Yahoo Movies debuted a banner featuring Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Chris Hemsworth as Thor, for the upcoming film “The Avengers,” set for a May 4, 2012 release.  The film is directed by Joss Whedon.

The Avengers who haven’t had their own solo movies as yet, plus one villain, are found on a second banner via Moviefone.  Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury,Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow round out the second banner, which can be seen at Moviefone or by clicking past the cut.

- Matt Price

Marvel Comics’ top-tier team of superheroes stars in “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” which features Thor, Iron Man and Captain America, among others.

With “The Avengers” set to come to theaters in 2012, it’s a nice bit of multimedia synergy — but it’s a well-done animated series, as well, culling bits from both the classic and “Ultimate” lines of Marvel Comics, as well as the cinematic universe, to create a hybrid that takes the best of all worlds.

In the third volume, the Avengers face the Masters of Evil, a group of Avengers foes gathered by Captain America’s enemy, Baron Zemo. Though the Avengers appear to be down for the count after Zemo attacks their mansion, Zemo hasn’t accounted for the bowman Hawkeye or the Wakandan king Black Panther, two Avengers who weren’t there at the time.

The second episode on the set, “459,” brings the Kree warrior Captain Mar-Vell into the “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” continuity, as an alien sentry comes to Earth as a harbinger of interstellar war.

A three-part storyline features the time-traveling dictator Kang the Conqueror and is reminiscent of the great Kang storylines from the Avengers comics.

And in “Widow’s Sting,” Hawkeye and Mockingbird are on the trail of the apparent double-agent the Black Widow.

Eric Loomis brings a Robert Downey Jr.-esque flair to the brash, sarcastic Iron Man, and veteran voice actor Fred Tatasciore returns as the Hulk after playing the character in direct-to-DVD films and video games. Brian Bloom (“As the World Turns”) voices the heroic Captain America, while Rick Wasserman (“24”) plays the Norse god of thunder, Thor.

There’s some anime influence, but “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” animation style is probably somewhere between Marvel’s more traditional superhero style and a full-on anime production. It’s similar in look to the recent “Wolverine and the X-Men” as far as art style is concerned. Former “X-Force” comics writer Christopher Yost is the series’ head writer and story editor, and wrote the “Masters of Evil” episode included in this collection.

— Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr in "The Avengers."

Get your first extended look at Marvel’s “The Avengers” with a new trailer released today at Apple.

The film, directed by Joss Whedon, stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye.

- Matt Price

Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson in "Thor."

Secret agent Phil Coulson, as played by Clark Gregg, has appeared in three Marvel Studios films so far, and his biggest role yet is in the upcoming “The Avengers,” directed by Joss Whedon.

“There’s no other movie where I have this much to do,” Gregg said in a telephone interview promoting Friday’s release of the “Thor” DVD.

SHIELD is Marvel’s high-tech superspy agency led by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). When Thor’s hammer lands in New Mexico and is giving off strange readings, SHIELD sets up shop to analyze the artifact.

Coulson comes into conflict with Thor (Chris Hemsworth), an Asgardian god cast to Earth by his father, Odin, when Thor tries to retrieve his hammer. Coulson has to become a little more aggressive in “Thor,” as he leads a team of agents protecting the hammer.

Gregg was impressed with Hemsworth’s abilities as the lead character.

“That seems really hard. He’s got to be this ultimate warrior, and at the same time, he’s got to be this Shakespearean prince,” Gregg said.

Coulson helps tie together the Marvel films in a new short, “The Consultant,” which will appear on the “Thor” Blu-ray.

“It was hugely cool,” Gregg said. “I just love that they wanted to go further with SHIELD and Coulson. They’ve been evolving who SHIELD is and who Coulson is.”

Meanwhile, Coulson’s role as something of a point-of-view character in this world of superheroes and thunder gods has made him a fan favorite.

“It’s really fun for me,” Gregg said. “You can feel that the audience will be discovering this or that. (And) he’s not afraid to say something sarcastic,” Gregg said.

The fans have taken to Coulson’s deftness and quick wit, and they share their love of the character with Gregg.

“I’m so kind of flattered and blown away by that,” he said. “People send T-shirts and make really amazing art.”

Coulson was created for the films but has appeared in comic books based on the film’s continuity since, including “Iron Man 2: Agents of SHIELD,” set between “Iron Man” 1 and 2, and “Security Measures,” collected in the “I Am Iron Man” trade paperback.

