his new toys.

The New Batgirl?
No, thats not a typo.

The Caped Crusader will be joined by Batgirl when Season 2 of The Batman begins in the fall. (The first year is still airing on WB Saturdays at 10:30 am/ET, with repeats on Cartoon Network on Saturdays at 8:30 pm/ET beginning April 2.)

As in previous TV and comic-book incarnations, this Dark Knight Damsel is Police Commissioner Gordon's daughter, Barbara. But in a new twist, she's just a teenager who turns to fighting crime with cape and cowl after her father puts the kibosh on her plans to become a police detective.

Batgirl's fighting style will be heavily influenced by her background as an Olympic gymnastics hopeful. "She has this nice, explosive little-kid dynamic," says producer and art director Jeff Matsuda.

At first, Batman doesn't approve of a youngster getting in the middle of Gotham City's depraved underworld. "But he also knows he can't stop her," Matsuda says. "Later on, we'll probably have that moment where he accepts her, but in the beginning, it's more of a stay-out-of-my-way deal."

Matsuda based the Batgirl character's design on the '60s live-action Batman series, especially the striking purple hue made famous by Yvonne Craig. He also cops to being influenced by "the cartoons I grew up on," including Battle of the Planets and Thundercats. Kids' WB! unveiled its 2005-2006 lineup on Wednesday, including the return of The Batman for a second season that will include Batgirl.

The Batman will air this fall on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and will also air weekdays at 4:30 p.m.

Here's how the network describes the new season:

"In this captivating second season, The Batman will face a little competition to protect the citizens of Gotham from a teenaged girl -- Batgirl. She has just flown into town to do her part in keeping the streets safe from the most dangerous and occasionally hysterical super villains out there. Is there enough room in Gotham for two Caped Crusaders?"

Marvel Movie Magic
X-men 3 has been confirmed to release on May 26, 2006 & they're looking for extras. Why not be one? And on the Spider-Man front, Thomas Hayden Church will take on the role of Sandman, not Venom as it was previously speculated. Also, here's an important excerpt from the interview in the New York Daily News:

But at 30, Sevigny is mellow about it all. After a decade as the poster child for edgy movies, the party girl from Darien, Conn., has let it be known she wants to go mainstream.

Way mainstream.

"I'd love to be in 'Spider-Man 3!'" Sevigny says. "There's a villain in it who's a blond, buxom girl, and I'm trying to get it!

"That [may] surprise people, since actors are always thought of as their last film or who they were. I think I'll always be drawn to films more difficult to watch, but I don't want to be a snobby cinephile."

Now who does that sound like? The planned release date is May 4, 2007.

Best Buy, Free Movies & Sin City
Starting March 27, electronics chain Best Buy will give out free DVDs promoting April 1 theatrical release Sin City, from Dimension.

Consumers will be able to get the teaser DVDs--which contain a trailer, behind-the-scenes interviews and scenes from the film--with the purchase of any CD, DVD or videogame. Also included are promos for Dimension movies currently on DVD and $50 worth of Best Buy coupons toward purchases of those titles. The giveaway will be featured prominently in the March 27 circular.

The chain first tried this type of theatrical cross-promotion with last March's Hellboy, giving out more than 300,000 teaser DVDs in the few weeks before the movie's premiere. On Sin City, the giveaway window is only a week long, so Best Buy will give out about 150,000 discs this time, according to Rob Cummins, business team leader for movies.

"We identified properties like Hellboy and now Sin City quite a ways out, and our goal is to give our customers something that … will put them in the know amongst their peer group about what's cool and exciting," Cummins said. This sort of theatrical marketing rewards customers for coming into the store regularly and builds loyalty, he added.

There's an upside for the studios involved as well.

"The theatrical division sees it as a grassroots opportunity to promote their movie beyond just what they'll do on TV, and home video sees it as a chance to probably sell some catalog," Cummins said.

Krypto's Story

2005-03-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

Press Release

Krypto the Superdog to land on Cartoon Network Monday, April 4, at 9a.m. (ET, PT)

He’s faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to chase cars in a single bound, Krypto the Superdog premieres on Cartoon Network Monday, April 4, at 9 a.m. (ET, PT). The series, produced by Warner Bros. Animation, will air Monday-Friday. Upon the launch of Tickle U, Cartoon Network’s new block of programming for young viewers, on Aug. 22, Krypto the Superdog will provide a lead-in to the new franchise every weekday. Poised to introduce children ages 4-6 to their first superhero, Krypto the Superdog, chronicles the adventures of a young canine with special powers.

Krypto was traveling in space as a test-pilot puppy aboard a rocket ship built by Superman’s father when it malfunctioned. Landing on unfamiliar territory, the planet Earth, the fully grown Krypto swiftly seeks out companionship and flips over Kevin Whitney, a young boy who also longs for friendship. Endowed with an amazing array of superhero powers, Krypto partners with best pal, Kevin to fight evil forces that threaten the safety and well being of the people and animals of Metropolis. The two new friends waste no time setting up their secret hideout, the Fortress of Doggietude, Krypto’s alien spaceship buried in Kevin’s backyard.

