Along with the season's 39 St...er, episodes, there'll be a making-of featurette.
Here's a promo shot:
Coming to DVD: "Alfred Hitchcock Presents"
The first season of the Alf-presented anthology show will be out Oct. 4, according to DVDAnswers.
Along with the season's 39 St...er, episodes, there'll be a making-of featurette.
Here's a promo shot:
Along with the season's 39 St...er, episodes, there'll be a making-of featurette.
Here's a promo shot:
Judas!
"No Direction Home," the upcoming Bob Dylan documentary by director Martin Scorsese will include the infamous moment from Dylan's Manchester's Free Trade Hall concert of of May 1966 when an apparently disgruntled fan took the troupador to task for "going electric."
For years, the concert appeared on audio bootlegs misidentified as Dylan's 1966 Albert Hall appearance. It showed up in official form a few years back as the "Bootleg Series, Vol. 4."
But this is the first I'd heard that the incident was also captured on film. Apparently, I'm not alone. From an Ireland Online report:
Arena editor Anthony Wall described his astonishment at seeing the footage for the first time. “I was just gobsmacked. I thought they would never have captured that,” he said.
“To see the moment when Judas is actually screamed at him is quite disconcerting.”
He went on: “Every night Dylan would do the acoustic half of the set then bring on a group who later became The Band, and they were very, very loud – at that time in 1966 even the Beatles had relatively small amplifiers.
“50% of the audience every night jeered and booed. He was making the most revolutionary music and it was obviously a very turbulent time.”
"No Direction" home airs on PBS Sept. 26. There'll also a soundtrack for the film and it'll be available on DVD Sept. 20.
For years, the concert appeared on audio bootlegs misidentified as Dylan's 1966 Albert Hall appearance. It showed up in official form a few years back as the "Bootleg Series, Vol. 4."
But this is the first I'd heard that the incident was also captured on film. Apparently, I'm not alone. From an Ireland Online report:
Arena editor Anthony Wall described his astonishment at seeing the footage for the first time. “I was just gobsmacked. I thought they would never have captured that,” he said.
“To see the moment when Judas is actually screamed at him is quite disconcerting.”
He went on: “Every night Dylan would do the acoustic half of the set then bring on a group who later became The Band, and they were very, very loud – at that time in 1966 even the Beatles had relatively small amplifiers.
“50% of the audience every night jeered and booed. He was making the most revolutionary music and it was obviously a very turbulent time.”
"No Direction" home airs on PBS Sept. 26. There'll also a soundtrack for the film and it'll be available on DVD Sept. 20.
DVD extras for "Star Trek: Nemesis" Collectors Edition announced
According to DVDAnswers, extras on the new two-disk set will include:
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer
English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Track
English DTS 5.1 Surround Track
English 2.0 Dolby Surround Track
French 2.0 Dolby Surround Track
Audio Commentary with Director Stuart Baird
Audio Commentary with Producer Rick Berman
Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda
Nemesis Revisited Featurette
The Romulan Senate Featurette
Storyboarding the Action Featurette
The Scimitar Featurette
The Enterprise E Featurette
Build and Rebuild Featurette
Romulan Lore Featurette
Shinzon & The Viceroy Featurette
Romulan Design Featurette
Four-Wheeling in the Final Frontier Featurette
Screen Test: Tom Hardy as Shinzon
New Selection of Deleted Scenes
- Wesley's New Mission (59s)
- Data and B-4 (1m 50s)
- The Chance for Peace (56s)
- A Loss of Self (35s)
- Remember Him? (Extended) (1m 47s)
- Cleaning out Data's Quarters (1m 43s)
- Crusher at Starfleet Medical (42s)
Original Featurettes
- New Frontiers: Stuart Baird on Directing Nemesis
- A Star Trek Family's Final Journey
- Red Alert! - Shooting the Action of Nemesis
- A Bold Vision of the Final Frontier
Storyboards, Production & Prop Archives
Star Trek: Nemesis Theatrical & Teaser Trailers
Three Hidden Eastereggs
- Wesley's New Mission (59s)
- Data and B-4 (1m 50s)
- The Chance for Peace (56s)
- A Loss of Self (35s)
- Remember Him? (Extended) (1m 47s)
- Cleaning out Data's Quarters (1m 43s)
- Crusher at Starfleet Medical (42s)
- New Frontiers: Stuart Baird on Directing Nemesis
- A Star Trek Family's Final Journey
- Red Alert! - Shooting the Action of Nemesis
- A Bold Vision of the Final Frontier
New CD releases of note
July 19
Art Blakey The Big Beat
Donald Byrd Fuego
Don Cherry Symphony for Improvisors
Sammy Davis, Jr. & Carmen McRae Boy Meets Girl: The Complete on Decca
Herbie Hancock Inventions and Dimensions
OST The Dukes of Hazzard
July 26
The Church El Momento Descuidado
The Concretes Layourbattleaxedown
Jackie Lomax Home Is in My Head and III
Sarah Vaughan After Hours at the London House
Dinah Washington I Wanna Be Loved
Jimmy Witherspoon & Jack McDuff The Blues Is Now
VA Lost Legends of Surf Guitar: Shockwave!
VA Whatever: The '90s Pop Culture Box
OST The Island
OST Sky High
Art Blakey The Big Beat
Donald Byrd Fuego
Don Cherry Symphony for Improvisors
Sammy Davis, Jr. & Carmen McRae Boy Meets Girl: The Complete on Decca
Herbie Hancock Inventions and Dimensions
OST The Dukes of Hazzard
July 26
The Church El Momento Descuidado
The Concretes Layourbattleaxedown
Jackie Lomax Home Is in My Head and III
Sarah Vaughan After Hours at the London House
Dinah Washington I Wanna Be Loved
Jimmy Witherspoon & Jack McDuff The Blues Is Now
VA Lost Legends of Surf Guitar: Shockwave!
VA Whatever: The '90s Pop Culture Box
OST The Island
OST Sky High
Rhino to release "Nuggets: The Next Generation"
A four-disk set compiles 110 tracks from the heirs of the garage rockers featured on the original "Nuggets" compilations helmed by Lenny Kaye.
Children of Nuggets: The Next Generation is due out Aug. 30 and features tracks from the Long Ryders, Rain Parade, the Fleshtones, the Dukes of Stratosphear (a.k.a. XTC), the Wondermints, Posies, Bangles and more. Sounds like a gem.
I'll post a track listing once it surfaces.
Children of Nuggets: The Next Generation is due out Aug. 30 and features tracks from the Long Ryders, Rain Parade, the Fleshtones, the Dukes of Stratosphear (a.k.a. XTC), the Wondermints, Posies, Bangles and more. Sounds like a gem.
I'll post a track listing once it surfaces.
Aparo at Charlton
The late cartoonist was rightfully acclaimed for his work on Batman, Aquaman, the Phantom Stranger and others at DC. But he got his start in the late 60s, early 70s working under the great Dick Giordano at Charlton. Here's a gallery featuring some of his cover work for the publisher (images from the utterly wonderful Grand Comics Database):
Quick hits
The Superman Home Page is reporting a new direct-to-DVD animated Superman adventure will be titled "Superman vs. Brainiac." A "Batman vs. Dracula" direct-to-DVD has already been announced by Warner Home Video and, according to the Superman Home Page, there's a Teen Titans title planned too.
TV Guide rounds up the best ("Superman Returns" trailer) and worst ("Aeon Flux" trailer) moments of San Diego's recent Comic-Con International.
James Doohan, Scotty of "Star Trek" fame, has passed away, Sci-Fi Wire reports.
Leave it to the Beatles: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as performed by Paul McCartney and U2 at Live8 is the top-selling music download to date, reports the New Musical Express.
Dial B for Blog has a scanner and he's not afraid to use it. Today: A vintage, 1966 TV Guide article about the "Batman" series.
TV Guide rounds up the best ("Superman Returns" trailer) and worst ("Aeon Flux" trailer) moments of San Diego's recent Comic-Con International.
James Doohan, Scotty of "Star Trek" fame, has passed away, Sci-Fi Wire reports.
Leave it to the Beatles: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as performed by Paul McCartney and U2 at Live8 is the top-selling music download to date, reports the New Musical Express.
Dial B for Blog has a scanner and he's not afraid to use it. Today: A vintage, 1966 TV Guide article about the "Batman" series.
Associated Press publishes Aparo obituary
James N. Aparo, an illustrator for DC Comics for more than 30 years who drew Batman, the Green Arrow and other action heroes, has died.
Aparo died Tuesday at home after a short illness, said his daughter, Donna Aparo. He was 72.
More here.
Aparo died Tuesday at home after a short illness, said his daughter, Donna Aparo. He was 72.
More here.
New "Battlestar Galactica" DVD-bound
A five-disk set collecting the first season of the Sci-Fi Network update will be out Sept. 20.
According to DVD Answers, extras include:
According to DVD Answers, extras include:
- Pilot Commentary with Director Michael Rymer and Exec Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
- "Bastille Day" Commentary with Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
- "Act of Contrition" Commentary with Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
- "You Can't Go Home Again" Commentary with Executive Producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore
- "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
- "The Hand of God" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
- "Colonial Day" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
- "Kobol's Last Gleaming: Part 1" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
- "Kobol's Last Gleaming: Part 2" Commentary with Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore
- Selection of Deleted Scenes
- Behind the Scenes Featurette
- Battlestar Galactica Series Lowdown
- Series of Battlestar Galactica Sketches and Art
Jim Aparo passes
Man. This is really sad. Jim Aparo, for my money, was the BEST Batman artist in comics. Part of this opinion is no doubt based on my nostalgic feelings for his long, long run on the Batman team-up title The Brave and the Bold, which I grew up reading. But his Batman was perfect: Less cartoony than Sprang or Infantino, not as realistic as Adams--but leaner, more fluid. I think "Batman," and Aparo's rendition springs to mind. His renditions of Aquaman and the Spectre are likewise definitive.
I recently read "The Wrath of the Spectre," which collected Aparo's classic run on the character, and was knocked out seeing Aparo in his prime, doing his own inks. He was right up there with Caniff and Toth in terms of storytelling, figure work and spotting blacks. A great, great artist who will be missed.
Here's an obituary that just appeared on Newsarama:
The Aparo Family has asked me to send this information out to all parties. It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the passing of the legendary Jim Aparo early Tuesday Morning, July 19, 2005. Mr. Aparo, who was 72, died from complications relating to a recent illness. All Funeral arrangements will be a private ceremony for Family and Friends of Jim.
