PENDRAGON'S POST: May 11, 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

Come With Us If You Want To Live Awesomely

New T2 Figures Unleashed!

Just in time for the release of Terminator: Salvation, NECA is proud to unveil a brand new series of 7" figures based on James Cameron’s groundbreaking T2: Judgment Day!
All three figures feature new editions of the T-800, including two new Arnolds with interchangeable heads!

The still-terrifying Endoskeleton has a newly tooled head and improved articulation, with over 20 moving parts and a Plasma Rifle accessory. A leather-clad Pescadero Escape T-800 comes with a ball-jointed neck, shoulders, elbows and wrists and is packing heat in the form of a Winchester Shotgun. And last but not least, the Man or Machine T-800 boasts a ball-jointed neck and shoulders, as well as swivel biceps, waist and boots, and a pistol, in case Robert Patrick should happen along.

A 12" version of the Pescadero Escape T-800 will be released in June, and the 7" figures will be back in late summer/early fall with a whole new second series!

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Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, LLC and Sony, today announce a partnership to design and produce new collectibles based on the action-packed Ghostbusters franchise, specifically Minimates and banks featuring characters from the unstoppable Ghostbusters series!

The Diamond Select Toys (DST) Ghostbusters lines will debut this summer just in time for the worldwide debut of Ghostbusters: The Video Game, the latest small-screen follow-up to Ghostbusters - which was ranked the #1 Comedy of the Century by Entertainment Weekly! A special edition Minimates box set featuring characters from the video game will also be available as part of the Slimer Edition bundle exclusively offered through Amazon.com for the X-Box 360, Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3.

In addition, Art Asylum has designed several lines of collectible Ghostbusters Minimates which will begin arriving in stores this July. The first box set will be available in specialty comic book stores and a complementary assortment of two-packs will also be available in Toys R Us. The Ghostbusters Series 1 box set will be available in specialty comic book stores this July and will contain Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, a Possessed Dana Barrett and the transforming Louis Tully with Terror Dog attachments. Toys R Us will offer an assortment of two-packs, each featuring an exclusive ghost including: the Library Ghost, Terror Dog, Washington Square Ghost, Slimer and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man! Look for the first assortment of exclusives to be available in Toys R Us stores nationwide this June.

For more product announcements and to browse other science-fiction, television and film collectibles, please visit www.diamondselecttoys.com and www.artasylum.com.

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In 1973 Mike Grell moved to New York, and began his long relationship with DC Comics. His first assignment at DC was on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (SATLOSH), a high-profile assignment for an artist with no prior experience illustrating a monthly comic book. Grell says he got that job because he was walking in the editor's door to ask for work, literally, as the previous artist was walking out the door, having just quit. These stories were written by Cary Bates and Jim Shooter. The Bates/Grell/Shooter run on the title is very well-regarded today by Superboy/Legion fans, who consider it one of the high-water marks in the character/team's history. Grell's work on SATLOSH is widely thought to be some of the best beefcake/cheesecake ever committed to comic book pages, and is affectionately referred to as the 'disco Legion' in retrospect by fans of the title.

A writer as well as artist, Grell cemented his status as a fan-favorite with his best-known creation, The Warlord. The character first appeared in 1st Issue Special #8 (Nov 1975) and was soon given his own ongoing title (The Warlord #1, Jan/Feb 1976). In this book, Air Force pilot Travis Morgan crash-lands in the prehistoric "hidden world" of Skartaris (a setting highly influenced by Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of the Earth and Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar).

At DC, Grell also worked on titles such as Aquaman, Batman, and the Phantom Stranger, and with writer Dennis O'Neil on the re-launch of the Green Lantern/Green Arrow series in 1976.

Through the 1980s Grell developed creator-owned titles such Jon Sable Freelance and Starslayer. Jon Sable Freelance was published by the now-defunct First Comics. Starslayer, a space-born science fiction series, started at Pacific Comics, but shifted to First.

First appearing with a cover date of June 1983, Jon Sable Freelance was a successful non-super-hero comic book in an era when successful non-super-hero comic books were almost unheard of, and a graphically violent comic sold in mainstream comic book stores in an era when such was as rare. Jon Sable was a precursor to what would eventually be called, by some, "the Dark Age of Comics," when even long-established super-heroes would become increasingly grim and violent.

