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Title:
Batman #333
Released: March 1981
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artists: Irv Novick (pencils), Frank McLaughlin (inks)
Cover Artist: Jim Aparo
Story Title: "The China Syndrome!"
The early 1980's was not a strong era for Batman comics. Sales were not very good and DC was still struggling to compete against Marvel's popular super-hero titles. This was still a time where comic shops barely existed yet and Tim Burton's Batman film was many years from release. DC had to rely on the kids whom visited the newstands every week (like me!).
Batman was popular, but not as popular as DC would have liked. However major writing talent like Marv Wolfman, Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Doug Moench churned out some fun stories. And this was the time where legendary artists such as Irv Novick and Jim Aparo delivered fantastic art issue in, issue out -- these guys were the most dependable and under-rated Batman artists ever!
Story
Synopsis for "The China Syndrome!":
(Source: DC Wikia)
"In Katmandu, Nepal, King Faraday receives the radio signal from Archer Templeton's transmitter, for which he has been waiting ten years. Batman, disguised as Karlyle Krugerrand, is allowed inside the Criminal Bank in Montfaucon, Switzerland, which handles cash for virtually all criminal organizations in the world. He learns that Falstaff did business with the bank, but his disguise is penetrated and he is wounded while escaping. Talia heals him with her special salve. Batman confides to her that Falstaff was hired to ruin Bruce Wayne, but he does not know why.
Bruce
and Talia face another assassination attempt, and decide that the best
way to meet their next contact, one Captain Torrents, in Hong Kong is
to cross the heavily-guarded Red Chinese border. They manage to do so,
despite several perils. Bruce leaves Talia behind as he boards Torrents'
junk, The Phoenix. But once on board, Bruce is locked into a room which
is filled with sleep gas, and he falls victim to the fumes instantly."
In
light of this year's 75th anniversary of DC Comics, a documentary chronicling
the history of the company is set to debut at this year's Comic-Con International.
This unique project is helmed by the filmmakers behind Spellbound - an Oscar-nominated documentary about the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
The film-makers have full access to DC's archives, material, covers, panels, and the creatives and executives in the DC universe.
The documentary will arrive on DVD following its Comic-Con premiere. The DVD arrival date has yet to be announced.
Comic-Con International takes place in San Diego in July.
David
Goyer, who co-wrote Batman Begins and penned the story for The Dark Knight,
is now writing the third Batman installment with Chris Nolan's brother
Jonah.
Although the main stars (Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Garry Oldman and Morgan Freeman) will return for The Dark Knight sequel, very little else is known about the film. Trying to top The Dark Knight will be difficult as Heath Ledger was planned to reprise his role as the Joker but his death has created confusion on whether the character will be re-cast or put aside altogether.
Rumours
have been swirling about the Riddler or Catwoman being the main villains,
but this has been pure speculation.
Expect 2010 to be a year full of Batman 3 news!
You know who I'd love to see in the movie? The perfect character to torment Batman psychologically... Professor Hugo Strange played by none other than John Malkovich!
Ever
wonder about the extent of Luke Skywalker's Jedi training with Yoda in
the movie The Empire Strikes Back? What we saw in the film was only a
small portion of Luke's training. Now for the first time Luke's training
under the tutelage of Master Yoda is revealed in the latest Star Wars
Adventures (volume 3) "Star Wars Adventures: Luke Skywalker and the
Treasure of the Dragonsnakes."
In this story, witness a never-before-seen part of that training as Luke is given the task of finding-and retrieving-an object guarded by the deadliest creatures on the swamp world of Dagobah: the monstrous dragonsnakes!
These digest-sized comic adventures from Dark Horse have been a real treat for Star Wars fans young and old. And this latest one is the best yet!
Written by Tom Taylor, with art by Daxiong (never heard of him but the art is fantastic!).
Released on February 3, this latest volume of Star Wars Adventures should still be available.
Recommended...
