Pixar Animation Studios said on Thursday its latest release, The Incredibles, sold 17.7 million home video and DVD units domestically since its March release.

Pixar Chief Financial Officer Simon Bax said the film has sold 5.7 million units internationally and was on track to become the company's second-best-selling release, behind "Finding Nemo."

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.

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

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

press release:
DC COMICS RUSH SOLICITS PRELUDE TO INFINITE CRISIS SPECIAL

Find out just how deep the roots of Infinite Crisis extend with the Prelude to Infinite Crisis Special, a 96-page collection of the key stories leading up to this monumental event. Prelude to Infinite Crisis features a composite cover with images by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund, Jesus Saiz, Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines, and Ivan Reis & Marc Campos.

Scheduled to arrive in stores on June 22 with a cover price of $5.99 U.S., Prelude to Infinite Crisis collects the crossover story from The Flash #219 and Wonder Woman #214 in their entirety, plus the lead story from Superman Secret Files 2004. Along with these are select pages from nearly two dozen other DCU comics, with new text adding context to each story sequence.

"With the buzz on Infinite Crisis continuing to grow, we're happy to help fill reader demand with Prelude to Infinite Crisis," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP-Sales. "Retailers should place orders on this Special as soon as possible to avoid being left out."

Prelude to Infinite Crisis (MAR058148) is available for order now and is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 22 with a cover price of $5.99 U.S. To ensure delivery on that date retailers must place orders by Sunday, June 12; please note that quantities will be limited and may sell out before June 12. DC recommends that retailers place orders as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Retailers may order the issue by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.

For more information, please see the Previews update page in the May 18 Diamond Dateline.

UPDATE:
According to DC, “pages and panels” from the following titles will be included in the special, though the list is no all-inclusive. Other Crisis tie-ins may also be included.

Action Comics #826
Superman #216
Adventures of Superman #630
Adventures of Superman #638
Superman/Batman #6
Green Lantern: Rebirth #4
Wonder Woman #215
Titans/Young Justice Graduation Day
Teen Titans #18
Teen Titans #19
Teen Titans #21
Teen Titans #23
JSA #58
JSA #70
JSA #72
Robin #135
Outsiders #21
Outsiders #22
Manhunter #6
Aquaman #29
Birds of Prey #80
Adam Strange #8

Prelude To Infinite Crisis Special will be in stores on June 22 with a cover price of $5.99.

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.

press release:

New Writing Achievement Award to Honor Bill Finger

The first annual Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing will be given at this summer’s Comic-Con International: San Diego. The award will go to an individual for his or her lifetime contributions to the art of comic book writing.

Jerry Robinson spearheaded creation of the award to honor his friend and co-worker Bill Finger, who wrote the first Batman stories and created much of the Batman mythos in comics’ Golden Age. Robinson will chair the five-person jury that will choose this year’s recipient. The other members of the jury are comics writer and historian Mark Evanier, cartoonist/screenwriter/playwright Jules Feiffer, comics writer/editor Denny O’Neill, and comics writer/editor/historian Roy Thomas. The composition of the jury will change each year.

The first Finger Award recipient will be announced in June, and the award will be presented by Robinson during the Eisner Awards ceremony in San Diego on the evening of July 15. The initial winner will receive a plaque, but plans are for the award to have its own special design in future years. The award will fall under the auspices of Comic-Con International and will be administered by Eisner Awards administrator Jackie Estrada.

The first year of the award will be underwritten by DC Comics; sponsorship will be open to other companies in future years. In supporting the award, DC Publisher Paul Levitz says, “I grew up loving Bill's writing in comics and on TV, without knowing who he was, and then had the privilege of being the person to whom he delivered his very last script. His accomplishments were as oversize as the props he loved to include in his stories."

The jury is currently accepting suggestions for consideration for the award. Any comics writer, living or dead, published in any country, who has produced a significant body of creative comics writing is eligible. Anyone who would like to suggest nominees for the award can e-mail names to Jackie Estrada (jackiee@mindspring.com), who will pass them along to Robinson.

