Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my Nerdage readers!

Archaia sent out a special Valentine’s Day card from the creators of “Mr. Murder is Dead” to celebrate the holiday.  It’s in the style of the paper Valentines that grade school kids cut out and share, but with a “Mr. Murder” twist.

Here’s a description of the graphic novel from Archaia:

Mr. Murder Is Dead is an original graphic novel first published by Archaia in September 2011. There’s been a murder—Mr. Murder is found dead! Old Gould Kane, long into his retirement as a top cop, looks to be the #1 suspect with a motive so deep and intense even Gould’s old partner suspects him. But the truth is Gould’s the only cop worth a damn to solve the cryptic case. The clues could lead Gould to a new and perhaps even greater profession in his twilight… as a very bad man. Mr. Murder is Dead is a “who didn’t do it” set in the fading world of Golden Age comic strips. A criminal’s lament to all things past, present and meaningless. Written by Victor Quinaz and illustrated by Brent Schoonover (Astronaut Dad). Published in partnership with Zachary Quinto (“Star Trek,” “Heroes”) and Before the Door.

Click past the cut for the Valentine’s Day card!

- Matt Price

Writer/artist Terry Moore and managing editor Robyn Moore discuss "Rachel Rising" and other books from Abstract Studio at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting in Dallas.

DALLAS — The ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting for 2012 has closed, and many attendees touched on the importance of stability.   After the tumult of the past few years, retailers seem to be refocused on improving their stores and maintaining profitability.   While some stores are looking at expansion, it seemed that the plans for some publishers’ lines were becoming tighter and more focused.

Consistency was seen as key to success; Terry Moore attributed much of his success in “Strangers in Paradise,” “Echo” and “Rachel Rising” to putting out a comic every six weeks on a consistent schedule.  The gathered retailers were extremely receptive to Moore and excited to continue working with him.

Among the reasons retailers believe the DC “New 52″ has been such a success is the consistent shipping schedule.  DC announced the vast majority of the books shipped on time, with only two slipping from their planned date (including the most recent and an upcoming issue of “Justice League”).   Those could have shipped on time, but would have involved shipping part of the story arc out of order, and it was determined by DC that pushing the books a week each would be less harmful to sales.

Image’s Eric Stephenson gave a great speech celebrating creativity and independence.

“Creativity starts with people,” Stephenson said.  “The reckless spirits who can’t stand still, the fearless minds who refuse to play it safe.  At Image Comics, we believe in creative people.  For 20 years, we’ve made a home for them. A place where they can be creative – on their own terms.”

He said Image’s safe harbor for creativity on its own terms should resonate with the direct market, where each independent store celebrates creativity on its own terms as well.

Diamond Comics reported that the direct market was up overall 1.8 percent in 2011, and 1.2 percent in the comics category.

The event was again incredibly well-run and organized; kudos to the ComicsPRO board of directors and executive director Amanda Emmert.

Short takes

- DC plans to work with retailers to market “Before Watchmen” using some of the same tools that were used with great success on “The New 52.”

- Dynamite plans an extensive sales push for “The Shadow,” including hand-drawn variants by Jae Lee (1:200) and Alex Ross (1:250).

- Avatar plans to market “C-Day” on March 14, with a reissue of “Crossed” #0 called “Get Infected.”

- DC’s Vertigo plans a free preview comic of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” graphic novel, which should be in stores in time for Free Comic Book Day.  The graphic novel will go on sale in April 2012.

- Image’s recent string of successes could very well continue in the upcoming “Glory” and “Hell, Yeah” from Joe Keatinge.   Pages from Brian K. Vaughan also looked very impressive.

- Distributor Baker and Taylor will continue its web hosting program and is rolling out an additional stocking program for ComicsPRO members.

- Boom! Studios again entertained retailers after-hours in the Boom! RV, and showed retailers art from its upcoming “Fanboys vs. Zombies” at its Saturday breakfast presentation.

- Diamond reported that the number of Free Comic Book Day comics ordered has increased in 2012, from 2.77 million in 2011 to 3.34 million so far in 2012 (with some time still available for advance reorders).

- Valiant Comics has extensive marketing plans for “X-O Manowar” No. 1, including what looks like a very cool and interactive store poster using a QR code.

- Marvel was pleased with the response for the “Avengers vs. X-Men” parties and reiterated that comic will have huge interest to Marvel fans.

- Papercutz reported that the “Ninjago” LEGO tie-in graphic novels have more than 200,000 copies in print and have been a huge phenomenon for the publisher.

- IDW reported that 2011 showed the largest sales in the company’s history. Upcoming for the publisher include a second “Rocketeer Adventures” anthology and a Steve Niles/Bernie Wrightson “Frankenstein” project.   IDW also plans an upscale Artists Edition of “Daredevil: Born Again.”

- First Second showed a copy of its upcoming “Baby’s In Black” graphic novel, which tells the story of Stu Sutcliffe and the Beatles.

- Graphitti plans an Animal Man shirt that will tie directly into the comic book, as one of the characters is wearing the shirt in an upcoming issue.

- Bonfire Agency continues to develop possible plans for retailers and national brands to interact.

- Studio 407 showed previews of its upcoming projects, including “Heroes Unlimited,” the first issue of which is slated to cost just $1.

- BioWorld showed retailers upcoming products and designs in apparel and accessories, including a TMNT backpack.

- Archaia showed off previews of its impressive hardcover line and talked about the upcoming Archaia FCBD hardcover edition.   This edition is Archaia’s highest-ever ordered FCBD comic.

- Matt Price
Click past the cut for more images from the meeting.

DALLAS — Thomas Gaul of Corner Store Comics and Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim, Calif., has been elected to the board of directors of ComicsPRO, the national comic-book retailer organization.

Gaul will replace Brian Hibbs of Comix Experience in San Francisco, a founding member of the board.

ComicsPRO president Joe Field announced the election at Friday’s breakfast at the ComicsPRO annual members’ meeting.

- Matt Price

Mike Richardson of Dark Horse.

DALLAS — Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson gave the keynote address at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting this morning, speaking to the history and possible future of comics.

“For the comics industry, changes have been a constant and necessary partner,” Richardson said, tracing the medium’s early beginnings, to the success of Superman, to the censorship of the 1950s and the efforts of Frederic Wertham.

“The comic book industry essentially muzzled itself,” he said.

Comics came back in the 1960s, but the low cover prices eventually found comics being forced out at newsstands and retail stores.   Phil Seuling’s establishment of the direct comics market saved comics, Richardson said, and directly allowed companies like Dark Horse to exist.

The Dark Horse publisher recounted his origins in comics as a retailer, leaving a good job as a commercial artist to start a comic book store, a choice that led to an intervention from several of his friends.  After a few hours, he eventually told them he’d give up his comic-book dreams — but of course, he did not.

His plans to start a comic shop came from his own difficulties buying comics, having to stake out gas stations and try to avoid being judged by other patrons.

“It came to me that there might be a better way to sell comics,” he said.

Once he started his store, he not only saw the kids, teens and young adults he expected, but also plenty of adults, he said.

“All they needed was a destination — a place to go talk comics.”

That can’t completely be replaced digitally, Richardson said, but he sees a huge opportunity to grow the comics market through a digital strategy.

“Comics specialty stores are our lifeblood,” he said. “The last thing I would want to do is harm that market.”

Richardson cited a study that there could be 1 billion tablet computers in circulation in 2016.

“Would 1 percent of tablet readers download a comic?” Richardson asked.  That could be as many as 10 million people.  If 10 percent of those samplers sought out a comic book store, that could double the size of the existing comic book market, Richardson estimates.

“If we want to grow our industry, we need to take some chances,” Richardson said.

One of those chances that need to be taken is publishing a wider variety of comics, Richardson said.

“Publishers need to create new titles that will stand the test of time,” he said.

Going forward, Richardson said the direct market will be a key market for keeping comics vibrant.

“It was you who allowed comics to flourish when the bookstores were not interested,” he said.  He said the few thousand direct-market retailers, in a market created to solve a particular problem, have become the engine through which future market problems can be solved.

