Longtime “Ghost Rider” artist Javier Saltares, who drew the popular 1990s relaunch starring Danny Ketch, visits the Planet 46 Comics Podcast to talk about his work on the character and the new movie, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.” Saltares has drawn both the Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze versions of Ghost Rider in his career, which also includes stints on “Aliens vs. Predator” and “G.I. Joe.”
Matt Price and Kyle Roberts host the Planet 46 Comics Podcast each week on NewsOK.

Watchmen prequels, X-Men First Class sequel, and Avengers assemble this week on the comics podcast.

MORE ‘WATCHMEN’
DC Comics is returning to the world of its best-selling graphic novel, “Watchmen.”
The new prequels will fill out story elements occurring before the events of “Watchmen.”

“Before Watchmen” is an event with six mini-series — 35 total issues — that will serve as a prequel to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ story WATCHMEN.
Creators involved include original series editor Len Wein, as well as writer/artist Darwyn Cooke and writer J. Michael Straczynski.

QUESTION OF THE DAY
What do you think of the idea of the “Watchmen” prequels? Will you buy them? Are you excited?

X-MEN FIRST CLASS 2
Deadline reports that Fox has just closed a deal with Matthew Vaughn to come back and direct the sequel to X-Men: First Class; Bryan Singer will also be back as producer.

Most of the major characters are expected to return, including James MacAvoy as Professor X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto.

AVENGERS TEASER
Marvel will release a commercial for its “Avengers” film during the Super Bowl.
The film, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson, is set for a May 4 release. It’s directed by Joss Whedon.

REVIEW FILE: Matt and Kyle review Winter Soldier #1, by Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice and Bettie Breitweiser; Fatale #2, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips; and Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes #4, by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman.

On the Planet 46 Comics show: Supermodel Miranda Kerr is Wonder Woman, “The Crow” reboot gets a director, and a Green Arrow show is on the way.

Matt Price and Kyle Roberts discuss the new DC Comics logo, Popeye making it back into comics, and an Amazing Spider-Man press conference in Tokyo on the Planet 46 Comics show.

Gary Oldman retires James Gordon’s badge; Fox plans more Marvel films; and reviews of “Action Comics” and more in the Planet 46 Comics Podcast at NewsOK.

GARY OLDMAN DONE AS GORDON
Gary Oldman tells Moviefone that “The Dark Knight Rises” will be the end of his run as Jim Gordon, and talks about using Bane as the villain.

“It’s great. It’s a terrific conclusion to the trilogy,” Oldman tells Moviefone. “Nolan rounds it off: he brings in a bit of the first one, from ‘Batman Begins,’ and he does some really surprising things with it. I thought his choice of villain was very interesting, to use Bane instead of Riddler or Penguin. He’s not gone with the most obvious choice. The challenge for Chris was always really the story and I think he didn’t want to make a third one for the sake of it. I think there was pressure on him, obviously, because the second was so successful. So there’s always going to be some pressure to keep it going. But he’s too smart and classy, really to just make a third just for the sake of making it, because others are demanding or want it from him and I think he felt that, ‘Let me get the story right.’ So the fans won’t be disappointed.”
Read more: http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/12/06/gary-oldman-dark-knight-rises-steve-buscemi-snl/

FOX STILL PLANS MORE X-MEN, FF, DAREDEVIL
Fox’s Tom Rothman tells MTV that he wants another “X-Men: First Class.”
“We’re trying like hell,” he said. “We’re trying as hard as we can. We really want to do it. We’re planning to do it.”
Rothman also commented two other Marvel properties that Fox plans to revive: “Daredevil” and “Fantastic Four.”
David Slade is attached to “Daredevil,” while “FF” is earlier in the development process.
REVIEW FILE: Valen the Outcast #1, Action Comics #4, Hawk & Dove #4, Raphael #1, Defenders #1
Comics read in 2011: 1902. Still to go: 109.

Batman 3, aka “The Dark Knight Rises,” has wrapped, and Christian Bale is done. Also: Lunch with a Star Wars legend and Hulk TV news.

LUNCH WITH LUKE

Actor Mark Hammill, who brought Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker to life in the original Star Wars Trilogy, is offering to have lunch in Los Angeles with the highest bidder and a guest to raise funds for The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, which provides an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Valued at $10,000, the exclusive experience is open for bidding from November 29th through December 15th at:

http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/276455

BAT-FINISHED

The Philippine Daily Inquirer talked with Christian Bale, and he confirmed he was done with Batman.

“I wrapped a few days ago so that will be the last time I’m taking that cowl off,” he said. “I believe that the whole production wrapped yesterday, so it’s all done. Everything’s finished. It’s me and Chris – that will be the end of that Batman era.”

He also praised co-star Anne “Catwoman” Hathaway.

