Tag: DC Comics

CW’s ‘Arrow’ Is Going To Have To Deal With The Royal Flush Gang

by Shawn Madden

Well, it seems that the CW’s Arrow is going to go at it with more villains ripped straight from the pages of DC comics. We’ve previously learned that he’d be dealing with Deadshot, Deathstroke, Chyna White, and now The Royal Flush Gang have been confirmed to appear on the show. They will be debuting in an episode titled ‘Legacies’, which most likely means that probably we won’t be seeing the groups origin in the series. While the full gang has yet to be revealed the gang already does have a confirmed ‘Ace’ up their sleeve.

Actor Kyle Schmid (The Covenant) will be portraying Ace in the show’s version of the Royal Flush Gang. Zap2It reports that his real name is Kyle Preston, which is a slight deviation from the Android Ace of the second generation Royal Flush Gang. Whether or not he will be an android has yet to be revealed.

Source: Zap2It

Geekscape Comics: War Is Coming To DC In Crossover Event “Throne Of Atlantis”

by Shawn Madden

Just yesterday it was announced that current Aquaman artist Ivan Reis would be taking over art duties on Justice League. Now USA TODAY revealed that beginning with issue #15 of the series we will see a crossover event with Aquaman called “Throne of Atlantis.” This event will be one of the arcs building towards DC’s upcoming event “The Trinity War”.

Geoff Johns on the crossover:

“They don’t just come up out of the water to say hello. The Justice League is trying to come together and become the team that Aquaman said in issue 12 the team needed to be: a team that trusts each other, that knows each other, and there are no secrets anymore.

There’s still questions of what Atlantis is like and what they do and what they’re capable of and why they exist and who sank Atlantis. There’s all this mythology behind Atlantis that we’re not really sure of and no one really has any answers, and we’re about to get the answers.”

 

Geekscape Comics: Ivan Reis Taking Over On ‘Justice League’

by Shawn Madden

Many have been speculating just who will take over on Justice League after Jim Lee leaves the title in a few issues. Well, it’s now been revealed that Ivan Reis, the current artist on Aquaman, will be taking over the title. Geoff Johns commented on Reis taking over art duties on the title:

“There is no other choice for the next A-Star art team on JUSTICE LEAGUE. Ivan Reis and Joe Prado bring power, grace, emotion and epic storytelling worthy of the world’s greatest super heroes. From GREEN LANTERN to BLACKEST NIGHT to AQUAMAN, I couldn’t ask for better collaborators. The second year of JUSTICE LEAGUE will begin an adventurous, mysterious and heroic storyline focusing on our members as their greatest secrets are revealed…and the repercussions change the world. Ivan and Joe begin with a story they were born to draw — THRONE OF ATLANTIS — a story between JUSTICE LEAGUE and AQUAMAN that will have the League experiencing what Aquaman does — they’ll be caught between land and sea. With new relationships developing – like Wonder Woman and Superman – new members coming on – like Shazam! and the all-new Atom — and new threats rising — like Ocean Master & Atlantis — the Justice League will grow and change as we march towards the impending TRINITY WAR.”

Check out the cover to Justice League #15:

Source: Buzzfeed

Geekscape Comics: The Weekly Pull List For The Week Of September 12th!

by Shawn Madden

Every week there’s plenty of titles that hit your local comic shop. Maybe you’re having a hard time deciding which issues to pick up this week? Or maybe you just want to check out something that you’re not reading yet? Well, have no fears long box junkies…I am here to help you out with The Weekly Pull List. Every week I will give you a heads up on what will be the six issues that should be on the top of your stacks and pull lists this coming Wednesday. So, let’s start it off with The Weekly Pull List for the week of September 12th!

UNCANNY X-FORCE #31

• The Final Exectution kicks into high gear
• What is left of X-Force go up against the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants for the last time.

ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #16

UNITED WE STAND BEGINS!
• The X-Men fight for their lives in the Sentinel-controlled states
• Featuring…Nick Fury’s Howling Kittens?!

BATMAN #0

Bruce Wayne has returned from his worldwide quest to take the law into his own hands! This issue reveals the early steps of building everything that surrounds Batman – the costume, the cave, the car, the gadgets.

HARBINGER #4

Teenage superhuman Peter Stanchek is about to prove that he’s the future of the humanity. Even if it means burning Toyo Harada’s Harbinger Foundation to a cinder.

PUNK ROCK JESUS # 3

As Chris grows up to be a teenager, he starts to question his existence, rebelling against his “captors” in front of the whole world. Meanwhile, Gwen’s depression has Thomas and Epstein worried, but all Slate sees is increasing ratings…

FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #6

The Wrecking Crew continues wrecking shop in the destroyed wasteland that was once San Diego! Struggling to survive, your favorite fanboys and fangirls ditch the escape plan and forge an attack against the never-ending zombie chaos.

This weeks trade spotlight: THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS VOL. 1

“SCIENCE. BAD.”

What if the research and development department created to produce the first atomic bomb was a front for a series of other, more unusual, programs?

