Riftwar #1 Unveils the Next Chapter of Raymond E. Feist’s War and Fantasy!

Hot on the heels of the exciting Magician: Apprentice is the next installment of Raymond E. Feist’s fantasy saga in Riftwar #1! The fan favorite team behind Magician Apprentice reunites and delivers an even more compelling tale of bravery and peril.


The Castle Crydee has never faced an enemy as threatening as the one they face now. Meanwhile, Pug journeys deep into the heart of the enemy’s camp in what can only be described as a suicide mission! This first issue has all the makings of a shocking series that will change the landscape of Midkemia forever!

Plus, in case fans missed the first chapter of this epic story, check out the free digital comic of the Magician: Apprentice right here: http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/MAGICIAN_APPRENTICE.2006

Critics and Fans are raving about Marvel’s Adaptation of the Riftwar Saga:

“Believe me, Riftwar is in good hands!” – Robert Murray, Comicsbulletin.com

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all Riftwar issues, as the series continues to generate significant buzz. How will Pug and his companions fare against this powerful enemy? Be sure to catch all the action and splendor in Riftwar #1!

RIFTWAR #1 (of 5) (MAR092491)
Written by BRYAN J.L. GLASS
Penciled by RYAN STEGMAN
Cover by JASON CHAN
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC – 6/4, On-Sale – 6/24/09



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5 Quick Questions with Jay Faerber

Jay Faerber is a writer and comic book creator.

Faerber got his start writing comic books at Marvel and DC Comics in the late 1990s, where he worked on such series as THE TITANS, NEW WARRIORS, GENERATION X, and others.

In 2001, he launched his first creator-owned series, NOBLE CAUSES, which has gone on to garner much critical acclaim.

Since then, Faerber has carved out a niche for himself as a creator of independent comic books such as DODGE'S BULLETS, FIREBIRDS, VENTURE, and the upcoming DYNAMO 5. Faerber currently writes the series NOBLE CAUSES and DYNAMO 5, as well as the mini-series GEMINI. One day, hopes to find (or should that be "make"?) the time to write a mystery novel.



He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions


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

That would probably be Noble Causes, an independent, creator-owned super-hero series that ran for over 8 years in a market that's not particularly receptive to super-heroes not published by Marvel or DC.

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

There's no way to answer this question without offending all the people I don't name. It's like asking who your favorite sibling is. So I'll just say that I've been ridiculously fortunate in my career to work with a lot of great artists. Sure, there have been some I didn't particularly gel with. But those guys have been the exception, not the rule.

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

I can't manage to shake the desire to do something with Marvel's Alpha Flight. That's the first series I collected from the very first issue, so maybe it's simply a sentimental favorite. But I really think there's a lot of life left in the original Alphans.

4) Who are your influences?

In comics, it's guys like Fabian Nicieza, Mark Waid, Marv Wolfman & George Perez, Mike Grell, and John Ostrander. I'm also really influenced by novelists like Robert P. Parker, Robert Crais, and Lee Child, and by screenwriters like David E. Kelley, Stephen J. Cannell, Aaron Sorkin, and Joss Whedon.

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

I don't think there are any heroes or villains I'd like to change. There may be some I think have been taken too far away from their original concept, and should be changed BACK (like Alpha Flight!). But I can't think of any I'd like to simply change.

Check out Jay's website at http://www.jayfaerber.com.

Catch Dynamo 5 written by Jay and published by Image Comics.

And look for the upcoming Lilandra and Crystal digital comics from Marvel, at http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/ Read more...

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TOP COW COMICS AUGUST 2009 RELEASES

Top Cow Comics has released their August 2009 solicits.


AUGUST 2009 CHECKLIST

The Darkness/Pitt #1 Paul Jenkins/Dale Keown/Stjepan Sejic $2.99
Berserker #3 Rick Loverd/Jeremy Haun/Dale Keown $2.99
Berserker #1 Signed Ed Rick Loverd/Jeremy Haun/Dale Keown $19.99
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 Mark Waid/Kenneth Rocafort/Stjepan Sejic $2.99
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 Signed Ed Mark Waid/Kenneth Rocafort/Mike Choi $19.99
The Darkness #79 Phil Hester/Jorge Lucas/Whilce Portacio $2.99
Witchblade #129 Ron Marz/Stjepan Sejic $2.99
Witchblade #126 Calgary Expo Var Cvr Ron Marz/Stjepan Sejic/Laurie B $10.00
Cyblade TPB Joshua Hale Fialkov/Rick Mays/Lee Ferguson $14.99



The Darkness/Pitt #1 (of 3)
(W) Paul Jenkins
(A) Dale Keown
(Cov) Keown, Stjepan Sejic

Dale Keown’s classic hero Pitt makes his return to comics! What else do you need to know?
When Tim and Pitt’s mission to track down those infected by an alien virus brings them to Jackie’s stomping ground in New York, they are invariably drawn together. Both attract the unwanted attention of the Federal Government and mayhem ensues!
The crossover reunites The Darkness writer Paul Jenkins (Captain America, Mythos) and Pitt creator Dale Keown (Hulk: The End) and features two covers by series artist Keown and a variant cover by Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade).

