Sherlock Holmes solves mysteries in comics, too
Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Sherlock Holmes in the film “Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows,” in theaters this week. While most know that Downey’s other best-known role, that of Iron Man, comes from a line of Marvel Comics, fewer might be aware that Holmes, who originated in the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle, has made frequent forays into comic books as well.
Report: George R.R. Martin’s “Wild Cards” optioned for film
The superhero anthology series “Wild Cards,” edited by author George R.R. Martin, may soon have a film adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Syfy Films, aa joint venture of Syfy and Universal Pictures, has acquired the screen rights to “Wild Cards.” Several authors created the world of the “Wild Cards,” in which an alien virus killed most it came in contact with, but mutated a few into sometimes powerful but always deformed or damaged “jokers.” An even smaller percentage became superpowered “Aces.”
Melinda Snodgrass, a co-creator and co-writer on the series, will write the screenplay, and will executive produce with Martin.
The series has a wide cast of characters and a decades-spanning story, and was among the first (along with comics like “Watchmen”) to deal with what the real-world implications of superpowers might be.
- Matt Price
“Real Steel” found origin in Richard Matheson tale
Hugh Jackman plays a down-on-his luck former boxer who’s now the manager of a robot fighter in “Real Steel.” In the world of the film, human boxing has been outlawed, and all boxing is now done by mechanical fighters.
Some readers may recall this premise from an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” “Real Steel” is partially based on the short story “Steel” by Richard Matheson. The story was first released in 1956, in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Matheson adapted his short story in 1963 for the fifth-season “Twilight Zone” episode “Steel.”
Timothy Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” sparked “Star Wars” renaissance
It’s hard to imagine now, but for about six years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, “Star Wars” was largely in hibernation.
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Private eye investigates superheroes in “Bob Moore: No Hero”
Bob Moore: No Hero
A private investigator in a world of superheroes is asked to help the man who destroyed his marriage. “Bob Moore: No Hero” by Australia-based author and journalist Tom Andry.
The e-book is available now, with a paperback to follow in February. The sequel to “No Hero,” “Desperate Times,” is set for release this month, and a third book is in the works. You can download “No Hero” for free at tomandry.com.
“He’s a guy who deals with supers on a regular basis, but doesn’t have any powers himself,” Andry said in an email interview. “He gets by with a few gadgets and access to information that gives him a leg up on the supers. In “Bob Moore: No Hero”, Bob confronts a super from his past. Bob blames this super for the dissolution of his marriage. But when superheroes start to disappear, Bob reluctantly agrees to help him.
Tom Andry Q&A on “Bob Moore: No Hero”
Tom Andry
Tom Andry, father of three boys, is the Associate Editor of Audioholics.com and host of the AV Rant podcast. He’s now also an author, and his superhero novel “Bob Moore: No Hero” is nearing 50,000 downloads. A paperback version is to follow in February. The sequel to “No Hero,” “Desperate Times,” is set for release this month, and a third book is in the works. You can download “No Hero” for free at tomandry.com. He answered some questions for Nerdage about the book.
“Captain America” co-creator Joe Simon tells life story in new book
The cover to Joe Simon's autobiography, "Joe Simon: My Life in Comics," from Titan Publishing. Copyright 2011 Joseph H. Simon
The 97-year-old co-creator of Captain America tells his life story in “Joe Simon: My Life in Comics” by Titan Books.
There’s no better time than a long Independence Day weekend to celebrate the co-creator, with Jack Kirby, of the most All-American of heroes. The Chris Evans movie “Captain America: The First Avenger,” releasing July 22, has the World War II character at perhaps his highest profile since the 1940s.
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John Carter novels to be adapted to comics by Marvel
Marvel Entertainment has announced a collaboration with the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate to create new graphic fiction adaptations of the John Carter novels, beginning with John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1 (of 5) in September 2011.
“With our new partnership with Marvel Entertainment, we believe we have found the best creative force to revive the thrills and adventures in the 21st Century of the legendary John Carter of Mars. We are looking forward to introducing this original interplanetary adventurer to a new generation of fans and await the first issue with great anticipation,” said James Sullos, President of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., in a news release.
According to the news release, by working closely with the ERB estate, all John Carter comics produced with Marvel Entertainment will be considered part of the official canon.
Here’s how Marvel describes the series: Transported to the dying planet of Mars, Captain John Carter must now fight for his life against creatures unlike any ever seen by mankind. But as he finds himself enveloped by an alien civil war, he meets the proud and beautiful Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, who will change his life forever!
Writer Roger Langridge and artist Filipe Andrade are the creative team for the project, which will feature covers by Skottie Young.
“Edgar Rice Burroughs created one of the great action heroes in John Carter and we’re excited to bring his novels to comics for a new generation,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor-In-Chief, in a news release. “Roger and Filipe are going to blow everyone away with their take on the John Carter novels, keeping fans new and old on the edge of their seats.”
Superman’s fight against the KKK and more examined in “War, Politics and Superheroes”
War, Politics and Superheroes by Marc DiPaolo
What’s Superman’s stance on the death penalty? Who might Spider-Man vote for? Marc DiPaolo, assistant professor of English and film at Oklahoma City University, has examined the political leanings, often subtextual, of comic-book superheroes.
“War, Politics, and Superheroes: Ethics and Propaganda in Comics and Film” was released by McFarland and Co. last month.
Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook by Jason Heller provides creative look at pirate mythos
With the release of the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, “On Stranger Tides,” Quirk Books has released a humorous tie-in to the adventures of pirate Captain Jack Sparrow with “The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook.”
A.V. Club journalist Jason Heller writes the handbook, and shared some of his processes and ideas about pirates in an e-mail interview.
