Along with Iron Man: The Animated Series, X-Men will be coming to Nicktoons network in the first quarter of 2009. The first three episodes, which will air as the pilot for the series, are being written by Greg Johnson, who has contributed to several other Marvel animated features.
Showing posts with label X-Men. Show all posts
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Marvel is proud to announce that Cable #1, spinning out of the sold-out X-Men: Messiah CompleX event, has sold out at Diamond (though copies may still be available at the retail level). Launching a bold new era for one of Marvel’s most popular mutants, acclaimed, best-selling novelist Duane Swierczynski (Moon Knight Annual) and acclaimed artist Ariel Olivetti (Punisher War Journal) have sent Cable to the future with the young mutant baby…but they’re not the only ones traveling through time. Just what does Bishop have planned? Where did he get that new, cybernetic arm from…and why?
To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with Cable #1 Second Printing Variant, featuring the interior art of Olivetti on the new cover!
“Honestly, I'm stunned. Gobsmacked,” said Swierczynski. “I'm also feeling grateful as hell right now -- grateful that Axel gave me a crack at this, and grateful to everyone on the X-team who brilliantly cued up the story in pages of Messiah CompleX. And I'm grateful that X-fans took a chance with it -- and I hope they stick with it over the next few issues, because there are a lot of surprises to come!”
Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of Cable, as the series ties directly into the red-hot Divided We Stand storyline and continues to have major repercussions for the X-Men! Now that’s Bishop has found Cable, it’s time for a rematch—and let’s hope they survive the x-perience in Cable #2!
Plus, check out Cable’s earliest adventures in Cable Classic Vol.1 TPB, in stores now!
CABLE #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088307)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by ROB LIEFELD
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08
CABLE #2 (FEB082267)
CABLE #2 FINCH VARIANT (FEB082268)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08
CABLE CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB (JAN082233)
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON & FABIAN NICIEZA
Penciled by ROB LIEFELD, JOHN ROMITA JR., ART THIBERT,
RON LIM, PAUL SMITH, BRANDON PETERSON, KERRY GAMMIL,
IAN CHURCHILL, PAUL RYAN, JIM REDDINGTON, BILL WYLIE &
SCOTT KOBLISH
Cover by ROB LIEFELD
Rated A …$29.99
On-Sale—NOW!
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
Marvel is proud to announce that X-Force #2, an X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-in, has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level. This marks the second straight sell-out for the red-hot series by the acclaimed writing team of Craig Kyle & Christ Yost and rising star artist Clayton Crain! As X-Force finds themselves at the mercy of the Purifiers, one member makes an “explosive” decision that may doom Wolfsbane!
To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with X-Force #2 Second Printing Variant, featuring the stunning interior art of Clayton Crain
“It looks like X-Force really is unstoppable!” said editor John Barber. “It’s been absolutely great seeing the reactions to all the X-books after Messiah CompleX. I couldn’t be happier that X-Force has been winning over readers who were a little wary when the series was first announced. If you’ve been enjoying the first two issues, just wait till you see the next ones—issue three is incredible and issue four is one of the most powerful and intense comics I’ve ever read. The action and tension just keep ramping up on this series!”
Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of X-Force, as the series ties into the popular Divided We Stand storyline and continues to draw acclaim from all corners. With the return of another classic X-villain, the odds aren’t looking good for the new X-Force! Don’t miss the series that critics and fans agree is a must-read—X-Force!
X-FORCE #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088278)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08
X-FORCE #3 (FEB082266)
X-FORCE #3 BLOODY VARIANT (JAN088014)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—4/3/08, On-Sale—4/23/08
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
Press Release
YOUNG X-MEN #1 (FEB082264) (DWS)
YOUNG X-MEN #1 PETERSON VARIANT (FEB082265) (DWS)
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Pencils by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by TERRY DODSON
Variant Cover by BRANDON PETERSON
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale-4/2/08
USA Today has published this first look at Hugh Jackman as Logan in X-Men Origins: Wolverine! And some quotes...
