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You know what I hate?
The obligatory, spinoff female version of any character.
See, the tragedy is- I usually don’t hate the character herself. In fact, many of them turn out to be among my favorites: Supergirl, Batgirl (Barbara Gordon AND Cassandra Cain), Batwoman…
But that’s the problem. Is the Christopher Nolan Batman franchise ever going to get so deep into the Batman mythology that Batgirl shows up? Unlikely.
And is Marvel ever going to crank out a She-Hulk movie?
I think She-Hulk is an awesome comic book. Seriously- it’s funny, touching, smart, sexy…loaded with obscure marvel comics references…
Jennifer Walters is one of the coolest characters in the industry. The problem?
Her name is ‘SHE-Hulk’. Her name is literally: “I am the female version of another popular character.”
She’s substantially different than the original; far less prone to violent, random outbursts. But most people would never know that given her name. She’s her own character, but she’ll never garner the press that really recognizes that she IS her own character, very separate from the Hulk mythology- because she’s intrinsically tied TO the Hulk Mythology. And not because of the actual plot of her book. Sure, she’s Bruce Banner’s cousin- but Wanda Maximoff is Magneto’s daughter and she doesn’t run around calling herself “Magnetette” or something, right? JUST because of the name.
Than, you know, there are also the characters that they just get…wrong.
Like Lady Bullseye. Or Scorpia. I mean…what the hell?
I’m pretty sure there was even a female Doc Ock at one point.
I’m sure most woman who read this will be able to jump on board with the concept that after thousands of years of being oppressed by men, they deserve to have female superhero and supervillian characters that aren’t cheap knockoffs of…other male characters.
Of course, part of the problem is that unless you’re reading X-Men, there just aren’t enough cool, interesting female characters to go around. So on that score, maybe it isn’t fair to rule out female iterations of whatever classic superhero.
There’s some nice middle ground too. I’m not bashing female-clones as a rule. It’s taken a while for me to warm up to the idea, but I give ‘Arana’ some credit by now.
First introduced in Amazing Fantasy as a somewhat deliberate female version of Spider-man, Anya Corazon has grown into a pretty fascinating character in her own right.
To begin with, I could write a whole other column about diversity in DC and Marvel comics: but slowly, they’re starting to get it together in this regard too. Anya is half Puerto Rican and half Mexican, as opposed to the culturally faceless multitudes of superheroes out there.
A lot of Anya’s story, too, is tied up with understanding her father and her mother (deceased). As she learns more about her family, why her father made the choices he did, and how she feels about it- well, isn’t that what growing up is?
The complexity of Arana as a character isn’t easy to sum it- suffice to say, it involves a totem-esque war between spiders and wasps, a big corporate entity named ‘Webcorps’ that represents the former half of the struggle, and a mystical indoctrination into having spider-powers (J. Michael Strazynski has been playing around with the whole ‘mystical’ angle in Spider-man for a while).
What I’ve really loved, however, is her relationship with Carol Danvers (A.K.A. Ms. Marvel). Now, in theory, Ms. Marvel is exactly the kind of character I was venting about when I started writing this. Originally introduced as a love interest for Marvell (Captain Marvel), her superhero name is literally ‘I am the bride of another popular character.’
Fortunately, over the years, Carol has become a more well-known and unique character than most female spinoffs, to the point where people rarely even think about her association with the now deceased Kree hero.
The arc where Danvers kind of took Corazon under her wing- well, two things. The first: like I said, there aren’t enough female heroes… but here’s one training the other, showing her the ropes.
The second: It had to be the first moment I stopped and considered the possibility that the Superhero Registration Act might not be such a bad thing after all. In the right circumstances, Stark and the others could reach out and bring new heroes into the fold- give them the chance at greatness that maybe they deserved. After all, Anya is working at Chicken Cow at the start of the comic. So you know: bonus points for making me doubt my convictions.
If you want to see more about what I’m blabbering about, check out Amazing Fantasy, Arana: Heart of the Spider, or Ms. Marvel. All worth the read.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hank McCoy (Before the Fur)
Review - Mr. Stuffins #3: When Bears Attack!
Well folks, in an effort to get back on schedule after the holiday weekend and travel threw me a curveball, we’re back with another comic review. Today we’re going to make the shift into a book with an interesting twist on the secret agent theme…Mr. Stuffins.
Now you may remember seeing the name pop up on here before, and let me say, I was genuinely surprised at how much this comic grew on me. In trying to find an agent to compare Stuffins to…I struggle, perhaps one part Bond, two parts Bourne, with a twist of something akin to Rambo (hey…he uses stealth…)
Read on for more…
Mr. Stuffins may be a character many of you are not familiar with. It might be a good idea to briefly recap the first two issues to bring you up to speed. In Mr. Stuffins #1 we are introduced to Dr. Wong, presumably an NSA scientist who has just found out that the research he has developed is being sold off to the highest bidder. What research is this you ask? Think Skynet level AI for you Terminator fans out there; something that can integrate itself with any system and basically become an agent for mass destruction.
