Another “Who Do You Trust?”
Another “Who Do You Trust?” promotional “Secret Invasion” image from Marvel.
Who do you trust?
Another sneak peek image from Marvel tying into the upcoming “Secret Invasion.”
While you’re in a Skrully mood, give a listen to Stan Lee talking about the creation of the Skrulls on a podcast from Marvel.com.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Fincher to direct “Black Hole”
In what looks to be extremely good news for comic-adaptation fans, David Fincher (“Zodiac,” “Fight Club”) has signed on to direct “Black Hole,” based on the Charles Burns graphic novel, from a script by Neil Gaiman (“Sandman”) and Roger Avary (“Pulp Fiction”).
From Variety:
Plan B and producer Kevin Messick are developing the project that’s based on Charles Burns‘ graphic novel. Burns wrote and illustrated the 12-issue series that became the graphic novel over a 10-year period.
Story kicks off when a sexually transmitted “bug” is passed from teenager to teenager.
Link via Blog@Newsarama.
– Matt Price
Marvel toys in 08: Iron Man, Hulk lead
Marvel has posted its Toy Fair roundup, with several photos.
Daredevil, Ghost Rider and Carnage will appear in the preschool-oriented “Hero Squad.” A new line of figures will be based on the upcoming “Spectacular Spider-Man” cartoon. And Iron Man and Hulk will lead the way, with multiple figures from the motion pictures. New “Hulk Hands” are on the way, as is a mask-and-repulsor set for Iron Man.
Mattel’s Infinite Heroes
Mattel has announced an “Infinite Heroes” line of DC Comics characters, and Comic Mix has all kinds of photos from Toy Fair 2008 in New York. Characters in “Infinite Heroes” include The Question, Adam Strange and Hush, and will ship in single figures and three-packs. The three-packs will be based around particular storylines or themes. There’s also more from Dark Knight, DC Universe, and DC Super Friends.
– Matt Price
More added to “Wolverine” cast
According to Variety, the characters Deadpool, Gambit and Wraith have been cast in the upcoming “Wolverine: Origins” film.
Ryan Reynolds has been cast as the wisecracking mercenary Deadpool. The Cajun charmer Gambit will be played by Taylor Kitsch (“Friday Night Lights”). And, in the only part of this news that is a little worrisome, the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am will play teleporter John Wraith. (Maybe will.i.am is a perfectly good actor; still, this is his first film role.)
Update 2/21: Here’s the full press release from FOX, with information on Sabretooth, Stryker and more:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Casting Info:
Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch and will.i.am have joined the cast of X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, starring Hugh Jackman, reprising the role of Wolverine. Production began earlier this month in New Zealand, before moving to Australia and, later, New Orleans. Twentieth Century Fox releases the film everywhere on May 1, 2009.
Tony Award®-winning actor Liev Schreiber portrays Victor Creed, a mutant with bestial superhuman powers, who has a complex relationship with Jackman’s Wolverine.
Danny Huston (21 Grams, The Kingdom) is Col. William Stryker, the mastermind behind the top-secret and ominous Weapon X program.
Rising star Lynn Collins (The Number 23) takes on the role of Wolverine’s love interest Kayla Silverfox, who holds secrets that will forever shape his destiny.
Taylor Kitsch, best know, for his portrayal of a troubled high school football star Tim Riggins on the acclaimed series “Friday Night Lights,” portrays Gambit.
And actor/music star will. i. am (Blackeyed Peas) will play Wraith, an ally to Wolverine who came out of the same Weapon X program.
Ryan Reynolds will play Deadpool, another legend in the X-Men universe.
A new chapter in the phenomenally successful X-MEN film series, which has grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE is directed by Gavin Hood – who directed Totsi, winner of the 2006 Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film and the upcoming Rendition. David Benioff (The Kite Runner, Troy) wrote the screenplay. The producers are Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter (who produced the first three X-MEN films), along with Jackman and his Seed Prods producing partner, John Palermo. The film will be executive produced by Marvel Films’ Kevin Feige.
Comics shipping 2/20/08
Here’s a (not necessarily comprehensive) look at comics shipping this Wednesday, along with some minor commentary.
ABYSS #3 (OF 4)ALIENS OMNIBUS TP VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #551 BND
Continuing the Marc Guggenheim-Salvador Larocca run. I’m enjoying these enough to keep checking them out, though they do seem a little high on their own importance. Still, fun sort of 80s-style Peter Parker shenanigans.
ANGEL AFTER THE FALL #4
Just a local note — the warehouse that serves a lot of the local stores didn’t get all of these shipped, so your local store might only have about 40% of its order. The rest should show up next week. Please don’t harass your retailer unjustly.
ARCHIE #582
ASPEN SHOWCASE GRACE #1
ASSEMBLED FIVE DECADES OF EARTHS MIGHTIEST SC
I had a chance to read this a while back, and I’d say it’s a must for hardcore Avengers fans, and it should be interesting even for many of the casual fans.
