MTV has news on the new Speed Racer game for the Wii! Speed Racer is the 1st third-party title to be compatible with the Wii Wheel.




Street Fighter II HD Remix beta soon

A beta version of HD Remix will be underway soon (to sign up, you'll first need to purchase the Xbox Live Arcade version of another upcoming downloadable Capcom game, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3). The beta will run for eight weeks and feature two playable characters (Ken and Ryu) duking it out on a single background. The purpose of the beta? To iron out the kinks of the brand new network code that will be powering HD Remix's online play. Everyone remembers the less-than-stellar online performance of Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting, and it seems like Capcom is taking extra special care to ensure that that same sometimes-sluggish performance is nowhere to be found in HD Remix. The full version of HD Remix will include such modes as quarter match, worldwide rankings, and leaderboards organized by character. It will also include full stat tracking for you and your friends.

Warner Bros. Animation has confirmed that this will be the last season for Legion of Super Heroes.

Legion of Super Heroes is currently wrapping up its second season, which will also be last season for the show. With the series no longer in production, fans can expect four more new episodes before the series comes to a close. Two new episodes will be aired over the next two weeks, but the two-part series finale has yet to be officially scheduled.

Warner Bros. Animation is currently working on a new Batman team-up animated series, tentatively titled Batman: The Brave and The Bold, and a host of direct-to-video DC Universe Animated Original Movie features.

Press Release

DC COMICS TO PROVIDE REPLACEMENT COPIES OF SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL 2 TP

In SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL. 2 TP (NOV070244), several pages from SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE #2 were accidentally swapped.

DC Comics will provide retailers with new, corrected copies of this title in quantities equal to their orders to date on the current printing. Retailers will not be billed for these new copies. DC asks retailers to please dispose of any copies of SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL 2 TP they currently have on their shelves, and to accept returned copies from their customers in exchange for corrected copies.

The SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL 2 TP new printing is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 2. To differentiate it from the original printing, the logo on this cover will be red and white instead of red and yellow, and will arrive in stores under the item code JAN088359.

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DC COMICS INCREASES PAGE COUNT FOR SALVATION RUN #7

SALVATION RUN #7, the finale to the explosive DCU miniseries, will arrive in stores as a 40-page issue, with a cover price of $3.50 U.S.

In this issue, written by Matthew Sturges with art and cover by Sean Chen & Walden Wong and a variant cover by Neal Adams, the ultimate game of survival between the DCU’s villains reaches its dramatic end! Who will live? Who will die? Will anybody make it home?

Also, please note that the SALVATION RUN #7 VARIANT COVER was left out of the Previews Order Form. Retailers may order the SALVATION RUN #7 VARIANT COVER under the new item code JAN088283.

SALVATION RUN #7 (MAR080141) is solicited in the March Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 7.

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UPDATE ON INSTORE DATE AND PRICE FOR FAKER TP

The FAKER TP (DEC070292), originally solicited to arrive in stores on March 26 with a cover price of $9.99, is now scheduled to arrive in stores on April 16 with a cover price of $14.99.

Because of this change, this item will be made returnable at a later date.

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UPDATE ON INSTORE DATE AND PRICE FOR TRIALS OF SHAZAM! #12

The page count on TRIALS OF SHAZAM! #12 (JAN080191) has been increased from 32 to 40. This issue, originally solicited to arrive in stores on March 26 with a cover price of $2.99, is now scheduled to arrive in stores on April 2 with a cover price of $3.50.

Press Release

Please note that beginning with items arriving in Direct Market stores on March 19, DC Comics periodicals will feature a single price for both U.S. and Canada.

As an example, the price on the cover of ACTION COMICS #863, scheduled to arrive in stores on March 26, reads “$2.99 US/Can.”

From the publisher:

Iron Man™, one of Marvel's® most indestructible Super Heroes, is blasting onto video game platforms and the big screen next year. The epic, action-packed Marvel Studios production will be directed by John Favreau and stars Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrance Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow. This third-person action game will immerse players in explosive militaristic combat from the film with loads of additional content created exclusively for the game.

* A DEVASTATING WEAPON: Iron Man alone battles armies of fighter jets, military tanks, armored Super Villains and more.
* POWER CONTROL: Players will direct power to different parts of Iron Man's suit, creating a variety of unique attacks.
* CHAOTIC BATTLEFIELDS: Open-ended battlefields create adrenalinepacked combat filled with unpredictable challenges.
* BEYOND THE MOVIE: The game includes additional plotlines and characters from the Iron Man Comic Universe that are not featured in the movie.
* OPEN WORLD: Players have complete freedom to move anywhere in the environment and make seamless transitions between ground combat and open air flight.

Sega/Activision's Iron Man will be released in May. You can watch the 2nd trailer below.

The 7th annual Free Comic Book Day will take place on May 3, 2008. You can browse the offered comics here.

Geoff Johns on DCU #0 & the future of the DCU:

I really think #0’s going to have a strong tone and set the stage for where we’re going to take the DC Universe. For me, #0 is the next phase, and a really damn good one.

We worked really hard to design it as an entry point to the DC Universe for anybody. Even though we’ve got complexities and histories and tons of characters, DC Universe #0 is really an entry point for everybody. We’re trying to make it a place for current readers and older readers who maybe haven’t read comics in a while or readers new to the DC Universe – the book is designed as a springboard for all of this coming stuff. It gives a sense of where the characters are going, who they are, and what their journeys are going to be. And it’s drawn by some of the best guys in the business.

For me, #0 is putting the stake in the ground and saying, “Okay, we move forward from here.”

And I have to add that it’s really great to be back in the thick of it like this. Grant and I have been out of the center of it all for a while, and it’s really exciting to get back into the center. 52 was unconnected to other things, and after that, we took a year off from that kind of stuff, have done our own books, but now it’s all about getting back into the mix – into the center of it all again.

We’ve talked about Superman a lot, and the goal with Superman in 2008 is to take what we did with Green Lantern in 2007 to Superman. That’s the goal.

Between Green Lantern, Justice Society of America, Action Comics and the other books I’ve got brewing for ’08 and ’09…and working with Gary Frank, Ivan Reis, Dale Eaglesham, Scott Kolins, Ethan Van Sciver and another legend around the corner…I’m psyched to continue working for the company that made me fall in love with comics.

