Press Release:
DC Comics announces several changes for the fall 2007 lineup of SHOWCASE PRESENTS titles, including rush solicitations on three new titles, new instore and Final Order Cutoff dates change for two titles, and order cancellations for four titles.
DC Comics rush solicits the following titles:
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: WORLD’S FINEST COMICS VOL. 1 TP (JUL078179)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SGT. ROCK VOL. 1 TP (JUL078177)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 TP (JUL078178)
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: WORLD’S FINEST COMICS VOL. 1 TP (JUL0780179) collects stories from SUPERMAN #76 and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #71-111, written by Edmond Hamilton, Alvin Schwartz, Bill Finger, Jerry Coleman and others with art by Curt Swan, Dick Sprang, John Fischetti, Stan Kay, Charles Paris, Ray Burnley, Sheldon Moldoff and others.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: WORLD’S FINEST COMICS VOL. 1 is a 552 page black and white trade paperback with a cover price of $16.99 U.S., and is scheduled to arrive in stores on October 17. The Final Order Cutoff date for this title is September 13.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SGT. ROCK VOL. 1 TP (JUL0780177) collects stories from G.I. COMBAT #68 and OUR ARMY AT WAR #81-117, written by Robert Kanigher and Bob Haney with art by Joe Kubert, Jerry Grandenetti, Irv Novick, Russ Heath, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SGT. ROCK VOL. 1 is a 544-page black and white trade paperback with a cover price of $16.99 U.S., and is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 14. The Final Order Cutoff date for this title is October 11.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 TP (JUL0780178) collects stories from ACTION COMICS #252-281, SUPERMAN’S PAL JIMMY OLSEN #40, 44, 46, 51 AND 52, ADVENTURE COMICS #278, SUPERBOY #80, SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE 314, and SUPERMAN #123, 139, 140 and 144, written by Otto Binder, Jerry Siegel, Robert Bernstein and others with art by Al Plastino, Jim Mooney, Curt Swan, Dick Sprang, Kurt Schaffenberger, Wayne Boring and others.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 is a 528-page black and white trade paperback with a cover price of $16.99 U.S., and is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 28. The Final Order Cutoff date for this title is October 25.
In addition, the SHOWCASE PRESENTS: TEEN TITANS VOL. 2 TP which will appear in the September Previews now has a new instore date of October 31. This title may be ordered under its current item code of SEP070225 and has a new Final Order Cutoff date of October 11.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: TEEN TITANS VOL. 2 is an 512-page black and white trade paperback with a cover price of $16.99. This title collects TEEN TITANS #19-36, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #83 and 94 and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #205, written by Bob Haney, Mike Friedrich, Neal Adams, Robert Kanigher, Steve Skeates and Marv Wolfman with art by Gil Kane, Neal Adams, Nick Cardy, George Tuska, Carmine Infantino, Sal Amendola, Dick Dillin, Jim Aparo, Wallace Wood and Joe Giella.
Please also note that SHOWCASE PRESENTS: METAL MEN VOL. 1 TP (JUL070211) has a revised instore date of September 26, with a new Final Order Cutoff date of August 30.
Also, current orders for the following SHOWCASE PRESENTS titles are cancelled. These titles will be resolicited at a later date:
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: CAPTAIN CARROT VOL. 1 (JUN070217)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE GREAT DISASTER FEATURING THE ATOMIC KNIGHTS AND HERCULES VOL. 1 (JUL070210).
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE SUICIDE SQUAD VOL. 1 (AUG070283)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SECRET SOCIETY OF SUPER VILLAINS VOL. 1 TP (AUG070284)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: JONAH HEX VOL. 2 (SEP070223)
Look for retro-solicitations of SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: THE BATMAN TEAM-UPS VOL. 2 TP and SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA VOL. 3 TP, both scheduled to arrive in stores in December, in the October Previews.
DC COMICS ANNOUNCES NEW TITLE FOR TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PRESENTS: THE ANTI-MONITOR #1
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PRESENTS: THE ANTI-MONITOR #1 (AUG070223) will arrive in store with the title TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PRESENTS: SUPERMAN PRIME #1. This issue now will run 48 pages and feature a cover price of $3.99 U.S.
