Comic News: The Marvel Universe Begins Major Changes In Dark Reign: The List—Avengers!

If you’re reading New Avengers or the red-hot Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia, then you can’t miss an issue of Dark Reign: The List, beginning with the Avengers!


Clint Barton (Ronin) makes a decision that’ll change the Avengers as you know them! The List—Avengers, from the superstar dream team of Brian Michael Bendis and Marko Djurdjevic, begins the end of the Marvel Universe as you know it when Norman Osborn is targeted for death by Ronin! Meanwhile, Osborn himself reveals his end game—the elimination of every obstacle in his way! He’s battled the X-Men and now, with his sights set on every other major player in the Marvel Universe, all will feel the wrath of Osborn! This landmark issue also features a variant cover by superstar artist Frank Cho!

“In 2010, the Marvel Universe changes forever and it all begins in The List,” said David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation. “If you’re a Marvel fan, you can’t miss any of these specials—no hero or villain walks away the same.”

The future of the Marvel Universe begins in THE LIST!

DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART ONE- AVENGERS (JUL090493)
DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART ONE- AVENGERS HERO VARIANT (JUN098441)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by FRANK CHO
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—8/20/09, On-Sale—9/9/09

DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART TWO- DAREDEVIL (JUL090494)
DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART TWO- DAREDEVIL HERO VARIANT (JUN098442)
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Pencils & Cover by BILLY TAN
Variant Cover by FRANK CHO
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/20/09, On-Sale—9/9/09

DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART THREE- X-MEN (JUL090495)
DARK REIGN: THE LIST PART THREE- X-MEN HERO VARIANT (JUN098443)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Variant Cover by FRANK CHO
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/27/09, On-Sale—9/16/09




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Book News: Tor Books Announces HALO: EVOLUTIONS!

New Halo collection to feature original tales by Eric Nylund, Karen Traviss, Tobias Buckell and more


Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC—the largest publisher of science fiction in the world—and Microsoft are pleased to announce HALO: EVOLUTIONS, a new story collection in the New York Times bestselling Halo® series, expanding the universe created in the hugely successful Halo videogames for the Xbox 360. Three previous Halo novels published by Tor have sold over a million combined copies to date, and in 2010 Tor will publish the first in a new Halo trilogy by science fiction icon Greg Bear. HALO: EVOLUTIONS will be published in November 2009. An unabridged audiobook edition will publish simultaneously with the new novel.

HALO: EVOLUTIONS will feature a wide variety of tales set across the span of the Halo universe. Contributing brand-new original stories are New York Times bestselling Halo novelists Eric Nylund and Tobias Buckell, as well as Halo newcomer and #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss. The collection will also include a number of other bestselling and award-winning writers, as well as contributions from the games writers and creators themselves, including original Halo contributor, Robt McLees of Bungie, LLC.

“There are so many interesting and exciting playgrounds that are spawning from every HALO offering,” says Eric Raab, Tor editor. “This is a great chance to watch writers have some fun with these areas and expand on some of the unexplored mythos and characters, while at the same time creating new ones as well. Think of the short story collection as a new litter of Halo stories, each excitingly unique.”

“The chance to explore corners of the Halo universe, whether obscure or popular, is something we are always excited to do, but the chance to shine light on these dark corners with the talents of these wonderful luminaries, is a pleasure indeed,” says Frank O’Connor, Franchise Development Director, 343 Industries. “The combination of fresh eyes and old hands guarantees a brilliant continuation of a Halo tradition.”

HALO: EVOLUTIONS arrives in-stores during an exciting season for the Halo franchise. Microsoft recently announced at Comic-Con International 2009 two dynamic expansions in the Halo universe: “Halo Legends,” an original anime series in cooperation with legendary anime pioneer Shinji Aramaki (Ghost in the Shell) and “Halo Waypoint,” a Halo-exclusive channel to launch with Xbox LIVE this fall. In September, the highly anticipated Halo 3: ODST will let players experience events leading up to the story told in Halo 3 from the perspective of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) as they search for clues behind the Covenant’s occupation of New Mombasa.

