Starting this past Monday, each day, Newsarama is posting a page of the Brian Michael Bendis/Michael Avon Oeming superhero noir comic series Powers, from the very beginning. Not only is a new page posted, but that page's script and art breakdowns are ofen posted as well. And each page is archived, so you can join in any time.
What a great way to get into the series. I have first 3-4 trades, so it will be awhile until I see antything new, but this is good stuff.
And coming in August is David Mack's Kabuki, which I have not read, but will certainly try in this format.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Animated Hellboy
"Infinite Crisis" novelization due in October
DC's recent Infinite Crisis maxi-series is following in the footstpes of its predecessor, Crisis on Infinite Earths, by getting a prose adaptation.
Written by Greg Cox (author of several Star Trek novels, the Daredevil movie novelization and more), the novel is described as:
The cover is drawn by Daniel Acuna, who has drawn several covers for DC and is the artist for the new Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters comic.
Written by Greg Cox (author of several Star Trek novels, the Daredevil movie novelization and more), the novel is described as:
Based on the epic new series from DC Comics-Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman face a universal threat. For years, the rift between the Justice League's leaders has been widening. Batman's paranoia has given birth to an army of robotic assassins. Wonder Woman has declared herself judge, jury, and executioner, taking a foe's life in an act that was broadcast worldwide. Superman is under the influence of mind control. With the Justice League divided and a super-villain coalition openly targeting the heroes, ordinary civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire. The heroes have lost their way, their values, and their responsibilities. Only those who understand the true meaning of sacrifice are prepared to rectify this crisis-a crisis that originated in an alternate era when infinite earths collided in a cosmic cataclysm that erased history and lives. And those who survived are looking to restore all they have lost, regardless of the consequences.
The cover is drawn by Daniel Acuna, who has drawn several covers for DC and is the artist for the new Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters comic.
Spider-Man 3 Update
The cast and director of Spider-Man 3 were on hand at the San Diego Comic-Con, and showed new, though unfinished footage, including Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, Topher Grace as Eddie Brock/Venom and James Franco as Harry Osborn. Athough Harry does indeed use his father's goblin weapons and glider in this movie, director Sam Raimi notes that he will be called neither the "Green Goblin" or "Hobgoblin." New images from the film were also released, including this one of Topher Grace as Eddie Brock becoming enveloped in the Venom symbiote (check out his teeth):
Richard Donner revisits Superman
Director Richard Donner, who made us believe a man could fly in the form of Christopher Reeve in Superman the Movie in 1978, is returning to the Man of Steel in two exciting ways.
First, he is teaming with his former assistant, comics writer Geoff Johns to c0-write a run of unspecified length on Action Comics (reportedly to feature Brainiac, a favorite of the director's) beginning in October. Donner and Johns talk about that came about here.
Second, probably even more anticipated by most fans, his long-awaited Director's Cut of Superman II, featuring a lot of previously unseen footage that was shot, but not used for Superman II before Donner was kicked off the film, which was produced at the same time as the first Superman movie.
The new footage will feature unused Brando scenes, a bridge between the two films (essentially, Superman tosses one of Luthor's rockets from the end of the first film into space and THAT frees the Phantom Zone villains, as opposed to the Eiffel Tower bomb shown in the Richard Lester version of Superman II) and a more developed subplot of Lois trying to prove that Clark is Superman. Coverage of the San Diego Comic-Con panel where Donner talks more about his director's cut can be found here.
Additional information on Warner Home Video's plans for re-releasing the Christopher Reeve Superman films on November 28, including the new Donner cut, can be found here.
In related news, Superman Returns director Bryan Singer, who joined Donner on stage during the director's cut announcmenet, noted that he intends to make a sequel to his Superman film for release in 2009. The sequel, he indicated will be more action-packed, now that all the main players have been re-introduced.
First, he is teaming with his former assistant, comics writer Geoff Johns to c0-write a run of unspecified length on Action Comics (reportedly to feature Brainiac, a favorite of the director's) beginning in October. Donner and Johns talk about that came about here.