The film will trace Wolverine's past as he discovers the world of mutants and, ultimately, the ominous Weapon X program, which turns people into living weapons.
Jackman is tight-lipped on plot details, though he says the film will hardly be a one-mutant story.
Wolverine's nemesis Sabretooth "is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos" of new and familiar mutants, he says. "But you can't give too much away, because fans are pretty hard-core. Their expectations go up a level every time you come out with a new film."
Directed by Gavin Hood and co-starring Liev Schreiber, X-Men Origins: Wolverine hits theaters on May 1, 2009.
Press Release:
Marvel is pleased to announce that Uncanny X-Men #488 and X-Factor #21 have both sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level), marking the fourth straight sell-out from the red-hot Endangered Species storyline. With mutantkind heading towards extinction, the X-Man known as Beast struggles to reverse this deadly course, seeking out some unexpected allies in the process! This story unfolds weekly in the pages of Uncanny X-Men, New X-Men, X-Factor and X-Men, with each eight page chapter featuring some of Marvel’s top talent bringing this gripping tale to life.
“I’m so glad to see people responding to Endangered Species,” said editor Nick Lowe. “And what they’ve seen is only the beginning. Beast is in for some big things in the rest of Endangered Species and fans will be amazed by some of the people showing up in there. Uncanny X-Men is really picking up steam, thanks to the great work of Ed Brubaker and Salvador Larroca. X-Factor is just getting better and better and bigger and bigger just in time for the big event. Cyclops and Beast show up in this arc, so I hope retailers order enough for the voracious appetites of the X-Fans.”
As Beast deals with this crisis, the Uncanny X-Men and X-Factor have their hands full with emerging threats that seek to eliminate a few more mutants! In Uncanny X-Men #489, the quest for Magneto continues as both Masque and the X-Men hurtle towards the truth! While the Morlocks continue to commit acts of terrorism, Storm enlists the aid of some “Fantastic” friends to make sure the violence ends!
Meanwhile, X-Factor #22 brings Madrox’s agency one of their most unusual cases: protect two young singers…who sing anti-mutant songs! While Siryn and Monet must find a way to deal with this challenge, the Isolationist continues his quest to create a mutant utopia…but at what cost?
In future chapters of Endangered Species, Beast will travels to lands—and dimensions—where few else dare tread…and cross paths with the one enemy who knows him best! Leading into this fall’s Messiah Complex, Beast’s journey will lead to a shocking new status quo for the X-Men! Don’t miss a single chapter!
Please note there are currently no plans to reprint Uncanny X-Men #488 and X-Factor #21.
Follow Endangered Species in these upcoming issues:
NEW X-MEN #40 (MAY072159)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils and Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Endangered Species Chapter 4
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—7/18/07
X-MEN #201 (MAY072158)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Pencils & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Endangered Species Chapter 5
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—7/25/07
UNCANNY X-MEN #489 (JUN072188)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils and Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Endangered Species Chapter 6
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—8/01/07
X-FACTOR #22 (JUN072189)
Written by PETER DAVID
Pencils and Cover by PABLO RAIMONDI
Endangered Species Chapter 7
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/19/07, On-Sale—8/08/07
press release:
A day after it went on sale, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 has sold out at Diamond and the response to the return of Marvel Annuals has been incredible.
In a stand-alone story that ties into the monthly title, Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1 finally reveals who will be Spider-Man’s new girlfriend. Written by monthly scribe Brian Michael Bendis with pencils by Mark Brooks, this double-sized issue is sure to have everyone talking about the new woman in Peter Parker’s life.
"Wow. Thanks so much to our loyal readers. Making a big change like this in Peter's life is a scary proposition and I can't thank everyone enough for being so open to it," says Brian Michael Bendis. "Look forward to all kinds of new story possibilities in the months ahead."