“Halo” has emerged from the videogame world as a global phenomenon. To date, more than 27 million copies of the games in the Halo franchise have been sold worldwide. “Halo 3” made entertainment history when it launched on Sept. 25, 2007, setting record sales which marked not just the biggest videogame launch, but the biggest day-one entertainment launch in history. The newest game in the franchise, “Halo Wars,” launched on March 3, 2009 and is the best-selling current generation console-based strategy game of all time. With a fully fleshed-out universe of heroes, villains and epic scenarios, the novels expand the universe to give fans a grander view of the game environments and characters they encounter.
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Comic Review: Tracker Preview (Top Cow) Review By Oliver C.

Tracker Preview (Top Cow)

Is it man, or beast?

Tracker is awesome. I read through this very fast, twice! If you watch CSI, NCIS, Horrors, or even X-Files then you should like this. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Beast from the X—Men went on a killing spree? This would be somewhat like that.




It’s defiantly not for the faint-hearted, or the children. Scenes of gory massacre and dismembered limbs, torn open corpses. Not for some people, but defiantly for people who like that sort of thing, like me.

Agent Jezebel Kendall is called to a bus accident now called the ‘Blue Line Massacre’ and finds one survivor who may have answers to who, or what killed the sixteen people on the bus. The survivor wakes up from the hospital to meet a strange doctor. The doctor gives him a routine check up, hands him a business card and leaves. Many mysteries remain unsolved and lots of questions pop into your head about what has happened.

The truth is, the murderer is a werewolf and he has learned to control himself when transformed. He calls himself Harod, and leaves clues on his victims. But the next question is: Did he leave agent Will O’ Roark alive on purpose? Or was it the vital mistake he needed to make to be tracked down?

The artwork is incredible. Very well drawn, and coloured. A normal style comic, not out of the ordinary. Lots of real lifelike characters that slowly develop right in front of your eyes. You easily start to feel connected to them quickly. Not a very bright coloured book either. Lots of black and blood-red, and dark browns.

I thought this was a great look at Tracker and I am defiantly sure to buy #1 when it comes around. This was just an all around nice looking comic, and it was perfect in many ways. It’s really great and I know that it was made with lots of passion.
I usually try my best to have a paragraph full of the things I didn’t like, but there isn’t much not to like. Other than the fact that I got confused once or twice and had to go back and reread, due to me not remembering Kendall's partner's name because they had only mentioned it once. It could have been made clearer that who I was reading about now was a bigger part of the story than I had realized.

This preview of Tracker was just awesome. It could’ve been better though. It’s a great horror-mystery for anyone who’s a fan of that sort of thing. I recommend this to anyone who thinks that they can handle it. It’s really a great comic if you get into it. It’s left me wanting more at the end, and that’s exactly what i like to see.

8.5 Out of 10

Review By: Oliver Copeland
Staff Reviewer

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Comic News: The Torch #1 Ignites this September!

As seen on G4, the original Marvel super hero is back in The Torch #1!


Acclaimed writer Mike Carey (X-Men Legacy) & legendary creator Alex Ross (Marvels) join rising star artist Patrick Berkenkotter for a red-hot limited series event, with packaging by Dynamite Entertainment! The Mad Thinker is obsessed with learning the secrets of Jim Hammond, AKA the Human Torch, but how far will he go? How does this all new limited series affect the Marvel heroes of today? And just what secrets from the Torch’s past will be revealed? And don’t miss a sketch variant from the legend himself, Alex Ross!

"[The Human Torch is] one of the first generation of super heroes, the ones who defined the new genre and gave it a distinctive shape," Carey told Marvel.Com. "Everything that followed flowed on naturally from that; from the Torch, Namor, Cap, and those early stories of super heroes as the world's peacekeepers. The paradigm has changed many times since, but all the later elaborations used that as their starting point. The Torch is one of the tiny number of iconic figures who was in there on the ground floor."

With an all star creative team behind it, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on The Torch!