Cover A – Dale Keown
Cover B – Stjepan Sejic

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – August 26th, 2009


Berserker #3
(W) Rick Loverd
(A) Jeremy Haun
(Cov) Dale Keown, Jeremy Haun

The bone-crushing new series produced by Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia and DiVide Pictures continues this month!
Farris realizes he has traded one war for another and refuses to fight the other Berserkers. Meanwhile Aaron must flee from the cops and other Berserkers.
Featuring variant covers by series artist Jeremy Haun (Battle for the Cowl: Arkham) and Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt).

Cover A – Dale Keown
Cover B – Jeremy Haun

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – September 2nd, 2009

Recommended for Mature Readers


Berserker#1 Signed Edition
(W) Rick Loverd
(A) Jeremy Haun
(Cov) Haun, Dale Keown

Get this limited edition signed by writer Rick Loverd and artist Jeremy Haun and producer Milo Ventimiglia. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $19.99 Signed Edition

Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 (of 5)
(W) Mark Waid
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Rocafort, Stjepan Sejic

First blood has been drawn and the action heats up in Part 2 of Top Cow’s biggest summer event to date!
After a surprise strike by a team of Hunter-Killers on Cyberforce’s headquarters, members of both teams have been bloodied. When Ellis arrives with a surprising revelation, the two teams must decide if they can trust each other enough to take out a common foe?
The team of writer and Hunter-Killer co-creator Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Astonishing Tales, Madame Mirage) bring you a crossover with consequences. Featuring a cover by series artist Rocafort as well as a variant cover by Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade).

Cover A – Kenneth Rocafort
Cover B – Stjepan Sejic

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – August 19th, 2009


Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 Signed Edition
(W) Mark Waid
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Rocafort, Stjepan Sejic

Get this limited edition signed by writer Mark Waid and artist Kenneth Rocafort. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $19.99 Signed Edition

The Darkness #79
(W) Phil Hester
(A) Jorge Lucas
(Cov) Lucas, Whilce Portacio

Jorge Lucas returns for a special issue of The Darkness.
Jackie Estacado, bearer of The Darkness, is through with being someone else’s bag man and assembles a special team of thieves, smugglers, and murderers for one purpose – to take down The Sovereign.

Cover A – Jorge Lucas
Cover B – Whilce Portacio

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – August 5th, 2009

Recommended for Mature Readers


Witchblade #129
“War of the Witchblades” Part 4 (of 6)
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Sejic, John Tyler Christopher

The penultimate chapter of the “War of the Witchblades” story arc!
Every war must have a victor. The Balance must be restored. With the lines drawn firmly in the sand and both Sara Pezzini and Dani Baptiste carrying wounds from their battle, the stakes have never been this high.
Featuring a cover by regular artist Sejic and a variant cover by newcomer John Tyler Christopher!

Cover A – Stjepan Sejic
Cover B – John Tyler Christopher

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – August 12th, 2009


Witchblade #126 Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo Variant Cover
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Laurie B!

Don’t miss your chance to get this unique cute take on Sara and Dani’s epic struggle previously available only at Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo! Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive


Cyblade: Agent of Cyberdata Trade Paperback
(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov
(A) Rick Mays, Lee Ferguson, & Afua Richardson
(Cov) Rick Mays

With Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer in full swing, go back and discover the secret origins of the Cyberforce member known as Cyblade! Dominique Thiebaut lives two lives, one as a seemingly normal teen and another as deadly assassin for the Cyberdata Corporation. When Cyberdata’s control over Dominique through her “brain box” fails, she must struggle to break free from the sinister corporation.
Collects Cyblade #1-#4 plus Cyblade Pilot Season, a cover gallery featuring Rick Mays, Kenneth Rocafort, Stjepan Sejic and plenty of bonus materials.

Full Color 176 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – August 26th, 2009
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IDW Claims Two Spots on the NYT Best Seller List!

Thanks to the support of our readers, two IDW books have made The New York Times paperback Best Seller List.


Extending its second-place streak to four weeks, Star Trek: Countdown TPB gives fans insight into the film's villain, Nero, and segues from the last Trek movie to the new blockbuster. Even if you've already seen the movie, you won't have the full story without Countdown.



The Terminator: Salvation Movie Prequel TPB makes its NYT debut this week, as fans prep for the much-anticipated new film. Get the background on the new characters, plus a special sneak-peek movie adaptation!

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Ask Matty 5/15/09

It's time once again for Mattel to answer some questions.

1) There's a lot controversy around the Gleek issue with SDCC. It has been announced that there are limited quantities that will be available. Now limited quantities can be anywhere from 1 to 1 million. How do you determine how much to produce for an event like SDCC?

-We base this off of sales from previous conventions and online collectables. The sales on MattyCollector.com have given us a good idea of our customer base.

2) Mer-Man was sold out twice now, and a lot of people seem to be upset about it. One complaint is about the high quantity of 10 figures per order. Why such a high limit and would you consider lowering it in the future?

-WE actually based this quantity off of fan requests that 4 was not enough. We have looked at the data and very few customers are actually ordering 10. Now that we have had Zodac for sale for a few days we are hoping we are at a good number for fans.

