In the 4 years since its inauguration, Free Comic Book Day kept the tradition of free comics, big celebrations & getting new readers interested in comics. This year is no exception. Almost 2000 dealers, schools & libraries around the world are participating in the largest FCBD yet. At a contrast nearly 2 million books have been ordered for the event. You can see which comics will be given out here, and sign up for the newsletter for updates. And check to see if your local comic shop participates. Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7th, 2005.

press release:

BURBANK, CA - Silver Pictures, producer of the revolutionary, $3 billion-grossing Matrix franchise, has signed Joss Whedon, creator of the phenomenally popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series, to write and direct the feature film action adventure Wonder Woman based on the DC Comics character. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"We are excited about working with Joss," Robiov said. "He brings great energy and creativity to the process. His work on Buffy makes him uniquely qualified to handle the Wonder Woman character."

"There's no one better than Joss to adapt the legendary Wonder Woman comic book character created in the 1940s into a dynamic feature film for 21st century audiences," producer Joel Silver added. "Wonder Woman was the first great female superhero to emerge from comic books and later inspire millions of fans in her television incarnation, but unlike her counterparts Batman and Superman, this groundbreaking heroine has yet to be reinvented for the feature film arena."

"Wonder Woman is the most iconic female heroine of our time, but in a way, no one has met her yet," Whedon said. "What I love most about icons is finding out what's behind them, exploring the price of their power. When Joel and I began discussing the character, I realized there is a woman behind the legend who is very fascinating, very uncompromising, and in her own way, almost vulnerable. She's someone who doesn't belong in this world, and since everyone I know feels that way about themselves, the character clicked for me."

Whedon created and executive produced the hit television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which ran for seven seasons on The WB and UPN, based on his screenplay for the 1992 feature film of the same name. Whedon also created and executive produced the successful Buffy spin-off series Angel, and wrote the screenplays for the films Toy Story and Alien: Resurrection. He is currently completing post-production on the feature film Serenity, which he wrote and directed based on his television series Firefly.

Wonder Woman will be produced by Joel Silver and Leonard Goldberg, and is based on the DC Comics character created by William Moulton Marston.

Wonder Woman will be released worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company & is scheduled for a 2006 release, presumely after Superman Returns.

"Everybody is in agreement that casting is not an issue right now," Whedon says. "It's not a vehicle to be built around a particular star. We want to write the thing, find the right character and then figure out who should play her. There are various famous people whose names have come up, because that always happens, but you know, we're talking about Wonder Woman here. Those are tough booties to fill... I think we will go a little younger than the traditional idea of Wonder Woman"

Kim Basinger, Jessica Biel, Minnie Driver, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jordan Bayne (Poltergeist:The Legacy), & Satu Rautaharju (Dawson's Creek) have all been rumored to be the next Wonder Woman. But according to a report in today's Herald Sun, Mischa Barton is another on Warner's "Wonder Woman" wish-list. Also, Sandra Bullock, who's been long rumored to take on the role has been quoted by The New York Post saying "the idea of my doing Wonder Woman also bit the dust." Check here for more news as it develops.

FOX announced in January at the TV Critics Association winter press tour that the show will air its first new episode in more than three years on Sunday, May 1st. The network has committed to a full season's worth of episodes, so it's likely that the show can run well into the summer without repeating. Also that night, FOX will launch the series run of "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane's new show, "American Dad." It centers on Stan Smith, an excessively gung-ho CIA agent who tends to bring his work home with him.

"Family Guy" also received the coveted post-Super Bowl premiere spot in 1999, but the show never got much love from FOX after that. It bounced around the network's schedule for three-plus seasons before being pulled for good in February 2002. The show's loyal cult following, however, made it a huge seller on DVD -- its compilations have sold a combined 3.5 million units -- and repeats on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim performed well, prompting FOX to commission new episodes. Even a rumored movie plot follows the dysfunctional Griffin family, in which the young domination-bent baby, Stewie, searches for his real father.

Check out the Official Family Guy Website & the 20th Century Fox Family Guy site & here for news and more on Family Guy.

With less than a week until the opening of Sin City, the anticipation is through the roof. "Sin City" is the title that Miller gave his cult comic-book series of the early 1990s, the tawdry, salacious depiction of which will spill onto the big screen next Friday in a film he co-directed with Robert Rodriguez. Based on the series of graphic novels created, written, and illustrated by Miller, Sin City is infested with criminals, crooked cops and sexy dames, some searching for vengeance, some for redemption and others, both. The movie incorporates storylines from three of Miller's graphic novels including 'Sin City,' which launched the long-running, critically acclaimed series, as well as 'That Yellow Bastard' and 'The Big Fat Kill.'