Collecting the coolest new series of the year into one super science package.

Collects THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1-5

It Appears That The Rock Is Indeed Playing Lobo In The Upcoming Movie

by Shawn Madden

Yes, you read that correctly. It has been rumored recently that Warner Bros. was indeed working on a movie adaptation of one of their resident bad-asses, Lobo. And now the pretty reliable ItsOnTheGrid has given a first bit of the plot for the movie. Well, that and that it appears that The Rock, who was rumored to be up for the role recently, has signed on to play Lobo.

It appears that if their report is accurate, we won’t be seeing a space set adventure, but  rather we will see the bounty hunter travelling to Earth to hunt down some other bad asses. Maybe they didn’t want a repeat of their last failed space adventure? I’m looking at you Green Lantern. Check out the details from the site below.

So, how do you guys feel about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appearing as the bad-ass bounty hunter Lobo?

Geekscape Comics: ‘Wonder Woman: Earth One’ From Grant Morrison And Yanick Paquette In 2013?

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago it was reported that Grant Morrison would be leaving DC Comics but it has been well known that he still had one project left for them. This project was a mysterious Wonder Woman project and now it appears, according to Bleeding Cool, that we will be getting a Wonder Woman: Earth One sometime next year from Morrison and current Swamp Thing artist Yanick Paquette.

While some fans weren’t too fond of Superman: Earth One (I actually did like this one however), Batman: Earth One received critical praise and both titles have sequels in the works. Morrison stated the following about the upcoming project:

“So Marston had all these ideas and it was very deep, there was a book by him which was hidden in the DC Comics vaults because they didn’t really want anyone to see it, and a friend of mine at DC sneaked it out for me one time. And it’s this thing, and honestly you can’t read it, it’s deranged, it’s like the guys just done mescaline or something, talking about his sexual theories.

…But then Marston died, and that energy left the strip, it just disappeared… when you took the sex out of Wonder Woman, the thing went flat. And the sales died immediately after Marston himself died and never ever recovered.

… I think I’ve found a way, but I’m not gonna tell you what I’ve done because hopefully the Wonder Woman series will be out next year sometime or thereabouts. But I think I’ve found a way to get all that back in again but it took a lot of reading. This has been the hardest project I’ve ever done.

That Superman’s meant to be this ultimate expression of masculinity and he still gets to be sexual, while Wonder Woman’s meant to be the ultimate expression of womanhood and yet she isn’t allowed anything to do with sex.”

So, what do you think about this project? Does Morrison’s take on Wonder Woman sound like something that you want to read?

Wonder Woman Origins Series Being Developed For The CW

by Eric Diaz

Here we go again.

You can’t keep a good feminist icon down; the CW is developing a script for a Wonder Woman centric series, said to be focusing on her origins. The project is currently titled Amazon, and according to the Vulture blog, “unlike past TV incarnations, it will focus on Wonder Woman as a young, budding superhero, rather than a fully formed defender of liberty. think Smallville, but instead of a no tights, no flights rule, this show might have a no bracelets, no crown  mandate.” I think the no costume/limited powers thing comes from Warner Brothers, who probably wants to save the fully powered and decked out Diana for a Justice League movie, or maybe even a fully fledged Wonder Woman movie down the line.

As a Wonder Woman fan, having Allan Heinberg at the helm of a Wonder Woman series makes me breathe a sigh of relief.

I have often said the CW is the proper home for a character like Wonder Woman. And unlike David E. Kelley, who made the dreadful Wonder Woman pilot for NBC that never got picked up, this is being written and developed by Allan Heinberg. Aside from being a prolific television writer for shows like Grey’s Anatomy and the O.C, he is also a successful comic book writer and creator of the Young Avengers. He even wrote a stint on Wonder Woman’s comic a few years back that was pretty decent, although mostly remembered for how shockingly late it was. Having an actual comic book fan at the helm of this series means we aren’t going to get something that changes everything about her mythology, or like the NBC pilot, just ignores it. I have a good feeling about this one this time.

Fandom Planet 53: Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo with Regina Carpinelli

by SaxCarr

Tim and Sax take a look at what’s coming up at this years Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo with special guest Regina Carpinelli. We’ve got the 411 on all the guests, special events, and surprises in store for the second year of this wildly successful convention. Listen close folks as we may have some information you can’t get anywhere else. Stay tuned for information on where you can catch Tim and Sax at the Con as well as more on upcoming Fandom Planet events.

 

Also this:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:38 — 48.2MB)

DC’s New Green Lantern Getting An Action Figure Next Spring

by Shawn Madden

DC Comics introduced a brand new Green Lantern this Wednesday in Green Lantern #0. Simon Baz is a Muslim from Dearborn, Michigan, who leaves behind street racing to join the intergalactic police force. The character has only been around for a small period of time, the character was technically first introduced in DC Comic’s Free Comic Book Day issue, but he is already getting an action figure next spring. Take a look below.