3) Would you consider doing pre-orders on Mattycollector instead of having everyone buying all at once?

-We will have a subscription for MOTU figures running May 18 through 22nd.

4) With the Power Girl figure being shown on the net, can you tell us what wave that she will be in?

-That will be revealed in an upcoming issue of Toy Fare magazine.

5) How soon after the SDCC with the exclusives be available on mattycollector.com?

-Likely the Monday after the show, but that has yet to be finalized. Read more...

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Dark Horse and G4 "Con-Test" Launches Today!

G4 AND DARK HORSE COMICS LAUNCH SPECIAL “CON-TEST” TO FIND THE ULTIMATE COMIC-CON FAN

Winner Will Join G4’s Olivia Munn, Kevin Pereira and Blair Butler as Special Correspondent at Comic-Con 2009 and Receive Exclusive Privileges from Dark Horse Comics

Beginning today, G4 and Dark Horse Comics are kicking off a search for the ultimate Comic-Con fan who will receive the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance to appear in G4’s special coverage of the year’s most buzzed about convention. One lucky winner will be selected as a “Special Correspondent” to G4 and join “Attack of the Show” hosts Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira, as well as Comic Book Expert Blair Butler on the show floor. Dark Horse, one of the largest comic book publishers, with titles like Hellboy, Star Wars, Umbrella Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Alien will also welcome the winner as their “official guest,” granting access to their special event and more. To enter, fans are encouraged to create a video that demonstrates their pop culture knowledge and on-camera abilities, and submit to g4tv.com/comiccon. The “Con-Test” kicks off Friday, May 15, 2009, and closes at 11:59PM on June 22, 2009.

Once again, G4 will present special coverage of Comic-Con 2009 direct from the show floor. Last year’s attendance broke all records, topping 160,000 people and solidifying Comic-Con as the one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the world. G4 and Dark Horse Comics will bring one lucky fan to the heart of it all and put them in the spotlight at this massive event devoted to comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, movies, video games, TV and more. G4’s Kevin Pereira and Blair Butler will announce the winner live on “Attack of the Show” on June 29.
"Comic Con International has become the ultimate pop culture gathering for fans of almost any medium,” said Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson. “What better way to reward our fans than with a chance to appear on the ultimate pop culture television show with our creators and top talent. The winner of this contest is sure to have the time of their life!"

“G4 viewers are huge fans of Dark Horse Comics and Comic-Con is the perfect opportunity for us to team up,” said Neal Tiles, President, G4. “Comic-con is a major event for our audience and we are excited to reward the hard and true comic book fans with a chance to experience the phenomenon in person.”

Contest details:

Fans must submit a video that demonstrates their knowledge and love of pop culture.
Submission dates: May 15, 2009 – June 22, 2009.

Winner will receive airfare and accommodations for themselves and 1 guest to Comic Con ‘09

Winner will have an opportunity to act as “Special Correspondent” for G4 and appear on air

Winner and guest will each receive a Dark Horse grab bag valued at $600.

Winner and guest will be given special access to all Dark Horse related events and signings.

Contestants will be judged on overall knowledge of all things pop culture, creativity and on-screen charisma demonstrated in their videos. G4 and Dark Horse Comics want to find the ultimate pop culture fanatic and stand-out personality who deserves this special Comic-Con opportunity. Videos must be at least 30 seconds in length and no longer than 10 minutes.

For official contest rules and to submit videos please visit http:g4tv.com/comiccon Read more...

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Dark Horse and Big Head Games announce new Terminator game forthe iPhone!

DARK HORSE COMICS AND BIG HEAD GAMES BRING THE ACTION OF TERMINATOR OUT OF THE CINEMA

AND ONTO YOUR IPHONE!

In celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Terminator, Big Head Games and Dark Horse Comics are proud to release this heart-pounding, shoot-everything homage to the movie that started it all. The Terminator for iPhone and iPod Touch is an explosive, top-down, all-action shooter game with an episodic Story Mode and endless Quick Play Mode.

Features:

Bigger and badder weapons, from Gatling guns to bazookas.

Two extreme game modes for a lasting game experience: In Quick Play Mode, rescue fallen soldiers. In Story Mode, play as Kyle Reese taking on challenging missions.

T-800s and Hunter Killer Tanks from the original movie along with an array of new foes.

Multiple control modes and autotargeting options to match game play to every skill level.

Pounding soundtrack and SFX—play this game with headphones for a film-like experience.

Two parts: look out for an imminent update taking you belowground to take on the machines in their home ground.

“From the very beginning, Dark Horse has provided fans with top-notch entertainment experiences, whether in comics, on screen, or, most recently, on the iPhone. We feel our relationship with Big Head Games will do just that for fans of both The Terminator and mobile gaming.”

Big Head’s business director, Dave Vout, states, “We are extremely excited to be bringing one of the world’s top movie and game franchises to the iPhone/iPod Touch. Combining Dark Horse Comics’ extensive catalog of material and our game-development expertise has been a great experience and opportunity that we hope to continue long into the future.”