THE TORCH #1 (of 8) (JUL090468)
THE TORCH #1 (of 8) SKETCH VARIANT (JUN098483)
Written by MIKE CAREY & ALEX ROSS
Penciled by PATRICK BERKENKOTTER
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/13/09, On-Sale—9/2/09




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TV News: Metalocalypse’s Dethklok and Mastodon Join Forces to Embark on a 34-City North American Tour

Kicking Off October 2nd, High On Fire and Converge Will Tour With Stars of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse
and Grammy® Award Winner, Mastodon During Seven-Week Tour

EA’s “Brütal Legend” to Sponsor Metal Tour


This fall, two of the most popular bands in metal will co-headline a 34-city North American tour as the Grammy® Award-winning Mastodon hits the road with Dethklok, the world’s most brutal animated death metal band from Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse. In one of the most highly-anticipated tours of the year, the Adult Swim Presents Dethklok and Mastodon tour will kick off on October 2 in Portland, Ore. and bring mayhem and destruction to local venues throughout the nation. Adding even more layers to this fall’s top metal tour, Oakland’s High On Fire and Converge will open each show. There will be a ticket pre-sale that begins on Tuesday, August 4 at 10:00 AM EST, while the full allotment of tickets will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, August 7. For more information about the tour including the pre-sale ticket password, price ranges and how to order, please visit www.adultswimpresents.com.

As sponsor for the entire tour, Adult Swim will feature ”Brütal Legend” gaming stations for fans to experience the videogame first-hand, while a two-minute animated content piece, created by Titmouse, will air during each show. Print ads, AdultSwim.com and on-site materials will also feature the videogame as the tour’s key sponsor. “Brütal Legend” is an epic action game from visionary developer Tim Schafer. Jack Black stars as Eddie Riggs, a legendary roadie summoned to a world of Heavy Metal where mountains are made of amplifiers, killer spiders spin guitar strings and Rock Legends roam the landscape. As Eddie, crush skulls with a battle axe, ravage the road in a super-charged Hot Rod and unleash the power of Rock to reign down fire from the sky – all to save humanity and become a Brütal Legend.

Nathan Explosion, William Murderface, Skwisgaar Swigelf, Toki Wartooth and Pickles – better known as Dethklok – will take to the road in support of the band’s latest CD release from Williams Street Records, Dethklok: The Dethalbum II, which will be released as both a standard and deluxe edition on September 29 from Williams Street Records. A limited-edition vinyl of the album will also be released at local record shops starting November 24. Bringing the animated band to life on stage each night will be series co-creator and composer Brendon Small along with an all-star band including the legendary Gene Hoglan, Bryan Beller and Mike Keneally. These real life-musicians will perform live while dark-lit and playing underneath a giant projection screen featuring all-new animation and music videos from Dethklok to create a truly unique concert experience.

Sharing the bill with Dethklok on this seven-week tour is Grammy® Award-winning hard icons Mastodon, who are currently touring Europe and the UK with Metallica. The band’s groundbreaking new album Crack The Skye was released on March 24, debuting on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #11 to overwhelming international critical praise. Rolling Stone Magazine applauded Mastodon by declaring them as: “The greatest metal band of their generation – no one comes close.” Need more proof? Go to: www.mastodonrocks.com or www.cracktheskye.com

Universally recognized as one of the most potent acts in music today, High On Fire creates “bad-ass” modern metal that merges primal fury and aggression, skyscraping riff explosions and hesher bombast with a monolithic heaviness. Described as “a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume and sheer heaviness,” High On Fire has burned the hard rock rulebook since its formation in 1998, forging a style and sound that is both unique and absolutely crushing. The group features vocalist and cult guitar hero Matt Pike, a founding member of the famed underground band SLEEP and one of heavy music’s most charismatic figures. Pike was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of its “New Guitar Gods.”
Considered one of the most intense, important, and influential metal/hardcore bands ever, Converge will release their anticipated new album Axe To Fall on Epitaph on October 20th. The release is the follow up to their highly-acclaimed No Heroes album, released on Epitaph in 2006. Though Converge has remained tight lipped about all aspects of Axe To Fall, the buzz surrounding the upcoming release already has the rumblings of potential aggressive album of the year.