“I had plenty of scenes with Anne,” he said. “And I was there when we did the screen test for her. The thing that I said to Chris [Nolan] that day was that there were many very accomplished actresses who had read for the role. I’m terrible at auditions, so I’m very impressed when somebody really seems to acquire an ownership of a character without having worked on it or prepared for some amount of time.”

THE INCREDIBLE HULK NEARS

Guillermo del Toro tells io9 that the screenplay is in for the possible upcoming “Hulk” TV show, and the team is waiting for a green light. Del Toro, serving as producer, says he and his team know the essential stories, including “Hulk: Grey,” written by Jeph Loeb, who is involved with the show.
“We know all the iterations of the Hulk pretty good. We’ve read all the essential stories, and we’re then riffing on that. There are so many incarnations and ideas. Jeph Loeb — who did a good run [on Hulk: Grey] — is involved, and I love Peter David’s Hulk. But there’s really no part in that mythos that we don’t know, so we are trying put our own personal spin on it.”

REVIEW FILE: Green Lantern The Animated Series #0, Wolverine #19, Uncanny X-Men #2, X-Men Legacy #259, Archie #627, Flash Gordon Zeitgeist #1.
Comics read in 2011: 1,853. Still to go: 158

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

Kyle drops in Logan-style, bub, in this year’s Planet 46 Halloween Special. Also on the show: Superman fan Herbert Chavez undergoes 10 years of surgery to become resemble his hero; Bryan Harley makes an awesome Avengers trailer “Sweded” parody; Halloween comics are recommended; and Sterling Gates is making a stop in Oklahoma. Plus Wolverine, Superman and more make an appearance in the review file.

SUPER DOPPLEGANGER
Parade reports on a Filipino man, Herbert Chavez, who has undergone multiple surgeries to more closely resemble the Man of Steel. Chavez, a huge Superman fan, has undergone a nose job, chin implants and more.

AVENGERS SWEDED TRAILER IS JUST TOO SWEET
Bryan Harley and friends have created an awesome “Avengers” trailer in the “Sweded” style popularized by Michel Gondry in the film “Be Kind Rewind.” Find out more about the art of sweding and the Swedefest at www.swedefest.com, and find out more about the trailer at www.dumbdrum.com.

STERLING GATES IN OK
Check out Sterling Gates, “Hawk and Dove” writer, at Matt’s store Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter Ave in Norman, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

GET YOUR HALLOWEEN READING ON
Matt recommends Batman: The Long Halloween, B.P.R.D., and Vampirella comics by Archie Goodwin and James Robinson for Halloween reading in 2011.

REVIEW FILE: Avengers #18, Incredible Hulk #1, Wolverine and the X-Men #1, Superman #2, Aquaman #2
Comics read in 2011: 1,613. Still to go: 398.

Hayley Atwell is on the Planet 46 NewsOK Comics Podcast; a Punisher TV pilot is in the works; and you could win Robot Chicken season 5.

CAPTAIN AMERICA ON DVD/HAYLEY ATWELL ON THE PLANET 46 COMICS PODCAST
Hayley Atwell plays British agent Peggy Carter in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
Atwell talked about doing a lot of training to become Agent Carter, but also about keeping the character sophisticated.
“We looked at kind of old Hollywood glamour, the Lauren Bacalls, and the pencil skirts of the 40s, and found a way to make the uniform look practical and strong, but also sexy and sophisticated as well,” she said.
She’s also looking forward to seeing her pal Chris Evans in “The Avengers.” She said the two of them got on very well on-set.
“He was great fun. We hung out a lot. He’s a really smart guy, and I thought he brought so much sensitivity to this role. Not just the physical aspect of it, which he obviously was clearly capable of doing, but then you see there’s quite a sensitive side to what Chris can do as an actor. And he was a gentleman, and he was very sweet. I felt like one of the guys being around him, but I also felt looked after by him. He’s had a lot more experience working with Hollywood than I have.”

ROBOT CHICKEN SEASON 5 GIVEAWAY
The Planet 46 Comics Podcast is giving away Season 5 of Robot Chicken, featuring 20 uncensored episodes from the series’ two-part fifth season, including nine never-before-seen episodes and sketches fueled by the series’ signature pop culture parodies. They are also stocked with hours and hours of bonus materials ranging from deleted scenes and episode commentary with celebrity guests, to behind-the-scenes featurettes. Plus, the series’ 100th episode is included on this release.
Want to win a copy? Tell us who is your favorite celebrity guest voice on Robot Chicken!
Chris Evans, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Hulk Hogan, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Campbell, James Marsden, David Hasselhoff, Vanessa Hudgens, Scarlett Johansson,
Dean Cain, Dom DeLuise, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rosario Dawson and more have all appeared on the show.

PUNISHER TV SHOW
Deadline reports Fox has handed a put pilot commitment to The Punisher, a series based on the Marvel comic from Ed Bernero and ABC Studios. The show is described as an hour-long procedural with a Marvel Comics twist.
It’s not the only comic-book show that may arrive on FOX — the network is also developing “The Spectre.”