“I came to listen to what you have to say,” Richardson said.

He said he moved into comics as a career out of love, and that he loves reading, making and selling them.  And he closed by holding up a recent Dark Horse comic.

“And I love to hold them,” he said.

- Matt Price

DALLAS — DC Entertainment executives at the annual ComicsPRO meeting spoke of wanting to maintain momentum from The New 52 relaunch in 2012, as those products are released in graphic novel format. The publisher also plans for big things in 2012 from the “Watchmen” prequel and graphic novels tied to the release of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

The publisher will release six new titles as part of the “Second Wave” of The New 52, replacing six cancelled titles. Four of those titles will be released on 5/2/2012, which is a tie-in of sorts to the “52″ number.

The Free Comic Book Day 2012 book from DC will include new content tied to the New 52, including a four-page spread by Jim Lee, which was shown briefly onscreen at the meeting.

DC’s Bob Wayne said he expected “Batman, Incorporated” to be the biggest launch of the second wave, but heaped praise on another title, “Dial H,” written by novelist China Miéville.

“What I said was, it was the best proposal I had seen since Neil’s proposal for ‘Sandman,’” Wayne said, referring to the best-selling comic-book series from Neil Gaiman.

DC showed a list of quotes related to the “Before Watchmen” announcement, including Alan Moore’s statement that the idea was “completely shameless.”   DC execs said the announcement was covered across a wide swath of media.

John Cunningham of DC said the publisher had an extensive marketing plan for the “Before Watchmen” titles.

“Our goal is to build the interest in order to get people in the stores on day one,” he said.

“Before Watchmen” will also have tie-in DC Direct merchandise, including 9” resin statues of the Comedian and Rorschach.

“The Dark Knight Rises,” the last film in Christopher Nolan’s Bat-trilogy, is set for summer release, and DC’s Bob Wayne reminded retailers to be sure to have related Batman graphic novels in stock, including the new printing of “The Long Halloween,” which has a Nolan quote on the cover.

Wayne also encouraged retailers to check out the upcoming “Batman vs. Bane” graphic novel and the repackaging of the “Knightfall” trades for readers interested in Bane.  He also suggested the upcoming Chip Kidd “Death by Design” and the Geoff Johns-Gary Frank “Batman: Earth One” as good tie-ins for the summer of “Dark Knight Rises.”

- Matt Price

DALLAS — How will the rest of the comics market strike back?

That was one of the questions being asked around tables and in small groups at an informal meet-and-greet prior to the kickoff of the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting.

Since last year’s ComicsPRO meeting, DC Comics has shaken up the sales charts with its Sept. 2011 relaunch.  In January, 5 months into the relaunch, DC Comics claimed all 10 of the top 10 comics in Diamond Comic Distributors monthly sales charts.

Because the comics market is often reactive, some retailers at the meeting openly wondered how DC’s competition might react to DC’s 2011 moves.

In early 2012, one company already seems to be shaking things up: Image Comics.  Retailers reported very strong sales for the Image title “Fatale” and also for “Thief of Thieves,” released in comic shops today.

“Thief of Thieves” is co-written by Robert Kirkman and Nick Spencer.   Kirkman is the co-creator of “The Walking Dead” comic-book series, which has had great success adapted for television on AMC.  Some have suggested there’s a “Walking Dead” spillover effect that’s helping the entire Image line, especially those properties tied to Kirkman.

There was also talk about Marvel’s upcoming “Avengers vs. X-Men” promotion, and the promotional idea allowing stores to sign up as supporting the Avengers or the X-Men.

At last year’s preview night, stores said some of the major problems facing the market were generating excitement, late-shipping books, and the still-lagging economy.  This year, many of those problems have been addressed.  While the economy overall is still recovering, DC’s relaunch helped generate excitement and prove that a major publisher could stick to a largely on-time schedule.    Retailers remain interested in DC’s upcoming plans, including those about DC Comics’ just-announced “Before Watchmen” program. Many retailers are curious about how the series will be marketed in comic-book stores.

Thursday at the meeting will be a day of programming from DC Comics; other sponsors will share their programming on Friday and Saturday, in addition to retail-focused discussion and programming.   The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund will hold the First Annual Retailer Auction, at the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting at 9 p.m. Friday.

With even more stores expected to attend the meeting than last year, it’s up to the gathered sponsors to get these decision-makers on board with their upcoming projects.  With many stores feeling on firmer footing than in 2011, they’re actively looking for the new product or title that will get more people in the door and their money in the register.

- Matt Price

Mike Richardson of Dark Horse.

The sixth annual ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting is set for next week in Dallas, as comic-book specialty retailers from across the country congregate to meet with vendors and suppliers, and plan objectives for the upcoming year.

The 2012 keynote speaker is Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics, president of Dark Horse Entertainment and owner of the retail store chain Things From Another World.

Richardson has written comics including “The Secret” and “Living With the Dead,” and through Dark Horse Entertainment has developed and produced projects for TV and film.

Richardson was a producer on “The Mask” and “Hellboy,” among others, and is a producer on the upcoming “R.I.P.D.,” starring Ryan Reynolds. Those three properties were based on Dark Horse comic books.

“He’s worked in the comic-book industry from almost every angle, so we’re looking forward to his speech and his thoughts on the future of the industry,” said Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO’s executive director.

Though show sponsorship is closed, comic-book retailers can register right up to the official start of the meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday. (A Wednesday night meet-and-greet is available for preregistered retailers.) For information on registration, retailers can visit www.comicspro.org.

Joe Field, president of ComicsPRO, said he expected some breaking news to come out of this year’s meeting.

Joe Field

“As is the custom for comic conventions, publishers will make announcements about upcoming projects,” he said. “Unique to retailer-centric events, though, and particular to ComicsPRO, suppliers will talk about things that directly impact the business side of the comics industry. Will there be surprises?”

Suppliers attending include DC Comics, Baker and Taylor, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics and Papercutz, among others.

Field said the wide range of retailers and suppliers makes the meeting a great place to get the pulse of the comics market.

“More so than at any consumer comics/pop culture convention, the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting gives a great sense of how healthy the comics specialty market is,” he said.

Also expected to be in attendance are Todd McFarlane (“Spawn”), Terry Moore (“Strangers in Paradise”), and DC Comics co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee. Well-known retailer Brian Hibbs will step down from the board of directors of ComicsPRO, and a new board member will be elected.

The 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award will be presented at the meeting. This award honors those who work in comics, often behind the scenes, to smooth the process of moving comic books from creator to fan.

This year’s nominees are Cindy Fournier of Diamond Comic Distributors, David Gabriel of Marvel Comics, Robert Kirkman of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson of Image Comics and Bob Wayne of DC Comics.

The nominees for the 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award, to honor those who have passed away but whose work left a positive mark on the comics specialty retailing, are Julius Schwartz and Phil Seuling.

Those interested can follow daily updates from the meeting at comicspro.blogspot.com and blog.newsok.com/nerdage.

- Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

DC Comics regained the public’s attention — and the lead in market share — with a publicized revamp of its superhero line, but not all of the year’s best comics involved capes and tights.

The following are 2011′s best 10 periodical comic books.

1. “Detective Comics 871-881,” Scott Snyder, Jock and Franco Francavilla.

The new Batman, Dick Grayson, is put to the test as a series of brutal murders puts him up against one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.

In the second story, “Hungry City,” the corpse of a killer whale is found in an upscale Gotham City bank, sparking a deadly new mystery.

Snyder’s opus, which includes the mystery of Commissioner Gordon’s son, is a candidate for best Batman tale of the current decade. DC was suitably impressed with Snyder, tabbing him as the writer of its relaunched “Batman” title.

2. “Criminal: The Last of the Innocent,” Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips.

Brubaker (“Captain America”) is one of comics’ finest writers, and this is among his best books, a mixture of noir and nostalgia that’s part twisted take on “Archie”-style characters, part dark secrets and murder. Artist Phillips creates compelling stories in two completely different styles for “Innocent.” Riley Richards seems as if he had it all, marrying the hottest girl in town and moving on to the big city. But now, he can’t forget his simpler life in Brookview. He’s willing to do anything to roll back the clock — including murder.