Bendis also thanked his co-creators for crafting such a memorable issue. "Mark Brooks has been on my "must-have" list for a while now. I think he's an amazing penciler and he destroyed on this comic book. Congratulations to him, award-winning colorist Dave Stewart, and the entire art team."
Every Ultimate Annual will have immediate ramifications on their monthly counterpart titles, which was the plan all along according to editor Ralph Macchio.
"We intended for the Ultimate Spider-Man—and all the Ultimate Annuals-- to continue the tradition set by their monthly counterparts: Top creators giving the readership solid stories, beautifully illustrated," says Macchio.
"It’s a tribute to writer Brian Bendis, penciler Mark Brooks and the rest of the team, that this annual has sold out," adds Macchio. "I’m so gratified Ultimate fans have rallied around this very special once-a-year event. And, of course, we’ll continue to deliver on the monthly Ultimate Spider-Man book everyone enjoys."
Annuals were once a yearly tradition for all Marvel titles and now it has made its successful return with two Ultimate Annual sellouts in as many weeks. And the Ultimate Annual action doesn’t end there as Ultimate X-Men Annual #1 and Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #1 are all set for release over the next few weeks.
Let the Annual tradition begin!
Be sure to pick up these upcoming Ultimate Annuals:
ULTIMATE X-MEN ANNUAL #1 (JUN051988)
Written by BRIAN K. VAUGHAN
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by STUART IMMONEN
48 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$3.99
On Sale – 8/24/05
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #1 (JUN051987)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Penciled by JAE LEE
Cover by GREG LAND
48 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP …$3.99
On Sale – 9/7/05
The World Has Changed:House of M panel:
The New X-Men' status quo is changing after the House of M. Craig Kyle and Chris Yost from X-23 are taking over after Nunzio DeFillippis and Christina Weir. Their first arc deals with the repercussions of HoM and how that affected the younger mutants. Editor Mike Marts said that HoM "demands a line-up change." "X-23, Surge, Hellion, Rockslide, Mercury, Elixir, and Dust " are on the new lineup...
Marts says "You have to read all of House of M, then House of M: The Day After and New X-Men # 20, both in November," said Marts. "Then you'll understand why all these characters were chosen to be a part of the New X-Men." He also said none of the present characters are going to any of the other Marvel Universe superteams, nor or any getting solo series...
Marvel Editor Andy Schmidt said Excalibur will be restarted featuring some of the classic line up from writer Chris Claremont and artist Michael Ryan. The line up includes: Captain Britain, Nocturne, Pete Wisdom, and Dazzler.
X-Factor is also returning this November spiraling from the success of the Madrox limited series and out of events from House of M. The series will be centered in the District X region with a darker tone than the original book...
There will be an X-Men/Power Pack limited series starting in October from the Power Pack team of Marc Sumerak and Gurihiru...
The House of M variant covers for # 6 are by Greg Land, #7's are from Sal Larroca, and #8's from Chris Bachalo...
Starting with Uncanny X-Men 464 new creative team is Chris Claremont and Chris Bachalo...
Whedon and Cassady will stay on until Astonishing X-Men #25
Exiles # 69 - #71 is about Beak returning to the mainstream Marvel Universe, but when the Exiles return, its the House of M. Also in Exiles issue # 71, a member of the team will die...
The Pulse # 10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Lark is going to be the most closely tied in to the House of M. If people want the full story on House of M, this is the issue to buy...
There are some plans for the X-Statix, but nothing that can be announced yet...
There are no plans for the Man-Thing after its appearance in House of M...
Joe Quesada, Orson Scott Card, Brian K. Vaughan, and Brandon Peterson on the Ultimate Marvel panel:
Concept art was shown featuring Silver Sable, Havok ,and several other characters. Quesada mentioned that Ultimate Silver Sable was in the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man video game and that the game was penned by Brian Michael Bendis. There was no mention of if she would show up within the pages of any Ultimate Universe comic book.