REVIEW FILE:
Justice League #2, Batman #2, Cold War #1, Fear Itself #7, Avengers #18
Comics read in 2011: 1606. Still to go: 405

First look at the Avengers are in Entertainment Weekly; the new Batman cartoon “Beware of the Batman” is set to debut in 2013; and Walking Dead webisodes are online at AMCtv.com this week on the Planet 46 comics show.

REVIEW FILE: Penguin Pain and Prejudice #1, Huntress #1, Action Comics #2, Supernatural #1, X-Men Schism #5
Comics read in 2011: 1,540 Still to go: 471

Kyle’s latest video has NES flair; 24-Hour Comics Day pushes artists to their limits; Brad Meltzer’s Decoded to start season 2; and it’s the largest release week of comics in more than a decade in this week’s Planet 46 Comics Podcast.

VIDEO-GAME MUSIC VIDEO!

Kyle Roberts, owner of the Oklahoma City-based film company Reckless Abandonment Pictures, directed a music video for Norman-based band ‘The Nghiems’.

The video, ‘Dum Dum Dah Dah’, features a fictional arcade game where the band members serve as the main characters.  The video is a mix of live shots at OKC-based New World Comics and stop motion animation, and will debut online Saturday, Oct. 1.

“Almost everyone remembers the magic of playing a ‘Mario’ type game where they had a journey through levels defeating bad guys to save the princess, we wanted to bring back that nostalgia in this project,” said Roberts.

24 HOUR COMICS DAY IS SATURDAY

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.  More info at www.24hourcomicsday.com.

BRAD MELTZER’S DECODED GETS SECOND SEASON

Brad Meltzer, who wrote the comic-book series “Identity Crisis” and “Green Arrow,” is also a best-selling novelist and, TV star.  The second season of his TV show “Brad Meltzer’s Decoded,” which looks at the hidden secrets behind codes and mysteries, starts season 2 next week, and for the first time, the team will be heading overseas, as well. The show airs on HISTORY.

Review file: Superman #1, Aquaman #1, Flash #1, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2, All-Star Western #1, I, Vampire #1, New Avengers #16.1
Comics read in 2011: 1,460.  Still to go: 551

Batman Year One trailer shown in advance of Oct. 18 release; X-Men Destiny hits shelves; and DC Comics’ sexy superheroines cross the border in the Planet 46 Comics Podcast.

BATGIRL, WONDER WOMAN, CATWOMAN IN COMMERCIAL

Comics Alliance has found a commercial featuring Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Catwoman, unfortunately it’s not airing in the U.S.
The commercial is a TV spot for El Palacio de Hierro, a Mexico City clothing store. Apparently her new comic-book series isn’t the only place where Catwoman is acting sexy.
Read More: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/09/21/mexican-superhero-commercial/#ixzz1YcjZlrUH

BATMAN YEAR ONE CLIP

Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. unveiled a clip of their upcoming adaptation of Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One as shown at THR.

The movie features Bryan Cranston, Ben McKenzie, Eliza Dushku and Katee Sackhoff in an adaptation of the Frank Miller four-issue story from 1987.

The movie will be released Oct. 18.

X-MEN DESTINY VIDEO GAME

X-Men: Destiny” is a third-person action/role-playing game where the gamer takes the role of one of three mutants and develops powers as the game progresses. It’s out in stores today.

REVIEW FILE: Near Death #1, Batman #1, X-Men Schism #4
Comics read in 2011: 1,453. Still to go: 558.

“The Spectre” may come to FOX, The Walking Dead season 2 gets a new poster, and Miles Morales gets his own comic as Ultimate Comics Spider-Man launches.

SPECTRE COULD COME TO TV
Deadline reports that Fox has purchased the series, “The Spectre,” based on the DC Comics character. The show will focus on “a former cop serving time in afterlife limbo who hunts down earthly criminals on behalf of the dead — and mortals soon to be dead, if ultimate justice is not served.”
The Spectre was created by Jerry Siegel (one of Superman’s creators) and was first illustrated by artist Bernard Baily. (It’s not clear if Baily was involved in the character’s conception.)

WALKING DEAD SEASON 2 POSTER
AMC has released a season 2 poster for “The Walking Dead,” featuring Rick Grimes running towards a creepy farmhouse. The series is based on “The Walking Dead” graphic novels, written by Robert Kirkman.

MILES MORALES SERIES BEGINS
Marvel has released the first issue of “Ultimate Comics Spider-Man” starring the new Spidey, teenager Miles Morales. The book is selling well in stores and digitally – Marvel has reported it is the best-selling first-day digital new release to date.