3. “The Red Wing,” Jonathan Hickman, Nick Pitarra.

Hickman (“Fantastic Four”) writes a story of fighter pilots in the future who fight their battles not only in the air, but also through time. Art by Pitarra.

4. “Action Comics,” Grant Morrison, Rags Morales

In Morrison’s much-hyped revamp of “Action Comics,” a young, brash Superman goes about his business in work boots and blue jeans, rustling up corporate criminals and raising the ire of everyone from the police and military to Lex Luthor, a brash industrialist who doesn’t much cotton to the idea of a superhuman.

Superman’s a bit arrogant, but very much easy to root for, as he attempts to stand up to bullies of all stripes.

5. “Daredevil,” Mark Waid, Pablo Rivera, Marcos Martin.

Writer Waid and artists Rivera and Martin brought Daredevil back to his swashbuckling past in the 2011 relaunch of “Daredevil.” Waid also shows the keen legal mind of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who is Daredevil. Murdock tries to keep his legal and vigilante worlds separate, despite his secret identity being somewhat known.

6. “Who Is Jake Ellis?,” Nathan Edmondson, Tonci Zonjic.

The collection of this 5-issue miniseries features former spy Jon Moore, now a mercenary. He’s able to escape capture in part because of the voice in his head — the voice of Jake Ellis. But who is Jake Ellis? He’s a man only Jon can see, providing information on safe escapes and possible threats. The mystery of Ellis, and Jon’s quest to discover the secrets behind it, are what writer Edmondson and artist Zonjic have laid out in this fast-paced espionage thriller from Image Comics.

7. “The Rocketeer Adventures,” various creators.

Dave Stevens created the Rocketeer in the early 1980s, a tribute to the serials of the 1930s and 1940s as pilot Cliff Secord finds a jet pack that allows him to race through the air. He, his mentor Peavy and girlfriend Betty (modeled after Bettie Page) starred in several adventures by Stevens and a 1991 motion picture. Stevens died in 2008, but IDW brought back his character The Rocketeer in 2011, with an anthology series that in part benefits hairy cell leukemia research.

That would be reason enough to buy “The Rocketeer Adventures,” but the all-star lineup of creators has made a book that’s one of the year’s best. Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Jonathon Ross, Mike Allred, John Cassaday, Darwyn Cooke, Bruce Timm, Kyle Baker, Gene Ha, Michael Wm. Kaluta and Chris Weston contribute to this lovely taste of 1930s-style adventures.

8. “Animal Man,” Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman, Dan Green.

Writer Lemire joins artists Foreman and Green for DC’s revamp of “Animal Man,” which became one of the breakout hits of the New 52. Lemire is channeling Morrison’s take on the character, so readers of the 1980s Buddy Baker will find much to enjoy. The art’s a little different from the DC norm, but conveys the story’s mix of domesticity and dread.

9. “The Sixth Gun,” Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt.

An Oni Press Western with supernatural horror elements, “The Sixth Gun” follows the path of six cursed guns during the darkest days of the Civil War. Bunn and Hurtt are the creative team.

10. “American Vampire,” Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque

Also written by Snyder, “American Vampire” follows the exploits of a new breed of “American Vampire” that has the ability to feed in the sun. The 1880s outlaw Skinner Sweet and 1920s actress Pearl Jones make their way to Las Vegas circa 1935; later the series follows Pearl and her husband into the World War II era.

- Matt Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Click here for the best graphic novels of 2011.

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s “Batman: Earth One” will be released in 2012, and DC Comics has released preview art from the book at the DC Comics Source blog.

The book is a retelling of the Batman legend in a contemporary setting.

“Gary and I are tackling BATMAN from the beginning, before he knows what he’s doing and with a very different ultimate goal in mind,” said Johns. “He’s never left Gotham. And our Gotham and the people in it are very gray. Our heroes unlikely. Our villains hidden. Our story is only beginning with volume one.”

Also, the best-selling “Superman: Earth One,” by J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis, will be getting a second volume in 2012.

“The overwhelming success of volume one of SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE – 37 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list for graphic novels – meant we had to ensure that Volume Two was even better,” said Straczynski.  Preview art for vol. 2 was also released at the Source blog.

- Matt Price
Click past the cut to see the preview art released for the two books.

Batman: Noel

Comics fans could have a very Batty Christmas with the cool Bat-themed gifts available this year.

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” the hardcover graphic novel “Batman: Noel” ($22.99) features different interpretations of the Dark Knight from various eras. Different cast members from “Batman” take on roles from “A Christmas Carol,” including Robin, Superman, Catwoman and the Joker.

The story is written and drawn by Lee Bermejo, who drew the hit “Joker” original graphic novel in 2008.
For fans who want something more interactive, the “Arkham City” video game ($59.99 for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3; $49.99 for Windows PC; $99.99 collector’s edition) features Batman battling foes in a large slum now used to house the criminally insane. The game is written by Paul Dini, who also wrote the tie-in graphic novel ($22.99).

To fully immerse yourself in the game, check out the cool Batarang Controller for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 ($49.99).

For fans who want to dig deep into Batman lore, Mathew K. Manning’s “The Batman Files” ($100) begins with Bruce Wayne’s childhood and continues along a timeline of events, with significant scrapbook-type information included.

One of the best Batman arcs of recent years has been released in hardcover in time for holiday shopping. Scott Snyder’s entire “Detective Comics” run is collected in the “Black Mirror” hardcover ($29.99) from DC Comics.

In “The Black Mirror,” the new Batman, Dick Grayson, is put to the test as a series of brutal murders puts him up against one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.

A second story, “Hungry City,” is also collected in the hardcover, in which the corpse of a killer whale is found in an upscale Gotham City bank, sparking a deadly new mystery.

The collection, with stories from “Detective Comics” Nos. 871-881, is a candidate for best Batman tale of the current decade.

If you aren’t a Bat-fan, don’t feel like the holidays are passing you by. Here are some other suggestions for comic fans:

“Parker: The Martini Edition”: ($75) This edition collects the two Darwyn Cooke (“The New Frontier”) adaptations of Donald Westlake’s “Parker” novels, which he wrote under the name Richard Stark. The double-crossed small-time hood Parker is out to get revenge on those who did him wrong, and he does so with explosive consequences. Cooke is the perfect artist to adapt this ’60s-era hard-boiled tale. This edition features “The Hunter” and “The Outfit” in and oversized, slipcased hardcover edition with an additional 65 pages of content and a brand-new story.

“MetaMaus”: ($35) Art Spiegelman looks back at his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel “Maus” 25 years after its publication. MetaMaus includes a bonus DVD-R with digitized reference copy of “The Complete Maus,” linked to audio interviews, notebooks and historical documents.

“Donald Duck: Lost in the Andes”: ($24.99) Some of the greatest Carl Barks Donald Duck comics are being collected in affordable hardcover editions. This collection contains “Lost in the Andes” and other Barks stories. These all-ages adventures have been fan favorites for more than 50 years.

“Return to Perdition”: ($19.99) Max Allan Collins and Terry Beatty provide another chapter in the life of the O’Sullivan crime family.

“Jim Henson’s The Storyteller” ($19.99): The live-action/puppet combination TV show comes to graphic novels with all new stories from a great lineup of comic book creators, including Roger Langridge (“The Muppet Show” comic), Marjorie Liu (“Black Widow”), Ron Marz (“Artifacts”), Jeff Parker (“Thunderbolts”), Francesco Francavilla (“Detective Comics”) and more.

- by Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Matt and Kyle take a look at the Kindle Fire’s options for comics; the Avengers release new posters; and Roy Thomas talks about Conan the Barbarian in this week’s comics podcast.

FIRE AWAY
The Kindle Fire offers comics via graphic novel sales on Amazon.com and the comiXology app that comes pre-installed on the tablet. The comiXology reader links to any existing comiXology account. Its reader is preferable to the Fire’s native browser for comics, which will feature several DC graphic novels.