In 1987, Mike Grell wrote and drew the 3-issue prestige format limited series Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters. He redesigned the character's costume, away from the costume Neal Adams had designed in 1969, and recast Green Arrow as an "urban hunter" going up against non-super-powered, real world villains such as serial killers, terrorists, street gangs, American mobsters and Japanese Yakuza. He did away with Green Arrow's arsenal of "trick arrows" and instead rearmed him with penetrating broadheads with which he actually killed his opponents. Longbow Hunters showed the first instance in which Green Arrow ever deliberately killed someone; in the follow-on series this occurred frequently.

Recent or upcoming work includes a new ongoing series of Warlord launched to coincide with the 35th anniversary. He is also re-writing the Jon Sable screenplay, working on an adaptation of Shaman's Tears as well as writing two stories for ComicMix.com, a new Jon Sable story and The Pilgrim with Mark Ryan.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

Helping to establish indepdent publish, which gave creators ownership of their properties. I was the first guy to sign on with Pacific Comics (Jack Kirby was second, but his book came out before mine. Hey, he didn't get to be King for nothing.) And the second to sign with First Comics.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

Favorite Writer: Denny O'Neil. He taught me more about good storytelling than anyone else.

Favotire Artist: Dick Giordano. The best inker in the business. Having him ink my work was a thrill.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

Captain America. I've loved the characters since I was a kid reading my dad's Golden Age comics.

4) Who are your influences?

The Obivous: Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

The Not-So- Obvious: Hal Foster, Burne Hogarth, Milton Caniff, Alex Raymond, Al Williamson, Russ Manning, Doug Wildey.

The Obsure (At least to most comic readers): Paul Calle, Joseph Clement, Bob Peak. Look 'em up.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

We're back to Captain America again. I think a guy who was frozen right after WWII would have some interesting and viable observations on the world today from the view point of the greatest generation.

Check out Mike's own website at: http://www.mikegrell.com/mikegrell/ Read more...

Ripped-from-the-headlines espionage series causes alarm at LAX

TSA did not understand that comic books could be about anything other than superheroes

“My privacy is a small price to pay for educating the government about the medium.”

Comics writer Mark Sable was detained by TSA security guards at LAX this past weekend when they discovered inflammatory material in a script for Sable’s new BOOM Studios miniseries UNTHINKABLE. The comic series follows members of a government think tank that was tasked with coming up with 9/11-type “unthinkable” terrorist scenarios that now are coming true.

Sable was detained while traveling from LAX to NYC to attend a signing for the premiere of UNTHINKABLE #1 at Jim Hanley’s Universe this Wednesday, May 13th.

Fans and friends were made aware of the TSA detention when Sable “Twittered” about the events at twitter.com/marksable, after he was released.

Sable wrote BOOM! Studios a more in-depth version of the encounter to release to the public:

"Flying from Los Angeles to New York for a signing at Jim Hanley's Universe Wednesday (May 13th), I was flagged at the gate for ‘extra screening’. I was subjected to not one, but two invasive searches of my person and belongings. TSA agents then "discovered" the script for UNTHINKABLE #3. They sat and read the script while I stood there, without any personal items, identification or ticket, which had all been confiscated.

“The minute I saw the faces of the agents, I knew I was in trouble. The first page of the UNTHINKABLE script mentioned 9/11, terror plots and the fact that the (fictional) world had become a police state. The TSA agents then proceeded to interrogate me, having a hard time understanding that a comic book could be about anything other than superheroes, let alone that anyone actually wrote scripts for comics.

“I cooperated politely and tried to explain to them the irony of the situation. While UNTHINKABLE blurs the line between fiction and reality, the story is based on a real-life government think tank where a writer was tasked to design worst-case terror scenarios. The fictional story of UNTHINKABLE unfolds when the writer’s scenarios come true, and he becomes a suspect in the terrorist attacks.

“In the end, I feel my privacy is a small price to pay for educating the government about the medium.”

Pre-release reviews of UNTHINKABLE #1 have been unanimous in their praise:
“Both writer and artist have given us quality here and the first chapter of an intriguing story. If you’re looking for an extra title to pick up, this is one with a promising start.” — Comics Bulletin

“… for anyone who loves a good conspiracy…” — io9.com

"...quite a thriller..." – Comic Box

"If you like an intelligent, well-thought out concept grounded in reality and that could conceivably happen, then you're in the right spot. Keep reading." – Project Fanboy

UNTHINKABLE follows Alan Ripley, a best-selling author who joins a think tank commissioned after 9-11 to think the unthinkable and protect America from possible nightmare terrorist scenarios. But years later, when the think tank's imaginary terror plots become frighteningly real, can he stop the UNTHINKABLE from coming to pass?