REVIEW FILE: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1, Batman and Robin #1, Green Lantern #1, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1
Comics read in 2011: 1,365 Still to go: 646

Thor comes to DVD and Blu-ray, Action Figure Museum celebrates Star Wars, The New 52 a massive sales success.

CLARK GREGG IN THOR BLU-RAY SHORT, AVENGERS UPCOMING

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 the release of the “Thor” DVD.

STAR WARS TOY MUSEUM

In celebration of all six Star Wars movies coming out on Blu-Ray on Friday, September 16, the Toy & Action Figure Museum is having a whole weekend devoted to one of the greatest movie and toy franchises in history. STAR WARS WEEKEND is Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18.

DC THE NEW 52 SELLING OUT FAST

DC confirmed that “Justice League” #1′s first printing exceeded 200,000 copies, and that 10 of “The New 52″ from DC have print runs of more than 100,000: In addition to “Justice League,” the other higher-than-100K issues are “Action Comics,” “Batgirl,” “Batman,” “Batman and Robin,” “Batman: The Dark Knight,” “Detective Comics,” “Flash,” “Green Lantern,” and “Superman.” “Action Comics” will exceed 200,000 with its second printing.

Question of the week: What was the best superhero film of 2011?

Review File: New Avengers Annual 1, Action Comics 1, Hawk and Dove 1.
Comics read in 2011: 1,355 Still to go: 656.

Captain America 2 could feature MODOK; Jennifer Lawrence’s arduous nude makeup process for Mystique; and Justice League a hit in the Planet 46/NewsOK Comics Podcast.

CAP SCREENWRITER WANTS MODOK

“Captain America” film co-writer Christopher Markus tells Hero Complex he’d like to see MODOK in the sequel to the Marvel film, though that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal.

“I love MODOK and I think you could make a terrifying movie with MODOK but nobody seems to be on my side at the momentum,” Markus said.  MODOK, which stands for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing, was created by Jack Kirby, and is a giant head in a floating chair.

JUSTICE LEAGUE STARTS STRONG

DC Comics relaunched its entire line of superhero comics on Wednesday, with the release of “Justice League” No. 1, by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee.

The issue has already gone through two printings, with a third scheduled, within the first week of release.   More than 200,000 copies were ordered.

MYSTIQUE FEELING BLUE

The “X-Men First Class” DVD will be released Sept. 9.  A sneak peek at the special features of the film shows how Jennifer Lawrence was painted blue for her Mystique role.

Jennifer Lawrence had to stand, near-naked, for seven hours while six makeup artists applied the Mystique makeup.

The DVD for X-Men: First Class will be out on Blu-ray and DVD on Friday, September 9th.

REVIEW FILE: Flashpoint 5, Justice League 1, Angel And Faith 1, Amazing Spider-Man 668, Incredible Hulks #635.

Comics read in 2011: 1,341 Still to go: 670.

Matt Price and Kyle Roberts discuss Wolverine 2 filming news, the release of the New 52 DC Comics relaunch trailer, and the new Conan the Barbarian film in this week’s Planet 46 Comics Podcast.

WOLVERINE HEADS TO CANADA

The Vancouver Sun reports Hugh Jackman and the cast of Wolverine 2 will be heading to Vancouver in November to film the sequel.

Filming is set to take place Nov. 11 to March 1, 2012 at Canadian Motion Picture Park in Burnaby, where scenes from Twilight, Supernatural and Fantastic Four were filmed. The director of the film — which may still be called “The Wolverine” — is James Mangold (“Walk the Line,” “Knight and Day,” “3:10 to Yuma”).

Another superhero is set to be in Vancouver shortly: The new Superman movie Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, will be in Vancouver from Sept. 21 to Jan. 21. Man of Steel will be directed by Zack Snyder.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Hugh+Jackman+heads+Vancouver+film+Wolverine/5269632/story.html#ixzz1VOehNlko

NEW 52 TRAILER HITS NET
The “New 52″ initiative from DC Comics nears release. The first issue of the New 52, Justice League 1 by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, will be released on Aug. 31. The first trailer for the relaunch of DC’s superhero properties has been released at Hero Complex.
The trailer/commercial includes art from Justice League No. 1, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Jim Lee; Action Comics No. 1, written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Rags Morales; Batman No. 1 written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Greg Capullo; Wonder Woman No. 1 written by Brian Azzarello and drawn by Cliff Chiang; and Aquaman No. 1, written by Johns with art by Ivan Reis.

CONAN HITS THEATERS
Lionsgate, Nu Image and Paradox Entertainment are behind the latest “Conan the Barbarian” film, reviving the pulp character created by Robert E. Howard in the early 1930′s in Cross Plains, Texas. The $90-million, 3-D movie stars Jason Momoa as the title character.
Read all about Conan’s history in the pulp magazines and comics in Weekend Look and at the Nerdage blog.

REVIEW FILE: Venom 6, Batman Retroactive: The 1990s, X-Men Schism 3
Comics read in 2011: 1,195. Still to go: 816.