Source: DC Collectibles Facebook

Geekscape Comics: Geoff Johns Discusses The “First Lantern”

by Shawn Madden

The upcoming “Rise Of The Third Army” story-arc begins in this month’s Green Lantern #13 and will cross over into Green Lantern Corps, Green Lantern: New Guardians and Red Lanterns. This event will follow the quite shocking events seen in Green Lantern Annual #1 in which we saw what appeared to be the death of Hal Jordan and Sinestro. Then again, it is comics so no one is ever definitely dead. If you have already read the issue, you also witnessed the introduction of the First Lantern. DC Comic’s The Source sat down with Green Lantern writer Geoff Johns to discuss the mysterious character.

“Who the First Lantern is and what his role will be in the upcoming Green Lantern universe will come into play very, very quickly,” teased the writer. “The being inside has been imprisoned there for a long, long time. The Guardians consider him their greatest threat, but also their greatest source of power. Whether he’s friend or foe will be up for debate, but regardless he is one of the potentially most dangerous beings in existence.”


Green Lantern editor Matt Idelson also added:

“In GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #1, readers got their first glimpse at the First Lantern, someone who’s been locked away for a very long time—for a VERY good reason! His presence in this story is the catalyst for something very bad, and yet his story is only going to grow from here.”

It appears this character will be playing a big role in the upcoming “Rise Of The Third Army”. But, just who is this character and what will his significance be?

Is DC Comics Reviving Alan Moore’s “Twilight of the Superheroes” Pitch From 1987?

by Eric Diaz

Yesterday Bleeding Cool ran a very interesting theory, and one my gut tells me will come true. In this week’s Justice League #12, we got the beginning of the much talked about romance between Superman and Wonder Woman. But also this week we got Justice League International Annual #1, which featured the disbanding of the team and and an appearance by a future version of Booster Gold, who sees sureveilance footage of the Super-Wonder hook up and says something to the effect of “now it is too late!!” and vanishes. Not to mention, John Constantine is now a part of the DC Universe for the first time in decades in this New 52 universe. So what does this all add up to?

As Bleeding Cool pointed out, all this circumstantial evidence leads to an intriguing possibilty: DC is planning on digging  out Alan Moore’s proposed DC Universe crossover The Twilight of the Superheroes out of mothballs. What is Twilight of the Superheroes you might ask? Back in 1987, before Alan Moore cut all ties with DC over Watchmen, he pitched and sold a proposal to DC as their next epic crossover. He made a detailed plot synopsis, and included a rather long letter explaining just how DC should approach, market and even merchandise this puppy (so very capitalist of you Mr.Moore. tsk tsk) But soon after, his relationship with DC ended badly, and Twilight of the Superheroes went on the shelf. Elements of the story popped up in books like Kingdom Come and Armageddon 2001, but no straight up adaptation was ever made.

If Twilight of the Superheroes happens, expect a lot of snarky comments from Alan Moore.

That may soon change though, if Bleeding Cool is correct. Here is the full synopsis for the story according to Wikipediea:

The framing device of the story involves future versions of John Constantine and Rip Hunter traveling to the present day, ostensibly to prevent a serious disaster involving the superheroes of their time. The hook through which the series would connect with other titles is the attempts of the two time travelers to recruit others into their quest to alter the future through warning them of upcoming events. Individual books in the DC Universe could tie into the crossover or not, as their creators wished, by having Hunter or Constantine show up and warn the stars of the book of some event. The main narrative of the series involves Constantine relating the story of what has happened in the future to his present-day self over drinks in a bar.

The series was set in the future of the DC Universe, where the world is ruled by superheroic dynasties, including the House of Steel (presided over by Superman and his wife Wonder Woman, now called Superwoman) and the House of Thunder (consisting of the Shazam family) as well as houses built around the Teen Titans (House of Titans, naturally), the JLA (the House of Justice) The House of Mystery (DC’s mystical characters) and an alliance of super villains, known as the House of Secrets. The houses of Steel and Thunder are about to unite through the dynastic marriage of Superboy and Mary Marvel Jr., with their combined power potentially threatening the status quo, and several characters, including Constantine, attempt to stop it. One group of opponents is a shadowy cabal of non-powered heroes from DC and pulp fiction, like Tarzan and the Shadow, led by Batman. Another involves an alien alliance of the Green Lantern Corps, Martians, and Thanagarians. Constantine’s narrative of the future ends with a massive battle between the various factions, resulting in the death of most of the super-powered characters. A side story would show a decaying superhero ghetto where decrepit versions of old heroes live. In the final part of the present time framing device it would be revealed that Hunter and Constantine had traveled back in time not to prevent the future they came from but to ensure its coming true. The final battle depicted in the book resulted in humanity being freed from the control of superheroes, a status that Hunter and Constantine supported.