Second, probably even more anticipated by most fans, his long-awaited Director's Cut of Superman II, featuring a lot of previously unseen footage that was shot, but not used for Superman II before Donner was kicked off the film, which was produced at the same time as the first Superman movie.
The new footage will feature unused Brando scenes, a bridge between the two films (essentially, Superman tosses one of Luthor's rockets from the end of the first film into space and THAT frees the Phantom Zone villains, as opposed to the Eiffel Tower bomb shown in the Richard Lester version of Superman II) and a more developed subplot of Lois trying to prove that Clark is Superman. Coverage of the San Diego Comic-Con panel where Donner talks more about his director's cut can be found here.
Additional information on Warner Home Video's plans for re-releasing the Christopher Reeve Superman films on November 28, including the new Donner cut, can be found here.
In related news, Superman Returns director Bryan Singer, who joined Donner on stage during the director's cut announcmenet, noted that he intends to make a sequel to his Superman film for release in 2009. The sequel, he indicated will be more action-packed, now that all the main players have been re-introduced.
DC's New Animation Frontier
In what could possibly be the coolest news I could ever expect to hear at a comics convention, DC Comics has announced that they are teaming with Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video to create a series of direct-to-video animated films based on storylines directly from their comics, "designed with DC Comics fans in mind."
DC Publisher and President Paul Levitz personally announced the news during at Saturday's DC: One Year Greater panel at the San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). While Bruce Timm will be overseeing these projects, they are not based on the existing DC animated universe that he helped create. While no release dates have yet been annoucned, the first three titles to be developed are:
The New Frontier – Writer/artist Darwyn Cooke’s non-continuity depiction of the birth of the Silver Age of heroes, will be directed by Justice League Unlimited’s Stan Berkowitz . Cooke himself will provide art direction on the film.
Superman/Doomsday – adapted from the Death of Superman story, not the entire story, but its "essence," according to Levitz.. Timm will direct this himself from a script by The Batman’s Duane Capizzi (unfortunately, also the writer of Superman: Brainiac Attacks).
The New Teen Titans: The Judas Contract – Based on the classic Wolfman/Perez storyline which saw the Dick Grayson go from Robin to Nightwing, deals with the revelation that new team member Terra worked for their enemy Deathstroke the Terminator. Marv Wolfman himself will co-write the script with Tom DeSanto (X-Men movies) and George Perez will also consult.
Levitz hope that these new features appeal DC Comics fans of all ages:
We're going to take the marquee-value characters that have love across the generations. And use the stellar characters so that the parental generation will reach out and share it with their kids. We're looking at all the great stories, and cases where we can find the best stories of a long run.
In an interview with conics new site Newsarama (which I highly recommend reading) after the panel, Levitz talked about the discussions he had with other Warner Bros. divisions, and what would be the best way to use the DC characters in direct-to-video and realized the staff at Warner Bros. Animation had a great love and knowledge of the characters, stories and history, and that was the best way to go:
Ultimately, once we figured out what the box was that we wanted to work in creatively; we sat around and asked what's cool? We started playing with the ideas - if we were going to do the New Teen Titans, one of the best stories and one that everybody loved was The Judas Contract. Wouldn't it be incredible to get Marv involved in that? If we're going to do the Justice League characters, well, you could do Kingdom Come on one hand, but maybe do New Frontier, and we settled on that as a logical place to start.The three titles announced are just the beginning of this initiative, as brainstorming continues for which storylines to adapt next. The possibilities are endless: Kingdom Come, The Golden Age, The Dark Knight Returns, The Killing Joke, JLA: Rock of Ages, Knightfall, Wagner's Sandman Mystery Theatre, Robinson's Starman, the first meeting of the JLA/JSA, Hard Travelin' Heroes, Identity Crisis, The Return of Barry Allen, the Crime Syndicate. The mind reels at the possiblities! Let's use the comments section here to talk about what they could do. You can jog your memory here.
This is going to be awesome!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
"Amazing Screw-On Head" Now Online
If you liked Hellboy, you really need to see this 22 1/2 minute cartoon based on the comic by Mike Mignola.
Really, check it out.
Then see it again on the SciFi Channel on July 27.
Really, check it out.
Then see it again on the SciFi Channel on July 27.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
More than Meets the Eye!