We discuss the Catwoman costume, the death of Hellboy, and 2 new Marvel movies in this week’s Planet 46 Comics Podcast at NewsOK.

CATWOMAN REVEAL
Anne Hathaway says in the Montreal Gazette that “The Dark Knight Rises” is “going to be way beyond what anyone imagines it could be.”

Hathaway plays Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, and so far response has been mixed to the photo released of her in costume — but without any particular “cat” items.

Hathaway says people will be astounded, however.

“You can’t imagine the things that he’s doing. At least, I couldn’t until I read the script!”

Hathaway’s current film, “One Day,” opens Aug. 19.

HELLBOY SHOCKER

The third issue of Hellboy the Fury has sold out before even arriving on shelves.

In response, Dark Horse has rushed through reprints of all three issues of this critically acclaimed story arc. These reprints will go on sale Aug. 17.

Info from Dark Horse: Hellboy: The Fury marks the dramatic conclusion to the epic story line by Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo that began in Darkness Calls back in 2007. This final three-issue story pits Hellboy against the Queen of Blood one on one, leaving behind a war-torn battlefield strewn with the bodies of monsters and knights. In this dramatic conclusion, the fate of the world, and of Hellboy himself, lies with the Ogdru Jahad, his greatest foe, culminating in one final battle for the ages.

MARVEL MOVIES

Marvel has two movies scheduled for 2014, but haven’t announced what they will be as of yet. The first is scheduled for May 16, which is two weeks after The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and the second one is targeted for a June 27 release that year.

These two films will follow Marvel’s The Avengers (May 4, 2012), Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013) and Thor 2 (July 26, 2013).

REVIEW FILE: Fear Itself #5, Red Wing #2, Amazing Spider-Man #667
Comics read in 2011: 1,182 Still to go: 829

Superman and Spider-Man both have big news this week, and Oklahoma writer Sterling Gates is tabbed to write “Captain Victory,” based on the Jack Kirby character, from Dynamite.

FIRST LOOK AT SUPERMAN

Warner Bros. has revealed a first look at Henry Cavill as Superman. He’ll play Clark Kent, aka Superman, in Zack Snyder’s film reboot of Superman, titled “Man of Steel.”
The costume has a beveled appearance and may not include the red shorts so familiar to Superman, also missing from the updated comics costume this fall. The costume appears to show some Jim Lee influence, as well as sort of a 1940s look. It also wouldn’t look out of place alongside Snyder’s “Watchmen” costumes.
The movie, set for a June 14, 2013 release, also will star Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. The evil General Zod will be played by Michael Shannon. Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, will be played by Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

NEW SPIDEY
Marvel Comics introduces a new Spider-Man in the pages of “Ultimate Fallout” No. 4, on sale now.
Miles Morales is a half-black, half-Hispanic American teenager inspired to do good after the death of Peter Parker at the hands of the Green Goblin.
A new “Ultimate Spider-Man” No. 1, starring Morales, will release in September.

GATES TO WRITE “CAPTAIN VICTORY”
University of Oklahoma graduate Sterling Gates, who was born in Tulsa, will take on the writing reins of “Kirby Genesis: Captain Victory.” “Captain Victory” was first published by Pacific Comics from 1981-1984.
“Captain Victory and His Galactic Rangers was one of the first books Jack Kirby wrote and drew outside of DC Comics and Marvel — making it one of the first creator-owned books in comic history — and I’m exceptionally proud to be continuing Victory’s story,” Gates said in a news release. “Fans of Kirby’s original Pacific Comics series will recognize these classic Kirby characters and concepts, but we’re going to be doing our best to present the Rangers in a bold and exciting way for today’s audience.”

REVIEW FILE: G.I. Joe #4, The Infinite #1, Severed #1, Ultimate Fallout #4
Comics read in 2011: 1,133 Still to go: 878

- Matt Price

As seen at EW, six minutes of Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” have been made available, online and in the Blu-ray set.

This scene features Brandon Routh’s Superman making a return trip to the remains of Krypton in the opening of the film.

CAPTAIN AMERICA LEAD VEHICLE DESIGNER DANIEL SIMON TALKS THE RED SKULL CAR

The car driven by the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) is very prominent in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

“We really gave the car a special treatment, because it’s so iconic in the film,” Simon said. The car was fully built out at 25 feet long.

“We didn’t want to go very futuristic on the car. It belongs to the villain, and we thought a personal object for the villain should be more elegant and artsy,” Simon said.

BRIAN K VAUGHAN RETURNING TO COMICS
Brian K. Vaughan (“Y: The Last Man,” “Ex Machina”) will return to monthly comics with “Saga” from Image Comics. The series was co-created by and will be illustrated by Fiona Staples. CBR reports “Saga” is a sci-fi series about “the life and times of a family fighting to survive a never-ending war.”

