Thursday, September 10, 2009

DVD News: Warner Home Video releases all-new film clip from "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" -- coming to DVD/Blu-ray on Sept. 29 from Warner Home V



Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation are set to release the all-new film in a Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def edition, a special edition 2-disc DVD, and a single disc DVD. Warner Home Video will distribute the action-packed movie, which will also be available OnDemand and Pay-Per-View as well as available for download that same day.


Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is based on the popular Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness comic series/graphic novel. Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green Lantern) is executive producer. Michael Goguen (Justice League:
The New Frontier) is supervising producer. Sam Liu (The Batman) is directing a script written by Stan Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier).

In the film, United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite – and recruit help – to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.

"Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" features a star-studded voice cast filling the roles of super heroes and villains alike, including Kevin Conroy (Batman), Tim Daly (Superman), Clancy Brown (Lex Luthor), Allison Mack (Power Girl), Xander Berkeley (Captain Atom), Ricardo Chavira (Major Force), John C. McGinley (Metallo), LeVar Burton (Black Lightning), CCH Pounder (Amanda Waller) and a host of others.


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Comic News: Devil's Due and comiXology



Devil's Due Publishing to Deliver Digital Comic Books Through comiXology for iPhone


Devil's Due Publishing and comiXology announce that comiXology will be distributing Devil's Due comic book titles to the iPhone and iPod touch. Comic books published by Devil's Due include the continuation of the TV show Jericho, plus popular titles like Hack/Slash, Voltron, and Spartacus: Blood and Sand, based on the upcoming Starz TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The soon to be released Merch Girl will also include exclusive music by co-creator, rapper MURS.

"We're excited that Devil's Due has chosen comiXology to be its digital comics partner," said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "Fans of Jericho reach far beyond the local comic store, and that property, along with Voltron and Spartacus make great introductions to comics. They'll look great in our Guided View on the iPhone."

The Guided View feature of Comics by comiXology keeps the entire page of a comic intact, unlike other solutions where the page is cut into individual pictures the user browses like a photo application. The app's retailer locator will enable customers to contact local retailers from within the app itself to order the print edition of Devil's Due Publishing's comics.

"I'm very excited to be able to offer the massive library of Devil's Due titles through comiXology's online store," said Josh Blaylock, President of Devil's Due Publishing. "Comics on the iPhone are allowing us to reach millions of potential customers who have never set foot in a comic book store, and it's instantaneous. It's really going to expand the comic reading audience."

The Comics by comiXology App is available, including over 30 free comics, for $0.99 from the App Store (http://itunes.com/apps/Comics). Information on Devil's Due Publishing comic books can be found at www.devilsdue.net.

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5 Quick Questions with Dan Fraga



Dan Fraga is an American comic book writer and artist. He was hired by Image comics in 1991 and worked on many titles for the company.

Dan has has worked on many of comics other top books including Spider-man, Wolverine, Superman and The X-men franchise.

In 2003 Dan left the comics business to pursue his interests in other storytelling media. His credits include working on the movies Transporter 2, Fantastic Four 2, One missed Call and Dragonball, with more on the way. Dan currently spends the majority of his time working as a visual consultant and 2nd unit director for music videos and commercials. Career highlights include designing sets and storyboards for artist such as Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Usher, Gwen Stefani,Jamiroquai, and T.I.

Expect to see more comics work from Dan in 2010 with two new creator owned titles from Image comics.

Dan currently resides in the Los Angeles area.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions:




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

My greatest accomplishment in comics? I'd have to say being hired by Image comics in 1991. I had just graduated high school, with dreams of drawing comics. I was hired only a few months after that. I was so very lucky to have been at the right place at the right time. Image comics was being formed during those months and it was my fortune to experience it as it was happening. I am very grateful for those experiences.

As with any artist, I still strive to do great work and always work towards being better at what I do. I plan on returning to comics next year with two creator owned projects. It's been over 7 years since I've been on the comics rack. I'm not sure people will even remember who I am. I've been busy learning a lot of storytelling techniques while working in film and TV. I hope to bring that knowledge with me, and apply it to my next comics projects. Perhaps a few years from now, my answer to your question will be about these books.


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

Beau Smith. We did a series called Berzerkers back in '96. I enjoyed working with Beau because of his ideas and his spirit in which he conveyed them. Beau loves what he does and it's obvious when you work with him. That kind of energy is what I look for in a collaborator.

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

Batman. My favorite Batman is Frank Miller's Dark Knight version. That's the kind of Batman world and criteria that I want to play with. I want to know more stories that take place in that reality. I'd like to write and draw some of those.

4) Who are your influences?

I'm going to break it down into two categories: 1991-2003 and 2004-present.

1991-2003: Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Art Adams, Jack Kirby.

2004-Present: Michael Golden, Eric Canete, Sean Gordon Murphy, Zaffino,Topi, Chaplin, Quincy Jones, Walt Stanchfield.. Many turn of the century cartoonists.. Johnny Gruelle, Arnold Roth, Joost Swarte, Windsor McCay, Russell Patterson… on and on..lol!


