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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Comic News: Get Your First Look At THE MARVELS PROJECT #1
Marvel is pleased to unveil your first look at the hotly anticipated The Marvels Project #1, from the Captain America Eisner-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.
Discover the hidden connections that bring together Marvel’s earliest super heroes as the world stands on the brink of war! Who will create the first super soldier? And how does this affect the Marvel Universe today?
How Do You Create Tomorrow? Find out as the race for the super human begins in The Marvels Project #1.
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) (JUN090440)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) PAREL VARIANT (JUN090441)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY VARIANT (JUN090442)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) MCNIVEN VARIANT (MAY098010)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE EPTING
Variant Cover by GERALD PAREL
Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
70th Anniversary Party Variant by PHIL JIMENEZ
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC--7/14/09, On-Sale—8/12/09
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TV News: Adult Swim Announces Robot Chicken Roller Skating Tour
Robot Chicken Co-Creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich Celebrate the Release of Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD with Nine-City Roller Skating Tour
Gym Class Heroes to Perform
Adult Swim and Robot Chicken creators and executive producers Seth Green and Matt Senreich are celebrating the release of the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD this summer by strapping on a pair of roller skates and living on a tour bus for two weeks just to bring Robot Chicken-style fun to the masses. Green and Senreich host the celebration throughout the nine-city roller rink tour across America, featuring performances by one of the hottest bands today, Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group Gym Class Heroes, in addition to special Robot Chicken guests including the show’s writers and producers, celebrity guest stars, Robot Chicken-themed activities and games and exclusive Adult Swim merchandise. Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II Roller Skating Tour kicks off in Los Angeles August 1. A preview party, which is also open to the public, will take place on July 25 in San Diego with a guest DJ.
“Our show is so much fun, we want to invite everyone to have fun with us,” says Seth Green. “Grab your friends, your couple’s skate partner and some kneepads. We’re coming to your town! Or at least to a major market somewhat close to your town.”
“When Seth first pitched the idea of throwing roller skating parties around the country, I rolled my eyes and laughed at him,” says Matthew Senreich. “I said, ‘That’s crazy talk.’ Now that we’re actually going to do it, I’m in awe of its absurdity and can’t wait to attend. It fits with the randomness of our Robot Chicken show. Why not throw roller skating parties across the U.S.?”
Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II Roller Skating Tour schedule*:
• July 25, San Diego, Calif.: Skate San Diego—Preview party minus the band but with a guest DJ and extra Comic-Con awesomeness
• August 1, Los Angeles, Calif.: Venue TBA
• August 2, Las Vegas, Nev.: Rancho Crystal Palace Skating Center
• August 4, Denver, Colo.: Skate City Westminster
• August 6, Kansas City, Mo.: River Roll Skate Center
• August 8, Indianapolis, Ind.: Skateland
• August 10, Richmond, Va.: Roller Dome Skating
• August 12, Philadelphia, Pa.: Jamz Roller Skating Center
• August 14, New York: Venue TBA
*Dates and times are subject to change.
At each event, all ages are welcome, admission is free and doors open at 8 p.m. Patrons with an early entry-voucher will be admitted one hour earlier. Early-entry vouchers can be found in the new Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD, which will arrive at retail on July 21. More information about the tour can be found at AdultSwimPresents.com.
Building on its tremendous broadcast success, the highly anticipated DVD release of Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II features 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage. The sequel once again combines the satirical sensibilities of Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s Stoopid Monkey Productions Emmy Award®-winning Robot Chicken with the unforgettable moments and favorite characters of the Star Wars universe. Winner of three Annie Awards, including Best Animated Television Production, the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD includes both the original broadcast version and extended version of the special, along with more than 90 minutes of bonus features.
In addition to the roller rink tour and new DVD, the final nine brand-new episodes of Robot Chicken’s fourth season will premiere on Adult Swim beginning July 26 at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Created by actor/producer Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The series is created in conjunction with ShadowMachine Films’ Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico.