REVIEW FILE: The Vault #1, X-Men Schism #2, Captain America and Bucky #620.
Comics read in 2011: 1,129 Still to go: 882.

With Comic-Con looming, trailers and premieres abound!

SPIDEY TRAILER

Set to debut in front of “Captain America: The First Avenger” and at Comic-Con International in San Diego, the teaser trailer for “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the reboot directed by Marc Webb and starring Andrew Garfield, has made its way online via Movie-List.com.

ALSO A BAT-TRAILER

After being shown on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” the teaser trailer for Christopher Nolan’s conclusion of his Bat-trilogy is also on the ‘Net.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Do you prefer the Amazing Spider-Man or Dark Knight Rises trailer?

COMIC-CON!
Lots is happening at Comic-Con, which kicks off with a preview night tonight.
DC Comics will feature “The New 52” at Comic-Con, the upcoming historic renumbering of the entire DC line of superhero comic books with 52 first issues. Marvel has panels on the comic-book series “Amazing Spider-Man” and “X-Men,” among others.

CAPTAIN AMERICA!

“Captain America: The First Avenger” premiered in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, with stars Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper and Samuel L. Jackson in attendance.

REVIEW FILE: Daredevil 1, Misadventures of Adam West 1
Comics read in 2011: 1,026 Still to go: 985

This week’s Planet 46 comics podcast features a Robot Chicken: Star Wars III giveaway! Just tell us your favorite Star Wars character for a chance to win.

CAPTAIN AMERICA MELTS

For Independence Day, Kyle created a cool stop-motion featuring Captain America, his shield, and a Bomb Pop.   Kyle talks about the making of the movie in the Planet 46 Comics Podcast.

SUPERHERO TOY COMEDY

Yuri Lowenthal, Tara Platt, Travis Willingham, and Bryan Enk are set to star in the new live-action web series “Shelf Life,” which stars four action figures on a young boy’s shelf.  The series will follow the action figures’ irreverent antics and was co-written and directed by Paul Jenkins (“Wolverine: Origin”).

The first season of Shelf Life introduces us to Hero Man (Travis Willingham: Thor, Transformers, Marvel Super Hero Squad), Hero Lass (Tara Platt), Bug Boy (Yuri Lowenthal) and Samurai Snake (Bryan Enk).

PALICKI TO PLAY LADY JAYE
Adrianne Palicki is set to play female lead Lady Jaye in “GI Joe: Cobra Strikes.”  According to

Adrianne Palicki (AP)

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has signed on to play the beefy soldier Roadblock in the Jon M. Chu-directed film.

REVIEW FILE: Flashpoint 3, Elric 1, Fear Itself 4.

Comics read in 2011: 914 Still to go: 1097.

News on “Man of Steel,” secrets of Captain America and a “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” report are on this week’s Planet 46/NewsOK comics podcast.

TRANSFORMERS 3 IS OUT
With the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the Planet 46 comics crew asks: Who is your favorite Transformer?
GENERAL STEEL
“Man Of Steel,” Zack Snyder’s reboot of the Superman movies, adds Christopher Meloni to the film.
Deadline first reported that “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” actor Christopher Meloni would have a role in the film; Meloni later told Vulture he would play a military general.

CAPTAIN AMERICA CO-CREATOR HAS NEW BIOGRAPHY
The 97-year-old co-creator of Captain America tells his life story in “Joe Simon: My Life in Comics” by Titan Books.
In his book, Simon writes about how the Captain America first came to life in 1940. Simon wrote that he was outraged by the Nazis, and wanted to cast Adolf Hitler as a villain.
“We thought it was a good time for a patriotic hero,” Simon writes in “My Life in Comics.” “I did a sketch of him with a chain mail tunic, and wings on the side of his mask like Mercury, the god from Roman mythology. I gave him a shield, like the ones the knights had carried.”

REVIEW FILE: Iron Age #1, Rocketeer #2, Marvel Universe vs Wolverine #1, Flashpoint: Project Superman #1
Comics read in 2011: 881 Still to go: 1130

JUNKFOODCLOTHING.COM GREEN LANTERN T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment on our video this week for a chance to win a cool Green Lantern T-Shirt from Junkfoodclothing.com, a $32 value!   Here’s the question: If you had a Green Lantern ring, what weapon or other item would you create?  Kyle and I will choose the most creative answer to win.

Green Lantern T-shirt, Junk Food, $32; www.junkfoodclothing.com

CROWE MAY PLAY JOR-EL

Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe is in negotiations to play the role of Jor-El in “Man of Steel,” Variety is reporting.

Zack Snyder is directing the film for Warner Bros., which stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent.   Jor-El, played by Marlon Brando in 1978′s “Superman,” is Superman’s father on the planet Krypton.

RYAN REYNOLDS DIDN’T GET TO WEAR SUPERHERO SUIT, EXACTLY

Green Lantern doesn’t have to worry about dry cleaning his superhero suit.