“Unfortunately, Finger died mostly forgotten and unheralded except among his colleagues and comics historians,” says Robinson. “Establishing this award in his name will help remedy that wrong.”

About Bill Finger:
Bill Finger (1914–1974), the unsung hero and co-creator of Batman, scripted the first and many of the best Batman stories during the Golden Age of comic books. He created many of the series’ most notable characters, including the Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, and Two-Face, and he made significant refinements to Batman’s concept and persona. Finger wrote the scripts that introduced the Bat Cave, Batmobile, Batplane, and Batsignal. Many terms he created, such as the Dynamic Duo and Gotham City, have become part of our lexicon. Finger was a craftsman, and his Batman’s adventures were carefully plotted, as well as being imbued with humor and sprightly repartee. Above all, he was a visual writer—he knew instinctively what the artist could translate into compelling pictures and sequential narrative.

Finger’s comics writing credits include many other DC characters, including the Green Lantern and Wildcat, and many titles for Quality Comics, Fawcett Publications, and Timely Comics. His television credits include episodes of 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, the animated New Adventures of Superman, and the primetime Batman series.

If you wanna learn more about Bill Finger, check out this site for a bio on Batman's creator.

press release:
PRAISE THE LORDS OF KOBOL, BATTLESTAR IGNITES WITH DYNAMITE!

May 5, 2005, Runnemede, NJ – Dynamic Forces Inc., the parent company of Dynamite Entertainment, announced today its agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Product Group to release comics based on the modern version of Battlestar Galactica. The comic series will launch Fall 2005.

“Battlestar Galactica is the new #1 show on TV, and we can’t wait to release the comics,” explained Dynamite Entertainment spokesperson J. Allen. “What we’re seeing is really unheard of in modern storytelling and television in that the classic Battlestar remains beloved while the new Battlestar remains faithful enough to the source, while allowing for bold, new directions, and in the eyes of many, exceeding all expectations thanks to the vision of Ron Moore.”

"We are confident in Dynamite Entertainment’s ability to develop and distribute high-quality comics that will build off of the strength and staying power of this great property,” said Cynthia Modders, senior vice president of sales and retail development at Universal Studios Consumer Products Group.


About Battlestar Galactica
Produced by Universal Television and Glen A. Larson, the hit TV series, Battlestar Galactica, was first broadcast on ABC in September 1978. Starring Lorne Green, Richard Hatch, and Dirk Benedict, this epic space saga went on to become a veritable sci-fi classic. With just thirty-six episodes created, Battlestar Galactica has enjoyed syndication over the last two decades, most recently on the SCI FI Channel.

With its compelling storyline, memorable characters and exciting visual effects, millions of fans tuned in every week to join Commander Adama, Apollo, Starbuck and the crew of the Galactica on their journey through the galaxy. Hunted by the diabolical Cylons, a mechanical race set out to destroy all humans, the crew of the Galactica and its ragtag fleet of survivors’ only hope was to find legendary planet Earth—believed to be the home of the missing Thirteenth Colony of Man.

Inspired by the classic series, this extraordinary story was re-imagined by SCI FI Channel and NBC Universal Television Studio in December of 2003 in the form of a 4-hour miniseries event. Capturing a new generation of fans, Battlestar Galactica became the most-watched cable miniseries of the year and led SCI FI to continue the saga through a one-hour weekly series. Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, the new Galactica has distinguished itself by the intensity and present day relevance of its stories and the command performances of its ensemble cast. Now one of television's most critically-lauded shows, Battlestar Galactica recently concluded its freshman season as SCI FI's highest-rated original series to date. Production is currently underway on its second original season which will premiere on SCI FI in July.


About Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of the extensive catalogue of NBC Universal properties. Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates the No. 1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.