In Miller's Sin City, even the good guys are hard-drinking brutes with a barely restrained lust for the kill. The femmes fatales wield cigarettes like weapons, have legs up to there and breasts straight out of a teenage boy's fevered dream. The prostitutes are armed and dangerous, and they police the red-light district themselves - no cops allowed. Corrupt politicians are in cahoots with the church (jointly harboring pedophiles and serial killers); the town's sleazy bars are just brawls waiting to happen. In other words, "Sin City" takes the tropes of pulp fiction and film noir, crosses them with the outsized surrealism of the comics, and spikes it all with a toxic dose of horror-movie violence and sadomasochistic kink. It ain't pretty. But if you don't have the stomach for it, then stay the hell out.

Miramax, which produced the $40 million flick, is betting audiences will clamor to get in: "Sin City" is one of the most aggressively promoted movies of the spring, with an all-star cast that includes Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, Brittany Murphy, Benicio Del Toro and Nick Stahl. As helmed by Rodriguez ("El Mariachi," "Spy Kids") and Miller (on his first foray into film directing), it might well rank as the most faithful comic book adaptation ever: The actors were shot against green screen and the backdrops created digitally, often matching up panel for panel with the original comic - all in an effort to reproduce Miller's distinctive chiaroscuro lighting and skewed perspectives.

"Nobody's ever come this close to being this faithful," says the newly minted director by telephone two weeks before the "Sin City" opening. Miller, who also wrote the classics "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" and "Ronin," should know: Both "Daredevil" and "Elektra," recent movies based on two other Miller tales, sorely lacked the visual style and zest of the originals. And his last tour of duty in Hollywood - writing the screenplay for "RoboCop 2" - found the fiercely independent Miller at odds with the studio. So when Rodriguez first approached him about the possibility of adapting "Sin City," Miller had a one-word answer: No.

"I took an instant liking to Robert," Miller says, "but I turned him down. I just couldn't see it being done. I was afraid the endings would be changed and the whole thing made much nicer. It'd be shown to focus groups who'd say it was too violent." It wasn't until Rodriguez invited Miller down to his Texas studio to film a test scene (at the director's own expense) that he clinched the deal. As Miller recalls it, he arrived in Austin to find actors Josh Hartnett and Marley Shelton already on the set. Quentin Tarantino showed up to "guest direct" one memorable scene: a surreal conversation between Dwight (Owen) and Jackie Boy (Del Toro) - the latter happens to be dead, incidentally - as they speed down a rain-slicked highway.

Here's a list of Miller must-haves:

Sin City (Dark Horse) The seven volumes of Frank Miller's noir-inspired tale of crime and redemption in the nightmarish title city: "The Hard Goodbye" ($17), "A Dame to Kill For" ($17), "The Big Fat Kill" ($17), "That Yellow Bastard" ($19), "Family Values" ($12), "Booze, Broads & Bullets" ($15) and "Hell and Back" ($28).

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DC, $14.95) The story credited with inspiring the "Batman" movies of the late 1980s and the 1990s, "Dark Knight" brings Batman out of retirement, pairs him with a female Robin and pits him against an old ally - Superman. Illustrated with Klaus Janson.

Daredevil/Elektra: Love & War (Marvel, $29.99) Two beloved comic book characters forever associated with Miller: Daredevil, the blind superhero, and Elektra, the coed-turned-ninja assassin. Illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Ronin (DC, $19.95). A 13th century samurai warrior whose master has been killed finds himself reincarnated in 21st century New York and seeks revenge against the ancient demon that dishonored him.

Hard Boiled (Dark Horse, $16.95) A suburban tax collector and family man is actually a homicidal android in this ultraviolent "Blade Runner"-ish tale illustrated by Geoff Darrow.

300 (Dark Horse, $30) The true historical story of a small force of 300 Spartan warriors who withstood the invading Persian armies at Thermopylae in 480 BC. With Miller's wife, Lynn Varley, as colorist.

Sin City opens Friday, April 1st. For more info, check out CBR's interview with the actors & their review of the movie. Also, check out the official site & trailer. Enjoy!

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 hereofficial site. as well as the

DC Comics
Written by Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka and Judd Winick; Art by Rags Morales, Ed Benes, Phil Jimenez, Ivan Reis, Jesus Saiz, and various; Cover by Jim Lee and Alex Ross

Three of the most acclaimed and popular writers in comics — Geoff Johns (TEEN TITANS, JSA), Greg Rucka (ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN) and Judd Winick (BATMAN, OUTSIDERS) — join an all-star roster of artists for DC COUNTDOWN, an 80-page Spectacular with the incredibly low cover price of $1.00!