Teaser art was featured from the final part in the Warren Ellis Ultimate trilogy, Ultimate Extinction. The piece shown was a black and white Galactus looking helmet. Brandon Peterson is tapped to pencil the series... he teased "The Silver Surfer is there, but not in the way you might expect.
"It's not just going to be a Fantastic Four thing," Peterson continued. "It's an entire Ultimate Universe thing with all the major players coming together to team up. Galactus will not be a big guy in a purple suit. We have a really realistic take on Galactus. The scope of the series is huge - as in actual astronomical units being described in the script I had to draw."
When asked "Why weren't Shanna and Black Panther rebooted in Ultimate line?", Joe Q said "The Ultimate Line is intended to be more in line with the movie line. When we tried to do an Ultimate Daredevil to coincide with the movie, we ended up with basically the same character. That's why with BP and Shanna, when we found ourselves going down the same road, we decided they should remain in the regular universe."
Joe Quesada plugged again the fact that major announcements containing the Ultimate Universe would be forthcoming in the next three to four weeks and everyone should "stay tuned."
Other Marvel Universe panel info:
Joe Quesada has signed a new multi-year deal with Marvel Comics that has him not only wearing the Editor-in Chief hat, but also Chief Creative Officer, Publishing.
“Over the next couple of years, my ultimate goals will remain further growing Marvel Comics’ leadership position and expanding our mainstream presence. I want comics to have the same consumer prominence as movies, TV and novels and in doing so continue to grow Marvel Comics as among America’s premiere storytellers,” said Quesada.
New creators on Iron Man, Daredevil and Thor, as well as the New Avengers artist and Incredible Hulk writer, will be announced soon. The new Thor book won't launch until next year.
Punisher #25-30 pit Frank Castle against the NYPD.
Marvel Comics revealed a new six-issue Moon Knight series will begin in February. Moon Knight: The Bottom is written by Charlie Huston, with art by David Finch. Huston, 37, is an author of such books as Caught Stealing, Six Bad Things and the upcoming Already Dead.
"This is Charlie's inaugural comic work," Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada said. "Charlie's are the best scripts I've ever seen coming from someone who hasn't written comics before."
The book will be set firmly in continuity and will feature Marc Spector as Moon Knight. "But it moves the story forward," Quesada said.
Another Mary Jane series written by Sean McKeever will start in November or December.
Fantastic Four: First Family, a six-issue series, will launch in January, written by Joe Casey, with art by Chris Weston
"We go back and explain a lot of the early stuff," Casey said. "There a lot of firsts, like the first time Reed Richards kissed the government's ass, which he seems to do a lot now."
J. Michael Strazcynski's Book of Lost Souls will be published in October, with art by Colleen Doran.
New Thunderbolts #13-14 is a meeting with the New Avengers
New Avengers- Finch's last arc will feature Ronin and then Frank Cho's arc on New Avengers will feature Spider-Woman
The original numbering on the She-Hulk will be relaunched in October, but will soon revert to cumulative numbering with a #100 issue (combining the original series, Sensational & the most recent series)
Cloak and Dagger would be seen in the pages of a Runaways arc beginning with issue # 9. The New Avengers will also be featured in that arc....
Luke Cage will appear in six issues of Black Panther.
Quesada said to look for some Iron Man-related mini-series
J. Michael Straczynski said the move of Supreme Power from MAX to Marvel Knights won't impact the title's contents creatively.
"The story isn't going to change, the characters aren't going to change and the tone isn't going to change," he said. "The only thing that will change will be the imprint."
Straczynski said there won't be any crossovers between the Marvel and Supreme Power universe, but there might be Marvel Universe-like characters in Supreme Power.
Secret War will conclude in November, and Dan Buckley said a hardcover is targeted for February or March
The panel ended with Quesada teasing a project. He said last year at Comic-Con he was asked if there was any one writer he could have come work on a Marvel Universe project, who would it be, and then flashed "The King" image without further explanation.
press release:
Tuesday, Marvel announced a sell-out and new printing of their big summer event. The publisher announced today that House of M #1 is sold-out at Diamond, two weeks before going on-sale June 1st, and that a reprint edition is now being offered.