Whedon recently told MTV that he found places during the filming of “The Avengers” to increase Agent Coulson’s screen time. “There were things that during the writing, I was like, ‘I need something more here … Oh, Coulson!’ and he just, he comes up every time,” Whedon said at MTV’s Splash Page. “Clark is such a wonderful guy but also such a precise actor.”

Gregg laughed off such compliments — “I had to pay a lot for him to say that,” he said — but shared praise on working with Whedon and the all-star “Avengers” cast, which includes Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Captain America.

Gregg also is dipping into Marvel’s animated world, voicing Coulson in the upcoming “Ultimate Spider-Man” cartoon series.

Gregg said it’s exciting to put Coulson into “the whole Peter Parker, Aunt May world,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to happen in any other milieu.”

Gregg, who also writes and directs, will be a triple-threat in the upcoming “Trust Me,” a noirish comedy which he wrote and will star in and direct.

“I definitely wrote this character pretty much for myself,” he said. “I didn’t feel like handing it off to someone else.”

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

Fans of the fast-talking Tony Stark portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. will find a lot to like in Matt Fraction’s version of the character that populates “Invincible Iron Man.”   In “The Five Nightmares,” which collects issues#1-6 of the series, Stark finds himself facing off against Ezekiel Stane, the son of the late Obadiah (played by Jeff Bridges in the first “Iron Man,” so there’s another tie for movie-watchers.)

The younger Stane is using his intellect and massive funding — as well as stolen Stark tech — in the aim of killing Tony Stark.

Fraction and artist Salvador Larroca (“Uncanny X-Men”) make a good team as Tony reveals the five nightmares he has about the future, and learns to face them.  

Nice artwork throughout, and Fraction has a good feel for Tony’s voice and for his relationships with his allies and enemies.  This is a good starting point for readers who want to start to delve deeper into the modern Iron Man.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011:  1,282. Still to go: 729

Marvel has released concept art for the upcoming “Avengers” movie, starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, as Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye.  The posters are available at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Click past the cut to see the four posters released so far.

- Matt Price

Robert Downey Jr. (AP)

Robert Downey Jr., currently filming “The Avengers,” where he reprises his role of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, comes in at No. 3 on Nerdage’s list of actors with geek appeal.

Downey has starred as Stark in two “Iron Man” films, and made a cameo in “The Incredible Hulk.”  After “Avengers,” he’ll star in “Iron Man 3,” set to be directed by Shane Black.

Also of interest to Nerdage fans, Downey is set to play Sherlock Holmes for a second time in the film “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” set for release on Dec. 16.

In 2010, in addition to “Iron Man 2,” Downey starred in the comedy “Due Date,” with Zack Galifianakis.

- Matt Price

Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson — who played superspy the Black Widow in “Iron Man 2″ and is set to reprise her role in “The Avengers,” directed by Joss Whedon — comes in at No. 7 on Nerdage’s actresses with geek appeal.

In December, she’ll co-star with Matt Damon in the Cameron Crowe-directed film “We Bought a Zoo.”

- Matt Price

Don Cheadle (AP)

Actor Don Cheadle may seem too smooth to be much of a geek, but with his role as James “Rhodey” Rhodes in “Iron Man 2,” he became an actor of substantial interest to comic-book fans.  As such, he comes in at No. 17 on Nerdage’s actors with geek appeal.

He’ll star as FBI agent Wendell Everett in “The Guard,” set for release this fall.

Back in 2008, it was announced that Cheadle had signed on for “The Avengers,” but recent reports don’t indicate he’s part of that cast.   Speaking to MTV in January, Cheadle indicated that a solo “War Machine” film might be in development, and that he believed writers had been hired.

Cheadle is expected to return as James Rhodes in “Iron Man 3,” now set to be directed by Shane Black.

- Matt Price

Sam Rockwell at Comic-Con International in 2009. (AP)

After a successful turn as the villainous Justin Hammer in “Iron Man 2,” Sam Rockwell is again returning to the silver screen in a comic-book based role in “Cowboys and Aliens.”   Rockwell takes the No. 24 spot in Nerdage’s Top 25 actors with geek appeal.

This summer, Rockwell will play “Doc” in “Cowboys and Aliens,” the Western/sci-fi hybrid that’s based on the Platinum graphic novel.   The film, which also stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, is set to release July 29.

- Matt Price

In a letter posted at Whedonesque on April 24, director Joss Whedon confirms that the “Avengers” start date is today, Monday, April 25.