There are more details on Alan Moore’s proposal here. Now, we know that DC CCO Geoff Johns mined Alan Moore’s old Tales of the Green Lantern Corps stories for much of his Green Lantern run, including Blackest Night. So why not use Alan Moore’s old proposal? This isn’t a Watchmen situation; DC owns Alan Moore’s proposal outright and have since 1987, and all the characters are characters DC owns. If DC goes ahead and does this, they might get some grief from Moore in the form of snarky comments in the press, but that would be just about all he could do. While I felt (and still feel) that Before Watchmen was a slap in Moore’s face, this is a totally different animal. Twilight of the Superheroes also sounds a lot like a super powered version of Game of Thrones, which would be another selling point these days. One way or the others, I suppose we will all find out soon enough.

When Alan Moore proposed his epic story, the DC Characters all pretty much looked like this.

 

Geekscape Comics: The Justice League/Transformers Crossover That Almost Happened

by Shawn Madden

The crossover that almost happened! Just prior to DC launchng the New 52,  Chris Ryall of IDW and Phil Jimenez of DC Comics pitched the idea that got sidelined. However, don’t get too excted seeing these because the project is definitely dead in the water as Jimenez has begun posting the images to his Facebook.

Source: Bleeding Cool

Even More Names Added To The List Of Potential Directors For ‘Justice League’

by Shawn Madden

It looks like we’re getting even more names added to the list of potential directors for Warner Bros. upcoming Justice League film. Peter Georgiou of Thinkmcflythink Tweeted earlier this week that he had heard some more names that were on Warner Bros. radar for the upcoming and he didn’t sound too stoked on the names he had heard. He’s revealed some of the names on the list that include Zack Snyder (Watchmen), Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) and joining Brett Ratner on the list of people that no one wants to do it…McG (Terminator: Salvation).

Georgiou also Tweeted that they were about eight names in total on this list, and we can possilby expect more to be revealed shortly. Keep in mind that of course if these directors are on the list it doesn’t mean that any of them are going to do it. Hell, some of these name have most likely not even been approached yet for the upcoming project. Let’s just keep Brett Rater and McG away from this one please Warner Bros. I think of all the names revealed Snyder, Fleischer and The Wachowskis are definitely the best picks on the list. So, what do you think about these?

Source: Peter Georgiou [via ScreenRant]

First Clip From ‘The Dark Knight Returns: Part One’!

by Shawn Madden

Warner Bros. has released the first clip from the animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns and does it look good. I mean, it looks really good and could even go on to top my personal favorite, Under The Red Hood. The story takes place a decade after Bruce Wayne gave up being Batman and entered retirement. The Dark Knight Returns is one of the best Batman stories ever told. It definitely is on top of the all-time must-read comics list and from the looks of it this may join it on top of the must-see animated movies.

It’s been a decade since Bruce Wayne hung up his cape, following most of the other superheroes who had been forced into retirement. Facing the downside of middle age, a restless Bruce Wayne pacifies his frustration with race cars and liquor – but the bat still beckons as he watches his city fall prey to gangs of barbaric criminals known as The Mutants.

The return of Harvey Dent as Two-Face finally prompts Wayne to once again don the Dark Knight’s cowl, and his dramatic capture of the villain returns him to crime-fighting – simultaneously making him the target of law enforcement and the new hope for a desolate Gotham City. Particularly inspired is a teenage girl named Carrie, who adopts the persona of Robin and ultimately saves Batman from a brutal attack by the Mutant leader. Armed with a new sidekick, and re-energized with a definitive purpose, the Dark Knight returns to protect Gotham from foes new…and old.

The Dark Knight Returns: Part One will be released September 25th.

Brett Ratner On List Of Considered Directors For ‘Justice League’?

by Shawn Madden

Originally it was reported that Warner Bros. wanted Ben Affleck to direct their upcoming superhero epic, Justice League. After Affleck announced that he was not interested in doing the film the studio began compiling a list of directors which has been reported to be topped by Lana and Andy Wachowski. But, now another name has been reported to be on that list. While this may be a rumor, and man do I hope it is, Superman Super Site is reporting that sources close to the project are hearing that studio executives are very interested in Brett Ratner. Apparently none of these executives have seen the horrendous X-Men: The Last Stand.

“The studio is very pleased with the work that Brett [Ratner] has done as a producer and director on past projects,” states our sources. “They are now very interested in seeing what he can do with helping finally bring this group of iconic superheroes to the big screen!”

Yes, this would not be the first comic book movie for the filmmaker that is best known for directing the Rush Hour franchise. No, this is definitely not the project for that director. One of the few road bumps in this possibility is that Brett Ratner has just started pre-production on a fourth Rush Hour film. And may we all pray that they decide to go with someone else here. I am honestly quite interested in seeing a Wachowski helmed version of Justice League and hope that the rumors of them being the second choice on the list come to be true and end up with them helming the upcoming film. Until anything official is announced though…let’s keep this one on the rumor list.

Geekscape Comics: We Will See A New ‘Justice League Of America’ In 2013

by Shawn Madden

DC just announced at Fan Expo in that they will be  a brand new version of the Justice League Of America in 2013. Geoff Johns will write, with pencils by David Finch featuring a team that consists of Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Catwoman, Bash (the newest Green Lantern), Vibe, Stargirl, and Katana. But don’t worry, this does not mean they are cancelling Justice League. Apparently JLA will run alongside Justice League.