Aparo, born in 1932, was primarily self-trained as an artist. After years of working in commercial fashion design in Connecticut, his first break in the comics field was with a comic strip called "Stern Wheeler," written by Ralph Kanna, which was published in 1963 in a Hartford, Connecticut newspaper for less than a year. In 1966, editor Dick Giordano at Charlton Comics hired him as a comic book artist, where his first assignment was a humorous character called "Miss Bikini Luv" in "Go-Go Comics." Over the next few years at Charlton, Aparo drew stories in many genres--Westerns, science fiction, romance, horror, mystery, and suspense.
Aparo was notable for being one of the relatively few artists in mainstream comics at that time to serve as penciler, inker, and letterer for all of his work. These tasks were typically divided between two or more artists.
In the late 1960s, Aparo moved on to National Publications/DC Comics, which is where he came to fame in the Comics Community. Originally starting at DC on the Aquaman title, he then moved on to also work on the Phantom Stranger and DC's horror titles.
In 1971, Aparo worked on his first Issue of Brave & The Bold. Issue 98 featured the Phantom Stranger teaming up with Batman. Beginning with Issue 102 Jim was then the regular artist on the series and provided pencils & inks on almost every issue from 102 until the end of the series with Issue 200. Jim's work on Brave and the Bold was his favorite work of his time at DC as he truly considered the series his "baby." Also during this period Jim did one of the seminal runs on The Spectre, where his realistic style made the Ghostly character truly come to life.
After the end of Brave and the Bold, Aparo was co-creator for Batman & The Outsiders and also worked on the regular Batman and Detective Comics Series throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. most notably doing the Pencils on the "Death in The Family" storyline, which featured a phone-in vote deciding the fate of Robin II, Jason Todd.
Following a run on the regular Green Arrow Series, Aparo moved into semiretirement, contributing an occasional special or cover and doing a few private commissions before he eventually decided to move into full retirement.
He is survived by his wife Julie, his 3 children, his 4 Grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
The Aparo family has asked that in lieu of Flowers or gifts, anyone wishing to honor Jim's legacy make a contribution to any worthy charity, as Jim believed that all charities were worth donating to.
For those wishing to send along their condolences and best wishes to the family, a P.O. Box has been set up for the family to receive cards. The address is:
THE APARO FAMILY
P.O. BOX 28
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06852 - 0028
Thanks to all who have loved Jim's work and have supported his career.
Spencer R. Beck
THE ARTIST'S CHOICE
http://www.theartistschoice.com
I recently read "The Wrath of the Spectre," which collected Aparo's classic run on the character, and was knocked out seeing Aparo in his prime, doing his own inks. He was right up there with Caniff and Toth in terms of storytelling, figure work and spotting blacks. A great, great artist who will be missed.
Here's an obituary that just appeared on Newsarama:
The Aparo Family has asked me to send this information out to all parties. It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the passing of the legendary Jim Aparo early Tuesday Morning, July 19, 2005. Mr. Aparo, who was 72, died from complications relating to a recent illness. All Funeral arrangements will be a private ceremony for Family and Friends of Jim.
Aparo, born in 1932, was primarily self-trained as an artist. After years of working in commercial fashion design in Connecticut, his first break in the comics field was with a comic strip called "Stern Wheeler," written by Ralph Kanna, which was published in 1963 in a Hartford, Connecticut newspaper for less than a year. In 1966, editor Dick Giordano at Charlton Comics hired him as a comic book artist, where his first assignment was a humorous character called "Miss Bikini Luv" in "Go-Go Comics." Over the next few years at Charlton, Aparo drew stories in many genres--Westerns, science fiction, romance, horror, mystery, and suspense.
Aparo was notable for being one of the relatively few artists in mainstream comics at that time to serve as penciler, inker, and letterer for all of his work. These tasks were typically divided between two or more artists.
In the late 1960s, Aparo moved on to National Publications/DC Comics, which is where he came to fame in the Comics Community. Originally starting at DC on the Aquaman title, he then moved on to also work on the Phantom Stranger and DC's horror titles.
In 1971, Aparo worked on his first Issue of Brave & The Bold. Issue 98 featured the Phantom Stranger teaming up with Batman. Beginning with Issue 102 Jim was then the regular artist on the series and provided pencils & inks on almost every issue from 102 until the end of the series with Issue 200. Jim's work on Brave and the Bold was his favorite work of his time at DC as he truly considered the series his "baby." Also during this period Jim did one of the seminal runs on The Spectre, where his realistic style made the Ghostly character truly come to life.
After the end of Brave and the Bold, Aparo was co-creator for Batman & The Outsiders and also worked on the regular Batman and Detective Comics Series throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. most notably doing the Pencils on the "Death in The Family" storyline, which featured a phone-in vote deciding the fate of Robin II, Jason Todd.
Following a run on the regular Green Arrow Series, Aparo moved into semiretirement, contributing an occasional special or cover and doing a few private commissions before he eventually decided to move into full retirement.
He is survived by his wife Julie, his 3 children, his 4 Grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
The Aparo family has asked that in lieu of Flowers or gifts, anyone wishing to honor Jim's legacy make a contribution to any worthy charity, as Jim believed that all charities were worth donating to.
For those wishing to send along their condolences and best wishes to the family, a P.O. Box has been set up for the family to receive cards. The address is:
THE APARO FAMILY
P.O. BOX 28
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06852 - 0028
Thanks to all who have loved Jim's work and have supported his career.
Spencer R. Beck
THE ARTIST'S CHOICE
http://www.theartistschoice.com
Jim Henson Studios teams with Tokyopop
You can look forward to manga-ized takes on "Dark Crystal," "Labyrinth" and the upcoming Neil Gaimin-based "MirrorMask," says the Hollywood Reporter. No word on Cookie Monster.
Quick hits
Postive Ape Index presents art from 70s pinball machines (via BoingBoing).
Reuters reviews "Extras," the new show from "The Office" creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant: Incisive, fearless and laugh-out-loud funny, "Extras" will appeal to anyone who liked "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Fans of "The Office" will surely embrace Gervais' new character, Andy Millman, who is far from being David Brent but is just as needy and driven in his own way and given to hilariously wince-making utterances.
Geeks are cool! (Are they sure?)
An early review of Chris Ware's "Acme Novelty Library."
Dial B for Blog (yeah, I'm gonna link there every friggin' day. You got a problem with that?) has a great feature on Aurora super-hero model kits. My mom helped me assemble the Batman one when I was a tot.
Reuters reviews "Extras," the new show from "The Office" creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant: Incisive, fearless and laugh-out-loud funny, "Extras" will appeal to anyone who liked "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Fans of "The Office" will surely embrace Gervais' new character, Andy Millman, who is far from being David Brent but is just as needy and driven in his own way and given to hilariously wince-making utterances.
Geeks are cool! (Are they sure?)
An early review of Chris Ware's "Acme Novelty Library."
Dial B for Blog (yeah, I'm gonna link there every friggin' day. You got a problem with that?) has a great feature on Aurora super-hero model kits. My mom helped me assemble the Batman one when I was a tot.
DC Comics solicitations for October 2005
BATMAN TITLES
BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE #1
Written by Steve Niles, art and cover by Scott Hampton.
Acclaimed writer Steve Niles joins distinctive painter Scott Hampton for a 3-issue Prestige Format miniseries that uncovers the investigation of grisly murders outside Batman's usual territory...in the Gotham suburbs! Commissioner Gordon calls on the Dark Knight for help in solving the mystery, although Batman has never delved into the suburbs of Gotham before. But the series of murders is so shocking that Batman must respond, despite being in unfamiliar territory.
48 pages, $5.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #3
Written by Frank Miller, art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams.
Creative titans Frank Miller, Jim Lee and Scott Williams continue their striking new vision of the Dark Knight in this tale of young Dick Grayson's transformation from orphaned acrobat into the Batman's first sidekick: Robin, the Boy Wonder!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
DETECTIVE COMICS #812
Written by David Lapham, art by Ramon Bachs and Nathan Massengill, over by Lapham.
Part 10 of the 12-part "City of Crime!" Bruce Wayne forgoes cape and cowl to investigate the mysteries of Gotham's seediest neighborhood, Crown Point. Plus, Gordon's back in town to help Robin uncover the Ventriloquist's secrets...only Scarface ain't talkin'.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #70
Written by A.J. Lieberman, art by Al Barrionuevo and Bit, cover by Claudio Castellini.
Batman and Hush race to find the former Clayfaces and unravel the mystery of the shapechangers! Just when Hush thought he had control over this new Clayface, he's proven wrong. Dead wrong! And when is one Clayface too many?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
BATMAN #646
Written by Judd Winick, art by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen, cover by Jock.
An Infinite Crisis tie-in! The Villains United want a piece of Gotham, and Black Mask is just the man to deliver it. Batman has his hands full with the criminals of Gotham, but before he can neutralize Deathstroke and company, Red Hood plans to take matters into his own hands!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #196
Written by J.H. Williams III and Dan Curtis Johnson, art and cover by Seth Fisher.
The conclusion of the 5-part "Snow," featuring Batman's first confrontation with Victor Fries -- a.k.a. Mr. Freeze! And what "conclusion" will Batman draw from his experiences with a strike force?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12
ARKHAM ASYLUM ANNIVERSARY EDITION SC
Written by Grant Morrison Art and cover by Dave McKean
In celebration of the 16th anniversary of the Batman story that helped launch the U.S. careers of Grant Morrison and Dave McKean, DC Comics presents a softcover edition of the Arkham Asylum Anniverary Edition, reprinting the now-classic confrontation between the Dark Knight and his archnemeses the Joker, Two-Face, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, and more in the black heart of Gotham City's house for the criminally insane.
This graphic novel is well known for its psychological intensity and probing portraits of Batman and the Joker, as well as groundbreaking art that influenced scores of artists by introducing a new school of storytelling and technique to comics. This special edition also includes Morrison's complete original script annotated by both himself and editor Karen Berger, many of his original thumbnail breakdowns, step-by-step samples of how the story and art came together and much more!
212 pages, $17.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
BATGIRL #69
Written by Andersen Gabrych, art by Pop Mhan and Jesse Delperdang, cover by Tim Sale.