The House of M #1 Coipel Gatefold Limited Edition will feature a gatefold cover, the House of M poster/”group shot” by series artist Olivier Coipel, at no extra increase in the series’ cover price of $2.99.
The new edition is scheduled to arrive in stores June 29th, one week after House of M #2. Retailers have until Thursday, 6/9 to place orders. Quantities will be limited, however, and in their announcement Marvel encouraged retailers to place orders as soon as possible to ensure getting copies.
"Orders on House of M #1 continue to pour in to Diamond after record-breaking initial numbers,” said Marvel Director of Sales David Gabriel. “We've exceeded our available copies, so we're thrilled to go back to press for this special printing. We told retailers and fans that there would be copies available on this issue and we are going to live up to that promise."
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.
news:
Yesterday Marvel Comics held a Press Conference to discuss some of its upcoming plans concerning the mega-crossover event, House of M. The series is set to shake up the status quo in the Marvel U. On hand to talk about the saga was were Brian Michael Bendis, Joe Quesada, Tom Brevoort, Mike Marts, John Dokes, and David Gabriel.
The panel began with writer Brian Michael Bendis giving a summary of what the House of M is supposed to be and where Marvel is with the initiative so far.
"Just to start off, the House of M miniseries is technically an Astonishing X-Men and New Avengers crossover that birthed itself into a legitimately giant Marvel Universe miniseries that affects more than just the two books it was initially set to affect," Bendis began. "We're gathering here to talk about the long-term ramifications the miniseries will set the stage for. What we're the most happy about is the new kinds of stories we'll be able to tell after this miniseries. We're setting the stage to make a change that allows a lot of writers to tell a great many new kinds of stories."
"House of M involves all the mutants, all of the Avengers - past and present, and is NOT a What If ...? story," Bendis continued. "There have been a lot of rumors on the internet, that think this story is not actually happening in the mainstream Marvel universe, but it is and we are NOT putting the world back the way we found it!"
HOUSE OF M #1 COVER
Then the floor was opened up to a series of questions and answers.
QUESTION: One concern we've been hearing is the amount of comics involved in this whole House of M event. It's huge - the checklists seem to have tons of comics involved. Is it going to be necessary to buy every book that has something to do with HoM or can you just get the main House of M miniseries and leave?
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS ANSWER: The plan is basically that you'll hopefully be picking up the main title, and that there are so many ideas put forth in that title, you'll be interested in seeing what happens to the key characters next after this story. Like if you like what just happened to Spider-Man or dig the Iron Man armor and want to see what's next, you'll get the next part or their miniseries.
If you're so inclined to buy them all, you will get this massive epic - like a giant miniseries you might see on TV. In fact it reminded me a lot like TAKEN, the recent miniseries from the SCI FI channel. Of course you can just read the main House of M and the pieces that interest you most. I guess all you really have to read though is the main miniseries which is important and necessary to understand the rest.
JOE QUESADA: The event is designed like the larger Marvel events of the past three or four years. We don't want to force our readership to buy every title to get the whole story. It's the law of diminishing returns once you ask this of readers too many times, they gravitate against it. But to get the full experience you want to get the crossover issues. Our advice is, we'd love you to buy them all, but, at the end of the day, you should buy what you like and what you can afford!
This event is really something we planned and it's also a lot of fun. Plus there will be huge ramifications to be carried on through the entire Marvel Universe and felt through all the titles across the board. The way it's laid out, it's almost impossible not to buy the next part.
QUESTION: You're promising ramifications and big endings, what can you tell us of those?
BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS: You truly haven't seen it before - that's for sure! It's the kind of thing -
MARVEL: It's Daredevil! He's responsible!