Chasing his tail at super speeds transforms Kyrpto from a normal dog into Superdog, a dog who can fly, with super strength, super hearing and X-ray vision. Like other superheroes, Krypto cannot save the day alone. He is joined by a crack team of animal crime-fighters: Streaky, the pampered cat next door and reluctant hero; Batman’s dog, Bat Hound, who has a tool belt to match that of his famous owner; and The Dog Star Patrol, a band of intergalactic dogs from all corners of space who joined forces to protect the universe.

Krypto the Superdog is an action-adventure series produced by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network. Each half-hour episode of Krypto the Superdog will feature two 11-minute cartoons. Krypto the Superdog was first introduced as a supporting character as part of DC comics Superboy series in 1955. Cartoon Network’s new animated series will be Krypto’s first starring role with his original owner, Superman, stopping by for occasional appearances. Krypto the Superdog is executive produced by Sander Schwartz, supervising producers Alan Burnett, and Scott Jeralds and producer Linda M. Steiner. Paul Dini has confirmed that he is co-producing and writing the episodes.

Will Beppo the SuperMonkey and Comet the Superhorse show up? Or even Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew? Only time will tell. The official sneak peek was last night. This series will be joining Cartoon Network's upcoming preschool block, Tickle U. Check out CN's sneak peak here as well as the official site.

more news

2005-03-25T13:11:00.000-05:00

check out The New Comics Universe Blog for PSP info & a Spider-Man 3 update!

WW Movie...

2005-03-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

more on this @ http://newcomicsuniverse.blogspot.com/!

Thanks

2005-03-24T16:43:00.000-05:00

My thanks goes out to everyone who has visited in the past as well as anybody who may visit for the first time in the future. I've updated the site at the new address http://newcomicsuniverse.blogspot.com/ and I just hope everybody checks it out. Thanks again and more news to come on the New Comics Universe Blog!

Sin City On Maxim

2005-03-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Maxim has revealed the alternate Sin City cover for its May issue, which features exclusive art by Sin Citycreator Frank Miller.

The issue features exclusive posters of Goldie, Dallas and Nancy from Miller’s creation, as well as a feature on Sin City star Brittany Murphy.

Check out the poster on Newsarama, and the interview on CBR.

New Look For The Site

2005-03-23T23:02:00.000-05:00

I just thought it'd be time for a change...hope you dig the design! Tonight will be brief, as I have the Fantastic Four movie poster and the sheet to Batman Begins. Enjoy!

Final Prints of ID Crisis Coming Soon

2005-03-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

press release
March 22nd, 2005 -

Next month, DC Comics' IDENTITY CRISIS #1-7 FINAL PRINTINGS will arrive in stores with specially recolored covers featuring the original cover art by Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald. The new coloring adds a striking red background to each image.

These new printings of the explosive miniseries written by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer, with art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair, arrive in stores next month, giving readers one more chance to experience this stunning tale in comic book form.

"These new covers make the FINAL PRINTINGS stand out from any previous printings," says Bob Wayne, VP - Sales. "Readers will know instantly that these are new, so we recommend that retailers make sure they have enough copies in stock to meet demand."

Watch for the IDENTITY CRISIS FINAL PRINTINGS, coming to comics shops on these dates:

• IDENTITY CRISIS FINAL PRINTING #1 and #2 are scheduled to arrive in stores on April 6.

• IDENTITY CRISIS FINAL PRINTING #3 and #4 are scheduled to arrive in stores on April 13.

• IDENTITY CRISIS FINAL PRINTING #5 and #6 are scheduled to arrive in stores on April 20.

• IDENTITY CRISIS FINAL PRINTING #7 is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 27.

TMNT: Mutant Melee In Stores Now

2005-03-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

Konami Digital Entertainment – America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that TMNT: Mutant Melee for the Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PC have arrived at retail stores nationwide. As the ultimate party game experience, offering hours of bashing, crashing and trashing fun with more than 20 playable characters, a competitive Adventure mode, a ton of mini games and unlockable content. Gamers can play alone or with up to four friends and take on the role of their favorite Turtle, Casey Jones, April O’Neil, Master Splinter and even the villainous Shredder in one of two different modes – Adventure or Melee.

Turtle fans will also find a shell full of mini games and extra content. Gamers can team up with friends to play modes such as King of the Hill, where players defend a circle that appears randomly around a level; Knockout, where the object is to KO as many opponents as possible; and Last Man Standing, where gamers battle it out to see who is the toughest brawler of all. As gamers progress through the game, they’ll be able to unlock background information on the Turtles, character biographies, original comics, hilarious outtakes and enough artwork and video clips to satisfy even the most rabid Turtles enthusiasts.

Countdown To Infinite Crisis

2005-03-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

Nuff' said. The official cover... on sale March 30th for only $1!. Do you have an idea of who Batman's holding? Or what might happen? Leave a comment and talk about it. More to come later!

