Comic Review: The Muppet Show Robin Hood #2 (Boom! Kids) Review by Adam P.

Classic show translates poorly to comics

At the back of The Muppet Show: Robin Hood #2, the publisher and writer talk about the series, and it's very telling. The publisher talks about how a lot of fans of The Muppet Show are showing interest in the comic. Unfortunately, anyone who isn't a rabid fan of the classic 1970's comedy show won't find much to appreciate here. So much of the show’s humor is based on voices, timing, interactions... and it is extremely difficult to replicate this to the same effect in a comic book.




Secondly, the writer talks about how a Muppet Robin Hood movie would be too expensive to produce, but that the same story is easier to make as a comic book. In fact, this tale would be far more entertaining as a movie than a comic book. As a comic, it's very wordy, fairly confusing and not all that funny. The issue generates a few smiles, and maybe a half-chuckle, but no genuine guffaws like you'd expect from the classic Muppets.

The art is nice, but the individual Muppets sometimes don't look exactly like they should, which is a shame. I mean, I understand updating the characters for modern times, but there are just some things which are really key to the Muppets being who they are. And without those special features, it just feels wrong.

All in all, the book should only appeal to Muppet purists or Robin Hood aficionados. Otherwise there are far better and far funnier books in the Boom! Kids stable.

6.5/10

Adam P.
Review Co-Editor




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DVD News: Warner Home Video Launches The “Green Lantern” Power Ring Sweepstakes

To promote the Blu-ray and DVD release of “Green Lantern: First Flight” on July 28, a sweepstakes has been created to get fans involved and give them a chance to win cool prizes.


Green Lantern fans can enter the sweepstakes and learn more about the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Originals through a Facebook Power Ring widget.

Once the Facebook Power Ring widget has been added to a fan’s page, they can “recharge their ring” continuously to keep it powered to 100% and automatically submit additional entries into the sweepstakes. Additional features of the widget include:

• Personality Quiz – Fans can take the “Which Green Lantern Are You?” personality quiz which will result in the character being added to their Facebook page and a message that announces which character they are.

• Green Lantern IQ Test – This test will lead fans through a series of trivia questions resulting in a Green Lantern IQ score which can be posted to their Facebook page with a prompt for others to take the test.

• News and Updates – This feature of the widget shows the latest news about the movie including weekly Q&A’s from the talent and movie makers as well as any breaking announcements.

• Video – The widget will feature an embedded player with trailers and video clips from the movie. Video clips will include EC pieces as well as feature clips from the movie.

• Downloads – This feature will be available with wallpapers, icons and other downloads and special content for Power Ring holders.

• Links – The widget allows fans to stay connected with all things “Green Lantern: First Flight” through links to the official website, Myspace and Twitter pages.

The sweepstakes runs from June 30, 2009 through August 11, 2009 and can be accessed through the Power Ring widget, the official sweepstakes site, www.GreenLanternSweeps.com or the official “Green Lantern: First Flight” website, www.greenlanterndvd.com. Prizing for the sweepstakes include, one grand prize winner who will receive a package consisting of a PlayStation 3, a 40” LCD HDTV and “Green Lantern: First Flight” on Blu-ray. Five first prize winners will receive the Complete DC Universe Animated Movie Collection on 2-Disc DVD or Blu-ray including “Green Lantern: First Flight,” “Wonder Woman,” “Batman Gotham Knight,” “Justice League: The New Frontier” and “Superman Doomsday.” Ten second prize winners will receive a standard edition of “Green Lantern: First Flight” on DVD.

“Green Lantern: First Flight” will be available on July 28 as a special edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-ray™ for $24.98 (SRP) and $29.99 (SRP), respectively, as well as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP).

Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) leads the cast as the voice of Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern. The cast includes Emmy® Award nominee Victor Garber (“Milk,” “Titanic”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Michael Madsen (“Reservoir Dogs”). Produced by animation legend Bruce Timm, “Green Lantern: First Flight” is directed by Lauren Montgomery (“Wonder Woman,” “Superman Doomsday”) and scripted by four-time Emmy® Award-winning writer Alan Burnett (“The Batman”).