Artists Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), Ed Benes (BIRDS OF PREY), Ivan Reis (ACTION COMICS), Phil Jimenez (WONDER WOMAN, New X-Men), and Jesus Saiz (MANHUNTER) each pencil chapters of a story that follows a member of the JLA through a mystery that touches on nearly every character in the DCU!

Topped with a cover pencilled by Jim Lee (SUPERMAN, BATMAN) and painted by Alex Ross (KINGDOM COME, JLA: LIBERTY AND JUSTICE), DC COUNTDOWN is an essential project that features nearly every major character operating in the DC Universe. It's a project that will resonate for months to come and is a perfect jumping-on point for readers who've been wondering where the people who helped deliver IDENTITY CRISIS could possibly be going next. You won't want to miss it! And the clock is ticking...

DC Universe | 80pg. | Color | $1.00 US

On Sale March 30, 2005

If anybody wants to see interiors, check out the spoilers if you like at PopCultureShock & the huge preview at the ComicFanatic website. More on this in the coming days, so keep checking here periodically.

As the Marvel Universe's New Avengers confront a huge jailbreak threatening the citizens of New York, the event poses new dangers for one of the team's most famous members, in Spider-Man: Breakout, a five-issue Marvel Comics mini-series.

Written by Tony Bedard and illustrated by Manuel Garcia & a cover by Mike Deodato, the mini-series will tie into both Spider-Man Month and the chart-topping New Avengers. Fans of that series who don't regularly buy books from the Spider-Man line, and Spider-fans who may not travel beyond Spidey's titles may be encouraged to do so by this exciting project.

Spider-Man: Breakout #1 will place the web-slinging wonder in the middle of the mass escape taking place in New Avengers, which sends some of Marvel's deadliest villains into the streets of Manhattan -- and when two warring cliques of these powerful cons face off, guess who swings between them? Find out April 20th, for $2.99. Click here for the Pulse's exclusive interview!

source: The Sony Spider-Man Movie Website

Thomas Haden Church, who was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Sideways, has been cast as Spidey's new archenemy in the next chapter of the Spider-Man franchise. Director Sam Raimi made the annoncement Monday along with producers Laura Ziskin and Marvel Studios' Avi Arad.

Spider-Man 3, which is scheduled for release May 4, 2007, will reunite the team that was responsible for the first two blockbuster films, which combined to gross more than $1.5 billion in worldwide ticket sales. The new film will again star Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, and Kirsten Dunst is expected to reprise her role as Mary Jane Watson. Production on Spider-Man 3 is scheduled to begin early next year.

The PSP (short for PlayStation Portable) is a sleek device resembling a polished wedge of black granite. With flush buttons on its gleaming surface, it's a designer device that's cool to see and be seen with.The PSP delivers when it comes to entertainment, playing everything from movies to PlayStation 2-quality games.

The PSP uses software that rivals the performance of TV console games, thanks to a fast 333MHz processor and an integrated proprietary UMD optical drive. It has a built-in 4.3-inch color flat-panel (measured diagonally) and built-in stereo speakers. At about 8 ounces, this true handheld is far more than a game. It's powered by a rechargeable battery or with an AC adapter. It has an Infrared (IrDA) wireless interface for simultaneous communication with other PSP units in the same room plus an integrated 802.11b wireless WiFi adapter to allow online playing over wireless networks. You can even use the PSP to listen to your favorite MP3 files, view movies, and store digital photos and videos, in addition to playing advanced games. What's really stunning is that all this technology has been incorporated into a super compact 6.7" wide x 2.91" deep x 0.91" high, jacket pocketsize unit.

The UMD is the Universal Media Disc. It holds up to 1.8GB (that's 1.8 billion bits of information) of data storage, which translates to powerful game action and visuals. It can also play movies, released on the UMD format. When connected to a computer (and Internet connection), through the USB 2.0 port, it can record ATRAC and MP3 music files, MP4 video files, and JPEG digital photo files. Each UMD disc can hold up to two hours of DVD-quality music videos or four hours of standard quality. At this point, Sony and other developers are creating game and video software for this format. It's also MemoryStick friendly. This popular digital-media memory format is used in Sony digital-cameras, PDAs, computers, camcorders, and other devices. Sized smaller than a stick of chewing gum, the MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card can be inserted into a slot of the PSP. This memory format is available in models with up to 1GB capacity. The unit comes with a 32MB card, fine for saving games but not nearly big enough to handle photos or music. A really unique PSP feature is integrated 802.11b WiFi connectivity.