Video Game News

2005-03-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

Fantastic Four
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Seven Studios
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: July 8, 2005

In development with Seven Studios (Legion: Legend of Excalibur, Defender), Activision is moving forward with a multi-platform game based on Marvel's greatest comic book teams. Slated for a near simultaneous summer release (on GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox) along with the movie on which it's based, Activision's one-to two-player action title enables gamers the chance to handle The Human Torch, Ben Grimm, Mr. Fantastic, and the Invisible Girl.
Using the slightly altered origin from the movie (in which the foursome are on Victor Von Doom's research space station), the group is exposed to cosmic rays, altering its very genetic makeup and rendering each uniquely super-humans. Johnny can manipulate fire, Sue telekinetics and invisibility, Reed transforms into a human rubber band, and Ben becomes an oddity of rock-muscle and power. Using a cinematic third-person camera that changes from fixed to moving positions, the game enables players to alternately switch from two to four of the team members. The first level demonstrates how each character learns their unique powers, and tasks them with escaping from Doom's research hospital. The following levels switch from two to four characters and progressively throw more difficult enemies on screen.

As you would expect, the characters play to their own unique strengths. Ben is uncomplicated: for him, it's always clobbering time. He easily lifts objects like trees and lampposts to swat enemies like flies. Additionally, he delivers rabbit punches, suplexes, and can grapple enemies. Reed combines close-range attacks with long-range throws; he can transform his limbs into objects such as hammers to attack enemies and useful tools to unlock doors. The Human Torch is good for long-range attacks, using fireballs and walls of flame to create space between the four and their foes. Using her ability to turn invisible, Sue performs one-hit stealth kills. She's good at close and long-range combat, too, using force blasts, telekinetic throws, and force encapsulation to halt enemies in a split-second.

For most of the game, Fantastic Four enables you to play as one or two of the FF members, though in several missions you'll be able to switch to all four. The game strategy evolves from single character action to team-based, strategic encounters, and it features mini-games to challenge players' knowledge and skill of each team member. In other cases, some bosses require complete team work to defeat them. You can even play as characters outside of the Fantastic Four, though exactly who hasn't been revealed. Even if you cannot play the enemies themselves, you will see classic rivals from the fabled four's comic book past, including arch enemy Dr. Doom, Annihilus, Diablo, and Puppet Master.

One of the more satisfying elements is that each character is capable of 40 moves, nearly all of which are upgradeable with significantly different moves. Players earn points manually attributed to each character's skill set, meaning that, if you have the points, you can upgrade any one at any time.

Visually, the characters' traits manifest in numerous ways, with Johnny showing off a heat blur, Reed's head stretching out backward as he's socked in the jaw, and Sue's telekinetic shield blocking and reflecting enemy projectiles.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
Available: Fall 2005
System: Xbox, PS2, GC, PSP
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Nihilistic Software
Electronic Arts announced recently that Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects under the EA GAMES brand will be released this fall for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox videogame system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube and the PSP handheld entertainment system. The game will feature Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe as well as a new set of characters created through collaboration with EA and top comic book industry talent.

“Marvel Nemesis delivers the definitive Super Hero videogame allowing gamers to play as and against the world’s greatest Super Heroes,” said Marc Aubanel, Executive Producer, EA Canada. “Marvel Nemesis truly captures the Marvel Universe offering players an authentic Super Hero fighting experience that comic book fans and gamers have been asking for.”

Ames Kirshen, Director Of Video Game Development at Marvel Enterprises, added, "We are thrilled to be working with EA and collaborating with some of the top talents in both the videogame and comic book industries in creating this groundbreaking comic series and innovative fighting game franchise."

EA is calling on the talent of top comic book writers and concept artists, such as Jae Lee, for Marvel character and game design as well as renowned artist, Paul Catling, among other industry talents, to create a new family of Super Heroes that will go face to face with an all-star line-up of Marvel characters for the ultimate showdown.

Lee has illustrated high-profile comic book titles including Spider-Man, Uncanny X-men, X-Factor, Captain America, Transformers Versus G.I. Joe and his own creation Hellshock. Catling is best known for his concept artwork and character design on Hollywood blockbuster films including Spider-Man 2, AVP: Alien Vs. Predator, The Punisher, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects will feature more than a dozen fighters in fully interactive and destructible environments. Gamers will have full control over the individual characters with each fighter having unique attributes and super powers that are true to their background adding more depth and fighting strategy to the game.

The Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects videogame also spawned the new Marvel six issue mini-series, Marvel Nemesis: The Imperfects™, launching this May. In the comic book, Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Wolverine, The Thing and Elektra clash with EA’s Niles Van Roekel, an evil alien scientist out to create a super army of vicious warriors. Through the comic books, the new EA characters will be unveiled each month leading up to the launch of the game. The Imperfects serves as a prequel to the game and is being written by capable Marvel scribe Greg Pak (X-Men: Phoenix - Endsong).
The only in game images shown so far are one on one combat. Added to that, EA Canada is producing the title, so here's to hoping this doesn't turn out being Def Jam Fight 4 New York with Marvel characters. Nothing against that game, but fans would like to have a fresh experience here.

the concept behind Marvel Nemesis begins when an alien scientist obsessed with creating the perfect warrior arrives on Planet Earth. As the series progresses, we'll see him tangle with Marvel heroes, transform a group of misfits into savage, cybernetically enhanced superwarriors, and precipitate a mind-blowing showdown in which heroes and villains alike must confront the question of what it means to be perfect. Marvel Nemesis will be unveiled at E3 2005

The Darkness videogame to hit next-gen consoles in '06
March 21, 2005 Majesco, a provider of diversified offerings and content for digital entertainment platforms, today announced it will publish the video game adaptation of the popular comic book series, The Darkness, for the next generation of consoles. Scheduled for release in 2006, The Darkness is being developed by Starbreeze, the acclaimed development studio behind the top-selling video game, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

Based on the best-selling Top Cow comic book, The Darkness casts players as Jackie Estacado, a fearless Mafia hitman for the Franchetti crime family who is suddenly possessed by the terrifying and spectacular powers of The Darkness. Throughout the game, players must learn to control and harness The Darkness power in order to overthrow the vicious mob boss and fulfill their destiny.