AVENGERS CLASSIC #9
BATMAN ALL STAR POSTER
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #4
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #13
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ORIGINS #3
BIRDS OF PREY #115
BLACK SUMMER AUXILIARY #3 (OF 7) (MR)
BONEYARD COLOR ED TP VOL 03
BOYS TP VOL 02 GET SOME (MR) (C: 0-0-2)
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #10
In my perfect world, this Mark Waid-George Perez classic superhero team-up title would be selling a million copies.
CABLE DEADPOOL #50
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #22
CATWOMAN #76
CATWOMAN CATWOMANS DEAD TP
CHECKMATE #23
CLASSIC TRANSFORMERS VOL 1TP
CONAN #49 (MR)
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 10
DEATH OF THE NEW GODS #6 (OF 
DRAFTED #5
EX MACHINA #34 (MR)
EYESHIELD 21 TP VOL 18 (C: 1-0-0)
FABLEWOOD GN VOL 01 (C: 0-0-1)
FEAR AGENT TP LAST GOODBYE (C: 0-1-2)
FLASH #237
A fill-in issue by Keith Champagne, with art by Koi Turnbull, who’s worked on some Aspen properties.
FLASH BLOOD WILL RUN TP NEW ED
FORGOTTEN REALMS THE LEGACY #1 (OF 3)
GODLAND #21
GREASE MONKEY GN (C: 0-1-2)
GREEN LANTERN HC VOL 01 THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR
This was also on the list last week — but it should actually arrive this week. If you missed this in the comics, or you just want it in a permanent form, this is a great collection kicking of what was the best comics crossover of 2007.
GRENDEL BEHOLD THE DEVIL #4 (OF
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #21 (MR) (C: 0-0-2)
GRIMM FAIRY TALES RETURN TO WONDERLAND #6 (OF 6) (MR) (C: 0-GRIMM FAIRY TALES RETURN WONDERLAND FOLD CVR #6 (OF 6) (MR)HACK SLASH SERIES #9 SEELEY CVR A (MR)
HACK SLASH SERIES #9 STONE CVR B (MR)
HAWAIIAN DICK #3
HORRORWOOD VOL 1 DIRECTORS CUT ED
Brent Schoonover (“Astronaut Dad”) is an underrated artist. ”Horrorwood,” written by Brandon Terrell with art by Schoonover, is an atmospheric, Hitchcockian tale of 1950s Hollywood.
HULK #2
Red Hulk debuts. More or less. If you didn’t look at the cover of the last issue.
HUNTER KILLER TP VOL 01
Mark Waid and Marc Silvestri — I was interested in this when it came out, but it seems like delays caused me to lose track of it. This is issue #0 plus 1-12 and the “dossier” for $24.99.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST ORSON RANDALL GREEN MIST OF DEATH
Orson Randall is the “Golden Age” Iron Fist. He’s explored in this one-shot by writer Matt Fraction, with artists including Mitch Breitweiser (“Captain America: Chosen”) and Russ Heath.
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #114
Another series I recommend. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente have the Avengers on the trail of Hercules.
INVINCIBLE #48
IRON MAN #26
IRON MAN TP MANY ARMORS OF IRON MAN NEW PTG
JENNA JAMESONS SHADOW HUNTER #1
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF
AMERICA #18
KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #136
LIONS TIGERS & BEARS TP VOL 02
LOCKE & KEY #1
A supernatural thriller by best-selling author Joe Hill (“Heart-Shaped Box”). I’ve read this one, and it should appeal to “Sandman” fans, among others.
LONERS TP
LOVELESS #22 (MR)
MADAME MIRAGE #5
MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #21
MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE #8
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED ILIAD #3 (OF
MIGHTY AVENGERS #9
NEGATION VOL 3 HOUNDED TP
NEW AVENGERS #38 SII
ORDER #8
ORDER TP VOL 01 NEXT RIGHT THING
PATH OF THE ASSASSIN VOL 9 TP (MR) (C: 1-1-2)
PAUL GOES FISHING GN (MR)
The “Paul” graphic novels from Drawn and Quarterly are always worth reading. In “Paul Goes Fishing,” the fourth installment in Michel Rabagliati’s semi-autobiographical series, Paul recalls his childhood as his wife goes through pregnancy.