The debut of new penciller Pop Mhan and cover artist Tim Sale. Encased in ice by Mr. Freeze and held hostage by Nyssa, Batgirl is offered a choice: regain her destiny with the legendary League of Assassins or die a slow, frozen death.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
BATMAN: JOURNEY INTO KNIGHT #3
Written by Andy Helfer, art by Tan Eng Huat, cover by Pat Lee.
Batman seeks clues about the mysterious plague unleashed on Gotham in the depths of the subway system and has a close encounter with an express train! Meanwhile, the Carrier makes an alliance that could lead to even more trouble for Gotham.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
BATMAN: UNDER THE HOOD TP
Written by Judd Winick, art by Doug Mahnke, Tom Nguyen and others, cover by Matt Wagner.
Shocking revelations and age-old foes make this new collection -- featuring Batman #635-641 -- a must-have. Batman is confronted with a hidden face from the past ‹ it's the return of the Red Hood! With Black Mask controlling the Gotham underworld, what role will Red Hood have when all is said and done?
176 pages, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME HC
Written by Jeph Loeb, art and cover by Tim Sale.
The team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale returns to further the exciting adventures they began in Batman: The Long Halloween and followed in Batman: Dark Victory. Collecting the 6-part series that guest-starred Batman and a host of Gotham's most colorful and dangerous villains, When in Rome chronicles Catwoman's mysterious trip to Italy and her dealings with the deadly Falcone crime family. It's an incredible tale of Gotham's sexiest cat burglar!
160 pages, $19.99, in stores on Nov. 2.
CATWOMAN #48
Written by Will Pfeifer, art by Pete Woods, cover by Adam Hughes.
Some of the nastiest villains in the DCU have laid siege to the East End, and Catwoman is the only thing keeping them from running riot! But now that she's dead center in their sights, even Batman won't be able to talk her off a path that leads straight into the heart of danger!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 26.
GOTHAM CENTRAL #36
Written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker, art by Kano and Stefano Gaudiano, cover by Sean Phillips.
The conclusion of the "Dead Robin" storyline! The cops have a dead kid in a Robin outfit, and the evidence is pointing inescapably toward Batman. But how can they catch the Dark Knight? Plus, the leak within the GCPD is revealed!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
NIGHTWING #113
Written by Devin Grayson, art by Cliff Chiang and Ande Parks, cover by Phil Hester and Parks.
A Villains United tie-in! Dick Grayson is working forŠDeathstroke the Terminator? Nightwing is no more -- Dick Grayson's in a new outfit, and he's got a brand-new bag of dirty tricks. And those who thought he was simply "going undercover" are in for a rude awakening...
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
ROBIN #143
Written by Bill Willingham Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens
An OMAC Project tie-in! As the dreaded OMACs scour Blüdhaven for all costumes, Robin finds himself in the unenviable position of trying to save the newly resurrected Darla Aquista -- the very girl who swore to use her demonic powers to rid the world of Robin!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
SUPERMAN TITLES
SUPERMAN #222
Written by Mark Verheiden, art and cover by Ed Benes.
The world is going to hell as the Crisis begins -- this is too big a job even for Superman! But what has changed that scares those closest to the Man of Steel?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
ACTION COMICS #832
Written by Gail Simone, art by John Byrne and Nelson, cover by Dan Jurgens and Wayne Faucher
The Spectre has come for Satanus, Metropolis's resident demon! On All Hallow's Eve, the dead will rise to protect their dark master -- and Superman is caught in the middle! But Lois has her own demons to confront when her dead father returns...
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #645
Written by Greg Rucka, art and cover by Karl Kerschl.
While Superman deals with a full-on Omac assault, Lois discovers an alarming connection between her would-be assassin and the Dark Knight! Meanwhile, Luthor is back in Metropolis to build a new power base...starting with the Parasite!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
SHAZAM/SUPERMAN: FIRST THUNDER #2
Written by Judd Winick, art and cover by Joshua Middleton.
Continuing the pulse-pounding tale of the first meeting of the Last Son of Krypton and Earth's Mightiest Mortal. Superman and Shazam have joined forces to defend Fawcett City Museum from creatures unleashed by mysterious cult members. But in the confusion, the cult manages to slip away with some precious artifacts that will help them summon an even greater evil force. And what roles do Lex Luthor and Dr. Sivana play in the cult's plans?
40 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
SUPERGIRL #3
Written by Jeph Loeb, art and cover by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund.
Supergirl knows that someone other than Batman has been spying on her -- and now it's time to find out who! But when her investigation leads to the Outsiders, there's no stopping the Girl of Steel! Plus, is romance blossoming for Kara Zor-El?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #24
Written by Jeph Loeb, art and cover by Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines.
As Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines rocket "With a Vengeance" toward its conclusion, the fate of the universe hangs in the balance unless the World's Finest Team -- The Dark Damsel Detective and The Woman of Steel, that is -- can stop it! There's nothing more incredible than the debut of Batwoman and Superwoman! Guest-starring Superlad!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
SUPERMAN IN THE FORTIES TP
Written by Jerry Siegel, Bill Finger, Don Cameron and others, art by Joe Shuster, Wayne Boring, Jack Burnley and others, cover by Shuster.
The latest in DC's decade-by-decade celebration of the best stories featuring the Man of Steel collects stories from Action Comics #1, 2, 14, 23, 64, 93, 107, Superman #1, 23, 40, 53, 58, 61, Superboy #5, the Superman daily newspaper strip, Look magazine and World's Finest Comics #37, covering his 1938 debut through the 1940s.
192 pages, $19.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
DC UNIVERSE TITLES
INFINITE CRISIS #1
Written by Geoff Johns, art by Phil Jimenez and Andy Lanning, covers by Jim Lee and Sandra Hope and George Pérez
It's finally here: the comics event so massive that it built over the first half of 2005, through Countdown, Day of Vengeance, Rann/Thanagar War, Villains United and The OMAC Project. Prepare for the dawn of the DCU's darkest day in Infinite Crisis, a 7-issue miniseries written. Surrounded by their most fearsome enemies, the world's greatest heroes are divided within and without.
DC's icons -- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman -- are joined by Nightwing, Supergirl, Donna Troy, Superboy, Robin, Wonder Girl, Green Lantern, the Flash and more as they face their most dire hour. What happens next will destroy friendships and lives, dictating the direction of the universe for the next generation!
Years in the making, the greatest event to hit the DCU in over two decades is about to explode. This issue will ship with covers by Lee and Williams (50 percent) and Pérez (50 percent).
40 pages, $3.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
AQUAMAN #35
Written by John Arcudi, art by Andy Clarke and Leonard Kirk, cover by Patrick Gleason.
An OMAC Project tie-in! Black Manta begins the water-breather gene therapy that will transform him forever! Aquaman must ask Geist to save Mera's life, but when the OMAC is activated by Brother Eye, it's Aquaman's life that may be lost!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
BLOOD OF THE DEMON #8
Written by John Byrne and Will Pfeifer, art by Byrne and Dan Green, cover by Byrne.
What is manipulating Etrigan to face challenges throughout a succession of strange worlds and time periods?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
BIRDS OF PREY #87
Written by Gail Simone, art by Joe Bennett and Jack Jadson, cover by Adriana Melo and Will Conrad.
The two masterminds behind DCU's heroes and villains meet at long last, as Oracle and the Society's Calculator face off!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
BREACH #10
Written by Bob Harras, art by Javier Pulido and Alvaro Lopez, cover by Marcos Martin.
Major Zanetti thought he knew everything about his new powers. He thought wrong. While he goes on the hunt for invading Rifters, Talia al Ghul shows the extent of her control over two of the DCU's most dangerous groups: H.I.V.E. and Kobra!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
DOOM PATROL #17
Written by John Byrne, art by Byrne and Doug Hazlewood, cover by Byrne.
With the Chief missing and presumed dead, the surviving Patrollers learn more of the mysterious origin of Negative Man ‹ and his unexpected connection to Vortex. Meanwhile, a face from the past returns to threaten the comatose Nudge and her family.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 26.
FIRESTORM #18
Written by Stuart Moore, art by Jamal Igle, Rob Stull, Patrick Olliffe and Simon Coleby, cover by Matt Haley.
An OMAC Project tie-in. Following the events of Villains United, a de-powered and weakened Firestorm seeks help at S.T.A.R. Labs San Francisco, which is under attack by a mysterious, unseen menace. Enter OMAC -- its mission: kill the Nuclear Man!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
THE FLASH #227
Written by Joey Cavalieri, art by Val Semeiks and Livesay, cover by Art Thibert.
A exciting new creative team comes aboard as The Flash speeds toward . . . the end? The past always seems to catch up with the Fastest Man Alive, and as Infinite Crisis approaches, Wally West reflects on his life with his wife and kids and sees that the end may be near.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 26.
GREEN LANTERN #6
Written by Geoff Johns Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Mutilated by the events of REBIRTH, Black Hand returns to wreak horrifying vengeance! Meanwhile, the bizarre experiments of a new alien race come to light with their current prisoner: Green Lantern. And how does this all connect with the Rann/Thanagar War?
On sale October 26 € 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GREEN LANTERN CORPS: RECHARGE #2
Written by Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons, art and cover by Patrick Gleason and Christian Alamy.
The 6-issue mini-series following the adventures of the Green Lantern Corps continues! The first assignment for two rookie Lanterns may be their last. Plus, Kyle Rayner meets an old love, and the biggest Green Lantern of all comes under attack.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
GREEN ARROW #55
Written by Judd Winick, art by Ron Garney and Bill Reinhold, cover by James Jean.
"Heading Into the Light," Part 2 of 4. On the trail of Dr. Light, Green Arrow and Black Lightning are sidetracked by an attack by Mirror Master and Killer Frost. It's a wall-to-wall slugfest, but is their appearance a coincidence or part of a more sinister plot?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
HAWKMAN #45
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, art and cover by Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose.
The Hawks' year of mystery, madness and mayhem comes to it's startling and violent resolution in a battle not to be missed! Questions will be answered, blood will be spilled and only Hawkman knows the truth behind the plot to destroy him! Guest-starring the JSA.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
JLA #120 and 121
Written by Bob Harras, art by Tom Derenick and Dan Green, covers by Daniel Acuña.
Tthe first two chapters of "World Without a Justice League," shipping biweekly in October. There has been a great Crisis of Conscience, and the JLA as we know it is no more. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are at odds...now it's time for Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary to bring the League back to basics. But this World Without a Justice League may be just what an old villain with some new tricks has been hoping for!