"We are excited to have secured Starbreeze, a highly talented and respected team, to develop one of our first titles for the next generation of video game consoles," said Jesse Sutton, president of Majesco. "Combining the top-tier development talent and technology of Starbreeze with the compelling content of Top Cow's The Darkness comic book series provides a solid foundation for success."

The Darkness features a seamless and unique blend of modern crime drama and supernatural horror through first and third-person, non-linear gameplay. Utilizing the Starbreeze engine for next generation consoles, The Darkness features single and online multi-player action across highly realistic environments.

Union Entertainment, a feature film and video game production company, packaged the deal which includes Paul Jenkins, a seminal writer in The Darkness comic book series, who will provide game story and dialogue.

The Darkness comic book series launched in 1996 and is currently published in 19 different languages around the world. The highly popular comic sells more than 500,000 copies of each issue and generates more than $25 million annually across its various brand extensions. "The Darkness" live action film, produced by Platinum Studios and Dimension Films, is estimated for release in 2007.

Other Game News:

Ultimate Spider-Man
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBA
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005
Based on Marvel's popular Ultimate Spider-Man series, Activision's next Spidey game puts you in the role of a very young Peter Parker. Uncertain about his role as a superhero and featuring the kind of acerbic wit not seen in the movie versions, this is a very "human" Spider-Man. With Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers) set to script Spidey's ultimate adventure, this should be quite a unique title in the web-head's video game collection. Villains are unknown, but if the game follows the comic in any way, expect every evil-doer who meets the wall-crawler to figure out Spider-Man is really Peter Parker. We should learn a lot more at E3 2005.

Spider-Man Classic
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBD
Systems: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: TBA 2006
Though the title may be deceiving (and will likely see a change long before release), this is not a collection of classic Spider-Man videogames. Instead, Spider-Man Classic puts you in the role of the traditional Spider-Man. This has no association with the Sony Pictures films, though it's not clear what significant difference will be seen (aside from Spidey having to build his own web shooters). Villains and allies have yet to be announced, but we're certain it takes place in Manhattan. At least that's something.

Spider-Man 3
Publisher: Activision
Developer: TBA
Systems: PC, PS3, Xbox 2
Release Date: May 2007
Based on the third movie, which is set to release in mid-May of 2007, Spider-Man 3 will likely offer a similar design to 2004's Spider-Man 2, with a wide-open New York City to explore. Rumors peg the Lizard and the Green Goblin (this time Harry Osborn) as the villains of the film, which would in turn make them the baddies in the video game. Don't expect to hear anything on this one for a long, long time, but it has been confirmed so start saving now.

X-Men Legends 2
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Raven Software
Systems: GameCube, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005
Shortly after the release of X-Men Legends, Activision announced a sequel. Likely to come out later this year, Legends 2 uses the same engine as the original, but introduces new characters not seen in the first game. This time around, development is expected to focus on four-player gameplay, alleviating the issues of the original Legends, which sometimes forced gamer's to play solo. The storyline and further details remain a secret for now, but look for news later this spring.

Marvel Vs. EA
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts
Systems: GameCube, PS2, Xbox
Release Date: Late 2005/Early 2006
Almost nothing is known about EA's upcoming fighter. What we can tell you is that it will feature a variety of characters from the Marvel Universe and numerous original characters created by EA specifically for this fighting game. Considering the current standard for fighters, it's likely that Marvel Vs. EA will be playable online on Xbox and PS2. It's also a safe bet that some familiar EA characters are set to make an appearance. Final Boss: Madden? Dare to dream.

E3 Sells Out

LOS ANGELES--March 21, 2005--The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo), the world's premier computer and video game trade event, has sold out of exhibit space for this year's show, making 2005 the fastest sell-out in five years. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that to date, E3Expo 2005 has sold more than 540,000 net square feet of exhibit space covering five exhibit halls in the Los Angeles Convention Center, the largest amount of space sold since 2000.

"E3Expo 2005 brings us to the threshold of a new era of creative and technological innovation for the global computer and video game business, providing first looks at the next generation of hardware and previews of the advanced titles and technologies that consumers will be bringing home this holiday season," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3Expo. "With a show floor the size of 2,700 city blocks, an unparalleled business conference program, and more than 400 exhibitors from 87 countries, E3Expo is truly the best place on the planet to get down to the business of fun."

E3Expo 2005 will offer an unparalleled panel of 150 industry leaders who will share their knowledge during 34 educational conference sessions and workshops. E3Expo, now in its eleventh year, is scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 17-19 for conference program and workshops, and May 18-20 for exhibits.

