| March 2, 2007 13:24 - Iron Man Anyone?
Although, I am not up on Iron man as I should be, his character has always interested me. And yes, there will be a movie. It won't be out until 2008 sometime, but here is a Marvel review of the character and actor portraying the metal man:
"Spotlight on Iron Man/Tony Stark
Get the 411 on the star of the upcoming feature film
By Jim Beard
Iron Man, Marvel Comics' Golden Avenger, will be launching a new venture, soaring across movie screens in Marvel Entertainment's upcoming 2008 film. But who is this armored hero and who is the actor chosen to portray him? What do the two have in common? Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of Tony Stark--Iron Man--and with both sporting multi-faceted personalities, audiences could be treated to one of the most layered and nuanced superhero films of all time.
Anthony Stark, called Tony by his friends, is a genius. Possessing one of the most creative and forward-thinking minds on the planet, his inventions are marvels of ingenuity and functionality. Primarily known for munitions and armaments, Stark has used his family fortune to build a life of comfort and freedom, yet has worked harder than any other billionaire before or after him. Years ago on an ill-fated expedition amidst a war on foreign soil, all his millions weren't enough to save
him from falling into the trap of a ruthless warlord--a trap that lodged a deadly piece of shrapnel deep in Stark's heart. This dire and painful situation led directly to the inventor's design and creation of one of the most unique suits of armor the world had ever seen. Donning the armor, Stark deftly vanquished the warlord and returned to the U.S., his former life behind him and a new life--one born from necessity--ahead of him.
As Iron Man, Stark has crafted a career as a force for good and a symbol of justice. The wondrous suit of armor grants him almost unlimited power in the form of near-invulnerability, minutely precise weapon systems, unparalleled cybernetics, titanic strength, and the ability to survive in unlivable atmospheres. Stark was one of the first heroes of the Modern Age of Marvels, and together with other like-minded champions, founded the mighty Avengers. All of this power, all of this strength, is in direct contrast though with Stark's own personal physicality and demons. Living the life of a playboy millionaire has taken its toll on the industrialist, leading directly to serious bouts of alcoholism and business failure. Stark's damaged heart was a constant concern to him in the earlier days of his being Iron Man, and even after transplants and miracle cures, the most sensitive human organ of all has vexed Stark for several years. On top of this, his drinking problem has at various times cost him his company, his wealth, and his closest friends and lovers.
Recent events have changed Tony Stark forever. Over the course of the first six issues of the most recent IRON MAN series, writer Warren Ellis gave the Golden Avenger the ultimate upgrade. In a desperate battle for his life against a powerful foe, Stark fused his body with the armor's circuitry and systems, creating the perfect synthesis of man and machine. With intense response time and the techno-organic power coursing through his veins, now more than ever before, Stark truly is Iron Man..." And find out what actor will be playing Marvel's Iron Man here!
I, for one, will be very interested in seeing how the Iron Man character will be portrayed with the special effects. And how the actor chosen will pull off the part. Although he has been successful in many roles, his person life, at times, has been a shambles. Hope he does an excellent job with Iron Man and Tony Stark. Later.
Dave
March 6, 2007 12:00 - Frank Miller's " 300 "
Well, another comic book movie, or more accurately, graphic novel movie is due out this week. Frank Miller's 300 will be in movie theaters this Friday. I even saw an article on AOL, which likened the plot to President Bush and Iraq! Amazing. Following is some added info about some of Frank Miller's most popular renderings:
"Top 10 Frank Miller Comic Books
From Aaron Albert,
Your Guide to Comic Books.
Stay up to date!
Frank Miller has become a legend in the comic book industry. Slated with helping usher in the dark and gritty world of comics, Frank Miller quickly rose to fame on the comic book Daredevil and stunned the comic book world with his portrayal of Batman in The Dark Knight Returns. Later embracing a more simplistic approach with his Sin City crime noir comic books, Frank Miller has turned the comic book world upside down with his stunning visuals and hard boiled writing talents. Take a look at the best that the multi award winning comic book creator has given the world of comic books.
1) Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
This comic book rocketed Frank Miller to superstar status. Along with Watchmen, by fellow scribe Alan Moore, this comic series showed the comic book world that it was ready for darker, edgier, and more graphic comic books. The Dark Knight Returns shows us an older Batman, forced out of retirement to reclaim Gotham City. This comic book was heralded by critics and fans alike and influenced many creators to follow suit with comic books themed for adults. If you haven't read this series, do yourself a favor and pick it up.
2) Sin City: The Hard Goodbye
After hard times with DC, Frank Miller went over to Dark Horse and started things off with a set of short comics that ran in Dark Horse Presents, and then was collected into the trade paperback Sin City: The Hard Goodbye. The first in the Sin City line of comics, this was Miller's first foray into the crime noir that he has made famous. This great tale of a hard man pushed over the edge made a great transition to the big screen in Sin City. See where Miller started off to infamy with this tale of revenge, lust, and pain..." To finish Aaron's article on Frank Miller, do the click thing!
Well, to say the least, 300 may be an interesting plot line. I own the Sin City DVD and although, quite graphic, I did enjoy the movie. The special effects were done in such a way though, that it really toned down the repulsive graphic nature. Hopefully 300 will be done with the same style.
Dave
March 8, 2007 12:05 - Captain America goes way of Superman!
Yesterday it looks like Marvel took Captain America the way DC took Superman a few years ago, of death and controversy! Looks like there have been many news stories written about this phenomenon already. Here is one such interesting story:
"by Michael John McCrae
Captain America, The Death Of A Republic
March 08, 2007 01:00 PM EST
Growing up in Southern New Jersey one of my favorite pastimes was reading Marvel Comics. Spiderman was the best but I read them all. The Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Sub Mariner, Dr. Strange, The Avengers, Iron Man, The X-Men and, of course, Captain America were the stuff of fantasy and pleasure. I dare to admit that my love of reading was born in the pages of Marvel Comics.
Now I read where Captain America has been killed by a "sniper's bullet".
My first thought was "How appropriate!" In a nation that has been hijacked by liberalism and is being slowly destroyed by democrat-ick socialism, it is probably importantly symbolic that with the destruction of the Christian Bible and the traditional holidays recognizing the blessings of God; with the elimination of a Constitution that requires strict interpretation and constructionist action to actually work the way the Founders intended; with the spreading of the liberal religions of Darwinism and Global Warming-ism and with the spreading of immorality through the acceptance of atheism and the homosexual agenda, that Captain America be struck down from a hidden threat on the steps of a court house.
The national court system has released child predators and is fighting for the "rights" of foreign enemies of America to address American courts to request protection for their murderous activities. It is the nation's courts that have been writing law for the land for too long now. Millions of children are killed by the courts annually through abortion and the release of known sex offenders. Millions more are released after DUI convictions; being allowed to retain driver licenses and keys to their cars. Murderers are routinely given probation and lawyers fight to get the sentences of known and convicted killers overturned. The national court system is broken and there are no fixes in sight..." To finish the Captain America story!
Alas, Captain America is gone. But, I hear Marvel is working on a new Captain America movie. Hopefully it will be better than past movies have been. And when will Marvel bring back the Captain as DC brought back Superman! Any guesses or speculation?
Dave
March 12, 2007 12:00 - "300" Kicks Butt at Box Office!