Whedon writes:

Joss Whedon (AP)

Anyhoo, it should be a fun day, followed by the eighty thousand other fun days it will take to finish this. I’ll be checking in from time to time, if there’s news or I crave attention (i.e. am awake) . None of it will be Avengers news — I have some very denty pillows to remind of that — but I may have tidbits.

The Avengers stars Chris Evans as Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk.  Jeremy Renner will appear in The Avengers as Hawkeye.

- Matt Price

ARCHIE GIVEAWAY
Find out the winner of the Archie Comics AllPosters.com giveaway in this week’s Planet 46 Comics video.

MARION COTILLARD, JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT OFFICIALLY SIGNED FOR “BATMAN 3”

According to MTV’s Splash Page, the long-rumored casting of Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” is finally official.

According to Warner Bros., Cotillard will play Miranda Tate, a Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham. Gordon-Levitt will play John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon.

X-CITING IMAGES OR NOT?

A trailer, a new poster and new image of Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique all hit the internet in the past few days.

Empire criticizes the poster as too photoshopped, while the Mystique image revealed by JenniferLawrenceDaily is getting a better response.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What do you think of the X-Men First Class poster?

NEW SPIDEY COMING?

Marvel announced that after the events of Death of Spider-Man, the storyline taking place in its “Ultimate” line of comics, a new character will take on the role of Spider-Man.
“We called this story Death of Spider-Man for a reason,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor In Chief, in a news release. “This is a huge story that’ll have fans around the world talking for a long time as we set the stage for the debut of our new Spider-Man.”

REVIEW FILE: Invincible Iron Man #503, Super Dinosaur #1, Uncanny X-Force #8, Justice League of America #56
Comics read in 2011: 554 Still to go: 1457.

STEVE ROGERS TO RETURN AS CAPTAIN AMERICA

Marvel has announced Steve Rogers’ return as Captain America in “Captain America” No. 1, the first issue of an all-new ongoing series premiering in July. The writer is Ed Brubaker, joined by artist Steve McNiven.

“Captain America and Bucky,” another series from Brubaker and Marvel, will pick up the “Captain America” numbering with No. 620.

FORMER ‘HEROES’ TO VOICE IRON MAN, WOLVERINE

Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb announced casting for two of the company’s much anticipated anime

The anime version of Wolverine

Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, Rocky Balboa, Heroes), takes on the title role in WOLVERINE, as Logan claws his way through Japan’s criminal underworld.

“Adrian and Milo are perfect as Iron Man and Wolverine,” said Loeb. “It’s extremely exciting to see these talented guys take on two of the most iconic Super Hero roles of all time.”

DOCTOR WHO RETURNS TO AMERICA ON APRIL 23Doctor Who delivered record ratings in 2010 and now returns to BBC AMERICA on April 23 for the first block of the new 13 episode season, which opens in with a two-parter set in the U.S.

The premiere episode is written by Neil Gaiman (The Sandman). Doctor Who premieres Saturday, April 23, at 9/8c.

REVIEW FILE: Axe Cop #2, Nonplayer #1, Fear Itself #1, Superman/Batman Annual #5
Comics read in 2011: 532. Still to go: 1479.

Milo Ventimiglia (AP)

Update from Wondercon: Marvel Television Announces Adrian Pasdar and Milo Ventimiglia for Iron Man and Wolverine Anime Series To Air On G4 July 2011

Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb announced casting for two of the company’s much anticipated anime series, IRON MAN and WOLVERINE, at its WonderCon panel today in San Francisco to the delight of fans in attendance. Both series will premiere on G4 in July 2011.

Adrian Pasdar (Heroes, Castle, Profit) will lend his voice to the character of Tony Stark in IRON MAN, an all-new series which sees Stark travel to Japan and battle the evil Zodiac Organization.

Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, Rocky Balboa, Heroes), takes on the title role in WOLVERINE, as Logan claws his way through Japan’s criminal underworld.

“Adrian and Milo are perfect as Iron Man and Wolverine,” said Loeb. “It’s extremely exciting to see these talented guys take on two of the most iconic Super Hero roles of all time.”

As the exclusive US TV home for the series, G4 will air IRON MAN and WOLVERINE along with the BLADE and X-MEN anime series later this year. The network will premiere an exclusive clip from WOLVERINE on Wednesday’s Attack of the Show at 7 pm ET/PT. For more information, check out g4tv.com/marvel

—

What do you think of the casting?