When pilot Hal Jordan accepts a mysterious, powerful ring from a dying alien creature, it transforms him into a Green Lantern, one of an elite force of heroes who patrol the universe to ensure peace and justice under the leadership of the “Guardians of the Universe.” Unsure of their newest recruit, the Guardians assign Hal to their most-honored Green Lantern Sinestro for training, unaware that Sinestro wants to overthrow the Guardians and create a new order he’ll control.

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Comic News: Dabel Brothers Publishing presents 5pg preview to Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Storm Front vol 2 #1

Dabel Brothers Publishing is pleased to provide a 5pg preview to Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Storm Front vol 2 #1. Adapted to comics by Mark Powers with art by Ardian Syaf.


In this issue:

The bodies are piling up in the Windy City and Harry's key witness is one of them! How will he prove his innocence and find the real killer now?
The Dresden Files: Storm Front continues to grab readers with the gripping mix of mystery and adventure that have made of Jim Butcher's bestselling Dresden Files novels a hit!

Look for the book to hit stores everywhere July 22nd, with a regular cover and special wraparound Diamond PX cover.



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DVD News: AS SCI FI TELEVISION CLASSIC FARSCAPE MARKS ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY, A&E HOME ENTERTAINMENT AND THE JIM HENSON COMPANY PARTNER ON A RE-LAUNCH

The Re-packaged Line, Slated for November 2009, Includes the First-Ever
COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET™ Featuring All Four Out-of-This World Seasons

Fans Invited to Attend Panel Featuring Executive Producer Brian Henson,
Creator Rockne O’Bannon and Stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black
This July at Comic-Con International 2009



When a freak accident during an experimental space mission catapulted Astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield, a cult classic was born with the epic, adventure-filled TV series Farscape. The award-winning fan favorite show, which ran from 1999-2003 on Sci Fi and was named by TV Guide as one of television’s best cult shows ever, is about to blast off again on DVD courtesy of a pact between A&E Home Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company.

Blasting off in November 2009, as the show marks its 10th Anniversary, the treasure of the newly re-packaged DVD line will feature a Farscape home entertainment first: THE COMPLETE SERIES MEGASET™. Never before available in one package, A&E Home Entertainment brings together all four out-of-this-world seasons with countless hours of absorbing bonus programming featuring multiple commentaries, interviews with cast and crew, behind-the-scenes featurettes and much more! Single season collector’s sets will also be released, offering genre fans of all walks the opportunity to sample this superlative sci-fi classic.

To launch this eagerly-anticipated re-release, there will be a Farscape panel convening at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego. Executive producer Brian Henson, creator Rockne O’Bannon, and stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black (Officer Aeryn Sun) will be in attendance to discuss their favorite moments from the series and the DVD re-release.
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Comic News: Top Cow Announces The Darkness/Pitt #1 To Be Released in August

DALE KEOWN’S CLASSIC HERO RETURNS TO COMICS

THE DARKNESS/PITT #1


Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that Dale Keown’s classic hero, Pitt, will make his return to comics in the long awaited crossover event The Darkness/Pitt. The three-issue mini-series reunites Pitt creator and artist Dale Keown (Hulk: The End) with writer Paul Jenkins (Captain America, Mythos), who worked together on the second volume of The Darkness. The first issue of The Darkness/Pitt is scheduled for release in August 2009.

First published by Image Comics in 1993, Pitt is a human-alien hybrid genetically engineered to serve as a killing machine for an alien race known as the Creed. Dale Keown continued self-publishing Pitt under his own company, Full Bleed Studios, in 1995. After publishing twenty issues, Keown put Pitt on hold to work for other companies, drawing The Darkness with writer Paul Jenkins for Top Cow Productions and The Hulk for Marvel Entertainment. Since the regular series ended in 1998, fans of the character have had to make do with limited appearances by Pitt as a guest star in other books.

The story behind The Darkness/Pitt follows Pitt and his human half-brother Tim on their mission to New York to track down those infected by an alien virus. But mob boss and current bearer of the mystical power of The Darkness, Jackie Estacado, doesn’t permit anything to go down in his neighborhood unless he knows about it. When the two forces attract the unwanted attention of the Federal Government, mayhem ensues!