[laughter]
BENDIS: There were a great many writers involved with the birth of this kind of idea. We showed it to a lot of writers and said, 'Does this excite you as much as it does us?' What you'll get is new kinds of Marvel stories, we're always looking for ideas to birth these new stories and ideas, instead of just repeating the same stories a million times. We are looking for new stories not just for the summer, but beyond - for the chance to really do things that haven't been done before.
QUESTION: What do you learn from writing a big event like Avengers Disassembled that helped your creative process for House of M.?
BENDIS: Don't kill Hawkeye.
[laughs]
QUESTION: Would you do that again if you had the chance? Kill Hawkeye?
BENDIS: If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it. You never go out to purposely piss people off or shock people, but when it's telling itself, you can't shy away from the story. It always looks worse than you imagine. You can't shy away from stuff. You have to let the story happen. There were things I thought people would get pissed off about, but didn't; and things that did piss off, that I have no clue why.
The cool thing about this job is that we're constantly learning. Everything you do, you learn from writing. It is such an organic process that it has a constant fear that comes with it, but it's also like an excitement because you're always doing something you haven't done before. This is true definitely not only from books I've written, but events that have come before. You learn the lessons of history and what worked about one event or another. What I'm most happy about in HoM is the aftermath. You see things that happen in any company where the event IS spectacular, but the aftermath is disastrous. I'm very proud of what Tom, Mark, Joe and Dan have put together as stories to be told afterwards. It made the whole process worthwhile. That's what I've enjoyed the most about HoM - as we've looked at what has gone on in the past and in history and we try to improve upon it.
QUESTION: You mentioned event will allow Marvel to tell different types of stories. We've seen espionage recently, what other types are you talking about?
BENDIS: It would spoil things a little to give it away. Let's just say we're putting the main Marvel characters in a position they've never in before and watching them deal with it emotionally and physically. Plus there are some new types of villains to pull out of the story. Something like this can't help but be interesting to new readers or the more classic readers.
QUESTION: Is it revamping genres or similar to DC's recent Countdown miniseries?
BENDIS: It's completely different from the DC ones. Different animals with different goals for what they want. Nothing feels like it needs to be fixed at Marvel and this isn't anything like that. This is more along the lines of here's a story that birthed itself out of Marvel continuity of years past an Av Dis; from there the wheels turned and a question like 'What if a Villain like Magneto put the screws to things and the world didn't get put back the way it was?' was formed.
QUESADA: People are speculating that we're fixing things or setting the clocks back. We're in no way doing that. Everything after this is a new take and spin.
TOM BREVOORT: We're making entirely new mistakes.
MARVEL: This gives us the chance to Kill Hawkeye all over again.
[laughs]
QUESTION: Is this actually happening to the mainstream characters? Like we saw Age of Apocalypse and Heroes Reborn but things were kind of the same afterwards ...
BENDIS: We aren't those stories.
One of the things I'm most proud of and that surprised some people is how emotional the story is. I can't speak for the other events and what they tried, but I'm very happy with how emotional the story turned out and the quality of the artwork and such. We can't be compared to anything that has come before. I haven't really seen this before you get excited and nervous.
QUESADA: With the other crossovers, things were normal afterwards. With this, things will definitely be quite different afterwards.
QUESTION: You said that this event will change the Marvel of the future, so if I hate the House of M, am I screwed reading Marvel Comics for the next ten years?
BENDIS: When we say "change" there are certain mega and micro events to change. It doesn't mean all of the comics will be radically different, but it is a world where now some things may be. It's not like Wolverine will now be blue and that's what his story will be about. There are things going on in the Marvel Universe, but something has happened now and characters are dealing with it in these new kinds of stories. We LOVE the Marvel Universe, and we're not turning it on its head because we think we know better. This is a love letter to every single Avengers and Magneto story.
QUESTION: How many issues is this?
BENDIS: 8 issues biweekly; the is opposite of the feeling you've been getting from Secret War. It's almost like a machine gun - every two weeks, *boom, boom, boom,* it's big.