Geoff Johns on the new series:

The idea of why the JLA forms, and what it is, and what it’s in reaction to… It kind of spins out of Justice League #12; what happens in that, and then subsequent issues, because JLA comes out next year some time. But the book itself is a group of heroes that aren’t necessarily coming together because they want to be together… They’ve been selected specifically. They all want, or need something that Steve Trevor, and the other person behind the scenes that’s in charge of this team can provide.

The first arc is going to deal with something they learn is called The Secret Society of Super-Villains.

Johns discussing the team selected:

The characters that are selected like Stargirl, and Vibe, and Green Arrow, they have a lot of personality. If you remember the first couple of issues of Justice League, with their larger than life personalities, and the development… This takes it to the fifteenth degree, because we’re dealing with characters that are… Like, you don’t know where Vibe is coming from. He’s recruited to the JLA by his older brother, and he says, “Why would they want me? I’m just this kid from Detroit. I’ve stopped three liquor store robberies, and one was by mistake.” His brother looks at him and says, “Maybe they see potential in you that you and I don’t see.” And he’s like, “Thanks a lot.”

So you get these weird characters that are unexpected, and they’re thrust into the forefront of Justice League of America… You’ll see why they’re selected, and why this team is going to give the real Justice League a run for its money; because the relationships in this team are going to be incredibly significant. There’s going to be a real learning curve with all the teams, but has the benefit of a true leader in Steve Trevor. Steve Trevor has a heart and soul that’s going to bring these characters that, on first glance, might not ever gel – what does Stargirl ever have in common with Catwoman? How’s that going to work?

I love characters that are more obscure. On Justice League, Shazam will be joining, and the team dynamics will be changing quite a bit on that team, but this is going to be such a great opportunity to work on characters like Katana, who I think is such a great asset, and getting deeper into characters like Vibe… Reintroducing Stargirl… Seeing the new Green Lantern with Green Arrow, and revisiting that relationship with Green Arrow and Hawkman, because we think we know it, we think they’re always at odds… And we want to turn it on its head a little bit, and delve into it more, and see what makes those two characters tick, to find out there’s something in common they both have despite their differences.

So creating dynamics between these characters, and really making it a character driven, intense, intriguing book… One of the words I have on the outline for the series is intrigue. What I mean by that is I always want you to wonder why. Why is this happening, what is their motivation, what are they after, what do they need, what do they want? I just look forward to writing a book that harkens to some of my favorite team books, and mystery books… And hopefully its something that you won’t know what to expect, and when you get it you’ll think it’s what it should be, but you never could have imagined it.

Source: MTV Geek

Lana And Andy Wachowski Warner Bros. Second Choice For ‘Justice League’?

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago word broke that Warner Bros. wanted Ben Affleck to helm their upcoming Justice League movie. Well, earlier this week Ben Affleck revealed that he is in fact not working on the upcoming Justice League movie:

“I’m not working on the Justice League. One of the problems with entertainment web sites is that they need to fill pages, and that’s how rumours get started. Justice League sounds really exciting, but it’s not something I’m working on.”

It appears now that there a couple of new names that have popped up as possible candidates for the job and they may be going with more than one director. Moviehole is reporting that Lana and Andy Wachowski are WB’s second choice for the film. Warner Bros are apparently so impressed with Cloud Atlas that they’ve put the directors under consideration for the upcoming superhero epic. The directing duo is responsible for giving the studio one of their most successful film trilogies of all time, The Matrix trilogy. This wouldn’t be the first time the Wachowski’s have considered doing a comic book film. They were the duo behind V For Vendetta, had contemplated doing a Plastic Man film in the past and ever were in the running for Man Of Steel before Zack Snyder took on the project. Would they consider doing it? Possibly. Would it be a good choice to have them do it? Most definitely.

Geekscape Comics: Judd Winick Leaving ‘Batwing’

by Shawn Madden

DC has had another writer decide to depart from their creative team. Last week Rob Liefeld decided to leave and now it’s been announced that Judd Winick will be leaving Batwing. He told the following to Newsarama:

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that I’ll be leaving the DC monthly Batwing. I’ve had a terrific time on the title and have loved crafting this adventure with some phenomenal people. Artists Ben Oliver, Marcus To, and Brain Reber have made these stories come to life. I will miss telling the tales of David Zavimbe, the Batman of Africa in many ways, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done. My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.

My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.”

Winick had previously walked away from Catwoman after receiving excessive amounts of criticism for his writing of the title. His departure from the comic is definitely not as blown up and excessive as Liefeld’s and definitely hasn’t gone on to him calling out writer Scott Snyder. Oh, if you didn’t know about that one…it’s something to look up. Winick has not confirmed what his last issue will be, but DC has him as the writer on the title through November’s issue #14. No new writer has been announced by DC yet.