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Comic Review: Swordsmith: Assassin #1(BOOM! Studios) By John H
Disgrace not thy honor…
To those whose pursuit of happiness lies in their creations, whose sole purpose in life is to conceive the perfect idea with their minds and to create this concept with their hands. That is the story of a true artisan.
In Swordsmith: Assassin #1, two generations of sword-smiths, both of exceptional talent, have two vastly different points of view as to how they should conduct business. The father, Hideko Ono of the “old” generation, chooses only to sell his wares to the noblest of Samurai warriors, whilst the son, Toshiro Ono, seeks greater recognition and wealth. Before long, Toshiro ends his apprenticeship after years of sweat, toil and tutelage at his father’s feet, and begins his own ascent as a great sword-smith.
Toshiro's long apprenticeship soon pays off, as he finally surpasses his father’s talent and begins to sell his swords to anybody who can meet his costs. His father disagrees with this philosophy and soon falls ill, with Toshiro tries to make amends, but Hideko only sees failure in his son’s actions. Before his death, Hideko says to Toshiro that he has brought much dishonor to the family name.
After his father’s demise, and still having the weight of his father’s words on his soul, Toshiro is honored with the task of presenting a sword to the Shogun. Upon his return from the Shogunate, Toshiro will be faced with trials so taxing, they will set him on a path of revenge to reclaim every sword he has ever forged, and reclaim the honor he lost with each transaction.
Though the story will seem familiar to some, it is written in such a way as to seem more poignant in this rendition. The art lends itself to the words of an awesome script, words of triumph and despair and loss. I think this comic book would make an excellent novel, and I can’t wait for the further tales of Toshiro. To me, the gripping despair he faces is compellingly poignant, and oddly inviting.
I am willing to follow this story gladly- won’t you?
8.5/10
On sale July 1st.
John H
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Comic Review: Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan #3 (IDW Publishing) By Eddie R.
Well done.
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan#3 opens right at the best part of the movie: the hunt /chase scene between the U.S.S Enterprise and the U.S.S Reliant in the Mutara nebula. The static discharges from the nebula make the sensors on both ships inoperative, leaving them both evenly matched, and essentially blind. You can feel the tension between the two ships, and their respective captains, as they search for one another within the gas cloud. I must admit the art here really captures this feeling. The colors and shading used here really draw the movie and the book together.
Once inside the nebula, Kirk uses Khan's inexperience with three-dimensional combat to basically cripple the Reliant. With his dying breath, Khan activates the Genesis Device, which once detonated will reassemble all the matter in the nebula. This includes the Enterprise.
Even though the crew of the Enterprise detects the activation of the Genesis device, they are unable to escape the oncoming Genesis wave with just impulse power. With few moments to spare, Spock hurries to Engineering to restore the warp drive. When McCoy tries to stop Spock from exposing himself to high levels of radiation from the warp core, Spock incapacitates the doctor and does a mind meld, telling McCoy to “remember”. Once inside the dilithium chamber, Spock manages to restore power to the ship, allowing the Enterprise to escape the oncoming Genesis wave. But this act of heroism does have its price.
Now, no matter how many times I look at the movie, I always get choked up a bit at the end, as we watch Jim Kirk see his best friend die before his eyes, then deal with the aftermath which follows. To me, this is just one of many parts to an amazing story, and this comic book adaptation does justice to it all.
The only thing which surprised me though in this issue was Spock’s death scene. I honestly don’t remember Spock mentioning about this act of heroism being his “Kobayashi Maru”, the no-win situation used to test the character of Starfleet officers, during his death scene in the film. Granted this does make sense, and I am really glad they included it here. Its gems like this which make this book a very enjoyable read, and one great comic book adaptation.
8/10
On sale July 1st.
Eddie R
Review Co-Editor
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
DVD News: Further Details on Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Warner Home Video has released further details on the upcoming Superman/Batman: Public Enemies DVD.