QUESTION: In light of recent issues how many issues is this again?
ANSWER: laughs
QUESTION: The order cut off date is next week. Is this looking like Ultimate numbers or Avengers Disassembled numbers or something like that? Is it meeting expects?
BENDIS: The only thing we can say is its surpassing all expectations so far. Everyone here has a really big smile. Olivier Copiel killed on this. It will really put him on the map. I am so happy with him! I can't even tell you how great it is, and he doesn't even speak English!
[laughs]
QUESADA: Yes, he does!
BENDIS: Have you talked to him lately?
QUESTION: Where's the writing aspect coming from?
BENDIS: I'll tell you how it all started. After AV Dis, I kind of muttered to Joe, 'Hey you know Magneto is here and Wanda is here and Peitro is here, and this could really screw the X-Men and Avengers at the same time.' From there, the idea was put forth to a lot of the writers saying, 'hey if we did something like this, would it excite you or annoy you?' A lot of guys said, 'I'm in. I have something I can do with this!' From there, it built.
For the aftermath of House of M, we did the same thing where we all got together and plotted out what would be a very tight and profound aftermath to this and asked again, 'If we do this are you excited or upset?' And a lot of really talented guys jumped in to carry the torch. That's the most fun part of it for me, because writing such a solitary endeavor. I'm usually alone in my basement, like I am now, and to have others jump in and be a part of this and see the value of it dramatically is the best part of House of M.
QUESTION: Why does IRON MAN look like a Gundam?
ANSWER: People like Iron Man's new armor, some think he looks like a Transformer, but there's a lot of effort to make Iron Man the Shining Knight of the future that he's supposed to be. I said it before, my cell phone can take a picture, but Iron Man still has to use these roller skates.
QUESTION: With this conflict the characters are thrown in will they be aware of it and trying to fight against it or immersed in it against their wills. Are the characters involved completely subjected to it?
BENDIS: That's one of the mysteries of the story. Issue three has some answers. We have a very tight first act. Issue #2 has 21 scenes in it, which for me is a miracle.
QUESTION: If this affects what happens from this point on, what about the past events and lives of these characters? How does that come into play? Does it still matter?
BENDIS: It's a very emotional book.
QUESTION: Who is Layla Miller?
BREVOORT: She's an all new characters. She is crucially important and crucially important to plans afterward for the House of M. It's early for us to talk about and speak about. You will want to watch her as things go forward. We have clear plans for her as the first in another of new characters.
QUESTION: About continuity ... titles go back and forth on how tight continuity is. Will this draw continuity together or break them apart by this ability to tell new stories? It sounds like each title and subject are separate universe with different relationships and world views. How does it work in the future?
BENDIS: It works the way it has worked in the recent past. If you look at last year in the case of New Avengers, which has Spider-Man and Wolverine; and characters turning up elsewhere - all the characters share the Marvel universe. This is the opportunity for a connection and crossover and to see the effects of one book on another. This is and will continue to be an element going forward. No one in his own little boxes after this - everyone plays with everyone else. That's one of the beautiful things about House of M and New Avengers and what we're doing. We are seeing what new elements can come out of this interaction.
What some people have the feeling of when we say we're going to try something new is that we will destroy something old, but this is the opposite of that. When we announced the Ultimates, the reaction was 'you'll destroy the main Marvel universe!' And now, here we are a few years later, and that's not the case. New doesn't mean destroying anything old. It's kind of a valentine to what Marvel was in the early '70s. We wanted to push forward and not retell old stories over and over again - all that can still be accomplished and all that can still be done; this is a love letter to what has come before us.
BENDIS: I actually would like to say THE PULSE newspaper is a fun little bit that I think people will really enjoy. We actually put out a newspaper together with all the writers writing articles containing bits and pieces about the series you will only find in this edition.
QUESTION: Is Layla Miller only new character?
BENDIS: Nope.
QUESTION: Why bring in new characters when there are so many existing characters who could be used?