Robert Downey Jr in "Iron Man 2."

Shane Black, who directed Robert Downey Jr. in “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” is in final negotiations to re-team with the actor and direct “Iron Man 3.”  (via Deadline and BAM)

Black wrote the first two “Lethal Weapon” movies and at one point was the highest-paid screenwriter in Hollywood.

It was recently reported he would direct the adaptation of the anime “Death Note” for Warner Bros.; he’s also working on “Doc Savage” for Sony.

Jon Favreau, who directed “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2″ gave up the director spot for the third film to direct “Magic Kingdom” for Disney. (Marvel is owned by Disney.)

- Matt Price

Chris Hemsworth (left) and Chris Evans at the Golden Globe Awards. (NBC)

Despite what was a pretty rough Golden Globe Awards ceremony, Marvel’s superheroes came through looking pretty good last night.

Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans, who will play Thor and Captain America in the movies based on those characters this summer, appeared together and handled their assignment with class.

They presented the best supporting actress in a series, miniseries, or movie, which went to Jane Lynch of “Glee.”

Robert Downey Jr. (NBC)

Robert Downey Jr., who plays Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in Marvel’s films and will appear in “The Avengers” in 2012, had the best line of the night, responding to host Ricky Gervais’ stinging brand of humor.

“Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the vibe of the show has been pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?” Downey said prior to presenting the award for best actress in a comedy or musical.

The show had strong ratings of about 17 million viewers, which was up 5 percent from last year’s awards.

If you want to relive the entire Golden Globe experience, check out Brandy McDonnell’s blog, where she runs down the entire experience.

- Matt Price

Detectives, zombies and superheroes highlighted the best in periodical comic books in 2010. While most comics are eventually collected in graphic novels, the monthly periodical comic still drives most traffic in comic book stores.

The following are 2010′s best 10 periodical comic books.

1. “Supergirl” (DC Comics). Tulsa native Sterling Gates brought his run on “Supergirl” to a close in 2010. With artist Jamal Igle, Gates imbued Kryptonian teen Kara with a personality and soul that went far beyond her super-abilities. Supergirl dealt with the death of her society, betrayal from a friend, and the constant struggle to live up to her family crest. In 2010, Supergirl learned that, like those of us without superpowers, she couldn’t simply run from her problems and her pain but had to face up to them.

2. “Chew” (Image Comics). Cibopathic detective Tony Chu gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. In this near-future, the Food and Drug Administration has become the most powerful law-enforcement group on the planet, after a bird flu led to the banning of chicken. Chu faces off against his ex-partner, gets a new girlfriend and deals with a family Thanksgiving before the possible end of the world is threatened at year’s end.

3. “Demo” Vol. 2 (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writer Brian Wood and artist Becky Cloonan revived their series “Demo,” first published at AiT-Planet Lar, for DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint in 2010. “Demo” is made up of short stories of young people with unnatural powers, but it’s done in a different way than something like the “X-Men.” “Demo” looks at young people at a turning point in their lives, with an unusual ability often serving as a metaphor. From romance to dark horror, each of the six issues of “Demo” is like a short film unto itself.

4. “American Vampire” (DC Comics/Vertigo). Writers Stephen King and Scott Snyder reveal the stories of 1880s outlaw Skinner Sweet and 1920s actress Pearl Jones, who become the first of a new breed of “American Vampire,” who have the ability to feed in the sun. Brazil-born artist Rafael Albuquerque (“Blue Beetle,” “Mondo Urbano”) is a future star.

5. “Captain America” (Marvel Comics). The new Captain America faces off against Baron Zemo and must face the crimes of his past, when he was the brainwashed Winter Soldier, in this series from Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice.

6. “Invincible Iron Man” (Marvel Comics). Tony Stark became a fugitive as the former Green Goblin became the top cop in the Marvel Universe, then put himself in a coma to prevent Norman Osborn from finding out his secrets. When Tony is finally revived, he has no memory of his past few years. This new Tony starts a new company, builds a new suit of armor, and wants to make the world a cleaner, freer place. But enemies old and new stand in his way. Writer Matt Fraction, with artist Salvador Larocca, continues to make “Invincible Iron Man” a techno-thriller for the 21st century.