I believe in DC Comics. I believe in the characters and have since I first discovered this wonderful universe. I believe in where we’re going and what we’re fighting for. You know, we can’t take our readers for granted. We screw up, we lose. We gotta learn from our mistakes and the mistakes others make. We gotta fight hard to create better books every month that are worth your time. We love a good challenge so we’re happy to do that. It keeps us honest.

I just got some pages in for a big project that’s coming up towards the end of ’08 that are just stunning. It comes down to being very content and satisfied, and striving to up my game further and make my comics better while working with the best artists in the business. I am constantly trying to see how I can improve. I’m trying new things like the trailer at the end of Green Lantern. I want to experiment with the fun of a monthly book beyond the 22-pages we’re given.

On Superman and the Legion:

I believe that Superman’s connection with the Legion makes both concepts stronger, which is why I’m doing the story in Action right now. Clark Kent didn’t have a group of friends when he was growing up in Smallville. Sure there was Lana, but he didn’t have a group of friends where he felt like he was one of them. He had great parents and wonderful people he knew, it was tough for him. But when the Legion showed up, and he went to the future with them as a kid…a lot of them were aliens who looked human that came to earth. Suddenly, Clark was just “one of the kids” after being so different. I think that helped him relate to other heroes.

Even though people really look up to him, he sees himself as part of the community. His experience with the Legion – being a member of a group of heroes – helped teach him a lot of that. And on the flipside, the Legion was built off of what Superman did – this alien who came to Earth, and the Earth giving something to him, and him wanting to give back to the Earth. It’s the same kind of thing – the Legion is stronger for having interacted with him. They helped to make Superman who he is, and as a result, they’re stronger.

On the Future:

Right now, I see myself staying on those books…I can’t say exactly for how long, but it will be at least through ’08, and probably into ’09. With Action Comics we have Brainiac this year to start. In Justice Society of America we have the conclusion to “Thy Kingdom Come” – the team’s about to go through some rough growing pains. You’ll see the “society” splintered by Gog, an attack on the Rock of Eternity gone horribly wrong and you’ll meet the Justice Society Infinity mid-year.

I’ll be moving on from Booster Gold after #11 (which is twelve issues including zero), to make way for two mini-series for this year – one being The Flash: Rogues Revenge with Scott Kolins. The other to be announced soon, but it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to tackle in my career – which means working on it is a joy while I drive myself to the edge of sanity

Via MTV:
Robert Downey Jr. does a have a cameo as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the movie as part of Marvel Studios' effort to depict the same Marvel Universe on film. He will share a scene opposite General Ross.

William Hurt is a consummate actor and a closet (until now) comic book geek. Both of which explain his excitement in revealing a bit about one surprise scene he shot for this summer's "The Incredible Hulk."

"I have a scene with Iron Man, with Robert Downey Jr.," the Oscar-winning actor told MTV News Friday at the Sundance Film Festival. "It's a funky scene."

For those who haven't heard the news, superhero house Marvel Comics is aggressively cross-pollinating its superheroes, most likely in preparation for an eventual "Avengers" movie. That means Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury will make a cameo appearance in May 2's "Iron Man," and ol' metalhead himself will drop into "Hulk." Little has been said about the scene — until now.

"I don't know how it'll work," Hurt admitted, saying it was a thrill to appear as General Thaddeus Ross during Downey's scene. "I know it's weird [to work with a character from another movie], and to know it's a device. We did something; I don't know what that's going to be like [to watch]."

In town to unveil the cross-generational romantic drama "The Yellow Handkerchief" to a packed theater of weepy, applauding moviegoers, Hurt was happy to discuss the transition from making that independent film to one of the year's most anticipated blockbusters. "[Marvel] has a lot of guts," he said of the June 13 flick that recast all the characters of 2003's "Hulk." "I hope the film works. I have no idea, because it's so out of my hands now."

Still, Hurt has one particular scene — and several plot revelations — that he can't wait to watch on the big screen.

"Liv Tyler, I play her father, General Ross," he explained. "There's a scene, and during that scene there are a number of things happening. [Hulk] has beaten Abomination, and then there's a crowd that gathers around, and they realize that he's beaten Abomination. That Abomination was the one who was killing for just the joy of killing; Hulk is not the one.

"It's the moment of turn," Hurt added, "when society's relationship with Hulk stops being so stupid."

Unlike Ang Lee, director Louis Leterrier (the "Transporter" films) is intent on laying off the "Hulk as misunderstood monster" angle, thereby making him more heroic. "I want to see the relationship between Hulk and a world that realizes he's not the villain," Hurt said. "Hulk and [Tyler's Betty Ross] have their moment, and the crowd realizes he's not the bad guy."

While Edward Norton has perfected his portrayal of such good-guy/bad-guy conflict in films from "Fight Club" to "American History X," Hurt can't comment on his co-star's performance. "I don't know. I only have two scenes with him," he sighed, sounding a bit disappointed. "That's not enough to get a whole taste of it."

He is convinced, however, that the reboot flick is fully unrelated to Lee's initial installment. "I saw that film. This is, stylistically, a completely different film. They just don't relate," Hurt insisted.

Hurt said Norton worked hard behind the camera to keep the new flick from either becoming too cerebral or falling back on a "Hulk! Smash!" mentality. "[Norton did] a lot of writing, and came up with a lot of ideas. I can't relate them now, because there's not enough time, but he had a lot of ideas."

The script, which was penned by Norton, along with writer Zak Penn, "has to do with the fact that [Banner's] conscience still exists in a body that is a manifestation of power and is greater than his own ability to control it — and how he's learning that relationship," said the veteran actor, who can currently be seen in the awards-season favorite "Into the Wild." "Because that's what's happening to us. That's the central metaphor for all of us, that we're learning these powers — technological powers, whatever — that we don't know if we have enough conscience to control in a wise way yet. And that's what he's doing.

"[Hulk] is managing to save his humanity inside that, while people like General Ross can't," he said of the tension between Bruce Banner and the man who wants to take him down. "That's a main theme throughout many of the comics, and in 'Hulk,' it seems to be [primary]. ... I love him."