About Dynamite Entertainment
Dynamite Entertainment is a premier licensor and innovative publisher of the comic industry's key and most popular comics including the Army of Darkness, Jim Starlin's Cosmic Guard, The Re-Animator, Eduardo Risso's Borderline, Fulu, Parquee Chas, Lectures Macabre and the #1 selling title in April of '05, Red Sonja. More information about the company can be found online at http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com Dynamite Entertainment is a subsidiary of Dynamic Forces, Inc.

press release:
Lynx Studios and Alias Comics announced today that a new website for the upcoming comic book LETHAL INSTINCT has gone live. Fans and readers are encouraged to visit the site at http://www.lethalinstinct.com for more information about the upcoming first issue as well as future chapters in the story.

LETHAL INSTINCT is the story of Frank Aaron, a police officer who struggles with the curse of being a werewolf. As Officer Aaron investigates the brutal murder of the Mayor’s family, he notices claw marks, saliva, and animal hair at the crime scene, leading him to wonder if he might be responsible, particularly since he can faintly remember being there as a wolf the night before. But in the course of his investigation, he discovers that there is another werewolf in town, and he is forced to use the abilities of his feral side to track down his counterpart and solve the mystery of the murder.

The book was created and written by Rômulo Soares, the head of Lynx Studios, with additional help from Wagner Baehr (plot) and Bart A. Thompson and Ernst Dabel (dialogue). It features art from international illustrators Jack Jadson and Alex Borges, with Wellington Dias and Jackson Gebien on inks, Mario Gonzáles and Charlie Kirchoff on colors, and Ben Basso and Sébastien Hombel on letters. ALIAS Executive Director Mike S. Miller served as editor.

LETHAL INSTINCT is a 6-issue miniseries that will hit shelves in the latter half of May. Issue #1 will be released at a cover price of $.75 as part of ALIAS Comics’s "20-Year Rollback" pricing promotion.

press release:
Spike TV will adapt the successful theatrical franchise Blade, based on the cult favorite Marvel Superhero, as a two-hour, action-adventure, television movie in early 2006. The announcement was made by Spike TV President Doug Herzog. Blade is Herzog's first original scripted programming announcement since he took over the network earlier this year.

"The action-adventure genre is largely ignored in today's television landscape, and we know it is something that our male viewers really want," said Herzog. "Blade is a great movie franchise with an established brand that men already recognize and identify with."

Blade is the unforgettable legend of an immortal warrior who battles a thriving underworld of vampires seeking to decimate the human race. Half man and half vampire, Blade uses his fierce powers and skills to fearlessly battle the demonic creatures of the night and carry on a blood-drenched crusade to prevent the ascendance of vampires over mankind. The blockbuster film starred actor Wesley Snipes and spawned two sequels. Combined, the films have earned more than $400 million worldwide.

Blade will be produced by New Line Television and Marvel Studios. David Goyer is executive producer. He penned the three screenplays for the Blade trilogy, and produced and directed the last installment of the franchise, Blade: Trinity.

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

press release:
George Pérez, the legendary artist who's contributed his talents to THE NEW TEEN TITANS, WONDER WOMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, the upcoming DC SPECIAL: THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY, and much more, has signed a 5-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.

"So many of my landmark successess have been with DC Comics, and I've developed so many long-lasting relationships with people there — it really feels to me like a family atmosphere," says Pérez. "I have great regard for what Dan DiDio's doing for the company as well. They made me a great offer, and it just seems like the place to be. I couldn't be more thrilled!"

"George is an incredible talent whose voice and vision helped define our world and his work will continue to shape the DC Universe for years to come," says Dan DiDio, VP — Executive Editor, DCU.

Some of Pérez's work for DC Comics may be found in these titles, all available for reorder:

• CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS

• THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE

• JLA/AVENGERS COLLECTORS EDITION OVERSIZED SLIPCASE

• THE NEW TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOL. 1

• THE NEW TEEN TITANS ARCHIVES VOL. 2

• THE NEW TEEN TITANS: THE TERROR OF TRIGON

• WONDER WOMAN: GODS AND MORTALS

• WONDER WOMAN: CHALLENGE OF THE GODS

In addition, issues of DC SPECIAL: DONNA TROY are available as follows:

• DC SPECIAL: THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY #1 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 25.