QUEEN
SONJA #4
By:
Joshua Ortega, Mel Rubi
Red Sonja lives, all hail Red Sonja! The stunning debut of the all-new
Queen Sonja series continues from writer Joshua Ortega and returning Red
Sonja artist Mel Rubi. In this issue, the reluctant Queen has decided
to embrace her fate and battle the evil empire at her doorstep. But, as
intrigue abounds, has she come to her fighting stance too late?
DC:
BATMAN AND ROBIN #8
MARVEL:
PUNISHERMAX #4
VENGEANCE
OF MOON KNIGHT #5
OTHER:
JOHN SABLE FREELANCE ASHES OF EDEN #5
QUEEN SONJA #4
The
creator of the Judge Dredd movie (to be released in 2012), John Wagner,
has said that the upcoming film reboot will be closer to the original
comics than the 1995 Sylvester Stallone effort.
John Wagner reveals that the script and the visuals will be well in sync with the way Judge Dredd is portrayed in the comics. Artist Jock, who has worked on numerous Judge Dredd stories, is the concept designer for the film.
John Wagner has said: "I have read the script and seen Jock's visuals. While I can't go into detail about the content I can say that it's high-octane, edge-of-the-seat stuff, and gives a far truer representation of Dredd than the first movie."
Hard
to believe, but this May marks the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes
Back. Considered the best Star Wars movie out of both the classic and
prequel trilogies, Episode V was relesed in 1980 and was quite a technical
achievement. Not only do I consider it the best Star Wars film, but probably
one of my favorite films ever.
These days, movies seem to be measured on box office receipts and the amount of headache-inducing CGI; The Empire Strikes Back was just a great movie and was the most emotionally charged of the Star Wars films. When George Lucas released the 'tinkered' versions (or 'Special Editions') of the classic trilogy on DVD, I was quite pleased the special effects were the only things touched up in The Empire Strikes Back (along with the replacement of the Emperor of course). It was really sad to see Episode IV and VI become laden with CGI that made the movies a hybrid mess of two different styles of special effects. And don't even get me started on the unnecessary additional scenes!
Topps Cards is celebrating with an all-new set of 3-D cards. The long-awaited follow-up to the highly-valued Star Wars 3-D set released in 1996, this set features 48 cards in breathtaking widevision (2 1/2' x 4 11/16') that bring this fan-favorite film to life. 7 cards per pack, 24 packs per box. Empire Strikes Back 3D Widevision T/C Box is a pre-order item.
I hope the 3D thing ends with the cards though, since there has been rumblings of Lucas re-jigging the classic trilogy and releasing them in 3D. Please, in the name of the Force... leave the movies alone!
Click the image, or here for a preview of the cards!
Coming
March 3 is of course the start of the First Wave. Issue #1 of the 6-issue
limited series is the beginning of a new era where Batman, Doc Savage
and The Spirit exist in this same 'pulp' universe. New series starring
Doc and The Spirit begin in April.
DC just rolled out a few (yet to be colored) preview pages of First Wave #1 and it looks like Rags Morales has pulled out all the stops here.
I'm really looking forward to this series, I hope everyone else is!
DC's solicitation reads as follows...
"DC's shocking new pulp universe is finally unveiled! In the shadows of the War, the roots of the Golden Tree cabal grew deep into the heart of a fallen world… and the leaders at the heart of this secret organization see no place in their utopia for heroism. Doc Savage, struggling with the loss of his father, has been blind to their advance – until now. Central City's mysterious Spirit has caught wind of their plans as well. But whose side have the Blackhawks chosen? What is the Red Right Hand? And where is the Batman? Eisner Award winner Brian Azzarello and superstar Rags Morales craft a DC universe like you've never seen before! It's a world with no supermen, only mortal men… Death can come at any moment, and adventure can still be found at every corner of the map! Will Doc Savage be the first to lead the coming world or the last to be crushed under its heel?"
Click the image, or here for a preview of the issue!
SPOILERS...
It looks like some storyboards for the Jonah Hex movie have popped up online.
Based on DC's long-time western vigilante, Jonah Hex hits theaters June 18 of this year. And Josh Brolin is perfectly cast for the role of Hex!
