Monday, March 8, 2010

MOVIE NEWS: New Tron Legacy Trailer



Disney has released the latest trailer for Tron Legacy.




Read more...

Read More

COMIC CONVENTIONS: Top Cow at Emerald City ComiCon 2010



PUBLISHER RETURNS TO THE EMERALD CITY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS, EXCLUSIVES AND GIVEAWAYS



Top Cow Productions, Inc. announced its plans today for this weekend’s Emerald City ComiCon, the Pacific Northwest's premier comic book and pop culture convention. This year’s Emerald City ComiCon will be held at the Washington State Convention Center on March 13-14, 2010. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Top Cow booth (#304) to meet their favorite creators, pick up the Emerald City ComiCon convention variant as well as their favorite Top Cow comics.

Top Cow creators who will be exhibiting at Emerald City ComiCon include Ron Marz (Witchblade), Phil Hester (The Darkness), Michael Broussard (The Darkness), William Harms (Impaler), Eric Basaldua (Witchblade Annual) and Joshua Ortega (Necromancer).

This year, Emerald City ComiCon will have available four Top Cow exclusives: an ECCC 2010 limited edition wrap-around variant of Angelus #2 (by Marz and Stjepan Sejic), an ECCC 2010 limited edition variant cover of The Darkness #83 by Whilce Portacio (with interior story by Hester and Broussard), a limited edition Witchblade ECCC print by Broussard and Sunny Gho, and the official ECCC 2010 t-shirt featuring the art of Broussard. The latter two exclusives will be available at the official Emerald City ComiCon booth.

Also available at the Top Cow booth (#304) are free preview books, prizes and other giveaways. Fans interested in sketches from the artists should stop by at the beginning of each day to acquire a sketch ticket.

For more information on the show, please visit www.emeraldcitycomicon.com. You can also receive up-to-date information including an Emerald City ComiCon signing schedule by following Top Cow on Twitter: @TopCow (www.twitter.com/topcow).



About Top Cow Productions Inc.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. (www.topcow.com), a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, was founded in December of 1992 by artist Marc Silvestri, who also co-founded Image Comics earlier that same year. Top Cow currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and two licensed) in the industry’s Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise, WITCHBLADE, was TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and the subsequent TV series was released on DVD on July 29, 2008. A feature film, co-produced by Platinum Studios, Inc. and Arclight Films, is slated to begin production in Australia with director Michael Rymer. WITCHBLADE is also the first American property to be fully adapted in Japan as an original anime and manga by Studio GONZO in 2006. Top Cow’s other flagship property, THE DARKNESS, was developed into a major next-generation video game release by Starbreeze and 2K Games and achieved platinum sales status. WANTED, an Eisner-nominated miniseries published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, is now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. Virtually all of Top Cow’s other properties are in development as feature films, live-action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die-cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and roleplaying games.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: Marvel Unveils IRON MAN BY DESIGN Variant Covers



Get a look at Iron Man like you’ve never seen him before! Marvel is proud to unveil the stunning Iron Man By Design variant covers by some of the top artists of today!


“We’re excited to show fans a whole new side of Iron Man” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation. “Taking our inspiration from some of the most exciting eras, art styles, inventions – you name it!—in history, the Iron Man By Design variant covers are just the beginning of the exciting Iron Man product hitting stores throughout the year!”

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on these hotly-anticipated variant covers, as Iron Man continues to garner mainstream media buzz! No Marvel fan can miss April’s Iron Man By Design variant covers!

VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #7 (FEB100542)
VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #7 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100543)
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Penciled by TAN ENG HUAT
Cover by MIKE CHOI
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by ADI GRANOV
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/11/10, On-Sale—4/7/10

UNCANNY X-MEN #523 (FEB100542)
UNCANNY X-MEN #523 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100543)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by TERRY DODSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by MIKE PERKINS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/11/10, On-Sale—4/7/10

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #628 (FEB100478)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #628 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100479)
Written by ROGER STERN
Pencils & Cover by LEE WEEKS
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—3/18/10, On-Sale—4/14/10

DAREDEVIL #506 (FEB100501)
DAREDEVIL #506 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100502)
Written by ANDY DIGGLE & ANTHONY JOHNSTON
Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover by PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/18/10, On-Sale—4/14/10

DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #894 (FEB100468)
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #894 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100469)
Written by IVAN BRANDON
Penciled by SANFORD GREENE
Cover by HUMERTO RAMOS
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by GREG TOCCHINI
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/18/10, On-Sale—4/14/10