Well, it sure looks like this weekend's release of Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300, didn't rest on its laurels. Looks like the take at the box office put a major dent in Hollywood 2007 numbers. Read on Mcduff:
" '300' becomes 2007's 1st blockbuster
Associated Press
Article Launched: 03/12/2007 10:59:47 AM MDT
Lena Headey, from left, Andrew Tiernan, director Zack Snyder, novelist Frank Miller, David Wenham, Gerard Butler, and Rodrigo Santoro pose together at the premiere of ''300'' in Los Angeles, Monday, March 5, 2007. (AP photo)LOS ANGELES -- The ancient battle of Thermopylae was the stuff of 2007's first certified blockbuster as the bloody action tale "300" debuted with ticket sales of $70 million over its opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.That's about $233,000 for every one of the legendary 300 Spartan soldiers who fought off a much larger Persian force in the epic battle.
"On a Spartan-by-Spartan basis, that's a lot of money," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "Summer came a little early, because this is a summer-style opening."
The number of movie-goers for the Warner Bros. epic "300" outnumbered crowds for the rest of the top-10 movies combined. If the estimate holds when final numbers are released Monday, "300" would break the record for best March debut ever, topping the $68 million haul for "Ice Age: The Meltdown" last year.
"300" played in 3,103 theaters, about 850 fewer than the "Ice Age" sequel, making its box-office performance even more notable. It averaged $22,567 a theater, a whopping number for a wide release..." For more 300 competitive numbers.
Another major victory for the graphic novel genre. For not wanting to be involved in the movie industry, Frank Miller is sure making a major splash. Of course, I will be purchasing the DVD when it becomes available. Looks like another trek over to Sam's Club. Later.
Dave
March 17, 2007 10:05 - Star Trek, Rehashed Again!
Any die hard Star Trek fans out there? I have never considered myself a trekkie or trekker, but I have always enjoyed the Star Trek franchise. Hell, I was one of the original fans back in the 1960s with the first series. There have also been numerous renditions of Star Trek in comic book form. I have some of them in my boxes behind me now! But another comic book company is redoing Star Trek again. Check it out:
" 'Star Trek' comic books, the next regeneration
IDW Publishing is boldly going where many have gone before.
By Bill Radford, The Gazette
Last update: March 15, 2007 - 5:28 PM
IDW Publishing is boldly going where many have gone before.
Numerous publishers -- including Marvel and DC, the big two in the comic book industry -- have published "Star Trek" comics.
Now IDW, which publishes comics based on hot TV shows such as "CSI" and "24," has acquired the rights to create comics based on the long-lived science-fiction franchise.
IDW's "Star Trek" line started in January with the first issue of a six-issue miniseries based on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
While there will be "a bit of a unifying theme" linking all six issues of "Star Trek The Next Generation: The Space Between," each issue will tell a stand-alone story, said Chris Ryall, IDW publisher and editor in chief.
Ryall steered away from launching the line with a several-part epic.
"What I wanted to do with all these 'Star Trek' books is I wanted it to feel a bit more like episodes. Why don't we do character-driven stories that can be told in one issue and make it really like 'here's a good episode?' If you don't like that episode, next week we'll have a different one."
In April, IDW will release a miniseries that revisits key events in "Star Trek" history through the eyes of the Klingons, the warrior alien race that initially served as foes of the United Federation of Planets. In the summer, look for a comic-book miniseries based on the original "Star Trek."
A void in this universe
The new line comes at a rare time in "Trek" history, with "Star Trek" and its many incarnations only in reruns on TV. The latest series, "Star Trek: Enterprise," came to an early end in 2005, felled by poor ratings. There are plans for a new "Star Trek" movie, but it's not set for release until 2008..." To finish the Star Trek story, click on over!
In the void of no new Star Trek programs on air at the moment, will IDW be able to fill that void? Any opinions? I guess I am waiting to see what and if the franchise delivers again. In the mean time, I do enjoy a rerun on occasion. Maybe the new comic book series will be worthwhile to check out.
Dave
March 22, 2007 06:26 - And News of Yet another Superhero to Appear on the Silver Screen!
Well, I just ran across another Hollywood tidbit. Looks like The Green Hornet will try his chops in the box office draw. Read on for the article:
" 'Green Hornet' movie in the works
CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) - There's a new buzz in Hollywood: Columbia Pictures is bringing the Green Hornet comic-book hero to the big screen.
