Comic Book Collection News and Updates

Boy, I just about missed the boat on this one. I was mildly aware that NBC was producing this series, but I wasn't following the promos. I missed its debut last Monday, but lucked out and caught the re-run on the Sci Fi channel. And to my surprise, it was rather interesting. Here is what Aaron, the comic book editor, at about.com had to say:

"NBC's Heroes Full Review

From Aaron Albert,
Your Guide to Comic Books.

Stay up to date!

Guide Rating - rating
Creator: Tim Kring
Air Time: Monday's at 9pm
Network: NBC

Introduction

Imagine that you could fly, or teleport, read peoples minds, or even tell the future. That would make you different from everyone around you. Some might think that would make a person special others might think that it would make you a freak. These thoughts and more push the character driven story of Heroes on NBC.

This new drama has been compared to shows like Lost and 24 with its complex plots and focuses on the characters in the stories, watching them grow and develop.

The Story

Heroes is the story of a group of everyday people that soon discover that they have supernatural powers. There is a large cast of characters, including Hiro, a Japanese businessman with a penchant for comic books, Claire, that appears to be able to regenerate broken bones, cuts, and more, and Isaac, a young painter that can seem to tell the future while in a Heroin induced haze.

Creator Tim Kring sums up the synopsis of the series like this in a recent interview, "The inspiration was that I wanted to do a large show and I started thinking about what would connect with an audience, and I started thinking about the idea that the world is a very complicated, confusing place for most people right now. With things like global warming, diminishing resources, terrorism, people are really feeling that something is amiss. That something has to give. So I started thinking about a show that sort of dealt with that in a way by populating the planet with various people that may be coming along to actually do something about these larger issues."

Review" For the rest of the story, NBC's Heroes.

In my opinion, this will be a far superior series to what the Sci Fi channel came up with this summer with "Who Wants to be a Superhero?". That show was OK, but I believe Heroes will generate much more overall interest. Just my opinion, though. The idea of genetically induced superhero type characteristics in any of us is a scientifically intriguing idea. Of course, how we, as individuals, would handle these powers will hopefully be brought out in the series. Any thoughts?

Dave

October 4, 2006 09:04 - Iron Man Comes to the Silver Screen!

I have been hearing rumblings of Marvel's Iron Man character becoming one of their, hopefully, block buster movies in the continuing saga of Superheroes morphed to the silver screen. Personally I want to see it and I hope they do a good job. Looks like Robert Downey Jr. is now slated as the flying Mecha Man. Read on:

"COMIC BOOK MOVIE NEWS: ROBERT DOWNEY JR. TO PLAY IRON MAN IN FEATURE FILM VERSION OF MARVEL COMIC

by Mike Johnson @ 11:05:00 AM on 10/3/2006

Academy Award(R) Nominee Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of one of Marvel's greatest Super Heroes, signing on as the title character for Marvel Studios' highly-anticipated IRON MAN. This project, the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, will launch into theaters May 2, 2008. The film is being directed by Jon Favreau and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Downey is widely recognized as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. Nominated for an Oscar(R) for his extraordinary portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin, Downey has been featured in more than 50 films. His upcoming credits include Fur (co-starring Nicole Kidman), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, and the David Fincher film Zodiac. He has also recently been seen in such films as: A Scanner Darkly, The Shaggy Dog, Good Night, and Good Luck, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Gothika, The Singing Detective and Wonder Boys.

Based upon Marvel's iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Upon his return to America, Tony must come to terms with his past. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.

"Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most talented and acclaimed actors of this generation. His versatility sets him apart and makes him an ideal fit to play such a complex character as Iron Man. We could not think of another actor better suited to bring one of Marvel's crown jewels to the big screen and be the centerpiece of our first independently produced feature," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

Marvel Studios is currently casting all supporting roles. Filming is slated to begin in Los Angeles in February 2007.

IRON MAN will be produced by Mr. Feige and Avi Arad. Executive Producers are Michael Helfant, Ari Arad, Mr. Favreau, Louis D'Esposito and Peter Billingsley. Mr. Downey is represented by CAA." Article courtesy of "Iron Man".