The Terminator for iPhone and iPod Touch is currently in submission with Apple and on release will be at a sale price of $0.99 for 72 hours.

YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxiXTyat9NA

For even more explosive adventures in the Terminator universe, check out The Terminator: Death Valley, a comic for the iPhone. To celebrate the release of the new game, Dark Horse is making the first issue of Death Valley available for a free download for a limited time. All four issues are available for download now at http://www.darkhorse.com/Features/Mobile



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Bryan Talbot's Grandville Teaser Trailer

Two hundred years ago, Britain lost the Napoleonic War and fell under the thumb of French domination.

Gaining independence after decades of civil disobedience and anarchist bombings, the Socialist Republic of Britain is now a small, unimportant backwater connected by a railway bridge, steam-powered dirigible, and mutual suspicion to France. When a British diplomat's murder is made to look like suicide, ferocious Detective-Inspector LeBrock of Scotland Yard stalks a ruthless murder squad through the heart of a Belle Epoque Paris, the center of the greatest empire in a world of steam-driven hansom cabs, automatons, and flying machines. LeBrock's relentless quest can lead only to death, truth . . . or war.



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5 Quick Questions with Carl Potts

Carl Potts is an American comic-book writer, artist, and editor best known for creating the series Alien Legion for the Marvel Comics imprint Epic Comics.

After contributing to such comics fanzines as the anthology Venture, Potts drew backgrounds and some secondary figures for a late fill-in issue of DC Comics' Richard Dragon: Kung Fu Fighter, being drawn by comics artists Jim Starlin and Alan Weiss.

Potts freelanced briefly until joining Neal Adams' commercial-art company and comic-book packager Continuity Studios. He was involved with storyboard and comp art for major New York ad agencies. He also produced finished-illustration for magazines and books for several years before joining Marvel's editorial staff in 1983.

At Marvel as an editor, Potts worked with such notable comics creators as Jon Bogdanove, Jim Lee, Mike Okamoto, Whilce Portacio, Steve Skroce, Larry Stroman, and Scott Williams early in their careers. He oversaw the development of The Punisher from guest star to franchise character, and edited such titles as The Incredible Hulk, Doctor Strange, Alpha Flight, The Defenders as well as the newly created Power Pack and Strikeforce: Morituri.

After hours, Potts continued to write and produce occasional art for Marvel, and in 1983 teamed with Alan Zelenetz and Frank Cirocco to co-create the series Alien Legion, conceived as "the French Foreign Legion in space." Two ongoing series and several miniseries and one-shots were produced.

In 1989, Potts was named executive editor in charge of the Epic imprint, and about a third of the mainstream Marvel titles. Five years later, he became editor-in-chief of the "General Entertainment" and Epic Comics divisions.

After 13 years at Marvel, Potts left to become Creative Director at VR-1, a massively multiplayer online game company. He then worked with Gary Winnick and Cirocco's Lightsource Studios before become senior creative director of the New York City office of Agency.com. He also consults for publishing, entertainment and interactive clients including HarperCollins, Tokyopop, Mainframe Entertainment, The Learning Company and Funrise Toys.



He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions:

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

As an editor, I can probably boil it down to two. One, developing the Punisher from a second-string character into a publishing franchise that also spawned numerous licensed merchandise deals, games and major media productions. Two, finding and developing a lot of quality comics talent including Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, Scott Williams, Larry Stroman, Chris Warner, Jon Bogdanov…

As a creator, creating Alien Legion would be the choice. An Alien Legion screenplay has been optioned to a major studio. Waiting to see if it’ll end up in front of the cameras. A new comprehensive set of trade paperbacks will collect all of the Alien Legion comics done in the past and work has begun on a new series as well.

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

Writer: Louise “Weezie” Simonson was a real pleasure to work with on Power Pack. Denny O’Neil on Last of the Dragons would be right up there too.

Artist: Jim Lee

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

I grew up as a Steve Ditko fan. I only got to write/draw one Spider-Man story (for Marvel Fanfare) but that was with the black costume so I’d like to draw one in the traditional costume. I did get to write and draw an issue of Dr. Strange. I guess The Creeper and The Questions would be the other main Ditko characters I’d like to have a crack at.

4) Who are your influences?

Ditko was my first big comic book artist influence. Later Neal Adams and Steranko were influences. A lot of American Illustrators including Dean Cornwell, Norman Rockwell, Mead Schaeffer, etc. Many other influences too numerous to list.

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

For the most part, the Punisher has been handled very poorly in the films. He’s a simple character. That simplicity, ironically, makes him easy to screw up. The Punisher films have also exhibited an amazing lack of internal story logic. I’d like to write a screenplay that fulfills the character’s potential for the big screen.

Check out Carl's blog at www.carlpotts.com Read more...

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TYRESE GIBSON AND IMAGE COMICS UNLEASH MAYHEM AGAINST THE CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD THIS AUGUST!

The mega-popular superstar brings his unique creative vision to Image Comics this August!

Tyrese Gibson, the Multi-Platinum selling R&B singer and mega-star behind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Death Race and 2 Fast 2 Furious, comes full force to comics with ANGEL artist Tone Rodriguez and co-writers Mike Le & William Wilson in August's three-issue action packed thriller, MAYHEM!

