Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Comic Review: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep #4 (Boom Studios)



The popular novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick in graphic form.



The story is quite good. A dystopian earth, a sedated public, and the pursuit of dangerous, apathetic humanoids by bounty hunters, (none of which is addressed in this particular issue of the series, but any expedition in to this world is interesting enough).

The art is fair. The coloring is subtle, and fitting most of the time, and the drawing is good if a bit over-exaggerated. The series is just the unabridged novel set to illustrations of nearly every image conjured in the text. Because of this, the story does not progress very far through the course of an issue.

Frankly, the novel does not need the aid of comic book art to be enjoyed. I would not recommend reading it in this form. However, I would not mind taking a look at a few of the issues of this series featuring my favorite parts from the book.

Matt Hill
Staff Reviewer
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Comic Review: Blackest Night #4 (DC Comics)



Enter Necron



This issue of Blackest Night appears to be the best one yet.

In it we see a member from each colored corps banding together to build a group in order to end the Black Lanterns threat with their combined might. The logic behind this being that if white light is the only thing that can put a black lantern down for good, then their combined power will make the whitest of the white light.

Action and adventure ensue with a surprise ender that effects all the big hero players of the DCU.

Jeff Serpa
Staff Reviewer
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Comic News: IMAGE UNITED'S MAMMOTH DEBUT COMPLETELY SELLS OUT UPON RELEASE!



IMAGE UNITED, the Image Comics crossover of the century, sells out at a distribution-level despite significant overprint!

IMAGE UNITED, the six-part crossover featuring Image Founders Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino, made its debut today with a near-immediate sellout at the distribution-level.

"As soon as I held IMAGE UNITED in my hand, I just knew these would go," said Marc Nathan, owner of Reisterstown, MD's Cards Comics & Collectibles and Promoter of the Baltimore Comic Con. "You just knew the covers were going to go. It was perfectly smart on Image's part to put them out this weekend - the best shopping week of the year. Everyone is coming to this weekend to shop, so you know people will be coming back for #2."

IMAGE UNITED is a six-part crossover encompassing the entire Image superhero universe and features each Image founder illustrating their own characters. Since its announcement, the crossover has garnered headlines from the New York Times, USAToday and other massive media outlets with its once-in-a-lifetime approach to the superhero crossover. Despite a significant overprint, the first issue managed to sell out at a distribution-level in less than twelve hours. A new printing will be released to coincide with the second issue and features a cover by SPAWN and HAUNT creator Todd McFarlane.

IMAGE UNITED writer Robert Kirkman said, "With an overprint this substantial, this immediate sellout is a clear indication the founders and their pantheon of characters are as hot as ever. The greatest part about the sell out is this is just the beginning. The best is yet to come."

Added Image Publisher Eric Stephenson: "Working to pull this project together has been an amazing experience for everyone involved, but it's been even more incredible to hear the response we've been getting not only from fans but our partners in the retail community. Everyone's enthusiasm has been extremely gratifying and we can't wait for everyone to see how this whole project unfolds."

IMAGE UNITED #1 2nd Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be on-sale December 23.

And for those who can't wait for the second printing, a special collector's edition of IMAGE UNITED #1 featuring a gold foil-stamped logo is on sale December 3.

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Comic News: “Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!” Ep. 9 Thanksgiving Special Premieres on Marvel.com


Thanksgiving has arrived and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a brand new episode of Marvel Super Heroes: What The?!

With Marvel Comics getting back in the parade balloon game, the Incredible Hulk wants to be the new face of the company this Thanksgiving, but can the Green Goliath achieve his goal with competition like The Punisher, Gambit and more? See it now: http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.10445

It’s a Turkey Day like none other in this special Thanksgiving edition of Marvel Super Heroes: What The?! featuring the surprise debut of the character most requested by you, the fans, so make sure you stay tuned till the end!

Watch “99 Hulk Balloons” now at http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.10445


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Comic News: Chart-Topping Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic Debuts New Episode on iTunes!



The motion comic that everyone’s talking about is back with a groundbreaking new chapter-- Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic Episode 3 is now available on iTunes!

Based on the award-winning story by superstars Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Captain America), Cyclops’ new mission for the X-Men is underway, but revelations about the mutant cure could tear apart the team. Beast must confront Dr. Rao about a shocking discovery, but not before a brawl with his teammate Wolverine! And just what role does Nick Fury play in all this? CLICK HERE to purchase the latest episode and find out now!

Don’t miss a single episode of the chart-topping Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic-- subscribe to a season pass, available on iTunes, by clicking HERE!
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Toy News: Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ Catapults to Be One of the Fall’s Top Boys Action Series



Toys Based on Animated Series Sure to Be a Holiday Must-Have


Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ is proving to be a force to be reckoned with as it becomes a top five show for boys on Cartoon Network, airing on Saturday mornings. And, as parents prepare for Black Friday and the fast-approaching gift-giving season, Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ products, from vehicles and action figures to super-fast track sets and a multi-platform video game, are sure to top boys’ wish lists.

“We are thrilled that kids are tuning in week after week to experience the exciting crash and bash vehicle action in each episode,” said Tim Kilpin, General Manager, Mattel Brands' Girls, Boys & Games Division. “As we build on our entertainment offerings, the success of Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 is even more rewarding since the show’s concept was developed within the walls of Mattel.”

For boys who want to bring the show’s scenes to life, the Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ toy line features two different assortments of 1:24 scale battle vehicles and figures, 1:64 scale vehicles, an action-packed track set and 1:64 scale vehicle two-pack with a DVD containing the first episode of the show – all at an affordable price point, ranging from $2.99 to $24.99. For the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, Activision Publishing, Inc., gives kids an entirely new way to experience the action of the show with the adrenaline-rushing excitement of the Hot Wheels™ Battle Force 5™ video game.

Hot Wheels® Battle Force 5™ products are available at retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.battleforce5.com or www.shop.mattel.com.
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