Geekscape Comics: ANOTHER ‘Before Watchmen’ Series Is On Its Way

by Shawn Madden

Earlier today at the Fan Expo in Toronto, DC Comics announced that this November and December will see the release of Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 and #2. Yes, you read that one right, this time around one of the villains is getting his own prequel. The series will be brought to us by the legendary writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eduardo Risso. JMS talked to Comic Book Resources more about his plans for the series and why exactly he believes that Moloch deserves his own prequel. Check out a few highlights below as well as a preview of Eduardo Risso’s artwork from the series.

Regarding how this series came about:

In our early conversations, Dan [DiDio] indicated that he really wanted to explore Moloch because he’s central to the mythology of the original “Watchmen,” even though only see him at the end of his life, and the rest is just a few facts and dates tossed around in text or dialogue. He would’ve liked to have included this from the git-go, but felt that everybody was maxed out on what was already on our plates. Fortunately, I got my scripts finished, done and in before anybody else, and long before they were due, so when I was done Dan asked if I’d be willing, and of course I said yes.


On why he felt this character deserved his own prequel:

If you step back and just look at his story, it’s a real tragedy, in a way the most tragic of all of the characters. He started out in great difficulty, turned to crime, was sent to prison repeatedly, found religion, converted to Catholicism, and came out of prison determined to lead a changed life. It was a new beginning, a fresh start…and what happens? He falls prey to Ozymandias’ plans and becomes one of the first sacrificial lambs to that slaughter. How is that not a compelling story worth telling? Most of what we know from the material in the first book is expressed in narrative, in bits and pieces in “Under the Hood” and elsewhere — we don’t actually see any of it, and thus we don’t understand the why of the what. Yes, we know he went through all these changes, but what prompted it? How did it happen and what did it mean? I wanted to give his history the same serious treatment we were giving to all the heroic characters. A character is stretched too thin when you can’t tell any more good stories about them, and with the Watchmen characters, we’ve barely scratched the surface, even though I kinda doubt they’re going to go back to the well on this again too often or too soon.

Does this mean we can expect more Before Watchmen series coming our way? Quite possibly. Is this a good thing or bad thing? I’m not really sure. I’ve been pretty let down by these books minus Ozymandias and Rorschach’s outings, but it could go either way.

Superman & Wonder Woman: The Ultimate Super Power Couple. But Is This Good Or Bad?

by Eric Diaz

So in the world of comic books, the big news today is that in the upcoming Justice League issue #12, DC Comics has confirmed that Superman and Wonder Woman are going to make fanboy fantasies (and various X rated parodies) come true and become a romantic couple. And according to DC CCO and Justice League writer Geoff Johns, this not going to be a one issue deal. Superman and Wonder Woman are now the very definition of  the term “Power Couple” in the world of super hero comics. In a press release given to Entertainment Weekly,  Geoff Johns says “This is the new status quo.” adding that the relationship will have a seismic impact on all the heroes and villains in the DC universe. Obviously, from a publicity standpoint this all makes perfect sense. Not to mention if they really want to set apart the old DCU from the new one, this is the perfect way to symbolically say “this ain’t your daddy’s DC Universe”. Somewhere, Lois Lane is crying into her pillow right now.

Well, when your other option is Margot Kidder, is there really a choice?

So as Geekscape’s #1 Wonder Woman fan, I know I’m expected to have opinions on this matter (although I may have to fight Heidi Hilliker for that title. Actually, she would  totally win that fight, so I give up and I’ll just say I’m Geekscape’s #2 Wonder Woman fan. Because I don’t look good in Wonder Woman cosplay, and Heidi does) And while I do have opinions, the truth is if this was a year ago, I might have had stronger feelings on this matter. However, the current DC New 52 Wonder Woman only bears a superficial resemblance to the Diana I know and love really, and this change certainly seems a lot less awful than other recent indignities they’ve put Diana through in this new reboot.

Brian Azzarello’s and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman title has been well received by the fans and critics alike, and is very well written and drawn to be sure. But their changes to Diana’s mythology, making her the daughter of Zeus, and then making her people a race of murderers, make her feel more like an Elseworlds version of the character. Azzarello does get Diana’s steely determination right, as well as her unwavering loyalty to those she is sworn to protect. But there is something really cold and removed about this new Diana, a character that was created to embody love and compassion above all things. I hated the change from gold to silver in her costume, but in a way it fits; gold equates with warm and loving, and silver is cool and distant. And this New 52 Diana isn’t about hugs and puppies so much as she is about sticking her sword in things all the damn time.

One good thing that might come out of this pairing, Wonder Woman might want her classic color scheme back, so she and her boyfriend can be all cute and “matchy matchy” like.

