Canary’s Cry

According to Deadline, Katie Cassidy (Gossip Girl, Melrose Place and Supernatural) is headed back to the CW for the network’s pilot Arrow. Cassidy will play Dinah “Laurel” Lance in the pilot that will introduce a new version of the DC Comics character Green Arrow. Stephen Amell will play the vigilante archer, also known as Oliver Queen, a wealthy playboy and billionaire industrialist-turned-outspoken politician in Star City.

Cassidy’s version of  Dinah Lance will be a young legal clinic attorney who shares a romantic past with Oliver. However, it appears that the two may be at odds when Lance’s younger sister dies on Oliver’s yacht. In the comic books Dinah Lance is the hero Black Canary, and for a long time has had a romance with Green Arrow. The two were even married prior to DC Comics’s recent relaunch. I’m glad that Dinah Lance will be featured in the series, but I don’t know why they are creating a story that might make the two enemies. Also, why are they calling the series an abbreviated Arrow? They are making a show about Green Arrow. They are basing a show on a long established comic book character, so why not use the character’s full name as the title. It should be Green Arrow. Not just Arrow. Arrow doesn’t carry any meaning. Green Arrow is well known and marketable.

Susanna Thompson joins the cast as Oliver’s mother, Moira Queen. And  David Ramsey (Dexter) joins as Oliver’s bodyguard John Diggle. David Nutter is directing the pilot, which is being written and executive produced by Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern).

Wanna Make Somethin’ Of It?

Artist Daniel HDR created this cool image that places some old Hanna-Barbera characters in the Justice League. I like cover spoofs/homages, and this one is a send-up of the classic cover to Justice League #1, from the late 80s series relaunch from  Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire.

“I’m trying to reinvent the movies”

Douglas Trumbull  is a special effects pioneer who has earned his place in the history of cinema. He has created groundbreaking special effects work on films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Blade Runner and others. Now, in a recent interview The Hollywood Reporter, Trumbull says that he is working on a project that will change the way movies are made and seen.

According to the interview, Trumbull says he’s working on a new film project that is going “way beyond anything that Peter Jackson and Jim Cameron have been doing or are thinking of.” He also says he’s doing it on his own for now because Hollywood just doesn’t want to know.

From The Interview:

“I’m developing my own film, well, several films, but one of these films is going to go into this new territory I’m talking about – which is first person cinema reality which is indistinguishable from reality. The screen is going to be so big it’s like a window into another world…no one’s ever seen it before, and no one can imagine what it would be like. But I can, and I know, and so I’m comfortable with personally making the investment. I have my own studio, I work in the Berkshires, I have my own stage, my own cameras, my own lights, my own editing, my own workshop, my machine shop, and I’m trying to reinvent the movies—with no help whatsoever from Hollywood.”

Trumbull added:

“I can only say that it’s a 200-years-in-the-future science fiction space epic that’s going to address very big, lofty issues, like man’s place in the universe, and our contact with extraterrestrial civilizations that are so mind-bogglingly in advance of our own that it will go into some of the same territory that 2001 went into, and it’s going to do it in a very plausibly scientific way, not a fanciful way. There are no alien monsters, and the earth is not being attacked by anybody. It’s going to be a much more intelligent, what we call hard-science fiction, and I think there’s absolutely nothing out there like this.”

Toys Assemble!

New York City’s Toy Fair brings us an assortment of images of upcoming toy releases. Hasbro has an extensive toy line-up planned for the upcoming Avengers movie.  There will be numerous action figures in various scales, an assortment of  3-inch Mini Mighty Mugg two packs that packages a Mighty Avenger with one of their foes, vehicles, and role-play accessories. A few highlights are pictured below.

MARVEL THE AVENGERS 3.75-INCH EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES Assortment

(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: March 2012)

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes…Assembled! A movie event five years in the making, THE AVENGERS brings together MARVEL big-screen heroes IRON MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, THOR, HULK and more for the ultimate Super Hero action spectacular! Kids and collectors alike will want to assemble the whole team from Hasbro’s line of THE AVENGERS 3.75-INCH Action Figures. These figures are fully articulated, movie accurate, and packed with exciting accessories. See all the core team members in their updated costumes, including BLACK WIDOW and new hero HAWKEYE! Each figure sold separately.

MARVEL THE AVENGERS S.H.I.E.L.D. HELICARRIER

(Approximate Retail Price: $69.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Fall 2012)

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes need Earth’s most amazing vehicle! Straight out of the upcoming MARVEL film THE AVENGERS, this mobile battle station features launching projectiles and an incredible scale—at over 3 feet long, it’s the largest MARVEL vehicle ever created by Hasbro, with space for over 30 3.75-inch MARVEL action figures! (Figures sold separately.)

MARVEL THE AVENGERS QUINJET

(Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: March 2012)

The signature vehicle from the upcoming MARVEL film THE AVENGERS comes to life as a heroic movie-accurate vehicle. THE AVENGERS QUINJET can speed into battle evil with two modes of action play – Super Sonic Mode and Attack Mode, with launching projectiles! Comes with a 3.75-inch IRON MAN action figure.

MARVEL THE AVENGERS HAWKEYE BOW

(Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: March 2012)

Offered for the first time in Hasbro’s MARVEL line, kids can pretend to be THE AVENGERS’ mighty archer with this bow! Based on the newest hero from the upcoming film THE AVENGERS, the HAWKEYE BOW features high-performance launching for three included darts, with space to store your extra arrows!

MARVEL THE AVENGERS CAPTAIN AMERICA ATTACK SHIELD

(Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: March 2012)

CAPTAIN AMERICA’S iconic shield is back, with electronic disc-launching action! Featuring the iconic movie design, the CAPTAIN AMERICA ATTACK SHIELD fires miniature foam disks up to 20 feet! The shield has a diameter of 15 inches and comes with five foam discs. Requires four “AA” batteries, not included.

DC Nation Launches In March

If you’ve been wondering what happened to Green Lantern: The Animated Series , have no fear, The Cartoon Network will launch it’s DC Nation programming block on March 3rd. DC Nation is scheduled to start off as a hour-long Saturday morning block featuring Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Young Justice.

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment  will be rounding out the programming with a mix of animated shorts and live-action interstitials featuring various DC properties. Next year a new CG-animated series, Beware the Batman , is expected to be added to the mix.

DC Nation will premiere Saturday, March 3, at 10 a.m. (ET, PT) with Green Lantern: The Animated Series, followed by Young Justice. Various shorts featuring DC Comics super heroes and characters will be brought to the screen with fresh designs and concepts from some top animation talent, such as award-winning Aardman Studios (Arthur Christmas, Wallace and Gromit) with its stop-motion clay animation techniques, and the unique direction and character designs of Lauren Faust (The Powerpuff Girls, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic). The DC Nation block will also have exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at movies, events, and an insider look into the world of DC Comics.

Swinging By A Thread

Most people will have to wait until July for The Amazing Spiderman to swing into their local theatres. But some web-heads will get the opportunity to see an advance screening of the movie. You can go to theuntoldstory.com to find a list of a select few cities that will have an advance screening on February 6th. The city links take you to a site where you can register to RSVP your seat for the screening.

The CW Aims For DC’s Emerald Archer

According to Deadline, The CW has ordered a pilot for a hour long superhero drama based on the Green Arrow comic book character from DC Comics. Green Lantern screenwriters Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, and Fringe writer Andrew Kreisberg will team-up to script the pilot. Smallville pilot director David Nutter will direct the Green Arrow pilot. Justin Hartley, who played Green Arrow on Smallville, is currently not associated with the upcoming pilot. And while the show is based on the comic book character, it is being said that the TV series will set the character “in a new world with an original story that is not based on the comics.”

Green Arrow, who first appeared in More Fun Comics in 1941, was created by Mort Weisinger and George Papp. One time billionaire Oliver Queen became the crime fighting archer who is part Batman, part Robin Hood. During his history he took in the sidekick Speedy, became close friends of  Green Lantern, has had a long time love affair with Black Canary, and became a member of the Justice League.

Blimey . . . Tha’ Is One Very Big Arse

In Lady Mechanika # 3 from Aspen, the title character continues on her quest to learn the secrets of her past. A mission that had brought a dead mechanical girl across her path. When the mechanical girl’s body is stolen, Lady Mechanika sets off to track her down.

The trail takes Mechanika to the Cirque du Romani. Once there she is confronted by several of the circus performers. Her questions to find the mechanical girl aren’t met well, and this leads to Mechanical scuffling wit ht he circus’s knife thrower and his big cat.

The owner of the circus, Madame Divinite, breaks up the fight and things calm down. With cooler heads thinking, it is discovered that the mechanical girl is Seraphina, the daughter of the knife thrower, and she isn’t dead. It is revealed that the promise of fame and fortune lured Seraphina and her boyfriend away to join another circus. Although the it is deduced that the two lost performers weren’t lured away by another circus, but rather they were tricked to follow a mercenary working for the Blackpool Armaments Company.

After learning the new information Lady Mechanika and her associate travel to Mechanicon, the Annual Mechanika City Convention of All Things Innovative, Scientific, and Industrial. It is here that they find Nathaniel Blackpool, the person that Lady Mechanika believes is holding Seraphina. At the opening ceremony for Mechanicon, Blackpool introduces his Helio Arx, a giant airship and fortress that Mechanika believes she will need to infiltrate if she is to find the mechanical girl.

Lady Mechanika is an interesting and enjoyable comic book set in a steampunk world. The characters, costumes, and environment are all amazing. There is a great style and flare to this comic. The comic is written and drawn by Joe Benitez, with Peter Steigerwald providing colors, and Josh Reed on lettering. The story and characters are engaging, and the artwork is beautiful. This is a comic book that you should be buying.

Ginger Bread AT-AT

Here are some awesome ginger bread creations from geeks who add some creativity to the usual holiday tradition.