And in #121, the remaining founding members of the JLA attempt to recruit new teammates, but will they want to be a part of a League that has resorted to some questionable tactics of late? Nightwing must decide to help re-form the JLA or support his mentor in keeping the team disbanded!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12 and Oct. 26.
JACK CROSS #3
Written by Warren Ellis, art and cover by Gary Erskine.
In part 3 of a 4-part story, Jack Cross heads to Guantanamo Bay to personally cross-examine an inmate with ties to a plan to use a terrifying weapon of mass destruction!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 26.
JLA CLASSIFIED #13
Written by Warren Ellis, art by Butch Guice, cover by Michael Stribling.
Part 4 of the 6-part "New Maps of Hell." Batman and The Flash team up to try to close the gateway to Hell, stopping more nightmarish creatures from coming to Earth, only to place the entire Justice League face-to-face with evil incarnate!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
JSA #78
Written by Keith Champagne, art by Don Kramer and Champagne, cover by Alex Ross.
A Day of Vengeance tie-in! The JSA desperately seeks Dr. Fate to help them find the missing Jakeem and Thunderbolt. Meanwhile, as the Spectre's rampage continues, the team's greatest enemy has found the opening he needs to destroy the JSA once and for all!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
JSA CLASSIFIED #4
Written by Geoff Johns, art and cover by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti.
The story you've waited years for comes to a mind-boggling conclusion! Power Girl's origin is finally revealed, and it promises to redefine the Mistress of Might and uncover truths that will serve as a prelude to Infinite Crisis and beyond.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
JUSTICE #2
Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross, art by Doug Braithwaite and Ross, cover by Ross.
The bimonthly 12-part maxiseries continues. The Riddler leads Batman into a mystery within a mystery through his compulsion to speak the truth through riddles. Does he hold the key to the reason the villains are helping mankind? Plus, Aquaman falls victim to one of the DCU's most nefarious criminals. Featuring painted art by Ross over Braithwaite's layouts.
40 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
OUTSIDERS #29
Written by Judd Winick, art by Matthew Clark and Art Thibert, cover by Daniel Acuña.
A Day of Vengeance tie-in! The Fearsome Five return to settle the score with the Outsiders, boasting a new recruit of unbelievable power -- and the crisis rocking the magic realms raises the stakes to an unimaginable level!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
OUTSIDERS VOL. 3: WANTED TP
Written by Judd Winick Art by Carlos D'Anda, Karl Kerschl, Dan Jurgens, and others Cover by Doug Mahnke
The thrilling third collection of the hot title collects Outsiders #16-23. This volume includes the 3-part "Most Wanted" story arc featuring television personality John Walsh, as well as an Identity Crisis tie-in story guest-starring Batman.
192 pages, $14.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: METAMORPHO VOL. 1 TP
Written by Bob Haney and Gardner Fox, art by Ramona Fradon, Jack Sparling, Mike Sekowsky and others, cover by Sal Trapani.
This massive black-and-white volume collects all Metamorpho's Silver Age adventures, from The Brave and The Bold #57-58, 66, 68, Metamorpho #1-17, and Justice League of America #42. Guest-starring Batman, the Justice League of America, the Metal Men and more.
560 pages, black and white, $16.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #11
Written by Mark Waid, art by Barry Kitson and Mick Gray, cover by Kitson.
On the eve of galactic destruction, with the dream of a United Planets dissolving into hopelessness, only an all-out brawl between the Legion and the agents of Terror Firma can halt the coming invasion ‹-provided a key player in the war finds within herself an unexpected power!
40 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
MANHUNTER #15
Written by Marc Andreyko, art by Javier Pina, Steve Sadowski, Andrew Pepoy, Sean Phillips and Fernando Blanco, cover by Jesus Saiz.
To become Manhunter, Kate Spencer broke into an evidence locker and stole a powerful super-suit -- but she had no idea where it came from! The suit's secret history comes to life in this stand-alone issue!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
SON OF VULCAN #5
Written by Scott Beatty, a rt by Keron Grant, cover by Ed McGuinness.
Featuring a cover by Ed McGuinness (Superman/Batman)! With the evil Witchazel, Monkey-in-the-Middle, and Dino-Mite hot on his heels, things are looking pretty bad for Mikey Devanté -- especially since the Coalition of Crime thinks he really is the son of Vulcan.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
PLASTIC MAN ARCHIVES VOL. 7 HC
Written by Jack Cole, art and cover by Cole.
Another amazing volume of peak-period Plastic Man stories by Cole at his zany best! This volume collects Plastic Man #7-8 and Plastic Man's adventures from Police Comics #66-71. Plas and Woozy travel way out West, meet Stretcho the India Rubber Man, visit Hollywood, tail a homicidal hat and more!
240 pages, $49.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
RANN-THANAGAR WAR #6
Written by Dave Gibbons Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Marc Campos
The war takes an ugly, brutal turn as two worlds and countless lives are ripped asunder, setting the stage for the galaxy's greatest battle and leading into the Infinite Crisis.
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 5.
SOLO #7
Written by Mike Allred and Lee Allred, art and cover by Mike Allred.
Join Mike Allred, the creator of Madman and The Atomics, as he takes a whirlwind tour of the DCU! First stop: Hourman, as we find out exactly how much super-heroing a hero can do. The craziness continues as two super-teams are pitted against each other in "Doom Patrol vs. Teen Titans." In "Batman A-Go-Go!", the Caped Crusader is taken on a kooky psychedelic journey. Allred visits Jack Kirby's Fourth World as Lightray and Orion put Mister Miracle to the test in "Fourth World Wager." Can Scott Free really get out of any trap? And it's all capped off with "Comic Book Clubhouse," featuring just about every DC hero!
48 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
SEVEN SOLDIERS: KLARION THE WITCHBOY #4
Written by Grant Morrison, art and cover by Frazer Irving,
Klarion has reluctantly returned to his lost colony of Puritans in Limbo Town, far below New York City, to warn them of an impending invasion. Instead of being welcomed as a savior, he is captured, tried, and sentenced to be burned alive. Can Klarion and Teekl convince the people of Limbo Town that not only their entire way of life is in danger, but their whole world?
A Soldier must die -- will it be Klarion the Witchboy?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
SEVEN SOLDIERS: ZATANNA #4
Written by Grant Morrison, art by Ryan Sook and Mick Gray, cover by Sook.
Zatanna and Misty search for the 7 Unknown Men of Slaughter Swamp, only to find themselves face to face with a menace beyond imagination! The unexpected return of an almost unstoppable Golden Age master villain could spell doom for the Mistress of Magic unless she gets her groove on fast. Will Zatanna regain her powers in time for the ultimate magical duel with the ultimate cosmic criminal? With a storyline leading directly into the epic Seven Soldiers #1, the answer may not be what you expect!
A Soldier must die -- will it be Zatanna?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
TEEN TITANS #29
Written by Geoff Johns, art by Carlos D'Anda and Marlo Alquiza, cover by Tony S. Daniel and Alquiza.
The Red Hood pays the Titans a visit to claim his rightful place...over Robin's dead body! And what does Donna Troy's return mean for the team?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 19.
VILLAINS UNITED #6
Written by Gail Simone Art by Dale Eaglesham and Wade von Grawbadger Cover by J.G. Jones
The red-hot miniseries comes to its deadly conclusion as the secret identity of the mysterious Mockingbird is revealed! This shocking revelation promises to shake the DCU to its core and leads straight into 2005's biggest event: Infinite Crisis!
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
VIGILANTE #2
Written by Bruce Jones, art by Ben Oliver, cover by Michael Golden.
The thrilling 6-issue mini-series set in Metropolis continues! Seeing the Vigilante in front of you means certain death! But is Dr. Powell really his next target? Unlock the mystery behind the Vigilante in the second issue of this action/psychological thriller.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
WONDER WOMAN #222
Written by Greg Rucka, art by Rags Morales and Mark Propst, cover by J.G. Jones.
In the aftermath of DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy, Donna seeks out Wonder Woman and finds her and Supergirl in the middle of a fight with Villains United's Cheetah! But it's Donna's meeting with Supergirl that will have surprising ramifications for all three heroines. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Plus, Wonder Woman makes a decision that she's been building to for monthsŠbut will someone else beat her to the punch?
32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Oct. 26.
JOHNNY DC TITLES
THE BATMAN STRIKES! #14
Written by Bill Matheny Art by Christopher Jones & Terry Beatty Cover by Jeff Matsuda
Based on the hit cartoon on The Kids' WB! He was once Bruce Wayne's closest friendŠ now he's Batman's most dangerous enemy. It's Batman vs. Clayface!
On sale Oct 12 € 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #14
Written by Adam Beechen, art by Carlo Barberi and Walden Wong, cover by Kelsey Shannon.
When demons seize control of Limbo, Deadman recruits the mystical members of the Justice League to save the hereafter!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 5.
TEEN TITANS GO! #24
Written by J. Torres, art by Todd Nauck and Lary Stucker, cover by Sean Galloway.
After an accident with a mystical power stone, the Teen Titans get a little mixed up! Everyone on the team has switched powers, and nobody's happy about it!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 25.
MAD #459
Written and illustrated by The Usual Gang of Idiots.
A spook-tacular issue of MAD, perfect for giving to trick-or-treaters!
48 pages, black and white, $3.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
MAD CLASSICS #3
Written and illustrated by The Usual Gang of Idiots.
A jam-packed new issue of MAD Classics, featuring the Best of the Web, MAD Marginals, Reader's Choice picks, and much more.
96 pages, black and white, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #14
Written by Jim Alexander, Sholly Fisch, John Rozum and Tom Warburton, art by Jeff Albrecht, John Delaney, Gary Fields, Maurice Fontenot, Matthew I. Jenkins, Jorge Pacheco and the Iguana, cover by Robert Pope.
To what lengths will the nefarious Heinrich Von Marzipan go to claim the lost temple of the Choco-Logs? The Kids Next Door will find out! And Dexter shows Dee-Dee just how spooky science can be!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 26.
LOONEY TUNES #131
Written by Sholly Fisch, art and cover by Dave Alvarez and Mike DeCarlo.
It's time for monster madness and sheer mayhem! Join Tweety as a mad scientist brings about a personality crisis! Witch Hazel courts Elmer Fudd! And learn how to care for your monster!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 5.