NEW AVENGERS POSTER

A brand new banner featuring the core four members of “The Avengers” — Captain America, Bruce Banner, Iron Man and Thor, from left to right — has premiered over at Yahoo Movies.

http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/movie-stills/gallery/3403/the-avengers-stills#info

CONAN GIVEAWAY

Lionsgate Home Entertainment is  releasing  Conan the Barbarian on 3D/2D Blu-ray Combo Pack, 2D   Blu-ray Disc, and DVD this November 22nd. Starring Jason Momoa, Rachel   Nichols, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan, and Ron Perlman, this 2011  re-make  includes audio commentaries, The Conan Legacy  featurette, a making-of  and more. Longtime “Conan” comics writer appears on the special features for the film.

We have a copy of the  Conan the Phenomenon: The Legacy  of Robert E. Howard Fantasy  Icon hardcover art history book as well as the Conan the Barbarian the Blu-ray Combo Pack to give away.  For a chance to win, answer our question of the day:  Which Conan is your favorite?  The character from the books?  Arnold from the films?  The Barry Windsor-Smith or John Buscema version from the comics?  The more recent version from the Dark Horse Comics?  Or Jason Momoa in the new film?

ROY THOMAS

Speaking of Conan, I talked to Roy Thomas, who brought Conan to Marvel Comics in the 1970s and has been writing “Road of Kings” for Dark Horse.  He talked about the early days of the Conan comic.

He said he was hoping to expand Marvel’s reach beyond superheroes into sword and sorcery, and licensing Conan was a home run. The new “Conan the Barbarian” is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Look for more of the interview with Thomas in Friday’s Weekend Look.

WINNER WINNER ROBOT CHICKEN DINNER

We’ve chosen our winner for the Robot Chicken season 5 DVD  —  the DVD goes to MovieHunter1888.

REVIEW FILE: Justice League 3, Captain America #4, Fear Itself 7.3, Avengers #19, Batman #3
Comics read in 2011: 1,748. Still to go: 263

The eighth annual 24-Hour Comics Day is Saturday, and the comic book specialty retailer group ComicsPRO is again organizing the event.

24-Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn and completed in 24 consecutive hours. Comic book artists, whether professional or amateur, young or old, are invited to check out a local venue or try the challenge on their own.

ComicsPRO’s Executive Director Amanda Emmert said the all-volunteer project is free to participants.

“We get to work with creators from many different countries, and the main thing they have in common is a love of comics,” she said. “Many hosts use this event as an opportunity to teach their communities about comics and about how anyone can make them. And making comics, or comic strips, or mini-comics, or Web comics, even at an amateur level, increases your understanding and appreciation of this amazing medium.”

The nearest official site to Oklahoma City is Lone Star Comics in Arlington, Texas.

But Emmert said Oklahomans are free to participate on their own and can sign up at www.24hourcomicsday.com as an individual online participant to share their work with others and be recognized.

“That means that you’re agreeing to post your pages online, as you go, so that you can show you’re creating the comic in 24 hours. You can blog or tweet your experience to keep in contact with other individual participants, too,” she said.

There are about 150 host locations around the world, in more than 20 countries.

All venues and individual participants are invited to post updates at 24hcd.blogspot.com. Some venues post live coverage to Web TV stations, as well. This year, ComicsPRO hopes to promote the event via a twitter hashtag as well.

“This year we’re asking people to use the #24HCD hashtag when tweeting about the event so that we can all follow along on Twitter, too,” she said. “It’s great because the tweets come from around the world and are in different languages. Many other volunteers aside from ComicsPRO get involved with the event, and it’s wonderful to see what they bring to the 24-Hour Comics Day idea.”

If you want a crash-course in how to tame a 24-Hour Comic, a team named Blitz Comics is giving away a Survival Kit for creators at its site, www.blitzcomics.com.

Emmert said some host sites suggest themes or provide related activities.

“An event host in Seattle is pairing his event with a local museum during an exhibition on horror movies, so they are asking participants to use the horror theme for their comics and plan to publish a collection afterward,” she said.

Overall, the love of comics and the worldwide audience is what makes 24-Hour Comics Day so rewarding, Emmert said.

“The great thing about this year, in particular, is that we’ve been handling administration of the overall event long enough that we have an opportunity to develop friendships because of it,” she said. “You get to know wonderful, creative people from Greece or Finland and around the world, or people from across the United States who you’ve never met in person, but who put on fantastic events year after year.”

Find out more about ComicsPRO at www.comicspro.org. Find out more about 24-Hour Comics Day at www.24hourcomicsday.com.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

DC Comics will kick off its linewide relaunch, The New 52, on Wednesday, with the last pre-relaunch issue, “Flashpoint” No. 5, and the first issue of the new line, “Justice League” No. 1.

According to DC, “Justice League” will be set at the dawn of the age of superheroes. The first storyline explores the team’s origins as they ultimately become the world’s greatest superheroes, featuring characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. The new Justice League series is written by Geoff Johns (“Blackest Night”) and drawn by Jim Lee (“Batman: Hush”).

“Flashpoint” No. 5 is the final issue in the Geoff Johns-Andy Kubert miniseries. According to DC, the concluding issue will provide a bridge from the events of “Flashpoint” to the events of The New 52.

The New 52 are 52 new or relaunched titles from DC Comics being released through the month of September.

The main changes in the relaunch appear to focus on Superman; DC has said that the Man of Steel will no longer be married to Lois Lane once the relaunch takes place. Grant Morrison will write “Action Comics,” which will focus on Superman’s early days, and may clear up some of the mystery around how Superman’s story has changed. George Perez will write the character in current day in “Superman.”

“One of the things we’re going to do in this book is also to show you how Superman is, who he is, why he ended up wearing the costume that he wears,” Morrison said in a video promoting the project. “And to show kind of a different side to the character than we’ve ever seen before.”

Oklahoma-born writer Sterling Gates is writing one of The New 52. Gates will write “Hawk and Dove,” drawn by Rob Liefeld (“X-Force,” “Youngblood”).

“‘Hawk and Dove’ begins with them arguing over how they should handle the problem in front of them, establishing that Hawk is always comparing Dove to his first partner,” Gates said in a recent interview at DC Comics’ Source blog. “We’re going to delve more into that conflict as time goes on, but I really think it makes sense to get it in front of the reader right away. I like to give superheroes a nice big action beat when they first enter the story so we know they’re the hero and that they’re always going to try and succeed and save the day! Now, whether they succeed or not is a different matter altogether.”

The “Hawk and Dove” characters were created by Steve Ditko and Steve Skeates. Brothers Hank and Don Hall first appeared in 1968′s “Showcase” No. 75, each exemplifying the aggressive “Hawk” and passive “Dove” monikers of the time. Don Hall died in 1986′s “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” In 1988, a new Dove, Dawn Granger, was introduced in a “Hawk and Dove” miniseries written by Karl and Barbara Kesel and illustrated by Liefeld. These characters will star in the new series by Gates and Liefeld.

“Action Comics” No. 1 and “Hawk and Dove” No. 1 will go on sale Sept. 7. “Superman” No. 1 will go on sale Sept. 28.

By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Superman #712

There was a bit of internet outcry over why the planned “Grounded” storyline was interrupted for an issue to instead run a “Krypto” story by Kurt Busiek that was originally planned to run around five years ago.

I’m not sure why the decision was made, but I’m glad to see the story, now published in Superman #712. Written by Busiek (“Astro City”) with art by Rick Leonardi (“Spider-Man 2099″), the story features Krypto after the death of Conner Kent, aka Superboy.   Anybody who’s ever owned a dog will sympathize with the story, which would have likely had an added oomph had it been published in the aftermath of Superboy’s death in “Infinite Crisis.”  As it is, however, it’s still a great issue.

Also read recently:

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #1. Writer Sterling Gates and newcomer artist Oliver Nome show what Kid Flash is up to in the “Flashpoint” universe.   He’s in the future, in a Matrix-like construct being run by on of the DCU’s biggest villains.   He knows there’s something wrong with the timeline, but can he fix it?  Fast-paced, energetic story that makes me hope that Gates, an OU graduate, will get handed the keys to a Kid Flash series long term.

