Fantastic Four to get reboot at Fox
Variety reports that Fox is rebooting the “Fantastic Four” film franchise. Whether or not this will mean recasting is up in the air, but signs point to probably.
Akiva Goldsman will oversee the reboot as producer. I still hold him partially responsible for “Batman and Robin,” but maybe that’s not fair. Michael Green, (”Heroes” and the upcoming “Green Lantern” script) will write the script for the new “Fantastic Four” film.
The first thing this brings to mind for me is, is this Fox making sure they have the characters in development so they don’t revert back to Marvel, now with the power of Disney behind them? Maybe.
According to Variety, Fox controls “Fantastic Four” in perpetuity — as long as it continues making the films. This is the same deal Fox has on “X-Men,” “Daredevil” and “Silver Surfer.” So, I’d expect to hear an announcement on “Daredevil” someday soon as well.
- Matt Price
Fantastic Four to debut new logo
Starting with issue #570, the Fantastic Four will sport a new logo, reminiscent of the team’s 1970s logo. This issue kicks off the storyline by Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham. Issue #570 goes on sale August 26.
Marvel provides first look at Fantastic Four #570
The new team of Jonathan Hickman (Nightly News) and Dale Eaglesham (JSA) take over Fantastic Four with issue #570, and Marvel Comics has released a preview of that art.
- Matt Price
No Fantastic Four 3, says Evans
In an interview with JoBlo.com promoting his new movie “Push,” former Human Torch Chris Evans throws cold water on hopes for a third “Fantastic Four” film.
“I think they’re done,” Evans said. “They’ve closed the book on that franchise. I think if there was talk I think that I would’ve heard about it by now.”
– Matt Price
DVD review – Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes, the complete first season
“Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes” mixes the characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby with modern animation and anime-influenced design.
The Fantastic Four is a super-team. The team’s adventures are based on the Marvel Comic book.
Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) is the genius leader who can stretch his body like elastic. Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) can turn invisible and project force fields. Ben Grimm (The Thing) is an orange, rocky monster, and Johnny Storm (Human Torch) can turn himself into a flame and fly.
The melding of 2-D and 3-D animation could be jarring for some, and the designs aren’t directly lifted from the comic book. French animation house Moonscoop tried to modernize the look, with the “4” logo seemingly spray-painted on The Thing’s rocky hide and the Torch sporting a Japanese anime-style haircut.
Several guest-stars from Marvel Comics appear, including Hulk and Iron Man.
The featurette “From Origin to Animation” is a treat for fans, as Lee talks about the Fantastic Four’s creation. The “Rise of the Rogues” featurette showcases the Fantastic Four’s villains, including Doctor Doom. Also included is a partial reprint of the “Ultimate Fantastic Four” No. 1 comic book.
— Matthew Price
Check out “Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes” online
If you’d like to sample the animated series “Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes” before committing to the recently released box set, hop over to Marvel Kids, where two episodes: “Impossible” and “Puppet Master” are available online.
Need more info? I’ll have a review of the DVD set on Friday.
– Matt Price
Nova Week concludes: Podcast
Kyle Roberts and I review “Nova” Annual 1 on the comics podcast at the conclusion of “Nova Week.” We also review “Green Lantern Corps” 21 by Oklahoma’s Sterling Gates, as well as “X-Force” #1 and “Fantastic Four” #554 from Marvel.
– Matt Price