Dr. Wong takes off with the data when he finds out it is for sale. With the NSA fast in tow, Dr. Wong goes into a toy store where the only hiding place he can find is an interactive teddy-bear...you guessed it, Mr. Stuffins. Enter Zach and his father, and Zach wants the bear. He buys the one off the rack with the disc in it and away we go.
Fast forward to the current episode. The NSA has taken Zach’s family hostage and he and his father are trying to come to the rescue. The nefarious NSA head honcho has some war machines that he wants to put the disc into. Zach’s dad tries to make a diversion and fails, getting himself captured. The NSA pulls the disc out of Stuffins and makes copies, bringing the robot army to life. Just as all hope appears to be lost, Zach manages to sneak up, get the disc from the computer, and reactivate Stuffins.
The bear then proceeds to mop up the NSA and get the machines after them. David (Zach’s dad) manages to disable one of the machines while Mr. Stuffins leads the rest of them under a huge magnet. The magnet is turned on, everything is wiped out (including our dear Mr. Stuffins) and the NSA traitor is arrested. It seems like that's the end for Stuffins, but dear old dad still has the disc from the one robot he disabled and all is well again once the ruined disc is replaced.
Now…I genuinely enjoy several things about this comic. The action is great and Stuffins sense of humor always makes me chuckle. The end where a previously separated husband and wife just suddenly are magically in love again is a little hokey, but so be it. I’m curious where the story will go from here. More NSA attacks on the home? Stuffins gets new orders that aren’t “Protect the Boy” from an automated line? A bug in the software? Who knows. This initial 3 issue arc is an innovative take on the special agent genre. It is well written and worth checking out in stores.
Catwoman on DC Universe Online teaser poster
The DC MySpace page has just released a glimpse into part of a SDCC DC Universe Online teaser poster, and it's causing quite a stir. Why is it creating a stir? Because it seems to advertise a certain feline thief's lower mandible and lips.
Looking at the poster seems to indicate that it is indeed Catwoman. Since Jim Lee is heavily involved with the project you can see the resemblance between her facial features and his other illustrations of her. I think it's a given that she would be in, but I think the ramifications of her inclusion are far more telling about the gameplay.
See, the idea is you're either a good guy or a bad guy. You either fight alongside Batman and Superman, or Darkseid and Lobo. But Catwoman is interesting because sometimes she's good, and other times she's bad. This could indicate the possibility that you can switch sides at some point throughout the game. Although I'm pretty sure that Sony Online Entertainment has said that picking a side is final (I could be wrong), it would make the game even more compelling if you can go back and forth on a whim.
It could end up not being Catwoman in the end. I mean, there are other female heroes in the DC Universe (Wonder Woman, Batwoman, Huntress). But Catwoman makes the most sense. Stay tuned kids.
Catwoman on DC Universe Online teaser poster
Preview - Robotika: For a Few More Double-Size Relaunch #1&2
Normally the title of something that is full of adjectives is reserved for a remake of Street Fighter II. In this case though, Archaia Studios Press is hoping to make an exception with Robotika: For a Few More Double-Size Relaunch #1&2.
The book is written by Alex Sheikman and David Moran, featuring art by Sheikman and colors by Joel Chua. The issue relaunches the series by combining the previously published first issue as well as the all-new second issue. This book boasts some pretty freaking insane scenarios too. And I mean insane.
Hallucinogenic tadpoles, Black Legion mercenaries, Beppe the Gangster, the Queen, Digital Djhitis and the Three Yojimbos are all caught in the middle of two rival gangs and a drug deal gone very bad. Now Niko is confronted with his equal in Mister Saint Just, and he'll need everything in his fighting repertoire to win the battle.
The 64-page book is a mere $4.99 and is intended for mature readers. Look for it in stores July 15, and check out some interiors after the jump.
Get blitzed with Mark Waid at Comic Con
Comic book writers are just like you and me; they like a good drink just like the next guy or gal. Being able to drink with them is something usually reserved for other industry talent. Mark Waid has decided that such an event should not be left to only the comic book elite and is launching the 4th annual Drink Up party.
Here's the deal. Comic Con attendees can make their way to the Hyatt Grand Lobby Bar on Thursday, July 23r from 9 PM to whenever. The whole point of a "drink up" is like a "meet up," except with copious amounts of drinking. Boom! Studios will have tons or representation there as well, including Mark Waid, Ross Richie, Andrew Cosby, Matt Gagnon, Chip Mosher, Ian Brill and the rest of the BOOM! Crew with various BOOM! creators in attendance for a night of relaxed fun.