Flashpoint: The Outsider #1. There’s a brief Oklahoma shout-out from writer James Robinson, who visited the Sooner State last year, in this issue.   But that’s just a nice bonus in this well-crafted issue, by Robinson and artist Javi Fernandez.  Who is the Outsider? He looks to be an all-new character who has become a high-profile villain in the “Flashpoint” world.  The character gives a brief note of his tie to the Alfred Pennyworth Silver Age “Outsider,” but overall this is the introduction of a bold new villain who works on several levels – it’d be cool to see if he can somehow be integrated into the DC Universe when Flashpoint ends.

Flashpoint: The Reverse Flash one-shot. Mislabeled “1 of 3,” this is actually a one-shot featuring the Reverse Flash.  While the issue,written by Scott Kolins and drawn by Joel Gomez, is a “Flashpoint” tie-in, it appears to be set in the regular DC world.   It’s possible this has future significance to the events of “Flashpoint,” but I didn’t immediately put it together.   It’s mostly about the Reverse-Flash’s mad hate for Barry Allen.

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #1. Written by Jonathan Vankin, drawn by Marco Castiello.   John Constantine was shuttled off to the Vertigo “universe” when it was decided to split off those characters from DC’s main, four-color superheroes.  But now that decapitations and the like are relatively fair game for DC’s main line, Constantine is back, searching for his old buddy, the Swamp Thing.   (The “Hellblazer” series continues at Vertigo, and I have no idea if it will line up with the DCU appearances at all. I’m going to guess no.)   It sort of felt like the 1980s, with Constantine bumping around Gotham City and hanging out with Batman and Zatanna.   Sort of an odd fit, but I think DC’s trying to reclaim their magical characters for its main line, and this is part of that process.

Captain America #619. Ed Brubaker wraps up the Bucky-as-Cap era with less pomp and circumstance than it deserves, partially because of the thunder being stolen a bit by “Fear Itself” #3.   Still, major kudos to Brubaker for a fantastic run overall, and I look forward to next month’s “Captain America” #1 and “Captain America and Bucky” #620 (even though I hate crazy renumbering in general).

Batman: Gates of Gotham #2. Kyle Higgins and Scott Snyder continue to explore the current mystery vexing Gotham City, with ties back to the city’s early days.  I love stuff like this, and this is done brilliantly.  I already was digging Snyder on “Detective” and looking forward to his “Batman.”  I now have higher hopes for Higgins’ “Nightwing” as well.   Trevor McCarthy is really nailing the art here, as well.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #1. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning can certainly write compelling comics, though this issue feels a bit overstuffed.  Still, some nice moments with Jimmy Olsen, and it’s always nice to see Lois Lane kicking butt.   In this “Flashpoint” tie-in, Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane becomes an informant for Cyborg.   Art is by Eddie Nunez.

Batman and the Outsiders #40. Dan Didio wraps up his run with Batman reclaiming his team, and a wink of a shout-out to the old Justice League series.  It’s mostly pin-ups and a bit of a mess, though there could be some symbolism for the modern comics industry hidden amongst the superhero posturing.

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1. I’m not sure how this will tie-in to the overall “Flashpoint” storyline, but I still liked this tale of a hard-edged Boston Brand in the traveling circus with Dick Grayson and his still-living parents.   Not a lot of plot to speak of, but writer J.T. Krul writes the cocky Brand and the good-hearted Dick Grayson well, so if you like those characters, you may like this.   Art by Mikel Janin.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 863. Still to go: 1148.

The alien robots the Autobots and Decepticons will again battle on movie screens next week when “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is released.

Fans can dive deeper into the world, based on the Hasbro action figures, with comics from IDW Publishing and an event at the Toy & Action Figure Museum this weekend.

“Transformers Weekend” at the Toy & Action Figure Museum, 111 S Chickasaw St. in Pauls Valley, will feature movie memorabilia, scavenger hunts and a chance to see classic “Transformers” toys from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about “Transformers Weekend,” call the museum at (405) 238-6300 or go to www.actionfiguremuseum.com.

In the film, the Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon and race against the Decepticons to reach it first, according to imdb.com. The Transformer Shockwave will appear for the first time in the movies in “Transformers 3.”

Shockwave first appeared in comics in 1985′s “Transformers” No. 5. The Transformers had been introduced into comics in a four-issue limited series from Marvel; it was expanded to an ongoing series with No. 5. Shockwave for a time usurps Megatron’s leadership of the Decepticons. Shockwave transforms into a laser cannon and is a highly logical, cunning robot. The Shockwave toy was introduced in the second year of the “Transformers” action figures, 1985. Shockwave was recently introduced in the IDW comic books set in the movie universe.

Dirk Wood, IDW’s retail marketing director, talked about “Transformers” at the recent ComicsPRO annual membership meeting in Dallas.

Two “Transformers 3” film prequels, “Foundation” and “Rising Storm,” have been released by IDW. “Rising Storm” introduces Shockwave into the movie continuity, and “Foundation” explores the past of Megatron and Optimus Prime.

“We want to take the perennial licenses that obviously do great for us, but we want to give people a fair chance of getting in and getting excited about it,” he said. He noted that “Transformers” comics sold well during each of the previous two summers that featured a “Transformers” movie.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Mystery in Space 1-8 (2006-7)
The Weird 1-4 (1988)

The interweaving narratives of the revived Captain Comet (now going by just “Comet”) and interdimensional former energy being The Weird come together over the course of the eight-issue story as writer Jim Starlin presents a tale worthy of the title “Mystery in Space.”   Shane Davis provides the art for the Comet story, and Starlin draws the Weird section.  Ron Lim — who worked with Starlin before, notably filling in for George Perez on the “Infinity Gauntlet” — fills in on the later issues.   Captain Comet’s talking canine sidekick, Tyrone, is introduced in this series, as is potential love interest Eye.    The revived Comet as sort of a spacefaring Sam Spade investigating his own death makes this a recommended storyline.

The story is set on Hardcore Station, sort of a Babylon 5 type place with a mix of corporate executives and religious zealots running the show.   Comet finds himself drawn into a plot by the Eternal Light Corporation to expand their power, using Comet and the Weird as their puppets, in different ways.  

The 1988 Weird miniseries is reprinted in the second “Mystery in Space” trade paperback, written by Starlin with art by Berni Wrightson.    The Weird was once a zarolatt, an energy being from an alternate dimension enslaved by the Macrolatts.  When the Macrolatts planned an invasion of Earth’s dimension, the zarolatt took it upon himself to try to stop it, slipping through a dimensional portal to earth and inhabiting the body of the recently deceased Walter Langley.

This form contained both Langley’s and the zarolatt’s memories, and was dubbed “The Weird” when encountered by the Justice League.  The Weird must attempt to stop the Macrolatt invasion while avoiding the Justice League, who believe his own deteriorating body will provide a threat to earth.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 853. Still to go:  1158

Warren Simons

Warren Simons, the former Marvel Comics editor who is now the executive editor at Valiant Comics, took some time to answer some questions for Nerdage about the company’s upcoming plans.   A version of this interview ran in Friday’s Weekend Look; the full Q&A is included here.

NERDAGE: What about today’s market do you see as favorable to a relaunch of the Valiant properties?

Warren Simons: The Valiant characters had an incredible impact on the market when they first launched, and we see similar opportunities today. These characters still resonate.  Many of the core concepts driving them are brilliant and timeless.  And we think there’s tremendous potential to tell incredibly exciting stories with these characters. Valiant has a reputation for breaking molds and avoiding clichés, and we intend to continue pushing Valiant storytelling to the next level.

NERDAGE: How do you plan to reach out to comic-book stores?

Warren Simons: As a company, we’re about comic books first, and comic book stores are the best way to reach our readership. Stores and retailers will be our most important fans and advocates. We plan to work with them through traditional channels, but also to develop and maintain relationships through new vehicles, like social media. There are many different ways we can communicate and stay in touch with our fans and retail partners, and we intend to make use of all of them.

NERDAGE: How do you plan to attack the digital marketplace?