And when Hurt makes a statement like that, he isn't just another Hollywood actor hopping on the superhero gravy train. "I believe in Hulk. Absolutely. That's why I did the movie," he revealed. "I'm a Hulk fan, and he was always my favorite. I keep asking my son why he's both of our favorites. I read the comic books, but he's a real fanatic. I didn't even know he was a fanatic for Hulk until after I agreed to do the film — and we're father and son."

Ultimately, with actors like Norton, Tyler, himself and Tim Roth (as Abomination) on set every day, Hurt said he was amazed at how small the massive film felt. "The interesting thing about making 'The Incredible Hulk' was how audacious they were in having such a hugely expensive movie, but at the same time creating this sense right at the core — for me, Liv and Ed — that we could experiment," he grinned. "You're on a hell of a budget, and you're on a hell of a time schedule, and you know this. But when you get inside the little tight circle of the hurricane, there's a very small space of great freedom.

"I was tremendously grateful to Marvel for letting that happen, because sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes a studio film is just pure anxiety; accountants and everybody saying, 'Oh God, oh God, I'm going to get fired,' but that wasn't the case here," said the star, looking forward to the cinematic return of the gamma-fueled antihero. "It was an immense production. But once you got into your scene, it was relatively free."

Iron Man director Jon Favreau said he would like to direct a film adaptation of The Avengers. This would be a crossover to fictional universes in other upcoming Marvel films such as The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America. He also explained that Marvel has told him that "they're pretty clear on wanting to do it with the actors who’ve established the roles or to not do it at all." He continued, "I think it’s a good idea if you use the characters established in the other franchises that then come together for an event. It was later stated that Zak Penn, writer of the scripts for X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Elektra was to write the movie's script.

(San Diego, CA; March 10, 2008) - On the heels of the success of the motion picture adaptation of the graphic novel 30 Days of Night, IDW Publishing, a division of IDT Internet Mobile Group, announced that another of its graphic novels has been optioned by a major feature film producer. Producer Richard Saperstein, former President of Production of Dimension Films, who has overseen such films as 1408, Rob Zombie's Halloween, The Mist, John Q, The Punisher, Frequency, and Se7en, has optioned IDW's hot, new comic series, SNAKED. IDW Publishing president and founder Ted Adams and SNAKED author Clifford Meth are executive producers. Shara Kay will co-produce and Mr. Meth will write the screenplay.

An instant horror sensation upon its release in December, 2007, the first SNAKED comic sold out at stores across the country. The third book in the series was released on February 13th. Based on an original story by Mr. Meth, whom Barnes & Noble calls "one of dark fiction's best kept secrets," SNAKED is a horror-noir that follows the personal and political exploits of a government employee with supernatural, snake-like abilities. First illustrated by Dave Cockrum (co-creator of X -Men), SNAKED has featured cover art by Ashley Wood and illustrations by Rufus Dayglo.

Mr. Saperstein was drawn to the story's dynamic characters and timely political message. "As a producer," he says, "I'm drawn to characters that are forced to explore the limits of their own humanity in situations that test their rational minds. The political arena forms the perfect backdrop for Clifford Meth's heady mix of horror, sex and mayhem. I am also pleased to be working with Ted Adams and the folks at IDW, who are always breaking new ground in the world of comics and graphic novels."

"If there is one thing I have learned from my experience with the filmmaking community," said Mr. Adams, "it is to work with the very best. We experienced that luxury on 30 Days of Night and now we're fortunate to be partnered with Richard Saperstein, a renowned producer with a stellar track record. SNAKED is the most controversial book we have ever published and I know that Richard will bring this story to the screen with incredible style, wit and daring."

ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING
Idea and Design Works, LLC, (DBA IDW Publishing) is a division of IDT Internet Mobile Group (IIMG). An established leader in the comic book and graphic novel marketplace, particularly in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW Publishing also owns Jonas Publishing and its children's imprint, Worthwhile Books. The feature film version of IDW Publishing's graphic novel, 30 Days of Night, topped the box office when it premiered in 2007. IDW lists some of the most successful and hottest print titles in the industry in its portfolio, including: television's #1 prime time series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Sony's Underworld; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's 24 and Angel, and Hasbro's The Transformers. The company also works with foreign licensing agents to sell their comics around the world, with titles being published in multiple languages and crossing dozens of regions. Please visit www.idwpublishing.com for more information.

ABOUT IDT INTERNET MOBILE GROUP
IDT Internet Mobile Group (IIMG), a division of the Fortune 1000 telecommunications firm IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT, IDT.C), is a leader in the development, management and growth of cross-platform consumer entertainment, distribution and financial services. From providing mobile content to consumers in over 200 countries through the mobile content portal Zedge (www.zedge.net) to the creation, development and distribution of top graphic novels through IDW Publishing, and providing cash remittance services via mobile phones to millions of people living abroad, IIMG is dedicated to turning innovative ideas and companies into products and services that span various industries.

Directed by Louis Leterrier, The Incredible Hulk stars Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, William Hurt as her father General Thaddeus Ross and Tim Roth as the villainous Emil Blonsky. The film follows Banner as he flees the pursuit of General Ross and attempts a cure to rid himself of the Hulk. But when Blonsky injects himself with Banner's gamma formula and becomes an even greater monster, Banner must accept his own inner beast and defeat Blonsky.

The Incredible Hulk is set for release on June 13, 2008.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is a direct-to-video animated film produced by Marvel Comics. This is one of several Marvel Comics properties that will be released on DVD by Lions Gate Entertainment. The DVD is currently targeted to be released in July 2008.

Spider-Man, Wolverine and Doctor Strange must team up to discover the truth behind a deadly storm engulfing New York City! The fourth month of the top-selling Brand New Day storyline continues thrice monthly beginning in Amazing Spider-Man #555, from the can’t miss team of fan-favorite writer Zeb Wells , acclaimed artist Chris Bachalo (X-Men) and superstar Simone Bianchi providing a special variant cover (also available as a poster)! But when Spider-Man and his New Avengers teammates run afoul of some brand new, mysterious villains, will they have what it takes to get to the bottom of the case? And can Peter Parker catch a break at the DB?