7. “The Walking Dead” (Image Comics). Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic continued its successful run at Image Comics even as it was adapted for television by Frank Darabont. Kirkman, with artist Charlie Adlard, kept “The Walking Dead” one of the most consistent — and consistently surprising — comic books on the stands. Rick Grimes continues to test his limits as he seeks safety for his group of companions. But will the group still have the temperament to merge with a society?

8. “Stumptown” (Oni Press). Private detective Dex has a problem with gambling and owes about $18,000 to a casino. But if she can find the granddaughter of the casino’s executive, she may be able to get out of debt. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end up being that simple. This one is by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth.

9. “Ex Machina” (DC Comics/WildStorm). Brian K. Vaughan (“Y: The Last Man”) brought his story of Mitchell Hundred, the superpowered mayor of New York, to a conclusion in 2010. The remarkably consistent series, which mixed action and politics, was drawn throughout the run by Tony Harris (“Starman”).

10. “King City” (Tokyopop/Image). Brandon Graham has created an original, funny sci-fi tale with “King City,” in which 20-something Joe, a “cat master,” and his cat return to his hometown of King City. Joe’s cat, Earthing J. Catingsworth III, can transform into virtually any tool after being injected with “Cat-Juice.” The futuristic city of spies and mobsters is jam-packed with visual details and developed characters.

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

Jon Favreau won’t direct Iron Man 3

Hero Complex, in an interview with Jon Favreau, announced that the director won’t return for Iron Man 3.

Jon Favreau confirmed via Twitter that he was directing Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” rather than the third film in the “Iron Man” series.   There doesn’t appear to be any hard feelings; Favreau wished Marvel the best via Twitter, and of course Disney is now Marvel’s parent company.

Comic Book Rock

In Weekend Look,  Matt Price talks to musician Ray Wall about his comic-book themed songs that feature the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the Watchmen. You can check out his music at www.myspace.com/raywallband.

Mighty Samson

DARK KNIGHT IN ASIA

According to Hero Complex, Christopher Nolan is in Asia scouting locations for filming his third “Batman” film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”   Nolan’s film “Inception” received a Golden Globe nominations Other comic-book properties receiving nominations include the comic-based movie “Red” and comic-book based TV show “The Walking Dead.”

REVIEW FILE:

Supergirl 59 – the last issue by Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle.

John Byrne’s Next Men 1 – Revisiting the critically acclaimed 1990s series.

Amazing Spider-Man 650 – Spidey is saved by Lady Gaga — sort of.

Mighty Samson 1 – the latest Gold Key revival from Jim Shooter.

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau confirmed via Twitter that he was stepping away from the Iron Man franchise, as first reported by the Hero Complex.   He’ll instead direct Disney’s “The Magic Kingdom,” about vacationers who get stuck inside Disneyland after close as the park comes to life.

“It’s true,” he said via Twitter. “I’m directing ‘Magic Kingdom,’ not ‘Iron Man 3.’ I’ve had a great run with Marvel and wish them the best.”

I spoke to Favreau prior to both “Iron Man” films and he had great affection for the property, the cast and the team at Marvel.  While in some ways it’s too bad we won’t see his take on the Mandarin in “Iron Man 3,” he seems happy with his decision, and the success of “Iron Man” seems to have put him in a position where he can do the kinds of films he wants to do.   This won’t derail “Iron Man 3″ – while we may see a different take, there’s no way Marvel won’t follow up on what’s been a hugely successful franchise.  Ultimately, I imagine Marvel will hire someone with whom Robert Downey Jr. is comfortable, and who can handle the humor and action inherent in the series — Todd Phillips? Ben Stiller?  Who do you want to see take on the reins of the “Iron Man” franchise?

- Matt Price

Iron Man 3 gets release date

Stan Lee (AP)

According to Marvel.com, “Iron Man 3″ will release on May 3, 2013.   This appearance will follow Iron Man’s appearance in “The Avengers,” which will release May 4, 2012.

Elect a Legion leader

Fans can vote for who they think should lead the Legion of Super-Heroes by placing a vote at LegionElection.com.

Matt and Kyle review Kick-Ass 2 #1, Hulk #26, Stan Lee’s Soldier Zero #1 and Supergirl #57.

Marvel has announced that “Iron Man 3″ will release on May 3, 2013.

This appearance will follow Iron Man’s appearance in “The Avengers,” which will release May 4, 2012.

The first Saturday in May is “Free Comic Book Day” at direct-market comic-book shops around the world, and the Friday before has become a strong release window for comic-based product.   Both “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2″ were released near Free Comic Book Day, as were two of the three previous “Spider-Man” films.