THE POWERPUFF GIRLS #67
Written by Amy Keating Rogers and John Rozum, art by Christopher Cook, Ricardo Garcia-Fuentes and Mike DeCarlo, cover by Phil Moy.
Mojo Jojo is cooking up trouble! Or so the Powerpuff Girls believe after the plotting primate opens his own restaurant! Plus, you can help the Powerpuffs save a costume party from Gangreen Gang disaster!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 19.
SCOOBY-DOO #101
Written by John Rozum and Robbie Busch, art by Joe Staton, Robert Pope, Leo Batic, Scott McRae and Horacio Ottolini, cover by Joe Staton.
Aaaa-choo! Mystery Inc. dusts up trouble when they investigate a rare book enigma! Also, driving school has never been so scary!
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 12.
ELFQUEST ARCHIVES VOL. 3 HC
Written by Wendy and Richard Pini, art and cover by Wendy Pini.
This third volume collects Elfquest #11-15! The Wolfriders are taken as slaves into the towering and mysterious Blue Mountain, stronghold of the ancient elves called the Gliders. Featuring all-new lettering, a new cover by Wendy Pini and an introduction by David Wise & Audry Taylor!
224 pages, $49.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
ELFQUEST: THE GRAND QUEST VOL. 11 TP
Written by Wendy and Richard Pini, art and cover by Wendy Pini. The saga continues in this volume collecting ElfQuest: Kings of the Broken Wheel #5-7! Rayek has taken Leetah, Suntop and Ember where no one may follow: into the mists of time itself. Ten thousand years in the future, the travelers will reappear -- but by then mortal Wolfriders will long be dead!
224 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
CMX TITLES
CIPHER VOL. 1
Written and illustrated by Narita Minako
Anise can't believe her luck when she finds herself in the same high school as famous former child star Siva. Although the cool and handsome Siva seems unapproachable, Anise manages to become his friend. But her happiness turns to surprise when she discovers Siva's secret: for years, he's been switching identities with his twin brother, Cipher.
192 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
KAMIKAZE KAITO JEANNE VOL. 1
Written and illustrated by Tanemura Arina.
The international blockbuster manga ‹ which also spawned a hit anime series -- comes to the U.S.! By day, Kusakabe Maron is an ordinary high school girl with more than her share of problems. But by night, she is Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, the reincarnation of Joan of Arc! Her mission: to hunt down demon-possessed paintings and exorcise the evil spirits! Too bad accomplishing this mission puts her into conflict with the authorities, who view her as a mysterious stranger vandalizing works of art. With only the help of angel-in-training Finn, she must survive high school during the day and battle evil by night!
176 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
KIKAIDER CODE 02 VOL. 1
Story by Ishinomori Shotaro, art by Meimu.
The manga behind the cult favorite animated series seen on Cartoon Network is here.
What happens when a robot suffers an identity crisis?
On the surface, Jiro appears to be a normal teenage boy -- he's riddled with self-doubt, has trouble making friends, and owns a guitar he doesn't know how to play. But he's really Kikaider, a super-powered android with a secret ³Gemini" device implanted in his brain to help simulate human qualities.
Professor Gill, a former associate of Kikaider's creator, is hunting for the Gemini device... and he'll go to any lengths to recover it!
204 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
FROM EROICA WITH LOVE VOL. 5
Written and illustrated by Aoike Yasuko.
The fan-favorite spy saga continues! A sunken World War II relic holds the secrets Eroica, the Major, and a KGB agent desperately want. For Eroica and the gang, the prize will be riches beyond their wildest dreams. It's a mission of utmost importance (as usual) for the Major, but an old and vengeful nemesis, Mischa the Bear Cub, wants the secrets to destroy the Major -- and the West!
224 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
LAND OF THE BLINDFOLDED VOL. 5
Written and illustrated by Tsukuba Sakura
Summer vacation is a time for sun, sand, and getting swept away ‹ literally! When Kanade and her friends head to the beach, she and Namiki fall prey to the vicious undertow, causing them to disappear into the great big sea. Now, Arou must channel every last shred of his power and resourcefulness, or he might lose his true love forever!
200 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
MADARA VOL. 5
Illustrated by Sho-u Tajimam, written by Eiji Otsuka.
The series finale! Madara has joined forces with Seishinja and Kaos to challenge Kageo and the remaining Moki army. Will they have enough strength to crush this threat? Even if they prevail, will they have the power to confront and defeat Miroku, the demon emperor? Or will eternal darkness be cast upon the land?
184 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
TENRYU: THE DRAGON CYCLE VOL. 3
Written and illustrated by Matoh Sanami.
Hiryu and Ryukei were just a couple of good-hearted bandits -- until they met Princess Ryurei and discovered they were, in fact, Dragon Lords. They have embraced their destiny and unlocked their dragon spirits, but the journey has just begun. The sinister Lord Torao, leader of the Tiger Clan, has sent his top warriors out with one mission: to destroy the Dragon Clan. But, standing up to seasoned assassins and toppling the most dangerous man in the world is going to take a lot of training, and time is not a luxury of the hunted.
200 pages, black and white, $9.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
WILDSTORM TITLES
CAPTAIN ATOM: ARMAGEDDON #1
Written by Will Pfeifer, art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Sandra Hope, covers by Alex Ross and Jim Lee.
One of the DCU's mightiest champions explodes straight from the pages of Superman/Batman and into the WildStorm Universe! But will the local heroes welcome Captain Atom with open arms or attack him, fearing him as the latest threat to their universe? Join Will Pfeifer, Giuseppe Camuncoli and Sandra Hope as they explore the differences between both universes through the eyes of Captain Atom and begin a story that could lead to Armageddon in the WildStorm Universe. Plus, this special debut issue features two covers: one by award-winning painter Alex Ross and the other by fan-favorite Jim Lee.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
ALBION #4
Plotted by Alan Moore, written by Leah Moore and John Reppion, art by Shane Oakley and George Freeman, cover by Dave Gibbons.
Penny is determined to rescue her father, and her new allies are almost convinced that it's worth the risk. After all, if the government kept the old comics folk around, surely there's one heck of a weapons cache to be found, too. But will the prisoners of The Castle be waiting when their small band arrives?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
ASTRO CITY: LOCAL HEROES TP
Written by Kurt Busiek, art by Brent Anderson, cover by Alex Ross. The fifth volume in the Astro City collection includes Astro City Vol. 2 #21-22, Astro City: Local Heroes #1-5 and the Astro City special, plus the the short story from DC's September 11th Vol. 2 and the promotional story done to announce the Local Heroes mini-series. This softcover edition features a new painted cover by Alex Ross.
256 pages, $17.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
THE INTIMATES #12
Written by Joe Casey, art by Alé Garza, cover by Rian Hughes, Giuseppe Camuncoli and Sandra Hope.
Halo CEO Jack Marlowe visits the Seminary, and all hell breaks loose when the kids revolt! Will they finally be the heroes they've been studying to become? Too many secrets. Too many questions. Will the students learn the answers, or will they all die horrible deaths?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
THE AUTHORITY: REVOLUTION #12
Written by Ed Brubaker, art by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend, cover by Nguyen. The startling conclusion of the critically acclaimed series! Jenny Quantum and the Authority square off against Henry Bendix in a last brutal stand, a vicious battle for the very heart of their team!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
THE AUTHORITY: THE MAGNIFICENT KEVIN #3
Written by Garth Ennis, art by Carlos Ezquerra, cover by Glenn Fabry.
Kev Hawkins has been party to some terrible events while in the service of the S.A.S. While ruminating over his betrayal at the hands of a mate, Kev recalls a crucial moment in his career that will define the man he will become. Can he live up to the motto ³Who dares, wins"?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
EX MACHINA #16
Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Tony Harris and Tom Feister, cover by Harris.
The surprising conclusion of the 2-part cross-country adventure "Off the Grid!" Having left the relative safety of City Hall, former super-hero Mitchell Hundred races across America -- and down memory lane -- to rescue an important figure from his past.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
ROBOTECH: PRELUDE TO THE SHADOW CHRONICLES #1 & 2 Written by Tommy Yune, Jason Waltrip and John Waltrip, art and cover by Omar Dogan and Udon Studios.
The legendary Robotech saga continues! After 20 years, the mysterious circumstances behind the disappearance of Admiral Rick Hunter will be revealed in this 5-issue miniseries featuring much of the original Robotech cast as well as a behind-the-scenes look into the production of the upcoming Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles DVD!
In 2022, an Expeditionary Force departed from Earth in search of the homeworld of the Robotech Masters. However, its discovery would spark an interstellar conflict that would last decades. An uneasy alliance is finally reached, but a secret pact with an enemy within the ranks threatens to start a new war that could destroy the Expeditionary Force and the human race!
And in issue #2, the treachery of General Edwards is revealed, but not before the SDF-3 is nearly destroyed! When betrayal harms the very ones that he loves, how far is Admiral Rick Hunter willing to go to take retribution? With their flagship in ruins, Rick sends Captain Vince Grant with the upgraded battlefortress Tokugawa in hot pursuit to the Invid homeworld of Optera, but will it be enough to take on Edwards's new alien technology?
32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 5 and Oct. 19.
MAJESTIC #10
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, art by Georges Jeanty and Trevor Scott, cover by Neil Googe.
Majestic, Zealot and Desmond begin to unlock the secrets of the ancient Kherubim legacy. The slumbering technology could cause the termination of the human race, but Majestic and his allies must get past Wyvern first. But is Wyvern really one of Desmond's most aggressive industrial competitors, or something much worse?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
MATADOR #6
Written by Devin Grayson, art and cover by Brian Stelfreeze.
In this stunning conclusion of the 6-part miniseries by Grayson and Stelfreeze, the secrets of the Matador are revealed, leaving Isabel more isolated than ever! Can Detective Cardona bring justice to those already lost to her city's war, or will the corruption engulfing Miami finally claim Isabel, too?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
SILENT DRAGON #4
Written by Andy Diggle, art by Leinil Yu and Gerry Alanguilan, cover by Yu.
The acclaimed series continues as Reizo prepares a bold plan to assault the government facility where an android army is being assembled to combat the Yakuza. But first he must visit the legendary cybernetic weapons-maker known as The Blacksmith, while ruthless Yakuza warlord Hideaki grows suspicious of his newfound ally...
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
THE WINTER MEN #3
Written by Brett Lewis, art and cover by John Paul Leon.