The World’s Finest Lineup

2005-03-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

A DC Direct line of Superman/Batman figures will debut this August as sculpted by Tim Bruckner. Inspired by the “Public Enemies” story arc penciled by McGuninness, series 1 includes Batman, Superman, Captain Atom and Metallo. But don’t go to Toys R Us looking for them; they’ll only be found in comic & hobby shops.

Classic X-men fans rejoice as Giant Size X-Men #3 will be on sale May 25th, 2005. At 80 pages, this edition commemorates the 30th anniversary of Giant Size X-Men # 1 in 1975 (which ushered the 1st major lineup change, as well as saving the mutants from cancellation). Featuring a new story by Joss Whedon & Dave Cockrum, GS X-Men #3 will feature a battle between the FF and the young mutants in Fantastic Four #28 (1964), an early Avengers guest appearance in X-Men #9 (1964) & the 1st meeting between Spider-Man and the X-men in X-Men #35 (1967).

The End Is Near

2005-03-12T17:48:00.000-05:00

Coinciding with the last Star Wars film ever, Star Wars: Revenge Of the Sith (Episode III), Dark Horse Comics will release a four issue mini-series with covers by Brian Bolland. Also, March 22nd sees the release of Lucasfilm and Fox Home Entertainment’s Star Wars: Clone Wars DVD, collecting the popular 2004 Cartoon Network series & more. Look for extras, a behind the scenes documentary, and interviews with George Lucas and series director Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack). You also have the option of watching all 20 episodes seamlessly together (without breaks in between) to form 1 whole movie, or watch them individually in their original three minute form. Clone Wars season 2 begins March 21st and will lead directly into Return of the Sith. Rejoice, because these episodes will last 12 minutes each.
For more info and news, always check out the official website, theforce.net, the Lucasarts website & Star Wars Galaxies

Lightning Strikes Again...

2005-03-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

Shazam, the Golden Age Captain Marvel got his start in Whiz Comics # 1 way back in 1940, when the concept of superheroes was still new to the world. He was the first to have a family (Captain Marvel Jr., Mary Marvel, even Uncle Marvel!). He even stared in one of the world’s most popular radio syndicated show ever and he was the only superhero in history to surpass Superman in comic books sales. In fact the Marvel Family titles outsold everything else on the market at the height of the comic industry in the mid 1940s. By the 1950’s however, he moved from Fawcett Comics to DC (then known as National Periodicals). He was then revived from obscurity with the 1970s with "Shazam!" comic series & a Saturday morning TV show starring Michael Gray as Billy Batson.
Captain Marvel and his Marvel family were also stars of one of DC’s more successful & one of the best written mid-90s titles, (1995’s) Power of Shazam! but that’s just history nowadays... but at least history will seem to repeat itself in 2005 as Captain Marvel will join the Man of Steel in the April Superman titles. Check out Superman #216, Action Comics #826 & Adventures of Superman #638 by Judd Winick (Green Arrow scribe) and Ian Churchill. Be sure to check out the Superman/Shazam!: First Thunder, a 4 issue mini-series by Winick and (former NYX artist) Josh Middleton to debut this coming summer. First Thunder is a prequel to the 3 part Superman story. Both stories will include Eclipso. Also, Jeff Smith’s (Bone) delayed & highly anticipated four-issue Shazam! mini-series will see the light of day in late 2005. Smith will write, draw, letter and color the project all by himself. After 2005 is over, I feel Captain Marvel will return to the top tier of DC’s super-elite.
Short Takes…
The WB network aims to modernize their famous Looney Tunes characters for a new children’s cartoon series "Loonatics" which will air Saturday mornings this fall. The show introduces sleek new characters based on the descendants of Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote & others as the show is set in the year 2772.

Craig Thompson, who penned "Goodbye, Chunky Rice" has released the autobiographical graphic novel "Blankets" from Top Shelf Comics. Many mega-creators are working on this coming-of-age story including Brian Michael Bendis, Neil Gaiman and the late Will Eisner.
Top Cow’s Witchblade anime will debut in Japan this coming fall, based on the animated one-shot. 26 episodes will be produced by Studio Gonzo and rumor has it there could be a new bearer or the Witchblade…

Short Takes...

2005-02-26T19:47:00.000-05:00

... Hey everyone, I know it's been a while now since I last posted so my posting on here will become weekly until the beginning of April. Sin City, due April 1st, rather than adapting one single storyline, the film will incorporate storylines from three of Frank Miller’s graphic novels including: Sin City, That Yellow Bastard and The Big Fat Kill.

“This is the first time a graphic novel will be treated with absolute respect in how it is brought to the life. My pitch to Frank was that I didn’t want to adapt Sin City, but rather translate it to the screen. I also wanted him involved in every aspect of the production, including sharing in the directing. If you look at his books, you see that in a way they are already the best written, shot, and directed ‘movies’ never seen in a theater,” said Robert Rodriguez in a release from Dimension.

The cast includes Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Britney Murphy, Josh Hartnett, Mickey Rourke & Elijah Wood.

Also, remember that March is the 10 year anniversary of the Age of Apocalypse... Marvel will ship a one shot detailing the event and more. More on this next week though.

The Crisis Might Not Be Over After All...