Gingerbread Daleks

Gingerbread Hogwarts

Gingerbread Nightmare Before Christmas

Gingerbread Pelannor

Gingerbread Serenity

Gingerbread Star Destroyer

Gingerbread Super Heroes

Gingerbread Tardis

Gingerbread Wayne Manor

Can He Swing, From A Thread

The official site for the upcoming Amazing Spiderman movie is now live. The site has photos and details on the production, plot, characters, and even sequels.

The Green Goblin Rides Again

FX house, Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc., has released some old test footage of an early Green Goblin mask design for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man in 2002. This version of the Goblin would have a look closer to the comic book Goblin design, but ultimately it wasn’t used.

Cybertron Falls

Activision and High Moon Studios debuted the trailer for their upcoming Transfomers: Fall of Cybertron video game. The official game description follows:

Gamers will finally experience the epic battles that shaped the history of the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS with the fall 2012 release of Activision Publishing, Inc.’s TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON for the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Currently in development by the acclaimed team at High Moon Studios, TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON takes fans through the final, darkest hours of the civil war between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as they fight for control of their dying planet, ultimately leading to their storied exodus from home.

The Legend Ends

Warner Bros. has revealed the latest teaser poster for The Dark Knight Rises. Speculation has been swirling around rather or not we’ll see Bane “break the Bat”, much like the comic book character did when he appeared in the Knightfall  storyline from DC in 1993.

All That Glitters

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Syfy has ordered a pilot script for a one-hour drama based on the DC Comics character Booster Gold.

Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, No Ordinary Family, Green Lantern) will serve as an executive producer along with Warner Horizon Television, and Fringe‘s Andrew Kreisberg, who will also write the script. Kreisberg and Berlanti previously collaborated on ABC’s Eli Stone.

In the comic books Booster Gold is a washed-up athlete from the future who travels back to the present in hopes of becoming the greatest super hero of all time. However, the character suffers from a vanity complex, and he becomes preoccupied with chasing fame and money. Over time Booster Gold learns that there’s more to being a hero than gathering accolades.

The interest in a Booster Gold project seem to spin out of the comic book character’s appearance in the 10th and final season of the CW’s Smallville.

Powers Re-shoots

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the pilot for Powers, based on the comic book about detectives investigating super hero crimes, is being sent out for re-shoots. The comic book series author author Brian Michael Bendis commented on Twiter, ”In regard to ‘Powers’ tv: the pilot was crazy expensive and very lovely and shows incredible potential for a long series. He continued to say, “Network spending more $$ on powers is good. They did the same to the Sons of Anarchy pilot. FX sees pilots diff then reg networks. The re-shoots are planned for January and are all about tone and clarity. I am very proud of the pilot, as [is] [Michael Avon Oeming]. Stay tuned.”

Jason Patric is currently cast as detective Christian Walker, with Lucy Punch joining him as officer Deena Pilgrim.

“My name is Bill Mantlo. I want to go home.”

Writer Greg Pak has set up a page to take donations for former comic book writer Bill Mantlo, who has long been suffering from injuries caused by an auto accident.“Bill Mantlo has had a huge influence on me as a writer and reader,” Pak said. “His Micronauts stories blew my mind as a kid and his Incredible Hulkrun laid the groundwork for the themes I explored my five-and-a-half year run with the character.” Money donated through the site goes directly to Mike Mantlo, Bill’s brother, for Bill’s ongoing care.

Bill Mantalo, a  prolific writer for Marvel during the ’70s and ’80s has been living in a Queens, New York, nursing home for the past 19 years due to being the victim of a hit-and-run accident. 

On Friday, July 17, 1992, he had been making a three-mile roller-blade journey home when a car came around a corner and hit him. The left side of his head impacted the windshield, he rolled across the hood of the car, and the right side of his head impacted the pavement. The driver never stopped, and unfortunately wasn’t identified.

The accident severed his brain stem. and while he wasn’t paralyzed, it made it very difficult for his body—particularly his extremities—to accurately receive and process electrical messages from his brain. For a time he was on a ventilator and a feeding tube, as his brain was too damaged to tell his body how to swallow or breathe.

Marvel’s “fill-in king,” who co-created Cloak & Dagger and penned titles like ROM, Micronauts and The Incredible Hulk, hasn’t been able to write since 1995. The last personal entry in his journal, dated Feb. 14, 1995, begins, “My name is Bill Mantlo. I want to go home.”

The care needed to save Mantalo’s life cost more than $1 million, according to his brother Mike. Mike became Bill’s legal guardian once Bill could no longer make decisions for himself. Since the accident there have been constant fights with care facilities and the CIGNA, the group health insurance provider matched with Bill through The Legal Aid Society.

Mantlo turned 60 on Wednesday, but is said to be gaunt and pale condition, and is described as looking closer to 80. He lacks mobility and labors to speak; he has a history of violent outbursts as a result of the injuries that the accident caused.

When Mantlo’s health-insurance provider wouldn’t cover the long-term care it deemed necessary, Mike was forced to sell off the majority of his assets so he could qualify for Medicaid. His collection of toys and memorabilia, his comic books,and the vacation cottage he once owned with his wife are now gone.

An article in National Underwriter Life & Health magazine, titled “Tragic Tale,” recounts his career at Marvel, where he wrote more than 500 issues, until his assignments dried up in the mid-’80s. It also touches upon his work as an attorney for the Legal Aid Society, and the bitter divorce that preceded the hit and run.

DC Universe All-Stars

The DC Universe Classics action figure line is finishing it’s retail run with the highly anticipated Wave 20, which will include the Fan’s Choice Collect and Connect® Nekron. Following the final DCU Classics wave will be the introduction of a new DC Universe 6″ line at retail, the DC Universe All-Stars.

Mattel says that these DC Universe All-Stars are meant to complement the DC Universe Club Infinite Earths figures which will be sold on Mattycollector.com in 2012. The first wave of All-Star figures will include the following:

- Batman Beyond
- Flashpoint Plastic Man
- Larfleeze (which was shown at NYCC)
- Superboy Prime

Marvel Finds It’s Nook

Barnes & Noble’s next-gen e-reader, the Nook Tablet, will have a wide selection of trades and graphic novels from Marvel Comics. When the Nook Tablet launches on November 18 Marvel’s extensive library with titles such as Civil War, Invincible Iron Man, Astonishing X-Men will be available through the reader.

“This is a huge opportunity for Marvel—and the entire comics medium—to reach a wider audience than ever before thanks to Barnes & Noble’s exciting new Nook Tablet,” said Peter Phillips, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media Group. “Barnes & Noble is committed to offering customers a broad array of Marvel graphic novels, both digitally and through their massive in-store selection, which can only help bring fans into our exciting world of Super Heroes and unparalleled storytelling.”

“We’re excited to bring Nook customers the largest available digital collection of graphic novels from Marvel Entertainment,” said Theresa Horner, Barnes & Noble’s Vice President of Digital Content. “The high resolution of our VividView color touchscreen makes the action virtually jump off the page, and takes graphic novels to a whole new level of entertainment.”

Free Play In The DCU

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced that there are now three access levels to its popular MMO, DC Universe Online, including free play.The three levels are Free, Premium and Legendary.

Starting today, all PC and PlayStation 3 players can create their own legendary superhero – or villain – and join forces with their favorite DC Comics characters for free. Premium Access allow players to have more benefits, including additional slots for characters, inventory, and higher cash limits. Legendary Access costs $14.99 USD monthly, and includes access to all DLC packs at no additional cost, more than 16 character slots, over 60 inventory slots, the ability to form Leagues, and many other benefits.

Full Press Release From Sony Online Entertainment:

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced that players can now download and play its popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game DC Universe Online (DCUO) for free. Starting today, all PC and PlayStation 3 players can create their own legendary superhero – or villain – and join forces with their favorite DC Comics characters, including Superman, Batman and the Joker to either save – or destroy – the planet.

“We are confident that going free-to-play will expand the action combat experience of DC Universe Onlineby making the game more accessible to every type of player so they can choose to play the game their way,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “With a portfolio that includes three successful free-to-play games – EverQuest II: Extended, Free Realms and Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures – we have extensive knowledge and experience to apply to DCUO and are thrilled to be taking the game free-to-play today.”

There are three access levels in DCUO: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels will provide access to the game and include all game updates and fixes to the game, with each level offering differing game options and features. DLC content and features will also be included for Legendary players, and can be purchased by Free and Premium players. The levels include:

Free Access: New players now have access to the base game content in DC Universe Online, including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts outside of DLC packs. Free Access provides players with the ability to create two characters, join a League and many other benefits. Free level players can also purchase DLC packs, additional character slots, and more in-game.

Premium Access: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) qualifies for the Premium Access level. Premium level players have more benefits available to them than the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. DLC packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game. All previous subscribers are granted Premium Access automatically.

Legendary Access: Legendary Access provides the most content, features and benefits of the three access levels. Loaded with enhanced features, Legendary Access is available for a $14.99 USD monthly fee (multi-month discounts are available) and includes access to all DLC packs at no cost, more than 16 character slots, over 60 inventory slots, the ability to form Leagues, and many other benefits.

DC Universe Online combines the ability to explore legendary DC Comics environments pulled from the pages of the comic books, popular movies and animated series and fascinating story arcs with fast-paced, physics-based combat, allowing players to pick up buses and other objects in the environment, fly into the air and throw them at enemies; run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands; or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky – all while fighting alongside or against the legendary characters of DC Comics and building their own legacy as they embark on their own path to legendary.

I’m shining the bat-signal up into the sky to call you all!

Composer Hans Zimmer is using the website UJAM to bring your voice to The Dark Knight Rises. Through the site you can record your own version of the chant that has been featured in the early teasers for the movie. Then Zimmer will combine and edit all of the recordings into one chant that will be used in the movie.