The tour schedule for Adult Swim Presents Metalocalypse’sDethklok and Mastodon with High On Fire and Converge is as follows:


Date Venue City, State
10/2/09 Roseland Theater Portland, OR
10/3/09 WaMu Theater Seattle, WA
10/4/09 Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, BC
10/6/09 Big Four Building Calgary, AB
10/7/09 Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, AB
10/9/09 Great Saltair Salt Lake City, UT
10/10/09 Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO
10/12/09 Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO
10/13/09 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
10/14/09 Val Air Ballroom Des Moines, IA
10/16/09 Myth St. Paul, MN
10/17/09 Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL
10/18/09 Eagle’s Auditorium Milwaukee, WI
10/20/09 LC Pavilion Columbus, OH
10/21/09 The Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI
10/23/09 Sound Academy Toronto
10/24/09 The Fairgrounds Buffalo, NY
10/25/09 Armory Albany, NY
10/27/09 House of Blues Boston, MA
10/30/09 Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY
10/31/09 Patriot Center Washington, DC
11/1/09 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
11/5/09 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
11/6/09 House of Blues Myrtle Beach, SC
11/7/09 Hard Rock Live Orlando, FL
11/8/09 Pompano Beach Amphitheater Pompano Beach, FL
11/11/09 House of Blues Dallas, TX
11/12/09 Verizon Wireless Theater Houston, TX
11/13/09 Austin City Music Hall Austin, TX
11/14/09 Brady Theater Tulsa, OK
11/16/09 Pan American Center Las Cruces, NM
11/17/09 Mesa Amphitheater Mesa, AZ
11/18/09 House of Blues Las Vegas, NV
11/19/09 Palladium Los Angeles, CA

*Schedule is subject to change.

"Seeing this lineup makes me jealous for the audience,” said Metalocalypse’s Small. “Both myself and my band that doesn't exist are incredibly excited and honored to be a part of it. Furthermore, I see this tour jump-starting the economy and completely reversing the recession. I've said this a thousand times: There is no recession for metal."

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DVD News: New Lionsgate DVDs Arriving September 8th

One month left! Check out these new releases from Lionsgate arriving on DVD
September 8th - Crank 2 High Voltage, Mad Monster Party: Special Edition and Requiemfor a Dream Blu-ray Disc.


Crank 2 High Voltage
You can't keep a good man down. Chev Chelios (Jason Statham, The Italian Job) is back this time to retrieve his stolen heart in the high-octane, truly electrifying Crank 2 High Voltage. Debuting on Blu-ray Disc, Special Edition DVD and standard DVD this September, the film picks up right where the original left off, with Chev surviving certain death only to face a new challenging day. This action-packed thriller is a feast for the eyes and the technology of Blu-ray only enhances the experience, delivering the exhilarating content through the unparalleled 1080P High Definition Widescreen presentation and 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio. The Blu-ray Disc and the 2-disc Special Edition DVD both contain a standard definition digital copy of the film as well as exhilarating bonus features that include audio commentary with the writers/directors, a "making of" documentary and a bloopers featurette. The Blu-ray Disc also features a gag reel, wrap party footage, bookmarks, Lionsgate Live™ and MoLog™, the first BD Live application that allows users to insert and animate shapes, text, audio and other graphics right into the film. Users are also able to post "blogs" about the film to share with other registered MoLog™ users. The Blu-ray Disc also contains the feature exclusive of the Crank'd Out Commentary with cast and crew available in Bonus View picture in picture mode. The standard one-disc DVD of Crank 2 High Voltage will include a Widescreen and Full Screen version of the film and the theatrical trailer.

Chev Chelios wakes up to discover his nearly indestructible heart has been surgically removed and replaced with a battery-operated ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity in order to work. After a dangerous escape from his captors, Chev is on the run again, this time from the charismatic Mexican gang boss El Huron (Clifton Collins, Jr., Star Trek) and the Chinese Triads, headed by the dangerous 100 year-old Poon Dong (David Carradine, Kill Bill: Vol. 2). Once again turning to Doc Miles (Dwight Yoakam, Four Christmases) for medical advice, receiving help from his friend Kaylo's twin brother Venus (Efren Ramirez, Napoleon Dynamite) and re-connecting with his girlfriend Eve (Amy Smart, TV's "Scrubs"), who is no longer in the dark about what he does for a living, Chev is determined to get his real heart back and wreak vengeance on whoever stole it.
Pricing: DVD $29.95
Pricing: Special Edition DVD $34.98 (2-Disc Set)
Pricing: Blu-ray Disc $39.99 (2-Disc Set)


