Category: Movies

Marvel Comics Most Anticipated 2013

Age of Ultron #1 courtesy Marvel
Age of Ultron #1 courtesy Marvel

Marvel Now continues with more new relaunches and brand new series in 2013 but this year will mark the return of the Avengers’ greatest enemy!

Age of Ultron! No planning. No build up. The robotic menace hase already won on page one of Age of Ultron. The long-awaited epic series reunites Brian Michael Bendis and Bryan Hitch.

Young Avengers! Kid Loki gets a new group of young heroes together to kill Wiccan? The Scarlet Witch’s son and his boyfriend Hulkling and Kate Bishop are joined by new recruits Miss America and Noh-Varr. Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie (Phonogram) are the new creative team on the new Young Avengers coming January 23.

Marvel Goes Cosmic and Gets Spacey! Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven relaunch Guardians of the Galaxy with new member Iron Man. Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness blast a brand new Nova series with a new young hero under the helmet.

Fearless Defenders! Cullen Bunn assembles Marvel’s finest female heroes in a brand new series starring Valkyrie, Misty Knight and Dani Moonstar! I’m hoping he’ll bring back Hellcat for a reunion with Val!

X-Termination: Alpha #1 courtesy Marvel
X-Termination: Alpha #1 courtesy Marvel

X-Termination! Mutants from multiple dimensions clash in the crossover between X-Treme X-Men, Astonishing X-Men and Age of Apocalypse in March.

Superior Spider-Man! Apologies to hardcore Peter Parker fans but imagine how much fun this could be? Feel the ick when Doc Ock kisses MJ! Root for Otto to get busted or is it possible you could end up rooting for this new “hero” in the suit?

Uncanny X-Men! Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo relaunch the flagship X-book starring Cyclops, Emma Frost, Magneto and Magik after the finale of the first arc of All-New X-Men starring the original X-Men.

By Editor

Here are my most anticipated 2013 DC Comics books and events.

Comicon for Virgins 2013

Emerald City Comicon Exclusive by Alex Ross courtesy Emerald City Comicon

This is the year! You know you want to go. You cheered in The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises. You may have said “say what?” when the picture of Superman smooching Wonder Woman hit mainstream news sites.

Geek has gone global! Nerd is no longer niche. There’s no better geek experience than a comic book convention! Make 2013 the year you attend one!

In just two months the city I call home will host my favorite 3 days of the year! This March Emerald City Comicon will bring Sir Patrick Stewart, Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher, Adam West, Burt Ward, stars of The Walking Dead and a huge roster of comic book creators to Northwest fans.

If you’re a sci-fi or comic fan but have never gone to a con this post is for you. By special request here’s a guide to Comicons for Virgins!

1. Have fun. Bring cash. You never know when you will find an awesome back issue or amazing print!

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.

Claremont/Byrne era Phoenix & Nightcrawler at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com

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!

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 – why not try a crime, western or indie series.

10. Have fun! Bring cash! Be Patient!

Hope to see some of you at Emerald City Comicon March 1-3, 2013. Keep checknig out this site for updates and coverage.

By Editor

 

Battlestar Galactica Lives in 2013

 

courtesy Amazon
courtesy Amazon

   I still miss SyFy’s Battlestar Galactica. One of my geekiest highlights of 2012 (and maybe ever!) was meeting Edward James Olmos at Emerald City Comicon. I was literally speechless for a while.

  I haven’t watched the series since it ended but I did get to swoon at the exhibit at Seattle’s Sci-Fi Museum – sigh!

  The saga continues in 2013 with Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome set during the First Cylon War. This is the pilot turned web series now (almost) available. Luke Pasqualino plays the William Adama – a Viper pilot assigned to the Galactica. This collection arrives February 19th.

  Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series can soon be seen on glorious Blu-ray in April.

By Editor

 

Iron Man’s New 2013 Armor

Iron Man #5 courtesy Marvel

Iron Man’s new creative team continues taking the Armored Avenger to new heights. In this week’s Iron Man #5 Tony blasts off into space. Here are some images courtesy Marvel of the first Iron Man of 2013.

A deadly nanotech superweapon is in the hands of terrorists. Tony Stark’s global pursuit of Extremis takes him into outer space.

 

Iron Man #5 courtesy Marvel

Kieron Gillen and Greg Land debut a brand new suit of armor for Tony as he braves the cold of space to stop the final Extremis target.