“It's a cold story with a new type of enemy for Spidey,” explained editor Steve Wacker “Between Zeb's unique voice and Chris's always breathtaking and groundbreaking work...this is the month that many fans have been waiting for most and they won't be disappointed.”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on the thrice-monthly Amazing Spider-Man, which continues to top the sales charts and generate mainstream media buzz! Just who—or what—is the new threat to NYC? And if the team of Spider-Man & his Avengers Friends aren’t enough to stop it…can anyone?

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #555 (FEB082205)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #555 BIANCHI VARIANT (FEB082206)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Pencils & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY BIANCHI POSTER (FEB082315)
24x36 Color Poster…$7.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/16/08



To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.

Grant Morrison on Final Crisis:

It’s the apocalypse. (laughs) Basically, this is it. This is doomsday for the DC Universe.

And it’s not – I mean, a lot of people are speculating it’s going to be a big continuity reboot, but I don’t think we need any of that stuff. We’ve done all that, and this isn’t about a reboot, it’s about creating a big, epic storyline for the whole DCU. There may be some things that come out of it that change the universe, but it’s not a reboot and it’s not about fixing continuity gaffes. It’s a story about characters.

This is about the DC Universe under the greatest threat that it’s ever faced. It’s the ultimate annihilation of everything they hold dear. (laughs) Everyone will be quite shocked when they see what happens to some of their favorite characters.

The Green Lanterns are a big deal in it. The Alpha Lanterns, which I created for Final Crisis and Geoff then developed into the latest Green Lantern, those guys have a big role to play. The Green Lanterns are quite essential to the whole book. Superman and Batman, obviously, are going to be a big deal. Wonder Woman is a big deal.

The Question. Frankenstein. Mary Marvel…we’re going to take what’s been happening to Mary Marvel beyond all acceptable limits. I think fanboys should enjoy that one. There’s going to be a big definitive battle between Supergirl and Mary Marvel. Some seriously badass super-animals…There’s a ton of stuff that I don’t want to go into details about, because it’s too good to spoil! I’d love readers to just come to issue 1 with no real preconceived notion of what they’re going to get (ha!)…

On All-Star Superman :

It all starts folding together in the final three. Issue #10 is Superman’s last will and testament. It’s basically what he does on one of the last days of his life. Issues #11 and 12 are what everyone’s been waiting for, I hope, the ultimate confrontation between Superman and Luthor. And in this one, it’s Luthor who has the powers and Superman who doesn’t. Brains vs. brawn, but the other way around.

Issue #12 completes the story – it also kind of functions as the last Superman adventure ever, so we want to give him a good send-off – I think the wrap page is one of the best endings I’ve ever thought of (laughs). So yeah, I’m very pleased with how that whole book has worked out.

After that, there’s been some talk about doing three two-part All Star Superman specials with some unusual artists who’ve never drawn the character before. While I was writing All-Star, I came up with a couple of ideas that didn’t really fit into the main book but they still had strong ties to the All-Star Superman universe, so we’ll see if we can work it out with the guys I have in mind.

There’s a story called “Son of Superman” with an All-Star re-imagining of the Super-Sons concept. [There’s also] “Men of Tomorrow,” which is a huge, generational Superman Squad cosmic epic, and an idea for a flashback story to the All-Star Superman’s first year in Metropolis called “Superman vs. Satan!”

Speed Racer opens in theaters May 9th, 2008.

Mykey of DC Cosmic Teams has posted an interview with Paul Levitz from Comics Feature #15. It takes place when he began writing Legion of the Super-Heroes in 1980.

Wanted Exclusive Trailer

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Wanted is set to be released June 27, 2008.

Press Release

Neil Gaiman, the renowned author of science fiction and fantasy short stories and novels, graphic novels, comics, and films will be presenting a live reading benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at the New York Comic-Con. The appearance, a paid ticketed reading event, will be called an "An Evening With Neil Gaiman" with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

"Reed Exhibitions and the New York Comic Con have always shown a passion for the First Amendment, and their continued commitment to the CBLDF is a tremendous boon to our work," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "We're thrilled to team up with them for this rare and special event."

"We're elated to be working with the CBLDF to host this incredible event," states Lance Fensterman, Show Manager for New York Comic Con. "Neil Gaiman is a huge personality, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is an incredibly influential and important organization. To have them both come together like this at New York Comic Con is a significant honor and I know this will be an enormous highlight of our weekend activity."

"An Evening With Neil Gaiman" will be Mr. Gaiman's only public appearance at New York Comic Con. It will be held on Friday, April 18, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, and will feature a reading of material selected by Mr. Gaiman. A limited access VIP reception will take place immediately before the event. New York Comic Con, the largest popular culture event to occur on the East Coast, will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, April 18 - 20, 2008.

Tickets for "An Evening With Neil Gaiman," are open to New York Comic Con attendees only and are available at www.nycomiccon.com. General admission tickets to the reading are available for $20, while supplies last. Tickets for the VIP reception are strictly limited to 100 pieces, and will include access to meet Mr. Gaiman and receive two signatures, plus a gift bag of exclusive Neil Gaiman oriented items from CBLDF, and preferred seating at the reading. VIP reception tickets are available for $500.

Warner Bros. has picked up rights to "Bone," the acclaimed independent comic book series from artist Jeff Smith. Dan Lin will produce.

The fantasy series followed three cousins from the Bone family who are small, white and bald humanlike creatures with big noses. The trio are run out of their hometown and find themselves in a mysterious valley where they are separated and hunted by other creatures. They are taken in by a girl named Thorn and her grandmother, and find out that the valley is threatened by an evil force called the Lord of the Locusts.

The series ran irregularly from 1991-2004. Scholastic has been publishing the collected stories in graphic novel format since 2005, selling more than 1 million copies so far.

Smith, who will executive produce, was influenced by classic cartoonists Walt Kelly, Charles Schultz and Will Eisner on the series, which won several comic awards. Smith went on to become a noted artist whose work will be exhibited in the spring at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Ohio.

A decision on what kind of format "Bone" should take -- live-action or animated or both -- will be based on filmmaker meetings.

An animated version was in development at Nickelodeon Films but fell through, partly because Smith was displeased that the studio was aiming it for kids and wanted the film to include pop songs.

Jon Silk at Lin Pictures brought the project in and is a co-producer. Jessica Goodman is the studio executive. Smith is repped by Rabineau Wachter Sanford & Harris Literary Agency.