The teaser trailer for next summer's Transformers movie is online.
When you get to the site, click on "Watch the announcement now" to see the teaser.
When you get to the site, click on "Watch the announcement now" to see the teaser.
The Mis-Adventures of Superman
The trailer for Hollywoodland, the real-life story of TV Superman Goerge Reeves, played by Ben Affleck, is now online.
The movie opens on September 8th in limited release.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Animated DC notes
Here's some info about new and recent cartoons based on DC Comics' characters:
The Batman
As noted previously, Robin (Dick Grayson) will be debuting on the show's 4th season, as will his adult self, Nightwing, somehow, but according to one of the show's writer/producers, Duane Capizzi, apparently he isn't the only one. The Matt Hagen version of Clayface will appear (a different character debuted with that name/powers in an earlier episode), Black Mask, and Harley Quinn (who debuted on the previous Batman animated series; her creator, Paul Dini, will write the episode she appears in). Also, slated to appear is a member of the Justice League, though which one is not known.
Superman: Brainiac Attacks
Capizzi also wrote the recent direct-to-video animated feature that debuted on Cartoon Network a few weeks back . The movie was widely panned, mainly because it used the style and most of the voices from the previous, much better-received Superman: The Animated Series, but not only was it not part of the show's continuity, it featured inconsistent characterizations, most notably Luthor and Brainiac. In that same interview, Capizzi sort of explains why:
The Legion of Superheroes
Set to debut the is fall on "Kid's WB! on the CW". The Legion of Superheroes features "a young Superman" (no longer referred to as "Superboy," presumably related to the lawsuit that Warner Bros. is involved in with the estate of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel over the name and concept) who travels to the 31st Century to team up with a group of teen superheroes. This show is not in continuity with the Legion's appearances on Superman: The Animated Series or Justice League Unlimited. Last weekend, the Kids' WB! debuted the first clips from the show, promoting this Saturday's "Behind the Shield" special which is a faeture on Superman Returns that will be shownin between cartoons from 7 am to noon. The block will be "hosted" by young Superman and feature more clips from the Legion series. See last weekend's promo here.
What's next?
There's a rumor that Bruce Timm is working on an animated version of The New Frontier, a reimagining of the dawn of DC's Silver Age (late '50s/early '60s, by Darwyn Cooke, who previously worked for Timm on Batman Beyond.
There's also been discussion of a Justice League animated movie that tells the untold story of why the Justice League became Justice League Unlimited.
DC animation at San Diego Comic-Con (July 20-23)
The Batman
As noted previously, Robin (Dick Grayson) will be debuting on the show's 4th season, as will his adult self, Nightwing, somehow, but according to one of the show's writer/producers, Duane Capizzi, apparently he isn't the only one. The Matt Hagen version of Clayface will appear (a different character debuted with that name/powers in an earlier episode), Black Mask, and Harley Quinn (who debuted on the previous Batman animated series; her creator, Paul Dini, will write the episode she appears in). Also, slated to appear is a member of the Justice League, though which one is not known.
Superman: Brainiac Attacks
Capizzi also wrote the recent direct-to-video animated feature that debuted on Cartoon Network a few weeks back . The movie was widely panned, mainly because it used the style and most of the voices from the previous, much better-received Superman: The Animated Series, but not only was it not part of the show's continuity, it featured inconsistent characterizations, most notably Luthor and Brainiac. In that same interview, Capizzi sort of explains why:
...the movie is not intended to be in continuity with the Timm-verse, despite utilizing those character and background designs. Similarly, the depiction of Lex Luthor was intentionally modeled after Gene Hackman's performance in the Donner films, to dovetail with Luthor's depiction in the upcoming Bryan Singer film. If a die-hard fan goes into 'Brainiac Attacks' with this in mind, it should be a smoother ride -- and hopefully an entertaining one.Apparently, most fans did NOT keep that in mind, which is why they are likely happy that Capizzi also notes that there is not a new Superman series currently in development. However, that leads us to....