Retailers may adjust orders on this title through the Final Order Cutoff date of October 4.
Press Release:
Marvel is pleased to announce that Thor #1 Second Printing Coipel Variant has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level)…and the issue will return for a third printing! Featuring a black & white sketch version of superstar Michael Turner’s red hot Thor #1 cover (also available as a full color poster), Thor #1 Third Printing Turner Sketch Variant will arrive in stores to meet the overwhelming demand for the God Of Thunder’s return!
“We’re excited to see such a strong response from critics, fans and retailers to this electrifying re-launch of Thor,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales & Publishing Circulation. “Not only was this the number one book in July, but we’ve now sold well over 200,000 copies, reminding fans why Thor is one of the most enduring Marvel characters. And if you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, just wait till Iron Man and Thor battle it out in Thor #3!”
The critics can’t stop raving about the series, with Newsarama.Com’s Troy Brownfield exclaiming, “With intelligent writing, great art, and a renewed sense of vision, Thor is definitely succeeding.”
Superstar writer JMS and red hot artist Olivier Coipel continue their thrilling rejuvenation of Thor in Thor #3, as the titular hero confronts his former ally Iron Man. How will the two deal with the effects of Civil War? Let’s just say that’s neither one is getting out of there without a few scratches! And if you missed the second issue of this series, make sure to pick up Thor #2 Coipel Wraparound Second Printing Variant, revealing just how Asgard returns! And for a special behind the scenes look at Thor, you can’t miss Marvel Spotlight: Thor!
THOR #1 THIRD PRINTING TURNER SKETCH VARIANT (JUL078099)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils by OLIVIER COIPEL
Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—09/06/07, On-Sale—09/26/07
THOR #2 COIPEL WRAPAROUND SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JUN078193)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—09/12/07
THOR #3 (JUL072192)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
50/50 Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—09/12/07
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: THOR (JUL072193)
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—09/06/07, On-Sale—09/26/07
THOR POSTER (MAY072199)
24X36 Color Poster...$6.99
On-Sale Now!
I have a small (2,500) comic book collection and about 50 trade paperbacks, graphic novels and the like. I was reading this thread today which made me think: Which collected trades should I get? Here's a ongoing list of stuff I wanna get:
Marvel:
*Planet Hulk Omnibus (Though I'm only missing the last chapter from the story)
DC:
*Heroes - The Graphic Novel (for my girl, she loves that show...)
*New Teen Titans - The Judas Contract TPB
*Batman - Knightsend (Got the Knightfall TPB way back in '93... wonder if it's still in print?)
*Superman - Return of Superman (just to complete the Death of/World Without a Superman TPBs)
*Crisis On Infinite Earths (to help with a future project of mine)
*The Legion of Super-Heroes - An Eye For An Eye TPB (Kinda symbolic for me...)
*Superman - Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow? (best Superman story EVER)
DC/Vertigo:
*Death:The High Cost of Living TPB
*V For Vendetta
*The Witching Hour
*Y The Last Man vol. 1-9
I saw this coming from a mile away, and if this keeps up there will be another comics implosion, similar to the DC Implosion of 1978 & the time right after Superman died. I was surprised back when I first saw it on the news, so the following Saturday I go to my lcs & they had 1 copy left, the only sold-out book in the store... they're just building for the movie which should be out sometime in 2009.
The comics industry lost a luminary this weekend - Mike Wieringo passed away Sunday of a sudden heart attack. Details are still sketchy as of this time, but according to close sources, the acclaimed artist had chest pains at some point during the day and called 911, but the responders did not make it in time.
Mike Wieringo was 44 years old. He was a vegetarian, and "one of the healthiest ones of us in the bunch," as his longtime friend and collaborator Todd Dezago described him.
Rest in peace to Mike & his family, he was a great inspiration to me, drew one of my favorite versions of Spidey & Flash as well as co-crafting the excellent series Tellos. I still have Flash #80, which I believe was his first DC work and his style had me hooked since. He will be missed.