2005-01-11T20:46:00.000-05:00

DC announced today that they'll be reprinting Identity Crisis for the last time starting this April. DC has received critical acclaim for the series, bringing mortal flaws to the seemingly invincible. Here's the press release:

Because you demanded it, DC has gone back to press for an astounding run of Final Printings of IDENTITY CRISIS #1-7!

This April, DC Comics brings back all seven issues of the blockbuster miniseries in periodical form one last time. IDENTITY CRISIS #1-7 FINAL PRINTINGS reprint the stunning story by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer with art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair. These new printings feature the original cover art by Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald, newly adorned with black borders.

These Final Printings are a perfect opportunity for fans who missed out on this now-classic series to catch up before the collected edition is released this fall!

Here's just some of the acclaim for IDENTITY CRISIS:

• "The IDENTITY CRISIS mystery involves the biggest DC heroes... And use[s] all of Mr. Meltzer's skills as a thriller novelist." — The New York Times

• "After more hoopla than the Olympics and Super Bowl combined, the debut issue of DC's mega-event more than lived up to the hype, as writer Brad Meltzer and artist Rags Morales crafted a tear-jerker that made even casual fans weep." — Wizard

• "Like WATCHMEN and THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, this is a comic that fans will discuss long after the story is completed. It doesn't matter if you're a DC fan — if you're a comic book fan, you should be reading IDENTITY CRISIS." — Comic Shop News

• "Mystery novelist Brad Meltzer shows that even super-heroes have reasons to be afraid." — Spin Magazine

• "[Rags] Morales's muscular naturalism renders the players both timelessly iconic and believably human..." — Washington Post

• "Refreshing... Underscore[s] that these are very human characters in a very risky business." — Entertainment Weekly

• "Captivating." — New York Press

• "IDENTITY CRISIS raises the bar for portraying super-heroes as deeply human creatures." — Amazing Stories

The IDENTITY CRISIS #1-7 FINAL PRINTINGS are scheduled to arrive in stores as follows: #1 and 2 on April 6; #3 and 4 on April 13; #5 and 6 on April 20; and #7 on April 27.

A Preview of Things To Come?

2005-01-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

This is gonna be a bunch of news cramed together so lets get started... Jim Lee noted last week on his blog that he's started work on an all new ongoing Batman title called All Star Batman & Robin set to debut in July. This coincides with the new Batman Begins movie starring Christian Bale, due in June (which you might hear/see something about at this year's Superbowl...). The writer behind this new series? None other than the man who modernized Batman in 1986 with The Dark Knight Returns & Batman:Year One stories... Frank Miller! This is going to be a hotseller so defintely keep checking here for the lastest. Click here for the online interview with Newsarama. Here's DC's official statement:

Superstar artist Jim Lee will be joined by legendary writer and Batman visionary Frank Miller on DC's upcoming ALL-STAR: BATMAN AND ROBIN. The series, scheduled to make its debut later this year, marks Miller's first work on the Dark Knight since 2001's acclaimed THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, and Lee's return to Batman following 2002's best-selling "Hush" storyline in BATMAN.

"If there was one creator I wanted to work with when I was a fan, it would have been Frank Miller," says Lee, "so after this project, I think I'm going to be ready to retire! Seriously, it will be the pinnacle of my career so far, and I can't wait to get started. Frank and I have had a couple of meetings about the story, and it's going to rock!"
Miller says, "This is Dick Grayson's initiation and he's dealing with a very stern teacher. Batman is a hard teacher — unforgiving. Brutal. At the same time, Grayson is watching Batman come into his full power. Me and Jim Lee get to play with all of DC's toys. It'll be a romp. It'll be a lot of fun. I plan on raiding DC's treasury of characters. There won't be a Black Canary or a Wonder Woman unused."

"This is quite an honor and, needless to say, a fairly daunting task that DC has bestowed upon me by handing me the helm of ALL-STARS," says Group Editor Bob Schreck. "Being able to help these incredibly talented creators bring their amazing tales to life on the comics page is going to be one heck of a ride, no doubt. I can't wait until the readers get to see what's in store for them."

"Frank was instrumental in redefining Batman for a new generation, and I, for one, can't wait to see him bring that same level of clarity and interpretation to Dick Grayson and Robin," says Dan DiDio, VP — Executive Editor, DCU. "With the teams now set for the two ALL-STAR books, BATMAN AND ROBIN and SUPERMAN, everyone should agree that they meet the expectations set for these series: All Star creators working on iconic versions of our All Star characters — it doesn't get much better than this."

Stars newly named to Superman Returns, which opens in 2006 are Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane & Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor in addition to Brandon Routh who plays Superman/Clark Kent. It seems this movie takes place after Superman comes back from space. Director Bryan Singer said he didnt want to mess with Richard Donner's 1978 film Superman or the WB's Smallville. In other movie news Marvel's Elektra is set to open this Friday... Yahoo has the first 5 minutes here . Warner Bros. also has a Hi-Def trailer for "Batman Returns". 2005's first major comic convention, Wonder-Con, takes place at the Moscone Convention Center in San Fransisco on February 18th through 20th. For more details go to the Comic-Con website. Also, check out this awesome Jeph Loeb interview with CBR about about the new ongoing Supergirl series this summer.