As much as this pairing makes sense for many fans, I suppose my biggest issue with this coupling (as primarily a Wonder Woman fan) is that it makes Diana “Superman’s Girlfriend, Wonder Woman” instead of just being simply “Wonder Woman”, period. It is one thing to have Superman occasionally guest star in issues of Wonder Woman, or vice versa, but now these books have to be intertwined in a serious way. Do Superman fans want that? Do they want Diana and her mythical world to be a constant part of Superman’s science fictioney universe? I know as a Wonder Woman fan I wouldn’t want Clark there every issue. And if they’re not there in one another’s titles, and their romance takes place only in the pages of Justice League, it will feel phony. They have to be a big part of each other’s own books now, there is just now way around it. I can’t help but wonder how the writers of each character’s own books feels about this being forced on them now. I suppose we will know soon enough.

The only way Superman and Wonder Woman can’t be a big part of each other’s individual books now is if their relationship was a bit more…casual. Somehow, I can’t see DC going there.

I guess the only real reason I’m not really too upset by this development is that DC is wise in not getting them married right off the bat. Maybe they’ll date for a few years, have really awesome sex for awhile, and then go back to their “lesser mortal” loves. Certainly the two of them dating for awhile leads to tons of story potential, and of course, media coverage. DC has toyed with the Superman/Wonder Woman pairing for decades, because they know on some level the fans want to see it happen. In issue #300 of the original Wonder Woman series back in the 80’s, DC presented an imaginary story of “Superman and Wonder Wife!” and I admit I read that particular issue over and over again with glee. Kingdom Come was another beloved story where these two got together, and a less beloved story is Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Strikes Again, where he also had Clark and Diana as a couple. While I think Miller writes the worst Wonder Woman in the history of always, he did make their sex scenes look pretty epic, I will give him that. No doubt, there is something alluring about having these two heavy hitters together in a romantic sense, it is undeniable.

But all of those  previously mentioned stories were either alternate futures or dream sequences. No one has ever attempted it in the mainstream DCU until now. Having Superman and Wonder Woman married would potentially tie the two of them together forever, but just dating is another thing entirely. They can always break up after it gets played out. But in any break up, be it fictional or real, someone always comes out the bad guy. Will DC allow Superman to be potentially portrayed as an asshole, or Wonder Woman as a bitch, when the time comes?  Can the reputations of these two icons of virtue survive if one of them is a portrayed as a heartbreaker in the end? These are the kind of questions DC editorial needs to be asking themselves right about now.

Confirmed: Perry White is a dick.

I am a fan of Geoff Johns, and for the most part I’ve enjoyed his portrayal of Diana in Justice League a wee bit more than Azzarello’s in her own title, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. If anything, we are sure to get some sexy art from the likes of Jim Lee and Ivan Reis out of this, so that’ll be worth something at least. Let’s face it, a year in and there are a lot of things in this rebooted New 52 DC Universe that editorial simply haven’t really thought through; let’s hope one of the biggest super hero pairings of all time isn’t one of them.

Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Strikes Again was the worst, but the sex scenes between Superman and Wonder Woman were literally mountain shattering. And that was pretty hot.

 

Geekscape Comics: A First Look At Superman’s New Love Interest!

by Shawn Madden

Well, Entertainment Weekly has just posted the first look at Justice League #12, and it features the good ol’ Man Of Steel kissing someone who definitely isn’t Lois Lane. Who is it?

Well, it appears that Superman will be engaging in a romantic relationship with none other than Wonder Woman herself. One of the things that happened when DC launched the New 52 was the ending of Supermans marriage to Lois Lane. This may cause quite a bit of controversy from the people who were hoping to see them get back together. And Geoff Johns assures us that this is definitely no one-issue sales stunt right here.

“This is the new status quo.”

He also states that the relationship will have a seismic impact on all the heroes and villains in the DC universe. So, what’re your thoughts on this one?

Geekscape Comics: First Look At The Variant Covers For ‘Justice League #0’!

by Shawn Madden

This September DC Comics will be giving all of their New 52 titles “zero issues”. In Justice League #0 we will see the new Shazam’s origin story, as well as the origin of Pandora! And we should know by now that these issues will definitely be getting some variants. Take a first look at the variant covers for the upcoming issue by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado!

Source: DC

Fandom Planet 52: Fanfilm For A Deadman

by SaxCarr

It’s a Deadman’s Party as the producers and star of the fan film “Requiem for a Deadman” join Tim and Sax. Producer and AVN Award Winner Nicki Hunter (“Naughty Office 19”) and  writer/star Wes Calimer (“Cutting Veggies”) discuss their labor of love and the hard road they encountered bringing Arnold Drake’s and Carmine Infantino’s baby to live-action. We discuss the relation between pornography fans and comics geeks (there isn’t much) as well as the benefits of kickstarter versus sponsorship. Learn what it takes to create a live-action version of a fan favorite comic book.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:44 — 49.7MB)

Geekscape Comics: Aquaman Getting A Special Robot Chicken Variant For Issue #12

by Shawn Madden

Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken DC Comics Special airs Sunday, Sept. 9th. If somehow you haven’t seen the trailer for this by now check it out here. In celebration of this DC has issued a special variant cover for Aquaman #12! However don’t go into this issue thinking that their will be any kind of Robot Chicken content on the inside.