Also from Marvel, Disney, Paramount and Marvel have announced an agreement transferring Paramount’s worldwide marketing and distribution rights for Marvel Studios’ The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3″  to Disney .

Paramount remains the worldwide distributor for “Thor” and “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

- Matt Price

Iron Man suits in "Iron Man 2."

The creators of “Iron Man 2” wanted to make sure the film remained firmly fixed in a believable reality, despite the spectacular things happening throughout the film.

Co-producer Victoria Alonso said director Jon Favreau helped maintain that grounded feeling.

Victoria Alonso

“When you add more spectacle you can go overboard, and Jon Favreau was specific about not making it feel anything else but real,” Alonso said in a news conference promoting the DVD and Blu-ray release of the film.

“Iron Man 2,” which stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, who wears a superpowered suit of armor to become Iron Man, featured more characters from the comic books, including Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Mickey Rourke as Whiplash.

“The comic books are always a place where we start,” Alonso said. “We want to use all the ingredients that were successful in the comics but always (make) sure they do translate to the film genre.

Don Cheadle, replacing Terrence Howard in the role of Stark’s best friend James Rhodes, wears what’s known as the “War Machine” armor in this film.

Visual effects supervisor Janek Sirrs said developing new suits can be a challenge — especially since an actor has to fit inside it.

“From a design point of view, each new suit needs to strike a balance between feeling fresh, but at the same time, retaining the iconic look and feel that has already been established with the fans,” Sirrs said.

Alonso said the team aimed to make the details and attitude of each suit different. Alonso and Sirrs were pleased with the briefcase armor used in the film’s Monaco sequence.

“We needed to prove that Tony had designed a suit that was portable and yet could have the weight to protect him from danger,” Alonso said. “The result of that sequence was a very believable portable suit that you (believe) Tony Stark has designed to keep him safe in his world travels.”

Sirrs said the deployment of the briefcase suit is his favorite moment in the film.

“We all had to do a lot of head scratching to work out how to cram the suit into that tiny briefcase,” he said.

Tech aside, the success of films like “Iron Man 2” and the other Marvel films comes down to character, Alonso said.

“Our movies are about personal struggles and an overall sense of responsibility to the greater good,” Alonso said. “To me that is a life lesson. We should all try to be better and make sure the world around us is kinder.”

Sirrs is working on “The Avengers,” which will team Iron Man with other Marvel heroes Thor and Captain America.

“I’m obviously a glutton for punishment — one superhero isn’t enough to deal with!” he said.

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Listed on wimgo Movies under Action

Iron Man 2 Blu-ray

The high-tech “Iron Man 2” comes to Blu-ray with tons of extras packed in, as well as a third disc containing a DVD and digital copy of the film.

In the second “Iron Man” film, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers that the device he created in the first movie to power the “Iron Man” armor and keep his heart beating is also killing him. Not wanting to burden others with his problems, he withdraws into his work and increasingly erratic behavior. Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), the son of an exiled Russian who helped Stark’s father develop the ideas behind the power source Stark used for his “Iron Man” armor, develops a weapon of his own, in an attempt to discredit Stark.

Vanko’s attack on Stark in Monaco, in the film’s best sequence, draws the attention of arms manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), who wants to parlay Vanko’s know-how into his own armored suits to sell to the U.S. government.

The film is flashy and explosive, and director Jon Favreau knows how to let his actors work. The film may feel overstuffed to some. Characters Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson), Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) and Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) work in an espionage subplot, while returning characters Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Happy Hogan (Favreau) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle, replacing Terrence Howard) focus on Tony’s personal problems. Both of these eventually intersect, as Stark discovers his father’s true legacy.

The Blu-ray looks fantastic and is packed with three hours of extras, including featurettes on making the films, creating the armor suits, introducing new characters, deleted scenes with commentary, a music video and more. The “data vault” on the first disc works in conjunction with selected scenes to provide additional information. There’s also a full-length commentary on the film by Favreau.

— Matthew Price

Listed on wimgo Movies under Action

Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man 2"

Flawed heroes are what make Marvel superhero films interesting, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said in a news conference promoting “Iron Man 2,” released recently on DVD and Blu-ray.

“When it comes to larger-than-life characters like our Marvel superheroes, a flaw is what makes them human and is their most important aspect,” he said. “We can push that flaw as far as we can, just short of puking into a toilet.”