These original storyboards were created by Neveldine/Taylor and illustrated by Martin Mercer. The sequence, which is pretty well laid out like a comic book, shows the final confrontation between Hex (Josh Brolin) and Turnball (John Malkovich).
Click
the image, or here
for a look at the storyboard sequence!
Jason
Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis) has been cast to play Robert E. Howard’s
savage warrior in “Conan” which Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder)
is directing for Nu Image/Millenium Films.
Mickey Rourke is also in negotiations to play Conan's father Corin.
The movie, which sees Conan seeking to avenge his slaughtered father and tribe, will shoot in mid-March in Bulgaria. The film will be released sometime in 2011.
The 6' 4" Jason Mamoa is of Hawaiian and German descent.
Very Fine Detective Comics #27
A
milestone could be reached later this month as a copy
of Detective Comics #27 will go on the auction block come late February
via Heritage Auctions.
What's so special about this? Well, this copy of Detective (the first appearance of Batman) is graded "8.0" -- meaning in "very fine" condition. Quite the rare oddity for a comic that goes back to 1939.
This is easily the highest-graded unrestored copy Heritage has auctioned, the next highest being VG 4.0!
Last year a similarly graded copy of Action Comics #1 went for $317,000. Now it's possible this copy of Detective Comics could go for we more than that.
Guide value lists Detective #27 at $240,000 in this condition however being a much sought after comic that many collectors do not want to part with, it could go for well above $300,000.
Doc Savage and Spirit Revealed
DC
has revealed the covers to Doc Savage #1 and The Spirit #1 — coming
your way this spring as part of DC's First Wave line.
Doc Savage will be written by Paul Malmont, with art by Howard Porter.
The first issue Doc Savage finds himself the target of a brazen attack on New York City. And things get worse as tragedy befalls one of Doc’s allies, and it’s starting to look like someone may not survive the opening pages of “The Lord of Lightning” arc.
The Doc Savage series will also have a Justice Inc. co-feature.
The Spirit will be written by Mark Schultz and art is by newcomer Moritat.
In the first issue what happens when the international crime syndicate known as The Golden Tree decides to help the villainous Octopus consolidate control over Central City’s criminal underworld? Well, it’s safe to say this is the kind of thing the Spirit handles best, even if The Golden Tree has offered up one of their deadliest – and sexiest — assassins to take down the Spirit.
The Spirit series will also have a Spirit Black & White co-feature... and the first one?... written by Dennis O’Neil with art by Bill Sienkiewicz!
Click the image, or here for larger images of the covers, and some Spirit preview art!
It
looks like Darth Vader is still on the hunt for remaining Jedi to exterminate.
'Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade' is the next one-shot from Dark Horse
Comics.
On the heels of the first one-shot 'Star Wars: Purge' (which I named best 'one-shot of 2009'), this issue is written by Haden Blackman with art by master Star Wars cover artist Chris Scalf!
'Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade' goes on sale April 7.
The Dark Horse solicitation reads as follows...
"On a remote world, Darth Vader chafes at the assignment given to him by the Emperor: guarding an Imperial manufacturing facility from the anti-Imperial natives. Vader feels the duty is beneath him-until he learns that a Jedi Master and his Padawan are in league with the natives!
Now the game is afoot, and Vader is on the trail of his favorite prey. No ambush, no local monstrous lizards, will deter him his pursuit. Woe be to the Jedi when Vader catches up with them! This issue follows events in Revenge of the Sith!"
Click the image, or here for a larger image of the beautiful cover!
Legion Of Super Heroes Returns
Another
exciting announcement has just come out of DC... this spring they will
relaunch a new Legion Of Super Heroes series! The new series will be written
by Paul Levitz and drawn by Yildiray Cinar.
And yes the Legion will continue along in Adventure Comics.
Both Legion adventures will be written by Levitz.
Let's hope this new Legion series 'sticks', as DC hasn't had much luck reigniting fan interest in the LSH. But with Paul Levitz onboard, the outlook looks a lot brighter for the Legion!