”Darkness/Pitt has been a labor of love but it has been well worth it. As always, I’m excited to work with Dale on Jackie Estacado, a character we’re so familiar with, and I’m gratified he’s allowed me the opportunity to work with characters so near and dear to his heart in Pitt and Tim,” commented writer Jenkins, “The book looks as beautiful as I always hoped it would, and I trust fans will forgive me for bringing a voice to some of Dale’s most beloved creations.”

“Fans have waited patiently for Darkness/Pitt and good things come to those that wait,” added Filip Sablik, Top Cow Publisher, “It’s great to see two great creators like Paul and Dale return to characters they know inside and out. These guys are packing this series with action, horror, humor, and jaw-dropping art from the top to bottom of every page.”

The first issue of The Darkness/Pitt will offer two cover variants: one by series artist Keown and another by Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade).


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Toy News: CAPCOM SDCC Exclusive - Dark Void figurine and Statues

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Comic News: Get Your First Look At THE MARVELS PROJECT #1

Marvel is pleased to unveil your first look at the hotly anticipated The Marvels Project #1, from the Captain America Eisner-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.


Discover the hidden connections that bring together Marvel’s earliest super heroes as the world stands on the brink of war! Who will create the first super soldier? And how does this affect the Marvel Universe today?

How Do You Create Tomorrow? Find out as the race for the super human begins in The Marvels Project #1.

THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) (JUN090440)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) PAREL VARIANT (JUN090441)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY VARIANT (JUN090442)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) MCNIVEN VARIANT (MAY098010)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE EPTING
Variant Cover by GERALD PAREL
Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
70th Anniversary Party Variant by PHIL JIMENEZ
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC--7/14/09, On-Sale—8/12/09




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TV News: Adult Swim Announces Robot Chicken Roller Skating Tour

Robot Chicken Co-Creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich Celebrate the Release of Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD with Nine-City Roller Skating Tour

Gym Class Heroes to Perform


Adult Swim and Robot Chicken creators and executive producers Seth Green and Matt Senreich are celebrating the release of the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD this summer by strapping on a pair of roller skates and living on a tour bus for two weeks just to bring Robot Chicken-style fun to the masses. Green and Senreich host the celebration throughout the nine-city roller rink tour across America, featuring performances by one of the hottest bands today, Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group Gym Class Heroes, in addition to special Robot Chicken guests including the show’s writers and producers, celebrity guest stars, Robot Chicken-themed activities and games and exclusive Adult Swim merchandise. Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II Roller Skating Tour kicks off in Los Angeles August 1. A preview party, which is also open to the public, will take place on July 25 in San Diego with a guest DJ.

“Our show is so much fun, we want to invite everyone to have fun with us,” says Seth Green. “Grab your friends, your couple’s skate partner and some kneepads. We’re coming to your town! Or at least to a major market somewhat close to your town.”

“When Seth first pitched the idea of throwing roller skating parties around the country, I rolled my eyes and laughed at him,” says Matthew Senreich. “I said, ‘That’s crazy talk.’ Now that we’re actually going to do it, I’m in awe of its absurdity and can’t wait to attend. It fits with the randomness of our Robot Chicken show. Why not throw roller skating parties across the U.S.?”

Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II Roller Skating Tour schedule*:
• July 25, San Diego, Calif.: Skate San Diego—Preview party minus the band but with a guest DJ and extra Comic-Con awesomeness
• August 1, Los Angeles, Calif.: Venue TBA
• August 2, Las Vegas, Nev.: Rancho Crystal Palace Skating Center
• August 4, Denver, Colo.: Skate City Westminster
• August 6, Kansas City, Mo.: River Roll Skate Center
• August 8, Indianapolis, Ind.: Skateland
• August 10, Richmond, Va.: Roller Dome Skating
• August 12, Philadelphia, Pa.: Jamz Roller Skating Center
• August 14, New York: Venue TBA
*Dates and times are subject to change.

At each event, all ages are welcome, admission is free and doors open at 8 p.m. Patrons with an early entry-voucher will be admitted one hour earlier. Early-entry vouchers can be found in the new Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD, which will arrive at retail on July 21. More information about the tour can be found at AdultSwimPresents.com.

