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.
Press Release:
World-famous entrepreneur, adult entertainment icon and New York Times best-selling author Jenna Jameson is creating and staring in her own series of comic books, it was announced today by Virgin Comics CEO, Sharad Devarajan, at Comic-Con, the industry’s annual super-festival in San Diego. The series, titled Shadow Hunter, debuts in comic shops and online comic retailers in December. The complete 144 page Shadow Hunter book will be available in June 2008 at all major book sellers. A new site, JennaComix.com, will host additional information, previews and pre-orders of the comic art and books.
Shadow Hunter is the story of a provocative superheroine who survives a brush with death only to find herself fighting the legions of hell for her very soul. Cover art for the first issue has been created by Greg Horn, a top illustrator of comic books and video games. The story, while provocative and sexy, contains no nudity and is intended for a mainstream audience.
"Jenna Jameson is a cultural force,” said Virgin Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan. “She is an entrepreneur who is taking the taboo to the mainstream and has built an industry around her brand.”
“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Virgin to bring this story to life, first as comics and eventually in film and other formats,” said Jenna Jameson. “Working with comics is creatively liberating – everything is possible. My character is sultry, sexy and kicks ass!’
"Jenna brings a defiance and edge to everything she does, said Gotham Chopra, Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Comics. “She's a provocateur and there's no doubt that our creative team at Virgin is going to have a blast collaborating with her. I can assure you every artist we have in our studio is vying to get assigned to this project!"
San Diego Comic-Con is preparing for record crowds when Jenna makes her very first appearance at this event that attracts more than 100,000 fans. Jenna will be speaking about Shadow Hunter and signing autographs for fans on Saturday afternoon, July 28 at 4:30 PM. Images from the series will be available from the Virgin Comics booth at the San Diego Convention Center.
What are your thoughts?? I can't wait! Click here to view the trailer.
Press Release:
SAN DIEGO - Comic-Con International, the nation's largest comic book and pop culture event announced that Sunday admissions have sold out.
"I guess this was bound to happen, but it's still surprising," said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the non-profit event, "For the first time in our 38 year history, Comic-Con has sold out of Friday, Saturday and now Sunday admissions."
Because of capacity concerns during last year's Comic-Con International, organizers made a concerted effort to address potential overcrowding.
"One way to anticipate attendance was to encourage early online registration," continued Glanzer "which progressed much quicker than in previous years." Pointing out that while registration was closed for a time last year the facility never reached capacity.
Comic-Con International's efforts at early registration presumably will help them better control crowd issues at what has become the largest comic book and pop culture event in the United States.
Comic-Con International is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
Press Release:
Comic-Con, the nation’s largest comic book and pop culture event announced that Friday admissions have sold out due to early, online registration.
“I feel a little like a broken record,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for Comic-Con, “we sold out of Saturday admissions, four-day admissions, and now Friday and three-day admission.”
Last year the convention drew over 123,000 people over the four-day show and this year appears to top, or at the very least, match that number.
“You never want to be in a situation where you advertise an event that people can’t attend,” continued Glanzer, “however as it relates to Friday and Saturday, this may be the case, especially if they don’t already have tickets.”
Single day admission for Sunday is still available. For a complete schedule of events and up to date information on admission availability, visit www.comic-con.org.
Comic-Con International is a non profit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
This game looks kinda cool, but reminds me of Legos Star Wars. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Spider-Man:Friend Or Foe will be released on all the next gen consoles this fall. In the meantime, check out the trailer:
press release:
900 Americans are dead and S.H.I.E.L.D. is pointing the finger at Namor! In Sub-Mariner #3, Namor races against time to find the location of the rogue sleeper cell agents before they commit more heinous crimes in the name of Atlantis. But is he ready to battle Wolverine? Writers Matt Cherniss and Peter Johnson (/Powerless/) and up-and-coming artist Phil Briones (/White Tiger/) are making waves with the new limited series about Marvel's first mutant and his constant struggle against the "weaklings" of the surface world. Also, this action-packed issue features magnificent cover art by Young Guns Reloaded star Leinil Francis Yu (/New Avengers/).
After plowing through Iron Man and his armada of S.H.I.E.L.D. submarines, Namor searches for his old ally, Charles Xavier, only to find the Canadian berserker ready and waiting for a scrap at the gates of the X-Mansion! Meanwhile, sinister figures are lurking in the shadows; the rogue Atlanteans make plans to murder their "traitor king," but the vicious Venom might beat them to the punch if he develops a taste for seafood!