From the website:

We need to hear your voices! Now and Loud! We are creating the sound of a worldwide chant. Everyone come and be part of it. It’s easy:

There is no such thing as out-of-tune, no timing we can’t fix later. If you mumble, growl, scream or whisper, it’s all good. Make it yours. If you only get halfway through, no problem! Do it alone, bring your friends, but do it with energy and commitment.

Let your voice be heard and be a part of our adventure!”

So we need every one of you out there to join. By signing up and recording your voice, you could be a part of “The Dark Knight Rises”.

Premium Colossus Figure

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to announce the newest addition to the Marvel Premium Format Figure line up, Colossus. Each piece is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. Presented in approximately 1:4 scale, featuring a real fabric costume and standing approximately 24 inches tall, the Colossus Premium Format figure makes an outstanding addition to any Marvel collection.

Est. Ship Date: 2nd Qtr 2012

Limited Edition: TBD

Product Summary
Sideshow Exclusive

License:
Marvel

Product Type:
Premium Format Figure

Product Size:
24″ H (609.6mm) x 12″ W (304.8mm) x 12″ L (304.8mm)*

Product Weight:
10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)*

Box Size:
26.00″ H (660.4mm) x 14.00″ W (355.6mm) x 14.00″ L (355.6mm)*

Est. Shipping Weight:
12.00 lbs (5.44 kg)*

More Dark Knight Photos Rise

More photos from the set of The Dark Knight Rises continue to find their way to the internet.

Ghost Haunts Your Computers

Early next year, Dark Horse and Gamers Digital are bringing the comic book hero Ghost to a PC adventure video game.

Ghost, based on the 1994 Dark Horse comic book property about a young woman imbued with supernatural powers after her untimely murder, Ghost will be a “first person mystery” game. 

The game will be released in down-loadable format for PC, Mac and various iOS platforms.

Transformers Chaos

“The Last Story On Earth” ends here! When Prowl makes a breakthrough in his investigation, he assumes that he has the answers to all his questions… until a shadowy adversary brings some shocking revelations to the Autobot’s attention. Could this be the end of the human/Autobot truce? Mike Costa and Brendan Cahill bring this tale to its unexpected conclusion!

Transformers #29
Mike Costa (w) • Brendan Cahill (a) • Marcelo Matere, Cahill (c)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Ted McKeever Introduces A Mondo Hero

From Image:

This January, Ted McKeever will be introducing the world to Mondo, his new three issue miniseries from Shadowline and Image Comics, in all its raging glory!

Though McKeever has worked on titles for Marvel and DC, including Spiderman and Doom Patrol, he is best known for his independent, creator-owned works such as Transit, Eddy Current, Metropol, and the recent META 4. McKeever has been a cult favorite in the comics industry since the 1980’s, an uncompromising one man comics team, consistently creating smart and uniquely twisted comics with a gritty, subliminal quality to their black and white inked pages. His work is often executed in mixed media, creating layers as rich and dirty as the stories themselves, and McKeever’s new Mondo will be no different.

“Compared to my other work, I think fans will easily be able to tell this is my work,” said McKeever. “And I have definitely not held back at all in this one!”

“McKeever kicks it out again with mind-blowing imagery, wild characters and multi-layered concepts,” says Shadowline publisher Jim Valentino. “He never disappoints and Mondo will be counted as one of his best yet.”

Mondo begins with Catfish’s daily grind of “enhancing” poultry, but all that comes to a halt when he is accidentally tripped up by a loose chicken, causing him to fall victim to his own process. What proportions of his that were once human are now beyond anything normal! Add villainous corporate and military big wigs, a roller-skating weapon-toting chick named Kitten Kaboodle, a gang of tattooed babies, an enormous beach monster… and you have Ted McKeever’s Mondo!

Mondo #1, a 32-page Golden Age format black and white comic book for $3.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms on January 4, and is available for order now in the November issue of Previews.

You Probably Gonna Wanna Get This On Camera

20th Century Fox has debuted the trailer for Chronicle, a faux-documentary style film that tells the story of three teenagers who develop superpowers after making an incredible discovery. As they learn to control their abilities, and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.

Directed by Josh Trank and written by Max Landis, the movie stars Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, Alex Russell and Michael Kelly. The movie is scheduled for a February 3 release.

Fox has orered a pilot for The Punisher, a series based on the Marvel comic book, from Ed Bernero and ABC Studios. This is a secon high-profile sale for the former Criminal Minds showrunner. It also is part of Fox’s return to the comic book adaptation business after the recent cancellation of Human Target.

The Punisher is described as an hour-long procedural with a new take on the comic book characters. Frank Castle, is a rising star detective with the New York Police Department who moonlights as the vigilante Punisher to seek justice for victims that the system has failed. Bernero will executive produce along with Marvel.

This marks the first sale this season and the first one ever outside of ABC for Disney-owned Marvel, which is developing TV series based on its properties through ABC Studios. Last season, the company set up Hulk with Guillermo del Toro and David Eick and AKA Jessica Jones with Melissa Rosenberg at ABC. Those projects have been moving on a slower development track at the network. Fox also has The Spectre in the works, a drama based on the DC Comics superhero character co-created by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel and Bernard Baily.

Tetsuo!

According to Variety, Warner Bros. has greenlit a live-action remake of the classic anime movie Akira. Back in July, Warners had tapped Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown) to direct the movie with $90 million budget. Warners acquired the potential tentpole project for a seven-figure sum from Japanese manga publisher Kodansha in 2008. Set in New Manhattan, the cyberpunk sci-fi epic follows the leader of a biker gang who must save his friend who potentially destructive psychokinetic abilities, from government medical experiments. The studio is planning to begin shooting in late February/early March.

Now that the movie is offically a go, casting can begin for Akira. The studio and Collett-Sera are both said to be interested in having Tron: Legacy star Garrett Hedlund play one of the two male leads. Though no offer’s been made, insiders say an offer could come soon. Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran are producing with Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar. Katsuhiro Otomo, who wrote and directed the 1988 Akira anime movie will be an executive producer.

Shazam!

There aren’t a lot of details yet, but during DC’s Justice League panel at the New York Comic-Con, Geoff Johns announced that he’s reuniting with former Superman artist Gary Frank for a Captain Marvel back-up feature that will be appearing in Justice League.

Titled The Curse of Shazam, the story will reintroduce Billy Batson as Captain Marvel in DC’s New 52. The start date wasn’t released yet, and we don’t know if there is any potential for an ongoing series, but fans who had been worrying can feel at ease that Captain Marvel is still a part of the DC universe. And if the back-up receives enough positive feed-back, its always possible that an ongoing could come somewhere down the line.

In Brightest Day

Warner Bros. has released the opening scene of the first episode of Green Lantern: The Animated Series, which airs Nov. 11 on the Cartoon Network. The CG-animated series follows the continuing adventures of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, and is another in the long list of credits from producer Bruce Timm.

“As Earth’s Green Lantern, Hal Jordan is used to being in dangerous situations—but he’s never faced anything like this! Set at the farthest reaches of deep space, Hal must face down an invasion from the Red Lantern Corps. Hal is soon joined by an all-new group of heroes on a mission to protect Guardian Space — and the Green Lantern Corps itself!”

The cartoon features the voices of Josh Keaton, Michael Clarke Duncan, Richard Green and Robert Englund.

The Force Is With Dark Horse

During the  New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics announced five new Star Wars comic book series. Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett is Dead by Tom Taylor will be released in April. Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escape will be a 5-issue arc coming in June from writer John Jackson Miller, along with artwork from penciller, Marco Castiello, inking by Vincenzo Acunzo, colors by Michael Atiyeh, and lettering by Michael Heiser. Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison will be a 5-issue series in May from Haden Blackman, with artwork by Agustin Alessio. John Ostrander and Jan Duursema bring Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0 to stores on February 1, and follow up with Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi—Force Storm #1 on February 15. And John Jackson Miller brings Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War on sale January 11, 2012.

From Dark Horse:

Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett is Dead

Established Star Wars writer Tom Taylor is back with another stunning Blood Ties series to be released in April 2012.

“Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He’s lying, broken, on the desert floor. He’s more blaster-holes than man. It’s the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him. But who would care about the death of a man like Fett? Bounty hunters aren’t exactly known for their enduring, close friendships but even a man like Boba Fett has family… and now a Blood Tie demands blood.”  -Tom Taylor

Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escape

The next installment of the sunning Knight Errant series was announced today.  Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escape will launch in June 2012 for a 5-issue arc.

Fan favorite John Jackson Miller is writing the series, with artwork from penciller, Marco Castiello, inking by Vincenzo Acunzo, colors by Michael Atiyeh and lettering by Michael Heiser.

John Jackson Miller’s Knight Errant novel for Del Rey was a New York Times Bestseller.

Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet!

STAR WARS™: DARTH VADER & THE GHOST PRISON

Darth Vader is back and kicking ass in the brand new series announced today at New York Comic Con by Dark Horse Comics.

The upcoming 5-issue series is slated to be released next May and will be written by Haden Blackman, with artwork by Agustin Alessio.

Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen.  Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities, after all – Darth Vader makes no mistakes.

Ghost Prison also marks the return of Star Wars character Moff Trachta who will be vital to how the series unfolds.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison is in stores May 2012.

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI

IDW Gets Infested Again

From: IDW Publishing

IDW’s ground-breaking, multi-universe event returns in January with Infestation 2. As with the blockbuster original, this epic invasion will spread throughout the IDW-verse and into many fan-favorite titles. With Infestation 2, tentacled Lovecraftian “Old Ones” reach across time and space and threaten to destroy everyone everywhere and everywhen.

“Last year, we were just figuring out how to do a monstrous event for the first time,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “This year, we’re going to build on the monstrous part, both in terms of story, titles affected and the threat itself. So people can expect a bigger event here, with lots of legs. Well, tentacles, anyway. We’ve got great creators and a very exciting plan to give people more of what they liked the first time, with some crazy twists and new properties affected, too.”

