PENDRAGON'S POST

Friday, February 27, 2009

Who Framed Deadpool?

He’s the “Merc with a Mouth” and he’s gotten himself into a whole new world of trouble beginning this April in Deadpool: Suicide Kings #1 (of 5)! From the creative team of writer Mike Benson (Moon Knight, television’s Entourage) and artist Carlo Barberi comes an all-new explosive romp featuring everyone’s favorite wisecracking sociopath! After Deadpool is set up and framed, everyone wants a piece of him! If Wade hopes to survive and serve up a dish of some good ol’ revenge, he’s going to have go toe-to-toe with some of the Marvel U’s heaviest hitters: Punisher, Daredevil and the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Plus, a mind-blowing cover from red-hot artist Mike McKone

Who will come out on top, “The Man without Fear” or Deadpool? Will the “Merc with a Mouth” put the Punisher in his place? And will Deadpool get tangled up by Spider-Man? You can only find out in Deadpool: Suicide Kings #1 (of 5)!

DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #1 (of 5) (FEB092577)
Written by MIKE BENSON
Penciled by CARLO BARBERI
Cover by MIKE MCKONE
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC – 3/12/09, On-Sale – 4/1/09

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Mike Norton is an American comic book artist, notable for his work on Runaways and Gravity. In February 2007, Norton signed an exclusive contract with DC and has worked on the All New Atom, written by Gail Simone. He took over pencil duties on Green Arrow/Black Canary from issue 7, worked on several issues of Countdown to Final Crisis, illustrated a fill-in issue of Blue Beetle #26 and is contributing to the backup stories in DC's upcoming weekly series, Trinity.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

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

To me, my greatest achievement in comics is actually making a living doing comics. That's pretty great to me.

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

That's a really tough one. I'd have to say I've had the most fun with Sean McKeever and Gail Simone.

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

Lots of characters that I love and would work on. Wildcat, Creeper, Power Man and Iron Fist. My favorite of all time would be Blue Beetle.

4) Who are your influences?

John Byrne, John Romita Sr. & Jr., Ross Andru, too many others to list.

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

Dunno... I kinda like everybody how they are! :)

You can check out Mike's site at http://www.ihatemike.com/

And check out his podcast with Chris Crank, Crankcast, at http://crankcast.net/ Read more...

Due to an unprecedented number of unsolicited art and writing submissions, Marvel has altered its open submissions policy effective immediately. Marvel has remained the only major publisher to continue accepting open submissions, however that practice has been halted as we review our strategies for accepting future submissions.

Marvel has a proven track record of attracting new and emerging talent and does not plan on ending those efforts in any way.

"If you look at our track record over the last 18 months, I think you'll find the names of more new writers and artists in Marvel books than ever before. Maybe more than at any other major comic book publisher, as a matter of fact," says Marvel Talent Liaison C.B. Cebulski. "We pride ourselves on finding new voices and artistic styles to help us shape the Marvel Universe in original and exciting ways. And while the hunt for new artistic resources to help us ever expand the Marvel mythos will continue, we'll just be going about it in different ways. We've examined all our past practices concerning talent recruitment and it quickly became clear that more 'reactive' methods such as open submissions were the least effective ways to open the Marvel door for up-and-comers. So instead we'll be continuing with the more 'proactive' methods of artist and writer discovery that we've found so successful of late, including some soon-to-be-announced new outlets."

While the open submissions policy has ceased, Marvel will continue its active recruitment of artists through its Talent Management department. Artists are also encouraged to bring portfolios for review to the major conventions at which Marvel will have a presence this year.

Talent Coordinator for Marvel, Chris Allo adds, "In regards to finding new artists, we in the Talent Management department will still continue to look at online websites such as Deviant Art, Comic Art Community, as well as comic art blogs, and other related sites. Online comics are rapidly becoming a source for scouting as well. And, of course, we will still go to the comic book stores on Wednesdays and see what new artists are out there working for other companies and on independent books."

With the successful discovery and publishing of writers in the fields of comics as well as TV, film and literature, Marvel will continue to search out new voices in all published fields, as we have for the past number of years.