"I am extremely excited to be working with Image Comics on the launching my debut comic book MAYHEM," Gibson said. "Image has a long and rich history of great titles and I am honored to be apart of that history. Robert Kirkman's and Eric Stepheson's input throughout this creative process has been invaluable and I know we've produced a special comic book for all fans to enjoy."

Tyrese Gibson's MAYHEM begins on the streets of Los Angeles, wherein a brutal crime wave led by the mysterious Big X has the entire city in a state of perpetual fear. With even the police force unable to stop him, MAYHEM, a faceless vigilante with only his partner Malice and an unrelenting vengeance to back him up, strikes back against the criminal hordes. Within three issues of non-stop action, they will take on Big X to dismantle his organization and restore peace to the City of Angels.

Image Comics Chief Operating Officer and WALKING DEAD writer Robert Kirkman added, "With the entertainment world at large currently bowing at the feet of comics and its ideas, it's incredibly exciting to have a media mastermind like Tyrese Gibson turning his attention our way. MAYHEM is a unique, engaging comic-book experience that could only come from the mind of someone who's risen to the top of so many different fields--anxious to take another by storm. Ready or not, Tyrese Gibson is in the house--and it's going to be MAYHEM!"

MAYHEM #1, a thirty-two page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores August 5th.

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I.M.O. Review: Green Lantern Corps #36 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Rallying the troops.

This issue of Green Lantern Corps #36 opens with both confrontations and revelations. As we learn about the twisted since of fatherly duty Sinestro seems to have for his daughter Soranik, we also learn of his plan to save Korugar, and ultimately the universe, from the influence of the Guardians. Once this is revealed, Sinestro tries to see if Soranik is truly her father’s daughter. Is she willing to become what Sinestro desires, or will she continue to rebel against her father’s legacy?



On Oa, we witness the continued riot which has engulfed the Sciencells, via the point-of- view of a recording drone. The drone notes the fighting has spread beyond the prison walls and across the Oan surface, with the GLC trying to suppress the fighting. With all measures of force being used and the amount of casualties and destruction mounting, one wonders where all this fighting will lead to?

Finally on the planet Daxam, we continue to follow the Green Lantern’s Sodam Yat and Arisia, as they devise a plan to attack Mongul. Seeing no choice but to tap into the Ion entities power, Sodam attempts to make a solo full frontal assault on Mongul. But this action is thwarted by a higher power who denies Sodam from accessing the Ion energy, requiring him to make a fateful choice, and an ultimate sacrifice.

The outcome of all these decisions will certainly have readers wanting more, with these events possibly creating new complications, as the prelude to Blackest Night continues.

8.5/10

Eddie R.
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I.M.O. Review: Booster Gold #20 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Just Killing time.

Sometimes there are issues of a comic book which are basically filler for changing story arcs. Most of the time, these small stories are just something to basically kill the passage of time, not having any real effect on anything of major importance. But there are some fill in the blank stories which actually do what they say. And this issue of Booster Gold #20 does just that.




What starts off as Booster wanting to go back and experience the “Happier days” of 1950’s America, while waiting for Rip Hunter to fix a stalled time sphere, turns into a much more serious adventure.

Ending up in 1952, just after the disbandment of the Justice Society of America, Booster sets in motion a series of events which allows readers to glimpse at what happened in the DCU during this time period. What’s even more amazing is how Booster manages to run into a certain secret governmental group, which only Rip Hunter knew to exist. After being captured and questioned by this “task force”, Booster gets blackmailed into helping them deal with a threat towards national security. Now the leader of this group will be familiar to alot of readers of DC’s War themed comics. I am not going to ruin the surprise, but yes, it is him.

As the story progresses, we learn the reasons behind this threat to national security. I must admit the plot is very well suited for this time period, mixing elements of both the space race and the cold war, as well as tying it all together with Booster own timeline. This story is also very straight forward and concise. It could have easily been extended to last another issue or two, but thankfully it wasn’t. I especially enjoyed the twist on the crew who exit the rocket, which Booster prevents from being launched. If you look closely, they appear to look like another super team who got their start by being launched into space, especially when one of the crew makes the comment he feels really burnt up about the experience.

Of course at the end of the issue, when Booster returns to the Time Sphere and Rip, we learn how this trip has played out and affected the current timeline. Booster mentioned earlier in the story how he always winds up where he is most needed, whether he likes it or not. And this story is no exception.

8/10

Eddie R.
Review Editor. Read more...

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Green Lantern: First Flight Q&A With Director Lauren Montgomery

DIRECTOR LAUREN MONTGOMERY DISCUSSES GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT, THE NEXT DC UNIVERSE ANIMATED ORIGINAL FILM COMING TO DVD JULY 28, 2009



Fresh off her triumphant solo directorial debut of Wonder Woman, Lauren Montgomery shifts gears from Amazons and mythology to intergalactic intrigue as the director of Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies.

Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation are set to release the all-new Green Lantern: First Flight on July 28, 2009. The Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def edition, the special edition 2-disc DVD, and a single disc DVD will be distributed by Warner Home Video. The action-packed movie will also be available OnDemand and Pay-Per-View as well as available for download day and date, July 28, 2009.

Montgomery has been a central force within the DC Universe animated original movies, directing one-third of the series’ initial film, Superman Doomsday, and wowing critics and fans alike with her solo directorial debut at the helm of Wonder Woman. With Green Lantern: First Flight, Montgomery takes the next step in her burgeoning career, directing the initial full-length story to feature the DC Comics super hero and an entire universe of fascinating characters. She is once again teamed with executive producer Bruce Timm, this time working from an Alan Burnett script that focuses on Hal Jordan’s recruitment to the Green Lantern Corps and his discovery of a secret conspiracy that threatens its philosophies, traditions and hierarchy.

There is no rest for the weary. Though Green Lantern: First Flight has just completed production, Montgomery has already begun directing her next project – another upcoming DCU that you’ll no doubt hear about in the not-too-distant future. Montgomery paused between recording sessions and storyboards to chat about the directorial learning curve, a new universe of astounding characters, a very cool quartet of key voiceover actors, and the tricks to avoiding greens and yellows for an entire background color palette.

Read on … it’s director Lauren Montgomery talking about Green Lantern: First Flight …


QUESTION:
Will Green Lantern: First Flight be in the well-known design of Bruce Timm, or be more of the Lauren Montgomery vision from Wonder Woman?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
We’re actually having a lot of fun trying different artistic styles on different movies – Bruce felt his style has been done enough, and I just had my turn – plus I knew there were many other character designers who are infinitely better at designing aliens that I am. We were lucky to get Jose Lopez to create the characters for Green Lantern. I think he even took a pay cut from his last job to do Green Lantern, but this project really allows him to let his animation go wild. You’ve never seen anything like some of his designs for this film. His take on the familiar characters is fairly true to form, but he’s designed – literally – an entire universe of completely new characters in the different Green Lanterns, aliens and background characters. There are a lot of awesome, fantastical creatures. Like me, Jose is trained in animation instead of comics, so his style really lends itself to being animated – and everything he's done has looked spectacular. I think it's really looking different from anything we've ever done.

QUESTION:
Did Jose ever over-step any boundaries and need to be reined in?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
Actually, his first designs were a little too stylized. For the main characters, the designs were a little too streamlined – we had to make Sinestro more like the comics. But once he got that figured out, he really went crazy. It was exciting to see him come in with these characters. Even his weaponer designer is far different than what we’ve seen before, but DC was okay with it. So we just let him run wild.

QUESTION:
Were there any beyond-the-norm issues strategizing a color scheme for a film with an entire army of characters wearing the same color?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
We tried desperately to avoid as much green as we could in backgrounds and supporting characters, so the Green Lanterns and the rings and their effects were the only green portions of the scene. We also tried to stay away from copious amounts of yellow – so that would make an impact later in the film. When you eliminate two of the main colors, it kind of limits you, so we had to utilize a lot of shades of blue, red and orange, and I think we were able to make it work. It was a really wise decision on Bruce's part to keep the green and the yellow to the characters that were defined by that color.

QUESTION:
Did you learn anything directing Wonder Woman that you were able to apply and/or improve upon for Green Lantern: First Flight?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
Wonder Woman taught me that you can't board the whole movie by yourself (she laughs), so I just let my storyboard artists do their job on Green Lantern. I let them come up with their ideas and I focused on keeping everything cohesive. Ultimately, I think the movie is better for it. I guess I learned to be more relaxed and to not be such a control freak. Which I think is good (laughs again). It certainly made my work load a lot easier.

QUESTION:
How much origin story should Green Lantern fans expect to see?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
As we had already done the origin story a few movies back in Justice League: The New Frontier, we really didn't want to spend a whole lot of time telling that same story over again. So in Green Lantern: First Flight, the origin story is over and done before the opening credits. That way we get right into Hal Jordan’s first adventure.

QUESTION:
What do the four main voice cast members bring to their roles?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
Christopher Meloni is a very serious actor and really got into the character to understand all the little nuances of exactly what Hal was thinking at every moment. He would ask very interesting, detailed, unexpected questions so he could totally get the mind set, and in doing so he was able to deliver an incredible performance that that really defines Hal as a confident hero, but not cocky or a jerk. Hal Jordan has a humor to him that isn't quite as big as the Flash, but still not stiff like Batman. Christopher was able to give us that fun side of Hal, too.

Victor Garber has this intimidating presence and power behind his deliveries where you can hear that Sinestro knows what he's doing, he's been through this before and he's pretty sure of himself. He gives Sinestro a very believable sense of suave sophistication. Sinestro is not your typical evil villain, and Victor Garber makes him seem like an incredibly intelligent, worldly guy who believes he is doing the right thing, even though he might not be doing it the correct way.

Kilowog is this big, hulking creature and he needed a voice that was really recognizable and had a strong presence. Michael Madsen was able to give us these line readings that we really didn’t expect – you can’t help laughing at his intonations – and he ends up with some of the funniest lines in the whole script. He even did some fake burps that are just ridiculous – you’ll actually hear a couple of those in the movie. It was just a match made in heaven, really.