UNTHINKABLE #1 is written by Mark Sable and drawn by Julian Totino Tedesco with first issue covers by Paul Azaceta and Kristian Donaldson. The first issue of UNTHINKABLE ships May 13th and has a Diamond Code of MAR094127.

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TOP COW PUBLISHER DEMOTED TO WORKING RETAIL

Filip Sablik Teams with Collectors Paradise to Promote Fusion #1

As part of the promotion for the Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Marvel Comics crossover, Fusion #1, Publisher Filip Sablik will spend this Wednesday, May 13th behind the counter at Collectors Paradise in Winnetka, CA.

The publisher is teaming with the popular Los Angeles area retailer to hand sell copies of the three issue limited series directly to fans. Beginning at 11am on Wednesday, May 13th, Sablik will act as a regular sales associate, ringing up customers, making recommendations, and following store owner Edward Greenbergs every order. Additionally, the publisher will offer portfolio reviews to aspiring artists visiting the store.

Fusion #1 brings together four teams from the Top Cow and Marvel Universes in an unprecedented three-issue event. When an out of control, rabid Ripclaw mysteriously begins rampaging through a small New England town, the Mighty Avengers swoop in to control the situation. Taking place after the events of Civil War, but prior to Secret Invasion, the Thunderbolts soon get involved in attempting to corral the unregistered superhuman and Cyberforce moves to defend their misunderstood teammate. Ultimately the series will result in a fusion of characters, powers, and storylines unlike anything either universe has seen previously. The series is written by fan favorites Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (War of Kings) and Tyler Kirkham (Ultimate Fantastic Four) and features covers by Mike Choi & Sonia Oback (X-Force) and Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade).

The idea for this promotion stemmed from a conversation I had over a few beers with Ed at this years ComicsPRO Annual Meeting, explained Sablik, I joked that the only part of the industry I hadnt worked in yet was retail and Ed called my bluff. He invited me down to come and work a day in his store and we thought what better time that on the release of a project I believe fans are going to get a kick out of. Who knows we might even get a special surprise guest come by.

Wednesday is going to be an easy day for me, Filip will be doing all the dirty work, taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom. Oh wait, it's to promote a book? I guess I will have to leave him behind the counter. I hope I do not lose too many customers, added Greenberg. Seriously, the book rocks. Having seen a ton of preview pages, I have never seen Kirkham's art this good and the book is written by DnA, so you know it's going to be a great read. Plus, we are making it 100% Returnable for the first issue.

Collectors Paradise is located at 7131 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka CA 91306 and can be reached by phone at 818-999-9455 or by email at cparadise@socal.rr.com .

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DIFFICULT TIMES CALL FOR SACRIFICE

Yamato USA Announces Fantasy Figure Gallery: The Sacrifice, Inspired by the Work of Dorian Cleavenger

"She offers herself to her deity, her lover and her soulmate. She is pure and true, unembellished by the ravages of society. She is life… she is the ultimate sacrifice."

In these difficult times, sacrifice has never been so sweet. Presenting, The Sacrifice. Inspired by the art of Dorian Cleavenger and sculpted by Plant-jzeroMoekichi, The Sacrifice is the third piece from Yamato USA’s Fantasy Figure Gallery, a groundbreaking collection of resin quality PVC statues bringing together the unrivaled talent of Asia’s foremost portrait sculptors with the leading fantasy artists of Europe and the Americas. Brought to three dimensional life, Dorian Cleavenger’s “The Sacrifice” stands at a striking 13.00”, including an elaborately detailed altar base and semi-removable parts.

Yamato USA and its distribution partners Diamond Comics, AAA Anime, and BBCW Distributors are now accepting retailer preorders for Fantasy Figure Gallery: The Sacrifice (Dorian Cleavenger), and will be available through retail partners Sideshow Collectibles, Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, Anime Alley, Animeniacs, Big Apple Comics, Bud Plant Comic Art, Crazy Cat Comics, Heroes & Comics, HobbyFan, Razor Edge Collectibles, Statue Galaxy, and Toyeria. For more information, contact your local comic shop or visit us at www.YamatoToysUSA.com. Read more...