BENDIS: We'll be using the old too. I have no qualms about using classic characters, remember I'm the guy who shoved Jessica Drew down your throats in New Avengers. You'll see both new and old characters all share the same spotlight. We'll see what the public likes.
QUESTION: Will Hawkeye in series?
BENDIS: [solemnly] He passed away - very suddenly.
[laughter]
QUESTION: Will there be lots of deaths?
BENDIS: I won't say no, because everyone yells at you; but I will tell you it's weird that in three months there was an inordinate amount of killing in all my titles, which of course most I'd written ahead of time. So even though it seemed I was being all Hannibal Lector-ish, it wasn't my intention. I did make a promise this year to be all about the creation and birth and the new, so you're seeing things like the reintroduction of Sentry to new villains from the House of M and New Avengers. I made a promise to create and not destroy.
QUESTION: How are you going to make sure the House of M does not have all eggs in one basket?
BREVOORT: We tend to go forward with stories and with ideas that we have confidence in; so it's not a questions of all our eggs in one basket. We have confidence in it as a story to excite readers and fans, but they are not the only books we're putting out that month. It's not that we feel less excited - the basket is no different than before House of M - this is just shiniest thing in basket this month.
QUESTION: Does THE PULSE Special have any word about the cover image that has been bandied about that looks like a photo of the King of Spain?
ANSWER: The King of Spain not the biggest villain in the marvel universe
[laughter]
QUESTION: Are there any new permanent books launch as a result?
ANSWER: Yes. All have letter "M" Somewhere in the title.
Tomorrow I'll include all the upcoming House of M tie-ins & mini-series as the start of the event nears.
Marvel Comics has released the cover to the first issue of the eight-issue House of M series by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel. The cover is by Esad Ribic. House of M starts in June.
click here for a bigger image.
Marvel Comics released news today of a new series of six Dollar Digests. The digests will be 64 pages of black and white digests. The books will retail for $1.00 and may contain "abridged to fit format" stories of three classic Marvel Comics.
The first six digests will include Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, the Hulk, and the X-Men. The digests are:
SPIDER-MAN: AMAZING FANTASY DOLLAR DIGEST
Collects AMAZING FANTASY #15, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1, #2
FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FAMILY DOLLAR DIGEST
Collects FANTASTIC FOUR #1-#3
AVENGERS: ASSEMBLE DOLLAR DIGEST
Collects AVENGERS #1-#3
SPIDER-MAN: DOCTOR OCTOPUS DOLLAR DIGEST
Collects AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #3,#4,#5
HULK: HULK SMASH DOLLAR DIGEST
Collects HULK #1-#3
X-MEN: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM
Collects X-MEN #1-#3
These books will be on sale June 8th. The format will be digest size measuring 4 7/8 x 6 9/16.
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.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Elektra movie sold about 1 million combined DVD and VHS units Tuesday, its first day in release on home video.
Fox has announced its will rebroadcast the first Spider-Man and X-Men films as part of its spring Friday night movie schedule. Spider-Man, which debuted on the network last Thanksgiving, will air on Friday, April 29 at 8PM EST & X-Men will air on Friday, May 13 at 8PM EST.
In other news:
Iron Man, the third direct-to-DVD animated Marvel film will be coming out down the horizon. HBO/Cinemax will be airing Spider-Man 2 this summer. Can't wait for that! For more movie previews and new check out the Comics Universe Blog.
Mad! Fan has the new Darkstalkers #4 cover, as does the Joe Madureira! Fansite.
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.
GIANT SIZE X-MEN #3 Due to medical reasons, Dave Cockrum will no longer be penciling the all-new, 8-page Joss Whedon story. Instead, Neal Adams will pencil and ink this story. However, Dave Cockrum and John Cassaday did pencil the cover, which will be shown shortly. Clifford Meth from Silver Bullet Comics posted his conversation with Cockrum on the project and you can read about it here.
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."
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 CityStarting 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.
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.
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).
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