Mad Monster Party: Special Edition
Mad Monster Party, the beloved animated Halloween classic, comes to Special Edition DVD this September from Lionsgate. Featuring the voices of horror film legend Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) as Baron Boris von Frankenstein and Golden Globe® nominee Phyllis Diller (TV's "The Pruitts of Southampton," Best TV Star-Female, 1966) as the Monster's Mate, Mad Monster Party: Special Edition is a hilariously spooky classic! This treasured stop-motion movie comes from the studios of Rankin-Bass - the team who created "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman" and other beloved holiday specials and has been called an inspiration for Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Mad Monster Party: Special Edition includes a brand-new retrospective featurette and two fun sing-a-longs, and is encased in frighteningly fun neon O-card DVD packaging - making it the perfect treat for Halloween this year!

Baron Von Frankenstein has decided to retire as the head of the Worldwide Organization of Monsters. But first, he must inform the other monsters about his plans. How to deliver the news? How else - through a Mad Monster Party! Von Frankenstein's guests include a who's who of Halloween favorites, including The Werewolf, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Mummy, The Invisible Man and more. But who among them is fit to be the new head of the monsters? Find out in this frighteningly fun holiday classic from Rankin Bass ("Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer") that will leave kids of all ages howling with delight!
Pricing: DVD $14.98


Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream, which stars Academy Award® winners Ellen Burstyn (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Best Actress in a Leading Role, 1974) and Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind, Best Supporting Actress, 2001), as well as Jared Leto (Lord of War) and Marlon Wayans, comes to Blu-ray disc this September from Lionsgate. The disc features a newly remastered 1080P High Definition Widescreen presentation of the film plus 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio. Blu-ray special features include audio commentaries with the director and the director of photography, a "making of" documentary, deleted scenes and interviews. A stunningly dramatic film about four people whose intertwined lives are filled with eternally hopeful despair, Requiem for a Dream received rave reviews from critics and audiences across the country. Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed "no one interested in the power and magic of movies should miss it," the Detroit Free Press exclaimed the film "conveys, visually, sonically and dramatically, the siren call of addiction like no other movie has" and The New York Times praised the "astonishing performances."

Harry Goldfarb (Leto) and Marion Silver (Connelly) are lovers in Brooklyn with their version of the American dream, setting up a small business and spending the rest of their lives in love. The two are also desperate heroin addicts, a compulsion that darkens their lives. Harry's mother, Sara Goldfarb (Burstyn), is addicted to television. One day she receives a call from her favorite show and learns that she has been selected to appear on an upcoming broadcast. When she can't fit into her best red dress, her doctor prescribes diet pills, to which she swiftly and painfully becomes addicted. With its unflinching dissection of addiction, the film is a psychologically disturbing, visually captivating depiction of lost hope.
Pricing: Blu-ray Disc $19.99
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Comic News: MARVEL CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE-- Marvel Comics 70th Anniversary Parties Nationwide

On August 11, 2009, Over 500 Comic Shop Retailers and Select Barnes & Noble Stores Across the Country Are Set to Celebrate




To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Marvel Comics will commemorate the milestone event on Tuesday, August 11th with special anniversary parties taking place around the world! Over 500 comic shop retailers will be hosting parties to celebrate the comic book giant’s 70 year history from 1939 to today. These events will be offering: early on sale release of The Marvels Project #1, an all new series detailing the origins of super heroes in the Marvel Universe by the creative team behind the worldwide sensation The Death Of Captain America; exclusive limited edition variants, a remastered version of the very first comic Marvel published, Marvel Comics #1, special sales, and more. To download a full list of retailers participating in Marvel 70th Anniversary parties, visit www.marvel.com/70thparty! All retailer parties begin at 9pm local time.

In addition, at 7:00 PM local time, Barnes & Noble will be hosting five in-store events in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Portland and Seattle, with appearances by some of the biggest names in the comic book world, hosting Q&A sessions and a chance to get your favorite comics autographed. Also appearing at these events are some of the most beloved characters from the Marvel Universe.