The Legion of Superheroes
Set to debut the is fall on "Kid's WB! on the CW". The Legion of Superheroes features "a young Superman" (no longer referred to as "Superboy," presumably related to the lawsuit that Warner Bros. is involved in with the estate of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel over the name and concept) who travels to the 31st Century to team up with a group of teen superheroes. This show is not in continuity with the Legion's appearances on Superman: The Animated Series or Justice League Unlimited. Last weekend, the Kids' WB! debuted the first clips from the show, promoting this Saturday's "Behind the Shield" special which is a faeture on Superman Returns that will be shownin between cartoons from 7 am to noon. The block will be "hosted" by young Superman and feature more clips from the Legion series. See last weekend's promo here.
What's next?
There's a rumor that Bruce Timm is working on an animated version of The New Frontier, a reimagining of the dawn of DC's Silver Age (late '50s/early '60s, by Darwyn Cooke, who previously worked for Timm on Batman Beyond.
There's also been discussion of a Justice League animated movie that tells the untold story of why the Justice League became Justice League Unlimited.
DC animation at San Diego Comic-Con (July 20-23)
- On the first day, there is an hour-and-a-half presentation from Warner Bros. Theatrical Animation. No description of the panel is provided, which means it's still a big secret. This may or may not have anything to do with animted DC characters.
- The second day features a Bruce Timm retrospective, which doubles as a preview of Legion of Superheroes (strange, since Timm is not involved). Timm will take part in a Q&A, so you know he will be asked (and hopefully answer) what he's working on next.
- On the third night, there will be a Q&A about The Batman, followed by the premiere of the Teen Titans direct-to-video animated movie, Trouble in Tokyo.
Stay tooned....
Animated "Screw-On Head" to Debut Online
The Amazing Screw-On Head, an animated pilot based on Hellboy creator Mike Mignola's one-shot comic debuts on the SciFi Channel on July 27. But before that you can catch it this Thursday on Sci Fi Pulse, the cable network's streaming video site.
After watching the 30-minute pilot online, viewers will be asked to complete an online survey that will help the network determine whether or not pick up the show as a series. So you better watch!
Paul Giamatti, who voices the title character talks about the show here.
After watching the 30-minute pilot online, viewers will be asked to complete an online survey that will help the network determine whether or not pick up the show as a series. So you better watch!
Paul Giamatti, who voices the title character talks about the show here.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Elvis & Sinatra
One of Elvis' first appearances after finishing his stint in the army in 1960 was to appear on Frank Sinatra's TV show. This was the new Elvis, who wanted to appeal to adults as well as teenagers. You can see that in his appearance here, where he snag "Fame and Fortune" and "Stuck on You" before joining Frank in a duet of Love Me Tender and Witchcraft (one of my favorite TV clips ever).
Drunk Superman
Great scene from a very silly Superman III.
Superman prefers Red Label.
And check out how young Annette O'Toole (now Martha Kent on Smallville) is!
Superman prefers Red Label.
And check out how young Annette O'Toole (now Martha Kent on Smallville) is!
Delteted Robin scene from 1989 Batman
Early drafts of Tim Burton's 1989 Batman included Robin, but his scenes were cut before filming began. Included in last year's special edition release of Batman was this extra featuring the storyboarded sequence that introduced the character.
What's particularly cool about this extra is that it features the voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, both reprising roles they began in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, and continuing through last spring's Justice League Unlimited. Robvin is voiced by Jason hillhouse, who has hosted roundtable interviews in recent DVD releases of the various DC animated series.
I can see why they cut it, but it's very cool to watch.
What's particularly cool about this extra is that it features the voices of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, both reprising roles they began in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, and continuing through last spring's Justice League Unlimited. Robvin is voiced by Jason hillhouse, who has hosted roundtable interviews in recent DVD releases of the various DC animated series.
I can see why they cut it, but it's very cool to watch.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Spider-Man 3 Teaser Trailer
Sandman. Gwen Stacy. Black ooze becoming a costume. Some sort of Goblin.
Oh yeah, Spider-Man 3 is going to rock.
The teaser trailer will appear with Superman Returns.
See some screen shots of the trailer here.
Oh yeah, Spider-Man 3 is going to rock.
The teaser trailer will appear with Superman Returns.
See some screen shots of the trailer here.
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