• DC SPECIAL: THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY #2 is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 7.

Also, THE NEW TEEN TITANS: WHO IS DONNA TROY? is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 1.

press release:
The excitement surrounding the "Rogue War" story continues to build, as THE FLASH #221 sold out at DC Comics on April 27, the day it arrived in stores.

"Howard Porter's artwork is continuing to explode off of the page," says writer Geoff Johns, "and the war has only just begun. Thanks to everyone for reading the book!"

Watch for the next chapter of "Rogue War" in THE FLASH #222, arriving in stores on May 25!

Check out the FLASH minisite here!

click here for a bigger view

GALACTIC BATTLE EXPLODES IN NEW PRINTING OF SOLD-OUT RANN-THANAGAR WAR #1!
press release:
Two planets erupt in battle in RANN-THANAGAR WAR #1, which sold out on April 25, over two weeks before the issue's in-store date of May 11.

DC Comics sends this issue back to press for a new printing with a recolored version of the original cover by Ivan Reis & Marc Campos.

RANN-THANAGAR WAR #1 Second Printing reprints the story by Dave Gibbons with art by Reis & Campos. This new printing is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 18.

"It's a blast for me to be working on such long-time favorite characters with such wonderful artists," says Gibbons. "I'm really happy there's such a buzz out there, too!"

"Like the three other miniseries spinning off from COUNTDOWN TO INFINITE CRISIS, it's no surprise that RANN-THANAGAR WAR sold out," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP — Sales. "We recommend that retailers order this new printing as soon as possible and increase their orders on upcoming issues."

Upcoming issues are available as follows:

• RANN-THANAGAR WAR #2 is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 8.

• RANN-THANAGAR WAR #3 is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 13.

Check out the RANN-THANAGAR WAR minisite here!

press release:

DEVIL’S DUE ANNOUNCES NEW THEME TO G.I. JOE COMIC BOOK SERIES

Series re-launches in June with a 25¢ issue

This summer, Devil’s Due Publishing (DDP) will introduce a new theme to its G.I. JOE line of titles, focusing on a smaller, more streamlined team with a rotating cast of guest stars. G.I. JOE #43 will be the last issue of the current G.I. JOE ongoing series when the world is turned upside down after a new menace hits both G.I. JOE and COBRA. And the changes will last forever. The new series will be titled G.I. JOE: America’s Elite.

The final two issues of the current series (#42 and #43) will each be 42 pages and cost $4.50. Exclusive preview images can be seen in the near future at www.devilsdue.net.

June will see the release of G.I.JOE: AMERICA'S ELITE #0, priced at an amazingly low 25¢. Issue #1 follows in July.

Some big-name creative talent takes over the reins. Joe Casey steps in as the new writer and newly signed exclusive DDP artist Stefano Caselli is on pencils. Current G.I. JOE writer, Brandon Jerwa will begin work on a top secret project that ties in with this title, and Tim Seeley begins drawing an equally classified upcoming project that is going to be his best work yet.

“The ‘new’ G.I.JOE will take place about one year after issue #43,” said Josh Blaylock, President of DDP. “Some of the characters will have gone through major changes and we’ll be tackling the age issues with the characters and the challenges each faces. The current series will end with a bang, that much you can bank on. And, yes, not all the key players will survive the series---on both the G.I. JOE and COBRA sides.”

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

press release:
BURBANK, CA - Bruce Wayne returns once again to put on the Batsuit and protect the citizens of Gotham City from all that is evil. The Batman: Training for Power will make its DVD debut on May 24, 2005 from Warner Home Video (WHV) as part of the popular DC Comics Kids Collection. The three-episode compilation will be priced to own at $14.97 SRP.