I have enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. as an actor in his various roles. He is particularly good in some of his more comedic renderings. He has also had quite a struggle in his off screen life. Here is hoping he brings pazaze and personality to the Iron Man character. It will be hard to wait for almost two years though to see how Robert fairs with the role.

Dave

October 6, 2006 07:30 - Comic Book Artistry nonstop for 24 Hours!

Hey all you Portland comic book fans and artists. Are you into drawing your own characters? Or do you want to watch others try to draw for 24 hours straight? Then you need to check out this frenzy of comic book artistry contest:

"Check Out the Sleepless Comic Book Artists

Talk to folks who create comics for a living and they'll tell you some crazy stories about deadlines. We're talking pens-lashed-to-hands-as-they-struggle-to-stay-awake kind of stuff.

So perhaps it's no surprise that some aficionados of the art form would come up with 24 Hour Comics Day -- an event that challenges participants to create a 24-page comic (work that would normally take days if not weeks, the website notes) in 24 straight hours.

The event takes place this weekend, and lucky for us, Portland is a big comics town, so a lot of people will be participating. The largest gathering will take place over at the Pacific Northwest College of Art -- and if you want a first-hand glimpse of just how someone pulls off a crazy feat like this, head over to the college's library on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As library services director Rachel Mendez puts it: "The public can come and gawk at the drawing artists as they get more groggy and worn out."

Thirty people have signed up, though Mendez had to turn down many more. Artists have been instructed to bring sleeping bags and pillows -- whatever might make them more comfortable. "We have a couple of couches," says Mendez, "where people can take a nap." Chances are, though, few people will be sleeping until the whole thing ends at 9 a.m on Sunday. Once the timer starts ticking in this challenge, it doesn't stop.

Watch out for the old pen-lashed-to-hand trick...

-Inara Verzemnieks"

Participants and spectators alike should really enjoy this nonstop activity of ink, brush and pen. To those of you that can make (I am way to far away), come on back and let me know what you thought! Thanks.

Dave

October 9, 2006 08:39 - Anybody Up for a Superhero Costume Contest?

Now that the Sci Fi channel's Superhero reality show is over for the season, and you didn't get selected for that one, what about costumes contest? Aaron Albert at the comic books section of about.com may have something of interest for you. Think you have a cool superhero costume? Go submit it to Aaron:

"Superhero Costume Contest

Halloween is just around the corner and I know many of you are dressing yourselves, your kids, and maybe even your pets up as superheroes for this time of trick or treating. Send us your pictures of yourself in your costume and you will be added to a superhero Halloween gallery. From the gallery will be selected 10 finalists and from that pool of superhero goodness will emerge a winner. What do they get? The honor of having the coolest costume! And who wouldn't want that. Contact me directly via email, or you can also send me your pics via the submission page. Larger pics are better sent directly through email. Get your pictures in and claim the title of Supreme Superhero Costume!" Go to Comic Books at About.com to make your submittal!

If you happen to submit, and more excitedly, you get selected, come on back and let us know. I would love to see what your costume looks like!

Dave

October 11, 2006 08:47 - X-men the Last Movie?

I finally was able to view X-men: The Last Stand last weekend. It was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon indulgence! Although very entertaining, it wasn't quite as riveting and emotionally packed as the first two movies. It is though, a welcome addition to my Superhero DVD collection and well worth watching.

I was overjoyed to see the return of Jean Grey. I believe she really rounds out the motley X-men crew. But, personally, I didn't like her heightened powers used for evil rather than good. But this was a focal point of the movie.

And with all the hype of the new characters, particularly The Beast and Angel, the Angel character was not developed much at all and took a back seat to the rest of the plot development. The special effects were quite good, but I found it rather a yawn while Magneto was moving the Golden Gate Bridge.

The DVD also comes with several deleted scenes and 3 alternate endings. As far as the character of Rogue is concerned, I liked one of the alternate endings better.