The conflict heats up in Sub-Mariner #3; will all of this tension lead to an inevitable war between Atlantis and America ... and more importantly, will that war result in Namor's death? One thing is certain, the monarch of the seas won't go down without a fight – Imperius Rex!
SUB-MARINER #3 (JUN072177)
Written by MAT CHERNISS & PETER JOHNSON
Penciled by PHIL BRIONES
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Rated T+ ... $2.99
FOC -- 7/26/07, On Sale -- 8/15/07
*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. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com
There's gonna be a lot more progression in the series, as I believe the show only has about 2 more seasons in it... but next season, we will see Supergirl as well as more of the Justice League. Kara will be played by Canadian Laura Vandervoort. What do you think?
Here's the press release:
SUPERGIRL FLIES INTO "SMALLVILLE" DC COMICS' SUPERHEROINE JOINS THE CAST
BURBANK, CA (June 11, 2007) - Look, up in the sky: it's a bird, it's a plane! It's...Supergirl! This fall, Supergirl will be joining the lineup of burgeoning superheroes and villains in SMALLVILLE. Supergirl is the latest DC Comics character to join the series that has previously welcomed Martian Manhunter, The Green Arrow, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and Brainiac. Casting for the Supergirl role is currently underway. SMALLVILLE airs on Thursdays at 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET on The CW.
On SMALLVILLE, the seventh season premiere kicks off with the arrival of Supergirl, whose name is Kara, as Clark's (Tom Welling) 19-year-old cousin. She was born on Krypton and is the daughter of Zor-El, Jor-El's brother. Kara possesses all of Clark's powers and one he doesn't yet have ?? she can fly! Kara also has a strong, rebellious streak that puts her at odds with Clark, and puts her onto Lex's (Michael Rosenbaum) radar. In addition, she takes a romantic interest in Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore).
"One of the joys of creating SMALLVILLE has been our ability to reinvent and reinterpret classic DC Comics characters," said SMALLVILLE executive producer Al Gough. "Miles and I believe that Supergirl will give our series the mythic jolt that it needs as we head into our seventh season."
Reinterpreting the Superman mythology from its roots, SMALLVILLE was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar ("Shanghai Noon," "Spiderman 2"), based on the DC Comics characters. Gough and Millar serve as executive producers, along with Ken Horton, Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer, James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink and Warner Bros. Television. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
Marvel is pleased to announce that Uncanny X-Men #488 and X-Factor #21 have both sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level), marking the fourth straight sell-out from the red-hot Endangered Species storyline. With mutantkind heading towards extinction, the X-Man known as Beast struggles to reverse this deadly course, seeking out some unexpected allies in the process! This story unfolds weekly in the pages of Uncanny X-Men, New X-Men, X-Factor and X-Men, with each eight page chapter featuring some of Marvel’s top talent bringing this gripping tale to life.
“I’m so glad to see people responding to Endangered Species,” said editor Nick Lowe. “And what they’ve seen is only the beginning. Beast is in for some big things in the rest of Endangered Species and fans will be amazed by some of the people showing up in there. Uncanny X-Men is really picking up steam, thanks to the great work of Ed Brubaker and Salvador Larroca. X-Factor is just getting better and better and bigger and bigger just in time for the big event. Cyclops and Beast show up in this arc, so I hope retailers order enough for the voracious appetites of the X-Fans.”
As Beast deals with this crisis, the Uncanny X-Men and X-Factor have their hands full with emerging threats that seek to eliminate a few more mutants! In Uncanny X-Men #489, the quest for Magneto continues as both Masque and the X-Men hurtle towards the truth! While the Morlocks continue to commit acts of terrorism, Storm enlists the aid of some “Fantastic” friends to make sure the violence ends!
Meanwhile, X-Factor #22 brings Madrox’s agency one of their most unusual cases: protect two young singers…who sing anti-mutant songs! While Siryn and Monet must find a way to deal with this challenge, the Isolationist continues his quest to create a mutant utopia…but at what cost?
In future chapters of Endangered Species, Beast will travels to lands—and dimensions—where few else dare tread…and cross paths with the one enemy who knows him best! Leading into this fall’s Messiah Complex, Beast’s journey will lead to a shocking new status quo for the X-Men! Don’t miss a single chapter!
Please note there are currently no plans to reprint Uncanny X-Men #488 and X-Factor #21.