Marvel is proud to announce that Cable #1, spinning out of the sold-out X-Men: Messiah CompleX event, has sold out at Diamond (though copies may still be available at the retail level). Launching a bold new era for one of Marvel’s most popular mutants, acclaimed, best-selling novelist Duane Swierczynski (Moon Knight Annual) and acclaimed artist Ariel Olivetti (Punisher War Journal) have sent Cable to the future with the young mutant baby…but they’re not the only ones traveling through time. Just what does Bishop have planned? Where did he get that new, cybernetic arm from…and why?

To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with Cable #1 Second Printing Variant, featuring the interior art of Olivetti on the new cover!

“Honestly, I'm stunned. Gobsmacked,” said Swierczynski. “I'm also feeling grateful as hell right now -- grateful that Axel gave me a crack at this, and grateful to everyone on the X-team who brilliantly cued up the story in pages of Messiah CompleX. And I'm grateful that X-fans took a chance with it -- and I hope they stick with it over the next few issues, because there are a lot of surprises to come!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of Cable, as the series ties directly into the red-hot Divided We Stand storyline and continues to have major repercussions for the X-Men! Now that’s Bishop has found Cable, it’s time for a rematch—and let’s hope they survive the x-perience in Cable #2!

Plus, check out Cable’s earliest adventures in Cable Classic Vol.1 TPB, in stores now!

CABLE #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088307)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by ROB LIEFELD
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08

CABLE #2 (FEB082267)
CABLE #2 FINCH VARIANT (FEB082268)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/13/08, On-Sale—4/2/08

CABLE CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB (JAN082233)
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON & FABIAN NICIEZA
Penciled by ROB LIEFELD, JOHN ROMITA JR., ART THIBERT,
RON LIM, PAUL SMITH, BRANDON PETERSON, KERRY GAMMIL,
IAN CHURCHILL, PAUL RYAN, JIM REDDINGTON, BILL WYLIE &
SCOTT KOBLISH
Cover by ROB LIEFELD
Rated A …$29.99
On-Sale—NOW!

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.

Newsarama has reported that Dave Stevens died last evening of complications due to leukemia, with which he had battled for many years. He was 52 years old.

Born in Lynwood, CA on July 29th, 1955, Stevens is best known for his work on his creator-owned The Rocketeer, which was first published in as a backup in Mike Grell’s Starslayer in 1982. Stevens’ style, which was wholly his own, but owed much to pulp artists of the earlier part of the 20th century was loved by his many fans, while his story merged the pulp sensibility with a modern sensibility.

Stevens’ first professional comic work was inking Russ Manning’s pencils for the daily Tarzan comic strip starting in 1975. Dave always kept at least one finger in comics while he was working on storyboards or animation, providing covers for Comico’s Jonny Quest series or other work.

The Rocketeer appeared in small installments throughout 1982 to 1995, and was turned into a film in 1991 by Walt Disney Pictures. The comic book version, in its way helped usher in the re-popularization of Bettie Page.

Mark Evanier has written a short obituary which can be found here.

There are no plans for a public service.

Rest in peace Dave, you will be missed. My condolences go to his family & friends, this is a very sad turn of events.

Press Release:

NEW YORK, NY, March 11, 2008 - Paramount Pictures has acquired rights to turn the Valiant Comics series "Harbinger" into a live-action feature that will be developed as a potential directing vehicle for Brett Ratner.

Alexandra Milchan will produce with Ratner and Jay Stern. The project may be branded under the MTV Films banner.

Created by Jim Shooter, the "Harbinger" comicbook series became a hit when published in the 1990s. Harbingers are humans with powers that can be unlocked by "omega" harbingers. Teenager Pete Stanchek finds himself on a collision course with an older "omega" who used his gifts to become an evil industrialist.

"The movie is in the vein of a young 'Blade Runner,' as this 17-year- old gifted kid helps other kids tap into these parts of their brains," Milchan said.

Ratner, who directed "X-Men: The Last Stand," was looking for an opportunity to start a superhero franchise from scratch. Project will be scripted while Ratner continues work on other directing projects, including "Playboy," the Brian Grazer-produced film about Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner for Universal.

Valiant Comics is being relaunched by Valiant Entertainment Group, a privately financed company headed by CEO Jason Kothari and chief creative officer Dinesh Shamdasani, both of whom will be co-producers on the film.

Valiant Comics developed a strong following by launching hero franchises that had interconnected storylines (much like DC and Marvel titles). Company, which sold 80 million comicbooks and 8 million videogames, was sold to vidgame company Acclaim Entertainment in 1994 for $65 million but had done little recently as that company hit the financial rocks.

Kothari's group bought the Valiant library last year after Acclaim filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Its plan is to republish its best titles and begin generating new issues by year's end. Valiant signed with WMA to make movie deals for the franchises.

About Valiant Entertainment

Valiant Entertainment, Inc. is a character-based entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most popular comic characters ever created across all media, including feature films, television, video games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since its creation in 1990, Valiant has sold over 80 million comic books, 8 million video games, and became one of the three leading comic character-based companies globally. In addition, the "Valiant characters are often called the most important characters created since the Marvel revolution of the 1960s." (Sequart, 2006) VALIANTTM characters include X-O MANOWAR®, BLOODSHOT®, HARBINGERTM, ETERNAL WARRIORTM, DOCTOR MIRAGETM, NINJAKTM, SHADOWMAN®, RAITM, and QUANTUM & WOODYTM, among many others. Visit ValiantEntertainment.com for more information.

You can read all about the story behind Harbinger on the Valiant Entertainment website.

The first issue of Serenity: Better Days, a new three-issue series set between Firefly and Serenity written by Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews hits comic shops tomorrow! Will Conrad, who also worked with Whedon and Matthews on 2005's Serenity: Those Left Behind series returns for the series.

Better Days revisits everyone's favorite space cowboys in this thrilling, action-packed adventure, with Mal and his crew on a heist that promises a big payoff--what's surprising is that this heist just might make good on that promise.

Whedon reunites with Brett Matthews and Will Conrad, his collaborators on the best-selling 2005 series Those Left Behind. Adam Hughes joins the team for covers.

* Prequel series to the blockbuster film Serenity by Joss Whedon.