Barnes & Noble locations include:

NYC SPECIAL GUESTS IRON MAN AND SPIDER-MAN
150 E 86TH Street
New York, NY
Creators:
Joe Quesada Marvel Editor in Chief
Chris Claremont
Greg Pak
Klaus Janson
Fred Van Lente

ATLANTA SPECIAL GUEST WOLVERINE
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Creators:
Daniel Way
Paul Jenkins
Mark Bagley

LOS ANGELES SPECIAL GUEST HULK
The Grove at Farmer's Market
189 Grove Drive Suite K 30
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Creators:
Jeph Loeb
Craig Kyle
Chris Yost
Mark Waid

PORTLAND SPECIAL GUEST ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
Clackamas Towne Center Mall
2000 SE 82nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97266
Creators:
Brian Michael Bendis
Jeff Parker
Rick Remender

SEATTLE SPECIAL GUEST CAPTAIN AMERICA
2675 NE University Village Street.
Seattle, WA 98105
Creators:
Ed Brubaker
Clayton Crain

And after you’re done at participating Barnes & Noble stores, follow your favorite heroes to participating local comic shops around the country for parties beginning at 9pm!

NYC SPECIAL GUESTS IRON MAN AND SPIDER-MAN
Midtown Comics Times Square
200 W 40th Street (Corner of 7th Avenue)
New York, NY 10018

ATLANTA SPECIAL GUEST WOLVERINE
Great Escape Comics & Games
1050 East Piedmont Road
Suite D
Marietta, GA 30062

LOS ANGELES SPECIAL GUEST HULK
Golden Apple
7018 Melrose Ave
LA, CA 90038

PORTLAND SPECIAL GUEST ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
Cosmic Monkey Comics
5335 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97213

SEATTLE SPECIAL GUEST CAPTAIN AMERICA
Comic Book Ink
1625 East 72nd and Portland ave.
Suite 800
Tacoma, WA 98404

For more information on Marvel’s 70th Anniversary, head over to www.marvel.com/70 .

All comic shop events start at 9:00 PM local time and will run from one to two hours. To learn more about parties in your area, please visit www.marvel.com/70thparty And remember—Make Mine ’39!
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Toy News: Hot Toys - X-Men Origins: Wolverine - 1/6th scale Wolverine Limited Edition collectible figurine

Hot Toys is proud to announce the fan-favorite mutant – Wolverine collectible figure from the “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” movie.


This 1/6th scale human mutant features:

* Newly developed Hot Toys hirsute muscular figure body
* Over 30 points of articulation
* Stands approximately 30 cm tall
* His movie accurate costume of brown jacket, undershirt, shirt, jeans and boots
* Real-like Wolverine origins adamantium claws
* Accessories: dog tags and a leather-like belt with detailed buckle
* Two pairs of interchangeable hands
* Life-like head sculpt with authentic likeness of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
* Figure base with Wolverine nameplate and the movie logo

** special feature: new material used on the figure head, better head skin texture is presented with this new material.

Release date: Q4, 2009

Artist info:
Head Sculpt by Kojun
Head Paint by JC.Hong





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Comic Review: Star Trek: Nero #1 (IDW Publishing) By Eddie R

Finding Nero.

For those who were brave enough to go see the new Star trek Film this past spring, such as myself, I felt there was a certain something missing from one of the major plotlines from the film. What I am referring to is what did exactly happen to Nero and his crew after their encounter with the U.S.S Kelvin? Certainly something must have taken place in the missing time between their arrival 154 years in the past, and their encounter with the crew of the Enterprise many years later? Well I can safely say that all your questions will soon be answered, starting within the pages of Star Trek: Nero #1.




Opening just minutes after being stopped by the final and selfless act of Acting- Captain George Kirk aboard the U.S.S Kelvin, we find Nero and his crew surveying the damage to their ship, the Narada. Vowing that nothing has changed, and knowing that the Romulus they knew will still be destroyed, Nero and crew sets their plan of vengeance in motion, cutting a path of destruction through space sector after space sector. Unfortunately, this action brings Nero into conflict with the one race which would gladly fight to the death in order to gain the future technology the Narada possesses. And what happens next will have Trekkers crying out for more, as you will see the fate of Nero and his crew on a certain frozen prison planet made famous for being “inescapable” in the Star Trek mythos.