For more info you can check his blog which his brother now maintains.
Mattel Inc. issued its second major recall in less than a month today, recalling about 9.6 million toys within the U.S. that were manufactured in China due to lead paint and loose magnet hazards, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Mattel also launched a national advertising campaign today, assuring consumers it is on top of product safety amid reports of an impending second big recall of its Chinese-made toys.
The full-page ad, which appears in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today, includes a letter from Mattel Chief Executive Bob Eckert, set above three playing children.
The CPSC said the recall impacted a number of product lines including various "Polly Pocket" dolls, a "Barbie Doll and Tanner" magnet, Batman & One Piece action figure sets and a die-cast car from the Pixar movie "Cars."
Coupled with news of the death of Zhang Shuhong, the head of Lee Der Industrial Co., the company that manufactured lead-tainted Sesame Street toys at the center of a massive U.S. recall, hung himself over the weekend and the fact that recalled products have been on the market as far back as May 2003, this doesn't look good for China or US biz.
Read more on this here
20th Century Fox-based production company New Regency has partnered with the Mark Gordon Company to adapt Voltron: Defender of the Universe into a possible franchise.
Producer Mark Gordon has been developing the film, based on the popular 1980s Japanese animated TV series, comic books and toy line, for some time with Justin Marks writing the script.
But interest in the property hit a high after Transformers turned into a box office juggernaut, raking in nearly $300 million to date.
Marks' take is described as a post-apocalyptic tale of survival set in New York City and Mexico.
In the animated series, five Galaxy Alliance pilots control vehicles shaped like lions that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron robot in order to battle an evil menace.
Gordon is producing with Lawrence Inglee and Jordan Wynn shepherding the project. Mark Costa and Ford Oelman are executive producers.
Marks is also adapting He-Man and the Masters of the Universe for Joel Silver at Warner Bros., as well as the Green Arrow pic Supermax, also at the studio. Marks also has Street Fighter in the works at Hyde Park and Fox.
"'Heroes' is one of those rare television series with such broad popular and critical appeal that it has become an instant cultural phenomenon," said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Digital Platforms. "With the extraordinary array of compelling bonus content offered on both the DVD and HD DVD respectively, this title, which has already generated tremendous anticipation among consumers, is well poised to be one of the greatest, must-have DVDs of the year."
The seven-disc DVD set is packed with revealing bonus features, including five featurettes, over 50 deleted scenes plus the 73-minute Tim Kring cut of the original series premiere that has never aired on television and much more. The seven-disc DVD version is priced at $59.98 S.R.P.
SUPERHUMAN EXTRAS
"Heroes: Season 1" reveals some of the show's hidden secrets with interviews, mini documentaries and extensive profiles, including:
* Unaired Pilot: The Tim Kring Cut with Audio Commentary -- A full 73 uninterrupted minutes of the original, unaired, extended pilot episode, as Heroes' creator Tim Kring first envisioned it, with a character never seen.
* The Making of "Heroes" -- From concept to pop culture phenomenon, a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest new series on television
* Special Effects -- The secrets behind the eye-popping visuals that give the Heroes their amazing powers.
* The Stunts -- A back stage look at the show's hair-raising stunts.
* Mind Reader -- Matt Parkman's mind reading abilities reveal your inner Hero with a series of simple tests.
* Profile of Artist Tim Sale -- A look at the Eisner Award-winning comic book artist (Spiderman, Batman, Daredevil) behind much of the Manga-influenced artwork used in the show.
* The Score -- Go behind the scenes with Wendy Melvin and Lisa Coleman (of Prince's The Revolution) as they create their ASCAP Award-winning musical score.