As new media and means of publishing comics on the web as well as small and independent press, we encourage all new creators to continue honing their craft by using all of the tools available during this time. Marvel will be announcing a new submissions policy in the near future. Read more...

Don’t Miss The Free EXILES SKETCHBOOK At Marvel.Com!

Get your first look behind the scenes of the all new upcoming Exiles #1 in the FREE Exiles Sketchbook, courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited at http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/EXILES_SKETCHBOOK.0000.1! It’s the rip-roaring return of everybody’s favorite pink-skinned mutant, Blink, and she’s assembled a whole new team of reality hopping heroes! Get a sneak-peak of the upcoming series brought to you by acclaimed scribe Jeff Parker and fan favorite artist Salvador Espin as they present to you an all new tale of Exiles adventure! This sketchbook includes creator commentary and a fresh, new look at some of your favorite characters like you’ve never seen them before! Make sure you get it while it’s hot True Believers because this sketchbook is a Digital Comics EXCLUSIVELY right here at http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/EXILES_SKETCHBOOK.0000.1!

Get in on the action and check out this unique look of what is sure to be one of the best new books of the year! You don't want to miss the FREE Exiles Sketchbook right here http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/EXILES_SKETCHBOOK.0000.1! And, don't forget to check out April's Exiles #1!

EXILES #1 (FEB092559)
EXILES #1 WOLVERINE ART APPRECIATION VARIANT (FEB092560)
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by SALVADOR ESPIN
Cover by DAVE BULLOCK
Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant by JON CHAN
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—3/19/09, On-Sale—4/8/09

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Spread your wings, lock and load, and pop those claws because X-Force/ Cable: Messiah War Prologue is heading your way! From the all-star team of writers, Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle, comes the sequel to the biggest X-Men event of the past decade, “Messiah CompleX!” After the birth of the first new mutant since the House of M, the X-Men’s lives have never been the same. Cable’s stuck in the future, Bishop’s been on a hunt, and Cyclops has been doing everything in his power to ensure the future of the mutant race. With explosive interiors from Young Guns ‘09 artist Mike Choi, prepare for all out action as Cyclops sends X-Force on a dangerous, time-traveling mission to save Cable and the child! However, when they get to the future they’re going to find something they never could have imagined!

“Kyle and Yost continue to prove themselves as experts in X-Men mythology and they are doing some great character work” – Paul Steven Brown, ComicAddiction.com

“Mike Choi's art is clean, highly detailed, and effecting!” – Steven M. Bari, ComicsBulletin.com

“Kyle & Yost have a brilliant handle!” – Bryan Joel, IGN.com

“Choi’s art is undoubtedly excellent!” – James Hunt, ComicBookResources.com

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on X-Force, Cable, and all other X-related books as they continue to generate great reviews as excitement begins to build in regards to the upcoming event.

What happens when Cable reunites with his former teammates? It’s the X-epic everyone’s been waiting for and it all begins this March with X-Force/ Cable: Messiah War Prologue!

X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE (JAN092540)
X-FORCE CABLE MESSIAH WAR PROLOGUE LIEFELD VAR (JAN092541)
Written by CRAIG KYLE & CHRISTOPHER YOST
Art by MIKE CHOI & SONIA OBACK
Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
50/50 Cover by MIKE CHOI & SONIA OBACK
Variant Cover by ROB LIEFELD
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 3/5/09, On-Sale – 3/25/09

CABLE #13 (FEB092585)
“X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR,” PART 2
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
50/50 Variant Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 3/12/09, On-Sale – 4/1/09

X-FORCE #14 (FEB092586)
"X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR" PART 3
Written by CRAIG KYLE & CHRISTOPHER YOST
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
50/50 Variant Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
Parental Advisory ...$2.99
FOC – 4/2/09, On-Sale – 4/22/09

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Image Comics announces plans for their hometown show, including the greatest comic book cover of all time!

This weekend thousands of comic fans will flood San Francisco's Moscone Hall for WonderCon 2009 to meet their favorite creators and the publisher who brings it better than any other, the Bay Area's very own Image Comics!