Overall, this really did satisfy my “What The??” reflex I had while watching this movie, especially about the part I mentioned at the beginning of the review. Although this would have been nice to see on the big screen, I know it would have taken away from the film itself. But thankfully it gets done right here, both story and art wise, and gets the necessary attention it deserves without interference.

Just like Star Trek: Countdown, this story seems poised to fill in the blanks on a sub plot which could turn out to be just as big as the main plot behind the new Star Trek film.

I got my fingers crossed.

Writer(s): Mike Johnson & Tim Jones
Artist: David Messina

On sale August 12th

8.5/10

Eddie R
Review Co-Editor
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Comic Review: Hero Comics #1 (IDW Publishing) by Adam P.

Not Just a Good Cause—Also a Great Read!

Sometimes it's not easy being a comics writer or artist. We can rattle off names of those who've been (and continue to be) successful in the comics field, but what of those who've fallen by the wayside? Many have struggled finding work once the glory days have waned and been saddled with financial or medical crises. The Hero Initiative exists to provides financial support to those creators who have given so much to the comics industry but have difficulty making ends meet in the present day. Hero Comics #1 is the brainchild of the Hero Initiative and proceeds will go to help the charity. It's a worthy effort and a great cause. For the fans, it's a win-win situation: pick up a swell book and help those who helped make comics come to life in days past.




Cover A, by J. Scott Campbell, is of great interest for several reasons. It depicts a naked Eve in the Garden of Eden holding the fruit of the forbidden tree (of which she's taken a big bite) whilst being entangled by Satan in serpent form. Judeo-christian thought holds that humankind was created in a state of bliss but due to Satan's tempting Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and fell from grace. What ensued? Disease, sickness, and the very real threat of poverty. This is the cover of Hero Comics #1, which benefits the Hero Initiative. What does the Hero Initiative do? Assist comic creators in their time of need when they're struck with disease, sickness and poverty. So either J. Scott Campbell is a genius or has a lot of dumb luck.

But don't expect to see this exact portrayal of Eve and the serpent on a stained glass window near you, however. Campbell goes for a lust-inducing pose that would make St. Augustine throw the first stone... or pray for his soul! And scholars think that the fruit was probably a fig rather than an apple. Plus the serpent should probably still have limbs at this point, but I digress...

The book is actually filled with religious references, neatly serving up the message that sometimes there aren't any miracles immediately forthcoming and that what we really need is genuine human kindness through good deeds like the Hero Initiative. Many of the stories are meditations on fame and the fragility of life or even break the fourth wall and dialogue with the reader about the importance of supporting creators in great want. Other stories are thank-yous that recount how the Hero Initiative was there to help in times of dire need.

Howard Chaykin kicks us off with a beautifully illustrated tale of what it means to be in the media spotlight and subsequently forgotten. The futuristic setting in which Reuben Flagg finds himself shows us the extent to which the 24-hour news cycle and reality television can become heartless purveyors of everything that's inhumane about human nature. Its message is simple: be thankful for what you have. Sometimes it's far more than you realize.

Next up, Josh Medors and Tom Smith personalize cancer as a monster that can't be simply banished by holy water but requires a long struggle, something for which the Hero Initiative is uniquely suited for. David Lloyd then presents a beautifully-painted two-page spread of a tombstone visit in spring. Cemeteries never cease to lack poignancy when handled correctly. A similarly short but more shocking piece is delivered by Gene Colan and Tom Smith as we see the link between the accidental demise of soldiers and the overall purpose of the book.

Lowell Francis, Gene Ha and Zander Cannon serve us up an uproarious modern-day retelling of the biblical story of Samson, the strong man who was ever at odds with the Philistines and had a weakness for beautiful ladies. Like Campbell's cover, it's amazing how rich the biblical narrative can be when it's given a fresh coat of paint. Another great yarn is Dream Princess by Kaare Andrews which makes readers expect something like Shrek before a terrific Heavy Metal-style twist at the end.

We also get to see some portfolio and pin-up work by Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales), Gene Ha (Captain Hammer), the two covers by Campbell and Matt Wagner (Grendel), as well as some amazing rethinking of classic Marvel artwork by Arthur Adams. Adams was the first contemporary creator that wowed me when I first picked up comics off the newsstand. I have fond memories of his covers for the New Fantastic Four in the early 1990's. It's amazing to see active artists give something back to those who've gone before them. And who knows? Maybe even they could be in need one day.