And you can do shots with Waid to find out if he truly is evil. Check out the press release after the jump.
MARK WAID HOSTS BOOM! STUDIOS' 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DRINK UP!
The Only Party At Comic-Con Where Everybody Is Invited!
“Do shots with Mark Waid and find out if he truly is evil!”
July 9th, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid cordially invites all ComicCon attendees to the BOOM! Studios 4 Year Anniversary Drink Up* taking place at the Manchester Hyatt Grand Lobby Bar, Thursday July 23rd from 9pm to ???
Come help celebrate another year of BOOM!'s explosive growth with Mark Waid, Ross Richie, Andrew Cosby, Matt Gagnon, Chip Mosher, Ian Brill and the rest of the BOOM! Crew with various BOOM! creators in attendance for a night of relaxed fun.
This is an open invitation event. No RSVP needed. No tickets required. We’re BOOM! Studios — we don’t roll that way!
Where: Manchester Hyatt Grand Lobby Bar
When: Thursday July 23rd from 9 to ??
*For those not in the know, a “Drink Up” is just like a “Meet Up” but with people drinking. This will be a gathering of friends and fans, so make plans to stop by see what's happening!
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) is a unique publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents, including Philip K. Dick's DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, The Henson Company's FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. BOOM! recently launched its youth imprint, BOOM! Kids, with Pixar's THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney's THE MUPPETS. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fourth anniversary.
Zenescope announces Comic-Con International plans
Everybody's got plans for Comic Con International. Publishers, studios, writers, artists...you get the idea. One of those publishers is Zenescope, and to better facilitate your visit to Comic Con they want you to know what their plans involve. Besides the requisite panels, they've got some new properties they want you to know about.
At the con you can snag yourself a preview issue flip-book for two new books from Zenescope in the form of Merc and Agon. The idea of debuting the new properties at the biggest con in the world (and I mean that in a good way) is direct response to the fan turnout. It seems that convention attendees dig what Zenescope is selling.
“We love doing fan conventions. The Philly and New York shows we attended so far this year were fantastic and we're excited for San Diego, which is our last stop in 2009." said Zenescope's Preseident Joe Brusha "We're going to add more cities to our convention tour for 2010 since turnouts have been great. And we're encouraging our fans to stop by and see us in a couple weeks because we have some great stuff planned."
The flip-book issue contains 28 pages of story from both Agon and Merc and will set you back $2.99 at the store. You can pick it up at the Zenescope booth #2707 for just $1 thought during the convention. What about the stories?
We did an interview with Ralph Tedesco of Zenescope back at Wizard World Philly and Ralph mentioned the new stories. If you need a refresher though, here's the deal. Agon is a five-issue miniseries where Earth is forced to participate in an intergalactic gladiatorial battle that pits highly evolved species from various planets against one another. Earth has to pick their ten best warriors to compete in the tournament which will determine the fate of the planet.
Merc is about Sonny Grissom, a mercenary who upgrades his body but is now breaking down. With his conscience eating at him, he decides now is the best time for redemption and decides that he can save thousands of lives with one simple action.
Also, Grimm Fairy Tales #40 will be available in spiffy convention exclusive form at the Zenescope booth.
Full press release below.
Zenescope announces Comic-Con International Plans
Zenescope announced today it will debut a preview issue flip-book for two upcoming sci-fi titles as well as a limited edition convention exclusive celebrating the landmark 40th issue of its popular Grimm Fairy Tales series at Comic-Con International in San Diego July 22-26. “We love doing fan conventions. The Philly and New York shows we attended so far this year were fantastic and we're excited for San Diego, which is our last stop in 2009." said Zenescope's Preseident Joe Brusha "We're going to add more cities to our convention tour for 2010 since turnouts have been great. And we're encouraging our fans to stop by and see us in a couple weeks because we have some great stuff planned."
The flip-book preview showcases Zenescope's two brand new upcoming science fiction/action titles AGON and MERC, both scheduled for a fall 2009 release.
AGON is an epic five issue mini-series in which Earth is forced to participate in an intergalactic gladiatorial battle that pits highly evolved species from various planets against one another. Earth's people must pick their best warriors to compete in the ancient combat ritual of Agon, a tournament which will ultimately determine the fate of the planet.
MERC, another high concept mini-series, follows Sonny Grissom, a mercenary who upgrades his body through cybernetic enhancements and powerful steroid boosters. But after years of serious mistreatment, Sonny's body is failing. With his conscience eating away, Grissom decides to gear up and accept the most daring contract of his wasted life, one that can save thousands of lives and give him a final shot at redemption.