* 50 Deleted and Extended Scenes
SYNOPSIS
Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy), a genetics professor from Chennai, picks up his late father's research and makes an astonishing discovery -- a seemingly random group of people around the world are developing astonishing super powers. From a drug-addicted artist (Santiago Cabrera), who paints the future and an ambitious politician (Adrian Pasdar) who can fly, to a New York cop who hears other people's thoughts (Greg Grunberg) and a Japanese computer programmer (Masi Oka) who can distort the space time continuum, these new Heroes seem to have a shared destiny. Creator Tim Kring ("Crossing Jordan") fashions a complex new world full of hidden clues, breathtaking plot twists and suspense-filled conundrums for an exhilaratingly fresh story about average people who are confronting the existence of inexplicable super powers.
Also starring Milo Ventimiglia, Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter, Noah Gray-Cabey, Leonard Roberts, Tawny Cypress and Jack Colman, "Heroes: Season 1" is packed with special bonuses that take viewers deeper into this rich and riveting series. Relive the excitement or discover it for the first time with "Heroes: Season 1" on DVD and HD DVD.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: August 28, 2007
Pre-Order Close: July 24, 2007
Copyright: 2007 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $59.98 S.R.P.
Selection Number: 61101031
Discs: 7
Layers: DVD9 (SD)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1:78:1)
Rating: NR
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part 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 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% owned by Vivendi.
http://www.Heroesthedvd.com
http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/
The Spectacular Spider-Man is a planned animated television series that is slated to air in March 1, 2008 on Kids' WB on The CW. The TV series is named after the Marvel Comics series The Spectacular Spider-Man.
Riding the crest of Sony's anticipated summer blockbuster Spider-Man 3, the new animated series picks up the original web-slinger's mythology at the beginning of his hero's journey, the show starts the night before his senior year, albeit four months after he gained his costume and powers. He's learning the lessons that will make him a Spider-MAN.
Having spent the summer engaging common criminals with his new-found powers, Peter Parker must conceal his secret identity while engaging a new level of terror - the multi-leveled pressures of teenage life at home and school while combating bigger, badder super-villains in the real world like Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, and Many more classic villans.
According to writer Greg Weisman (creator of "Gargoyles"), the timeline of the original Spider-Man story arcs, which the series is based on will be condensed in order to move the series forward and include such classic and important characters as Flash Thompson, Gwen Stacy, Mary Jane Watson, Betty Brant, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, Aunt May Parker, Robbie Robertson, and Liz Allan.
The new series will not follow the same continuity as the Spider-Man film series.
Check out some concept art as well as the trailer here.
Comedy Central has entered into an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television to syndicate the existing episodes and air the new movies as new episodes in an episodic format as of February 2008. At Comic-Con 2007 it was announced that Futurama will return on November 27th as a full-length DVD release called Futurama: Bender's Big Score, which will be followed by three additional films: The Beast with a Million Backs, Bender's Game and Into the Wild Green Yonder. After their release, each film will be divided into four episodes and air on Comedy Central. The show originally aired from 1999-2003 on FOX but was constantly pre-empted by Football... glad to see the show return as Family Guy has as well as King of the Hill!
MTV News' Stephen Totilo managed to snag a plethora of details on the PSP 2000 (that's what they're calling it internally) from SCEA's head of marketing for the PSP division John Koller.
All future PSP titles from Sony will utilize the upgraded 333MHz clockspeed, reportedly without a hit on battery life, said Koller. A second thumbstick was considered, as was (briefly) a built-in hard drive instead of Memory Stick. Both ideas were ultimately turned down.
Sony has given the PSP-2000 a Japanese release date of Sept. 20. The handheld will release for ¥19,800 ($162) in six colors (black, white, silver and three pastels). If you'd like to know more about the gooey innards of the machine, feel free to check out the manual. PSP-2000 units will cost $199 in the US for an entertainment pack and $169 for the stand alone, they'll replace the original PSP model the same way the DS Lite replaced the phat.
SEATTLE, Aug. 6 (AP) — The Xbox 360 video game console from Microsoft will be $50 cheaper starting today, confirming leaked advertisements posted by bloggers in July.
The company said its most popular console, which comes with a 20-gigabyte hard drive, will cost $349.
A basic console without a hard drive or wireless controllers will retail for $279, $20 less, while the Xbox 360 Elite, a black version with a 120-gigabyte hard drive and high-definition video support, will drop $50, to $449.
