Surrogates trailer released
The Surrogates stars Bruce Willis and is based on the graphic novel by Robert Vendetti and Brett Weldele from Top Shelf. In “The Surrogates,” it’s 2054, and mankind experiences most of its life through surrogates, androids that the user can dial into and control. When the deaths of surrogates start affecting the humans controlling them – something that isn’t supposed to happen – it’s up to investigating detective Harvey Greer to unravel the mystery.
Graphic Classics announces full-color sci-fi volume
Classic science-fiction tales come to illustrated format with the first full-color volume in the “Graphics Classics” line. The 17th volume of “Graphic Classics” will adapt stories from the original creators of science fiction including “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells and “A Martian Odyssey” by Stanley G. Weinbaum.
Also available in this compilation are comics adaptations of “In the Year 2889,” a rare short story by Jules Verne; “The Disintegration Machine”, starring Arthur Conan Doyle’s Professor Challenger; E.M. Forster’s only SF tale, “The Machine Stops;” and shorts by Lord Dunsany and Hans Christian Anderson.
- Matt Price
Ridiculously good week for comics
If you can’t find a comic book this week, you’re not trying hard enough.
It’s simply a great week to buy comics. Let’s look at some of the highlights.
Like classic comic strips? New collections of “Little Orphan Annie” and “Dick Tracy” hit stores today.
Like well-written, literary comics? There’s a new “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” by Alan Moore.
Best value of the week? The first issue of “The Unwritten” by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. It’s just $1 for 48 pages! This was probably my favorite Vertigo first issue since “Y: The Last Man” #1. If you like intelligent comics, there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least try it out for $1. Like I said after reading a preview copy at the ComicsPRO meeting in Memphis: “The Unwritten” looks to be a must for Harry Potter fans over the age of 17.
In the mood for a big superhero crossover? “Fusion” features the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, Cyberforce and Hunter/Killer.
Want a mystery? Mark Waid’s new “Unknown” is said to be in the vein of his award-winning mystery series “Ruse.”
How about a thriller? The third “un” title of the week is Mark Sable’s “Unthinkable” about a writer tasked to come up with doomsday scenarios for the government — that later end up coming true.
Want a collection of one of the most brilliant comics of the modern era? Fantagraphics has released a collection of Gilbert Hernandez’s “Luba.”
Want an action-packed superhero adventure? Check out “Superman: New Krypton” (partially written by OU graduate Sterling Gates)!
Want a jumping-on point for a popular Marvel hero? Marvel’s provided just that in “Wolverine” #73. (Just don’t ask about #72. It’s complicated. It’ll be here eventually.)
Want to read one of the most ridiculous crossovers in human history? Check out the omnibus to “Secret Wars II.”
Looking for a new comic written by Ivan Brandon, writer of the buzz book “Viking”? His “Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape” hits this week.
How about a nostalgic trip to the 1980s? Archie is reprinting its first “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” issues.
Seriously. Go to your comic-book store this week. It’s a great week for comics.
– Matt Price
Writer Antony Johnston brings manga flair to Wolverine
MARVEL, X-Men, all related characters: TM & © 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. All rights reserved.
Writer Antony Johnston has handled everything from romantic comedy to the apocalypse, and in between, as an in-demand comic-book writer. This month, he takes a new spin on Wolverine, creating Del Rey’s manga version of the character in “Wolverine: Prodigal Son.” Drawing the series is Filipino artist Wilson Tortosa, best known for his work on Top Cow’s “Battle of the Planets.” Johnston talked to The Oklahoman about his take on the mutant hero.
Matt Price: Your Wolverine takes an “all-new, all-different” spin from the classic Wolverine character. How did you decide what to keep, and what to jettison, from the regular Marvel Comics Wolverine character?
Antony Johnston: I started with the aim of removing as much baggage from the existing character as I could; to strip him down to his essentials, without removing the things that make him who he is. So the costume, him being a superhero, the X-Men, his rogues’ gallery… all those were dropped. That left us with the core essence of the character – his personality, his claws, his healing factor, and of course his crazy hairdo.
It’s important to realize that this isn’t about taking Wolverine, the superhero, and shoehorning him into a story where he doesn’t fit. This is about taking Logan, the man, and building him into a manga hero. That was the biggest influence on those decisions, and I was pretty ruthless about it.
MP: Tell me about your artist on the series.
AJ: His name’s Wilson Tortosa, a Filipino, and he’s best known in American comics for drawing the “Battle Of The Planets” book from Top Cow a few years back. I hadn’t worked with Wilson before, but as soon as I saw his first few pages of “Wolverine” layouts I knew he was perfect for the book. His pages are very kinetic, and he also has a good sense of storytelling dynamics for when the art needs to be more contemplative. I especially like how you can clearly see that manga has been a big influence on his work, but he’s not aping anyone. He has his own unique style.
MP: What was harder: writing a book that would appeal to Wolverine fans, or writing a book that would appeal to manga readers?