Warren Simons: Because Valiant is re-launching at a time of unprecedented media channels, we have a unique opportunity to produce comics across multiple platforms with forethought and consistency. We’re excited for the possibilities in the digital space.

NERDAGE: Can you talk about what characters will play a role in the new Valiant line?

Warren Simons: We can’t get into details just yet, but we some of our most beloved characters will be playing key roles.  There are a number of great characters worthy of the spotlight, including X-O

Shadowman from the original Valiant line

Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Archer & Armstrong, Eternal Warrior, Rai, Ninjak, and Shadowman, to name a few.

NERDAGE: Will the Valiant line be set in one coherent universe, and what will set that universe apart from other superhero universes?

Warren Simons: Jim Shooter, Barry Windsor-Smith, Bob Layton and all the talented writers and artists who first introduced the Valiant characters built a three dimensional universe that readers could dive into headfirst. They did this with a set of great ideas that we intend to honor and update.  Chief among these is a coherent universe with strong interconnectivity and clear continuity.  The Valiant characters will continue to be unique creations with realistic goals and aspirations and motivations. We’re going to bring all these great characters together under one roof and tell some incredibly compelling stories, with clarity a key element of our universe.

NERDAGE: Will previous Valiant continuity or storylines be referenced?  Will more classic reprints be part of the company’s plan going forward?

Warren Simons: The classic books and the universe they described will serve as the backbone for new storytelling, but everything will be reenergized and updated for the modern world.  The successes of Valiant’s past will be a guiding force behind our new stories.

Bloodshot from the original Valiant Comics

NERDAGE: Have creative teams been set for any titles, and if so, can you offer any hints about what direction those are going?

Warren Simons: The original Valiant comics are so loved and touched the lives of so many talented artists and writers that we’ve been inundated with people reaching out to us.  We’re not ready to announce the teams behind the books just yet, but we’ve got some remarkable talent here and we’ll announce them down the line.

NERDAGE: Is there still an ongoing plan for a “Bloodshot” film, and are either of you involved in those discussions?

Warren Simons: We have a number of film projects in various stages of development.  We can’t discuss them just yet, but fans should stay tuned for upcoming announcements!

- Matt Price

The modern run of Peter David’s X-Factor was the largest chunk of comics read in the past two weeks in the 2,011 in 2011 comic-book challenge.    With 75 comics read over the past two weeks, my year-t0-date total is 788.    That puts me at 39 percent finished, with 44.6 percent of the year over.

Breakdowns after the cut.

Past two week breakdowns by publisher:
Marvel Comics:  60
DC Comics: 10
NBM – 3
Abstract – 1
Image – 1

Decade breakdowns:
2000s: 56
2010s: 19

Year to date breakdowns:

Marvel Comics remains in the lead, followed by DC Comics and Image.

Marvel Comics: 439

DC Comics: 88

Image Comics: 59

Valiant Comics: 43

Dark Horse: 36

Malibu: 29

Eclipse Comics: 23

Dynamite: 19

NOW Comics: 12

IDW: 8

Pen and Ink: 7

Broadway: 6

Radical: 4

Archie: 4

Sirius : 3

NBM: 3

Atlas: 2

Abstract: 1

Triumphant: 1

Pacific: 1

The 2000s go over 200 and move into the lead for decades. The 2010s take a slim lead on the 1980s.   The 1990s are in fourth.

1960-1969: 23

1970-1979: 84

1980-1989: 165

1990-1999: 144

2000-2009: 205

2010-present: 167

- Matt Price

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold 1.
In this Flashpoint mini, written and drawn by Scott Kolins, Captain Cold is instead Citizen Cold, supposed protector of Central City. But this celebrated hero still has what appears to be a cold heart. And even though it’s an alternate world, you may be surprised by this issue’s ending.  The dialogue’s a little awkward, but Kolins’ art remains solid.    And Kolins has a good handle on the Rogues, so Flash fans will probably want to check this one out.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #1
King Brion of Markovia must decide whether to ally himself with Aquaman in the first issue of this Flashpoint miniseries by Tony Bedard.  This gives you an insight to the Aquaman of the Flashpoint universe, who bears some similarities to Marvel’s Namor at his darkest, plus some.

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1
The patchwork creature Frankenstein leads a small group of mutated humans during world war 2 against the axis powers. After the war, the group is put in suspended animation against their will before accidentally being released in 2011. By Jeff Lemire and Ibraim Roberson.

Screamland #1
In a world where old-style movie monsters were real, they’ve now been replaced by cgi and twilight-style stars. They make their living going to conventions and signing autographs for old-time fans. But when the invisible man threatens to release a sex tape from the group’s glory days, the wolf man fears what might happen.  Writers Harold Sipe and Christopher Sebela and artist Lee Leslie have created a mystery that will appeal to horror movie fans.

Ka-Zar #1
Ka-Zar attempts to stop capitalistic exploitation of the Savage Land in this Paul Jenkins series.

Mystery Men #1
David Liss and Patrick Zircher create this murder mystery set in the Depression-era with the pulp-inspired Marvel “mystery men.”

Ultimate Spider-Man #159
A good examination of Peter Parker’s heroism as the “Death of Spider-Man” looms.

X-Men Legacy #250
Mike Carey and Khoi Pham are the creative team in this issue, which features the X-Men attempting to track down and subdue Legion’s miscreant personalities.    The team of Xavier, Magneto, Rogue, Gambit and Frenzy, along with Legion himself, is potentially an interesting lineup.

From 6/1:

Flashpoint: Abin Sur, the Green Lantern #1
In the Flashpoint universe, Abin Sur didn’t die, and thus never bequeathed the ring to Hal Jordan.

Flashpoint: Batman: Knight of Vengeance #1
The “100 Bullets” team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso explore the seamy world of this world’s Batman.

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #1
Peter Milligan again writing “Shade, the Changing Man” is interesting, even if it’s a little unclear what’s going on.  George Perez illustrates.

Flashpoint: World of Flashpoint #1
It’s a primer for the world of Flashpoint, sure, but it’s intertwined with the story of a father and his daughter who can’t overcome their personal tragedy to reconnect.

From the back issues:

Tiny Titans 28. (July 2010) Art Baltazar and Franco create an issue focusing on the super-pets.

Geronimo Stilton Vols. 1-3 (NBM/Papercutz): Geronimo Stilton, a newspaper editor on Mouse Island, time-travels to stop the machinations of the Pirate Cats, who seek to remake history in their own image.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011:  788 Still to go: 1223.

Green Lantern toys are on display at the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley.

Green Lantern, an intergalactic peace officer who stars in comic books from DC Comics, has probably his highest profile ever this month.

Ryan Reynolds will star as Hal Jordan, Earth’s defender in the Green Lantern Corps, in the movie “Green Lantern” opening Friday, June 17.

The Toy & Action Figure Museum, 111 S Chickasaw St. in Pauls Valley, is celebrating the release with a weekend-long event starting Saturday, June 11.

And DC Comics announced a brand-new “Green Lantern” No. 1 comic for September, written by Geoff Johns, the company’s chief creative officer, who has been involved in the film adaptation.

“It’s building off the Green Lantern stories I’ve done since ‘Rebirth,’”Johns told The Associated Press about the series, which features art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy. “Taking it in a very new direction that we’ve never seen in ‘Green Lantern’ before.”

Green Lantern first appeared in the 1940s as Alan Scott. This first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell. He first appeared in July 1940′s All-American Comics No. 16, and he had a magically powered Green Lantern ring.

“Of all the Green Lanterns, he really stands out,” said Kevin Stark, curator of the Toy & Action Figure Museum. “He’s got the cape, he’s got the red shirt. He’s really totally different from all the Green Lanterns.”

After superheroes fell out of favor in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Green Lantern disappeared from comic book racks.

But the concept would return, this time with a science fiction tinge.

Hal Jordan first appeared in “Showcase” No. 22 in October 1959 as part of the so-called “Silver Age” revamp of the DC Comics characters. Hal Jordan, a test pilot, became Green Lantern when a dying

Green Lantern in "Showcase" No. 22

alien selected Jordan to replace him as a member of the Green Lantern Corps.