The flip-book issue of AGON and MERC contains 28 pages of story and will retail at a $2.99 price point but will be available at Zenescope booth #2707 for just $1 during the convention weekend.
The Grimm Fairy Tales #40 convention exclusive is a limited edition issue and will also be available at booth 2707 while it lasts.
*Check www.zenescope.com the week prior to Comic-Con for creator signing times and more convention news.
Green Lantern down to three actors
Update: The Hollywood Reporter says that Reynolds has taken the role, and the film is slated for a June 17, 2011 release.
The role of Green Lantern in a live-action film has essentially been Bradley Cooper's to lose. I mean, there have been reports coming out for a while now that say both Warner Brothers and DC are extremely high on Cooper for the green and black suit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, however, director Martin Campbell (along with producers Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti) actually have two other actors in mind for the role of the ace Air Force pilot Hal Jordan: Ryan Reynolds and...wait for it...Justin Timberlake.
All three have come in and done two screen tests each for the role, however here's where things get dicey. The holding deal that Warner Brothers had for the three actors expired last Monday, meaning that if any of them are brought in for the role then WB needs to move quickly before they get consumed by other projects.
This casting trio is fascinating on all sorts of levels. The most obvious level is Reynolds.
Reynolds is clearly attached the Deadpool film and plans to have a big say in it. However, should he take the role of Green Lantern, this will be his third superhero affiliated role, and it might sort of hurt the Green Lantern and Deadpool characters. Moviegoers will go into each film and expect some of the other hero from that film. Do I think Reynolds would be an awesome Green Lantern? Of course.
I just worry that the dual superhero roles will sort of conflict from a realism standpoint. And yes, I am aware I'm talking about two superhero movies where realism is taken with a grain of salt. Plus it seems like for every romantic comedy Reynolds does, he's right there with a macho superhero action film. At this rate he'll play every superhero in all universes!
Timberlake is just flat out intriguing. I mean, I know he's beefing up his acting resume and all. And "Dick in a Box" and "Mother Lover" are freaking epic. But can he carry a tentpole film like this for a major studio? Green Lantern is sort of DC's version of Iron Man: he's a character that everyone knows but they won't really realize how cool he is until they see a good movie with him on screen. Except in this case, Timberlake doesn't have near the charisma to pull of Hal Jordan that Robert Downey Jr. had when he pulled off Tony Stark. I'm not sure if I could take Green Lantern seriously if Timberlake took the part.
In the end, I still think Cooper is the best fit. He's not at that point yet where he's been in too many things, and he doesn't really have any other roles attached to him as an actor. Plus I'm sure he'll be a lot cheaper than Reynolds, and probably equal to Timberlake (WB wants to keep the film's budget at a modest $150-200 million). With an expected December 2010 release date, Cooper can pretty much start the film right now and work through it, capitalizing on the success of The Hangover (AWESOME movie by the way).
Green Lantern down to three actors
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Heroes for Healthcare
Some people think that with President Obama in power our country is rapidly spiraling into a socialist economy where the world will collapse and judgment day is upon us. I don't think it's nearly that bad, but part of the reason for the gloom and doom (besides the inane Fox News) is Obama's plan to make healthcare available to everyone. Such an ambitious endeavor can always use support, and this is a cause That Brendan McGinley at Indelible/Bankshot Comics is getting behind.
If you're inclined to want to help, McGinley and crew are offering free copies of Dose anthology in exchange for collecting signatures in support of Obama's plan. Retailers can download the forms here and here. Be advised these are PDF links.
Check out the full press release after the jump.
Heroes for Health Care
Bankshot trades free comics for health care reform
Bankshot Comics announced on our website today we'll trade free copies of the DOSE anthology to retailers who collect signatures in support of President Obama's three principles of health care reform.
Retailers may download the forms for signature drop boxes below :
http://www.indeliblecomics.com/obama/boxlabel.pdf
http://www.indeliblecomics.com/obama/declaration.pdf
And should mail original, completed signature sheets to:
Brendan McGinley
Organizing for America
c/o Democratic Party of New Mexico
1301 San Pedro NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
For more details, visit www.indeliblecomics.com. Thank you for spreading the word.
San Diego Comic Con 2009 programming schedule live
I think the title says it all, but if not the San Diego Comic Con programming schedule is officially live.
Commence planning out your weekend and shedding tears about having to choose between the Disney 3D panel and the Archie Comics: Archie Marries Veronica panel. Choices, choices.
San Diego Comic Con 2009 programming schedule
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra- Zartan
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra is the next installment of my childhood to get the feature film treatment with the film's release August 7. Because the 80s were such a long time ago and you might not remember who was in your staged Joe/Cobra fights in your backyard, Omnicomic is profiling each character in the upcoming film. So sit back, read on and get reacquainted with some old friends.