Microsoft has been dodging questions about a price cut since its competitor Sony slashed the price of its 60-gigabyte PlayStation 3 to $499, from $599, in July. The Nintendo Wii, the least expensive of the so-called next-generation consoles, costs $250.
Last week, representatives of Wal-Mart Stores, Toys “R” Us and Microsoft refused to say whether blurred images found online — purportedly showing weekend ad circulars reflecting the price cuts — were authentic.
Aaron Greenberg, a group product manager for Xbox 360, said in an interview Monday that the ads were real. He also said competitors’ prices had no impact on Microsoft’s decision.
TORONTO, ON -- Aug. 7, 2007 -- Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the greatest holiday lineup in video game history by announcing it will reduce the Canadian retail price of Xbox 360™ by $100 (CDN) beginning today at Canadian retailers nationwide. Soon to follow, Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) will release its blockbuster video game title "Madden NFL 08" on Aug. 14. "Madden NFL Football," one of the most important mass-appeal franchises in video games, was the top-selling game of 2006 and is the top-selling franchise of the past 10 years. Only Xbox 360 offers a console for all interests and budgets.
The Core and Premium consoles are both receiving a hefty cut of $100 while the Elite will drop by $50. That means our neighbors up north can pick up a Core for $299, a Premium for $399, or an Elite for $499. Meanwhile, the Halo 3 special edition 360 is set to debut in September at $449. Frankly, if someone was going to spring for the Halo 3 system, we don't see why they wouldn't just take the plunge and get an Elite.
Warner Home Video is announcing that 300 has become the fastest and highest selling high definition DVD to hit the market thus far. Since July 31st, 2007, 300 has moved more than 250,000 copies of both the HD DVD and the Blu-ray disc. 300 was also added to some cable HD On Demand lineups on the same day.
"'300' is an amazing film, and the high definition sales we are seeing underscores the positive business benefits of supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray," said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video. "This phenomenal response to '300' is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today's market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales."
In some Time Warner markets, including Columbus, Ohio, 300 was added to the On Demand lineup on July 31, the same day it was released on standard and High-Definition disc (Blu-ray and HD DVD).
Comcast, the nation's largest cable operator, plans to add 300 to its HD On Demand menu on August 14, just two weeks after the DVD release.
In the past, home viewers would have to wait at least 30 days before seeing a new video release on cable or satellite VOD. But Warner Bros. has been testing 'same day' releases in select markets across the country.
The decision to release movies in the 'same day' format is another challenge to video retailers who are increasingly concerned about new video distribution methods.
Without the traditional "window" between the DVD release and the VOD premiere, there is less reason for the average viewer to rent the film from a video store.
In the past, Warner has tested the same day approach with lesser titles such as The Astronaut Farmer. But 300, which made $70 million during its opening weekend release, is far and away the biggest box office hit to get the same day treatment.
The film recounts the ancient clash between 300 Spartans and the Persian Army.
The Simpsons Movie easily led the international box office this weekend, adding $47.3 million from 6,627 theaters in 75 markets to bring the animated-comedy's worldwide take to $315.5 million in 12 days. The Simpsons Movie has earned $187 million overseas to date. This film is a must see, very funny & well worth the wait.
Transformers Hits $592.3 Million Worldwide
Transformers remained a solid overseas player with $30 million at 6,118 in 53 markets. The movie's foreign total has hit $296 million, nearly matching the domestic total. Transformers, which has exceeded Paramount's expectations offshore, should become the 48th pic to hit the $300 million international mark in a few days. It will be the fifth summer tentpole -- but first non-sequel -- to cross that milestone this summer after Spider-Man 3, "At World's End," "Order of the Phoenix," and Shrek the Third.
How does Samuel L. Jackson feel about his upcoming appearances in Iron Man & The Spirit? You can find out here.
Trekkies are in luck - Paramount announced at the San Diego Comicon a new Star Trek film directed and produced by J.J. Abrams, with Zachary Quinto (Heroes) confirmed as a young Spock. Leonard Nimoy will also play Spock... let the speculation begin!