Boodikka is not just your doe-eyed, token female – she has strength and believability without losing the feminine qualities of our primary female character. There aren’t a ton of women in the Green Lantern Corps – apparently it’s a male-dominated industry (she laughs). Tricia Helfer has a really sympathetic quality to her voice that captures the quieter side of Boodikka, but Tricia also has this amazing strength in her voice. She was able to make Boodikka this wonderful, relatable, three-dimensional character.

QUESTION:
What made Alan Burnett’s script right for this first Green Lantern film?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
Alan delivered a Green Lantern script that really explored what being a space cop is all about. He didn't focus purely on the heroic Hal super power approach – it’s more of an overall Green Lantern Corps story and Hal's existence within that group. And it’s not Hal on Earth being a super hero – we’re in space for virtually the entire movie, so Alan gave us multiple backgrounds and scene settings so we could explore the galaxy. That made it even more interesting – seeing and exploring different alien locales and lifestyles. Being away from Earth is incredibly liberating in terms of design possibilities.

QUESTION:
Without any spoilers, do you have a favorite scene?

LAUREN MONTGOMERY
We have a scene about 17 minutes into the movie when Hal and Sinestro go into this establishment looking for a killer, and even though you’ve already seen some of the alien Green Lanterns, this is the first time you get an eyeful of the alien characters that Jose Lopez designed. The place is packed with all these really cool aliens, and they’re all so crazy looking. But you know their personalities immediately. It’s a very tense, cool scene and you really get to see how different that world is from Earth. That’s the defining scene from the movie that lets you know you’re not in Kansas anymore.


Director Lauren Montgomery said character designer Jose Lopez “ran wild” in creating a galaxy of new creatures for Green Lantern: First Flight, the all-new DC Universe animated original movie set for distribution July 28, 2009 by Warner Home Video.


Lauren Montgomery focused on the big picture in directing Green Lantern: First Flight, but she take the time to do the character design on Boodikka (voiced by Tricia Helfer) for the all-new DC Universe animated original movie set for distribution July 28, 2009 by Warner Home Video.


Director Lauren Montgomery addresses the WonderCon audience during the after the West Coast Premiere of Wonder Woman in February. Montgomery’s next film, Green Lantern: First Flight, an all-new DC Universe animated original movie, will be distributed July 28, 2009 by Warner Home Video. (photo courtesy of Gary Miereanu)

For more information, images and updates, please visit the film’s official website at http://www.greenlanternmovie.com/

Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Movies. Green Lantern: First Flight - 2 Disc Special Edition and Blu-Ray versions include more than three hours of incredible bonus features as well as a Digital Copy Download.
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DARK HORSE ENTERTAINMENT AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES HAVE A “SECRET”

Dark Horse Entertainment has announced the next picture to come out of its production pact with Universal Pictures: The Secret, an adaptation of 2007’s critically acclaimed graphic novel and comic series.

Scott Milam, who wrote the forthcoming remake of the horror classic Mother’s Day, has been signed to write this adaptation. Milam’s other projects currently in development include Bedlam for RKO/Twisted Pictures, Ab Tak Chhappan for Paramount Vantage with Jinks/Cohen producing, and Karnival at Rogue with Michael Zoumas producing.

The Secret tells of a group of high-school seniors who play a silly prank, only to see it backfire when one of their friends vanishes without a trace.

Mike Richardson, president and founder of Dark Horse, and writer of the comic on which the film is based, will produce for Dark Horse Entertainment alongside Scott Stuber, who will produce for Stuber Productions. Pam Abdy and Jared Pfeifer will oversee the project for Stuber Productions with Keith Goldberg and Chris Tongue overseeing for Dark Horse Entertainment.

Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production, Scott Bernstein, and Creative Executive Dave Targan will oversee the project for the studio.

“Scott is a terrific writer and we’re excited to be working with him on this project,” said Richardson. “The story is full of scares and surprises and goes places no one will expect.”

Scott Milam is represented by Endeavor. His manager is Brad Kaplan of Evolution, and his attorney is Adam Kaller of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman, LLP.

Dark Horse Entertainment is represented by Endeavor and Gotham Group, with legal representation by attorney Keith Fleer. Read more...

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Diamond Select Ship Date Update!

These dates represent our best estimated in-store dates and may change as production warrants.

We’ll be updating these dates through our blog in an effort to bring customers the most up-to-date information possible. See the full list after the jump.