2005-01-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry about before...but I've added a new look and a lot of links to the page including a combination of my favorite comic sites mixed with tech & video game links. Hope everyone enjoys! I'll be making a post tomorrow to update whats going on in the comic world. Until then, check out this rare Joe Madureira pic.

2005-01-08T23:31:00.000-05:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Little News For Now...

2005-01-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

not too much going on right now, remember to check out the new message board... and click here for Marvel's movie production schedule.

2005-01-05T12:46:00.000-05:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Sad News...

2005-01-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

I just read that Will Eisner, creator of "The Spirit" has passed on at the age of 87. He died on January 3rd after quadruple bypass heart surgery. My condolances go out to his wife Ann and the rest of his family. He will surely be missed.

His newspaper connection included creating "The Spirit" insert for Sunday papers from 1940 to 1952. Jules Feiffer worked under Eisner on that comic feature from 1946 and 1951.Eisner received the 1995 Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award and the 1998 Reuben Award as Cartoonist of the Year from the National Cartoonists Society.

Here are a few sites noted to have info on Mr. Eisner:
http://www.willeisner.com/

http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-ftr-xeisn05.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/268100p-229626c.html

http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2005/Jan/EEN41dbf2d453fe1.html

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-01-04-will-eisner-obit_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/05/MNGPEALB111.DTL

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/4148365.stm

Check Out The Forum!

2005-01-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Check out the new message board, it's finally done! I wanna really start a community of general comic book lovers and readers from all over. Here is the link: http://comicuniverse.invisionplus.net/. Hope to see everyone there!

Tsunami Aftermath And How To Help

2005-01-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

For the past two weeks I've been saddened by the devestating earthquake/tsunami diaster and I couldnt believe the magnitude of the matter... more than 155,000 deaths and over half a million people seriously injured, and still thousands missing. This is something that may take up to 10 years just to rebuild everything. Those who survived (an estimated 5 million) have no fresh water or food and have become disease-stricken. My heart goes out to all those who were lost and their families as well. Here are a bunch of links to sites where you can donate money to help these people, or to learn more about just what happened.

UNICEF

American Cross Donations

AmeriCares Donations

South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Network For Good

Tsunami Missing Persons

Asia Earthquake & Tsunami Fund

CNN's list of Aid groups accepting donations for victims

Moving On

2005-01-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone...everything seems to be back to normal here. I'm working on the 2nd version of the forum as we speak and it should be running by tomorrow. I'll be posting little things until tomorrow and I'll include a link to register to the forum. It only takes 1 min! I feel with the new year its time for a change... I'll have something up real soon, so until then check out the cover to Superman #215, the final issue of the current arc "For Tomorrow"

Happy New Year!

2005-01-01T01:02:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to everyone...welcome 2005!

Fresh View

2004-12-30T20:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a few days since the last post, and I'll be off again until January 2nd so here's a lil news to ring in the new year with...
Check out the CBLDF's* Year End Review letter here.
DC Comics officially confirmed Frank Quitely's Exclusive contract, while Jae Lee has been confirmed a 3-year exclusive with Marvel. Green Lantern:Rebirth #1 is going back for a fourth printing. Here's an excerp from the press release:

Three weeks after arriving in stores on December 1, the GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #1 Third Printing has sold out at DC Comics, with a new, fourth printing of the miniseries ' debut issue already on press. GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #1 Fourth Printing is scheduled to arrive in stores on January 12.Written by Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver, this new Printing will feature a recolored version of Van Sciver ' s cover art from the issue ' s second printing." This is just what I wanted for Christmas: a fourth printing of REBIRTH #1, " says Van Sciver. " Is this how Jimmy Stewart felt at the end of It's a Wonderful Life? He never got to draw Kilowog, so I've got to believe I'm happier. Thanks to each and every retailer, fan, and especially DC Comics for their continued support of our hard work and this miniseries. And extra special thanks from me to Geoff Johns for writing his heart out on this. The best is yet to come! " " Excitement over REBIRTH shows no signs of letting up, " says Bob Wayne, DC ' s VP - Sales & Marketing. " Now is the time for retailers to stock up on subsequent issues in the miniseries, so they have copies on hand to accompany this new printing. " GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #1 Fourth Printing is available for order now and is scheduled to arrive in stores on January 12 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. DC recommends that retailers place orders as soon as possible.

In other news...Marvel Comics is unveiling a new line of comics based on the younger generation called "Marvel Next". For all the titles, release dates and creators on this, click here.
It seems Alex Ross wasnt done with the DC Universe after "Kingdom Come" as he plans to illustrate the covers and paint over pencils by Doug Braithwaite in a new bi-monthly Justice League series "Justice". There's more on it in Wizard #160, on sale now, or if you can't wait click here. For all you Legion Of Super Heroes fans out there here's an interview with Barry Kitson, on the new Legion #1, on sale now.