Click the image to your left or here for a look at Lightning Lad, and a pencilled preview page to issue #1!
Some
fantastic news just came in from DC... Birds Of Prey is returning!
Cancelled last year, the team consists of Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, Blackhawk and a mysterious figure will join the team.
The original creative team of Gail Simone (writer) and Ed Benes (artist) will return for the spring 2010 launching series with a shiny new #1.
Gail Simone says "It's classic Birds of Prey but maybe just a little tougher and a little naughtier. I've been given some really surprising approvals and I think long-time readers and newbies will find it quite unlike any other comic on the stands."
Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths DVD Art Revealed
DC's
next animated
masterpiece Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths hits stores on February
23 and the DVD artwork has been released.
Crisis on Two Earths is loosley based on the 1999 JLA: Earth 2 graphic novel by Grant Morrison, where a 'good' Lex Luthor from an alternate universe comes to the Justice League's universe for help against the Crime Syndicate. What follows is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both universes, through an evil plan by Batman's counterpart Owlman.
The DVD will also feature an animated short... The Spectre! A first in a line of shorts for DC animated features.
Click
the image, or here
for a larger version!
John
Carter of Mars, the hybrid live-action CGI animation Disney feature is
to start filming this February. To be directed by Pixar’s Andrew
Stanton, the film is expected to hit theaters in the spring of 2012.
John Carter of Mars is based on the classic sci-fi series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs where Confederate officer John Carter (Taylor Kitsch, Gambit from Wolverine: Origins) is transported to Mars and finds himself among the green, four-armed Tharks. Willem Dafoe plays Tars Tarkas, a Thark warrior.
And just revealed is this piece of concept art for the movie.
Click
the image, or here
for a larger version!
DC
has announced the follow-up to Blackest Night... a biweekly, 26-issue
series, kicking off with Brightest Day #0 this April.
Brightest Day will be written by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi.
No artist has been announced yet.
Stay tuned for more breaking news on DC's next major event!
DC
has revealed a first look at the Neal Adams cover for First Wave #1. This
6-issue limited series launched this March.
Writer Brian Azzarello designed First Wave, a new fictional "year one" universe for DC Comics (separate from the main DC Universe). It started with the Batman/Doc Savage one-shot, and then will be followed by this First Wave limited series.
The art chores for the series will be handled by Rags Morales.
This issue will be the first to introduce the Spirit into the First Wave universe.
Click the image, or here for a large version of the cover!
Wednesday Comics Collection Revealed
Coming
this May is the Wednesday Comics Collection which will feature the entire
acclaimed weekly DC series.
The collection will be 200 pages at 11" x 17.5", and printed on 60 pound matte coated paper.
Extras will include two previously unpublished pages — one starring The Creeper (written by Keith Giffen with art by Eric Canete) and one starring Plastic Man (written by Evan Dorkin with art by Stephen DeStefano).
The Wednesday Comics Collection will also include a 10-page sketchbook section with art from each illustrator.
Click the image to your left or here for a large version!
Green Lantern Starts Filming Soon
The
Green Lantern movie will start shooting this March.
Green Lantern will include over 1300 effects shots. To be directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, GoldenEye), Green Lantern will star Ryan Reynolds and is scheduled for a June 17, 2011 release.
Reynolds is the only actor to have played heroes for both Marvel and DC. He recently starred in a comic-book movie, 20th Century Fox's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, in which he played Deadpool, also known as the Merc with a Mouth. The character is being developed for a spin-off in which Reynolds will star. He also played Marvel's vampire hunter Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity.
A lot of buzz is surrounding this movie as a top notch director such as Campbell could really deliver a box office winner here. Also, the fact that special effects these days are prime right now for a Green Lantrern movie!
DC
Comics has just signed artist David Finch to an exclusive contract. Finch
is best known for his Marvel work including Moon Knight and Ultimatum.