“In the mythology of the film, the suit is made of pure energy,” said Ryan Reynolds, who plays Green Lantern. “So there’s no actual suit, because that would burn. What I’m wearing is a motion-capture suit, with tracking marks and tracking dots and those sorts of things. It was a little bizarre. I sort of looked like a crash test dummy who lost his Volvo.”

The suit became especially difficult to wear as filming continued into August in New Orleans, he said.

But Reynolds said he was impressed when he first saw the suit in motion in test footage about six weeks into shooting.

“It was just incredible to see that thing in motion and moving around,” he said.

VALIANT COMICS PLANS COHERENT, INTERCONNECTED UNIVERSE

New Valiant Comics executive editor Warren Simons said some of the company’s “most beloved characters” will be key to the relaunch.

“There are a number of great characters worthy of the spotlight, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Archer & Armstrong, Eternal Warrior, Rai, Ninjak and Shadowman, to name a few,” he said.

He said the coherent Valiant Universe will be among the selling points for the new line.

“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,” he said. “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.”

REVIEW FILE: Kirby Genesis #1, Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #1, Alpha Flight #1
Comics read in 2011: 791 Still to go: 1220

Kyle Roberts and Matt Price have a giveaway of “Thor: Tales of Asgard” with this week’s Planet 46 Comics podcast. Just leave a comment below with your favorite Thor character.

Also this week:
Matt and Kyle discuss the DC Comics relaunch (we say “reboot” a few times because we filmed this before the “this is not a reboot” e-mail). We look at the Marvel Comics death in Fear Itself #3 and its possible impact. We discuss the planned 2012 return of Valiant Comics with former Marvel Comics CEO Peter Cuneo. And we discuss X-Men: First Class.

REVIEW FILE: Flashpoint #2, Amazing Spider-Man #663, Criminal: Last of the Innocent #1

Comics read in 2011: 741. Still to go: 1270

ARCHIE COMICS ART GIVEAWAY

Nerdage readers and Planet 46 watchers can win an art print valued at up to $100 from AllPosters.com.

One of the most beloved franchises in the comic industry is coming to life in a fun and vibrant fashion – as cool wall art!  The Archie Comics collection, now available on AllPosters.com, offers 165 new and vintage covers in the form of museum-quality giclée prints, premium poster prints and wall murals for the first time ever that commemorate the brand’s 70th anniversary.

From Archie’s love triangle with Betty and Veronica, to Jughead’s zany antics, nostalgic fans can relive the progression of this comic strip over the years while enjoying new topical covers that feature President Obama, spoofs of Twilight and Jersey Shore, and Glee.

Available in a variety of sizes ranging from as little as $19.99 for posters, to $124.99 for oversized wall murals, Archie fans of all ages are sure to find a piece to ignite that sense of nostalgia within their inner comic enthusiast.  The new line is now available at www.AllPosters.com/archiecomics.   Want to win a code worth up to $100?  Just answer our …

QUESTION OF THE DAY!

Who is your favorite Archie Comics character?

WONDER WOMAN’S LOOK GETS TWEAKED

The Daily Mail in the UK has several shots of a slightly tweaked Wonder Woman uniform worn by Adrianne Palicki during filming of the “Wonder Woman” TV show.  The very shiny, tight look of the originally released shot has been soften somewhat, and the boots have changed to red.   The pants now also have stars down the side.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371465/First-look-Adrianne-Palicki-action-Wonder-Woman-filming-gets-underway.html

JUSTICE LEAGUE FILM PLANNED

Warner Bros. motion picture group president Jeff Robinov is already thinking about DC Comics movies for 2013 and beyond, Hero Complex reports.

Robinov reports his top priority is finally getting the Justice League, DC’s team featuring all its top characters, on the big screen in 2013. Robinov also reports plans to reinvent Batman in some fashion after Christopher Nolan steps down as director following his third Batman film.   The article indicates that Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas would remain involved as producers of Batman films beyond the third.

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2011/03/29/justice-league-the-movie-warner-chief-sets-sights-on-team-up-film-and-reinventing-batman/

REVIEW FILE: Amazing Spider-Man 657, Captain America 616, Wonder Woman 609.

Remember to leave a comment with your favorite Archie character for a chance to win!

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 492. Still to go: 1519.

That’s really Super, Superman

Director Zack Snyder will take on the most famous superhero in his next film.

I talked to Snyder while he was in Beverly Hills promoting this weekend’s “Sucker Punch” film.

Snyder, 45, has been named the director for the upcoming “Superman” movie reboot, to star British actor Henry Cavill. He said he wasn’t worried about casting an English actor as Superman.

“No, not at all, because Batman’s English too,” he said, referring to Christian Bale.

Chris Evans in "Captain America: The First Avenger."