Kevin Feige

Feige was referring to an alternate opening to “Iron Man 2,” included on the Blu-ray, which opens with Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, with his head in a toilet.

“While we liked the notion of starting off with our hero in an unexpected manner, ultimately (director) Jon (Favreau) felt it was best to see Tony first revealed on the Stark Expo stage,” Feige said.

Feige said the comic-book inspirations of films such as “Iron Man 2” will allow Marvel to make exciting stories for years to come.

“We have the incredibly unfair advantage of almost 70 years of material, all of which has been revamped and refreshed over the decades in comic book form,” Feige said. “Our job is to look at the rich history of these characters and pick the best stories to tell.”

Feige mentioned in particular Matt Fraction’s “Invincible Iron Man” comic books informing the Tony Stark in “Iron Man 2.”

“We’re huge fans of the Fraction run,” he said. “It was a big part of our discussions for part 2 and continues to be part of our conversations of how the character will be moving forward.”

Multiple new armored suits for Iron Man appear in “Iron Man 2.” Feige said he was most proud of the development of the suitcase armor, which Tony puts on after being attacked in Monaco by Whiplash (Mickey Rourke).

“The suitcase suit is the thing we are most proud of and was the very first new suit we discussed,” Feige said. “Because it was right out of the books and because at the time we had no idea how we were going to pull it off.”

Feige praised the work of designer Ryan Meinerding and the designers at D-neg, saying they made the suitcase armor into the “showcase suit” of this film. It’s the suit featured on the cover to the Blu-ray release of “Iron Man 2.”

Marvel Studios remains busy, as filming just wrapped on “Thor” and continues on “Captain America.”

“It’s incredibly exciting to be back in the mode of introducing characters to the audience for the first time as we did with Iron Man in 2008,” Feige said. “I think that moviegoers are in for a big surprise when more of Thor and Captain America is revealed in the coming months.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Clark Gregg in "Iron Man."

Starting with a small role in 2008′s “Iron Man,” Clark Gregg’s Agent Phil Coulson has become the connective tissue of the cinematic Marvel Universe.

After being tasked with keeping an eye on Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the first two “Iron Man” films, he’ll join the cast of Kenneth Branagh’s “Thor” in 2011, then move on to Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” in 2012, which will join Iron Man, Thor and Captain America in one film. “Captain America: The First Avenger” will be set in the European theater of World War II in the 1940s (and thus isn’t expected to feature Agent Coulson); “Thor” explores the alternate realm of the Norse Gods and its intersection with modern New Mexico; and Iron Man is a technologically advanced real-world environment. All of these worlds will collide in “The Avengers,” which is set to begin filming in March.

“I was trying to remember what there could be that was quite like this, because there are very few things you can’t find a precedent for, in life or in movies,” Gregg said in a recent phone interview promoting “Iron Man 2,” out Tuesday on DVD. “There’s just something about this that I don’t feel has been done before. … These are kind of pop culture, American hero legends. And what’s interesting about this is they really span a wide range of styles.”

Coulson is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., which in the films stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. It’s stood for a couple of other things in the comics, but it’s generally been an espionage agency dealing with high-level threats. S.H.I.E.L.D. was likely at least in part inspired by the James Bond films of the early 1960s; Gregg said he was also inspired by 007.

“I’m a huge Bond fan; I’m a huge (Sean) Connery fan. I grew up, I remember very clearly the day my dad was like, ‘All right, listen, I think you’re old enough — well, I’m not sure I think you’re old enough, (but) I’m going to let you watch “Goldfinger” on TV,’” he said. “And just being like, ‘Whoa, this is the greatest thing I have ever seen.’”

Gregg also enjoyed the humorous takes on spydom.

“There were so many of these things when I was a kid,” he said. “There were the James Coburn ones, ‘In Like Flint,’ which were very funny and tongue-in-cheek and spoofy, and also there were the drunken, horny Dean Martin ones, ‘Matt Helm,’ and I loved ‘em all,” Gregg said.

His role as Coulson allows for both serious and humorous moments.

“It really is the funnest part of the gig, is to be able to be the deadpan guy with a lot of secrets, kind of masquerading as a generic suit,” Gregg said. “And then also to get to roll some punch lines along with Robert Downey (Jr.)”

Gregg, who also writes (“What Lies Beneath”) and directs (“Choke”), is working on a new project. After being thrilled to see Agent Coulson in comic book form, Gregg said his new project might first see the light of day as a graphic novel.