Synopsis: A desperate solution for a troubled country: Lex Luthor for President with the Justice League in the service of the government. Only Batman and Superman stand against the new regime – and their disloyalty proves to be exactly what Luthor intended. Using their outcast status to instigate a scandal against Superman, Luthor finally tastes a victory in his vendetta against The Man of Steel. From Executive Producer Bruce Timm and voiced by the cast from both hit Batman and Superman animated TV series including Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Clancy Brown, this DC Universe Original Animated Movie of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness’s popular graphic novel seethes with political intrigue and action-packed battles between heroes all believing they’re on the right side of the law.
STANDARD EDITION
Aspect Ratio: 16 X 9 LETTERBOX
Sound Quality: Dolby Surround 5.1 - English
Stereo - Spanish
DVD Features: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Animated Movie (runtime 75 min)
Rating: PG-13
MSRP: $19.98
Street Date: 9/29/09
BLU-RAY
Aspect Ratio: 16 X 9 LETTERBOX
Sound Quality: Stereo - Spanish
DVD Features: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Animated Movie (runtime 75 min)
Rating: PG-13
MSRP: $29.99
Street Date: 9/29/09
SPECIAL EDITION
Aspect Ratio: 16 X 9 LETTERBOX
Sound Quality: Dolby Surround 5.1 - English
Stereo - Spanish
DVD Features: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Animated Movie (runtime 75 min)
Rating: PG-13
MSRP: $24.98
Street Date: 9/29/09
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Comic Review: Toy Story: The Mysterious Stranger #2 (Boom! Kids) Review by Adam P.
Some Good Clean Fun With The Toy Story Gang
Comics and movies have long had an intertwined relationship, with some printed tales becoming Hollywood blockbusters and other movies seeing themselves adapted into comic book format. Among these, Boom! Studios has embarked on an ambitious publishing scheme for many Disney/Pixar properties, launching them first as limited series to gauge demand under their Boom! Kids imprint. No fewer than four Pixar movies are currently in the middle of four issue limited series, among them The Incredibles, Cars, Finding Nemo and Toy Story. Monsters Inc. and Wall-E will likely follow in the months to come.
Different publishers have followed different methods of bringing movies to the comic book medium. Some publish adaptations of the films. Others publish issues that are exact copies of television episodes. Here, thankfully, Boom! Kids is creating brand-new stories that reflect the spirit and feel of their originals, and Toy Story: The Mysterious Stranger #2 is no exception.
Expectations must be kept in mind, however. This is pretty much what Toy Story would look and feel like if it had been made into a comic book rather than a movie. By nature, comic books are more slowly paced than motion pictures, so someone who appreciates movies for their frenetic pacing could be disappointed by the transition. Along the same lines, the book would have special appeal to younger readers who loved the film and would like to see more stories with their favourite characters.
This issue is a self-contained tale where the toy residents of young Andy's room accidentally break his science fair project and decide to send a tactical team to the school in the middle of the night to fix it before the fair begins the next morning. Dan Jolley's writing is excellent. There are laugh-out-loud bits and clever lessons to be learnt. He gives the five major characters fairly equal space which enables a nice sense of camaraderie to develop. Never does the reader feel that the material is condescending or preachy, but that the writer really believes in these characters and cares for them. Chris Moreno's art is cute and effective but sometimes gets sketchy and weak on the backgrounds, although this is much more forgivable in a kid's title such as this.
Recommended for young readers, Toy Story fans, and anyone looking for a slice of some lighthearted toy-related suburban relief from our crazy world.
7.5/10
In stores July 1
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
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Comic Review: Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #8 (IDW Publishing) Review by Adam P.
The Doctor Encounters the Stockbridge Horror
One of the major developments in comics in the last while has been the advent of modern colouring. Comparing the current realism and detail in comic colouring with older books is absolutely astounding. Various publishers have started to release reprints with the colouring re-done according to modern methods. IDW Publishing is spear-heading this trend with reprints from their various properties (which used to belong to other publishers), such as G.I. Joe, Transformers, Star Trek and Doctor Who. Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #8 continues to reprint re-coloured tales from the Marvel UK Doctor Who series from the early 1980's.