The animated series The Batman tells the story of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne and his emerging alter-ego Batman. Bruce is in his mid-twenties and is just starting to come into his own as defender and Caped Crusader of Gotham City. This younger Batman confronts updated versions of familiar foes, meeting each member of his classic Rogues' Gallery for the first time. With the likes of The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze and The Riddler, the Dark Knight takes his war on crime to the next level, employing a new arsenal of experimental Bat-gadgets and amped-up Batmobile, all operated and linked by an advanced remote-controlled invention he dubs the "BatWave." And each contest pushes The Batman's skills and awesome new gadgets to the max!

"With the theatrical release of Batman Begins later this year, we could not think of a better time to be releasing this hot new animated series on DVD," said Christine Martinez, WHV Vice President Non-theatrical Franchise Marketing. "Batman is such an icon in the animation and comic book world, and we are very excited that this DVD release will kick off 'The Year of the Bat,' supported by the multibillion dollar Batman franchise that is powered by this new hit TV show, summer blockbuster movie and popular toy lines."

Join the most complex and intriguing character in comic book history for action-packed super heroic adventures that test the limits of this legendary character's physical prowess and super-sleuthing skills. The Batman is a top 5 Saturday morning kids program with Boys 9-14, attracting nearly 2.4 million viewers each week on Kids WB! Awareness will increase as the series moves to Cartoon Network in April.

"The Bat in the Belfry" - The Batman finds himself dealing with a new breed of criminal when The Joker takes over Arkham Asylum then plans to fly a hot air balloon filled with Joker Gas--a toxin that leaves its victims in a strange "rictus" state--and release its contents all over Gotham!

"Traction" - The Batman battles the masked criminal Bane, and once Bane activates his chemical-steroid-infusion, Batman finds himself outmatched by brute strength.

"Call of the Cobblepot" - "Ozzy" Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, has delusions of rebuilding the lost Cobblepot fortune, via high-flying robberies employing various trained birds. Unaware of Cobblepot's criminal plans, Alfred goes to the dilapidated Cobblepot mansion where he is ensnared by Ozzy. Penguin will let his hungry birds feast upon Alfred, unless The Batman can rescue him in time.

DVD Special Features:
· The Batman Junior Detective Challenge - show off detection skills to unlock exclusive content
· "Building the Batman" featurette - join Detective Ellen Yin's search for The Batman's true identity
· "Cape & Cowl" toy Easter Egg

press release:
WILDSIDERZ #1, the debut issue of the highly anticipated 5-part miniseries by the DANGER GIRL team of J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell, will feature an exciting lenticular cover by Campbell!

"When we were looking at what we could do to make this launch stand out, Scott Dunbier brought up the idea of a lenticular, and I immediately said, 'That's perfect!'" says Campbell. "It's a great way to showcase the characters' unique abilities and give people a brief look at them in action. I've always been fond of animation, and this really showcases the fantastic elements of the series."

In addition, the issue will feature a regular edition with two variant covers, also both by Campbell!

WILDSIDERZ #1 is scheduled to arrive in stores in August.

And don't miss WILDSIDERZ #0, coming on June 15 with a special cover price of just $1.99 U.S. Also, be sure to check out the official site here.

press release:
As previously reported, two DC Comics legends, Clark Kent and Batman, will unite on Wednesday, May 18 (8:00 p.m. ET) as The WB presents the world premiere of an exclusive eight-minute special footage preview of the highly anticipated theatrical release Batman Begins, which will air within the 90-minute presentation of the season finale of the network's hit drama, Smallville.

"This is a great night for fans of the two most popular superheroes in the history of American Pop Culture," said David Janollari, President of Entertainment at The WB. "Fans of Smallville will not want to miss this special extended version of what will be the series best-ever season finale. Broadcasting exclusive footage of the summer's most anticipated feature film, Batman Begins, makes this a very exciting night for us and a natural fit for the fans of Smallville."