Snyder said in an interview with MTV at the event that Cavill had a mix of physicality and innocence.

Things are moving quickly on “Superman,” which is set to be released December 2012. Kevin Costner was recently announced as an addition to the cast as Jonathan Kent, Superman’s father on Earth, joining Diane Lane, already cast as Martha Kent, Superman’s mother on Earth, in the film.

“We start at the end of the summer. So a couple of months,” Snyder said. “But it feels like tomorrow.”

Firebreather on DVD

Duncan Rosenblatt is a half-human, half-dragon hybrid known as “Firebreather,” and the CGI cartoon based on his adventures came out on DVD this week.

Co-creator Phil Hester talked to the Oklahoman about the project’s genesis.

“Firebreather” is an Image comic book by Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn, in which Belloc, the King of the Monsters, and Margaret Rosenblatt, regular human woman, gave birth to Duncan, who’s now facing everyday teen problems despite not being an everyday teen at all.

The idea sprang from a pitch Hester and Kuhn prepared in the 1990s. The pair had an idea to do a book of teen versions of some of Marvel’s superheroes.

“We really wanted to do a teen hero book,” Hester said in an interview with The Oklahoman.

When the book wasn’t picked up by Marvel, Hester and Kuhn continued to develop the idea.

“That idea stuck in my mind, what would it be like to be a teenage monster?” Hester said. “We kept working on it and refining it until it became ‘Firebreather.’”

Marvel goes to Starbucks

On the Entertainment Channel, watch for the upcoming arrival of the Marvel Universe as Super Heroes, mutants, aliens, armor-clad super-geniuses and thunder gods join forces with the Starbucks Digital Network on Apr. 23, 2011. Known for engrossing stories and a library of more than 8,000 characters, Marvel Comics gives Starbucks customers unlimited, free access to its full library of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine and others await to captivate as customers explore the comic realm and imagine fighting villains with a cup of coffee in hand.

Captain America trailer hits Paramount Pictures has been sneaking out looks at Captain America through Entertainment Tonight and through Twitter, but the full video is finally out!   The 2 and 1/2 minute trailer looks at Captain America’s origin and his enemy, the Red Skull. The movie is directed by Joe Johnston and stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Hugo Weaving plays the Red Skull. The film also stars Hayley Atwell and Tommy Lee Jones.

Question of the Day:

What do you think of the Captain America trailer? Leave a comment and let me know!

REVIEW FILE: Matt and Kyle review FF #1, Batman: The Dark Knight #2, Ultimate Spider-Man #157 and Captain America 615.1.

Comics read in 2011: 378. Still to go: 1633.

CRY HAVOK

The X-Men Movies facebook page recently revealed Lucas Till as Havok in the upcoming film “X-Men: First Class.”  Two promotional posters for X-Men: First Class, featuring Professor X and Magneto, were also recently released, and Matt and Kyle didn’t really like them. X-Men First Class comes out June 3.

MEET WILL SMITH

Will Smith will reprise his role as Agent J in the third in the blockbuster film series “Men in Black,” based on the comic-book series. Smith is teaming up with leading charity auction site charitybuzz.com for an exclusive Men in Black III Charity Auction.

Two fans will have the opportunity to hang out with Will Smith on the set of Men in Black III in New York City this spring and take pictures with Smith and director Barry Sonnenfeld.

Bidding is open through March 23rd at charitybuzz at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/256619.

Proceeds from the auction benefit Telluride Academy.

Fans attending on Friday, April 1st, the first day of WonderCon in San Francisco, will be treated to a special “Green Lantern” talent signing and panel featuring the stars of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard. The signing begins at 4 p.m., followed by the panel discussion at 5.

The highly anticipated “Green Lantern” movie, in theatres on June 17, 2011, will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers.

Friday evening, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. will also premiere of the Blu-ray and DVD feature “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” on Friday evening followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice cast members. Panelists will also take part in an autograph session on Saturday. Also on Friday, DC Comics will host a panel about the Green Lantern comic books and the 2011 War of the Green Lanterns crossover event. The DC booth will host Green Lantern-themed signings and giveaways throughout the weekend.

WBIE and DCE will showcase “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters,” an action-adventure videogame that will be available in conjunction with the theatrical release of “Green Lantern” throughout the Con. Fans will also be able to get an advance look at the Green Lantern toy line from Mattel, inspired by the upcoming film.

Review file includes Time Bomb TPB, (Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Paul Gulacy); JURASSIC PARK: THE DEVILS IN THE DESERT #3 (John Byrne, Ronda Pattison) VENOM #1 (Rick Remender, Tony Moore, Danny Miki) Grim Ghost #1
(Stephen Susco, Kelley Jones)  SIGIL #1 (Mike Carey, Leonard Kik, Ed Tadeo) and ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #155 (Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Samnee)

Comics read in 2011: 374. Still to go:  1637.