We also have a foursome of tales that show us how creators have been helped whilst in dire straits and how the regular fan can team-up to help as well. Bill Willingham and Laura Martin give us the comical Inchworm and his mini-speech to fans, William Messner-Loebs has a chain smoking bunny alongside a struggling creator and Jim McLauchlin, Rodolfo Migliari and Tom Smith presents us a scene from the San Diego Comicon. Lastly there's an unpublished script from the late Dave Simons (to whom the issue is dedicated) which discusses (using Satan no less) how the Hero Initative was there for him.

If ever there was a comic that deserved fan support, here it is. Readers will find sparkling creativity within these pages that will help provide for those who've shared their creativity with us so long ago.

Writers: Various
Artists: Various

On Sale August 12th

9/10

Adam P.
Review Co-Editor

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

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Comic Review: Angel: Only Human #1 (IDW Publishing) By John H

Oh to live a normal life…

It never ceases to amaze me at how the lives of Superheroes, Gods, vampires, and heck even werewolves seem to be full of adventure, drama, and action. For us norms, (you know the “average” people), who have never been blasted by cosmic rays, been chosen by a mystical ring or just plain lucked out being chosen by some wizard as the “chosen one”, how can we idolize our mortal lives compared to those of a different calling ? For those of us who dream of living as they do (dealing with evil-doers, saving the day and keeping our loved ones safe) do we really get to see the whole picture? Can the stress these beings live with every day be worth what they get to do?




In Angel Only Human #1, we get a glimpse at what life was like for Winifred through her home, family, and love life. We also get a taste of what it meant to rule the world as a near omnipotent demon via Illyria, whose reign transcended that of our dimension. Illyria, always wanting to live a human existence, decides to help Winifred’s family deal with her “disappearance” five years ago, by showing up for a family funeral. Accompanying her on this road trip is Gunn, who along the way beings to notice Illyria has changed , and it might be thanks to certain past memories she has access to.

This storyline just keeps getting better and more interesting, with the writers expanding on each characters own stories in such a way that it always manages to stay refreshing. The art is amazing, reflecting the horror, whimsy, and just a touch of magic that this book exudes perfectly.

If I have one suggestion to make to the artist and writer, it would be please don’t change a thing!

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artist: David Messina

On sale August 12th

9.0/10

John H
Senior Reviewer
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Comic News: IDW to Reprint The Hunter

Sold out after two weeks

Second printing available in September


After just two weeks on the market, Darwyn Cooke’s exceedingly popular graphic adaptation The Hunter has sold out from the distributor. IDW is pleased to announce that the second printing will be in stores in September, and encourages fans to check with their local retailers now for availability of any remaining copies from the first printing.

With two consecutive weeks on The New York Times best seller list, The Hunter has earned high praise for Cooke’s compelling interpretation of Parker and has been critically lauded nation-wide by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Entertainment Weekly.

“This is a truly amazing book and one that IDW is very proud of,” said Special Projects Editor, Scott Dunbier. “Even though we aggressively overprinted the initial run, the book’s popularity is exceeding even our high hopes and we are thrilled to be on our second printing already. We encourage stores to place their reorders quickly to meet the continued demand for this great book.”

Darwyn Cooke, the Eisner-Award-winning writer and artist of such classics as DC: The New Frontier, Selina’s Big Score, and The Spirit, brings to life one of the true classics of crime fiction: Richard Stark’s Parker. Stark was a pseudonym used by the revered and multi-award-winning author, Donald Westlake.

“I'm thrilled with the response The Hunter has been getting,” said Cooke. “The critics and fans have been extremely kind. That, along with the lightning speed in which it sold out, makes me one happy guy.”

The Hunter, the first book in the Parker series, is the story of a man who hits New York head-on like a shotgun blast to the chest. Betrayed by the woman he loved and double-crossed by his partner in crime, Parker makes his way cross-country with only the thought of revenge burning in his mind.

“To anyone who hasn’t yet picked up a copy, call your local store—they might still have some copies, and if not, they can order one for you!” added Dunbier.

Darwyn Cooke’s The Hunter is now available in stores.
Diamond re-order code MAY090880


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