David Finch says of the news: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the DC family! It feels too good to be true that I’m going to have the chance to draw some of the most dynamic, iconic, and fun characters in the business. I’ve been a DC comics fan for a very long time, so it’s a very big honor to finally have a part in their creation.”
No announcement has been made yet as to what kind of project he'd be undertaking. However expect news of that soon!
Best of luck to David Finch as I can't wait to see what beautiful stuff he'll be cranking out at DC!
DC
Entertainment plans to unveil its film strategy sometime later this month.
Expected is the announcement of individual movies which will build towards
a Justice League film. Much the same way as Marvel's movie strategy as
they build towards The Avengers.
Whether a new Batman, Superman or even finally Wonder Woman will be in the works is anyone's guess. What has been confirmed so far is a Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds.
Also, a Suicide Squad movie by Sherlock Holmes producer Dan Lin is planned. Suicide Squad centres around a group of super villains who are employed by the Government to perform missions that are almost certainly suicide runs.
Stay tuned to WCH for any breaking news on this developing story.
The
next DC Universe animated feature film after 'Justice League: Crisis on
Two Earths' will be 'Batman: Under the Hood'.
The DVD will be based on the storyline featured in Batman #635-641. Writer Judd Winick, who wrote the storyline, is also writing the script for the feature.
The comics storyline features Jason Todd, the former Robin killed by The Joker in A Death in the Family, revealed to be resurrected and is this new Red Hood. His debut culminates in a fateful confrontation with those he feels have wronged him. He beats the Joker with a crowbar (mirroring the way the Joker had tortured him before killing him with a bomb) and later kidnaps him.
The new Red Hood assumes control over various gangs in Gotham City and starts a one-man war against Black Mask's criminal empire. He actively tries to cleanse the city of corruption, such as the illegal drug trade and gang violence, but in a violent, anti-heroic way.
Watch for 'Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths' to arrive in February. Expect 'Batman: Under the Hood' later in 2010.
With 2009 nearing a close, let's have a look at what really made an impact in the comics industry during the past year. 2009 was a year full of price increases and 'event fatigue', but on the bright side there were many gems are definitely worth mentioning.
Best Series: Daredevil
One
of the few books on the stands that's consistently good, issue in and
issue out. And it has been that way for years. Writer Ed Brubaker has
taken this character to hell and back, and then just for the fun of it
takes him to hell again! You think you've had a bad day? Just read an
issue of Daredevil. This book hits you hard. Matt Murdock's life is dark
to say the least, but he always pulls through.
Daredevil is always full of looking at Matt's interpersonal relationships and getting deep into character without letting up on the fisticuff end of things.
Although Andy Diggle has recently taken over as the new writer, he seems to be adopting the same approach. And now Daredevil has joined the Hand?! This is just crazy... but crazy good!
Best Writer: Timothy Truman (Conan The Cimmerian)
Another
one of those titles that delivers month after month is Conan The Cimmerian.
If you're a fan of Robert E. Howard's work, you'll be quite happy with
the way Timothy Truman has been treating the Cimmerian here.
Instilling all that is Conan, Truman just gets it. From explicit battle scenes to Conan's 'no nonsense but respectful to his comrades' attitude, each issue is a dark journey through the mind and land of Conan.
After months of writing Conan, Timothy Truman is now also drawing part of the book. It's a treat to look at. He is a veteran artist who can draw Conan from now on as far as I'm concerned.
Even if you're not a long-time Conan fan, you should try hopping onboard at the beginning of a story arc... you won't be dissapointed.
Best Artist: J.H. Williams III (Detective Comics)
One
of the most unexpected 'hits' of 2009 is Detective Comics. Funny when
the main character is taken out of the equation, the book then becomes
somewhat successful.
Batwoman of course is now featured here and Greg Rucka is doing a helluva job exploring the character he created -- Kathy Kane. But what has garnered the most critical praise is the artwork. J.H. Williams III is just blowing people away with his gorgeous artwork. Williams incorporates a superb design sense along with riveting visuals.
Create a good story along with great artwork? People will come.