How will Tony’s crusade affect his devoted supporting cast? The Marvel preview teases that Tony will betray an old friend – Pepper?

Iron Man #5 courtesy Marvel

Gillen and Land’s new Iron Man series is great for old fans and new ones plus gives you a hint of what to expect in Iron Man 3.

By Editor

 

 

Superior Spider-Man Revealed

Superior Spider-Man #1 courtesy Marvel

SPOILER ALERT!

 

 

THIS POST REVEALS THE ENDING OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700 AND THE IDENTITY OF SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN!

 

 

YOU MAY NOT WANT TO CONTINUE READING!

 

HERE IT IS:

 

   Amazing Spider-Man #700 marked a radical change in the dynmaic of one of the greatest comic book rivalries in history. The final (?)battle of Peter Parker and Doctor Octopus in this week’s milestone issue spins a whole new web of story potential in 2013 and beyond. 

 Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be feeling Superior in the new year. The mad genius Otto Octavius will be the new webslinger in a brand new series. Marvel will unleash Superior Spider-Man #1 in January with writer Dan Slott and artist Ryan Stegman spinning the tales of a new Spidey.

  In recent issues of Amazing Spider-Man we learned Doc Ock has switched bodies with Peter Parker. In issue #700 the enemies shared a mindlink as Otto (in Peter’s body) was killing Peter (trapped in Ock’s body). Octavius experienced and felt the pivotal moments (Uncle Ben’s death, Gwen Stacy’s death) that made Peter Parker the hero we all knew and loved. Did this brain blast of Parker’s past have a positive impact on the classic villain? Doc Ock (in Peter’s body) is vowing to live as Peter did and to be a “Superior” Spider-Man.

  This was the big reveal Spidey writer Dan Slott has been building towards. The big question for readers is how Peter’s extended cast of friends and enemies will react to the new Spider-Man.

  “This is still very much the world of Spider-Man. There may be a new Spider-Man here, doing things in a new and different way, but you’re going to see the Spider-cast reacting to this,” Slott told Marvel.com, “You’re going to see how this Spider-Man will deal with our Spider-Man’s villains. How will hereact to this Spider-Man’s supporting cast? Whoever makes it out of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700 will find a different Spider-Man waiting for them when Superior Spider-Man starts.”

 “For many characters, and for many things in Spider-Man’s world, there are dark days ahead,” Slott revealed about Parker’s friends at Horizon Labs.

  It’s become dark for Slott on the internet. Fuming fans have expressed their outrage over the twist. Slott has even received death threats. If hardcore Spidey fans are furious now wait until they see the new Spider-Man kissing Mary Jane? 

  Love it or loathe it – this “Superior” status quo shakeup is ambitious and could mean a wide “web” of dramatic story possibilities. As a devout X-Men fan it was difficult to see Cyclops’s fall from grace in Avengers vs. X-Men (Scott killed Professor X?!) but as a reader I’m loving the new storylines.

   There’s no way Peter Parker is completely dead. Peter’s journey back from oblivion and Doc Ock’s eventual payback will make this new spin in Spidey worth it. Peter Parker Fans don’t fret. You can bet Peter will be swinging again in the comics in time for Amazing Spider-Man 2 on the big screen.

By Editor

DC Comics Most Anticipated 2013

Superman by Jim Lee courtesy DC Comics

My Most Anticipated DC Comics of 2013:

Death of the Family Conclusion! Who will live? Who will die? Will the Joker succeed at his plan to sever Batman from his friends and allies? Gotham City and the Batman family may look and feel frighteningly different after February! I have this feeling that Batman or one of his allies will be pushed too far by the Joker’s games and kill.

Trinity War Superman and Wonder Woman are the new power couple of DC Comics. Only Batman knows about their secret romance…that we know of! How will DC’s biggest three icons factor in the 2013 event. How will the Steve Trevor-led Justice League of America play into the conflict?

 Multiversity Grant Morrison teams up with an all-star art team to bring back the Multiverse in a new 8-part maxi-series set in 6 different universes. Prepare to have your mind blown and senses shattered!

Batman Incorporated #12 Morrison is leaving monthly superhero books for now. I can only imagine how Morrison and Chris Burnham will chronicle the final battle in the war between the forces of Batman Inc and Leviathan! How will Morrison execute the final showdown of Bruce Wayne versus Talia Al Ghul? Could the Batman Inc and Death of the Family finales mean the end of Damian?