Lastly, here's the Hellboy 2: The Golden Army teaser poster designed by Mike Mignola...
Official Press Release
Marvel Knights’ critically acclaimed limited series, Silver Surfer: Requiem, soars the spaceways to its powerful conclusion! The red hot creative team J. Michael Straczynski and Esad Ribic’s bring fans a moving account of the Silver Surfer’s final ride, which has shocked and thrilled fans and critics alike! Now, in the face of impossible odds, the Surfer has crossed the galaxy and arrived at Zenn-La. But what awaits him on his home planet?
“With the combined talents of J Michael Straczynski and Esad Ribic, Silver Surfer: Requiem is the start of a hauntingly epic masterpiece, which should make a lot of Surfer fans happy,” said Troy Brownfield of Newsarama.com.
Similar sentiments were echoed by David Wallace of SilverBulletComicbooks.com, who explained, “the universally relevant subject matter provides an interesting platform for some well-conceived modern parables, and the lush artwork makes this book irresistible.”
For untold years, Norrin Radd surfed the galaxy, exploring the darkness between stars, witnessing the rise and fall of vast civilizations. Now Galactus’ preeminent former herald’s ride comes to an end. Don’t miss his last moments on the planet where his cosmic journey began in Silver Surfer: Requiem #4!
SILVER SURFER: REQUIEM #4 (of 4) (JUN072184)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by ESAD RIBIC
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/9/07, On-Sale—8/29/07
Official Press Release
The biggest event in Spider-Man’s history begins this September in One More Day, as Peter Parker must confront the greatest challenge of his life! To celebrate this groundbreaking story, kicking off in the can’t-miss Amazing Spider-Man #544, all four chapters of One More Day feature gorgeous variant covers by the red-hot Marko Djurdevic. Each cover features a haunting image of this story’s central players, including a top secret fourth cover that will leave fans’ jaws on the floor! That’s right, not only is each issue packed to the gills with bonus material, but now you can choose from covers by Djurdevic and Marvel Comic Editor-In-Chief (and One More Day artist) Joe Quesada!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #544 (JUL072139)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
50/50 Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
"One More Day," Part 1 of 4
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—8/16/07, On-Sale—9/5/07
One More Day finds Peter Parker in his darkest hour, with the stakes higher than ever before and those closest to him about to disappear forever. What roles do guest-stars Doctor Strange and Iron Man play? When all is said and done, this will be even more controversial, more shocking than Spider-Man’s unmasking! Marvel urges retailers to check their orders for this powerful storyline that sets the stage for an all new chapter in the life of Spider-Man and the star-studded Brand New Day, as Amazing Spider-Man begins shipping three times per month!
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #24 (JUL072140)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
50/50 Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
"One More Day," Part 2 of 4
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—9/6/07, On-Sale—9/26/07
What would you do if you only had one more day? That’s a question Peter Parker answers this fall…and the Marvel Universe will never be the same again!
SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #41
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
50/50 Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
“ONE MORE DAY” Part 3
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—10/11/07, On-Sale—10/31/07
The Punisher 2 will be directed by Lexi Alexander, will star Ray Stevenson and will start shooting in Montreal this October. Heres' the rest:
As part of the continued growth of its television and motion picture production businesses, Lionsgate, the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, today announced a four-year, $400 million filmed entertainment slate financing agreement with Societe generale de financement du Quebec (SGF), the provincial government's investment arm that has a $2 billion investment portfolio. As part of its continued effort to promote production of foreign films and television series in Quebec, SGF will finance up to 35% of production costs of television and feature film productions shot in Quebec for a four-year period for an aggregate investment of up to $140 million. The transaction will encompass a broad range of future Lionsgate television and feature film productions in the Province of Quebec, including the planned October 2007 production of Lionsgate's next Punisher film, starring Ray Stevenson (from HBO's hit series Rome) and directed by Oscar ® nominee Lexi Alexander.
"We are delighted to partner with SGF in the financing of our growth," said Lionsgate Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. "This transaction reflects our commitment to form innovative and cost-effective alliances to continue expanding our television and motion picture production."