“I do like the Hal Jordan Green Lantern a lot also,” Stark said. “I like the whole concept of this space police force. Having a lot of characters … where they carry a theme throughout the costume, the costumes are variations on a theme, I really like that. I think that’s cool.”

There have been other Green Lanterns featured in DC Comics through the years, including Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner and John Stewart, all of whom still appear in the comics and will be involved in new series in September. “Green Lantern Corps,” featuring Guy Gardner and John Stewart will be written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna. “Green Lantern: The New Guardians,” starring Kyle Rayner will be written by Tony Bedard and illustrated by Tyler Kirkham and Batt.

Fans who dress as any Green Lantern will receive free admission to the Toy & Action Figure Museum from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. If you can’t swing an entire costume, wearing green will get you $1 off museum admission.

The museum has a new Green Lantern display and will have giveaways of items related to the upcoming film.

For more information, go to www.actionfiguremuseum.com.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Marvel has released the above teaser for “Schism,” the X-Men event that leads to the conclusion of the “Uncanny X-Men” series.

Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso says about “Schism”:

“‘Schism’ is the X-Men’s ‘Civil War.’  The biggest X-event in a decade divides the mutant universe across distinct battle-lines and asks readers the question: Whose side are you on?  And there’s a reason ‘Schism’ ends at exactly the same time as ‘Fear Itself.’ Next summer, the entire Marvel Universe will have its eyes on the X-Men.”

- Matt Price

DC Comics announced the creative teams of some of the female characters of Gotham City via the DC Comics Source blog.

Batwoman #1 is by J.H. Williams III, Haden Blackman and Amy Reeder.

Batgirl #1 is by Gail Simone and artists Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes.

The most surprising part here is that, from the preview image, this appears to be Barbara Gordon in the Batgirl costume, though that hasn’t been confirmed by DC.

UPDATE:  In a new posting at the Source, Gail Simone confirms Barbara Gordon’s role:

“Barbara Gordon is pretty much my everything. Because of the Batman TV show, she was the reason I fell in love with superheroes. Because she was a redhead who could kick ass, she is the reason I fell in love with comics. She was always forward-looking as Batgirl, a girl who was smarter than the male characters, who had class and elegance and style, as well as tough-as-nails grit. For a long time, there was simply nothing else like her in comics, and for me and a lot of other readers, her every appearance was joyful and explosive.

For many years, I got to write the character as Oracle, and there is to this day, no character who means more to me. This is classic Barbara as she was originally conceived, with a few big surprises. It’s a bit of a shock, to be sure, but we’re doing everything we can to be respectful to this character’s amazing legacy, while presenting something thrilling that a generation of comics readers will be experiencing for the first time…

…Barbara Gordon leaping, fighting, and swinging over Gotham. Now, when citizens of that city look up, they are going to see BATGIRL.

And that is absolutely thrilling.”

Catwoman #1 is written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Guillem March.

Birds of Prey #1 is by Duane Swierczynski and Jesus Saiz.

- Matt Price

As USA Today and the DC Comics Source blog are reporting, the publisher is relaunching its entire line starting in August, with 52 No. 1 issues across the line.

This relaunch will start with a new “Justice League” No. 1 on Aug. 31, and all DC’s superhero titles will be offered digitally on the same day from there forward.

“What’s the human aspect behind all these costumes? That’s what I wanted to explore,” Geoff Johns told USA Today.  He’ll write Justice League, to be drawn by Jim Lee.

Another 51 No. 1 issues will ship in September.

“We really want to inject new life in our characters and line,” Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee, told USA Today.  ”This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today’s audience.”

More about the changes to come at USA Today.

What do you think of the announcement?  Will you buy more DC Comics than before? Fewer?  Are you excited or fearful?

- Matt Price

Free Comic Book Day logo

It’s the 10th annual Free Comic Book Day!  Comic book shops around the country will be giving away comic books to fans who come in today.   Free Comic Book Day creator Joe Field said about 2.7 million comics will be available for giveaway Saturday. Retailers have given away more than 25 million comics since the first giveaway in 2002.

9 a.m.: It’s an hour til kickoff at Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK.

9:30 a.m.: 30 minutes til kickoff!  Comics are set out and ready to go.  Reports of “Thor” box office from Friday may bode well for people thinking about comic-book characters.

9:40 a.m. Lines are forming!

9:50 a.m. Parking lot is full… pretty decent line of folks waiting to enter.

10 a.m. And it begins!

10:25 a.m. Wow!  That was a rush. Nearly 100 people in the first 15 minutes!  Lots of kids in the group.

10:45 a.m. Lots of people talking about having seen Thor – pretty good reports so far.  People are excited about getting free comics!

10:55 a.m. The stickers have been a fun addition – this is the first year we’ve had them at Speeding Bullet, anyway.  Kids like to get stickers for things!

11:10 a.m. If I had to guess, I’d say Captain America/Thor has been the most popular giveaway in the first hour.

11:30 a.m. Great weather this year for Free Comic Book Day – traffic has been steady throughout.

11:45 a.m. Betty and Veronica has also been a popular choice so far.

12 p.m. The Sonic the Hedgehog issue has “sold out,” and Robert Kirkman’s “Super Dinosaur” is almost gone.

12:25 p.m. Darkwing Duck and Avatar have now “sold out.”

12:45 p.m. Starting to heavily supplement the free comics with additional giveaway comics  – several of this year’s comics won’t end up lasting the entire day.  At 5 comics per person, a group or family with several kids can really clean up today in reading material.

1 p.m. The heavily ordered Spider-Man and Green Lantern will probably last the day – not sure any of the other “new” Free Comic Book Day issues will.   There will be comics to give away here until 7 p.m., though.   Lots of people here excited for the Captain America film – and the Captain America/Thor giveaway is down to just a handful.

1:15 p.m. Speeding Bullet is on pace to have as many people in as any day in history – breaking last year’s record.  The staff tells me they don’t think it will happen, though: They’re anticipating a slowdown when the Thunder game starts at 4.

1:45 p.m. Adam West’s comic from Bluewater has “sold out.”  So has Mouse Guard from Archaia.

1:55 p.m. Kung Fu Panda, Baltimore and Atomic Robo have sold out, as well.

2:10 p.m. A rough, quick count indicates Speeding Bullet has given away as many comics as any year except 2010 – and that’s still in reach depending on traffic the rest of the day!

2:30 p.m. The relatively breakneck pace of the morning has slowed down just to “busy.”   Some of the people who have seen “Thor” have picked up “Fear Itself,” which prominently features Thor and Captain America.

2:35 p.m. Out of “Elric” and “Young Justice/Brave and the Bold.”

3:05 p.m. The store has exceeded its 2009 traffic totals and comic giveaway totals!  Still behind the 2010 record – but four hours remain in the day, so we’ll see!

3:10 p.m. Just had in some customers who have been in each year of the 10 Free Comic Book Days!  It’s kind of amazing it’s been going on for 10 years now.

3:30 p.m. Green Lantern/Flashpoint FCBD edition looks to be the top giveaway so far this year. It was also one of the most-ordered, so there are still some to go!

3:40 p.m. Traffic has started to thin out, really for the first time – making me wonder if the “Thunder theory” is accurate — people tried to get their free comics before the basketball game today!

4 p.m. The heavily ordered Spider-Man and Green Lantern FCBD issues are the last new-to-this-year issues remaining to give away; they’re also the top 2 new giveaways this year.

4:30 p.m. With things kind of slowing down, I’m going to wrap up the live-blog.  Speeding Bullet will remain open until 7 p.m.  Traffic and giveaway totals probably won’t top 2010, but still it’s beaten every other year in FCBD’s 10-year history.  And Free Comic Book Day is almost always the top traffic day of the entire year.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Free Comic Book Day!   Thanks again to Joe Field, Diamond Comics and all the sponsors of this fantastic event!

- Matt Price

CHRIS HEMSWORTH STARS IN THOR, READIES FOR THE AVENGERS

“Thor” star Chris Hemsworth talks getting ready for the Avengers and a possible Thor sequel.