NEW MUTANTS #12 (FEB100559)
NEW MUTANTS #12 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (FEB100560)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Penciled by IBRAIM ROBERSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/18/10, On-Sale—4/14/10





Marvel Entertainment, LLC. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: The Original Johnson, Vol 2 Coming in May



Conclusion of the “unflinching” graphic novel biography of
legendary heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson



Coming to stores in May, IDW Publishing is proud to present the second and final volume of The Original Johnson, a bold graphic novel biography of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion and international celebrity. This gripping story brings the reader through Johnson’s life, including through his historic defeat of Tommy Burns to become champion. Long-time comics mainstay Trevor Von Eeden (Batman, Green Arrow) captures the essence of a nation’s struggle through the study of one of the best boxers of all time. Nominated for four Glyph Awards, including Story of the Year, The New York Times calls The Original Johnson “unflinching in its depiction of racism in America, the brutality of the boxing ring and the tragedies and triumphs of Johnson’s life.”

This two-volume series chronicles the gripping story of one man’s fight for equality. Volume Two picks up the story after the “Galveston Giant” had become a famous (and infamous) boxer. Pulling readers along with intense text and art, The Original Johnson showcases the barrier-shattering event in 1908, when Johnson beat a Burns for the heavyweight world championship, sparking racial clashes around the country. With his conquests across the color barrier both in and out of the boxing ring, this son of former slaves came to embody the struggle against racism that still plagues society today, and was an inspiration for generations of people fighting discrimination and inequality.

”The completion of Jack Johnson’s compelling saga is a story of uniquely American courage and perseverance,” editor Mike Gold stated. “Trevor’s storytelling and artwork is truly in the tradition of Jack Johnson, and marks the highpoint in this talented cartoonist’s career.”

Jack Johnson became a flash point in America’s racial evolution, not only for his repeated victories over white boxers, but also for his many relationships. During Johnson’s life, these were considered equal offenses, and The Original Johnson examines both with the same passion and graphic art.

”I can only begin to tell you how excited I am to see this entire story come out,” Von Eeden noted. “It marks the culmination of more than 15 years of work, and is my most important work to date. Jack Johnson is one of America’s greatest heroes, and I’m proud to bring his full story to life.”

A co-production from IDW Publishing and ComicMix, The Original Johnson will be a two-volume graphic novel totaling 240 pages of story, plus historical introductions. The Original Johnson contains some mature content.


The Original Johnson, Volume Two ($19.99, 136 pages) will be available in stores in May. An IDW/ComicMix co-production. ISBN 978-1-160010-664-4.



About IDW Publishing 

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; Fox’s Angel; the BBC’s Doctor Who; and television’s #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC CONVENTIONS: Hero Initiative at Emerald City Comic Con-Seatle Washington!



Membership party featuring
Tim Sale Three-Minute sketches!



Hero Initiative will be at the 8th annual Emerald City Comic Con, March 13-14 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Wash. Hero will have a star-studded guest list throughout the weekend, and a membership party at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Grand Hyatt Downtown Saturday night featuring artist Tim Sale. All proceeds will benefit Hero Initiative, a non-profit organization helping comic creators in need.

Fans who become new members of Hero Initiative on Saturday at the con will receive tickets to our Member Appreciation party. The party will be held from 10-11 pm at Ruth’s Chris Bar and Grill located at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Existing members, bring your membership cards for entry! At the party Tim Sale will be drawing “Colorful Characters of Marvel,” three-minute sketches at only $20 each, one per customer! There are only 10 slots available, so get to the Hero booth early on Saturday to reserve yours. They are sold on a first come, first served basis.

And the mayor of Seattle has put together a proclamation for the Seattle born-and-bred Tim Sale in recognition of his success in the comic book industry and his dedication in helping Hero Initiative. The presentation will be made at the party, so become a member so you can help celebrate!

"Wow, how cool is this? Even though I live in Los Angeles now, in many ways Seattle will always be my home town, and it's very thrilling to be honored by the city in this way,” said Sale. “I hope I can be worthy, and that everyone comes to the Emerald City Comic Con and enjoys themselves!"


Hero Initiative booth schedule:

Saturday, March 13:
1000-1130: Phil Hester
1130-100: Barry Kitson + Tim Sale
100-230: Whilce Portacio
230-400: Jeff Parker

Sunday, March 14:
1000-1200: Matt Haley
1200-100: Steve Lieber
100-200: Alan Porter

About The Hero Initiative:

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strict to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: YOU CAN'T KEEP A DEAD MAN DOWN



Paul Johnstone returns to the helmet in SHADOWHAWK #1!