"SGF is pleased to participate with Lionsgate in this exciting venture which will have a significant impact on Quebec's filmed entertainment industry," said SGF's Chairman of the Board, President and General Manager, Pierre Shedleur. "We anticipate the creation of more than 6,700 full-time equivalent jobs, generating total wages of $270 million".
Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Raymond Bachand, saluted this key investment. "This investment will be highly beneficial for Quebec's filmed entertainment industry. Foreign productions are vital for the growth of this sector and for the continued development of the industry's workforce in Quebec."
Lionsgate noted that the agreement maintains its historic commitment to major production initiatives in Canada. Under the arrangement, SGF will finance up to 35% of the budgeted costs of television and feature film productions shot in Quebec. The announcement follows Lionsgate's May 2007 formation of a $400 million, 23-picture theatrical slate financing agreement led by Goldman, Sachs & Co., JP Morgan Chase and Jefferies & Co. as well as SGF's investment in the $212,5 million financing of Joel Silver's Dark Castle slate in 2006.
On the Lionsgate side, the deal was orchestrated by Lionsgate General Counsel and EVP Corporate Operations Wayne Levin, EVP Structured Finance Mark Manuel, and the law firms Heenan Blaikie LLP and O'Melveny & Myers LLP. The deal was referred to Lionsgate through John Burke of the law and lobbying firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.
On the SGF side, the deal was driven by SGF's Legal Counsel Donna Benedek, and Senior Vice-President, Investments Support and Management, Yves Bourque. Joey Mastrogiuseppe of the law firm Fraser Milner Casgrain, LLP and Kaye Scholer, LLP advised SGF.
From Marvel:
Hey web-heads, here's some news to get your Spider-Senses tingling: SPIDER-MAN 3 arrives on on DVD and Blu-Ray in just a few short months! The third installment of the franchise featuring everyone's favorite Wall-Crawler swings onto shelves on October 30. Just in time for Halloween, early holiday gifts, Autumnal celebrations and well, just 'cuz!
Sony Pictures Entertainment is releasing the film—which already grossed a whopping $888 million worldwide in the box offices—in six different arachtastic ways that are sure to get your Spidey-juices flowing! At the top of the list is the "Spider-Man High Definition Trilogy" pack delivering all three films on Blu-ray disc—imagine all the Goblin, Doc Ock, Sandman and Venom-ous glory in HD. Go on. Imagine it. It's quite nice. The three-pack is the only shot fans will have at owning the first two Spider-Man films in the tasty hi-def Blu-Ray format, so true-believers better pounce! For those who want the trilogy but don't have the drool-worthy HD capabilities, never fear: the package will also be available on standard DVD.
If you already have the first two films of the saga or only want the tertiary chapter, it will also be released in single- and double-disc editions in both Blu-Ray and standard format DVD. The solo-disc DVD is packed with super special features like a gag reel, still galleries, a Snow Patrol music video and two audio commentaries, but the double-disc DVD boasts another disc jam-packed with walloping extras such as behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of Sandman and Venom and international TV spots. And finally, SPIDER-MAN 3 will be available for Spider-fans on the run via PSP UMD.
With all those options, it's time to get your pre-orders in order!
First, some Smallville news..
Helen Slater may appear on the next season of Smallville when it premieres in September. Check out this interview for more. She's also pitching a Supergirl story idea to DC comics. Look for Dean Cain, the former star of Lois & Clark:The New Adventures of Superman from the 90s to show up as well.
2) Justice League movie before Superman Returns sequel?
Some sources claim that the 'Justice League' film is more of a priority for WB than the sequel to 'Superman,' so don’t be surprised if you see Brandon Routh in 'Justice League' first. And here's a last bit of news... the biggest rumor is that one of the superheroes in 'Justice League' wouldn’t see a sequel. Yup, WB is planning a death.
3) The Cimmarean is Back
Conan the Cimmerian #1, the first issue of an all new series will launch in May 2008. The new series will be written by current Conan writer Tim Truman, illustrated by Tomas Giorello, with covers by Cary Nord.