Chris Hemsworth (AP)

“I had such an amazing time … can’t wait for Avengers, and the idea of doing more of them is incredibly exciting. I really do love the character, and I’m excited to see what other directions we could take it,” Hemsworth said in a phone interview.”I’ve hung out with Chris Evans a few times, and talked about the film and how excited we are, and the same with Downey, I’ve bumped into him at a couple of events,” he said. “We’ve all seen these characters come to life individually, and now to mesh it all together is going to be a fun ride.”

NEW GREEN LANTERN TRAILER

Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for “Green Lantern,” opening June 17 and starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, chosen to be a Green Lantern, a member of an intergalactic peacekeeping force. Warner Bros. seems to be upping the epic feel for this one, as you get a sense of Hal Jordan as the newest member of this awesome peacekeeping force.

Speaking of Green Lantern, he’ll have a comic book featured in Saturday’s

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

For the 10th year, comic book shops and participating locations around the world will give away comics to customers and visitors. This Saturday marks the 10th celebration of Free Comic Book Day. Characters such as Spider-Man, Thor, Green Lantern and the Smurfs star in special comics, sold at low cost to stores, to be given away free on this special day.

Free Comic Book Day was created by Concord, Calif., comic book retailer Joe Field, ComicsPRO trade organization president and owner of Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff.

Field said about 2.7 million comics will be available for giveaway Saturday. Retailers have given away more than 25 million comics since the first giveaway in 2002. More than a dozen stores in the Oklahoma City area are participating.

REVIEW FILE: Axe Cop 3, Fear Itself 2.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 594  Still to go: 1417

Chris Hemsworth at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Photo by Annette Price

SAN DIEGO — In Marvel Entertainment’s “Thor,” based on the long-running comic-book series, star Chris Hemsworth plays the mythical god of thunder, cast to Earth by his father to learn humility.

While Hemsworth said he wouldn’t say he has Thor’s arrogance, he did relate to Thor’s fun side.

“He has a great sense of humor. He likes to have fun. Even among all that arrogance and what have you, there’s a real fun side to him, too,” Hemsworth said in a recent interview promoting the film. “And I tried to bring that part of me out in the character.”

Though Thor knows how to have a good time, whether out with his buddies or battling frost giants, his relationship with his family isn’t all fun and games. His father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), isn’t sure Thor is ready to rule Asgard, the dimension in which the beings once worshipped as Norse gods live. And his brother, Loki, seems to harbor some resentment toward Thor’s firstborn right to rule.

“There’s very much a relatable story with a sort of father-son aspect, and then brothers, and there’s a family, sort of complicated family,” Hemsworth said at Comic-Con. The actor said he’s attracted to scripts with familial elements.

In fact, Hemsworth’s younger brother, Liam, also had been up for the role of Thor.

“We both auditioned for it funny enough. I had an audition, didn’t hear anything, then he was in Australia and sent a tape across,” Hemsworth said. Liam auditioned for director Kenneth Branagh, but when Liam didn’t get the role, Hemsworth said he pumped his brother for some tips.

“I got some advice, and here we are,” Hemsworth said.

Hemsworth said since Thor doesn’t wear a mask, there were fewer opportunities to sub him out for a stuntman than in some other superhero films.

“Because it wasn’t like Iron Man, or Batman, or Spider-Man, where he wears a mask,” Hemsworth said. “It was my face. So I certainly had to do the majority of it. But that’s the fun stuff, for me. It’s like being a kid again.”

Thor is known for his powerful hammer, Mjolnir, which according to the film was forged in the core of a star. Hemsworth said the movie version of Mjolnir felt pretty powerful, as well.

“The hammer was awesome,” Hemsworth said. “I didn’t want to put it down. In fact, after we’d finished shooting all the stuff in the other worlds, on the big sets with the costumes, and then all of a sudden we had to shoot the earthbound section of the film, where I didn’t have the hammer, I felt naked without it. It became a bit of a security blanket, you know?”

Hemsworth enjoyed the Norse and Viking ties to the Thor legend, and bringing that flavor, as filtered through Marvel Comics, to the silver screen.

“I love the Norse mythology aspect of it all,” he said. “I think the Viking era is fascinating. He has a great journey. He’s a brash, cocky young warrior, and he’s got to learn some humility along the way.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Marvel has revealed the Joe Quesada variant cover to Ultimate Spider-Man #160, part of the Death of Spider-Man storyline, which concludes in June.

There will be a full color Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Quesada Variant and a penciled version for Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Quesada Sketch Variant.

“Ultimate Spider-Man” #160 goes on sale June 22.

Click past the cut for the sketch variant cover.

- Matt Price

Comic book artist Greg Horn will provide artwork for the Broadway show “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” creating high-end illustrations for the play’s line of merchandise and imagery for the official program guide, according to a news release.

The “Spider-Man” Broadway show, conceived by Julie Taymor, has songs by Bono and The Edge of U2.

“I’ve worked on some mind-blowing jobs over the past 10 years, but this one might just take the cake,” Horn said in a news release. “It’s a biggie! They were nice enough to fly me up last month to see the show in person, and that really helped me get a grasp of the show’s scope and look. I’ve never seen anything like it…a visual spectacle!”

Horn is well-known for his Marvel Comics covers including “Ms. Marvel” and “Black Widow.”

“My goal with any project – whether we’re talking advertising, video game, or comic book art – is to create the highest quality of illustration,” Horn said.  “In the case of ‘Turn Off the Dark,’ the bar is set pretty high by the rest of the production. By focusing on the best qualities of the characters and freeze-framing the action in the perfect place, I can create a marketable image that is epic and inspiring. I’m extremely pleased with the way things are turning out so far with Spidey!”

More info and art:  http://www.greghornjudge.com

- Matt Price

ComicsPRO retailers and sponsors at Lone Star Comics.

DALLAS — Improving comic stores and growing the market were the themes at this year’s ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting. Member retailers met with representatives from 23 sponsors, including publishers and distributors.

IDW’s CEO Ted Adams, the keynote speaker, and Image President Todd McFarlane each talked about ideas for marketing and metrics to improve efficiency in comic book store sales.

ComicsPRO Executive Director Amanda Emmert announced a plan for ComicsPRO to begin working on a retailer metrics program that could provide better sales and sell-through information to publishers.

DC Comics sponsored a day of programming and announced several programs and projects aimed at helping comic book retailers sell their products. Representatives, including co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee, announced a marketing initiative for this year’s “Flashpoint” event, which will launch 16 three-issue miniseries. Promotional buttons, each featuring a miniseries logo, will be available to retailers in conjunction with the event.

“Flashpoint,” written by Geoff Johns with art by Andy Kubert, features the super-speedster the Flash awakening in a world where everything has changed: loved ones are strangers; close friends are different, gone or worse. This world is on the brink of a cataclysmic war. The Flash must find the villain who has altered the time line before time runs out. “Flashpoint” No. 1 of 5 goes on sale May 11, four days after a special preview is released on Free Comic Book Day in comic book stores nationwide.

Representatives of Diamond Comics Distributors, the largest distributor of comic books in North America, said that 2010 sales were down slightly.

Attendance among sponsors and retailers at the 2011 event was up more than 20 percent from last year.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were honored by ComicsPRO at the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting as the recipients of the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award.

ComicsPRO created The ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award to honor people who help get comic books from creator to fan via the direct market.

There are two categories for the Industry Appreciation Award, one for professionals who are still active in the business of comics and a Memorial Award for those who have died and left an indelible mark on the profession of comic book specialty retailing.

Bob Chapman of Graphitti Designs accepted the Memorial Award on behalf of the Kirby family.

Chip Mosher and Matt Gagnon of Boom! Studios accepted the active award on behalf of Stan Lee, who shared a video message with the ComicsPRO retailers. Gagnon said at age 88, Lee is still very involved with every aspect of the comics that bear his name from Boom! Studios. Mosher added it’s a professional thrill to work with Lee, and that Lee’s instincts for marketing his work haven’t dimmed.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Read more: http://newsok.com/flashpoint-buttons-reporting-metrics-discussed-at-annual-retailer-meeting/article/3541372#ixzz1EWb77EuS