Month: April 2012

“Prometheus”Star May Join “Iron Man 3”

Iron Man from Marvel.com

 After seeing Guy Pearce as Peter Weyland in the TED 2023 viral video I thought he would make a perfect smarmy corporate type to match wits and go to war with Tony Stark. Weyland is the head of the sinister company in the Alien films and behind the mission in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus.

  Variety reports that Pearce may join Iron Man 3 as scientist Aldrich Killian. Ben Kingsley is on board the sequel based on the Warren Ellis/Adi Granov story Extremis. Killian creates nanotechnology that gets seized by terrorists.

  I’ve provided an Amazon link to Iron Man Extremis if you want to check it out.

By Editor

Avengers vs X-Men Round 2

Avengers vs. X-Men #2 courtesy Marvel.com

  Avengers vs X-Men #2 kept the action going and starting shredding friendships. Cyclops took the first shot and in round 2 fired his second attack via a new spin on the fastball special! Captain America unleashes his army of Avengers (including Wolverine) to take Utopia.

  The issue is action packed with lots of fights and I want to see more. At first the idea of AvX Vs (the book of all fighting) seemed like marketing but now I can’t wait. I see how it makes story sense. The fights erupt but the main story must move forward so if you want to see more of the battles (Namor, Thing, Luke Cage is one I particular can’t wait to see) you can cheer on your favorite in Vs.

  While it’s amazing to see these clashes it’s hard to watch because of the friendships and relationships being battered – that’s a compliment to the writers and particular Jason Aaron, scripter of round 2. Cyclops and Captain America’s verbal exchange as they pound each other is perfect as they try to convince the other to stand down. 

  A surprise player enters the battleground while one key character’s simple drawing is an omen of the destruction and despair ahead. Wolverine is a man torn between friends and once again forced to do what no other hero can but with a potentially frightening outcome Logan didn’t expect.

  AVX is living up to the hype.

“The Hunger Games” IMAX Return and “Catching Fire” Director

  $500+ million global and growing! The Hunger Games will go back on more than 100 IMAX screens from April 27th to May 3rd according to Deadline. Lionsgate chose Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine, Like Water for Elephants) to direct the sequel Catching Fire.

What do you think of the choice? Given the spectacular visuals of I Am Legend I’m exited to see how Lawrence will stage the Panem uprising. I really hope Gale is developed more. I don’t want to be too specific and spoil but there’s a favorite scene from Catching Fire that’s the really heartbreaking with Cinna that I hope gets the proper direction it deserves.

Photo by Josh Lewis, Seattle Pulp

    A Geek Gives Thanks: I want to take a moment again to thank all the thousands of fans who watched my interviews with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth when The Hunger Games Tour came to Seattle. I appreciate all the support, comments and I wish I had more of Josh sound bites for you! By Editor

Comicon for Virgins – Fan Expo Vancouver Edition!

 Fan Expo Vancouver is this weekend! This is the first major comicon for the beautiful British Columbia city. Since my Comicon for Virgins helped some first time Seattle fans enjoy Emerald City Comicon here’s an updated version.

1. Have fun. Bring cash. You never know when you’re find an awesome back issue, amazing print or decide you must have a star’s autograph or photo op!

2. Do a little homework to maximize your con time. I have a wish list of stars and creators I hope to meet and panels I want to attend.

3. You know what they say about best laid plans! If you miss something don’t worry, there’s always something cool around the corner.

4. When it comes to autographs from writers/artists. Know when they have panels booked so you’re not waiting in line and then they have to leave for a panel. Autographs/photos from media guests (TV and movie stars) are on a schedule and do have fees.

5. I take only a max of 4-6 books to be signed by a writer/artist. Respect the other fans waiting just like you. Don’t drop dozens of books to be signed. You can buy books new at their table usually. This is your chance to talk with the creators. If you’re going to be critical, be constructive and respectful. If the writer killed off your favorite character, don’t worry, they’ll be resurrected eventually. This is your moment with the creator but remember your fellow fans are patiently waiting for their moments too.