* Front covers by critically acclaimed Adam Hughes.

* Serenity: Those Left Behind has sold over 85,000 copies!

Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews return to Serenity!



Also check out CBR's preview of issue #2 for more!

On sale in March 12, 2008 • 40 PGS./FC, $2.99

ComingSoon.net will have a full write-up of the presentations made by the various studio's international distribution arms at ShoWest's International Day, but some potentially interesting information was leaked by Andrew Cripps, President of Paramount Pictures International, when he announced that Iron Man, the studio's summer kick-off and first movie in their partnership with Marvel Studios, will be released Day-and-Date worldwide on April 30.

Now most people might remember that Iron Man has long staked a claim on the release date of May 2, 2008, almost since it was announced, and it seems odd that Paramount might release the movie two days earlier in other markets, although it's not unheard of. (Maybe this writer is misremembering but they might have done that with Mission: Impossible III a few years ago.) It's more likely that they realized how much anticipation there'll be for the movie and decided to try a similar strategy they did with Michael Bay's Transformers last year, where the release date kept being moved earlier and earlier until it had screenings on Monday night, building up word-of-mouth for its first weekend. If Paramount does plan to release the movie a few days earlier, possibly with preview screenings on Wednesday or Thursday, expect that announcement to be made very soon.

After showing the teaser trailer and talking about the marketing for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Cripps also told the audience of mostly international exhibitors that there would be a new trailer for the movie sometime in April, presumably with Iron Man, as if anyone who went to see that superhero movie wouldn't know that Indy's back! Earlier that day, Cripps wouldn't comment when a moderator at a seminar tried getting him to confirm that the new Indy movie would premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival in early May.

Look for future Comics Impulse posts for the video game adaption news.

Marvel is proud to announce that X-Force #2, an X-Men: Divided We Stand tie-in, has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level. This marks the second straight sell-out for the red-hot series by the acclaimed writing team of Craig Kyle & Christ Yost and rising star artist Clayton Crain! As X-Force finds themselves at the mercy of the Purifiers, one member makes an “explosive” decision that may doom Wolfsbane!

To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with X-Force #2 Second Printing Variant, featuring the stunning interior art of Clayton Crain

“It looks like X-Force really is unstoppable!” said editor John Barber. “It’s been absolutely great seeing the reactions to all the X-books after Messiah CompleX. I couldn’t be happier that X-Force has been winning over readers who were a little wary when the series was first announced. If you’ve been enjoying the first two issues, just wait till you see the next ones—issue three is incredible and issue four is one of the most powerful and intense comics I’ve ever read. The action and tension just keep ramping up on this series!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of X-Force, as the series ties into the popular Divided We Stand storyline and continues to draw acclaim from all corners. With the return of another classic X-villain, the odds aren’t looking good for the new X-Force! Don’t miss the series that critics and fans agree is a must-read—X-Force!

X-FORCE #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN088278)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/20/08, On-Sale—4/9/08

X-FORCE #3 (FEB082266)
X-FORCE #3 BLOODY VARIANT (JAN088014)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—4/3/08, On-Sale—4/23/08

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.

This April, Brian Bendis and Leinil Yu debut Secret Invasion, an eight-issue mini-series that promises to shake the status quo to its core. And before you challenge that assertion, keep in mind that Bendis has been planning this storyline for years, developing the Skrulls' revenge and sliding in replacements and traitors along the way. When you consider where things could be going... the ramifications are staggering. Part one of the road to Secret Invasion features the Fantastic Four's place in the event, seeing how they have more experience with the Skrulls than anyone else on Earth...

The invasion has started, and no one in the MU is safe, not even the First Family of Comicdom! Aware that some of the Earth's most advanced technology and weaponry is housed in the Baxter Building, the Skrulls have neutralized the building--by transporting it and its inhabitants straight to the Negative Zone!

With one member of the Fantastic Four M.I.A. and another "replaced," it's up to the remaining family members--not to mention Franklin and Val—to get back to our dimension, Skrulls or no Skrulls. But are any of our heroes who they think they are?

Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, with art by Barry Kitson should be on sale in April. The first cover (edited, seen above) is by Alan Davis.

IGN Comics: The first spin-off series is revealed today in the form of Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four. What can you tell us about this series? How closely associated with the core series is it? Is this a case where the main series starts some trouble but has to move along and can't revisit the ramifications of what has just happened?

Brevoort: Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four does jump off directly from a sequence in Secret Invasion #1, but from there it charts its own path through its three issues, only dovetailing back into the main storyline again at the very end. And again, we made this a dedicated series so as not to interrupt the story-flow that Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch have going on the regular FF title. And for long-time FF fans, this series promises the return of a character that readers in certain quarters have been asking about for a long time now, one who'll make this a very personal story indeed for the FF.

In Wizard's latest "Marvel Mondays," Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, has this to say of Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four:

It definitely ties in very, very directly to Secret Invasion and the Marvel Universe at large. I even quote a couple of direct panels from Secret Invasion to line us up exactly with it. Now, that said—and people always say this, but I really mean it this time—you really can read this completely separate from Secret Invasion. Everything you need is in the issues. And vice versa. Of course you don’t need to read my mini series to enjoy Secret Invasion, but they really do dovetail nicely, I think.

Legendary author Stephen King will give a live interview to discuss the state of comics tied to the release of Marvel Comics’ Dark Tower: The Long Road Home, the second story arc in his ground-breaking epic series Dark Tower on NPR’s esteemed program Talk of The Nation this Wednesday, March 12th from 2:30-3:00 PM EST.

“Marvel Publishing is grateful to Stephen for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk about The Dark Tower comic series and comic books as a whole,” says Ruwan Jayatilleke, Marvel Entertainment Vice President of Development. “We’re excited that this will offer a chance to introduce this phenomenal epic---and medium of entertainment--- to NPR’s listeners as well as reward loyal Dark Tower fans with some highly entertaining radio!”

The second installment of the best-selling, critically acclaimed comic book series hit stores on March 5th with the continuing saga of the last Gunslinger in Dark Tower: The Long Road Home. The series reunites the all-star creative team of Dark Tower expert Robin Furth, The New York Times best-selling author Peter David, Eisner Award-winning artist Jae Lee and fan favorite illustrator Richard Isanove, who turned the first series Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born into the comic book event of 2007 -- making it one of the year’s top selling series.