MAY 2009
05/27/09
Schoolgirl Dawn PVC Statue
Marvel Minimates Series 25 Asst
Marvel Minimates Series 26 Asst
Marvel Select Movie Wolverine
Marvel Select Wolverine Action Figure
Star Trek Borg Series 1 Action Figure Set
Star Trek Borg Series 1 PX Seven of Nine Figure
Star Trek TOS Tricorder Replica
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Phaser Replica
Terminator 2 Minimates Series 1 Asst
Terminator 2 Minimates Singles Display

JUNE 2009
06/03/09
Star Trek TNG Enterprise D Ship
Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Mace Windu

06/17/09
Terminator 2 Ultimate Quarter Scale T-800

06/24/09
Back to the Future Marty Cap Replica
BSG Starbuck & Leoben Action Figure Two-Pack
Marvel Select Marvel Girl
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Kirk & Spock Two-Pack
Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Anakin Skywalker

JULY 2009
07/01/09
Ghostbusters Minimates Series 1 Box Set
Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Bank

07/08/09
Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Emperor Palpatine Figure

07/15/09
Star Wars Ultimate Quarter Scale Jedi Luke Skywalker Figure

07/22/09
Back to the Future Time Machine
Marvel Minimates Series 27 Set
Marvel Minimates Series 28 Set
Marvel Select Sabretooth

07/29/09
Star Trek DS9 Sisko in Command Chair
Star Wars Darth Vader Unmasked Bust Bank
Stargate SG-1 Series 5 PX Ba’al Figure
Stargate SG-1 Series 5 Set
The Spirit Comic Minimates Box Set
Marvel Minimates Wolverine Through the Ages Box Set

AUGUST 2009
08/05/09
Marvel Select Kree Mar-Vell

08/12/09
BSG Series 4 PX Admiral Cain Action Figure
BSG Series 4 Action Figure Asst (Adama, Roslin, Apollo)
Godfather Minimates Box Set

08/26/09
Star Trek TOS Series 5 Action Figure Set
Star Wars Jedi Council Yoda Bank



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IDW Brings Fans More MEGATRON

Extends fan-favorite TRANSFORMERS series by four issues

Next issue of All Hail MEGATRON releasing in July

Continuing its fan-favorite TRANSFORMERS saga, IDW is pleased to offer fans four more issues of Transformers: All Hail Megatron. Starting in July, IDW will publish, under license from Hasbro, Inc., four monthly issues, each featuring two short stories that detail the aftermath of the 12-issue All Hail Megatron series. These must-read books tie up important details from the main series, and pave the way for IDW’s next big TRANSFORMERS storyline. For more information about IDW’s TRANSFORMERS comics, visit IDWPublishing.com.

"The All Hail Megatron series is hugely popular with fans, and for good reason, it’s striking off in a bold new direction while showing reverence to the classic TRANSFORMERS series," said Andy Schmidt, IDW 's TRANSFORMERS editor. "We decided to do the extension because we didn’t want to leave fans hanging, and because we wanted to segue into our upcoming TRANSFORMERS series."

When Transformers: All Hail Megatron #13 debuts in July, fans can join IRONHIDE and OPTIMUS PRIME as they deal with the fallout of All Hail Megatron, and watch as the Decepticons begin to probe the mysteries of the AUTOBOT Matrix. All Hail Megatron #14 offers a glimpse into the motivations of the traitorous SUNSTREAKER, while GALVATRON undergoes a major transformation, setting up important events to come.

The short stories in Transformers: All Hail Megatron #13-16 feature a dynamic team of writers and artists, including Simon Furman, Shane McCarthy, Mike Costa, Andy Schmidt, Denton Tipton, Nick Roche, Zander Cannon, Guido Guidi, Chee, Emiliano Santalucia, Andrew Griffith, Casey Coller, and fan-favorite artist Don Figueroa. Plus, each issue will boast striking variant edition covers by eye-catching cover artist of the series, Trevor Hutchison.


Transformers: All Hail Megatron #13 launches in July 2009.

Transformers: All Hail Megatron #14 launches in August 2009.

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SPAWN'S ENDGAME REACHES ITS STARTLING CLIMAX WITH A MASSIVE SELL OUT IN TIME FOR THE LONG AWAITED COLLECTION!

SPAWN'S ENDGAME REACHES ITS STARTLING CLIMAX WITH A MASSIVE SELL OUT IN TIME FOR THE LONG AWAITED COLLECTION!

SPAWN 'Endgame' storyline reaches the halfway point with a complete distributor-level sell out!

SPAWN, the long-running superhero saga recently relaunched by series creator Todd McFarlane and fellow Image Founder Whilce Portacio, kicks off the second half of its series altering storyline 'Endgame' with a distribution-level sell out making way for the upcoming collection.

"Our goal is to slowly build up momentum and the sellout of issue #191 is another indication that we're accomplishing that goal," McFarlane said. "With a majority of our single issues out of print, the release of the first Endgame collection couldn't be more timely."

SPAWN's current storyarc, 'Endgame', has seen the original Hellspawn, Al Simmons, end his life as the amnesiac Patient 47 awakens with Al's powers. Soon after, new horrors and allies have come into play with familiar faces, including Al's widow, Wanda and his worst enemy, The Violator. The next several issues promise to conclude Patient 47's transformation into SPAWN as the truth about his identity is finally revealed. Readers eager to read the entire first half of 'Endgame' can do so in the June-shipping tradepaperback. All fans are advised to check in with their local comic book store to see if copies of SPAWN #191 are still available.

SPAWN #192 (MAR092463), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.95, will be in-stores June 3rd, 2009. SPAWN, VOL. 1: ENDGAME PART 1 (APR090346), a 160-page full color tradepaperback for $14.99, will be in-stores June 24th, 2009.

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