This movie has been hyped as the last of the X-men Hollywood blockbusters. But as par for Hollywood, I really wonder. This movie had Magneto stripped of his mutant super powers with a tactical move by the X-men, using the newly developed cure (supposedly) to change the mutant back to regular human beings. Does the ending scene show Magneto gaining his powers back? And you need to watch through the credits to view a quick hospital scene. Was that Xavier raised from the dead?

This is definitely food for anticipation toward the making of a forth movie. What do you think? Personally, I would love to see a forth movie. But then I am a glutton for Superhero punishment (ha ha). Talk later.

Dave

October 13, 2006 12:13 - "Who Wants to be a Superhero" Season 2?

Now that all the hoopla over the Sci Fi channel's latest reality series has died down, will there be a season 2? I ran across this little blurb that states there definitely will be:

"LOS ANGELES, CA, United States (UPI) -- The Sci-Fi Channel is expanding their run of the hit reality series 'Who Wants to Be a Superhero?'

The Hollywood Reporter said the series, which features contestants and their creation of a superhero alter ego, enjoyed great reviews and a very successful first season. The show follows the contestants as they live together and compete in various challenges.

Following the same format as the first season, the winner of the upcoming season will see their superhero in a comic book.

'Superhero,' which reportedly brought 2.9 million new viewers to the Sci-Fi Channel, is set to air next summer."

Well, I have months to think about if I want to watch or not. I probably will, but I won't hold my breath. It will be interesting to see how season 2 pans out after the dust of season 1 settles. I still think NBC's new Heroes series will be far better. And the Sci Fi channel airs the Monday reruns on Friday. Of course the Sci Fi channel is owned by NBC, I found out the hard way, when an NBC lawyer called me and asked me to remove a press release I had done earlier this year on Who wants to be a Superhero? Later.

Dave

October 16, 2006 09:05 - Ghost Rider, the Movie, I can't Wait!

I have never been that up on what is happening with the Ghost Rider character, but I just took a look at the new movie trailer that is out. I am hooked. I can't wait until the movie comes out.

Nicholas Cage has always been an interesting actor for me to watch. And he, at one time, had quite a collection of comic books that made the news for a while. I also discovered that Peter Fonda (the definitive Easy Rider) is in the movie also. And another of my favorite actors, Sam Elliott, is gracing this movie with his presence! All in all, quite a cast. Ghost Rider may just put some good pocket change into Hollywood's coffers.

For us oldies but goodies, we may remember the original concept of Ghost Rider as a phantom cowboy riding the range back in the 1940s and 1950s. But the character was totally revamped in the 1970s as a more modern biker. For a little history synopsis, you can also check out my Ghost Rider page.

Looks like we are inching closer to a release date. It is scheduled for release in the States in February 2007. Boy, that is not really too far away now. Oh boy, another radical DVD I can add to my collection. To check out the latest video trailer, you can find it at the Sony site at Ghost Rider trailer. Enjoy and I hope your mouth starts watering as much as mine did.

Dave

October 18, 2006 10:49 - Batman Fans, Anyone?

How many old time Batman fans are there out there? Interested in Volume II of the Batman Chronicles? Well, it appears someone has really taken the time to put his viewpoint over on this latest publication. Go check it out:

"Are you worthy?

Posted by Greg Burgas, Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 3:12 PM

In case you hadn't noticed, the sequel to the greatest collection of comics ever … collected, I guess, came out a few weeks ago. If you do not have these two volumes, I don't even know if you can be considered a comic book fan. The question is, Are you worthy to own them? Are you worthy?

Yes, it's The Batman Chronicles Volume 2, collecting every Batman story in chronological order. DC is taking its sweet old time releasing these, so it's been well over a year since the first volume came out. I had a grand old time ripping it, but that doesn't change a couple of facts: these comics are wildly fun, and they're pretty important. And since I had such a ball reviewing the first one (even if people said I shouldn't take it seriously, but I would argue that DC wants us to take them seriously, so we should) and I'm going to review the second one in the same way, except with panels from the actual books! So strap yourself in, because these are wacky and wild and all kinds of fun and this is a really long post, so just deal with it! And even if I make fun, I do it with love. These are seminal comics, after all, and essential reading!