Real Name: Unknown
Aliases: Too many to list.
First Appearance: G.I. Joe #24, Marvel Comics
Actor: Arnold Vosloo, of The Mummy fame.
Specialties: Disguise, Infiltration, Espionage, Assassination.
Background: A mercenary to the core, Zartan leads a small group of terrorist-saboteurs called the Dreadknoks. As a rule, the Dreadknoks have no particular love for Cobra per se- the terrorist organization is simply the current top bidder for their services. When money is involved, Zartan’s loyalties change faster than the wind- but if things get too hot, he’s unlikely to buckle down in the trenches and stick it out.
Of course, such an attitude is very much in keeping with Zartan attitude- mainly, identity-switching. Between makeup and technology, Zartan has a host of methods to alter and augment his appearance. Guerilla warfare, especially in difficult terrain such as swampland and jungle, and kind of a Dreadknok calling card too- in combat, then, Zartan has usually taken steps to help himself blend in with his environment.
For reasons not entirely clear, Zartan even seems to have the ability to alter his skin color at will. You can imagine why it would be dangerous to run into this guy in a dark alley. Bright sunlight, however, is uncomfortable for him and will easily disable him.
Zartan is also an expert ventriloquist and linguist (he knows over twenty languages AND corresponding dialects for each one- a handy skill when you’re in the gun-for-hire racket). The end result, here, is that this is one tough mercenary to catch when he doesn’t want to get caught.
Zartan is also a high-class escape artist and contortionist.
Quote: "A gem of that size answers...all my questions."
Check out the other profiles for the characters in the movie. And then make sure to choose a side.
Breaker
Heavy Duty
Ripcord
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - Heavy Duty
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra is the next installment of my childhood to get the feature film treatment with the film's release August 7. Because the 80s were such a long time ago and you might not remember who was in your staged Joe/Cobra fights in your backyard, Omnicomic is profiling each character in the upcoming film. So sit back, read on and get reacquainted with some old friends.
Real Name: Lamont A. Morris
First Appearance: G.I Joe #130 comic by Marvel
Actor: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Specialty: He is the Joe heavy ordnance specialist in making sure they have the firepower needed to get the job done. His secondary specialty is an indirect fire infantryman.
Background: Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Heavy Duty was made for the military. With a penchant for being unafraid of any situation, despite being under fire or in some sort of peril he and his fellow Joes might be in. He's the cousin of another G.I. Joe named Roadblock, with whom he shares a few passions such as cooking, speaking in rhyme and enjoying classical music.
Heavy Duty loves explosives and blowing things up and even enjoys listening to Bach. He is a rough and tough member of the Joe’s team and is always one of the first into a fight. He does whatever needs to be done to complete the mission and would sacrifice himself to save any other Joe.
Check out the other profiles for the characters in the movie. And then make sure to choose a side.
Breaker
Ripcord
Zartan
Cartoon Network panels at Comic Con
Cartoon Network has released their panel, signing and fun times schedule for Comic Con, and it's a doozy. Not only will there be a Robot Chicken, but there's also going to be Batman: Brave and the Bold and Star Wars: Clone Wars panels.
Seth Green, Matt Senreich, Breckin Meyer, Chris McKay, Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer are some of the talent at Cartoon Network who will be doing fan signings at the show. Events will include the Tim and Eric Awesome Show Performance on Friday, July 24, at 7 PM, a live performance variety show featuring Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim. There will also be a Robot Chicken Fan Event on Saturday, July 25, from 8-11 PM which will feature Seth Green and Matt Senreich and a preview party to kick off their roller skating tour.
Check out the full list of panels after the jump and start setting up your calendars now.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
ADULT SWIM: Robot Chicken w/ Titan Maximum
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 6A
Moderator: Keith Crofford, vice president of production Adult Swim
Seth Green (co-creator, Robot Chicken and Titan Maximum), Matthew Senreich (co-creator, Robot Chicken and Titan Maximum), Tom Root (head writer, Robot Chicken/co-creator, Titan Maximum) and Doug Goldstein (head writer, Robot Chicken) with Chris McKay, Breckin Meyer, Kevin Shinick, Mike Fasolo and Dan Milano discuss the popular Adult Swim series Robot Chicken. They also discuss the upcoming new stop-motion animated series Titan Maximum, slated to premiere on Adult Swim this fall.