CAPTAIN AMERICA #600 (APR090492)
Written by ED BRUBAKER with MARK WAID, ROGER STERN & STAN LEE
Pencils by BUTCH GUICE, LUKE ROSS, DALE EAGLESHAM, AL AVISION, HOWARD CHAYKIN, DAVID AJA, RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE & KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
Cover by STEVE EPTING
50/50 Cover by ALEX ROSS
Rated T+ …$4.99
FOC—5/28/09, On-Sale—6/17/09

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BOOM! Studios’ Editor-in-Chief will be signing at Atomic Comics this week from 1pm to 4pm on May 13th! Coinciding with the launch of Waid’s new series THE UNKNOWN, Waid will also be signing copies of his smash-hit series IRREDEEMABLE, his BOOM! Kids title THE INCREDIBLES and the just released deluxe hardcover edition of POTTER’S FIELD.

Signing will be taking place at Atomic Comics Mesa Superstore located at 1120 S. Country Club Drive #105, Mesa, AZ 85210. For more information on the Atomic Comics Mesa Superstore location, please call (480) 649-0807.

In THE UNKNOWN Waid brings us the smartest person alive, Catherine Allingham, the world's most famous private investigator. Follow her adventures as she sets out to solve the one mystery she's never been able to crack! THE UNKNOWN is a new original mini-series in the vein of RUSE with international superstar Minck Oosterveer. THE UNKNOWN issue #1 sports covers by Paul Pope and Erik Jones.

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Brandon Graham's KING CITY returns courtesy of TOKYOPOP and Image Comics!

The Eisner-nominated major debut by cartoonist Brandon Graham, KING CITY, finally continues in an ongoing series presented in the deluxe, oversized format courtesy of TOKYOPOP and Image Comics!

"Continuing KING CITY has been a long time coming and I'm thrilled that TOKYOPOP and Image Comics are bringing it back in the best way possible," Graham said. "We're doing it as thirty-two page monthly issues, the first six issues remastering the original series along with as much cool new work as I can fit, in a format akin to Image's VIKING. Starting with issue 7, the series will consist entirely of all-new material. This is KING CITY looking better than I'd ever hoped-in burly, deluxe oversized serializations."

KING CITY is solely populated by the weirdest of the weird including Joe, a thief-for-hire with a cat capable of becoming any tool or weapon. Amongst his friends are his co-hort, Pete, who is too busy falling in love with an alien he’s forced to betray to assist in their latest mission and Anna, who can't help but watch her boyfriend literally turn into the drug he’s addicted to. The ongoing series will consist of remastered and original material, in the same deluxe format as Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein's VIKING.

Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said, "Brandon represents a whole new generation of cartoonists coming into comics with a fresh eye for creating original material unlike anything else out there. We're excited to be working with both Brandon and TOKYOPOP on returning KING CITY to the stands in a way no one has seen before."

Added Mike Kiley, Senior VP at TOKYOPOP, "“We'’re very happy that Brandon’'s amazing book is going to appear in this deluxe format. I’'m especially looking forward to seeing Earthling J. Catingsworth III in all his over-sized glory.”"

KING CITY #1, a 32-page black and white oversized comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores August 19th.

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Brandon Peterson is an American comic book writer and artist. Brandon Peterson is known for his hyper detailed artwork and intricate line work. He is better known for his work on Marvel Comics's Uncanny X-Men and Top Cow's Codename: Strykeforce in the 1990s.

Peterson's early works for Marvel include a New Warriors annual and a fill-in in X-Factor in 1992. Later in the year, he had a short run in Uncanny X-Men, drawing the title's issues of the "X-Cutioner's Song" crossover.

He spent a very long time working for Top Cow Productions, where he did runs on the comics like Codename: Strykeforce, Cyberforce, Ripclaw, Medieval Spawn/Witchblade, and his own book, Arcanum.

He left Marvel once more to become VP of Special Projects and Art Director of the now defunct CrossGen Comics, where he worked on titles like Mystic and Chimera.

He has returned to Marvel for another stint on Ultimate Vision, Ultimate Extinction, Strange, Ultimate X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, Magneto Rex, X-Men, and Uncanny X-Men.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

Doing pretty much every job in them at some point, from pencils, inks, colors, lettering, editing, managing, production, etc. I have sampled all the courses at the buffet.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

I've worked with a lot of greats, but my best memories would have to be when I was at Top Cow Productions in the 90s. I made a lot of friends there, it was a very dynamic time in comics and there especially and I was surrounded by endless talent and enthusiasm. The crew there were just excellent people and creators. I wish I was mature enough back then to realize how special it was.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

Any of the big 3 at DC, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman. I just never have timed an opportunity to work there right.