Coming in January, the kick off issue, Infestation 2 #1, will be written by best-selling novelist and comic-book writer Duane Swierczynski and feature art byInfestation/Infestation: Outbreak artist David Messina. This gripping issue sets the stage for Lovecraft’s “Old Ones” to break through time and space and invade many titles, including Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and a special fifth-week one-shot, Infestation: Team-Up, featuring Bat Boy and Groom Lake’s grey alien Archibald in February. Then in March, the Infestation spreads even further, infecting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and G.I. Joe. In April, vampires battle zombies in 30 Days of Night: Infestation, followed by the stunning closing issue, Infestation 2 #2.

Joining Swierczynski and Messina on covers for Infestation 2 #1 and #2 will be Alex Garner and Livio Ramondelli. Infestation 2 #1 will also feature unique temporary tattoos.

In February, writer Chuck Dixon and artist Guido Guidi will return to the often-requested “Hearts of Steel” timeline for the bi-weekly Infestation 2 Transformers #1 and #2. Plus, Dungeons & Dragons novelist Paul Krill will introduce a brand-new campaign setting to IDW with Infestation 2 Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron #1 and #2. Infestation 2: Team-Up will be written by Chris Ryall and illustrated by his Weekly World News partner Alan Robinson, and feature covers by Eric Powell and The Simpsons’s Bill Morrison.

In March, Tristan Jones and Mark Torres pair up for Infestation 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 and #2, while Mike Raicht and Valentine de Landro present Infestation 2: G.I. Joe #1 and #2. Infestation 2 architect Duane Swierczynski and artist Stuart Sayger will explore the effect of Lovecraft demons on vampires in the Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night one-shot.

As a special bonus for fans, every issue of the Infestation 2 event will feature a connected cover by artist Livio Ramondelli, and IDW will be producing special incentive temporary tattoos with each issue, too.

Stay tuned to IDWPublishing.com as more creative teams for this epic crossover event are announced. Plus, readers can get a sneak peek at Infestation 2 by asking their local retailer about the Infestation 2 ashcan, coming in late November and featuring interviews, artwork and information about this momentous event.

Infestation 2 #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores on January 25, 2012.

Infestation 2: Transformers #1 & #2 will be in stores on February 1 and 15, 2012, respectively.

Infestation 2: Dungeons & Dragons Eberron #1 & 2 will be in stores on February 8 and 22, 2012, respectively.

Infestation 2: Team-Up will be in stores on February 29, 2012.

Infestation 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 & #2 will be in stores on March 7 and 21, 2012, respectively.

Infestation 2: G.I. Joe #1 & #2 will be in stores on March 14 and 28, 2012, respectively.

Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night will be in stores on April 4, 2012.

Infestation 2 #2 will be available in stores on April 11, 2012.

Gonna Cut That Bastard In Half

Here’s a new trailer for Batman: Year One, the next in the line of DC’s direct to DVD animated movies. The movie swings into stores on October 18, from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download.

Also, you can download the movie early starting October 11 through iTunes, Xbox Live, Zune, VUDU HD Movies and Video Unlimited on the PlayStation Network & Sony Entertainment Network.

Pete Travis Isn’t The Law

The LA Times are reporting that director Pete Travis has been locked out of the editing room and hasn’t been a part of the post production process due to “creative differences.” The director has had no input on Judge Dredd since shooting was completed.

Writer-producer Alex Garland (also the screenwriter of Never Let Me Go and 28 Days Later) is overseeing the edit, with the possibility of re-shoots, and it is being said that his influence on the film is strong enough to warrant a co-director credit.

Avengers Assemble

We get our first glimpse of Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in The Avengers.

Marvel Movies Slated

There has been some speculation about what movies Marvel would make after The Avengers, but now Marvel’s next five movies have been revealed. If you picked up the recent issue of Entertainment Weekly, with it’s Avengers coverage, it’s revealed there that the next Marvel movies will be Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Ant-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Inhumans. Iron Man 3 and Thor 2, had already been given release dates, but the others are a bit of a surprise.

Writer/director Edgar Wright had been working on an Ant-Man script for some time, but I wondered if we would actually see it, or if it would be lost in development for ever. Kevin Feige says that Wright  “developed an excellent draft recently.” However, it is being said that the movie is still “nebulous” at this point, but definitely in the works. Wright is co-writing the film with Joe Cornish.

Feige also confirms that Marvel is developing Guardians of the Galaxy. “There’s an opportunity to do a big space epic, which Thor sort of hints at, in the cosmic side of the [Marvel] universe.” The original Guardians superhero team premiered in 1969. The team would be brought back in a new comic book series in 1990, and more recently was rebooted with a new team in 2008.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are interstellar warriors recruited by Star-Lord to protect the galaxy. Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla-Vell (the new Quasar), Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Mantis made up Star-Lord’s team. The group established a base of operations on the space station Knowhere, which possesses a teleportation system with near-universal range.

The studio is also developing an Inhumans movie. The comic tells the story of a group of beings who were the result of experiments by the alien species Kree to create a race of super soldiers to fight against the Skrulls. The aliens abandoned their test subjects, and the “inhuman” mutants formed their own galactic kingdom.

It’s All About Slim Chances Now

The new season of Walking Dead shambles it’s way to your TV on Sunday, October 16 at 9pm ET on AMC. The 90-minute season premiere will be followed by another six one-hour episodes for the first half of the season. The second half of the season starts on Sunday, February 12th at 9pm ET.

Marvel Is On Point

Marvel will introduce readers to the big stories of next year in a Point One one-shot comic book.

From Marvel:

“Point One is a massive one-shot of 64 all-new pages of story by the top creators in the business, setting the stage for the biggest stories coming in 2012. It is the starting point to what’s in store for the world’s most iconic characters and startling events. Point One serves as the launch pad for dynamic new series, the return of fan-demanded characters, and a shocking teaser that will have everyone talking. See how all it comes together in one gigantic epic!” – Tom Brevoort, Senior Vice President, Executive Editor

The Cat’s Meow

Some early photos of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman had come out some time ago. And now a few more shots have been leaked from the set of The Dark Knight Rises. Here we can see a little more of what Catwoman will look like in the upcoming movie.

Flame Off ! Flame Off !

According to the Independent, Ireland’s newspaper, a West Galway coroner declared that a 76-year-old man died due to spontaneous combustion. Reportedly, no one else was in the room with Michael Faherty when he died, and no accelerant was found on or near the body. It is the first recorded case of such a phenomenon on Irish soil.

From The Independent :

The inquest heard that the smoke alarm in the home of Mr. Faherty’s neighbour, Tom Mannion, had gone off at about 3am on December 22 last year.In his deposition, Mr. Mannion said he went outside and saw heavy smoke coming from Mr Faherty’s house…. He banged on the front door, but got no response and then banged on the door of another neighbor. Gardai [Ireland's national police force] and the fire brigade arrived quickly on the scene.

Garda Gerard O’Callaghan said he had gone to the house after the fire had been extinguished and found Mr. Faherty lying on his back in a sitting room, with his head closest to an open fireplace.

While a fire had been burning in the fireplace in the home, the coroner ruled that the fire was not the cause of death.

The Spirit of Vengeance

According to Deadline, Fox is developing The Spectre, a TV drama series based on the DC Comics character. The Spectre centers on a deceased cop who takes on the mantle of the avenging spirit who hunts down earthly criminals on behalf of the dead — and mortals soon to be dead if ultimate justice is not served. The Spectre was co-created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard Baily, and first appeared in 1940 in DC’s More Fun Comics #52. He has been a member of the Justice Society of America, and has had his own comic book series.

DC Entertainment’s sister TV studio, Warner Bros TV, will produce with Gerber Pictures. Brandon Camp (John Doe) will script the adaptation, and executive produce along with feature producer Bill Gerber (Gran Torino). Camp was introduced to The Spectre by DC Entertainment’s chief creative officer Geoff Johns. This is Camp’s return to TV, and a reunion for Camp and Fox, for who he co-created the network’s 2002 mystery drama John Doe. This is also another collaboration between Fox and DC Comics, following their recent adaptation of the Human Target for TV.

Now Light Our Darkest Hour

Coming this December, Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, will become one with the Matrix. Following the events of Chaos, the Transformers event that stretched throughout 2011, Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime will roll into comic stores and the Apple iTunes store. The war between the Autobots and Decepticons may be coming to an end, but Cyberton remains in turmoil. And Optimus will have to question whether or not he is the leader that is needed to unite Cybertron. And spinning out of this issue will be two new ongoing Transformers comic book series starting in January.

Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime will be 32 pages written by John Barber and James Roberts, with art by Nick Roche. There will also be different variant covers, including a Livio Ramondelli cover, and an exclusive wraparound cover featuring all 125 IDW Transformers covers, with foil enhancements.

From IDW Publishing:

In stores this December, IDW is proud to announce Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime, setting a whole new direction for the Autobot leader and the Transformers comic book universe. IDW’s Chaos event, spanning throughout 2011, represented the closing of a chapter in Transformers history for the comic book universe. On Earth, the Autobots learned of the treachery of their human allies–and their loyalty was pushed past the breaking point. In space–with the fate of the universe at stake–the Transformers waged the final battle for the fate of Cybertron. With the end of Chaos, the war between the Autobots and Decepticons is over.

Now the hard part begins, as the survivors must confront their future head-on. The Transformers’ homeworld is reborn–but it’s not the safe home the Autobots had hoped for. Amidst a hostile planet–and an angry population–Autobot leader Optimus Prime must try to unite the divided loyalties of his fellow Transformers. In the process, he is forced to question whether he is the ruler a united Cybertron needs. IDW’s December comic, Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime, answers that question, once and for all.

Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime will be available in comic stores and through the Apple iTunes store this December. The futures of Earth and Cybertron culminate together in this monumental issue, launching an all new-era for IDW’s Transformers comics. Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime will feature 32 pages of full-color, action-packed story, written by John Barber and James Roberts, with art by Nick Roche. Fans are encouraged to ask their retailers about the different variant covers, including a Livio Ramondelli cover, and an exclusive wraparound cover featuring all 125 IDWTransformers covers, with foil enhancements. This special issue sets the stage for two new ongoing Transformers comic series starting in January!

Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime ($3.99, 32 pages; full color) will be available in December 2011.

Form Blazing Sword

Dynamite Entertainment is reviving another classic 80s property with a comic book series. Dynamite will launch a Voltron comic, based on the animated  TV series about five pilots that command robot lions which could also combine to form the giant robot, Voltron. This Voltron Force protected the planet Arus from the evil King Zarkon , his son Lotor, and the witch Haggar, along with their monstrous Robeasts.

The one time merchandising juggernaut will return in a comic book series written by Brandon Thomas, and with covers by Alex Ross.

From Dynamite Entertainment:

This December, the pop culture phenomenon known as Voltron is returning to a comic book store near you! Under a series of amazing covers by master painter Alex Ross, and written by Dynamite’s own up and coming writer Brandon Thomas, the series is destined to be a sure fire hit!

Dynamite will present all new adventures of the classic robot super-hero! Originally released in 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe quickly skyrocketed to be the number one children’s program in the United States. Merchandising rapidly followed and more than 100 different Voltron products were on shelves around the world.

“Voltron is one of the most well-known cartoons of all-time,” says Dynamite President Nick Barrucci. “Classic Media and World Events Productions are working with a wide-range of licensing partners to ensure Voltron’s success. With the upcoming cartoon and a feature film in the works, now is the perfect time to launch a Voltron comic book for a new era, which will feature amazing Alex Ross covers! Our acquisition of this incredible brand is another step in Dynamite’s exciting growth and builds on the ongoing success of our line.”

“I grew up loving the big robots from Japan,” says legendary artist Alex Ross. “And Voltron is one of the coolest-looking of them!”

Voltron featured a team of five young pilots commanding five robot lions which could be combined to form Voltron. In an undefined future era, the Voltron Force was in charge of protecting the planet Arus (ruled by Princess Allura) from the evil King Zarkon (from planet Doom), his son Lotor, and the witch Haggar, who would create huge Robeasts to terrorize the people of Arus.

“We’ve been given a lot of latitude by our partners at Classic Media and World Events,” said Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. “Nothing is off the table and if you’ve followed our releases featuring pop culture icons, you know that we take the best and add the new and create something unique and special on its own. Expect no different from Voltron.”

Founded in 1982 to meet the ever-growing need for the development of quality television entertainment, World Events Productions has continued to be a leader in technological innovation and programming excellence ever since. Headquartered in St. Louis, WEP has been on the cutting-edge of top quality entertainment production and international distribution.

World Events’ more recent program, Voltron: The Third Dimension, was the first full 3D CGI series produced solely in the United States. However, classic Lion Force Voltron remains the general favorite among fans. And fans have much more to look forward to in the future as the Voltron Universe continues to expand.

You’re A Wonder

A fan has put together a mock opening titles sequence for NBC’s canceled Wonder Woman pilot. The music and titles are something that he put together himself, and likely wouldn’t have been used for the actual show. Although, I think that the theme is one of the great TV themes and I would be fine with it being used again for a new series. The video also features some new footage that has found it’s way online.

You have to keep in mind that the effects weren’t finished at this stage of production before being canceled. I wish that they would have gone through with the pilot. I want to see this show.

Avengers Teaser

Marvel Comics hopes to spark some interest for an Avengers event in December by releasing a teaser image to promote the project. No information about the event, or the creative team has been released yet, but Marvel says that details will be announced on Tuesday, September 13 at 3PM Eastern/Noon Pacific.

DC’s blog, The Source, announces that comic book fans will get the chance to meet some of the artists behind The New 52, view artwork, and get some insights into the creative process behind making the comics.

Comic book retailers will be hosting the events with DC Comics-The New 52 artists. Artists will discuss their work and sign comics. And artwork will be on display to show the artists’ process from script, to pencils, to inks, to the finished colored and lettered page. Also, there will be a gallery of additional artwork from other New 52 titles.

The current schedule follows below, and more dates will be added for November.

From DC:

Artists and retailers team up to celebrate DC Comics-The New 52

This Fall, retailers across North America will be celebrating DC Comics-The New 52 with the DC Comics-The New 52 Art Tour!

Showcasing the creative process behind such titles as WONDER WOMAN, THE FLASH, ACTION COMICS, GREEN LANTERN, SWAMP THING and BATWOMAN retailers will be hosting events with DC Comics-The New 52 artists. Framed art will be on display to illustrate the artists’ process—from script, to pencils, to inks, to the final colored and lettered page. And in many instances, art from other DC Comics-The New 52 #1s will be on display in a gallery type atmosphere.

The talent will be on hand to discuss their work and sign copies of their DC Comics-The New 52 series.  It’s an exclusive opportunity to meet the artists working on some of the most talked about comic books in ages.

So whether you’re a comic book fan or art aficionado, come out and celebrate art, superheroes and DC Comics-The New 52 at an event near you.

Saturday, September 24
Meet Cliff Chiang, artist on WONDER WOMAN

8:00-11:00pm
Bergen Street Comics
470 Bergen St
Brooklyn, NY 11217

This event will feature all of Cliff’s original art from WONDER WOMAN #1 on display.

Friday, September 30
Meet Francis Manapul, writer/artist on THE FLASH

7:00-11:00pm
Toronto Cartoonist Workshop
587A College Street (at Clinton)
Toronto, ON M6G 1B2

This event will feature all of Francis’ original art from Flash #1 on display.

Saturday, October 8
Meet Rags Morales, artist and Rick Bryant inker, on ACTION COMICS

3:00-5:00pm
Fat Jack’s Comicrypt
2006 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Wednesday, October 12
Meet Doug Mahnke, Artist on GREEN LANTERN

4:00-7:00pm
Source Comics
1601 West Larpentur Ave.
Falcon Heights, MN 55113

Titans Assemble

Here is a teaser trailer to get you hyped for the relaunch of Teen Titans #1.

Rosa

Jesus Orellana has created a stunning short sci-fi film titled, Rosa. The animated cyberpunk action film will have a free release online in November.

Official Synopsis:

In the near future, humanity has disappeared, leaving behind a large megalopolis devoid of natural life. From the destruction awakes ROSA, a robot part of the KERNEL project, mankind’s last attempt to restore the earth’s ecosystem using recovered samples of long-extinct plant species.
Wandering among the ruins of the lifeless city, Rosa will soon discover that she is not the only part of Kernel that has awakened.

New Super Suit

Photos from the set of Man of Steel have shown up online. We get a good look at what the costume will look like, and I think its okay, but not great. The design looks good, but I’m not crazy about the muted colors. I think Superman should be brighter. This costume makes me think of Bizarro.

The New 52

DC’s much talked about, much anticipated relaunch of their comic book universe begins today. Are you ready for it?

The Fearless

Marvel will have some spin-off comic books and mini-series coming out of the wake of the end of their Fear Itself event. A Frank Cho created teaser image for one series, Fear Itself: The Fearless, has been released. It looks like Marvel is trying to give a push to Valkyrie, to make her a top heroine, and also to make the Red Skull’s daughter, Sin, a major villain.

Official Press Release Follows:

The fate of the world lies in the hands of an angel and a demon.

Who will succeed?! Join the conversation on Twitter with #FearItself

FEAR ITSELF: THE FEARLESS #1 (AUG110582)
Written by MATT FRACTION, CULLEN BUNN, & CHRIS YOST
Art by MARK BAGLEY & PAUL PELLETIER
Cover by ARTHUR ADAMS
Variant Cover by FRANK CHO
FOC – 9/26/11, ON SALE – 10/19/11

Superman-Batman Throw Down

DC’s blog, The Source, has released a preview of a two-page spread of Jim Lee’s art in Justice League #2. It looks like we could be seeing a Superman-Batman throw down early on in the series. Very cool looking work.

Robotropolis – International Trailer from Bleiberg Entertainment on Vimeo.

Robot Apocalypse

Christopher Hatton, who wrote a couple of episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, has written and directed the upcoming movie Robotropolis.

Official Synopsis:

A group of reporters are covering the unveiling of a new facility that is completely maintained by robot prototypes. When one of the robots goes haywire, the reporters find themselves not just reporting on the malfunction, but fighting for their lives.
We’re not sure whether the full-length movie will be able to live up to the promise of the scary trailer, but we can always hope.

Haven’t they learned from Blade Runner, or Terminator, or Maximum Overdrive? You just can’t trust robots to be in charge of running everything.

Death Valley Earns It’s Name

If you haven’t seen any of the promos for MTV’s new TV series, Death Valley, then you should check them out. The show looks to be in the vein of Cops, but this comedy series will have the cops dealing with vampires, werewolves, and zombies. The promos that I’ve seen look great, and I’m really looking forward to this show. I hope it lives up to it’s promise.

Death Valley airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m., starting Monday, August 29, 2011.

Official Synopsis:

A year ago, vampires, werewolves and zombies mysteriously descended upon the streets of California’s San Fernando Valley. Death Valley is the dark comedy that follows the cops that capture the monsters, and the camera crew that captures the cops.

Follow the horrific yet comedic exploits of the newly formed Undead Task Force (UTF), a division of the LAPD created to combat the emergence of monsters in the San Fernando Valley. Death Valley showcases the outrageous and courageous men and women working the toughest beat in the US: Death Valley.

Balancing dark humor with horror, the show is built upon cold-blooded conflict and character driven comedy, following the cops bent on keeping the streets safe from the presence of the paranormal. Documenting each case of zombie, vampire and werewolf encounter is the daring camera crew that is embedded within the task force, quickly revealing that the monster problem goes much deeper than anyone could have possibly imagined.