PERHAPANAUTS ANNUAL #1
PROGRAMME #8 (OF 12)
PVP #38
RED SONJA #30
REX MUNDI DH ED #10
ROBIN #171
ROD ESPINOSA PRINCE OF HEROES #2 (OF 3)
ROD ESPINOSAS ALICE IN WONDERLAND MASTERPIECE EDITION SC
RUNAWAYS #29
SCOOBY DOO #129
SCREAM #4 (OF 4)
SHADOWPACT #22
SHOJO BEAT MAR 08 (C: 1-0-0)
SIGIL VOL 6 PLANETARY UNION TP
SIMPSONS COMICS #139
SKETCH MAGAZINE #34 (C: 0-1-2)
SOJOURN VOL 6 A BERSERKERS TALE TP
SPIRIT #14
STAR WARS 30TH ANNIV COLL VOL 12 HC LEGACY
STAR WARS DARK TIMES #9 (C: 1-0-0)
SUPERMAN BATMAN #46
SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #12
TERROR INC #5 (OF 5) (MR)
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT ARCEE
ULTIMATE HUMAN #2 (OF 4)
ULTIMATE X-MEN #91
ULTIMATES 3 #3 (OF 5)
UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE #6
UN-MEN #7 (MR)
VERONICA #187
WALT DISNEY TREASURES TP VOL 02
UNCLE SCROOGE WILDSTORM REVELATIONS #4 (OF 6)
WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA #12 (MR)
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #22
WONDER GIRL #6 (OF 6)
WORLD OF WARCRAFT #4
WORLD WAR HULK AFTERSMASH WARBOUND #3 (OF 5)
YOUNGBLOOD #2
I’m curious enough to keep reading Joe Casey and Derec Donovan’s update of Rob Liefeld’s 1990s hit. (Though the Alan Moore version remains my favorite.)
YU GI OH MILLENNIUM WORLD TP VOL 07 (C: 1-0-0)
YU YU HAKUSHO TP VOL 14 (C: 1-0-0)
ZORRO #1
Written by Matt Wagner with art by Francisco Francavilla. Dynamite has done good stuff with “The Lone Ranger,” and Wagner seems an excellent choice for writer, so I’ll check this one out.
– Matt Price
Sex, lies and private eyes
Moonstone Books has announced “Sex, Lies and Private Eyes” as part of their “Crime Wave” of releases for August.
Contributors include Max Allan Collins (“Road to Perdition”), Mike W. Barr (“Batman and the Outsiders”), Steven Grant (“The Punisher”) and Mike Bullock (“The Phantom”).
Moonstone says of the collection of stories:
When it comes to sex, lies often follow… and in the dark heart of the city, death can be the ultimate payback!
Characters in this original noir collection include Johnny Dollar, Jack Hagee, PI; Sherlock Holmes, the Maze Agency and Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
– Matt Price
“Mr. Media” talks to Wendy and Richard Pini
I had apparently missed this when it first released, but Bob “Mr. Media” Andelman has an interesting interview with the powers behind WaRP Graphics, Wendy and Richard Pini. Adelman talks to the Pinis about their current project, an online adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.”
Interesting bit about the beginnings of “ElfQuest” and the independent comics movement of the late 70s and early 80s:
WENDY PINI: Let me jump in here and say that for the first few years, we didn’t know what Elfquest was going to be. Was it going to be an elaborate hobby? It was certainly making money for us, but at the time, Richard was working for IBM, and we just felt that having that security blanket, in other words, flying with a net of IBM, made things a lot less stressful. The decision Richard had to go through as to whether or not to quit IBM and go full time as an independent publisher, particularly when there was no precedent for this. We really had no role models at the time. Elfquest was one of the very first independents, and we knew a few other people who were doing things in different ways, but there was no situation that was particularly like ours. It really took months and months for the decision to be made to let go of the safety net and to just fly in freefall. And fortunately, Elfquest did have wings — and how many flying metaphors am I piling up here? So we were very lucky in that regard. For the “Classic ‘Quest,” which is covered by the first four volumes, the sales just kept going up and up and up and up to the point where, around about issue #18, we were selling 100,000 copies. We were selling as much as X-Men at the time.
Lots more in the interview, including how “ElfQuest” fans are reacting to the Pinis’ current project. More from Mr. Media is at mrmedia.com. For more about the Pinis and ElfQuest, see ElfQuest.com.
– Matt Price
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Red Hulk at USA Today
The first full appearance of the red Hulk — in “Hulk” #2 — gets previewed at USA Today.
FROM USA TODAY:
Captain America is dead. Spider-Man is single again. And now the Incredible Hulk is turning incredibly red.
Looking to boost sales and generate gamma rays of buzz before this summer’s new Hulk movie, due June 13, Marvel Comics is replacing the Green Goliath with a raging red monster in a revamped Hulk #2. It goes on sale Wednesday.
The story line, wrapped in a murder mystery by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness, centers on the identity of the Red Hulk, who may or may not be Bruce Banner and who is even more savage than the green version.
“I wanted to bring a danger back to the book,” Loeb says. “The Red Hulk is the kind of Hulk we haven’t seen before — a thinking, calculating, brutal weapon-toting kind of Hulk.
“Everything the Green Hulk isn’t, the Red Hulk is.”
—-
Admittedly, the Red Hulk was spied on the cover of “Hulk” #1, but he’s making his first in-story appearance here. I can’t really see “Red Hulk” being a hit along the lines of the death of Captain America, but, Loeb is doing a good job of continuing the buzz on the Hulk after Greg Pak’s excellent runs on “Planet Hulk” and “World War Hulk.” (And, fans of those books should also be checking out the Incredible Hercules, who took over the Hulk’s pre-relaunch numbering.) Meanwhile, Iron Man, fairly fresh off getting beaten up by local favorite Thor, faces off against the Hulk in this issue.
– Matt Price