4) Who are your influences?

It's changed over time a lot. I used to look at tons of artists, but at this point in my career I almost make it a point not to get too wrapped up in other's work. I have a tendency to emulate what I like, to the detriment of my own style such as it is. At this point I'm just trying to nail down my own thing.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

That's a strange question. If I like a character, I don't want to change it because I like it. If I don't like a character, I don't invest any brainpower in thinking about how I would change it. What's the point? Just make another character the way you want it. In general, I'd like to see less of the antihero themes and a return to some real hero themes. It's gotten to the point that the main characters being good people trying to do good is the exception in comics, and not the rule. It may be edgier the other way, but it's only edgy if everyone else isn't doing as well.

Check out Brandon's site at http://www.brandonpeterson.com/wordpress/ Read more...

Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, collections and posters arriving in comic stores on May 13th, 2009.

For more information on any of these titles, and on upcoming mighty Marvel releases, please visit http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?date=2009-05-13 or contact your local comic book retailer at 1-888-comicbook. Stay tuned each week for a brand new list of Marvel releases so that you’ll never miss your favorite heroes in action!

Comics On-Sale:
BLACK PANTHER #4 (DR)
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #13
DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #2 (DR)
DARK REIGN: YOUNG AVENGERS #1 (DR)
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #1
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #1 GRANOV VARIANT
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #1 LEE SKETCH VARIANT
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #2
GENEXT: UNITED #1
HOWLING COMMANDOS ONE-SHOT
INCOGNITO MUST HAVE ONE-SHOT
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #1
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #1 HENRICHON VARIANT
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #51
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #11
MARVEL READING CHRONOLOGY
PRIDE & PREJUDICE #2
PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #70
SAVAGE SHE-HULK #2 (DR)
SECRET WARRIORS #4 (DR)
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #6
THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY STAN LEE & JACK KIRBY #1
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #132
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #4 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #2
WOLVERINE #66 4TH PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #67 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #68 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #69 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #70 4TH PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE #73
WOLVERINE #73 DJURDJEVIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT
X-FACTOR #43

Collections On-Sale:
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE VOL. 3 - SECRET INVASION TPB
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE VOL. 3 - SECRET INVASION TPB (DM ONLY)
CABLE VOL. 2: WAITING FOR THE END OF THE WORLD PREMIERE HC
CLOAK & DAGGER: CHILD OF DARKNESS, CHILD OF LIGHT PREMIERE HC
CLOAK & DAGGER: CHILD OF DARKNESS, CHILD OF LIGHT PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
HULK: WORLD WAR HULK HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS VOL. 4 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS VOL. 4 HC (VARIANT)
NEW EXILES VOL. 4: AWAY WE GO TPB
SECRET WARS II OMNIBUS HC MCGUINNESS COVER
SECRET WARS II OMNIBUS HC BYRNE COVER (DM ONLY)
SPIDER-MAN J: JAPANESE DAZE DIGEST
SPIDER-MAN: FAMILY TIES PREMIERE HC
THE ILIAD GN
THOR BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI VOL. 2 PREMIERE HC
X-FACTOR VOL. 6: SECRET INVASION TPB
X-FACTOR VOL. 6: SECRET INVASION TPB (DM ONLY)
X-MEN: MANIFEST DESTINY HC
X-MEN 2099 VOL. 1 TPB

Posters On-Sale:
NEW MUTANTS BY ALEX ROSS POSTER

*DR= Dark Reign tie-in
*MW= Messiah War tie-in
*WOK= War of Kings tie-in

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Tom Peyer is an American comic book creator and editor.

He is primarily known for his work with DC Comics, but has also worked for Marvel Comics, Wildstorm, and Bongo Comics. He had who had long writing runs on Legion of Super-Heroes and Hourman.

He wrote the 2008 Tek Jansen comic book, based on the Stephen Colbert character.

Peyer's career began as a newspaper cartoonist for an alternative weekly newspaper in Syracuse, New York. In this role, he came to the attention of Roger Stern, a Syracuse resident.

