Marvel Knights Animation (http://www.marvel.com) is proud to announce their newest motion comic epic: Iron Man: Extremis, is on-sale now!
Now you can experience the groundbreaking motion comic, adapting the critically-acclaimed storyline by superstars Warren Ellis and Adi Granov, on iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network with an extra-sized, nearly 20 minute long debut episode! Tony Stark redefines Iron Man’s mission for the 21st century, setting the Armored Avenger on a new direction that’ll alter his life forever…if he can find a way to defeat an unstoppable force fueled by the powerful bio-engineered Extremis super-soldier serum! Each of the six episodes is only $1.99 for Standard Definition or $2.99 for HD and will be released every two weeks through June.
"Iron Man Extremis is an incredible piece of storytelling by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov. The Extremis motion comic takes their creative brilliance and seamlessly shapes it into a unique new experience within the digital animation realm," says Ruwan Jayatilleke, lead creative and producer for Marvel motion comics. "Having the opportunity to work on Warren and Adi's story while extending Marvel's commitment to this new entertainment space has been hands-down phenomenal!"
The worldwide leader in bringing super heroes to life, Marvel redefined the motion comic medium with their first two releases—Spider-Woman (from Brian Bendis & Alex Maleev) and Astonishing X-Men (from Joss Whedon & John Cassaday). Staying true to their source material, Marvel Motion Comics utilize each story’s original art and scripts while adding seamless motion, dynamic voice acting, and stunning special effects to deliver a whole new way to experience some of the greatest storylines in Marvel Comics’ history.
Don’t miss the first episode of Iron Man: Extremis, on-sale now through iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network! For more information, and a first look at the groundbreaking motion comic, head over to http://www.marvel.com/extremis
Please note that Iron Man: Extremis is intended for mature audiences only.
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.
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Sometimes my various circles of geekiness converge in this perfect Venn diagram way, like nerdcore/geek rock, geeky Threadless t-shirts, and comic book movies. The beauty of being a geek who is interested in everything is that this happens all the time. What's really beautiful to a lit geek like me, is that I enjoy Shakespeare just as much as I enjoy my weekly comic fix. Apparently I'm not the only one--IDW brings us Kill Shakespeare, a creative, gorgeously-drawn matryoshka of a story that brings back the Bard's characters in an innovative way.
Shakespeare, though extremely prevalent in our culture, is one of those writers who can be polarizing. Lit geeks love the flowery language and iambic pentameter; others don't want to wade through all of the poetry to get to the heart of the story. Wherever you fall in that spectrum, writers Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col have got a tale for you. It's as if the characters housed in my Complete Works of William Shakespeare volumes have climbed out of their respective plays to visit one another. When taking on this kind of story, it would be easy to make it seem ridiculous or border on parody. This is not the case with Kill Shakespeare. With the debut issue, McCreery and Del Col begin weaving a complex tapestry of characters and plot that has the potential to be one of the best series this year. In the opener, Hamlet, traveling with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, winds up in a completely different place than you remember from lit class, and with completely different consequences. Throw in some familiar hags and a nefarious plot to kill the Bard, and you've got me running to my local comic shop to add this to the pull list.
Adding his talents to this comic is artist Andy Belanger. I'm not familiar with anything else he's done, but with this issue, I'm a fan. His art has a Guy Davis quality to it, which suits the supernatural qualities of this book. Ian Herring does a fantastic job coloring Belanger's art, setting the proper moods on each page. Cover duties are shared by Kagan McLeod and Andy Belanger, and both covers are equally beautiful.
This book is a must-buy for anyone who likes Shakespeare or fans of books like Fables and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and it's a great gateway for that literary friend who says that comics have no substance.
Stacey Rader
Review Editor
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Experience More of Wonderland …
ON DISNEY BLU-RAY & DVD – JUNE 1, 2010
With Worldwide Theatrical Box Office Earnings Approaching the $800 Million Mark, Tim Burton’s Take on the Classic Tales Wins Fans Everywhere
Following a record-breaking theatrical performance, Tim Burton’s epic fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Disney’s 4th biggest film of all time, takes its booming box-office success into the home with a Disney 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD on June 1, 2010, from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE).
The ALICE IN WONDERLAND Blu-ray DiscTM Combo Pack provides audiences with the chance to experience a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time in pristine 1080p picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 HD surround sound quality and has been especially packaged with family and fans in mind – with lots of exciting bonus features and an extra DVD and Digital Copy of the movie.
The Blu-ray Disc versions of the film include nine bonus features that take viewers deeper into the famous “Rabbit Hole” - exploring more of the world of Wonderland, its iconic characters and the making of the film. Features include the making of the Futterwacken Dance, a look inside the world of the Mad Hatter and Johnny Depp’s transformation, Tim Burton’s vision for the movie and its characters, the visual effects of growing and shrinking of Alice, costume designs, music, stunts and more.
The suggested retail prices for ALICE IN WONDERLAND are as follows: The 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) is $44.99 (US)/$51.99 (Canada); the 1-Disc Blu-ray is $39.99 (US) /$44.99 (Canada); and the Single Disc DVD is $29.99 (US)/$35.99 (Canada).