Christmas Eve Updates & News

2004-12-24T23:49:00.000-05:00

Since tonight is Christmas Eve, I thought I would provide some comic news for everybody to think about. Newsarama has an interview with Mark Millar on his current stint on Wolverine. Millar also returns to Ultimate Fantastic Four in May. John Byrne was confirmed to take over Action Comics after Chuck Austin's run ends. J. Michael Straczynski is writing the Fantastic Four starting in June, coincinding with the release of the "Fantastic Four" in theaters this coming summer. There will be an Elektra half-hour MTV special on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 10 p.m., airing again Thursday, Dec. 30 at 10:30 a.m . Oh yeah, Wizard: The Comics Magazine #159 in on sale now.

Adventures In X-mas Shopping

2004-12-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't comic related but today I was looking around on some good last minute sales from my area. The 3 things I want most for Christmas? An X-Box, a 5MP Canon digital camera (it's less than $300 retail!) and a photo Ipod. Here's a list of places procrastinators & last minute shoppers should check out...
http://www.walmart.com/
http://www.target.com/
http://www.bestbuy.com/
http://www.circuitcity.com/
http://www.toysrus.com/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/ (cool accesseries for your computer and more)
http://www.kmart.com/
JCPenny
http://www.kbtoys.com/
http://www.sears.com/
http://www.bonton.com/
http://www.ebgames.com/
The Apple Store & retail locations

Latest News...

2004-12-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

The forum is still down and I'm working on getting a new host. Its been a slow day but until later, check out this pic from the upcoming Ultimate Iron Man. Ultimate Iron Man #1 ships in January. Also, click here for the cover to January's Ultimates 2 #2.

More Updates...

2004-12-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

the forum is down for maintenance until later tonight...until then, check out the trailer for Constantine here and for the new Sin City trailer click here .

Constantine

Sin City

Joe Mad!

2004-12-20T23:37:00.000-05:00

I'd like to shout out Joe Madureira for helping bring manga/anime to the mainstream comics like Uncanny X-Men. 10 years ago he began penciling and designing new costumes & character, modernizing Marvel's merry mutants. Joe left X-men in 1997 to pursue his own intrests...namely Battle Chasers, which to this day has a strong cult-like following. Nowadays he works on game designs and was at last years' E3 . Hopefully he'll make a return soon? I sure hope so. Click here for 3 classic interviews. Check out some of his work on my official Joe Mad thread on my forum for some of his work, even unreleased promo work. Also, check out Joe Mad Fan for the latest and greatest from Joe Madureira.

Todd McFarlane Productions...

2004-12-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

...filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last Friday. There's a link on my forum that explains the summary of things as it happened. You can check out the update of whats happening now from Newsarama. Until later...

Frank Quitely Signed For 2-Year DC Comics Contract

2004-12-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

According to Newsarama, Frank Quitely has signed a 2 year exclusive contract with DC Comics, allowing him to work on DC's trademark superheroes. He even hinted at a possible reunion with writer Grant Morrison.

Counting Down...

2004-12-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

I just checked the DC Comics website and it confirms DC Countdown, on sale March 30th, is an 80-page book complemented with a cover by Jim Lee and painted by Alex Ross. I know this has been the subject of many message board topics lately and I will let everyone know the latest as soon as I hear it. And it's only a dollar! Maybe everybody should pick up a couple.

Links

2004-12-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

here's a few links I like or go to frequently.check em out, you might like some of them...
Alé Garza
Alex Ross
Comic Book Conventions
Comic Book Resources
CGC (Get Your Comics Graded!)
DC Comics
Digital Webbing
Ed McGuinness
For The Big Kid In You
George Perez
Image Comics
J. Scott Campbell
Jim Lee Gallery
Jim Mahfood
Joe Mad Fan
Joe Madureira Fansite
John Cassaday
Josh Middleton
Kevin Rose
Mad! The Joe Madureira Fanlisting
Marvel Comics
My Forum
Phil Noto
Wizard Universe
X-Axis

if anybody has any comments or questions, my email is under the previous posts or xpo951@gmail.com

Superman: For Tomorrow Vol. 1 TPB Is On The Way

2004-12-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

I just checked out Jim Lee's blog and he had a little bit of news about the trade paperback of his and Brian Azzarello's yearlong arc on the Superman "For Tomorrow"...
"Hmm, seems the Solicitation Gods have crossed their wires this month. The above image is for the first 6 issue hardcover of Superman: For Tomorrow, the 12 issue arc writer, Brian Azzarello and I have been working on since April of this year, NOT the Public Enemies TPB by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness."

Updates

2004-12-15T13:57:00.000-05:00

theres alot going on... right now I'm updating site links for this blog, updating user accounts and adding a few more categories... hopefully by tonight there will be something for everybody at the forum. Until everything is set, check out the new John Romita Sr. / Alex Ross litho which should also be in stores by next week.

Buy Spider-Man 2

2004-12-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

This movie has action, drama, wit and cleverness... add a bit of romance and you have one of the best modern comic book adaptations to date! Buy it today at Circuit City for 14.99.

Interesting Stuff

2004-12-13T21:39:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a toy website a few weeks ago... new Japanese Batman and Batgirl figures that should be here in the U.S. as I speak. Hope you like!

Hi

2004-12-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

this is my new blogger... I run a comic book forum called Comics Universe... it can be found at the following location http://www.invisionplus.net/forums/index.php?mforum=comicsuniverse ...I'm going to be working on the site for the next couple days and posting my progress on here. Join my forum and help it become one of the web's elite... Xpo951