Exploring a chapter in Roland's life that is only hinted at in the novels, Dark Tower: The Long Road Home is the must-have that no comic book or Dark Tower fan can miss, and no fan of comics can afford to miss King’s live interview on NPR!

To check local listings, please visit http://www.npr.org.

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.

Here are some links to some of the best Legion fansites on the net.

* The Legion of Super-Heroes Help-File is a great source for Legion lore with detailed information and issue synopses from Adventure #247 to Legion Lost #12. Weighing in at a small 1.6mb with no installation (just unpack and go), this is arguably the best Legion resource outside of owning the back issues. One caveat, though...the author, C.M. Keller, did most of his entires with the Valor retcon in mind, so check out the "Retcons" & "Stories not in Continuity" subjects first if you're not familiar with that event.

* Interlac, the first and still-running apa dedicated to the Legion of Super-Heroes

* The Legion Omnicom is an awesome Legion blog

* The Legion wiki, very much a work-in-progress

* Legion World message board is host to many Legion fans, as is

* Legion Abstract is also a great blog for Legion analysis, reviews and commentary

* The Legion of Micro Super Heroes has the Legion broken down into eras, subjects, and in group shots.

* Ze Ball Breaker Micro-Heros Site has the Legion micros listed by character.

* Also The Legion of Sim Heroes has skins, objects, opening screen replacement, etc. for The Sims

* Ever wondered where one 31st century planet was in relation to another? The Hitchhiker's Guide to the 30th Century features most planets of the 31t century Milky Way.

* Mighty God King's "Why I Should Write The Legion" is always a good read, and one of many Legion Fan-Ficts.

* The Pocket Universe Primer is an excellent attempt at explaining the convoluted history of Superboy, the Legion, and the Time Trapper.

* Take a Time Bubble ride to the most comprehensive Silver Age Legion of Super-Heroes site that I know of. Almost everything you wanted to know about the Silver Age Legion, but were afraid to ask. Also proof that the version schism between Legion fans began probably earlier than most of us thought, back in 1968!

* Fans of Captain Carrot & Earth-26(the pre-COIE Earth-C)will love the Lotta Species Heroes list of 31st century heroes and villians.

* The Kids WB Legion of Super-Heroes homepage of the Legion animated series

* Bits O' Legionnaire Business has exactly that

* The Legion of Super-Heroes Online Companion and The Legion of Super-Heroes Clubhouse focus on the Silver Age incarnation of the Legion!

A celebration of comics in two jam-packed anniversary issues!

Wizard has announced that for its anniversary issue #200, it will release not ONE but TWO all-new, jam-packed issues—a Gold Edition and a Platinum Edition.

The Gold Edition celebrates all the best in comics during Wizard’s history. It includes controversial list features guaranteed to get fans buzzing with debate, exclusive art features by the biggest names in comics and over 120 pages of anniversary-themed content. Come and join the party by telling your local retailer to reserve your copy today!

The Platinum Edition continues the gala event starting an all-new era for Wizard! Bigger graphics, more in-depth stories and interviews…it’s everything you want in a bolder package.

The Gold Edition goes on sale in comic stores April 9, and on newsstands April 22. Platinum hits comic stores April 30 and newsstands May 13.

Dan DiDio on DC Universe #0:

This is the launching pad for everything that is to come.

Originally, we were going to do Countdown to Final Crisis #0 - that’s what Countdown has been counting down to: 51 to 0 – 52 issues in total, a year’s worth of work. Ultimately though, what happened was that when we were looking at how #0 was being created, we realized that in collecting Countdown to Final Crisis, it would be hard to collect the #0 issue, because it would leave us on a cliffhanger at the end of the book. We felt that probably wasn’t the best way to end a book, so we decided to end all the Countdown stories with #1, and therefore make the #0 issue separate. That’s when it became Final Crisis #0.

Then, Grant was involved in the writing of Final Crisis #0 of course, and Grant wanted Geoff to co-write it with him. But as we were building the book, we realized that the story wasn’t contained to the stories that were flowing into Final Crisis, involving New Gods and Monitors, but really touched upon so many major events going on throughout the DCU including: more hints to the Black Lanterns story, what’s coming up in the Batman storylines, Superman’s upcoming stories and Wonder Woman as well. Because it started to expand outside of Final Crisis, we repositioned the book one more time, and now it’s called DC Universe #0

And since this is becoming more of a springboard to all of the DC Universe in 2008, we wanted to make this much more accessible to all of our fans and separate it out from Final Crisis and Countdown so it can really stand alone on its own feet. As such, it’s going to sell for 50 cents – 24 pages by Grant and Geoff, with art by a wide variety of folks including Ivan Reis, Carlos Pacheco, Tony Daniel, George Perez and Aaron Lopresti.

you’ve got Final Crisis running, you’ll have “Batman: R.I.P. in Batman, along with another major and separate storyline in Detective. There will be a major storyline building off of the Brainiac image that we’ve been showcasing around, feeding into the Superman stories which will feed into an important turning point in Superman’s life before the year is out. There’s also a big, epic-style Wonder Woman storyline coming from Gail this summer as well - along with the two miniseries, Rann-Thanagar: Holy War and Reign in Hell, and of course Trinity.

As we’ve set it up, all of our key franchises are involved in major storylines in their own series, and for the bigger picture, we’ve got Final Crisis and the miniseries. We don’t want anything lost in the shuffle, so every book has to stand on its own, and feel as important as the biggest book we have.



Final Crisis is seven issues over eight months. It has a natural break built in between two of the issues. During that natural break, there will be a series of specials dealing with Final Crisis and the events of that natural break in the story.

There will also be two other supporting series for Final Crisis, one of them is a five part story, one of them is a six part story. That is the full extent of Final Crisis. So we will not see Final Crisis crossing over in any appreciable manner with the rest of the line. All of the other monthly books will continue on the stories they’re telling, with their established creative teams for those series.

If we go any further or any wider…wait – you know what? I don’t want to be called a liar seven months from now when we add one more special or something, let me couch that – at this point, there are no plans to extend Final Crisis past that initial conceit, because we feel that what we have planned covers all the major story elements for that storyline. If we have to go any wider, when we will create a special, but we will not incorporate any of the Final Crisis storyline beats in any of the monthly series.