All credits are Bill Finger, writer, and Bob Kane, penciller. The inkers vary. And, of course, SPOILERS ABOUND! These comics are 66 years old, after all - you have only yourself to blame if you don't know what happens in them!

Detective #39, May 1940: On the cover, Batman is punching some evil-doer..." And to read the rest of Greg's article, head on over to the Batman Chronicles. Be forewarned, it is a lengthy article. So grab a cup, click on over and enjoy a synopsis of some of your favorite Batman issues of old. Happy reading!

Dave

October 20, 2006 08:30 - Superhero Movies, Do they Increase Comic Book Sales?

With all the blockbuster comic book movies released over the last several years and coming up for release, has this increased the overall popularity of comic books? Some seem to think so. Here is a little insight into Bryan Singer and his future plans:

"Comic Books No Laughing Matter

Burlington, Vermont - October 19, 2006

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! We all know America's most famous superhero, and now, Burlington College filmmakers know who brought the Man of Steel back to the silver screen.

Director Bryan Singer says, "Anytime you have 'blockbuster' attached to your movie, that's a good thing." Blockbusters are Singer's forte. He directed 2000's "X-Men" comic book adaptation, '03's follow-up, "X-2," and this summer's "Superman Returns."

Singer explains, "With a certain few key characters, there's a huge interest because a lot of people of different generations grew up with these characters."

Hollywood has a long relationship with comic book characters. Mix familiar stories with conflicted heroes, toss in lots of action and good versus evil plotlines, and you've got the recipe for big money for studios. Singer's movies have grossed hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide for 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers.

Jason Andreasson, manager of downtown Burlington's Earth Prime Comics, says, "What the movies do is they end up bringing new readers in. It's kind of an advertisement for comic books. It encourages younger readership, we've found. Especially the Spiderman movie."

Earth Prime Comics says sales of colorful books have remained strong over the years, spiking with the release of blockbuster movies. And they've seen links between the headlines and fantasy stories. Andreasson says, "Especially around 9-11, there was a heightened interest in comic books. It was a very patriotic period and people came in asking about 'Captain America.'"

Singer is now working on another "Superman" movie, slated for release in 2009. But we got a surprising admission from the Vermont visitor. The director says, "Oddly enough, I was not a comic book reader or collector growing up. But I've become a fan of comic books!"

And he's created new fans of this old form of entertainment. In a world that needs more heroes, Bryan Singer provides them."

Now us oldsters, who have been into superheroes for many years, still have a voracious interest in comic books and our own special heroes. And we hope that Hollywood doesn't totally butcher our favorite renditions. But have all the superhero movies of late, been bringing in new fans and increasing the size of our great genre? Have you seen any evidence of this? Let me know. And go enjoy your latest superhero movie again!

Dave

October 23, 2006 09:27 - Have a Superhero Halloween!

Tis that time of the year again. Are you really into Halloween? Maybe for your children or maybe for your own enjoyment. Costumes are a tradition for Halloween and Superhero costumes are part of that tradition. Here is a good article on Halloween costumes:

"Superheroes, fairy-tale characters among popular Halloween costumes

By Alisa Beckwith
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
October 23. 2006 3:30AM

Aside from the usual ghosts, goblins and witches, don't be surprised to see more than a few Supermen, Spider-Men and Power Rangers trick-or-treating at your door this year.

In addition to those Halloween favorites, Cinderella and fairy costumes also are some of the hottest garb on the market this year.

While some costumes, like witches, pirates and fairies, never seem to lose their popularity, others often develop an almost cult-like following -- depending on what movie or television show is popular at the time -- then seemingly fall off of the map the following year.

Fred Twilley, general manager of Wal-Mart in Tuscaloosa, said this year's most popular costume choices haven't varied very much from last year's.

"This year, the ninja, princess and fairy costumes are the most popular," he said. "Last year, it tended to be Barbie-type costumes for little girls and, for little boys, Spider-Man and other superheroes."

Twilley said he also has noticed a change in buying trends. There appears to be more people celebrating Halloween, and, as a result, more customers are buying costumes earlier this year than in years past.