6. Sketches. Most artists charge a fee – it’s worth it! Ask the guys ahead of you what they’re charging. Sometimes you might catch an artist in a mood and sketches are free but most have a fee – many have already been commissioned. Even if they’re drawing they will still autograph your books. Be patient.

7. Let your geek flag fly! Don’t be self-conscious. If you want to go all out with a costume – go for it or just wear a cool t-shirt celebrating your favorite comic, sci-fi or fantasy thing. This is your chance at a second Halloween so go for it! I’m hoping to see some Alpha Flight fans – especially Snowbird!

8. Panels – If it’s a big name star or show the expect a huge crowd so get there early.

9. Expand your horizons! This is a great time to discover a new artist, book, writer. If you’re just a superhero comic fan, try a crime, western or indie series.

10. Have fun! Bring cash! Be Patient!

Hope to see some of you at Fan Expo Vancouver this weekend. If not, come back to this site for coverage, photos and more.

 

Fan Expo Vancouver Inspires “Alpha Flight” Memories!

Alpha Flight #1 courtesy Marvel

 As I head north from Seattle to British Columbia for Fan Expo Vancouver I’m remembering one of my favorite books – Alpha Flight by John Byrne!

  The Canadian super team debuted in Uncanny X-Men #120 in 1979 on a mission to bring back Weapon X aka Wolverine home. Byrne’s 28 issue run is great storytelling blending elements of magic, mutants, aliens and amazing science.

  Vancouver is hosting its first major comicon so I hope to see some Alpha Flight showing their pride in costume. I would especially love to see Snowbird – one of my characters on the team.

New Comic Book Explores Horrors of War

 

Shooters cover courtesy DC Vertigo

   Comic books are more the entertainment. The medium can be a way to share the stories of real life heroes. Comic book fans know Eric Trautmann (Action Comics, Vampirella, Red Sonja ) and Brandon Jerwa (Battlestar Galactica, G.I. Joe, Highlander) for their adventures based on popular franchises. The Seattle team co-wrote Shooters the semi-autobiographical story about a loved one killed in Iraq.

Jon Humbert of my Seattle ABC station KOMO 4 tells the story. Here’s the link on KOMONEWS.COM.

Shooters is published by Vertigo Comics.

“The Wolverine” Sets Shoot Date Down Under

Wolverine #304 courtesy Marvel

  X-Man Logan’s next 80 million dollar movie adventure in Japan will shoot in star Hugh Jackman’s native country. Fox’s The Wolverine will start shooting in August in Sydney said the New South Wales Deputy Premier according to The Hollywood Reporter.

 “I couldn’t be more excited to return to Australia to film the next chapter in the Wolverine saga, thanks to the significant support from the federal and NSW governments,” Jackman said. “It will be great to work with the highly talented crew and to provide employment opportunities to so many people across all levels of the industry. Not to mention, [wife] Deb and I will get to spend some time with the family back in Australia.”

  The film has been said to be based on the first Wolverine limited series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. Logan is currently wrapping up an adventure in Japan in his solo comic book series by Jason Aaron.

  James Mangold is directing. Let the casting speculation begin for the Silver Samurai, Lady Mariko, Yukio and maybe the Viper!

By Editor

 

New Skyfall in Shanghai Video

Daniel Craig in Skyfall courtesy MI6-HQ.COM

  James Bond will race across London, Shanghai, Turkey and Scotland in Skyfall. In this new production videoblog on 007.com Skyfall team leaders discuss scouting for locations in China and filming an action sequence on Shanghai’s unusual blue neon streaked roadways.

  What a dream job to scout locations for a 007 film! One of the reasons I was seduced by the James Bond films is the jet-setting around the world. As a little kid living on a remote farm I would try to pick the places on my globe that I had seen in a 007 film! It was a great way to learn geography!

By Editor.