Best New Series: Ultimate Comics Avengers
Volume
3 of the Ultimate Avengers is underway and it's firing on all cylinders!
This is an entertaining read that seems to actually instill a bit of fun into it -- rather than dealing with all the serious undertones which seemed to dominate the first two volumes.
Also, I'm loving Carlos Pacheco's art as he seems a perfect match for the Avengers.
Ultimate version or not, this is Avengers at their mightiest! Pick up this book!
Best Character: Red Robin/Tim Drake
Tim
Drake is one of those DC characters that has always been handled properly.
His character has always been nicely developed, he is mature beyond his
years and most Batman readers have always embraced him as the new Robin.
Of course now he is Red Robin, and writer Christopher Yost nails it as he takes Tim through the most character-defining moments of his life. Red Robin is one of the more enjoyable reads out there.
Best Limited Series: JSA vs. Kobra
This
surprise hit features JSA squaring off against an elite terrorist organization
known as Kobra. This series was so good you wished that this was the way
the regular JSA series should be written. It doesn't hurt that Don Kramer
offers up some lovely art either.
This series really showcased Power Girl's role as leader and got into some great interpersonal dynamics between her and Mr. Terrific.
This will be available in trade soon, and I highly recommend it.
Best One-Shot: Star Wars: Purge - Seconds To Die
Taking
place shortly after the events in 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith' this
story depicts Jedi Sha Koon -- whom temporarily escaped 'order 66' --
but decides to go up against Vader in hopes of bringing him down.
We all know what the outcome will be, but writer John Ostrander (no stranger to the Star Wars lore) puts the Jedi character through quite the arc of survival and integrity.
This was quite the surprise read. Great stuff.
Best Comics Magazine: Back Issue
This
magazine is hands-down the best comic mag ever produced. The beloved era
of the 70's and 80's are covered in this bi-monthly magazine. Jam packed
with great articles, interviews with comic pros (old and new), and previously
unseen artwork this is the pinnacle of comics history reading.
Every issue has a 'theme' meaning covering say super-heroes one issue and sci-fi the next. Professionally put together this is one quality comics magazine... much better than the 'fluff-filled' Wizard.
It's really too bad this mag falls under the radar, so if you don't see it on the comics shelves be sure to let your comic retailer know!
Best Collection/Trade Paperback: Showcase Presents Warlord Vol. 1
Probably
not one of the most anticipated trades for comic fans, but for Warlord
fans? You bet! Finally the first Showcase volume collecting the first
batch of DC's 70's/80's Warlord.
Mike Grell's art translates very well to Showcase's black and white format. Flipping through this book and your reminded why this series so rocked! For the reasonable price of $17 you can't go wrong with this.
Even if you're not a Warlord fan, this is a perfect opportunity to become one... and then you can follow the current DC Warlord series -- also written and drawn by Grell!
Best Story Arc: 'Solve Everything' (Fantastic Four #570-572)
When
Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham took over Fantastic Four I thought
"well this'll probably be better than Millar's underwhelming run,
maybe I'll check it out." Well I'm glad I did 'cause Hickman's opening
story arc 'Solve Everything' was fantastic! (no pun intended of course!).
This is a very personal story regarding Reed Richards as he is introduced to “The Council” comprised of Reeds from other universes. He then has the opportunity to rise to godlike status, but is conflicted due to his family obligations. There are some nice flashbacks to his relationship with his father when he was a child that laid the groundwork for the man Richards will eventually become... a genius, yes... but more importantly a father and a husband.
The best thing about this is that Hickman knows when to stop. He could've dragged this out for a year but in a few issues he delivers a solid script with a smart and heart touching ending.
I haven't enjoyed a Fantastic Four story like this since John Byrne's memorable run way back.
Best Cover: Batman & Robin #1 (by Frank Quietly)
This
cover speaks a thousand words... Damien... the cocky Robin ready to go
with Dick looking at him thinking "oh brother, what have I gotten
myself into?"
Love the colors too. That yellow in the background really makes this stand out as one of the most unusual but great Batman covers.