The little girl's trail leads Kris to the Caucasus Mountains and even more mystery. Why would a Boy Scout operation need radiation containment gear? Kris is forced to recruit criminals to raid the group with the hope of finding the girl, but does she really need rescuing?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
WILDSIDERZ #2
Written by J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell, art and cover by Campbell.
The second pulse-pounding issue of the newest creation from the Danger Girl creators J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell! After the earth-shaking events of last issue, the Wildsiderz begin to gel as a team as they learn more about their fantastic new abilities and unique powers. But can they stop the nefarious Dr. Spydre from stealing the Wildsiderz technology and using it to achieve his sinister plans?
32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 12.
WILDCATS: NEMESIS #2
Written by Robbie Morrison, art by Talent Caldwell, Horacio Domingues and Matt Banning, cover by Caldwell and Banning.
WildStorm's hot new mini-series continues! Nemesis has taken her hostage -- the child Kara -- to a safe house in Manhattan while she plots her next move...until a Daemonite assault force disrupts everything! Meanwhile, learn the tumultuous past Nemesis shares with Zealot -- and the truth is astounding!
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
TOM STRONG #35
Written by Peter Hogan, art and cover by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story.
ABC. A sequel to the Snow Queen story from Tom Strong #24. Ice people are on the loose in Millennium, and they're robbing banks! Could Greta Gabriel's heart have grown so cold?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
TOP 10: BEYOND THE FARTHEST PRECINCT #3
Written by Paul Di Filippo, art and cover by Jerry Ordway,
ABC. In response to Commissioner Traynor's being ousted from Top 10, a large number of officers show their solidarity by staging a mass resignation. Plus, Joe Pi continues his dangerous undercover assignment.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
WRAITHBORN #2
Written by Joe Benitez and Marcia Chen, art and covers by Benitez and Joe Weems.
The hunt begins as the thrilling new miniseries continues! Rival parties, both mortal and Immortal, race to find and capture the new Wraithborn. Meanwhile, Melanie continues her everyday routine, oblivious of both her new powers and "popularity." Who -- or what -- will find her first? Retailers please note: This issue features two covers by Benitez and Weems, shipping in a 50/50 ratio.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
TOMORROW STORIES SPECIAL #1
Written by Alan Moore and Steve Moore,art by Kevin Nowlan, Hilary Barta, Rick Veitch and Melinda Gebbie, cover by Nowlan.
Alan Moore returns to some of his most memorable characters in a thrilling 64-page Special illustrated by some of comics' greatest artists! Jack B. Quick returns in a spellbinding 16-page story; the secret origin of the Cobweb is finally revealed; Splash Brannigan dives into the murky end of the pool; and the first part of a brilliant new Jonni Future story is told! Plus, don't miss a lovely Greyshirt tale dedicated to the man who inspired his creation: Will Eisner.
64 pages, $6.99, in stores on
TOMORROW STORIES BOOK TWO TP
Written by Alan Moore Art by Kevin Nowlan, Rick Veitch, Hilary Barta, and others Cover by Kevin Nowlan
ABC. Join Jack B. Quick, Greyshirt, Splash Brannigan, The First American and Cobweb as they scurry, lurk, ooze, trip and slink their way through an amazing lineup of diverse adventures.
160 pages, $17.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
VERTIGO TITLES
LOVELESS #1
Written by Brian Azzarello Art and cover by Marcelo Frusin
Fresh off his run on Superman, writer Brian Azzarello has created a Western for the new millennium. Reuniting with Hellblazer artist Marcelo Frusin, Azzarello has fashioned a tough-as-nails monthly series that combines all the bloody action and atmosphere of a Sergio Leone film with the provocative storytelling of HBO's Deadwood. The extra-sized 40-page issue #1 is just $2.99; future issues are 32 pages.
Wes Cutter is a wanted man running from a violent past -- the horrors of the Civil War, a brutal stint in a Union prison camp, and the savage fallout of Reconstruction. Now he's on a quest for the one thing in short supply: peace. Joining Wes is his beautiful wife Ruth, a woman who has been to hell and back herself -- and hides dark secrets of her own.
The road they travel will be a bloody one, leaving a trail of bodies stretching from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. This is a tale only Azzarello -- the mind behind some of the hardest-hitting comics of the last decade -- could tell.
40 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
100 BULLETS #65
Written by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso, cover by Dave Johnson.
Check back in with Loop, Lono and Victor, as the felonious trio leaves Chicago and hits the road in search of revenge. Their targets: any remaining members of the Trust stupid enough to cross their path. But can the three trust each other enough to work together, or will road rage get the better of them?
32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Oct. 12.
THE BOOKS OF MAGICK: LIFE DURING WARTIME #15
Written by Si Spencer, consulting by Neil Gaiman, art by Dean Ormstom, cover by Duncan Fegredo.
In the explosive grand finale of the series, Tim Hunter, his owl Yo-Yo and his new partner-in-crime Jackie tie up loose ends in London. But at what cost to the planet at large? And one of the main players won't live to see the light of a new day. Final issue.
32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Oct.19.
DOOM PATROL VOL. 3: DOWN PARADISE WAY TP
Written by Grant Morrison, art by Richard Case, Kim DeMulder, Kelley Jones and others, cover by Brian Bolland.
The World's Strangest Heroes continue their adventures in this third volume collecting Grant Morrison's career-launching run on Doom Patrol. Reprinting issues #35-41 of the series,Down paradise Way features the debut of Danny the Street, the first appearance of Flex Mentallo, and, through it all, an incredible saga of cosmic war and super-evolving consciousness!
192 pages, $19.99, in stores on Oct. 12.
HELLBLAZER #213
Written by Mike Carey, art by Frazer Irving, cover by Tim Bradstreet. A special stand-alone issue featuring art by Frazer Irving. Back from the depths of Hell (literally) and devastated by the soul-wrenching events that took place there, John Constantine recalls the first time he ever worked his own unique brand of conjuring ‹ with an emphasis on "con."
32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Oct. 19.
CHIAROSCURO: THE PRIVATE LIVES OF LEONARDO DA VINCI TP
Written by Pat McGreal and David Rawson, art by Chas Truog and Rafael Kayanan, cover by Stephen John Phillips and Richard Bruning.
The passions of one of history's greatest artists are captured in this volume collecting the dark and provacative 10-issue Vertigo maxiseries. Framed around the story of Salai, a young man whose beauty entrances the great maestro, Chiaroscuro follows the struggles and triumphs of da Vinci's illustrious career, from his early work in Florence and Milan to the painting of the Mona Lisa and his epochal rivalry with Michaelangelo.
264 pages, $24.99, in stores on Oct. 19.
THE FOUNTAIN HC
Written by Darren Aronofsky, adapted by Kent Williams, art and cover by Williams.
Darren Aronofsky proved himself a filmmaker to watch with his provocative debut, Pi. His follow-up, Requiem for a Dream, continued the accolades, receiving Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. His latest accomplishment, however, comes straight to comics in the form of The Fountain, a gorgeously painted, oversized original graphic novel about the timeless truths of life, love and death.
Working with painter Kent Williams (Blood: A Tale, Destiny: A Chronicle of Deaths Foretold), The Fountain crisscrosses through three distinct time periods: 1535, during an ancient Mayan war; the present day, following one doctor's desperate search for the cure for cancer; and the far future through the vast exotic reaches of space. Interweaving these three periods, The Fountain follows Tomas ‹ warrior, doctor, explorer ‹ as he feverishly tries to beat death and prolong the life of the woman he loves.
A story so grand, one medium couldn't contain it, Aronofsky's feature film version of Fountain will be released by New Regency and Warner Bros. Pictures, starring Tony-award winning actor Hugh Jackman (X-Men, Van Helsing,The Boy from Oz) and acclaimed actress Rachel Weisz (Constantine, The Mummy, the upcoming The Constant Gardener). But before he did, the filmmaker wanted The Fountain to be realized in the unique storytelling power and artistic beauty of the graphic novel. Together, Aronofsky and Williams deliver what might be considered the ultimate director's cut. This volume also features an afterword by Aronofsky.
176 pages, $29.99, in stores on Nov. 2.
FABLES #42
Written by Bill Willingham, art by Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha Cover by James Jean
In the first issue of the 4-part "Arabian Nights (and Days)," wayward foreigners have started showing up in Fabletown -- much to the dismay of the longtime residents. These new Fables are not European and are in danger of throwing the comfortably Eurocentric Fabletown into chaos. Once more, Prince Charming is in over his head and must call on the help of a Fable character not seen in these pages for far too long.
32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Oct. 12.
THE LOSERS #29
Written by Andy Diggle, art and cover by Jock.
Part 1 of ³Endgame." It's all been building to this: With New Jerusalem behind him, Max lays it all on the line his plans, his origins, and the stakes, which are nothing short of global. Now it's Max vs. the Losers with the world hanging in the balance, and the Losers will have to play every card in their hand to win.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
LUCIFER #67
Written by Mike Carey, art by Peter Gross and Ryan Kelly, cover by Michael Wm. Kaluta.
"Morningstar," Part 4 of 6. The Silver City has fallen, and with the arrival of a devastating third force, the war in Heaven is over. But the fate of Creation must now be decided amidst the blood and rubble, and hybrid angel Elaine Belloc is at the centre of Lucifer's plans.
32 pages, $2.75, in stores on Oct. 19.
THE ORIGINALS SC
Written by Dave Gibbons, art and cover by Gibbons.
Lel and Bok -- two best friends -- want nothing more than to join the Originals, the top gang on the streets. Through them, they'll meet the high-speed world of hover scooters, all-night clubs, and, for Lel, the girl of his dreams in particular. But with the fast life comes tough foes, and tribal loyalty will teach them the unforgettable meaning of unforgivable loss.
Neither a science-fiction story nor set in a mundane reality, The Originals takes place in a world both familiar and strange, where the young are angry, loyal and stylish. And the only thing more important than who your friends are is who your friends hate.
160 pages, black and white, $17.99, in stores on Oct. 26.
VERTIGO: FIRST OFFENSES TP
Written by Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Bill Willingham, Mike Carey and Matt Wagner, art by Steve Dillon, Scott Hampton, Steve Leialoha, Guy Davis, Lan Medina and Steve Yeowell, cover by John J. Hill.