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

Robin / Nightwing. Because I know what it's like….

Check Dan out at the following websites:

http://imdb.com/name/nm1683464/
http://gallery.me.com/danfraga#100020
http://comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=2032
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=560233552
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Toy News: Say Your Prayers



New Boondock Saints line has guns at the ready!


Connor and Murphy McManus are coming for you, and they brought their pennies.

The story of vigilante/religous nutball brothers who take to the mean streets of Boston on a brutal and murderous quest to rid the city of organized crime, Boondock Saints has become one of the true cult classics of the 21st Century. Developing a word-of-mouth DVD audience after a limited theatrical release in 1999, it has defied time, logic and criticism to attain the status of a true phenomenon. Don't worry, there's a sequel in the works.

And just in time for the 10th anniversary of the movie's original release, NECA is psyched beyond belief to unveil our new 7" scale Connor and Murphy, seen here in a movie-accurate pose ready to take a bite out of crime, execution-style. Each highly-detailed figure comes with a pistol and interchangeable head and plenty of pious justice to unleash on the gang underworld!

Connor McManus and Murphy McManus hit stores in November, and of course they'll also be available online at our Amazon storefront.

Keep it tuned to necaonline.com for more info on Boondock Saints and other lines from your favorite games and movies.

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TV News: FAMILY GUY GAINS PACE AND RECOGNITION



Cult Comedy Records Its Highest Audience Figures On BBC3
and Receives Emmy Nomination



Family Guy, the animated cult comedy TV series delivers it’s biggest ever audience to date of an outstanding 1.2 million viewers on BBC31. A top performer in its time slot Peter Griffin and his unusual family continue to attract legions of fans and have also attracted industry recognition and endorsement, with an Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Comedy Series category - the first time a cartoon series has been up for this award since The Flintstones in 1961.

Targeting the core demographic of teen boys and adult males, the Family Guy licensing programme is keeping pace with the show’s growing popularity by extending the product offering into new categories, while existing licensees in apparel, footwear and bedding continue to gain strong support at retail.

Amongst various licensing deals, Bravado’s teen boy-adult male clothing is a high selling apparel line in entertainment and independent retailers. Evil Monkey and Stewie Evil T-shirt are ranked in the top selling designs. Thrilled with the performance of their Family Guy range, Bravado will launch two new T shirt designs - Trust and Anarchy - this month. Both T-shirts have already generated significant opening orders with entertainment retail accounts.

Further listings in the apparel category have been secured by TDP for nightwear in Tesco, in store in September this year. Brand International’s Stewie novelty slipper, is also being restocked by Play.com after its sell-out performance over Xmas 2008.

The Family Guy bedding range from Character World is now supported at retail from Argos and Express Gifts to Amazon and Play.com.

Underground Toys will soon be distributing The Promotions Factory’s highly collectible range of Family Guy figurines which feature the classic family members Peter, Lois, Chris, Meg, Stewie and Brian Griffin, plus characters Death and Quagmire. Later this year the new refreshed versions of the bestselling Family Guy In Your Pocket voice key chains will be available.

New partners to the Family Guy licensing programme include the UK’s leading annuals publisher, Pedigree Books. Designed as a gift purchase and stocking filler for the Christmas market, the Family Guy annual will be available across all Asda stores, as well as Borders and HMV.

Posh Paws has recently been signed as the new gift partner for Family Guy developing a range of barware, mugs and novelty gift items for launch in 2010.

The Family Guy franchise will be boosted further with the release of Season 8 on DVD in November this year.

“Family Guy continues to grow its fan base and attract industry acclaim through its smart and explosively hilarious brand of comedy,” commented Carl Lumbard, SVP and MD Twentieth Century Fox L&M. “Our licensing partners continue to create aspirational products that distil the show’s comedic qualities and convert its performance on the small screen into retail listings and sales.”
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Toy News: FOX SIGNS COLLECTIBLES DEAL FOR HALO



Twentieth Century Fox L&M Europe has signed an international deal with UK licensee, One2One Collectibles, to produce a range of high quality resin figurines based on the characters and storylines across the Halo® franchise.


One2One’s diverse range of collectible products will target the collectible nature of Halo’s core demographic of teen boys and adult males, enabling fans to extend their experience of the Halo universe.

“We plan to bring to the market a new range of products not seen before with unique features,” commented One2One MD, Darren Martin “A complete range of Statues, Busts, Dioramas, Vehicles & Weapon Replicas are already in development which will reflect the quality, look and feel associated with the Halo brand,” he continued.

Microsoft’s Halo franchise is one of the most successful entertainment properties of all-time and continuing to grow with each new title release. The latest game released this spring – Halo Wars – quickly became the best selling real-time strategy game on this generation of consoles, with more than one million units sold worldwide. Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox Licensing), licensing agent for Microsoft Corp., is capitalizing on this success with a focused global merchandising program across a variety of key categories. This Autumn will see the launch of Halo 3: ODST and with it more and more fan interest.
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