Film Synopsis:
Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fantastical new adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Burton. Inviting and magical, ALICE IN WONDERLAND is an imaginative new twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. Wonderland is a world beyond your imagination and unlike anything you’ve seen before. The extraordinary characters you’ve loved come to life richer and more colorful than ever. There’s the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) and more. A triumphant cinematic experience – ALICE IN WONDERLAND is an incredible feast for your eyes, ears and heart that will captivate audiences of all sizes.
The film’s opening weekend made ALICE IN WONDERLAND the highest-grossing non-sequel opening weekend in history, the biggest March opening of all time, the biggest 3D opening of all time and the biggest IMAX opening of all time.
Bonus Features:
DVD:
Finding Alice – It’s all things Alice. This featurette includes Tim Burton’s vision for the characters, differences from the book and Disney’s version of Alice and how she evolves as both a character and actor as she takes an adventure through Wonderland.
The Mad Hatter – Audiences are provided with a deeper look into the world of the Mad Hatter. Check out Johnny Depp’s early sketches, make-up, costumes and how they digitally enhanced his eyes.
Effecting Wonderland – A behind-the-scenes piece on the different technologies used to create some of the most beloved characters in the film – Stayne, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Bandersnatch and the Red Queen.
BLU-RAY:
Everything on the DVD plus:
The Futterwacken Dance – Futterwhat? Check out the making of the timeless dance called the Futterwacken.
The Red Queen – The creation of the Red Queen from start to finish, including early Tim Burton sketches showcasing costume designs, make-up and digital effects.
Time-Lapse: Sculpting the Red Queen – A short time-lapse piece showing Helena Bonham Carter as she gets her make-up done. A three-hour process can be watched in just a few short minutes.
The White Queen – An interview with Anne Hathaway, who plays Wonderland’s good queen, about her character’s journey throughout the process of the film.
Scoring Wonderland – Composer Danny Elfman and Tim Burton discuss the music for the movie.
Stunts of Wonderland – A featurette highlighting some of the biggest stunts in the film.
Making the Proper Size – An inside look at the visual effects process of growing and shrinking Alice. See how filmmakers used different techniques to stay true to the storyline.
Cakes of Wonderland – Take a trip to “Cake Divas” where the creators of the EAT ME cakes provide viewers with details about how they made the smallest crumb to the largest cake in scale.
Tea Party Props – Tea cups, saucers, cakes and more. Prop master Doug Harlocker gives an overview of all the props used to bring the famous tea party scene together visually.
About Disney Combo Packs:
To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney classics, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a DVD and in some cases a Digital Copy of the movie in a single package. Current 2010 Disney titles available as Combo Packs include Ponyo, Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Princess and the Frog.
About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.
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Top Cow would like to offer you a preview of Ron Marz and Nelson Blake II's Magdalena #1, which is out in stores this coming Wednesday, April 21st.
MAGDALENA #1
story RON MARZ
art NELSON BLAKE II
cover RYAN SOOK
APRIL 28 32 PAGES / FC $3.99
The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!
The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?
From writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig.
Featuring covers by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!
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Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from the Iron Man 2 movie. The movie-accurate Mark IV collectible is highly detailed and fully deployed, specially crafted based on the image of Robert Downey Jr. as the iconic character Mark IV in the movie, highlighting the well equipped armor and light-up functions.
The 1/6th scale Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:
- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness as Mark IV in the movie Iron Man 2
- Newly developed alternate head with authentic likeness of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in the movie (photos coming soon)
- Approximately 30 cm tall
- Over 36 points of articulations
- Special features on armor:
- Newly developed movie-accurate helmet
- LED-lighted eyes and Micro ARC reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
- One (1) piece of detachable chest armor
- Improved articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
- Detachable forearm rockets
- Four (4) pairs of interchangeable palms:
- + One (1) pair with improved articulations, movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of open palms with light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of relaxed palms with light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of forceful fists
- Fully deployed air flaps at back of the armor with built-in metal flaps
- Retractable countermeasure dispenser
- Articulated flaps at the back of armor on left and right legs
- Metallic red and gold-colored painting on armor
Accessories:
- One (1) pair of red framed sunglasses
- One (1) donut box with one donut inside
- Extendable figure stand with Mark IV nameplate and movie logo
- One more additional square-shaped figure stand with LED light-up function, Mark IV nameplate and movie logo (white light, battery operated)
Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Kojun
- Head Painted by JC. Hong
- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different
**Battery included for collectible figure
**Battery not included for figure stand
Release date: Q3, 2010
© 2010 MVLFFLLC. TM & © 2010
Marvel Entertainment, LLC & subs.
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I have been excited about this film ever since my comic shop owner friend started showing me videos from SDCC on YouTube last summer. Anticipation can be a dangerous thing (just ask any Star Wars fan about those months before Phantom Menace), especially when you're talking about a comic book movie. We comic fans are passionate about our movies, running the gamut from fervent defense to absolute abandonment if the film is a dud. All week I've been defending the controversial themes of the film to the uninitiated of my friends and coworkers in the hopes that my passion would pay off at the box office. I am ecstatic to report that Kick-Ass delivers on all levels; it's funny, it's violent, and it boasts a very faithful adaptation of the comic series.