CARTOON NETWORK COMEDY – ORIGINAL ANIMATION
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Location: 6A
Moderator: Brian Miller, senior vice president and general manager Cartoon Network Studios
Come join us for a panel celebrating three of the best comedies from Cartoon Network Studios. First up is a sweet treat with Chowder, including special guests C.H. Greenblatt (creator), Tara Strong (voice of Truffles) and Dana Snyder (voice of Gazpacho). Then set sail with The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack and creator Thurop Van Orman (voice of Flapjack) and Steve Little (writer, voice of fan favorite Dr. Barber). Finally, hold on to your seats for a sneak peak of the new series, Adventure Time with Finn and Jake, with creator Pendelton Ward.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
WB PANEL: BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: 6B
Moderator: Sam Register, executive producer
Gotham takes over San Diego as Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up), the voice of Batman, returns to headline a panel alongside John DiMaggio (Futurama), the voice of Aquaman, executive producer Sam Register (Teen Titans), producer James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited), producer and story editor Michael Jelenic (The Batman) and voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday). Fans will enjoy a discussion and lively Q&A as this dynamic and creative team look back upon the show's incredible first season and provide an exclusive look at what season two holds for the Caped Crusader. From Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Brave and the Bold airs on Cartoon Network.
LUCASFILM PANEL: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Building the Universe
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 7 AB
The Clone Wars expanded the scope of Star Wars beyond anything seen in the feature films – but Season One was just the beginning. Get a rare glimpse into the epic scale of the ongoing galactic conflict with supervising director Dave Filoni and key production staff from the series. Find out insider secrets about building the Star Wars galaxy, making the first season of the groundbreaking series and what’s to come in Season Two!
LUCASFILM PANEL: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Behind the mic
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: 7 AB
Season Two of Star Wars: The Clone Wars is coming in hot, and you can believe that the talented voice cast has something to say about it! Join supervising director Dave Filoni as he talks with the actors behind your favorite Clone Wars characters, and get an intimate look at the animated antics inside the recording studio - as well as some unique and exclusive insights into what's coming this Fall!
The BBC PANEL: THE MIGHTY BOOSH
4:45 – 5:45 p.m.
Location: 6A
Cult comedy favorite and BAFTA-nominated, The Mighty Boosh, comes to Comic-Con for the first time to celebrate the airing of all three seasons on Adult Swim, and the BBC’s DVD release, just two days before the convention begins. Inspired by the Perrier Comedy Award-winning live comedy show, creators-stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, along with actors Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher and Dave Brown. The hit UK comedy series follows crazy zookeepers Howard Moon and Vince Noir and was described by The San Jose Mercury News as “an acid-trip fantasy-comedy [that] is seriously deranged and seriously funny.”
LUCASFILM PANEL: The Star Wars Spectacular
5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Location: Hall H
Get all the latest news from the Star Wars universe – including some of Lucasfilm’s most tightly-guarded secrets! Join our galaxy of guests from The Clone Wars and beyond, including supervising director Dave Filoni, voice talent from the show and more!
SATURDAY, JULY 25
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION ADVENTURE ANIMATION: BEN 10
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Location: 6DE
Moderator: Tramm Wigzell director of development, original series Cartoon Network
It’s all about Ben 10 at this panel featuring director Alex Winter and cast members Ryan Kelley (Ben), Galadriel Stineman (Gwen), Nathan Keyes (Kevin) and Alyssa Diaz (Elena) from the live-action movie Ben 10: Alien Swarm coming this fall on Cartoon Network. Also appearing are Ben 10 Alien Force producer Glenn Murakami, story editor Dwayne McDuffie and Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Ben). Make sure not to miss an exclusive look at what’s coming next with a sneak peak of Generator Rex and the first images from the upcoming series, Sym-Bionic Titan, by creator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory).
ADULT SWIM: Series Development and The Venture Bros.
6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Location: 6DE
Moderator: Keith Crofford, vice president of production Adult Swim
Fans will get the chance to hear from the Adult Swim development team and get a first look at upcoming Adult Swim programming. Nick Weidenfeld, director of development for Adult Swim and Matt Harrigan, executive producer/series writer for Adult Swim will give highlights of what’s in the tube for fall 2009. Then, Jackson Publick (co-creator), Doc Hammer (co-creator), Jon Schnepp (co-director), James Urbaniak (voice of Dr. Venture) and Mike Sinterniklaas (voice of Dean Venture) discuss the hit animated Adult Swim series The Venture Bros. and give fans insight into the future of the series.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
MATTEL PANEL: Hot Wheels Battle Force 5
12:00-1:00
Location: 7AB
Hot Wheels Battle Force 5: World Premiere! - Be the first to see an episode of the all new CG-animated series, Hot Wheels Battle Force 5! The series starts this August on Cartoon Network and tells the story of a group of teen drivers and their 5 ultra-cool, ultra-fast vehicles. Their mission is to protect the Earth from The Sark, an army of evil robots, and The Vandals, a species of super-predators. After the screening, join producer Audu Paden (Spider-Man: The New Animated Series), director Johnny Darrell (Storm Hawks) and real-life Hot Wheels car designers for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the series was created. There will also be plenty of fun activities, trivia, and lots and lots of great prizes!