Vertigo: First Offenses is a special volume created to introduce new readers to comics' most provocative imprint. Collecting the premiere issues of five of Vertigo's signature series, this 168-page trade paperback is priced at a mere $4.99 US, allowing thrill-seeking ordinary civilians the chance to do hard time with some of comics' heaviest hitters. Included are The Invisible #1 (written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Steve Yeowell), Fables #1 (written by Bill Willingham and illustrated by Lan Medina & Steve Leialoha), Preacher #1 (written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Steve Dillon), Sandman Mystery Theatre #1 (written by Matt Wagner and illustrated by Guy Davis) and The Sandman Presents: Lucifer #1 (written by Mike Carey and illustrated by Scott Hampton).
168 pages, $4.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
SWAMP THING #20
Written by Joshua Dysart, art and cover by Richard Corben.
Internationally acclaimed artist Richard Corben returns to Swamp Thing for a pivotal tale in one of comics' most enduring sagas. Wearied by tumultuous recent events, Swamp Thing attempts to escape by creating smaller and smaller versions of himself. Finally, he shrinks into a quantum state, exploring the subatomic universe. But what is John Constantine doing there?
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
Y: THE LAST MAN #38
Written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Pia Guerra & José Marzan Jr., cover by Massimo Carnevale.
"Paper Dolls" Part 2 of 3. How has the world of media changed since the onset of the mysterious man-killing plague? Yorick Brown finds out the hard way as he and his companions encounter a tenacious journalist dedicated to exposing the story of the century...by any means necessary.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 5.
Quick hits
"Superman Returns" is primarily a romance, director Bryan Singer says.
Comics Continuum has a rundown of DC Comics news out of the Comic-Con International in San Diego. Tidbits that caught my eye: Mark Waid, writer of DC's best current book Legion of Superheroes, will be doing a reboot of The Brave and Bold. Joe Kubert's six-part Sgt. Rock mini-series starts in January. There's a Marvel overview, too. The only thing that caught my interest is the fact that Joss Whedon has signed on to do Astonishing X-men through issue 25. God, Marvel is otherwise so depressing these days. And DC is nearly as bad.
More on Waid's Brave and the Bold from Newsarama.
I guess Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder is pretty much what you'd expect. Please, God, someone save Batman...
The God of Thunder gets lit (via Super Frankenstein).
Mike Sterling Googles Zatanna. The lucky bastard...
Dial B for Blog is counting down the 40 Sickest Comic Book Covers Ever.
Also via Dial B for B: Countdown to Infinite Crisis gets what it deserves.
In music news: the reformed Cream may play a string of shows in New York.
Houseplant Studios shares a true Nugget: The Hombres' Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out) LP.
Comics Continuum has a rundown of DC Comics news out of the Comic-Con International in San Diego. Tidbits that caught my eye: Mark Waid, writer of DC's best current book Legion of Superheroes, will be doing a reboot of The Brave and Bold. Joe Kubert's six-part Sgt. Rock mini-series starts in January. There's a Marvel overview, too. The only thing that caught my interest is the fact that Joss Whedon has signed on to do Astonishing X-men through issue 25. God, Marvel is otherwise so depressing these days. And DC is nearly as bad.
More on Waid's Brave and the Bold from Newsarama.
I guess Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder is pretty much what you'd expect. Please, God, someone save Batman...
The God of Thunder gets lit (via Super Frankenstein).
Mike Sterling Googles Zatanna. The lucky bastard...
Dial B for Blog is counting down the 40 Sickest Comic Book Covers Ever.
Also via Dial B for B: Countdown to Infinite Crisis gets what it deserves.
In music news: the reformed Cream may play a string of shows in New York.
Houseplant Studios shares a true Nugget: The Hombres' Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out) LP.
Eisner Award winners 2005
The awards were made over the weekend at the Comic-Con International in San Diego:
Best Short Story: “Unfamiliar,” by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, in The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft (Dark Horse Books)
Best Single Issue (or One-Shot): Eightball #23: “The Death Ray,” by Dan Clowes (Fantagraphics)
Best Serialized Story: Fables #19-27: “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha (Vertigo/DC)
Best Continuing Series: The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse)
Best Limited Series: DC: The New Frontier, by Darwyn Cooke (DC)
Best New Series: Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC)
Best Publication for a Younger Audience: Plastic Man, by Kyle Baker and Scott Morse (DC)
Best Humor Publication: The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse)
Best Anthology: Michael Chabon Presents The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist, edited by Diana Schutz and David Land (Dark Horse)
Best Digital Comic: Mom's Cancer, by Brian Fies
Best Graphic Album—New: The Originals, by Dave Gibbons (Vertigo/DC)
Best Graphic Album—Reprint: Bone One Volume Edition, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Archival Collection/Project: The Complete Peanuts, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics)
Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material: Buddha, vols. 3-4 by Osamu Tezuka (Vertical)
Best Writer: Brian K. Vaughan, Y: The Last Man (Vertigo/DC); Ex Machina (WildStorm/DC); Runaways (Marvel)
Best Writer/Artist: Paul Chadwick, Concrete: The Human Dilemma (Dark Horse)
Best Writer/Artist—Humor: Kyle Baker, Plastic Man (DC); Kyle Baker, Cartoonist (Kyle Baker Publishing)
Best Penciller/Inker (tie): John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC); Frank Quitely, WE3 (Vertigo/DC)
Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art): Teddy Kristiansen, It’s a Bird . . . (Vertigo/DC)
Best Coloring: Dave Stewart, Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Six, Captain America (Marvel); Conan, BPRD (Dark Horse); DC: The New Frontier (DC)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Promethea; Tom Strong; Tom Strong’s Terrific Tales (ABC); Wonder Woman (DC); Books of Magick: Life During Wartime; Fables; WE3 (Vertigo/DC); Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse)
Best Cover Artist: James Jean, Fables (Vertigo/DC); Green Arrow, Batgirl (DC)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Sean McKeever (A Waiting Place; Mary Jane; Inhumans; Sentinels)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: Comic Book Artist, edited by Jon B. Cooke (Top Shelf)
Best Comics-Related Book: Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book, by Gerard Jones (Basic Books)
Best Publication Design: The Complete Peanuts, designed by Seth (Fantagraphics)
Hall of Fame: Judges’ choices: Lou Fine; René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo; Voters’ choices: Nick Cardy, Gene Colan, Johnny Craig, Hugo Pratt
Other awards presented:
Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award: George Pérez
Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award: Chris Bailey (Major Damage)
Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Writing Award: Jerry Siegel, Arnold Drake
Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award: Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City; Mimi Cruz and Alan Carroil, owners
CBLDF Defender of Liberty Award: Denis Kitchen
Best Short Story: “Unfamiliar,” by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson, in The Dark Horse Book of Witchcraft (Dark Horse Books)
Best Single Issue (or One-Shot): Eightball #23: “The Death Ray,” by Dan Clowes (Fantagraphics)
Best Serialized Story: Fables #19-27: “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leialoha (Vertigo/DC)
Best Continuing Series: The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse)
Best Limited Series: DC: The New Frontier, by Darwyn Cooke (DC)
Best New Series: Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris, and Tom Fesiter (WildStorm/DC)
Best Publication for a Younger Audience: Plastic Man, by Kyle Baker and Scott Morse (DC)
Best Humor Publication: The Goon, by Eric Powell (Dark Horse)
Best Anthology: Michael Chabon Presents The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist, edited by Diana Schutz and David Land (Dark Horse)
Best Digital Comic: Mom's Cancer, by Brian Fies
Best Graphic Album—New: The Originals, by Dave Gibbons (Vertigo/DC)
Best Graphic Album—Reprint: Bone One Volume Edition, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Archival Collection/Project: The Complete Peanuts, edited by Gary Groth (Fantagraphics)
Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material: Buddha, vols. 3-4 by Osamu Tezuka (Vertical)
Best Writer: Brian K. Vaughan, Y: The Last Man (Vertigo/DC); Ex Machina (WildStorm/DC); Runaways (Marvel)
Best Writer/Artist: Paul Chadwick, Concrete: The Human Dilemma (Dark Horse)
Best Writer/Artist—Humor: Kyle Baker, Plastic Man (DC); Kyle Baker, Cartoonist (Kyle Baker Publishing)
Best Penciller/Inker (tie): John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel); Planetary (WildStorm/DC); I Am Legion: The Dancing Faun (Humanoids/DC); Frank Quitely, WE3 (Vertigo/DC)
Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art): Teddy Kristiansen, It’s a Bird . . . (Vertigo/DC)
Best Coloring: Dave Stewart, Daredevil, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Six, Captain America (Marvel); Conan, BPRD (Dark Horse); DC: The New Frontier (DC)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Promethea; Tom Strong; Tom Strong’s Terrific Tales (ABC); Wonder Woman (DC); Books of Magick: Life During Wartime; Fables; WE3 (Vertigo/DC); Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse)
Best Cover Artist: James Jean, Fables (Vertigo/DC); Green Arrow, Batgirl (DC)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Sean McKeever (A Waiting Place; Mary Jane; Inhumans; Sentinels)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: Comic Book Artist, edited by Jon B. Cooke (Top Shelf)
Best Comics-Related Book: Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book, by Gerard Jones (Basic Books)
Best Publication Design: The Complete Peanuts, designed by Seth (Fantagraphics)
Hall of Fame: Judges’ choices: Lou Fine; René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo; Voters’ choices: Nick Cardy, Gene Colan, Johnny Craig, Hugo Pratt
Other awards presented:
Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award: George Pérez
Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award: Chris Bailey (Major Damage)
Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Writing Award: Jerry Siegel, Arnold Drake
Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award: Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City; Mimi Cruz and Alan Carroil, owners
CBLDF Defender of Liberty Award: Denis Kitchen
Kong toys!
Down in San Diego, Playmates Toys unveiled the action figures it's doing based on Universal's upcoming remake of "King Kong."