Plans for the 50th Anniversary of the Legion of Super-Heroes? "You will see the Legion of Super-Heroes, you will see the Legion of Super-Heroes, and you will see the Legion of Super-Heroes in the DC Universe #0" Bob Wayne said "it was as if there were two or three Legions operating."

Dan DiDio has commented that George Perez will be involved with the Legion in the near future. No clues about whether this means interior or cover art. I'm betting Geoff Johns will be launching a new Legion book (he's also been treading lightly about some mystery project).

All I have to say... those shadow things look like the Anti-Monitor's Shadow Demons... more on this soon!

The myriad changes that have shaken the DC Universe in recent years will seem like mere prologues to DC Comics’ Final Crisis #1 (MAR08 0124, $3.99), the first, extra-sized chapter in an electrifying, seven-issue limited series by Grant Morrison & J.G. Jones and a March PREVIEWS Gem of the Month.

The shattering events of Infinite Crisis and its companion weekly series, 52 and Countdown, have consistently been well received with every chapter, and have built high anticipation for this limited series. The limited series follows through with colossal action and destruction as the villain Libra threatens the entire Multiverse with an army of the DCU’s most terrifying super-villains. But what is Libra’s ultimate plan – and which characters and worlds will survive to find out?

The 40-page, full-color issue is set to ship with two Jones covers on May 28. For more Crisis action, readers should also search out the 32-page Final Crisis Sketchbook (MAR08 0125, $2.99), which contains behind-the-scenes sketches, designs and notes from the creators and is scheduled to ship on May 14.

The film opens May 2.

In a recent interview with Newsarama, Grant Morrison said:

"After that, there’s been some talk about doing three two-part All Star Superman specials with some unusual artists who’ve never drawn the character before. "

Chris Weston apparently would like a shot, and I think he'd be great for it, personally.

A bold new adventure for the biggest hero of 2008! You know you love him! And as the summer’s most anticipated movie boot-jets its way into theaters, here’s the perfect jumping-on point for new readers and Iron Man fans alike, courtesy of Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca! Tony Stark – Iron Man, billionaire industrialist and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. – faces the most overwhelming challenge of his life. Ezekiel Stane, the son of Tony’s late business rival and arch¬enemy Obadiah, has set his sights, his genius and his considerable fortune on the task of destroying Tony Stark and Iron Man. What’s worse, he’s got Iron Man tech, and he’s every bit Iron Man’s equal and opposite…except younger, faster, smarter…and immeasurably evil!

Editor Tom Brevoort says this is “entry point Iron Man” to give people who are walking out of the film a place to jump on. “It’s a big story – it’s picking up on some of the seeds that Matt [Fraction] has planted in The Order…it’s Iron Man the way you want to see Iron Man – armored up, facing big, technological threats, big sweeping stories, cool exec, heart of steel, millionaire playboy inventor by day, armored avenger by later in the day. It should be pretty good.”

The upcoming hardcover collection X-O MANOWAR: BIRTH published by Valiant Entertainment includes the full X-O Manowar origin story (X-O Manowar #0-6) for the first time ever, and includes an all-new epic story “The Rise of Lydia” by comics legend Bob Layton, co-architect of the original Valiant Universe and writer of Iron Man’s most beloved stories.

X-O Manowar #0-6 has been digitally recolored and remastered, and the all-new “The Rise of Lydia” story written by Bob Layton features art by original Valiant creator Mike Leeke (H.A.R.D. Corps). X-O MANOWAR: BIRTH also features a brand new cover by superstar artist Sean Chen (Rai, Iron Man, Salvation Run).

X-O Manowar is one of the most popular characters of the modern era. Since its creation in 1992, X-O Manowar has sold over 8 million comic books and headlined a multiplatform release video game alongside Marvel’s Iron Man (Iron Man X-O Manowar in Heavy Metal).

Aric Dacia is a Visigoth barbarian captured by spider aliens and enslaved aboard their starship until he steals their ultimate weapon – the X-O Manowar armor. Aric returns to Earth only to find that 1600 years have past. Now the most primitive man on the planet wields the most technologically advanced weapon in existence! X-O MANOWAR: BIRTH is one of the finest collaborations in comics ever - featuring art by legendary illustrators Barry Windsor-Smith and Joe Quesada, and a story by legendary writers Bob Layton and Jim Shooter.

Dinesh Shamdasani, Chief Creative Officer of Valiant Entertainment said, “We are pleased to be following the success of Harbinger: The Beginning with X-O Manowar: Birth, which includes an incredible new epic story ‘The Rise of Lydia’ by legendary creator Bob Layton.”

X-O MANOWAR: BIRTH (FEB084088), published by Valiant Entertainment, is solicited in the February Previews (Volume XVIII #2) and scheduled to arrive in comic book stores nationwide on April 30, 2008. It collects the full X-O Manowar origin story (X-O Manowar #0-6) for the first time and includes an all-new epic story “The Rise of Lydia” by comics legend Bob Layton! The book is a full-color 192 page deluxe hardcover edition with a suggested retail price of $24.95.

HARBINGER: THE BEGINNING (FEB084089), published by Valiant Entertainment, is resolicited in the February Previews (Volume XVIII #2) and scheduled to arrive in comic book stores nationwide on April 2, 2008. It collects the full Harbinger origin story (Harbinger #0-6) for the first time and includes an all-new powerful story “Origin of Harada” by comics legend Jim Shooter! The book is a full-color 200 page deluxe hardcover edition with a suggested retail price of $24.95.

About Valiant Entertainment
Valiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most popular comic characters ever created across all media, including feature films, television, video games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since their creation in 1990, Valiant characters have sold over 80 million comic books, 8 million video games, and Valiant became one of the three leading comic character-based companies globally. In addition, the "Valiant characters are often called the most important characters created since the Marvel revolution of the 1960s" (Sequart, 2006). VALIANT™ characters include X-O MANOWAR®, BLOODSHOT®, HARBINGER™, ETERNAL WARRIOR™, DOCTOR MIRAGE™, NINJAK™, SHADOWMAN®, RAI™, and QUANTUM & WOODY™, among many others. Visit ValiantEntertainment.com for more information.