Full of subtext about living in today’s insane world, Death Valley is at its core a fun, non-stop thrill ride featuring chases, hardcore kills, and extraordinary creatures. The zombies are disgusting, menacing and brutal, the vampires are dangerous, smart and powerful and the werewolves are beastly and insane. From “blood-for-sex” prostitution busts to undead traffic jams, every call from dispatch will take you to a place you’ve never been: right to the bleeding heart of Death Valley.

Go West Starbuck

Katee Sackhoff will once again fly across the airwaves. A&E has given a 10-episode, first season order to Longmire, an hour-long Western-themed drama. Robert Taylor (Matrix) will play the title character, a charismatic, dry-witted Wyoming sheriff. And Sackhoff will play Vic, one of his deputies. The show will also co-star Cassidy Freeman (Smallville) as Longmire’s daughter, Lou Diamond Phillips (Numb3rs) as his best friend, and Bailey Chase (Saving Grace) as another deputy.

The series is based on the Walt Longmire Mystery series of novels by Craig Johnson.

Shady People

DC’s blog, The Source, gives us a look at Jill Thompson’s art for The Shade #8, the 12-part comic book series written by James Robinson. This issue of the comic, starring the former-villain-turned-reluctant-hero, is an issue that Robinson wanted to write wrote specifically for Thompson.

“James wanted to work with me, and I wanted to work with him. We ran into each other and he said that he had a specific project with me in mind – which is ultimately how this issue came about,” said Thompson.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Jill, after loving her work for so many years in Sandman and Invisibles, as well as her own creations such as Scary Godmother and Beasts of Burden,” said Robinson. “I feel fortunate to have her among the talented artists on this book and I love her wonderful interpretation of the Shade.”

The Shade mini-series starts in October, and the stand alone issue #8 will be on sale in May.

The JSA Returns

News coming out of FanExpo is that James Robinson and Nicola Scott will be doing a new Justice Society of America comic book series, and it will be set on Earth 2! There aren’t any details yet, but DC’s blog, The Source, said:

“There’s been plenty of speculation about the Justice Society in The New 52 – and we can now confirm that they will, in fact, be back! As with everything else with DC Comics – The New 52, however, there’s a significant twist. What is it? We’re not saying. Just. Quite. Yet.”

“It’s everything you want, but not what you expect,” promises Eddie Berganza, DC Comics Executive Editor.

That’s a little cryptic. And Robinson added to it at the convention by saying that he will be able to use characters that were previously killed, so this should be a lot of fun. This could mean different things, since magic and time travel are tools available to comic book writers, but speculation is that we could see Earth-2 taken back to an earlier point in it’s history.

This idea really has me excited. The Justice Society are among some of my favorite characters, and it will be great to have them back. Even more exciting is the return of Earth-2. As great as Crisis on Infinite Earths was, as epic as it was, even with it’s place in history, and how big of a milestone it is for comic books, I have always hated that DC destroyed their multiverse, and especially Earth-2. I loved Earth-2 stories with it’s alternate versions of characters. And I always liked the cross-overs with characters from the different Earths. After Infinite Crisis, DC brought back their multiverse, to some extent, and there was a new version of Earth-2, but it just wasn’t the same.

I sincerely hope that Robinson can tap into some magic with this relaunch of the JSA and Earth-2. Some people have been down on his more recent work in Justice League of America and Superman, but he created something special with Starman. And people seem to forget that before Geoff Johns gained a lot of attention with his run on JSA, Robinson was the one who brought the Justice Society back to comics, and did a great job of writing the first few issues to launch JSA in 1999. I’m definitely willing to give Robinson a chance. And I’m hoping for the best.

Welcome To Key House

A trailer for Fox’s canceled TV series, Locke & Key, has been leaked online. The series was to be based on a comic book series created by Joe Hill for IDW Publishing.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

The rumors have been swirling for years, but it appears that Ghostbuster 3 may finally be moving forward. Dan Aykroyd appeared on The Dennis Miller Show to discuss the project, he dropped a few details about the sequel, and hinted that the plan is to film in Spring of 2012, and they’ll do so even if it is without Bill Murray.

“Yes, we will be doing the movie and hopefully with Mr. Murray,” Aykroyd said,”That is our hope. We have an excellent script. What we have to remember is that ‘Ghostbusters’ is bigger than any one component, although Billy was absolutely the lead and contributive to it in a massive way, as was the director and Harold [Ramis], myself and Sigourney [Weaver]. The concept is much larger than any individual role and the promise of ‘Ghostbusters 3′ is that we get to hand the equipment and the franchise down to new blood.”

He continued to give some teases about what state we’ll find their characters in.

“My character, Ray, is now blind in one eye and can’t drive the Cadillac,” he said, ”He’s got a bad knee and can’t carry the packs… Egon is too large to get into the harness. We need young blood and that’s the promise. We’re gonna hand it to a new generation.”

Going Somewhere Captain Solo?

Now you can own Jabba the Hut’s favorite trophy. Slideshow Collectibles is producing a replica of Han Solo frozen in Carbonite. The piece is created in 1:4 scale and has incredible detail and features several lighting effects. The product will be limited to 2000 pieces, and you can have one for $299.99

From Slideshow Collectibles:

The Han Solo in Carbonite Premium Format figure captures every detail of the frozen smuggler as Jabba’s trophy. Each piece is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. The piece features several illumination effects that provide added authenticity, simulating pivotal scenes from the film – a projecting light within the base to illuminate the carbonite block, side panel lights, and a light simulating the superheat melting process that frees Han Solo.** A wall-mount option also allows the piece to be removed from the base and hung on a wall while still allowing light-up functionality with felt backing to protect walls. Crafted in 1:4 scale, the Han Solo in Carbonite Premium Format Figure is the perfect addition to any Star Wars display.

Han Solo in Carbonite Premium Format Figure

License: Star Wars

Product Type: Premium Format Figure

Item Number: 300120

Price: US $299.99

Product Size: 25.5″ H (647.7mm) x 12″ W (304.8mm) x 10″ L (254mm)

*
Product Weight: 12.00 lbs (5.44 kg)*
Box Size: 28.00″ H (711.2mm) x 14.00″ W (355.6mm) x 12.00″ L (304.8mm)

*
Est. Shipping Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)

*
Dimensional Weight (DIM): TBD

* Product size and weight are approximate values. Est. Ship Weight is an estimated value for U.S. shipping calculated by item, box and shipping materials. US shipping costs may be estimated in DIM weight if over-sized warning appears above. click here for additional information. International shipping costs are only based on dimensional weight, click here for more information.

Artists:

Manufactured by: Sideshow Collectibles

Turtle Power!

From IDW:

San Diego, CA (August 24, 2011)—IDW Publishing and Nickelodeon today announced that the debut issue of the first TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES comic series, featuring the beloved “Heroes in a Half Shell,” is now available in comic stores throughout North America. The TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES are back in action and ready to fight off evil once again, with an impressive creative team led by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman!

Starting today, IDW’s TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES offers a brand-new take on the original series, led by Eastman and co-writer Tom Waltz (Silent Hill: Past Life, Infestation: Outbreak). Phenomenal newcomer Dan Duncan will bring the Turtles to life with dynamic interior art, while Sam Kieth and Walter Simonson provide eye-catching covers for issues 1 and 2, respectively. For issues 3 through 5, Fred Hembeck will pay homage to classic covers. Eastman will also provide layouts for Duncan‘s art, as well as variant covers.

This first TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES series features new and exciting storylines that maintain the “turtle power” core beloved by millions of fans. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael reunite to bring their ninja aptitude and teenage attitude to these action-packed adventures. The first arc will tell the origin story of the Turtles and introduce a new villain, the fearsome mutant alley cat, Old Hob. Featuring a cast of familiar characters, including Master Splinter, April O’Neill, Casey Jones, and true to the spirit of the original comics created by Eastman and Peter Laird, the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES are bigger and badder than ever, and ready to rock old and new fans alike.

In addition to this all-new series, IDW will also offer TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION. Beginning in October with volume 1, THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION offers over 300 pages of the best of the Turtles’ underground roots, including Mirage Studio’s issues 1 through 7, and the Raphael one-shot by Eastman and Laird.

IDW and Nickelodeon have a long-term commitment to revitalize the universe of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES comics and graphic novels. It’s all part of a larger initiative to bring Turtles to a new generation of fans, starting with these new storylines that recapture the magic of the original Turtles comics and continuing in 2012, when Nickelodeon will premiere a new CG-animated version of the wildly popular Turtles franchise.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) is now available in comic stores throughout North America.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 ($49.99, hardcover, 312 pages, black and white, 9” x 12”) will be available in comic and book stores throughout North America in October. ISBN 978-1-61377-007-8.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

These Dead Were Made For Walking

AMC has released four short teasers for the second season of The Walking Dead. They may be short, but they still build anticipation for the next season of the horror TV series based on the hit comic book series.

Dangerous Girls

According to Latino Review, the production company Benderspink (The Ring and The Ruins) has secured the rights to produce a Danger Girl movie, based on the comic book series by J. Scott Campbell, and published by Wildstorm. The Danger Girl project is being described as Kill Bill meets Raiders of the Lost Ark, with the team element of Mission Impossible.

Danger Girl debuted in 1998 with an initial seven-issue comic run that follows a trio of female adventures in the tradition of heroes like James Bond and Indiana Jones.

The Logline to pitch the movie is: A beautiful adventuress joins forces with an all-female spy agency as they race around the world to recover a trio of powerful relics. And Milla Jovovich, Kate Beckinsale, and Sofia Vergara are said to be attached to star.

New 52 First Looks

If you’re not excited by DC’s New 52 relaunch of their comic book line, then these preview pages should get you interested in checking out the comics. These two pages from Batman #1, by Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion, are a knock out. I would love to own that first page.

Barbara Gordon takess flight once again in a couple of smashing pages from Batgirl #1 by Ardian Syaf.