The 4.3-inch screen uses the same technology found on flat-panel HDTV and computer monitors. With the capability of displaying up to 16.7 million colors, it offers widescreen viewing in a 16:9 perspective, just like a movie theater screen. The TFT LCD panel produces image resolutions up to 480x272 and offers selectable brightness modes of up to 200 nits (cd/m2) brightness, depending on the power source. This means that it's bright enough to comfortably view in virtually any lighting situation.

The first million PSPs sold will come with the movie Spider-Man 2, and it looks great on the device. Colors are bright, movement is crisp and, with the supplied earphones, sound is just right. Play this on the bus or plane and people will be looking over your shoulder. Sony, Buena Vista and Lion's Gate studios support UMD, and movies are expected to retail for $20. Gaming, however, is the heart of the PSP, and it shines almost as brightly as the reflective black surface. The sampler that accompanies the device features clips from games and movies, so plan on another $40 to $50 for a game (24 titles were available at launch March 24). Ridge Racer and Tiger Woods PGA Tour shine on the PSP. Controls are tight and responsive on Ridge Racer, a colorful and entertaining race-car game.

Sony has sold more than 1.1 million PSPs in Japan since December. But the company put off its launch in Europe in order to have enough units in the U.S. Supplies are good, he said, but after the initial allotment runs out soon, there's no telling exactly when more PSPs will arrive, he said. He remembered the launch of the PlayStation 2 at the same store in 2000, when Sony had only 500,000 units on hand across the country. For Sony, which just promoted Howard Stringer as CEO, the PSP is an important product. "The timing of this launch is good. We've got a new management team, and I believe they know the importance of the games division.''

Check out the official PSP site for more info. Get the latest walkthroughs & cheats at ign. Also, ign has an article about the PSP's wifi. Learn how towatch videos on the PSP (and download video) at PSP Connect & see which games are/will be available here.

While there are a handful of good to even excellent comic book games -- Spider-Man 2 and The Punisher, for instance -- there are fewer and fewer really bad ones. Encore's Daredevil, which never made it to market, and TDK's Aquaman, which just plain sucked, are more remnants of bad publishing and cheap development that anything else. And remember, Titus made perhaps the worst comic book game ever, Superman 64, a long, long time ago.

Flash forward to 2005 and it looks like theres nowhere to go but up in quality. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, a single-player action game, will hit retail stands in August 2005 on Xbox, PS2, and Gamecube.

Ultimate Destruction is the full-monty Hulk experience. The first title approached smash everything, but Ultimate Destruction will blow gamers away with "I can't believe I just did that" moments. The scale and sense of freedom of this game is much greater than any other comic book videogame to date. If you felt that locomotion in other games was great as you swing from place to place like a monkey in tights, you are in for a big surprise -- nothing can stop the Hulk! You can barrel down the street sending buses and traffic into oblivion, run up buildings leaving a swath of destruction in your wake and leap over buildings as you bound across the city linking super jumps together. The game engine was re-written to make sure that the player has the freedom to lose control -- where the world is your weapon and you can choose how, when and where to play. But this is not a sequel in any way. Ultimate Destruction has an original story penned by none other than the award-winning Paul Jenkins. The story and the game are true to the Marvel universe and to the Hulk's history. It is firmly rooted in the Hulk comic heritage but we did not stop there -- in a videogame first, the story from Ultimate Destruction is actually forming part of the Hulk continuity.

The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the game will boast progressive-scan and 720p support respectively, both of which offer greater visual definition than standard video out. Looks like Gamecube gets left out. The developer decided to forego a progressive-scan mode for the GameCube version after Nintendo last year removed the component video out port from newly manufactured GameCube consoles. Radical Entertainment still plans to support Dolby Pro logic II in-game with the GameCube version. It was said that the GCN version stacks up nicely with the others and that the development team has actually been able to pull off some effects easier on the console than on either PlayStation 2 or Xbox.

Look for much more on this game here & ign in the coming weeks.

Variety reports that a potential summer showdown between two presumed blockbusters has been averted. Fantastic Four had originally been scheduled to open July 1st. Its closest competition, Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds, will bow June 29th.
Fantastic Four has now forsaken the Independence Day holiday window by shifting its release date to July 8th.

Instead of battling Martians at the box office, Fantastic Four will face supernatural opponents instead: the big-screen remake of the TV classic Bewitched (starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell) and the Kate Hudson thriller Skeleton Key.

"We are not running from War of the Worlds," Fox president of distribution Bruce Snyder advised The Hollywood Reporter. "This (new) date just works better for us."

Worldwide release dates for Fantastic Four can be found here.

For more info on the countdown til the release check out http://www.fantasticfourmovie.com/ and for the trailer go to http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/fantastic_four/index.html

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.