Paul Johnstone may have died, but not only is he better now, he's resumed the mantle of ShadowHawk in SHADOWHAWK, an all-new series arising from the pages of IMAGE UNITED written by DAN WICKLINE with art by TONE RODRIGUEZ.

"The return of the original SHADOWHAWK, Paul Johnstone, is electrifying. Dan and Tone have RESURRECTED the character of SHADOWHAWK, both literally and figuratively in a manner that, to the best of my knowledge, has never been done before," says Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. "Paul Johnstone is back to kick butt and take names."

SHADOWHAWK takes place 15 years after Paul Johnstone's stunning death and though he wears the ShadowHawk helmet once more, New York is a far more dangerous place than he remembers. A new evil festers in the city's shadows, but before Johnstone can deal with the ramifications of returning to life, he must first confront his past.

SHADOWHAWK #1 (MAR100390), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores May 5, 2010.




Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today.
For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: I Am In Avengers Academy




Don't miss the brand new Avengers Academy #1, from the superstar creative team of Christos Gage & Mike McKone, this June!



Marvel Entertainment, LLC. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: Marvel Comics On-Sale 3/10/10



Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, collections and posters arriving in comic stores on March 10th, 2010.


For more information on any of these titles, and on upcoming mighty Marvel releases, please visit http://marvel.com/catalog/?date=2010-03-10 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:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #624
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #624 YF VARIANT
BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY! #1
CABLE #24
CRIMINAL: THE SINNERS #5
DARK X-MEN #5
FANTASTIC FOUR #575 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
HULK: LET THE BATTLE BEGIN #1
IRON MAN 2 SPOTLIGHT
LOCKJAW & THE PET AVENGERS UNLEASHED #1
LOCKJAW & THE PET AVENGERS UNLEASHED #1 LANGRIDGE VARIANT
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #21
POWERS #3
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #2
PUNISHERMAX #5
S.W.O.R.D. #5
SUPER HERO SQUAD #3
THE MYSTIC HANDS OF DR. STRANGE #1
THE TWELVE: SPEARHEAD #1
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #8
ULTIMATE COMICS X #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT 1-3 MUST HAVE
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #6
WOLVERINE: MR. X #1
WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ MGC #1
X-MEN FOREVER #19
X-MEN: PIXIE STRIKES BACK #2

Collections On-Sale:
AVENGERS/X-MEN: UTOPIA TPB
ENDER'S GAME: COMMAND SCHOOL PREMIERE HC
GHOST RIDERS: HEAVEN'S ON FIRE TPB
MIGHTY AVENGERS: SECRET INVASION HC
RUNAWAYS: PARENTAL GUIDANCE PREMIERE HC
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-GIRL: WHO KILLED GWEN REILLY? TPB
SPIDER-GIRL VOL. 12: THE GAMES VILLAINS PLAY DIGEST
SUPER HERO SQUAD: GET YER HERO ON DIGEST CANADIAN VARIANT (DM ONLY)
WOLVERINE WEAPON X VOL. 2: INSANE IN THE BRAIN PREMIERE HC
WOLVERINE: DARK WOLVERINE VOL. 2 - MY HERO PREMIERE HC

*FOTHS= Fall of The Hulks tie-in
*GNTLT= Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet tie-in
*S= SIEGE tie-in
*XN= X-Necrosha tie-in





Marvel Entertainment, LLC. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
Read more...

Read More

COMIC NEWS: BOOM! Studios for March 10th



Boom Studios has released previews for their books coming out on March 10th.

THE ANCHOR #6
Written by Phil Hester
Drawn by Brian Churilla
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Brian Churilla
COVER B: Chris Samnee
Diamond Code: JAN100801

Tragedy strikes the Anchor when his new found knowledge leads to the loss of someone he loves. And our heaven sent hero is hell bent on settling the score, even if it means a trip to the bowels of Hell itself. THE ANCHOR promises more potent pathos, neck breaking action, and mind bending plot twists per page than any comic on the stands. THE ANCHOR train has left the station — get on or get run over! A new BOOM! ongoing series, brought to you by Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist Phil Hester and fan-favorite artist Brian Churilla.