AJ: We didn’t really think of this book as trying to appeal to existing Wolverine fans at all. There are a few references, little nods, that sort of thing, for those fans to recognize and raise a smile. But our main concern was writing for manga readers. Yes, it was challenging at times, because we knew we’d have an uphill struggle to convince them that actually, they really do want to read a book about Wolverine! But it’s a good challenge, and one I relished.
MP: What is the long-term plan for “Wolverine: Prodigal Son”? Is it ongoing, or is there a definitive ending in mind?
AJ: The original agreement with Marvel was for two volumes. But everyone hopes they’ll succeed, so we can go on to do more and make it a longer series. I’m certainly keeping my fingers crossed, I’d love to keep the series going. I’ve even left a few small threads dangling that we can return to…
MP: What influenced you in creating your Wolverine?
AJ: A combination of things. Obviously there’s the original Marvel version of the character. Without that, you don’t have Wolverine at all. But in bringing him over to this story, and “rebuilding” him into a manga hero, the main influences were manga both old and new – from “Lone Wolf & Cub” to “Naruto” – and modern boy’s YA adventure fiction, such as the “Alex Rider” and “Cherub” series. That may sound like chalk and cheese, but it was important to me that “our” Wolverine was firmly contemporary.
MP: Why do you think the Wolverine character has been so enduring, and so popular?
AJ: I think he taps into something that we all appreciate in our heroes. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, he doesn’t trust easily, he questions authority and he’s self-sufficient. But once you earn his respect, you know he’ll stick by you till the bitter end. Sure, he’s got the claws and he can kick your ass, but I really think his personality is the biggest draw, because we all feel the world could use more people like that. Everyone hopes that when it all comes down, they’d be brave enough to take a stand. With Wolverine, we don’t have to hope.
Retro Thursday: Turmoil abounds in The Resistance
Since “The Resistance,” written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, was just released as a graphic novel by IDW, I thought I’d reprint my 2002 column talking about the series, first released by WildStorm.
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In New York in 2280, unlicensed births are illegal, the city is in turmoil, and a civil war is being covered up by the government. This is the world of “The Resistance,” a new WildStorm title written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray.
The artist on the book is Juan Santacruz.
Most of New York is covered in water, and skyscrapers leap 500 stories into the air.
In “The Resistance,” a disaster in 2030 caused nearly three-fourths of the Earth’s plants to die, leading to an ecological imbalance.
Species of animals are extinct. Oxygen production declined and brought about the need for artificial respiration farms. These vast factories manufacture breathable air for a dying world.
One hundred years of food riots, famine, war and chaos followed.
As “The Resistance” begins, the year is 2280. Food is Earth’s most precious commodity, and the planet is under the watchful eye of the Global Control Commission.
Since humanity does not have enough food to support itself, only those capable of financially supporting children and contributing to the global economy are allowed to reproduce.
Unauthorized free-births began calling themselves Strayz as they had strayed from the commission’s view of what was good for humanity.
These Strayz, born with a death sentence, formed small cells of Resistance fighters. They seek the overthrow of the commission and the exposure of the greatest conspiracy in human history.
“The Resistance” has the feel of a sci-fi blockbuster, Gray said on www.dccomics.com, the Web site of DC Comics, of which WildStorm is an imprint.
“‘The Resistance’ is meant to be fun – a big summer popcorn movie. So, if you want to kick back and be taken to another world, then ‘ Resistance’ is your kind of book.”
“The Resistance” is a fast-paced thriller with high-speed action and constantly shifting alliances and plans.
Palmiotti said in “The Resistance,” he and Gray are able to test the boundaries.
“In ‘ Resistance,’ we get to go crazy, open up our minds and blow off steam. We can do all sorts of extreme action sequences, poke fun at the world and work outside of reality. ‘ Resistance’ is like going to the amusement park with a free pass to all the rides.”
“The Resistance” bears some similarities to a superhero team, with a rotating cast of members.
Some members of ‘The Resistance’ will be rotating here and there, some will be shot and killed, and some will go through changes,” Palmiotti said at dccomics.com. “At its core, we follow four basic characters and a few supporting ones, as well. Think ‘X-Men’ without the mutant capabilities, blasting their way out of every situation, having to be smarter and more resourceful than everyone around them.”
- By Matthew Price
From The Oklahoman, Nov. 15, 2002
Wolverine Wednesday: Wolverine miniseries
Wolverine, by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller
One of my favorite Wolverine stories is the four-issue miniseries in which Claremont and Miller explored the character of Wolverine more concretely than anyone before.
Wolverine’s girlfriend Mariko is coerced into marrying a boor of a businessman by her father, seeking more power for his clan. Her husband beats her; Wolverine wants to retaliate, but doesn’t at Mariko’s request. He does, however, find himself ambushed by Shingen, Mariko’s father, and very nearly killed. The warrior Yukio nurses Wolverine back to health, but also harbors a dark secret.