"Its always fun to travel to conventions, but nothing beats the hometown show," Image Comics Founder and Illustrator of the WonderCon Exclusive SAVAGE DRAGON #145 Erik Larsen said. "It may not be the biggest, but its certainly one of the best! Plus, its a particularly important con for me as this week marks the big relaunch of SAVAGE DRAGON! Im excited to hear what the fans have to say about the big issue!

Throughout the weekend Larsen along with VIKING's Ivan Brandon, ELEPHANTMEN's Richard Starkings & Moritat, DARKNESS' Michael Broussard and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik and will be available at the Image Comics booth signing autographs and selling exclusive items! However, the convention doesnt truly begin until Fridays Image Comics Show at 3-4 PM in room 103 featuring Larsen, Starkings, THE GREAT UNKNOWNs Duncan Rouleau and Champions Onlinewriter John Layman with the first word on an all-new project! In addition, the already much coveted SAVAGE DRAGON #145 variant featuring President Barack Obama taking on Osama Bin Laden will be available starting Friday for a very limited amount of time with a select few fans randomly winning a copy during the Friday panel. If thats not enough GODLANDs Joe Casey, PHERONEs Viktor Kalvachev, NEW BRIGHTON ARCHELOGICAL SOCIETYs Mark Andrew Smith and many more will stop by the booth!

Image Comics can be found at booth #407 during Wondercon, February 27 - March 1st 2009, taking place in the San Francisco Moscone Center.

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WANTED - COMIC BOOKS, TOYS, & MOVIE REVIEWS

If you're interested in reviewing comic books, toys, or movies, please feel free to contact me.

I'm looking for reviewers in those three categories. Read more...

MEZCO REVEALS NEW TERRORS AT TOY FAIR

Mezco’s frighteningly popular line of horror stars returns with a terrifying new lineup. Making their debut at the 2009 International Toy Fair in New York, Freddy Krueger of Nightmare On Elm Street, Leatherface of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Jason Voorhees of Friday The 13th return to bring some fresh blood to the world of collectibles with six thrilling new offerings:

TINY TERRORS
Legendary monsters that fit in your pocket!
Mezco’s new Tiny Terrors will send fun filled chills down your spine!
These chunky mini versions of Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface are ready to jump out of the shadows and into your toy chest. Each feature articulated parts and are packaged individually.

CINEMA OF FEAR 3.75 INCH FIGURES
Fear comes to 1/18th scale!
Mezco’s newest scale format is now part of the Cinema Of Fear collection. Reducing horror icons and keeping all the detail and articulation, each figures comes with film accurate accessories. Jason Voorhees has a machete, ax, and removable mask. Freddy Krueger has a removable hat and garbage can lid. Leatherface comes with his trusty chainsaw and mallet. Each figure comes packaged with its own display base.

CINEMA OF FEAR MINI PLUSH
Horror never looked so cuddly! Mezco recreates Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface as 100% plush figures. Each freestanding figure is approximately 7 inches tall and is complete with their famous accouterments; Jason with his machete, Freddy with his glove, and Leatherface with his chainsaw.

DELUXE 12INCH NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET FREDDY
Mezco celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of A Nightmare On Elm Street with a deluxe 12inch Freddy Krueger figure. Featuring nearly a dozen points of articulation, this rotocast killer features a real cloth film accurate sweater. Lift the sweater to reveal the souls of Freddy’s victims imprisoned in his chest. Freddy features a miniature of the marionette as seen in his 3rd film, and a removable hat.

URBAN VINYL NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET FREDDY
Continuing their highly popular series with a third offering, Mezco gives Freddy Krueger the urban vinyl treatment and creates and instant classic. Featuring 8 points of articulation, Freddy comes with a scale Elm St sign and a removable cloth sweater, as well as the infamous tongue phone.

CINEMA OF FEAR HELL RODS
Mezco’s mash-up of Horror Icons & Monster Hot Rod art are a perfect fit.
Mixing its popular Cinema Of Fear line with custom car culture and Urban Vinyl, and the result is awesome! Cinema Of Fear Hell Rods feature three maniac drivers; Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface. Each is approximately 4 inches tall and feature insane detail. A must have for horror fiends, gear heads & collectors of the cool.