And a couple of pages from Aquaman #1 by Ivan Reis. Reis has been one of my favorite artists of the last few years. His work on Green Lantern won me over, and I continue to be a fan. Aquaman isn’t a character that I’m really interested in, but I’ll be buying this comic to see the Ivan Reis art. I’m looking forward to, excited even, to buy an Aquaman comic. I never thought that I would say that. Man, Ivan Reis is good.

More Robins Take Flight

When Batman: Arkham City hits the streets there’ll be a variety of Batmen available to people via different Bat character skins that are being released for the game. And Batman’s Boy Wonder will also have a few different versions available to players.

If you pre-order the game through Best Buy you’ll get the Robin challenge maps, and then there will be three playable skins that will be included as a pre-order incentive. However, the added content should become available for download on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network shortly after the game’s launch. The three skins will include a dark-hooded Robin, a Red Robin costume, and the costume worn by Dick Grayson in Batman: The Animated Series.

Robin will not be playable in the Batman: Arkham City campaign mode, but you can play him in the Challenge Maps, and sneak around and take out enemies using items in his utility belt, his Bo staff, or hand-to-hand combat skills.

Batman: Arkham City ships for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 18.

Paging Doctor Jones

Artist Matt Busch has illustrated a comprehensive poster map that highlights all of the locations where Indiana Jones has made archaeological discoveries, and that includes the novels, the comic books, the Young Indy TV shows, the video games and more.

Busch is selling the limited-edition poster on his web site, and has released a video chronicling his process in creating the maps, which have 36 different archaeological artifacts displayed with legend sections listing info on the items. The video includes insights into the extensive research and detail Busch put into illustrating this incredible map.

All the proceeds from the sale of this print, which measures 24″ x 36″ and was commissioned by Lucasfilm and funded by Adirondack Comicfest, go to American Disabled Veterans.

Prince of Crime Creator

Jerry Robinson, the creator of Batman’s most sinister for, the Joker, will be signing copies of his biography Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics by N.C. Christopher Couch, at the ToonSeum in Downtown Pittsburgh, at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $50 and include a special reception and conversation about Batman and his career in comics. Seating is limited to 40 guests.

Yo Joe!

Actor Ryan Hansen (Veronica Mars) has revealed on Twitter that he will be playing a character named Grunt in a small role in the upcoming G.I. Joe sequel.

@MeisterShake I play a Joe named Grunt. Small part but awesome.

Grunt, whose real name is Robert Graves, never became a prominent character in the G. I. Joe mythos, but he was one of the original G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero characters from the 80′s cartoon and action figures.

DC is taking advantage of Twitter to tease some art for their comic book universe relaunch. You can check out the hashtag #thenewvillains to keep up with what DC Comics has coming in September.

Mikel Janín presents two versions of the Enchantress. one as a crooked, twisted, mad witch, and one as a beautiful girl.

Daredevil Audio Reading

Daredevil prowls the streets and fights crime in Marvel comics. Now the visually-impaired hero is reaching out to those who share his disability.

Marvel Senior Editor Steve Wacker came up with the idea to record an audio edition of Daredevil #1 so that the visually-impaired could enjoy the comic book. The idea came about because he learned that their are comic book fans that are deprived of sight who have friends read their comics to them.

In this first audio experiment, writer Mark Waid provides full panel descriptions from his script, while Marvel editors Tom Brennan, Ellie Pyle and Jordan D. White lent their voices to Daredevil/Matt Murdock, Kirsten McDuffie and Foggy Nelson, with White and Wacker also providing additional vocals. Marvel.com Video Editor Todd Wahnish recorded the piece, Marvel.com Associate Editor Ben Morse directed and Jordan White edited the final recording.

When Captain America Swings His Mighty Shield

Just a little more Chris Evans-Captain America action. Someone grabbed a little video footage of a fight sequence with Cap taking on a couple of baddies while standing on top of a car, and Caps getting in some shield wielding action. Evans appears to be working with a couple of stand-ins who will be replaced by CG characters in post production. This begs the question of who, or what will the Avengers be fighting against.

If You Smell What G.I. Joe Is Cooking

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted a photo of himself as Roadblock on the first day of filming of G.I. Joe: Retaliation. The sequel is being directed by Jon M. Chu, and is currently shooting in Louisiana.

Captain America Stands Tall In Cleveland

The first photos of Chris Evans as Captain America in The Avengers have started coming out of Cleveland where they’ve been doing some shooting.

DC Releases Elseworlds 80 Page Giant #1

DC is finally releasing DC Comics Presents: Elseworlds 80 Page Giant #1, featuring an anthology of Superman and Batman stories. This comic book was originally supposed to be released back in 1999, but a Superbaby story that included a panel of Superbaby and a microwave oven caused a stir in the DC offices, and the comic was recalled. Some copies made it into circulation before the recall, but this comic book has been largely unseen until now.

DC COMICS PRESENTS: ELSEWORLDS 80-PAGE GIANT #1

Written by CHUCK DIXON, KYLE BAKER and others
Art by KYLE BAKER, AARON LOPRESTI and others
Cover by TY TEMPLETON
On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US
A legendary “lost” comic is back! Don’t miss President Superman confronting the indignities of “Scandalgate,” the return of the Super- Sons, the Birds of Prey newspaper comic strip, the adventures of Superman’s babysitter, a classic KINGDOM COME parody, and more!

Everybody Freeze

Rocksteady shows off another trailer for Batman: Arkham City, this one featuring a new look for Mr. Freeze.

Batwing Takes Flight

Pre-movie hype continues to grow for next year’s The Dark Knight Rises. Some still photos have surfaced for a new Bat-air transport vehicle, and now some observers of the production shoot have captured some footage of the new Batwing being shot in motion.

Jason Patrick Is Det. Christian Walker

The Chicago Sun Times has our first look at Jason Patrick as Det. Christian Walker in the Fox TV pilot adaptation of Powers. Production on the pilot for FX began in Chicago in mid-July and ended last week. Jason Patrick stars as Detective Christian Walker, and Lucy Punch will play his partner, Detective Deena Pilgrim. The duo is joined by Charles S. Dutton, Carly Foulkes, and 11-year-old Bailee Madison.

“The L is a character in almost every one of our pieces,” executive producer and writer Charles Eglee said. Scenes were shot along the South Loop, Cicero and some areas on the West Side, among other places. Powers may be set in a fictional place, but the show’s creators worked with a tech adviser at the Chicago Police Department to ensure that the actions, looks and lingo of police officers have a sense of realism.

The Powers pilot is based on the comic book story from Brian Michael Bendis, but the show won’t be locked into only adapting stories from the comics. For example, an entire season could be spent on a story arc that lasted only a few issues in the comics.

“For me it was about creating some interesting characters in a law enforcement context, and it just so happens that the bad guys they’re fighting have abilities that regular people don’t have,” Eglee said. “I just look at our bad guys as metaphors for real-life characters.”

If the series is ordered, the pilot is expected to air in June 2012.

DOOMED TO HELL!

Marvel sent out this teaser for an upcoming comic book mini-series starring Dr. Doom.

VICTOR VON DOOM #1 (of 4)
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art & Cover by BECKY CLOONAN
NOVEMBER 2011

Join The Legion

Now you can join the Legion of Super Heroes. For every 25 copies of Legion: Secret Origin #1 by Paul Levitz and Chris Batista, comic book retailers can order a bag of 50 Legion of Super-Heroes Promotional Flight Rings. And then the retailer can give them away or sell them in theri shop.

You can finally have a Legion flight ring, but I wouldn’t recommend tryingto jump off the roof of your house with it.

Bane Is Ready For Some Football

Production on The Dark Knight Rises continues in Pittsburg. And now the Steelers are getting in on the action. According to the website Hypable, some shooting took place at the football team’s Heinz Field, which is being used as a stand in for the fictional Gotham Rogues team.  Along with approximately 10,000 extras that were there to be the fans in the crowd, the Hines Ward, Willie Colon, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Ike Taylor, Aaron Smith, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, and Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers were there playing the parts of the Rogues players. Former Steelers coach Bill Cower was also there to play the Rouges’s coach. Reportedly, Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl was also involved.

During the scene, Bane will make an explosive appearance and make some sort of announcement to the crowd. Along with taking a hostage, it looks like he may have also stolen some Tumblers from Wayne Industries. Hypable posted a video that gives you a quick look at the Gotham Rouges scoreboard, and catches a small piece of what Bane says. There is also an audio only posting that lets you hear the words a little better. For the audio only video you have to go to the 1:48 mark to hear Bane.

Now, Bane’s voice doesn’t sound very good at all, but don’t go jumping all over it. He’s not going to be able to sound too good when he has to wear that This is likely just a place holder to have the timing down so that they can dub in the audio later.

Near Death Experience

Image Comics has released a teaser for Near Death, the latest book coming from Jay Faerber and Simone Guglielmini in September.

Its Dice Rolling Time!

There are plenty of pen and paper RPG game systems out there, but when it comes to super heroes the selection has been slim lately. However, Margaret Weis Productions is looking to bring more super heroes to the table, and they’re bringing a big name with them.

Margaret Weis Productions will be publishing a new Marvel RPG. The game will be built around the Cortex RPG system that they have used for their other RPGs; Smallville, Supernatural, Leverage and Serenity. The publisher also plans to create supplements for the game based around events that take place in the Marvel comic books, like Civil War. And given the long history of the comic books, there is plenty of material that they’ll be bringing to the game. 16 products are planned to be released in the first year alone. And Marvel is being accommodating and supportive to allow the game to have some leeway so that it can be a great game in and of itself.

I’m not familiar with their Cortex system but it sounds like their is less empthasis, if any, on rolling dice so that the focus can be placed more on the choices that players make. I loved the old TSR Marvel game, and I still like playing it today. So I’m interested to

My Precious

Theme weddings aren’t anything new. And in our geek culture, geek themed weddings aren’t anything new. But here’s one groom who found a ring bearer that was totally unexpected by the guests.