The tale contained in this issue was originally published in three weekly instalments, so the plot has more cliff hangers and punches than we've come to expect from a typical 20-some page yarn. We find the fifth doctor (played by the blond Peter Davidson) in Stockbridge, England, taking it easy with a little rest and relaxation. Anyone familiar with the doctor’s history knows that this won't last long...
The doctor is suddenly taken aback by his malfunctioning time machine (the TARDIS) which inexplicably shows up buried in limestone. Before he can solve the mystery, a sudden brush fire attracts his attention and he meets an unknown foe who generates massive fear and trembling within his soul. The doctor escapes to space, but the being manages to break into the TARDIS, and begins to chase the doctor. Heck, even Spider-man manages to make a one-panel appearance. Meanwhile, the planet Gallifrey has intercepted an emergency signal from the doctor, and sends the artificial being known as Shayde to investigate and assist. To say the issue leaves the reader wondering what happens next is an understatement.
As is typical from multi-issue Doctor Who arcs of the period, the opening chapter leaves a large amount of questions unanswered, tantalizing the reader with clues that make little sense at the time, but that will be masterfully resolved in future chapters. It's simply old-fashioned storytelling at a breakneck speed. For anyone who finds waiting for the next chapter too excruciating long, they can always tide themselves over with the excellent three trade paperbacks IDW has already issued.
Doctor Who stories are great fun in that the doctor is constantly in real peril, and the reader has little idea how he will get himself out of the sticky cosmic situations he always manages to finds himself in. It's sci-fi, but with a down-to-earth touch at the same time.
The main negative here is that Steve Parkhouse is a better writer than artist. His work is less detailed and enthralling than that of Dave Gibbons (of Watchmen fame), which graced earlier issues in the series. Still, I would recommend this book for those both familiar and unfamiliar with the fifth doctor.
8.0/10
In Stores July 1
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
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Toy News: Who Is The Half-Blood Prince?
NECA's ready for year six with all-new 7" and 3 3/4" Harry Potter figures!
Just in time for the July 15 release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in theaters, NECA presents two new lines of figures based on the movie!
It's Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts, and aside from the rising power of Voldemort, the mysterious potion book that once belonged to the Half-Blood Prince, the shady doings of Draco Malfoy, private lessons from Dumbledore and the occasional Death Eater, our hero has to deal with having a crush on his best friend Ron Weasley's sister, Ginny. It's a wonder he manages to keep his grades up and still have time to be captain of the quidditch team.
NECA is proud to unveil these two new lines of Harry Potter action figures, the first based on the new movie and the next step in the life story of the wizard who changed the face of magic forever. Available in 7" and 3 3/4" sizes, each having a figure exclusive to its series, these are our best and most exciting Harry Potter figures yet!
Harry Potter in Cave Scene Outfit (7" & 3 3/4") - After he and Dumbledore learn what it's going to take to defeat Voldemort once and for all, they travel to a seaside cave to find a Horcrux and wind up doing battle with Inferi. Nothing's ever simple. Figure includes a magic wand and display stand.
Ginny Weasley in School Outfit (7" & 3 3/4") - Ron's younger sister, Harry's love interest and a pure-blood witch to boot, Ginny has no shortage of roles to play in Dumbledore's Army, which, incidentally, she named. Figure includes a magic wand and display stand.
Draco Malfoy in School Outfit (7" & 3 3/4") - He may or may not be a Death Eater, but Draco Malfoy, like his father before him, is definitely up to no good. Dumbledore had best tread lightly. Figure includes a magic wand and display stand.
Mad-Eye Moody (7" only) - Alastor Moody, nicknamed Mad-Eye because, well, he's got a crazy eye patch, is a veteran of the first wizarding war and a powerful ally in the Order of the Phoenix. But just be careful because that mad eye of his, like everything else at Hogwarts, is magical. Figure includes staff and display stand.