WB PANEL: Zoinks! Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: 6DE
Moderator: TBA
Come join everyone’s favorite Great Dane as Warner Premiere & Cartoon Network present Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins. The all-new, live-action/CGI film reveals the origins of the Mystery Inc. gang on their first mission together. Be the first to witness the film, then stay for a fun-filled panel featuring director Brian Levant (Beethoven, Snow Dogs), producer Brian Gilbert (Wrong Turn, Skinwalkers) and introducing the all-new live-action cast: Robbie Amell (Life With Derek, True Jackson VP) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma and Nick Palatas as Shaggy. Also expected to attend is Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, who provides the voice of Scooby-Doo for Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins – which will premiere on Cartoon Network and be distributed by Warner Home Video in Fall 2009.
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ADULT SWIM SIGNINGS
Adult Swim Booth: 3351
Friday, July 24
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The Mighty Boosh Signing – Adult Swim Booth #3351
Noel Fielding, Julian Barrett, Michael Fielding, Dave Brown, Richard Fulcher
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Robot Chicken Signing – Adult Swim Booth #3351
Seth Green, Matt Senreich, Breckin Meyer, Chris McKay
Saturday, July 25
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Robot Chicken Signing – Adult Swim Booth #3351
Seth Green, Matt Senreich, Doug Goldstein, Tom Root
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Venture Bros. Signing – Adult Swim Booth #3351
Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer
ADULT SWIM FAN EVENTS
TIM & ERIC AWESOME SHOW PERFORMANCE
Friday, July 24, 7 p.m.
Location: 4th and B, 345 B Street
Enjoy a live performance featuring Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim. Much like the television series on Adult Swim, the live show is a fast-paced, variety show, complete with short films, parodies, pranks and musical numbers.
The BBC AND ADULT SWIM PRESENT: THE MIGHTY BOOSH BASH (A full cast DJ Set)
Friday, July 24, 11 p.m.
Location: 4th and B, 345 B Street
A multi-media DJ set house party featuring the full cast of The Mighty Boosh, including Noel Fielding and Julian Barrett. The cast will spin records and perform bits. For more information, go to www.themightyboosh.co.uk
TIM AND ERIC AWESOME-CON 2009
Saturday, July 25, 12 -3 p.m.
Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North
Picnic in the park hosted by Tim and Eric and other characters from the show with fan challenges (costume contest, karaoke contest, etc).
ROBOT CHICKEN FAN EVENT
Saturday, July 25, 8 – 11p.m.
Location: Skate San Diego, 700 East 24th Street, National City, CA 91950
Join Robot Chicken creators and executive producers Seth Green and Matt Senreich for a special preview party - Comic Con Style - kicking off their two week roller skating tour to promote the release of the Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II DVD. The free, all ages party is open to the public and will feature a guest DJ, special Robot Chicken guests, including the show’s writers and producers, celebrity guest stars, Robot Chicken-themed activities and games, and exclusive Adult Swim merchandise.
CARTOON NETWORK SIGNINGS
Thursday, July 23
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Chowder & The Misadventures of Flapjack Signing - Autograph Alley
Chowder: C.H. Greenblatt, Tara Strong, Dana Snyder
The Misadventures of Flapjack: Thurop Van Orman, Steve Little
Saturday, July 25
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Ben 10 Alien Force Signing – Autograph Alley
Glen Murakami, Yuri Lowenthal, Dwight McDuffie
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Ben 10: Alien Swarm Cast Signing – Autograph Alley
Ryan Kelley (Ben), Galadriel Stineman (Gwen), Nathan Keyes (Kevin)
Alyssa Diaz (Elena)
Sunday, July 26
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Scooby Doo! The Mystery Begins Signing – WB Booth
Robbie Amell (Fred), Kate Melton (Daphne), Hayley Kiyoko (Velma),
Nick Palatas (Shaggy)
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 hits XBLA July 29
Oh Twitter, you bastion of all things instant gratification. Capcom has heeded your calls fellow reader, and via that wonderful service known as Twitter has tweeted the following:
"Alright already! Marvel VS Capcom 2 offically goes live on XBLA on July 29. PSN date to be announced soon."
PSN folks can probably expect to see it the next day or shortly thereafter. Isn't it funny how PSN got the demo but XBLA is getting it first?
Oh, and the cost has been set at 1200 Microsoft points. Which in real terms equates to about $14.99. Damn you psychological price points!
Chew #1 reprinted flipbook style
Have you heard about Chew? The story is about Detective Tony Chu, a cop with a secret. See, Chu is a Cibopath, which means he gets a psychic impression from whatever he eats. Such a unique ability is of course attractive, meaning the government has plans for him and his power.