4) Free Comic Book Day 2008
FCBD 2008 will fall on Saturday, May 3rd. Watch future posts for more info as its available!
Press Release:
August 3rd, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today released art and information announcing the exclusive Dynamite Entertainment Exclusive Variant Cover Edition of Spider-Man/Red Sonja #1 -- featuring the extraordinary talents of Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald! Only 4,000 pieces of this variant edition of Spider-Man /Red Sonja #1 have been produced and will debut at Wizard World Chicago in August thanks to Aspen Entertainment!
The Spider-Man /Red Sonja #1 variant edition was made possible by Dynamite in conjunction with Aspen Comics and Marvel Comics and will be available at the Aspen Booth in Wizard World Chicago, August 9th – 12th! Don’t miss the debut!
Then, for any fans not making it to the Windy City, the Spider-Man /Red Sonja #1 variant edition will be available through www.dynamiteentertainment.com and www.aspencomics.com (please note though any interested retailers should contact Dynamite concerning wholesale orders)!
Dynamite stated, "For the issue #1 variant edition, Michael Turner and Aspen Comics created a spectacular cover featuring the Wall-Crawler and the She-Devil with a Sword. We worked with our good friends at both Aspen and Marvel to create this variant edition as a way to help promote the series. We want to thank all the fans of the Spider-Man and Red Sonja that have been lighting up the message boards in anticipation for the series—the first time these icons have teamed up since 1979!!! And, of course, the extraordinary Mr. Michael Turner— whose incredible talent is only matched by his art dedication. What’s more, fans should keep an eye out because a variant edition is planned for Spider-Man /Red Sonja #2, as well."
The Spider-man/Red Sonja crossover event marks the first time the characters have teamed up since the now classic Marvel Team-Up #79 (Marvel, 1979) by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. Issue #1 of the cross-over hit store shelves on August 1, 2007!
Set as a Five-Issue event Limited Series, the crossover features Sonja's "Dynamite" creative team of writer Michael Avon Oeming, artist Mel Rubi and colorist Brian Buccellato. Covers for the series will be provided by none other than artist extraordinaire, Michael Turner.
Following in the very successful footsteps of the Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness crossover limited series (the first Dynamite/Marvel cross-over), Spider-Man/Red Sonja presents an in-continuity plot that fits seamlessly into both universes. This is the "must have" team-up of the year for Spider-Man and Red Sonja fans alike, as Marvel's Wall-Crawler and Dynamite's She-Devil with a Sword team up to battle the combined villainy of Kulan Gath and Venom!
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook
WONDER WOMAN
On the mystical island of Themyscria, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a daughter of untold beauty, grace and strength – Princess Diana. When and army fighter pilot, Steve Trevor crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the god of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazonians and has decided to exact his revenge using the mystical “Hand of Rage,” an ancient artifact with the power to raise armies from the dead and infuse them with a thirst for blood. Ares intends to start a world war that will not only last for centuries – but will wipe out every lving being on the planet, starting with the Amazons! It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world – by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman!
Target: Males 18+, women 18+, and girls 9-17.
Proposed rating: PG-13
DVD street date: Q4 2008/Q1 2009
BATMAN ANIME
Targeted Audience:
Dual: Core fans and tween boys
Rating: PG-13 (anticipated)
Release:
2-4 weeks in advance of The Dark Knight film release.
Overview:
Set in the period between BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT, this brand new adventure follows BATMAN as he unravels a mystery over six original stories done in the style of Japanese Anime. Each of the six original stories has been written by a highly respected screenwriter or comic book creator. The talent includes Academy Award nominee Josh Olsen (The History of Violence), screenwriter of the Blade films and Batman Begins David Goyer, and famed comic book writer Brian Azzarello, among others.
The Batman Anime DVD is viewed as a perfect companion piece to BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT. The original stories introduce a number of classic characters from the DC Comics BATMAN universe as well as following up on characters and storylines that were introduced in BATMAN BEGINS.
Now it's just a matter of when these features actually debut.