Recent projects include Galveston at Boom! Studios

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

I met a deadline once.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

I can't name one. I've worked with too many great artists. Curt Swan. Dick Sprang. Steve Dillon. Duncan Fegredo.

And, as an editor, Brian Bolland, Simon Bisley, Dave McKean, Sean Phillips, Jill Thompson and many others.

I probably did my best writing with two of my ongoing collaborators, Rags Morales and Barry Kitson, both tremendously gifted artists. So let's smoosh those two into a creature called Barry Morales and call him my favorite.

3) What character you have never worked on ... would you like to do & why?

I've written a lot of my favorites, but I never got to work with Ben Grimm. He has a memorable look and a simple power and a sweet personality, and he's funny and I've known him since I was seven and I love him. In an interview years ago, Steve Gerber gave us his list of characters who are true originals: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc., and The Thing was right in there. And Steve was right.

4) Who are your influences?

In comics? Jack Kirby, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, John Broome, Karen Berger, Dan Clowes, Arnold Drake, Mike Carlin, Bryan Lee O'Malley, Alan Moore, Will Eisner, Steve Gerber, John Stanley, Tatjana Wood, Jamie Delano, Steve Ditko, Peter Milligan, Roger Stern, R. Crumb, Steve Englehart, Bill Griffith, Bob LeRose, Walt Kelly, Chester Gould, Johnny Ryan... can I keep going?

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

I'd make Arlen Specter a Democrat.

That was my funny "Hollywood Squares" answer. My real answer is, I never think about this. I probably got it out of my system during my five years on the Legion Of Super-Heroes reboot; I seem to remember we changed some characters. I have to say that I love the creative challenge of leaving a character as is, but finding some new angle, some previously unexplored detail or connection. That feels great, like finding "The Purloined Letter."

Check out Tom's backup stories in Marvel Apes, that's currently shipping.

And check out his posts on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TomPeyer Read more...

The Dark Avengers are in San Francisco—and the X-Men aren’t too happy about it!

In episode #77 of the Mighty Marvel Podcast (http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1622)Eisner-Nominated writer, Matt Fraction, dishes on why Norman Osborn is getting involved in mutant affairs! Senior Art Director and host, Jeff Suter sits down with the fan favorite scribe, to discuss Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia! It’s the crossover event you’ve been waiting for and Fraction promises it’ll be a doozy. Who are the Dark X-Men? How is Emma Frost’s membership in the Cabal going to affect her relationship with Cyclops?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in this latest episode! Also, Jeff is asking Matt questions from YOU the fans! You can download it right here: http://www.marvel.com/rss/podcasts/Fraction_Podcast.mp3

The Mighty Marvel Podcast, your one stop shop for news about comics with the people who’re making them, features some of the hottest writers to hit the scene like – Brian Michael Bendis, Jeff Loeb, Ed Brubaker and more! Make sure you keep checking back to Marvel.com at Marvel Podcast Central (http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.1622) or subscribe to the Mighty Marvel Podcast on iTunes (that way you never miss any of the action packed installments)!

DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN: UTOPIA (APR090452)
DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN: UTOPIA BIANCHI VARIANT (APR090453)
DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN: UTOPIA LEE VARIANT (APR090454)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by MARC SILVESTRI
Variant Cover by JAE LEE
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
Rated T+ ...$3.99
FOC – 6/4/09, ON SALE – 6/24/09

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Hot Toys proudly presents the 100th of our Movie Masterpiece Series - the second human-kind MMS figure from the upcoming sci-fi movie - Terminator Salvation: 1/6th scale Marcus Wright collectible figure.

This collectible figure stands approximately 30 cm tall, featuring Hot Toys True-type figure body with over 36 points of articulation.

The figure also features:

Dressed in his movie accurate trench coat, t-shirt, pants, leather-like leggings and boots, and also interchangeable leather-like jacket.
Accessories include harness, knife, shotgun and 3 sets of interchangeable hands.
Interchangeable Marcus head featuring skeletal face
Articulated and battle damaged left arm
Authentic Sam Worthington likeness.
Figure stand with Terminator Salvation logo and Marcus Wright nameplate

Release date: JULY - AUG, 2009

Artist info:
- Head Sculpt by GOX (Eom Jae Sung)
- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
- Head Paint by JC.Hong
Terminator Salvation ™ & © 2009 T Asset Acquisition Company, LLC.