"If you buy earlier, you have a better selection," Twilley said. "And when you buy late, you pretty much just get stuck with what's left. The most popular items sell first."

Tuscaloosa resident Marilou Baker said she usually leaves the costume choice up to her 5-year-old son, Charlie. The Arcadia kindergartener opted to be a chef this year.

Unlike last year, when she had to special order a black and yellow Power Ranger costume, finding this year's costume was fairly easy. Baker said they already had the costume on hand as part of the dress-up items they have for Charlie to play in.

"This year, we told him he could either be a chef, an Alabama football player or a doctor. He decided to go with the chef," she said.

Baker said she realizes that outside factors, such as television and friends, could influence Charlie to change his choice of costume.

"He seems like he's OK with it, but you never know," she said. "He could see something on TV and may say 'I want this' and then I'll be scrambling around trying to find it. Or if it's too late, I'll have to say no."

It wasn't so long ago that Baker had to change Charlie's costume at the last minute.

"One year, he was a dinosaur but then after the party at school he wanted to be Spider-Man, because there were so many of them at school," she said. "We as parents want our kids to be unique, but kids want to look like everyone else."

The power of television and movies on costume choices is undeniable. With Hollywood rolling out more superhero films in the past few years, the costume market has become saturated with the big-screen heroes.

"For little boys, whatever superhero is popular at the time is what they are into," Twilley said.

Finding the right Halloween costume for a child doesn't have to a stressful or expensive task. Baker said that she has found some of her son's previous costumes at local consignment stores.

Baker said that when she was growing up her mother always made her costume. She fondly recalled her mother's Halloween creations that transformed her in to everything from Raggedy Ann to a pumpkin.

"She would never even think about buying them at a store," Baker said. "I think making them is a great idea but I don't know how to sew."

While some homemade Halloween costumes do require intricate sewing techniques based on patterns, others are simple and quick. So even if a person doesn't sew or have confidence in his or her sewing skills, there is still hope.

Many simple no-sew costume ideas are available to experiment with. Often, all they require are everyday arts and craft supplies like pipe cleaners, construction paper and markers."

May be time to dust of that convention costume that you used in the past. Let your son or daughter wear it, if it fits. Or it may be the rage at that Halloween party you want to attend. Don't have a previous convention costume? Hey here is a chance to design and build a great costume for Halloween. You can preview it this month in preparation for the next major comic book convention coming up. You can even tweak per comments you receive over Halloween and tighten it up for the convention. Happy Hallows Eve!

Dave

October 25, 2006 09:15 - Cobalt 60 Comes to the Silver Screen!

Well here is one I don't think I have ever heard of. Just goes to show that Hollywood is still on the increase to cash in on the comic book genre. Doesn't break my heart. Here is the article:

" "Cobalt 60" comic book coming to big screen

By Borys Kit

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Universal Pictures has picked up the rights to the cult comic book "Cobalt 60."

Taking place in a postapocalyptic world inhabited by mutants and creatures, the story follows a masked hero named Cobalt 60 who embarks on a quest to avenge his parents, who were murdered by the evil Strontium 90.

Zack Snyder, who burst onto the scene with 2004's "Dawn of the Dead," is attached to direct the adaptation. A search for a writer is under way.

Underground artist Vaughn Bode created "Cobalt 60" and its characters in 1968, but after one story the characters languished in obscurity. Bode's son, Mark, picked up his father's mantle in the 1980s, reviving the trippy art style and violence. The stories, plotted by Larry Todd, were published in comics magazine Epic Illustrated.

Snyder is behind Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming adaptation of the epic Frank Miller graphic novel "300," which is generating considerable buzz for its style and faithfulness to the source material. Snyder also is attached to direct the comic book adaptation "Watchmen."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter"

Looks like a little of the periodic table has been thrown into this story line. Is Cobalt 60 one of your favorite characters? Do you think this will make a good Hollywood wide screen production? Let us know!

Dave

October 27, 2006 08:15 - Heroes Anyone?