"We are thrilled to share this exclusive preview of Batman Begins with fans of Smallville," said Dawn Taubin, President of Domestic Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures. "Not only does this special event bring together two seminal American super-heroes, but both Smallville and Batman Begins give fans the opportunity to delve deeper into the mythology behind their heroes. May 18 promises to reveal exciting new chapters in the history of these legends, and kick off a summer that fans will never forget."

Smallville's 90-minute season finale is packed with murder, betrayal and an unforgettable graduation day for all.

"Superman and Batman have always been inextricably linked to each other, so it seems fitting that a show chronicling the Man of Steel's youth give you the first look at the birth of the Dark Knight," said Al Gough, executive producer Smallville. "Christopher Nolan is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we couldn't be more excited and honored to have our season finale complimented with exclusive footage from Batman Begins."

The WB has released titles and descriptions for the final three episodes of the fourth season of Smallville.

Following is a rundown:

Wednesday, May 4: "Ageless"

Clark (Tom Welling) and Lana (Kristin Kreuk) discover an abandoned baby in the cornfield and take him back to the Kent farm. However, once the baby ages from a newborn to a 7-year-old in a matter of days, Clark and Lana frantically search for a cure for his condition. Meanwhile, Genevieve (guest-star Jane Seymour) orders Lionel (John Glover) to kill Lana.

Wednesday, May 11: "Forever"

Clark must stop the school photographer (guest-star Steven Grayhm) after he sets up a secret simulated high school and begins kidnapping students -- starting with Chloe (Allison Mack) -- to keep the glory days of high school going forever. Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) and Lionel are kidnapped and tortured by the Teagues in an effort to find the crystal. However, after Genevieve realizes Lana has the crystal, she decides to put an end to the hunt once and for all.

Wednesday, May 18: "Commencement"

Clark begins to piece together the reason he was sent to Earth after he has a nightmare that something horrible is going to happen to Smallville and heads to the cave to seek answers from Jor-El. His biological father tells him he must reunite the three crystals immediately or a disaster of epic proportions will befall the planet and even Clark won't be able to stop it. Meanwhile, Lex first helps Lana escape Smallville after the death of Genevieve Teague then takes shocking action to get one of the crystals away from Lionel. Realizing the crystals are connected to Clark, Chloe tries to stop Lex from discovering the truth.

Hello again, and welcome to the Comics Impulse. I'm RedSpyda and I'll be delivering the latest & greatest in the world of comic books, comics history & related media (press releases, video game news & previews and more.) I hope you'll bookmark this site & give me feedback (any comment is helpful) on what I should and shouldn't feature here. I hope you'll check out what I call the Archives (the Original Comics Universe & New Comics Universe blogs) for back reference. I'll be still working on this blog so stop back frequently and hope you enjoy. Thanks again!

Press Release

X-World Comics is excited to announce our Fourth Annual 'Free Comics & Stuff Month'. Like most comic book retailers, X-World takes part in the industry's annual Free Comic Book Day. FCBD is a great way for stores to promote comic books to potential new readers, which are needed in order to create a future for the comic book industry. Being primarily an online store, it can however be a difficult challenge to get non comic book readers onto a comic book website to obtain free comics.

X-World takes tackles the challenge by setting aside one entire month per year to promote comics, advertising the event all over the internet and offering some of the years best comics free of charge to both new visitors and regular customers. Comics such as Green Lantern Rebirth, Ultimates, New Avengers, Y The Last man, Supreme Power and Young Avengers. It is our intent that our regular customers will pass some of the best that the industry has to offer to their friends, family...and that this willl bring new readers into the comic book community.

No purchase is necessary for many of the free comics, and some of the more expensive comics will be added to a customer's purchase as a bonus for certain $ amount spent... ie X-World may match .50 in free comics for every $ spent, for example.

Free Comic & Stuff Month runs throughout the month of May, 2005 at www.x-worldcomics.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The six hall of fame awards went to:

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

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

Adrian Dingle, creator of Nelvana.

Hal Foster, creator of Prince Valliant.

Ed Furness, creator of Freelance.

Rand Holmes, underground cartoonist.