The range will include:
Basic Figure Asst.:
- 6" scale (8 styles total)
- Available this fall at mass market retailers for the suggested retail
price $9.99
Deluxe Figure Asst.:
- At a towering 11", the Deluxe Roaring Kong and Deluxe Bull T-Rex action
figures
- 11" scale (2 figures total) -- Deluxe Roaring Kong and Deluxe Bull
T-Rex
- Both figures feature 14 points of articulation at the neck, shoulders,
elbows, wrists, hands, hips and knees
- SRP $17.99
14" Feature Kong Figure:
- Highly detailed 14" figure features sound effects including roaring,
stomping and ambient jungle noises
- With 22 points of articulation, this Kong walks around on his front
knuckles and when standing up, Kong shakes his arms in the air
- SRP $24.99
Role Play Toys:
- Role play set includes Kong mask and breakaway chains
- Deluxe, electronic Kong arms allow children to experience the power of
Kong
- SRP $9.99 and $19.99
Battling Action Game:
- Kong vs. T-Rex Battle Game including 6" Kong and 6" T-Rex
- Game features posable Kong and T-Rex figures that twist and swing to
attack, each monster has a collapsible feature, and unique fighting
techniques
- SRP $14.99
Skull Island Playset:
- Multi environment playset inspired by the mysterious Skull Island
- Designed to play with the 6" action figure collection
- SRP $29.99
Soft Figures:
- 8" Kong basic soft figures
- 11" roaring Kong soft figures includes chest-activated roaring sounds
- SRP $5.99 and $9.99
The range will include:
Basic Figure Asst.:
- 6" scale (8 styles total)
- Available this fall at mass market retailers for the suggested retail
price $9.99
Deluxe Figure Asst.:
- At a towering 11", the Deluxe Roaring Kong and Deluxe Bull T-Rex action
figures
- 11" scale (2 figures total) -- Deluxe Roaring Kong and Deluxe Bull
T-Rex
- Both figures feature 14 points of articulation at the neck, shoulders,
elbows, wrists, hands, hips and knees
- SRP $17.99
14" Feature Kong Figure:
- Highly detailed 14" figure features sound effects including roaring,
stomping and ambient jungle noises
- With 22 points of articulation, this Kong walks around on his front
knuckles and when standing up, Kong shakes his arms in the air
- SRP $24.99
Role Play Toys:
- Role play set includes Kong mask and breakaway chains
- Deluxe, electronic Kong arms allow children to experience the power of
Kong
- SRP $9.99 and $19.99
Battling Action Game:
- Kong vs. T-Rex Battle Game including 6" Kong and 6" T-Rex
- Game features posable Kong and T-Rex figures that twist and swing to
attack, each monster has a collapsible feature, and unique fighting
techniques
- SRP $14.99
Skull Island Playset:
- Multi environment playset inspired by the mysterious Skull Island
- Designed to play with the 6" action figure collection
- SRP $29.99
Soft Figures:
- 8" Kong basic soft figures
- 11" roaring Kong soft figures includes chest-activated roaring sounds
- SRP $5.99 and $9.99
DC Direct, JLU action figure sneak peeks
Superhero Times is snappin' pics in San Diego. Check out their gallery of upcoming DC Direct and Mattel figures here.
Darwyn Cooke to do ongoing Spirit series
Well, I'm not sure how I feel about someone other than Will Eisner doing the Spirit, but Cooke is probably the best guy around to do it.
According to a Newsarama report from the International Comicon in San Diego, the new series will debut in 2006, following up a Spirit meet Batman oneshot written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Cooke.
Cooke will write the ongoing title himself. It'll be set in a the modern age, not Eisner's 1930s/40s milieu but, aside from that, he's shooting to stay as loyal as possible to the original, citing these two goals for himself:
”One - preserve and if humanly possible, enrich the core essence of the Spirit. Give long-time readers a contemporary look at the magic that has held them for decades, and introduce a new generation to the irresistible pull of this rich human drama. Action, crime, romance, humor and pathos will all be generously employed in the ‘spirit’ of the original strip. There'll be no deconstruction and every issue will be a story unto itself, making every issue an ideal jumping on point. Every story will try to add and hopefully strengthen the essence of Eisner’s characters and vision.
”The second goal is to produce a work that reaffirms the Spirit as the strip for graphic innovation that enhances storytelling. This second mandate is, I believe, the one to be artistically important. While we cleave to Eisner’s vision and world-view for Central City, we should be equally mindful of his vision that contemporary storytelling techniques be continually introduced to engage the reader in fresh and appropriate ways. I believe that this would have been very important to Will, and I feel it is the key to avoiding a simple homage.”
Eisner's longtime associate Denis Kitchen helped bring the project to fruition.
Also in the works, a series of "Best of the Spirit" paperbacks featuring some of Eisner's top work on the strip.
According to a Newsarama report from the International Comicon in San Diego, the new series will debut in 2006, following up a Spirit meet Batman oneshot written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Cooke.
Cooke will write the ongoing title himself. It'll be set in a the modern age, not Eisner's 1930s/40s milieu but, aside from that, he's shooting to stay as loyal as possible to the original, citing these two goals for himself:
”One - preserve and if humanly possible, enrich the core essence of the Spirit. Give long-time readers a contemporary look at the magic that has held them for decades, and introduce a new generation to the irresistible pull of this rich human drama. Action, crime, romance, humor and pathos will all be generously employed in the ‘spirit’ of the original strip. There'll be no deconstruction and every issue will be a story unto itself, making every issue an ideal jumping on point. Every story will try to add and hopefully strengthen the essence of Eisner’s characters and vision.
”The second goal is to produce a work that reaffirms the Spirit as the strip for graphic innovation that enhances storytelling. This second mandate is, I believe, the one to be artistically important. While we cleave to Eisner’s vision and world-view for Central City, we should be equally mindful of his vision that contemporary storytelling techniques be continually introduced to engage the reader in fresh and appropriate ways. I believe that this would have been very important to Will, and I feel it is the key to avoiding a simple homage.”
Eisner's longtime associate Denis Kitchen helped bring the project to fruition.
Also in the works, a series of "Best of the Spirit" paperbacks featuring some of Eisner's top work on the strip.
Quick hits
Coming Soon has an update on plans for a live-action film featuring Will Eisner's Spirit.
The official site for Underworld: Evolution is up.
Via BoingBoing: Back in 1982, original "Bullwinkle and Rocky" voice actors performed a live script reading from one of the toons scripts. Check out the performance here.
The official site for Underworld: Evolution is up.
Via BoingBoing: Back in 1982, original "Bullwinkle and Rocky" voice actors performed a live script reading from one of the toons scripts. Check out the performance here.
PBS to air Python specials
"Monty Python's Personal Best" devotes one episode each to the troupe's six members: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
The episodes will mix interview footage and clips from Python films and TV programs.
It'll air sometime next spring, UPI reports.
The episodes will mix interview footage and clips from Python films and TV programs.
It'll air sometime next spring, UPI reports.
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" review roundup
Newsday: This is Burton in the winking mode and full-tilt visual extravagance of his three best movies: "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Ed Wood." The youngest audience members will miss the layering of pop culture references upon which Willy has built his madhouse (as if time had stood still the moment he shut the gate on the outside world): Sgt. Pepper, the Bee Gees, "Ben-Hur," "THX 1138," "2001: A Space Odyssey" and Busby Berkeley-style production numbers for the Oompa-Loompas (written by Burton die-hard Danny Elfman) that remind us how fascistic those synchronized routines could be.
Depp, who is to Tim Burton what James Stewart was to Alfred Hitchcock, misses the mark when the script requires him to shtick it up a la Jerry Lewis. But he puts his head on the block in ways most of his contemporaries wouldn't dare, and ultimately overrides the camp posturings of the flashback sequences (Joan Crawford, anyone?) to make us feel something for Willy's inner child.
Rolling Stone: The Michael Jackson pallor. The unnaturally white teeth. The smile stretched with insincerity. Johnny Depp's deliciously demented take on Willy Wonka, the candy man of Roald Dahl's book, demands to be seen. Director Tim Burton surrounds Depp with miraculous visuals of spun sugar and creeping menace. Their missionary lunacy is a treat for twisted children of all ages.
MSNBC: The new movie often feels less like a remake than a trip through Burtonland, where weird landscapes, Danny Elfman’s spry music and Johnny Depp’s whims threaten to turn the movie into a series of improvisations. Fortunately, there’s more of the classic Burton (“Beetlejuice,” “Ed Wood”) than the problematic Burton (“Big Fish,” “Planet of the Apes”) of recent years.
And the casting couldn’t be much better. Highmore, who was Peter Pan to Depp’s J.M. Barrie in “Finding Neverland,” has the requisite soul and spirit to play Charlie. Also making solid contributions are David Kelly as Charlie’s young-at-heart grandfather and James Fox as perhaps the most indulgent parent on the planet. Depp’s dark take on Wonka may not become as beloved as Wilder’s version, but his performance is the film’s chief source of welcome surprises.
Chicago Tribune: Tim Burton's scrumptious version of writer Roald Dahl's 1964 children's classic is almost everything you'd want it to be: a peach of a story delightfully imagined by Dahl and lushly realized by Burton. It's full of witty or awesome scenes, flights of fancy and characters either totally, lovably sweet or outrageously, humorously rotten.
Depp, who is to Tim Burton what James Stewart was to Alfred Hitchcock, misses the mark when the script requires him to shtick it up a la Jerry Lewis. But he puts his head on the block in ways most of his contemporaries wouldn't dare, and ultimately overrides the camp posturings of the flashback sequences (Joan Crawford, anyone?) to make us feel something for Willy's inner child.
Rolling Stone: The Michael Jackson pallor. The unnaturally white teeth. The smile stretched with insincerity. Johnny Depp's deliciously demented take on Willy Wonka, the candy man of Roald Dahl's book, demands to be seen. Director Tim Burton surrounds Depp with miraculous visuals of spun sugar and creeping menace. Their missionary lunacy is a treat for twisted children of all ages.
MSNBC: The new movie often feels less like a remake than a trip through Burtonland, where weird landscapes, Danny Elfman’s spry music and Johnny Depp’s whims threaten to turn the movie into a series of improvisations. Fortunately, there’s more of the classic Burton (“Beetlejuice,” “Ed Wood”) than the problematic Burton (“Big Fish,” “Planet of the Apes”) of recent years.
And the casting couldn’t be much better. Highmore, who was Peter Pan to Depp’s J.M. Barrie in “Finding Neverland,” has the requisite soul and spirit to play Charlie. Also making solid contributions are David Kelly as Charlie’s young-at-heart grandfather and James Fox as perhaps the most indulgent parent on the planet. Depp’s dark take on Wonka may not become as beloved as Wilder’s version, but his performance is the film’s chief source of welcome surprises.
Chicago Tribune: Tim Burton's scrumptious version of writer Roald Dahl's 1964 children's classic is almost everything you'd want it to be: a peach of a story delightfully imagined by Dahl and lushly realized by Burton. It's full of witty or awesome scenes, flights of fancy and characters either totally, lovably sweet or outrageously, humorously rotten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)