Frank Quietly really delivers on the detail here. I actually much prefer his cover artwork as opposed to interior artwork.
Best Action Figure: Superman/Batman: Series 6 - Batman (Ethan Van Sciver)
Although
Ethan Van Sciver's art seems a little static on the drawn page, it translates
very well to action figures as you can see with this Batman one.
Showing the intricities in the cape is the nicest touch along with the 'longish' ears. This is one of the few Batman figures where there's no doubt this is the 'Dark' Knight!
This
news has been around for a while actually. Legendary Batman illustrator
Neal Adams is teaming up with Frank Miller for an 8-issue limited series
called 'Batman: Odyssey'.
Although this project was announced back in 2007 it is still happenning according to Adams. And this week he has just released a couple of new pieces of Batman: Odyssey artwork to prove it (see left).
So when is this going to be released? There's been no official word from DC but you can bet it'll have to wait until after Bruce is back in full Batman form in the ongoing comics.
So let's lay out what we know so far... this series will be eight issues with a possible prestige format style. Neal Adams will pencil and co-write it while Frank Miller writes the dialogue. A different inker will be doing each issue with Miller inking at least one issue.
So click the image above and you'll get a peek at the work that's already been released -- as well as the new stuff!
Coming
February 2010 is 'The Invincible Gene Colan'.
I'd highly recommend this hardvover book as the proceeds go to the Hero Initiative and it only costs $19.99!
The official Press Release reads as follows...
With more than 65 years at the drawing board, Gene Colan proved himself to be Marvel's most dedicated, and one of its most important artists. Now Hero Initiative and Marvel Comics have created a breathtaking collection that looks back at Colan’s important career and phenomenal work as no other volume has before. The Invincible Gene Colan is a 128-page hardcover book that showcases Gene’s amazing art, and includes important analysis from Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, John Romita, Walter Simonson, Neil Gaiman, Tom Spurgeon and Tom Palmer.
Originally
solicited as a softcover, The Invincible Gene Colan is now a hardcover,
at the same price of $19.99. Net proceeds will benefit Gene Colan. The
book can be ordered in the Hero Initiative section of Diamond Previews,
using order code DEC090880. Orders must be in by December 24, 2008, and
the book will be in-stores February, 2010. Through special arrangement
with Marvel Comics, there will be only ONE printing of this book EVER.
"As a fiction writer in the early 1990s, I had the profound good fortune of seeing Gene Colan illustrate several of my stories," said book Editor Clifford Meth. "Then, last year, Gene contacted me with the hopes of finally retiring. That call sparked the genesis of this book. The Invincible Gene Colan is a lasting and long-overdue tribute to perhaps the greatest master to touch the comic art form. Gene Colan is the Bob Dylan of visual storytelling. He is quite simply without peer."
"It's quite an honor to have the most iconic, respected and beloved comic book company, Marvel Comics, publish a book honoring my career," said Gene Colan. "It was apparent from the time I was a young boy that I had talent drawing. As I grew older, I began to sharpen my skills and point them in the direction of comics, my passion. Since 1946 it's been a thrill for me to be part of the Marvel family. And it really is a family! The Invincible Gene Colan is the culmination of a 63 year relationship with Marvel. I'm deeply grateful!"
Please
place your orders with your favorite retailer immediately. You will not
want to miss out on adding this amazing collection.
2010
will be an amazing year for movies and one of the most anticpated is the
remake of Clash Of The Titans. The move is based on the Greek myth of
Perseus.
The original movie (1981) is quite dated, but still a blast to watch. A remake is definitely the road to go now. This updated version of this epic story of Greek mythology should be a feast on the eyes to say the least!
Clash Of The Titans is directed by Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk) and stars Sam Worthington (Perseus). The film also stars Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades.
A video game adaptation of the film is being developed where aplayers to take the role of Perseus and follow a story based on the film. The game's release is set to be around the same time the film is.
The clash begins March 26, 2010!
And lookie what we got here... three incredible movie posters just revealed!