The crime-fighting exploits of the Green Hornet have been chronicled for decades on radio, television and in comic books. On Tuesday, Sony Corp.'s Columbia Pictures said it was making a motion picture on the newspaper hero.
Neal H. Moritz and Original Film will produce the movie, said Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad, presidents of production at Columbia Pictures. Columbia optioned the rights to the Green Hornet from Moritz, who acquired the rights from Green Hornet Inc.
"With the radio show, television program, comic books and novels, there is ample source material to bring this classic crime fighter to life," Moritz said in a statement.
The Green Hornet made his debut on Jan. 31, 1936, on WXYZ Detroit as the creation of the station's George Trendle and Fran Striker, who also created the Lone Ranger. The series ran until 1952 on the Mutual and NBC Blue networks.
The Green Hornet ran in several comic books and, in 1966, the character was turned into an ABC-TV series starring Van Williams as the Green Hornet and Bruce Lee as Kato. It ran for one season. "
I do remember the TV series, although I didn't really watch it. Too bad Bruce Lee is around for the Kato part again. It will be interesting on how the big screen rendition of this superhero pair will perform in the box office.
Dave
March 24, 2007 17:17 - Anyone for Spider-Man 3?
Any Spidy fans out there waiting in deep anticipation for the next Toby Maguire movie? Well, it appears Hollywood is winding down to a May 4, 2007 release date. Personally, the Spider-Man movies have been my favorite comic book superhero turned to Hollywood movies.
Spidy 3 will reveal the black suit. In the paper world, the black suit was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man issue #252. Low and behold, I own this issue in what appears to be grade 8 or 9. And on the Overstreet Richter scale, that is roughly $32.00 to $40.00 in value. Now on the over inflated CGC scale, hell that could be $100.00 in value. Maybe one day, I will have to spring the bucks and have this issue CGC certified. I had better read the heck out of it first though.
Anyway do you want to keep up with what is happening in the Spidy/Marvel/Hollywood world for the next few months? Do you want some history on the black suit? How about some of the character bios? Then head on over to the World of Spider-Man on the Marvel site and see what they have to say. And feel free to leave me some of your comments on the Spider-Man movies. Thanks.
Dave
March 31, 2007 16:42 - Stan Lee's Reality Superhero Series is Back!
Whippy skippy! Don't think I am all that excited, but as last year, it will probably still be interesting. Here is an informative article about this season's So You Want to be a Superhero reality show:
"Who Wants To Be A Superhero Allowing Viewers To Vote For Final Contestant Spot
As the nationwide casting call for the second season of SCI FI Channel's hit reality series Who Wants to Be a Superhero? comes to a close, one contestant spot remains unfilled! Like last season, when, for the first time ever, America was able to select a reality show contestant, SCI FI Channel and SCIFI.COM open the polls again with three new superhero hopefuls vying for your vote to fulfill a dream. Log onto SCIFI.COM (www.scifi.com/superhero) from 11:00AM (EST) on Friday, March 31, 2007 through 11:00AM (EST) April 5, 2006 to vote for "Ominicron," "Rift" or "Thorn!" The new season of Who Wants to Be a Superhero? is scheduled to premiere in July.
Expect more thrills, bigger challenges and even more episodes this season as once again SCI FI Channel partners with legendary comic book creator Stan Lee's production company POW! Entertainment, Inc., and Bruce Nash's Nash Entertainment (Meet My Folks, For Love or Money, Who Wants to Marry My Dad?) the eight-episode series that challenges a lucky few to create their very own superhero..." To finish the article go to Superheroes!
Well, this is just a quick and dirty. I will probably comment more on the new season when I have some time to research the sci fi channel website. I still think "Heroes" is by far, a much more interesting show.
Dave
|