Wolverine’s battle between his animal nature and his honor drive this tale, which is probably both the best-written and best-drawn Wolverine story. It’s available now as a premiere hardcover from Marvel.
- Matt Price
Wolverine Wednesday: Wolverine Classic Vol. 1 review
With the Wolverine film coming up, I’ve decided to kick off “Wolverine Wednesdays” leading up to the film, and possibly continuing after. I’ll discuss some Wolverine highlights for those who want to know more about the character.
Today’s book: Wolverine Classic Vol. 1, by Chris Claremont and John Buscema
Some of my favorite Wolverine stories are the Madripoor tales by Claremont and Buscema. Claremont drops Logan into the seedy nation of Madripoor, which shares more than a few similarities with Humphrey Bogart’s Casablanca. Wolverine, who is believed to be dead by the outside world, calls himself “Patch” and gets into scrapes with crimelords and pirates.
The former Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew appears, as does former X-Men foe Silver Samurai, as Wolverine seeks the Black Blade. Also, the clash between General Coy and rival crimelord Tyger Tiger draws Patch’s attention.
This collection also introduces the brawling Roughhouse and the vampiric Bloodsport, two new recurring Wolverine foes.
Buscema’s art is a high point. The former “Conan” artist knew how to draw action, and there’s plenty of excuses for that in “Wolverine Classic.”
Claremont does his best noir pastiche in these first issues of the “Wolverine” ongoing series collected here, and while it doesn’t top his miniseries with Frank Miller starring the character, it’s certainly worthwhile and enjoyable reading. It’s unlikely to change how you think about comics, but if you enjoy Wolverine, “Casablanca,” or noir stylings, this is a good “Wolverine” collection to check out.
– Matt Price
Eisner nominees announced
The 2008 Eisner nominees have been announced, and there are a few Oklahoma-related nominees included, among them “Thor,” “Willie & Joe,” and “Omega the Unknown.” “Thor” has been set in Oklahoma since the 2007 relaunch of the title. “Willie and Joe” was written and drawn by Bill Mauldin, a member of the Oklahoma Cartoonists Hall of Fame, and the subject of nominated best comics-related book, “Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front,” by Todd DePastino. And “Omega the Unknown” was drawn by former Tulsan Farel Dalrymple.
See the full list after the break.
Yukon writer loads latest Popgun anthology
WORD BALLOONS
The post-apocalyptic oddball characters of “Bastard Road” return in “Popgun” Vol. 3, set to release Wednesday from Image Comics.
Brian Winkeler of Yukon is the writer of “Bastard Road.” Dave Curd, the artist, also has Okahoma connections; he spent about 12 years living in Oklahoma City, Moore and Edmond. Curd and Winkeler co-created “Bastard Road.” Winkeler recently talked to The Oklahoman about the new story.
Q: Describe the “Bastard Road” series of stories.
A: “Bastard Road” is the ongoing saga of Bastard, a wandering amnesiac who’s only interested in punching dudes and romancing ladies, and his reluctant, ever hungry traveling companion Farel. It’s an ultraviolent post-apocalyptic action/comedy: SpongeBob Squarepants meets “The Road Warrior.” “Bastard Road” was launched in the pages of “Popgun” Vol. 2 and this story takes place directly after that one.
Q: Tell me about the Popgun concept.
A: Popgun is a “graphic mixtape” series published by Image Comics. It’s intended as a comic book version of a “various artists” music compilation. Popgun contains 500 or so pages of new material from mostly unknown creators doing whatever they want – the only connectivity being that the editors think the work is great. We’re very lucky in that, not only have we had the opportunity to produce “Bastard Road” content for “Popgun,” but the editors are all big fans of the property, so they’ve really gone the extra mile in choosing to use “Bastard Road” to promote the entire compilation.
Q: What kind of trouble do the characters get into this time around?
A: In this new tale, Bastard and Farel discover a post-apocalyptic village terrorized at night by a giant, mutant rooster. Violent hilarity ensues.
Q: What does the future look like for “Bastard Road”?
A: We’re currently producing two 12-page stories for the upcoming Popgun volume 4, introducing sexy lady lumberjack Elle Natural as well as the cold-as-ice lizard bounty hunter ‘Good Baby’ Scales. We’re working on a plan now to release a standalone “Bastard Road” graphic novel in 2010, and we’re currently developing a pitch for an animated “Bastard Road” series. We’re also hoping to start creating some unique merchandising materials featuring characters from the Bastardverse. All in all, we’re going to take “Bastard Road” as far as we can, so anything is possible!
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
by Matthew Price
“Watchmen” sales top 1 million
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The sales of “Watchmen” collected editions have topped 1 million units since the trailer was released with the “Dark Knight” film in July 2008, DC Vice President of Sales Bob Wayne announced at the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting.
In addition, DC Comics offered a fourth consignment program for retailers to help keep “Watchmen” stocked deeply on store shelves.
“We think there will still be people coming in looking for this book,” Wayne said, citing anticipated continued demand projected by DC Comics.
– Matt Price