Well, as the new NBC series Heroes continues to draw rave reviews, I found an article furthering the popularity. I must admit that I sure enjoy this series a lot more than "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" But then, I have stated that before. Here is the article:

" 'Heroes' are pretty much the same wherever you go

Andrew A. Smith/Scripps Howard News Service
Tuesday, October 24, 2006

One of the best comic books I've seen lately is on television.

"Heroes" debuted on NBC Sept. 25, and should be pretty familiar turf to fans of superheroes and related genres. It's an ensemble story about a number of ordinary people suddenly gaining extraordinary abilities, and how they deal with them.

Which sounds like a number of familiar comic-book properties, such as X-Men, or J. Michael Straczynski's "Rising Stars" or even Marvel's "New Universe." But creator, producer and writer Tim Kring ("Crossing Jordan") says in interviews in "Starlog" and "Comics Buyer's Guide" that he went out of his way to avoid making it a genre show - so don't expect to see any Spandex or Batcaves or crime-fighting. He says it's about the characters, not the super-powers (and so far, it really is).

But there are super-powers. And even though Kring consulted with (and hired) popular comics writer Jeph Loeb (who has also worked on TV shows like "Lost" and "Smallville"), he said it was nearly impossible to come up with powers that haven't "been done 50 times over, by many different people, many different ways (Starlog No. 349)."

How does "Heroes" compare to comics? Let's take a look at the main characters:

- Claire Bennet (played by Hayden Panettiere): A high-school cheerleader from Odessa, Texas, Claire can heal from any injury. Not that she likes it; being a 16-year-old girl, the last thing she wants is to be different.

In the comics: Claire is usually described as "indestructible" or "invincible," but she isn't invulnerable like Superman. Actually, her power is closer to Wolverine's healing factor.

- Isaac Mendez (Santiago Cabrera): New York artist Isaac can paint the future - but only when he's high on heroin. How sucky is that for a power? And his paintings (actually created by comic-book artist Tim Sale) predict a deadly future that it's hoped our "Heroes" can prevent . . . if anyone will take the ravings of a junkie seriously.

In the comics: Larry Trask (X-Men) and Madame Web (Spider-Man), among others, can see the future in bits and pieces…" To continue Heroes do the click thingy!

I get to see the next episode tonight on the Sci Fi channel. I usually don't get a chance to watch it on Monday nights, so I have something to look forward to on Friday nights. What is your take on this new series? Ta.

Dave

October 30, 2006 07:15 - Stan Lee & Kevin Smith!

Well, I received this bit of trivia from one of my visitors yesterday. So I thought I would post it here:

Hey, Can you post this info somewhere on here? Your readers might be interested. Kim.

STAN "THE MAN" LEE and KEVIN (SILENT BOB) SMITH LIVE AND MARVEL-OUS.

Come dressed as your Favorite "Stan Lee" Character at Grauman's Chinese Theater OCTOBER 30th @ 7:30. Hollywood's Master Storytellers will be celebrating Stan Lee's career and creations with a presentation of one of Stan's favorite movies Spider-Man 2 followed by a live Q&A with Stan "The Man " Lee himself and hosted by Kevin Smith (Clerks 2).

A QUOTE FROM STAN "Any time there's a chance to share a podium with the always provocative, ever unpredictable, never dull Kevin Smith there's no way I can refuse; especially when the function is an evening at Hollywood's Master Storytellers which is one of the most enjoyable and thought provoking sessions any writer can find himself trapped in!" says Stan Lee.

"The only negative about the whole affair is the fact that everyone's saying I'm the one guy who won't need a Halloween mask! I wonder if they're tryin' to tell me something!"

YOU CAN COME DRESSED AS YOUR FAVORITE STAN LEE (MARVEL COMIC) CHARACTER (optional) AND WIN BEST COSTUME. WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE? X-MEN, SPIDER-MAN, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, FANTASTIC FOUR, DAREDEVIL, ELECTRA OR IRON MAN. SEE YOU THERE. Get tickets at www.manntheaters.com. More info at www.hollywoodsmasterstorytellers.com.

So, if you are in the neighborhood, dress up and go check out Stan Lee & Kevin Smith! If you get to talk to either one of them, come back here and let us know! Thanks.

Dave