Lord Voldemort (3 3/4" only) - In the world of Harry Potter, Voldemort is the root of all evil, and more than that, he's almost impossible to defeat. Will Harry be up to the task? Maybe, but even the best victories come at a heavy price. Figure includes wand and display stand.
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Comic Review: Finding Nemo Reef Rescue #1 (BOOM! Kids) Review by Oliver C.
Finding Nemo, Reef Rescue #1 out of 4 (BOOM! Kids)
This one is for the kids.
I’m starting to think that maybe if I was 5 years old, I would’ve liked this comic better. There are two ways to look at this book: It’s a comic or it’s a kid comic. From my point of view comparing this to the comics I read every day, it was awful and boring. But you have to remember the fact that it was written for kids.
I saw the movie Finding Nemo, and I liked it. This comic has all the same main characters, including the cute little turtle named Bert. It’s full of fun and surprisingly it made me laugh once or twice. Since this is only the first out of four comics the main conflict is introduced but NOT resolved. If you read this comic you will have to read the other three to find out what happens. The comic is true to the movie, but only as true as it could get.
The coral is sick and Nemo and his father Marlin accompanied by Dory, go embark on an adventure to find out what is making the coral ill and to make it better again. The most excitement in this comic is Dory constantly popping up from behind them and frightening Nemo and his father. Unless you are trying to find a fun comic to read to your children or if you are extremely obsessed with Finding Nemo, I suggest finding something else. I think this would be great to introduce your children to comics, or help them along the way to reading the big titles.
This comic is funny, but no more exciting than giving your grandmother a sponge bath only to find out that she invited a few of her friends over to get cleaned as well. And you’re all alone to do it yourself too. Like I said: If you are looking for a comic for your child/children this is great. But if you want something exciting and not 5-year-old-exciting then please, buy something else. I recommend this to kids.
7.5 Out of 10
On Sale July 1st
Review by: Oliver Copeland
Marvel Announces CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN: PRELUDE Exclusive To Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited
Read what happens before the biggest story of the summer begins!
Captain America Reborn: Prelude
Eight-Page Prelude Exclusive to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited Available for Free June 30, 2009
Marvel is proud to announce that fans can now get a look at the exclusive prequel to Captain America: Reborn #1 courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited at www.marvel.com/reborn. Captain America Reborn: Prelude, from Eisner-winning scribe Ed Brubaker and fan favorite artist Luke Ross, reveals just what happens before the hotly anticipated Captain America: Reborn #1 hits stores tomorrow! The entire world knows of the tragic event that transpired in Captain America #25, when Steve Rogers, the man who fought as our nation's Sentinel of liberty for over 70 years, was brutally gunned down on the steps of a New York courthouse. But now, miraculously, there may be a way to save Steve Rogers and the key could lie in the hands of the daughter of his greatest enemy. How does the Red Skull's femme fatale offspring play into all of this? What does she know about the assassination of the world’s greatest hero? And will this information save our greatest icon or doom him forever? Find out now in the eight-page Captain America Reborn: Prelude, free to all readers at www.marvel.com/reborn
Plus, don’t miss an exclusive preview of Captain America Reborn #1 at www.marvel.com/reborn one day before Steve Rogers makes his triumphant return to the Marvel Universe!
For fans of Captain America and those wanting to own a part of this historic moment in Marvel history, visit your local comic book retailer on July 1, 2009 to purchase Captain America Reborn #1. To learn more about this landmark event and get a jumpstart with Captain America Reborn: Prelude, go to www.marvel.com/reborn for the exclusive digital comics and a free preview of the series!
And if you want even more exciting adventures of Captain America, Iron Man and all your favorite Marvel heroes, sign up for Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited at www.marvel/digitalcomics. Subscription rates start as low as $4.99/month, making it affordable to new readers and longtime fans!
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