On TLC’s wedding show Four Weddings, a show where four couples compete for a honeymoon, one groom had Gollum, the ring obsessed creature from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, serve as his ring bearer. A choice which shocked the guests at the wedding.

Crisis Of Two Toy Lines

Toys R’ Us has the latest wave of Masters of the Universe Classics vs. DC Universe Classics 2-packs available on their website. They are selling for $29.99 each and include:

Aquaman vs Mer-Man
Hawkman vs Stratos
Supergirl vs. She-Ra
Green Lantern vs. Zodac

Face Front True Believers!

With Great Power: the Stan Lee Story, is a documentary that explores the vivid life and imagination of comic book creator Stan Lee. Going from his Depression-era upbringing, on through his time influencing the Marvel Age of Comics, the film gives us a look at original transcripts, illustrations, photographs and stories of Lee’s journey from his early years at Timely Comics and World War Two, to the comic book industry’s censorship battle of the 1950’s, the dawn of Marvel Comics, to his current company POW! Entertainment.

With Great Power: the Stan Lee Story is told through the words of Stan himself, as well as interviews with comic book creators, actors, film producers, family and friends. It paints a portrait of a man with amazing creativity who created legendary characters have have become an integral part of our popular culture.

EXCELSIOR!

Catwoman On The Prowl

Warner Brothers has released our first official look at Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle for Christopher Nolan’s next Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. The photo can be found if you go to the website thedarkknightrises.com, and click around the bat symbol on the screen.

Selina is seen wearing a Catwoman-esque costume, but we don’t really know what kind of a role Catwoman will have in this movie. However, it now looks likely that we will see more than just the Selina Kyle identity. And this could be an early outfit, and not a final costume if Catwoman does indeed appear fully revealed in this movie.

These following photos appear to be of a stunt double taking over some of the action for Hathaway. It looks like there will be a lot going on around that riot scene that they filmed in Pittsburg.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures will bring The Dark Knight Rises to theatres on July 20, 2012. The movie will be the conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

“They can see us, but we can’t see them.”

Summit Entertainment has debuted the first official trailer for sci-fi thriller The Darkest Hour. Directed by Chris Gorak (Right at Your Door), produced by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), and written by Jon Spaihts (Ridley Scott’s Prometheus), the film is about five young people who find themselves stranded in Moscow, fighting to survive in the wake of a devastating alien invasion. Emile Hirsch (Speed Racer) leads the cast including Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Max Minghella (The Social Network), Rachael Taylor (Transformers) and Joel Kinnaman.

The Darkest Hour lands in theaters on December 23rd.  

Nonplayer Movie

According to Variety, Warner Bros. has purchased the rights to Nate Simpson’s Image comic book series Nonplayer. Simpson is both writing the story, and creating the incredible artwork for the comic. This year he won the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award as part of the 2011 Eisner Awards held at Comic-Con International inSan Diego. The six issue miniseries started in May, and I believe that so far only the first issue has been released.

Simpson’s synopsis of the comic:

Mid-21st century America doesn’t have much to offer Dana Stevens, but there’s plenty for her to live for inside Warriors of Jarvath, the world’s most popular full-immersion online game. In the real world, she’s a tamale delivery girl who still lives with her mom, but inside the game she’s an elite assassin. When she gets the drop on King Heremoth, a celebrity non-player character, she thinks she’s finally got a shot at fame. But when she slays Queen Fendra, the King’s reaction is disconcertingly realistic. Something’s amiss in Jarvath, and the effects may reverberate well beyond the boundaries of the game.

David Heyman, best known for producing the Harry Potter films, is attached to produce alongside Roy Lee (The Ring, The Departed), with the project being eyed as a potential studio tentpole.

So Long Eureka

Deadline reports that the Syfy series Eureka will be coming to an end. And while the end is near, there are still some episodes left to enjoy. Syfy is currently airing the second half of Season 4 of Eureka, and the cast and crew are already into production on 13 episodes for Season 5. In addition to this, it looks like Syfy will order 6 final episodes to wrap up the series.

Marvel Movies Go Cosmic

According to Twitch, Marvel is looking to some of it’s lesser known comic book properties to make a movie that with be cosmic. Reportedly, Marvel is looking to make a movie based on the Guardians Of The Galaxy.

The space faring super team originally appeared in 1969, and would occasionally show up in various titles. However, it wouldn’t be until 1990 when the team would it get it’s own title, Guardians of the Galaxy. The comic set in the future ran for 62 issues, with Jim Valentino writting and drawing the first 28. In 2008, Marvel would revisit the title with a reimagined Guardians of the Galaxy comic from Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. The rumor is that the Guardians movie is in active development.

Let Them Eat 200,000 Cakes

Video game publisher Atlus celebrated that it has shipped 200,000 units of it’s recent release, Cathrine, in North America during it’s first week. This makes Cathrine the biggest launch title that Atlus has had to date. And how do they put out the word of their recent success? Forget about tweeting, Facebook status updates, blogs, email, Skype, or what have you. The new messaging revolution should be cake.

Story synopsis:

Vincent likes his girlfriend. Katherine’s pretty, smart, and successful. Trouble is, she’s starting to talk about long-term commitment, something Vincent’s spent his entire life avoiding. Since romantic complications are the last thing he wants to deal with, Vincent meets his friends for their regular night of drinks. Little does he know that he’s about to be blindsided by a beautiful, seductive, irresistible freight train named Catherine. Suddenly, he’s hung over in bed next to the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, unsure about the previous night’s events. Was it just making out, he wonders, or did something more serious happen between them? Should he tell Katherine? Will he ever see Catherine again? Vincent’s about to find that a stumble on the staircase of love can turn into a horrific, fatal plummet…

Catherine launched in North America on July 26 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Arcade Mobility

Garnet Hertz and the University of California, Irvine, have combined on a project called The OutRun Project. For this experiment, an old OutRun arcade cabinet has been combined with a go kart to create a new form of virtual reality experience. The OutRun Project uses a camera attached to the top of the arcade cabinet, to send a signal to a built-in computer, which then interprets it as a video of the road, which is projected through the arcade screen. And it hows your current surroundings with the retro graphics of the original video game.

The goal of the project is to use the technology to deliver game-based therapies for people who have limited mobility, such as quadriplegics.

UNCANNY X-FORCE #14 (SPOILERS)

From Marvel:

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Uncanny X-Force #14, from fan-favorite creative team of Rick Remender, Jerome Opeña & Dean White! The race for the Life Seed continues!

Henry Cavill Dons The Cape And Shield

Warner Bros. has released the first official image of Henry Cavill in costume as Superman for the Man of Steel movie. It may only be one image, but its something that can start to get you excited about the movie.

Abomination In The Avengers?

With this year’s Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger movies, Marvel continues to build anticipation for next summer’s Avengers movie. They’re tying to keep the momentum going by creating a couple of shorts called, Marvel One-Shots. The first short, Marvel One-Shot: The Consultant, will appear on the Thor Blu-Ray disc when it arrives in stores on September 13.

The two shorts feature Clark Gregg as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson, who continues to be the tie between Avengers related movies. The Consultant takes place prior to The Avengers, and the second One-Shot, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer, covers the time between Coulson leaving Tony Stark in Iron Man 2 and when he arrives at the crater site of Thor’s fallen hammer in Thor.

In The Consultant, the two agents talk about General Ross releasing Blonsky. In the comic books, Emil Blonsky became the Hulk foe The Abomination. Does this mean that The Abomination will be in The Avengers?

Justice League #1 Covers

DC has unveiled the final four covers for Justice League #1. The top variant Jim Lee cover will come with the poly-bagged comic/digital comic combo package. Then we have the Jim Lee standard cover, and two variants from David Finch. Also, DC announced that retailers will be permitted to sell Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1 beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31.

Laurence Fishburne Is Perry White

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laurence Fishburne will play Perry White in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel from Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures. Fishburne follows a long list of actors to play Clark Kent’s editor in chief, including Jackie Cooper, Michael McKean, Frank Langella and Lane Smith. Voice actors for Superman animated series have included George Dzundza, Joseph Collora, Edward Asner and Stanley Ralph Ross. This marks the first time that an African American has been cast in the role. However, even though it is a change-up from the comic books, Fishburne is a quality actor who can be great for the role.

When Man of Steel flies into theatres in 2013 Fishburne will be joined by Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod and Antje Traue as Faora, with Kevin Costner and Diane Lane playing Jonathan and Martha Kent, and Russell Crowe and Julia Ormond taking the part of Jor-El and Lara.

Batman: Arkham City Variant Batmans

According to ArkhamCity.co.uk, when Batman: Arkham City is released in England, players will receive a bonus skin to play as a variant Batman, depending on where they pre-order from. These skins are awesome! I love the idea of being able to switch to playing Batman Beyond, The Dark Knight Returns Batman, the animated series Batman, or the blue and gray costume Batman, in addition to a modern comic book look Batman, or the normal Arkham City Batman. I hope that Rocksteady and WB Games won’t do this same thing here. I want to play as all of these versions of Batman. I want them to make all of the skins available from just one place. Or, at the very least let you download the others. Send you letters to Rocksteady and WB Games and tell them to give us all of these Batmen.

Harrison Ford Wants His Money Back

Cowboys & Aliens and The Smurfs have been competing for box office dollars. And when Harrison Ford appeared on Conan, he wasn’t too happy with the little blue guys.

Unadulterated. Absolute. Barbarian. Fiction.

A group of filmmakers have started production on a feature-length documentary called Toy Masters, which chronicles the creation of He-Man, and of how it became a billion dollar franchise, and a cultural phenomenon.

The movie is currently in production, and is filming all over the U.S. Toy Masters will feature interviews with the key creative people behind every version of the best selling toy line, and all incarnations of the Masters of the Universe on television, film, stage, and print. The documentary will follow the inception of the concept, and the ups and downs of bringing the fantasy character to the masses.