Click the image, or here for a look at all three posters!
DC
has announced a new line of ongoing graphic novels slated to launch in
2010. Superman: Earth One and Batman: Earth One. This is a new earth with
an all-new continuity.
Superman: Earth One will be written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Shane Davis.
Batman: Earth One will be written by Geoff Johns with art by Gary Frank..
It's quite clear what DC is trying to do here. In a changing, and somewhat declining comic reading market, they are trying to bring in new readers by introducing again these two iconic characters from the ground up.
Judging by the success of Marvel's Ultimate line it wouldn't be a stretch to say this is a similar approach.
And the fact that these will be in graphic novel format means more availability in bookstores, an avenue that publishers are starting to depend on for possible new readership.
Check out the art DC has released. Batman's duds are quite interesting and I guess it's about time he decided to wear his underwear on the inside of his pants!
Click the images, or here for larger versions of the art!
For
all those Conan fans out there, get ready for some incredible art coming
your way on February 17, 2010. Acclaimed fantasy illustrator Justin Sweet
(Del Rey Books' Kull: Exile of Atlantis prose collection) performs the
art chores on a variant cover for Conan The Cimmerian #19!
I'm not yet sure if this variant will be a 50/50 split (along with the regular Lisner cover) or a chase version. Nevertheless you may want to order this beauty now! Check page 26 in Previews catalog #255 (February shipping product).
The solicitation from Dark Horse reads...
"Tomás Giorello returns to full penciling duties -- with the remarkable colors of José Villarrubia fleshing out each page -- and Timothy Truman scripts this first episode in a new, three-issue story arc entitled "Kozaki"! After burning a few bridges and making some questionable choices, mainly fueled by jealousy over Prince Julion's recent appearance in Khoraja and a hatred for pampered royalty and their courtly life, Conan leaves Yasmela and her palace behind. Now leading Amalric's mercenary army, Conan is again responsible for the lives of others. But is he skilled and experienced enough to do the job right? In this issue, we'll also discover more bleak premonitions and clues concerning Conan's near future, when Conan and his companions leave organized mercenary life behind in order to survive as a group of raiders and looters. Such actions will undoubtedly draw the attentions of others, though, and the troubles that began for Conan in the previous "Free Companions" arc are far from over!"
Click the image, or here for a larger version this incredible cover!
A
Jonah Hex film is coming your way on June 18, 2010. And there hasn't been
many pics released from the movie... until now!
To your left is a picture of Josh Brolin as the DC western anti-hero Jonah Hex!
Oh,
and the movie also stars Meghan Fox if that didn't get your attention.
The official synopsis for the movie reads:
"Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone... and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the "other side." His only human connection is with Leila (Megan Fox), whose life in a brothel has left her with scars of her own. But Jonah's past is about to catch up with him when the U.S. military makes him an offer he can't refuse: in exchange for his freedom from the warrants on his head, he must track down and stop the dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich). But Turnbull, who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell, is also Jonah's oldest enemy and will stop at nothing until Jonah is dead. Based on the legendary graphic novel, "Jonah Hex" is an epic adventure thriller about one man's personal quest for redemption against the vast canvas of the battle between good and evil."
To see a larger version of the image (and the official poster) click either image, or here!
Archive
News:
Doc
Savage and Spirit Revealed
Vader
Continues The Purge
Legion
Of Super Heroes Returns
Birds
Of Prey Returns
Crisis On Two Earths DVD Art
John
Carter of Mars
DC
Announces Brightest Day
First
Wave's Adams Cover
Wed.
Comics Collection Revealed
Green
Lantern Starts Filming Soon
DC
Signs Artist David Finch
DC
Entertainment's Film Plans
Red
Hood Goes Animated
WCH's
Best of 2009
New
Clash of the Titans Trailer
Neal
Adams Returns To Batman
The
Invincible Gene Colan
Clash
Of The Titans Posters
Wonder Woman Renumbered
DC's
Announces Earth One
Sweet
Covers Conan
New
Jonah Hex Image
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