Needless to say, the first issue has been nothing short of a stellar success. Writer John Layman and illustrator Rob Guillory have really outdone themselves with the first printing sold out and a second printing on the way. Image isn't content with just a second printing though, as they're also doing what could be considered a 2.5 printing of the first issue.
"As a creator, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing that a lot of people are interested in reading your book. The flip side of this is there's nothing more frustrating than hearing how people can't get a hold of your book to read," Layman said. "So, Image and Robert Kirkman concocted this great plan to put CHEW in a lot of people hands-- and for the unbeatable low, low price of 'free'."
The entire first issue will be available alongside The Walking Dead #63 as a black and white full issue flipbook. For free!
Layman added, "If you're remotely interested in seeing for yourself what all the CHEW buzz is about, this is your chance. Of course, the black & white preview does not do justice to Rob Guillory's magnificent colors in the regular book, so if you like what you read in THE WALKING DEAD, you'll have opportunity to buy third and second printings of issues #1 and #2 when #3 hits the stores on August 5th!"
The issue of Walking Dead will be in-stores July 17 featuring all 48-pages of black and white goodness for only $2.99.
Full press release below.
PRESS RELEASE - THE WALKING DEAD FLIPS THE SOLD OUT CHEW #1 THIS JULY!
The fan-favorite undead meets the sold out cannibalistic clairvoyants in THE WALKING DEAD #63/CHEW #1 Flipbook!
7 July 2009 (Berkeley, CA) – CHEW’s sell-out sensations, writer John Layman and illustrator Rob Guillory, are teaming up with Image Comics veteran Robert Kirkman to bring their sold out first issue to the masses in a very special black and white full issue flipbook in the upcoming WALKING DEAD #63 at no additional charge!
"As a creator, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing that a lot of people are interested in reading your book. The flip side of this is there's nothing more frustrating than hearing how people can't get a hold of your book to read," Layman said. "So, Image and Robert Kirkman concocted this great plan to put CHEW in a lot of people hands-- and for the unbeatable low, low price of 'free'."
CHEW's star, Detective Tony Chu, is a cop with a secret. As a Cibopath, Detective Chu gets a psychic impression from whatever he eats. While it means he's a hell of a Detective if he can stomach the evidence, once his secret gets out the government makes plans for him, whether he likes it or not. CHEW blends horror, mystery and the strangest ability of them all in an ongoing series of horrific crimes solved in the most horrific way possible.
Layman added, "If you're remotely interested in seeing for yourself what all the CHEW buzz is about, this is your chance. Of course, the black & white preview does not do justice to Rob Guillory's magnificent colors in the regular book, so if you like what you read in THE WALKING DEAD, you'll have opportunity to buy third and second printings of issues #1 and #2 when #3 hits the stores on August 5th!"
WALKING DEAD #63 (MAY090359), a 48-page black and white comic book for $2.99 featuring the entireity of CHEW #1 at no additional charge, will be in-stores July 17th, 2009.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
Top Cow's Pilot Season 2009
Is it 2009 already? Why yes, I believe it is. Which means it's a new year and time for a new incarnation of Top Cow's Pilot Season. Not sure what Pilot Season is? Have you been reading comics?
Pilot Season is an initiative where five new comic book properties are presented to you, the comic book reader, by Top Cow. Through online voting, fans check out the five one-shots and vote for two to become ongoing series. This year, Top Cow is bringing in some big name talent to create those pilot issues for your reading consumption.
Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri are teaming up to bring you five new properties. Set to release in October of this year, the books will be available for online voting to select one to become a full-fledged series. Last time around 4 million readers voted, so don't think your vote doesn't count. Keep your eye here for more news about the program as it comes out.
Full press release below.
THE TEAM-UP OF THE YEAR: ROBERT KIRKMAN AND MARC SILVESTRI BRING YOU PILOT SEASON 2009
LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 6th, 2009 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced on July 2nd on Attack of The Show that the renowned writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Marc Silvestri (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia, The Darkness) are teaming up to co-create five original concepts for the Pilot Season initiative in 2009. On Attack of the Show, “Fresh Ink” host Blair Butler broke the news that Robert Kirkman will write the brand new pilot issues, while Marc Silvestri will create the designs for the series and contribute the covers for each issue. Interior art teams and details of the concepts will be announced at a later date.
Since 2007, Top Cow has given fans the power to choose the next two Top Cow series based on a selection of one-shot Pilot Season “pilot” issues through online voting. The inaugural Pilot Season initiative garnered more than four million votes from fans across the globe. Now, Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri will be bringing fans five brand new titles for Pilot Season 2009, and it will be up to the fans to choose which single property will become an official Top Cow series. The anticipated launch for Pilot Season 2009 is October 2009.