This is the first comic film I've seen where I've truly been able to compare the source material to the film. With films like The Dark Knight or Superman, you have so many issues and context; with Kick-Ass, there are only eight issues. So many moments in the film looked just like the book, like the Armenian copycat who tries to fly, the discussion at the comic shop, Kick-Ass's training. The basic story is intact and translates well to the screen. There are a few tweaks here and there, but the decisions that Vaughn and Millar made I fully support because they make sense in the context of making the story accessible not only to comic fans but to everyone else.
From the moment the opening sequence hit the screen I got a sense that this was going to be a truly great film. The soundtrack and narration really drive the different emotional directions this film takes. It is a very old school film in terms of cinematography--you can tell there's not a lot of CGI, which I love. The action sequences aren't gimmicky; you can see all the action but it doesn't slow the pace of the film at all. The colors are dead on when compared to the comic, and John Romita Jr.'s art can be found everywhere throughout the film.
The real strength of Kick-Ass lies in the acting. Casting for this film was absolutely flawless. Aaron Johnson understands what it means to be Dave Lizewski and Kick-Ass, and he balances the courage and awkwardness of the character perfectly. Christopher Mintz-Plasse shows he's more than McLovin in his role as Red Mist and Chris D'Amico. Once again Mintz-Plasse finds that balance of nerdiness and bravado. Mark Strong makes a great villain--his Frank D'Amico is unapologetic and calculating. Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy is fun and heartwarming, even if he is a guy who has trained his daughter to be a pint-sized Beatrix Kiddo. That brings me to Hit-Girl. Just like with the comic itself, Hit-Girl is my favorite character. Chloe Moretz somehow manages not only to captivate as a tiny assassin and stunt genius, but she's got the acting chops to handle the depth of her character. She plays the role of Mindy/Hit-Girl with grace and maturity and kicks total ass. Throw in Clark Duke for some comic relief, and this is a perfectly cast film.
No doubt the critics of this film will cite the violence and foul language that are present in this film, but in doing so they miss the point completely. For a movie with so much action, there is a story with emotional depth that is accessible to comic fans as well as anyone who just wants to see something different at the cineplex. There were only a few of us in the theater during the 10:00 showing, but we all laughed, we cringed, we cheered, and a couple of us shed a few tears. You can't ask for much more than that on a Thursday night.
Special thanks to Tri-Cities Cinema 7 for hosting our early viewing of Kick-Ass.
Stacey Rader
Review Editor
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In principle I ought to love this comic; Edgar Allan Poe in a supernatural crime thrilled in 1840's Baltimore? That should be right in my wheelhouse; I'm an English teacher, Baltimore is my hometown, I have a high regard for Poe as a poet and critic, and I love supernatural crime thrillers, such as Hellboy and the B.R.P.D. or Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden novels. 
But somehow, this TPB collection from Boom! Studios just falls a little flat. It's good, it's readable, it's entertaining, but it never quite manages to live up to its premise, and I think the reason is simple; it's a hodge-podge. Edgar Allan Poe as detective? Sure, even with the supernatural elements. The problem is that it reads as though the authors decided to include every one of Poe's best known stories and poems into one four-issue comic series. The Fall of the House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death, the Cask of Amontillado, The Raven, Annabel Lee...all of them, and more, make it in. It's too many in too short a space; the idea of Poe as a supernatural detective is interesting enough to support more than one series, and by cramming so many of the best known works into one story does not serve the best interest of that idea. It becomes cluttered.
I must point out something in the book's favor; it makes no references to Poe being any kind of an opium addict, which he was not, despite what poorly researched 8th grade literature textbooks and uneducated Poe fans will tell you. It does place him in a mental hospital, which is equally as problematic, but then, it is a comic book, not a biography. Still, I must protest any promulgation of the nonsense that Poe was some kind of lunatic. In all honesty, the book doesn't go too far in that direction. It generally depicts Poe as a man of incredible imagination, superstition, and knowledge. Superstition I can handle, and it is an amusing character trait as he instructs other characters what to do or not to do at any given moment.
The art of this book does not always thrill. At times, Poe's face is in a very recognizable way; at other times, the angle or proportions seem odd. The color palette is very muted, which provides wonderful contrast in the few moments when it suddenly gets very colorful. A larger problem is the backgrounds, or lack of them. Given a backdrop of 1840's Baltimore, I had hoped to see panels backed with interesting cityscape and the thriving Baltimore Harbor. Instead, for the most part, we get heavily inked brown soup.
Is Poe worth your time? If you are a truly devoted fan of Poe, of supernatural crime thriller, or both, perhaps, yes. The Poe character that is created here is interesting, historical liberties aside. The art is at times intriguing and at others forgettable, but I couldn't say it detracts from the better parts of the book. Ultimately it's a neat idea that hits an occasional high note, but never quite lives up to its promise.
Dan Ford
Staff Reviewer
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