“The new thing that I’m writing, I’m actually interested in exploring the idea of doing it as a graphic novel before the film comes out,” Gregg said. “It’s called ‘Trust Me.’ It’s a dark, noir-ish comedy about an agent for child actors in Los Angeles.”

Gregg said he’s trying to determine if his raised profile from “Iron Man 2” will make it easier to get new writing and directing projects off the ground. And he’d like to see further development of Agent Coulson as a character, perhaps with a love interest or fight scene. But he’s enjoying the ride regardless.

“I would love to scrap with somebody at some point,” he said. “I think Coulson has probably got more game than we realize. But I’m just happy to be there.”

- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Iron Man 2 comes to DVD; Clark Gregg talks Agent Coulson

The summer hit “Iron Man 2” comes to DVD on Tuesday, and Clark Gregg, who plays Agent Coulson in “Iron Man 2” spoke with us about what he’s looking forward to with his character. Coulson will appear in “Thor” next year and in “The Avengers” in 2012.

Smallville gets Teri Hatcher

Entertainment Weekly reports that former Lois Lane Teri Hatcher will appear on Smallville’s final season as the mother of Lois Lane Erica Durance.

Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane

In episode 8, titled “Abandoned,” Lois discovers old videotapes of her mother… which according to EW’s report will be Teri Hatcher.

As you know, Hatcher spent four years as Lois Lane on ABC’s Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Ghost Rider 2 gets release date

According to Superhero Hype, Sony and Columbia Pictures have scheduled “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” for a release date of February 17, 2012.  The “Ghost Rider” sequel will be directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (“Crank”).  Nicolas Cage will return as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider in the film that will be released in both 2D and 3D.

WildStorm to shut down

As part of the DC Comics restructuring announced this week, the WildStorm imprint, home to books like “Gen 13” and “The Authority” will close down at the end of 2011. WildStorm was originally founded by Jim Lee as part of Image Comics, and was sold to DC Comics in 1999. Some books from the line will move into the DC Comics imprint; others will cease. The DC Source blog says other WildStorm characters may return in the future.

Reviews: Avengers #5, Supergirl #56, GI Joe Origins #19 and Fantastic Four #583.

Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow

In a press conference promoting “Iron Man 2,” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said a “Black Widow” spinoff from “Iron Man 2″ starring Scarlett Johansson has already been discussed.
“We’ve already started discussions with Scarlett about the idea of a solo movie and have begun putting together concepts,” Feige said, “but The Avengers comes first.”
Look for more from the Feige interview in next Friday’s Weekend Look.  And share your thoughts about what you’d like to see in a Black Widow movie in the comments.

- Matt Price

Iron Man vs. Batman from Kyle Roberts' stop-motion animation

A battle between two superhero billionaires comes to life in a new exhibit at the Toy and Action Figure Museum, 111 S. Chickasaw in Pauls Valley.

The “Iron Man vs. Batman” exhibit will officially open at 11 a.m. Saturday, and writer/director Kyle Roberts will be on hand to talk about his video and sign autographs. Special commemorative posters will be given away.

Roberts, a videographer with NewsOK, created the stop-motion animation using Batman and Iron Man action figures in battle. The mix of action and parody-style humor has led to nearly 75,000 views on the video. The Toy and Action Figure Museum sponsored the video, and now want to give people an even closer look, said museum curator Kevin Stark.

“After Kyle did the stop-motion film, we decided we wanted to showcase that here at the museum, and give people a behind-the-scenes look at how it was created, and let them look at the actual figures from Hot Toys,” said Stark.

The exhibit also explains more about the process of stop-motion filmmaking.

Roberts shot more than 1,200 photos before putting it together in a motion picture. Each step had to be individually captured, and then edited into the Oklahoma City backdrop.

- Matt Price

Found via Dave Gibbons, a brilliant trailer mashup exploring what an “Avengers” movie might have been like in 1952 – before most of the characters in the comic had even been created!  Imagine the 1950s versions of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant Man, the Wasp and the Black Widow, coming to a 1950s theater near you.

- Matt Price

Planet 46 Comics Podcast co-host Kyle Roberts has spent nights and weekends hunched over action figures to make this spectacular stop-motion animation of Iron Man vs. Batman. It’s already making the rounds throughout the internet, as Topless Robot, Comics Alliance, ToysREvil and more sites have been picking up on the super-fun (and funny) video.

- Matt Price