CARS #2 (ONGOING)
Written by Alan J. Porter
Drawn by Magic Eye Studios
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $2.99
COVER A & B: Allen Gladfelter
Diamond Code: NOV090684

Lightning McQueen’s new Radiator Springs Racetrack is finally finished, and the crowds are descending on the town for the inaugural event… but his rival Chick Hicks has some plans to make sure McQueen loses the first big race on his own turf in this new ongoing series!




FARSCAPE: D’ARGO’S QUEST #4
Written by Keith DeCandido, Rockne S. O’Bannon
Drawn by Caleb Cleveland
SC, 24 pgs, FC,(4 of 4), SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Chad Hardin
COVER B: Caleb Cleveland
Diamond Code: JAN100813

The grand finale of Ka D’Argo’s journey is here! Through it all he has seen betrayal, loss and death. Now the Luxan warrior reaches the end to what may be his toughest fight of all, the search for his wife’s killer. But the biggest discovery may be what he finds in himself.




KILL AUDIO #6
Written by Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert
Drawn by Sheldon Vella
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (6 of 6) SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Sheldon Vella
COVER B: Chuck BB
Diamond Code: JAN100818

DOOM has come to Sight and Sound. DOOM has come to The Void. DOOM has come to Kill Audio. The final chapter is here. The fate of all music rests in the hands of the immortal Kill Audio and his ramshackle crew. Will songs still be sung, dreams still dreamt? Find out in this, the last issue of the six-issue mega-series!




THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK #3 (ONGOING)
Written by Roger Langridge
Drawn by Roger Langridge
Covers A & B by Roger Langridge
SC, 24 pgs, FC, SRP: $2.99
Diamond Code: DEC090755s

Roger Langridge’s celebrated run on The Muppet Show continues in this new ongoing! The Muppet gang continues to struggle with life on the road as every town they visit seems to bring its own variation of two very familiar heckling curmudgeons! And what’s up with the comedy stylings of Clint Wacky? Has Fozzie been replaced?




TOY STORY #2 (ONGOING)
Written by Jesse Blaze Snider
Drawn by Nathan Watson
SC, 24 pgs, FC, SRP: $2.99
Cover A & B: Nathan Watson
Diamond Code: NOV090693

The new TOY STORY ongoing continues with THE RETURN OF BUZZ LIGHTYEAR, PART 3: Buzz Lightyear finds himself in the most unlikely of places: the local toy store’s return bin! It will take Woody, Rex and all of Andy’s toys to mount a rescue… but the replacement Buzz Lightyear has other plans!




WALT DISNEY COMICS AND STORIES #704
Written by Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Alberto Savini
Drawn by Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Abramo Leghziel
24pgs, FC, SRP: $2.99
COVER A: Andrea “Casty” Castellan
COVER B: Jonathan Gray and Jake Myler
Diamond Code: DEC090763

After the conclusion of the amazing superhero antics in Disney’s Ultraheroes, Mickey and the gang are back in a brand new, never before seen adventure. What sorts of hijinx will our favorite Disney characters get into next…? There’s only one place to find out! Walt Disney Comics and Stories, only from BOOM Kids!




DISNEY’S HERO SQUAD: ULTRAHEROES Vol. 1 TPB
Written by Riccardo Secchi, Alessandro Ferrari, Giorgio Salati
Drawn by Stefano Turconi, Antonello Dalena, Ettore Gula, Emilio Urbano
HC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $24.99
TPB, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $9.99
TPB Diamond Code: DEC090746
HC ISBN13: 9781608865529
TPB ISBN13: 9781608865437

When Scrooge McDuck’s money bin is assaulted by the world’s most sinister super-villains, it’s up to the Hero Squad to save the day! Super Goof! The Duck Avenger! Can an alliance of Disney’s mightiest keep Scrooge from losing his lucre? Collecting the first four smash hit issues WALT DISNEY COMICS AND STORIES #699 – 702!






2nd Prints Available This Week

INCORRUPTIBLE #2 2nd Print
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Jean Diaz
SC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: DEC098479

Last April BOOM! Studios showed the world that MARK WAID IS EVIL with the smash-hit series IRREDEEMABLE. Now BOOM! shows the world that Mark Waid is… INCORRUPTIBLE! In this new ongoing, the reformed super villain Max Damage and his sidekick, the less reformed Jailbait, set out on their first mission–to extract vengeance against an old ally who must be brought to justice and who holds an important key to Max’s plans to bring down the Plutonian!
Read more...

Read More