Geoff Johns on the cover:

“This is the last thing I ever thought we’d put on an Aquaman cover because it’s such a bizarre collision of worlds but I think it’s one of the best covers we’ve ever done…I just love the look on Superman’s face! Aquaman will play a pretty big role in the show. In fact, the title could just as easily be How Aquaman Got His Groove Back!”

Source: TV Guide

Geekscape Comics: Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis Leaving ‘Aquaman’

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago word hit that Ivan Reis would be leaving Aquaman. Now it seems Bleeding Cool is reporting that Geoff Johns will also be leaving the title along with Reis. This news is sure to be disappointing to many due to the title is currently a fan favorite. Johns is currently writing Justice League, Green Lantern, and Aquaman as well as maintaining his responsibilities as DC’s Chief Creative Officer which definitely puts quite a bit on his plate. Reis last issue of Aquaman will be issue 16 but it is currently unknown if that will Johns last issue as well. There is also another rumor floating around that the two are not done working together quite yet and that we may see Reis taking over on Justice League after Jim Lee leaves the title.

DC is looking to reshuffle their creators once again around January of next year and with this reshuffle we may see the cancellation of more titles. This would also mean the introduction of new titles such as the rumor we may see WildCAT’s join the New 52. One can only hope right?

Paramount Developing ‘The Boys’ With Adam McKay!

by Shawn Madden

The last real update about The Boys hit back in February when Columbia Pictures had chose to abandon the Adam McKay (The Other Guys) planned adaptation of the superhero satire by Garth Ennis and Darick Roberson. The movie was being described as a “100 million, R-rated, anti-superhero movie” back in 2011 when he first signed up for it. Well, it appears there is still hope for this project!

Last night McKay, who is currently working on the sequel to Anchorman, revealed via Twitter that Paramount Pictures picked up the rights to the film and that they are still developing it. McKay soon deleted the tweet but it still remained on the fan who originally commented on the the projects Twitter feed.

Debuting in 2006 from DC Comics WildStorm imprint, The Boys centers on a super-powered CIA squad tasked with keeping a watch on superheroes, eliminating them if necessary. The title moved in 2007 to Dynamite Entertainment, where it still continues to be published. In August 2008 Columbia had acquired the rights to the film and hired Clash Of The Titans writers Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay, as well as Seth Rogen, to work on the screenplay. It may be some time before we see The Boys hit the screen but you should know to never count out Billy Butcher and the gang!

Source: Cinema Blend

‘Robot Chicken DC Comics Special’ Gets A Release Date AND A Trailer!

by Scott Alminiana

Adult Swim announced today that the  Robot Chicken DC Comics Special will kick off the sixth season of the show on Sunday, September 9th at Midnight (ET/PT). Thanks to IGN we also have a trailer for the special. After seeing this trailer I’m stoked to see the special, check it out for yourselves and let us know what you think!

 

In the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special, Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, in partnership with DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, brings you the awesomeness of the DC Comics universe of characters as only Robot Chicken can, with amazing guest stars and the stop-motion sketch comedy you’ve come to love after five seasons of the popular Adult Swim series.  The all-star cast includes Seth Green as Batman, Robin and the put-upon Aquaman, Neil Patrick Harris as Two-Face, Alfred Molina as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern, Megan Fox as Lois Lane, Breckin Meyer as Superman, plus Abe Benrubi, Alex Borstein, Clare Grant, Tara Strong, Matt Senreich, Tom Root, Zeb Wells, and Kevin Shinick as co-producer and narrator.

Geekscape Comics: The Ending Of ‘Wonder Woman #12’ Shows Something “NEW” Coming To The New 52

by Shawn Madden

It appears that at the end of Wonder Woman #12 something  “NEW” is coming to The New 52. Yes, that is a hint at what it is. No, you should not look if you don’t like spoilers. All I am going to say before I post the image is that fans of Jack Kirby’s creations have reason to get excited here.

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Orion and The New Gods and are making their way to The New 52. This is really exciting news and I don’t read Wonder Woman but I just may have to start.

‘Injustice: Gods Among Us’ Reveals Another Addition To The Roster!

by Shawn Madden

So, if you haven’t guessed by my bad pun who the latest addition is or by the picture above…it’s Catwoman. Check out the reveal trailer where she lets her claws out below!

Injustice: Gods Among Us release date TBA.

Legendary Comic Artist Joe Kubert Passes Away.

by Scott Alminiana

I am sad to report that legendary comics artist Joe Kubert has passed away. Joe was 85 years young. He was a innovator in the comics industry and drew some amazing pieces of art.

During the golden age of DC comics Joe worked on Hawkman and Sgt. Rock among others.  In 1976, he founded The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art (now known as The Kubert School). Two of the school’s most well-known graduates were Joe’s own sons Adam and Andy, both of whom have gone on to their own success. 

Joe Kubert has forever left a lasting impression on the comics industry and he will never be forgotten. Vaya con Dios sir, rest in piece.

 RIP Joe Kubert
September 18, 1926 – August 12, 2012