Building on its tremendous broadcast success, the highly anticipated DVD release of Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II features 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage. The sequel once again combines the satirical sensibilities of Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s Stoopid Monkey Productions Emmy Award®-winning Robot Chicken with the unforgettable moments and favorite characters of the Star Wars universe. Winner of three Annie Awards, including Best Animated Television Production, the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD includes both the original broadcast version and extended version of the special, along with more than 90 minutes of bonus features.

In addition to the roller rink tour and new DVD, the final nine brand-new episodes of Robot Chicken’s fourth season will premiere on Adult Swim beginning July 26 at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Created by actor/producer Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The series is created in conjunction with ShadowMachine Films’ Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico.
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Comic Review: Swordsmith: Assassin #1(BOOM! Studios) By John H

Disgrace not thy honor…

To those whose pursuit of happiness lies in their creations, whose sole purpose in life is to conceive the perfect idea with their minds and to create this concept with their hands. That is the story of a true artisan.




In Swordsmith: Assassin #1, two generations of sword-smiths, both of exceptional talent, have two vastly different points of view as to how they should conduct business. The father, Hideko Ono of the “old” generation, chooses only to sell his wares to the noblest of Samurai warriors, whilst the son, Toshiro Ono, seeks greater recognition and wealth. Before long, Toshiro ends his apprenticeship after years of sweat, toil and tutelage at his father’s feet, and begins his own ascent as a great sword-smith.

Toshiro's long apprenticeship soon pays off, as he finally surpasses his father’s talent and begins to sell his swords to anybody who can meet his costs. His father disagrees with this philosophy and soon falls ill, with Toshiro tries to make amends, but Hideko only sees failure in his son’s actions. Before his death, Hideko says to Toshiro that he has brought much dishonor to the family name.
After his father’s demise, and still having the weight of his father’s words on his soul, Toshiro is honored with the task of presenting a sword to the Shogun. Upon his return from the Shogunate, Toshiro will be faced with trials so taxing, they will set him on a path of revenge to reclaim every sword he has ever forged, and reclaim the honor he lost with each transaction.

Though the story will seem familiar to some, it is written in such a way as to seem more poignant in this rendition. The art lends itself to the words of an awesome script, words of triumph and despair and loss. I think this comic book would make an excellent novel, and I can’t wait for the further tales of Toshiro. To me, the gripping despair he faces is compellingly poignant, and oddly inviting.

I am willing to follow this story gladly- won’t you?

8.5/10

On sale July 1st.

John H
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Comic Review: Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan #3 (IDW Publishing) By Eddie R.

Well done.

Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan#3 opens right at the best part of the movie: the hunt /chase scene between the U.S.S Enterprise and the U.S.S Reliant in the Mutara nebula. The static discharges from the nebula make the sensors on both ships inoperative, leaving them both evenly matched, and essentially blind. You can feel the tension between the two ships, and their respective captains, as they search for one another within the gas cloud. I must admit the art here really captures this feeling. The colors and shading used here really draw the movie and the book together.




Once inside the nebula, Kirk uses Khan's inexperience with three-dimensional combat to basically cripple the Reliant. With his dying breath, Khan activates the Genesis Device, which once detonated will reassemble all the matter in the nebula. This includes the Enterprise.

Even though the crew of the Enterprise detects the activation of the Genesis device, they are unable to escape the oncoming Genesis wave with just impulse power. With few moments to spare, Spock hurries to Engineering to restore the warp drive. When McCoy tries to stop Spock from exposing himself to high levels of radiation from the warp core, Spock incapacitates the doctor and does a mind meld, telling McCoy to “remember”. Once inside the dilithium chamber, Spock manages to restore power to the ship, allowing the Enterprise to escape the oncoming Genesis wave. But this act of heroism does have its price.

Now, no matter how many times I look at the movie, I always get choked up a bit at the end, as we watch Jim Kirk see his best friend die before his eyes, then deal with the aftermath which follows. To me, this is just one of many parts to an amazing story, and this comic book adaptation does justice to it all.

The only thing which surprised me though in this issue was Spock’s death scene. I honestly don’t remember Spock mentioning about this act of heroism being his “Kobayashi Maru”, the no-win situation used to test the character of Starfleet officers, during his death scene in the film. Granted this does make sense, and I am really glad they included it here. Its gems like this which make this book a very enjoyable read, and one great comic book adaptation.

8/10

On sale July 1st.

Eddie R
Review Co-Editor
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