Follow Endangered Species in these upcoming issues:
NEW X-MEN #40 (MAY072159)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils and Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Endangered Species Chapter 4
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—7/18/07
X-MEN #201 (MAY072158)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Pencils & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Endangered Species Chapter 5
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—7/25/07
UNCANNY X-MEN #489 (JUN072188)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils and Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Endangered Species Chapter 6
Rated T+ …$2.99
On-Sale—8/01/07
X-FACTOR #22 (JUN072189)
Written by PETER DAVID
Pencils and Cover by PABLO RAIMONDI
Endangered Species Chapter 7
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/19/07, On-Sale—8/08/07
From Marvel's President of Production, Kevin Feige... after The Incredible Hulk, the next Marvel film will be Captain America! “Well I think we'll certainly have to play with that and play with Captain America being this patriotic propaganda machine on one hand but also being a very human Steve Rogers – interesting, fascinating hero in his own...
The official site for director David Slade's 30 Days of Night has launched here with the new trailer for the graphic novel adaptation, produced by "Spider-Man" franchise director Sam Raimi. The thriller, opening October 19, stars Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster and Manu Bennett.
Warner Bros. has optioned a Thundercats script by new screenwriter Paul Sopocy to turn the popular 1980s animated series and toy line into a CGI-animated feature.
Variety says Warner-based Paula Weinstein will produce through her Spring Creek Productions, along with Dick Robertson and Lew Korman.
Thundercats revolves around a group of humanoid cats (with feline names like Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro and Cheetara) who must flee their planet of Thundera after it's destroyed. Once crash-landing on another planet, Third Earth, they must thwart Mumm-Ra, an evil sorcerer, bent on killing them off.
Sopocy has written the script as an origin story expanding on the major heroes and villains from the animated series, with the plot focusing on Lion-O coming of age as the leader of the Thundercats.
Warner Bros. recently teamed with Joel Silver to produce a live-action He-Man movie, based on the toy and cartoon franchise, as well as a feature based on the DC comic book Teen Titans.
In a summer of sequels (and you know next year will be as well) , beloved anime's will become live action films... but will they be fan-pleasing?
Wow! International Transformers Trailer Has New Footage
The new international trailer is now up with new footage! I hear a sequel is already planned...
In anticipation for the 2008 Iron Man movie, check out this footage I came across this morning. Also, Spider-Man 3 has sold over a record $382 million worldwide, including $151.1 million in the U.S., easily becoming the highest grossing movie ever over the weekend. Expect Spider-Man 4,5 & 6 in the future... lets just see how the sales compare when Shrek The Third & Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End debut in the coming weeks.
Bill Cravens was responsible for bringing Street Fighter, Mr. Do, Super Punch Out, Final Fight, Street Fighter and Golden Tee 3D to the masses. He will be missed. R.I.P. Bill.
For more on this check this link.
Via GameSpot:
Last November, Sega announced that it had taken over the game license for the Marvel Comics hero Iron Man from Activision. Today, the Japan-based company announced it has acquired three more game licenses from the venerable comic book publisher turned media powerhouse.
Evildoers, beware!.
Foremost among the new acquisitions is The Incredible Hulk, who is currently appearing in the role-playing game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Previously, Vivendi Games held the game rights to the brawny superhero, releasing 2005's critically acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (PS2, Xbox, GameCube) and 2003's less praised The Hulk (PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube). Under the new deal, Sega will also be developing games based on the forthcoming movie The Incredible Hulk, which stars Edward Norton as the Hulk's less angry alter ego, Bruce Banner. The game will be released alongside the film next summer.
Though he may have died in comic books, Captain America will live on in game form. Sega is planning a game based on the forthcoming Captain America film, which is still in development. The last game that centered on the shield-wielding hero was Captain America and the Avengers (Game Boy, 1994), although he currently also appears in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.
Last--but in the minds of would-be Vikings everywhere, not least--Sega has landed the license for The Mighty Thor. Like Captain America, the comic centering on the earthly adventures of the Norse god is being turned into a film with a tentative post-2008 release date. The Mighty Thor game--the first based solely on the character--will be released alongside said movie on undisclosed consoles. (Thor is also a featured hero in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.)
Today's deal is a "multi-year global licensing agreement" that gives Sega exclusive rights to make Thor, Hulk, and Captain America games for consoles, handhelds, and the PC. In a statement, Simon Jeffery, Sega of America's president and COO, said, "As Sega continues to create games that are built from the ground up to appeal to Western audiences it makes perfect sense to work with a powerhouse like Marvel."