Superman To celebrate the Man of Steel film and 75th Anniversary DC recruited two of their biggest creative guns for a brand new series. Scott Snyder (Batman) and Jim Lee (Justice League) will create a new series for DC’s biggest icon. Snyder redefinied Batman and Gotham City with a brand new enemy (Court of Owls) and the comeback of a classic rogue (Joker.) How will Snyder take the Man of Steel of new heights?

 By Editor

Comic Book Movies 2013

As we celebrate the finale of The Dark Knight Trilogy, the success of The Avengers and the return of James Bond in in Skyfall in 2012, it’s time to look at some of the genre films that will thrill us in 2013.

Here are my most anticipated comic book films of 2013.

Hugh Jackman as The Wolverine courtesy Marvel and 20th Century Fox

The Wolverine Hugh Jackman plays the X-Man in his second solo movie based on the classic story by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. It’s Logan in Japan fighting Yakuka, Ronin, the Hand and The Silver Samurai! This film introduces three iconic women of Wolverine’s list of romantic conquests: Lady Mariko – daughter of crime lord, Yukio – the wild assassin who inspired Storm to get a mohawk, and Viper – ruthless terrorist leader.  With James Mangold (Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma) directing from the classic source material, I think this film will be a showcase of action and great acting Jackman. Jackman and Wolverine are one of the greatest combining of actor and role ever.

Thor: The Dark World Chris Hemsworth as the Thunder God goes home again when a new threat targets Asgard! Malekith (played by former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston) leads the Dark Elves on a quest for vegeance that threatens the Nine Realms. Adwele Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays another classic comic book enemy: Kurse. I hope to see a bigger role for Lady Sif (Jaime Alexander) and look forward to that bloody Shakespearean drama from Anthony Hopkins, Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston as Odin, Thor and Loki.

Iron Man 3 Marvel is injecting new creative blood (director Shane Black) and a classic enemy – Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin – in Tony’s third solo movie. The story is based on the classic Extremis story and introduces new armor including the Iron Patriot.

Man of Steel With a team like director Zach Snyder, producer Christopher Nolan and writer David Goyer will this darker, realistic Superman work the way Dark Knight did? Henry Cavill will face Michael Shannon as Zod and possibly more evil Kryptonians.

Star Trek: Into Darkness To boldly go where no franchise has gone before! J.J. Abrams rebooted the sci-fi classic by honoring the original series while moving forward at warp speed. Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise crew track a mystery villain (Benedict Cumberbatch) villain out to destroy the Federation.

What’s on your list to watch for in 2013?

By Editor

 

 

No Capes, No Problem! 5 Non-Superhero Comics

  Think you’re old to read superhero comics? You want something else out of literary escapes besides or instead of costumed heroes? Here are 5 of my favorite non-superhero genre series that gripped me in 2012 and wouldn’t let go.

The Walking Dead #100 courtesy Image/Skybound Comics
The Walking Dead #100 courtesy Image/Skybound Comics

  The Walking Dead This year it was time to stop just surviving and start living. One beloved survivor is on longer living in the larger world. The Walking Dead #100 ended with one of the most gripping, sick and painful moments of the year as “Lucielle” changed the survivors forever. I almost hope the television series doesn’t last long enough for me to have to watch that moment again. 100 issues and this series is just as provacative and powerful as ever.

Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 courtesy IDW Publishing
Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 courtesy IDW Publishing

  Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 The Time Lord (along with Amy and Rory) beamed aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise at a time when Federation worlds are under attack from Cybermen working with the Borg. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Doctor must find a way to work together to save the Federation. The creative team captures the spirit of each franchise and demonstrates how each character would react, relate, bond and clash with each other.

The Massive #6 courtesy Dark Horse Comics
The Massive #6 courtesy Dark Horse Comics

  The Massive How do you remain a conversationist when you world you hoped to save has gone to hell? How do you remain a pacifist when you must dodge ruthless pirates to get food and supplies you must have to survive. Welcome to  a new world where cities have sank, economies have tanked and civilization is crumbling. The crew of the Kapital sail the oceans in search of their friends on their sister ship, the Massive, and for necessary supplies in order to stay alive. Brian Wood has created a thrilling morality tale while building a dangerous new world that serves a a cautionary tale for humanity.

  Manhattan Projects Jonathan Hickman’s gripping story of twisted history and weird science shocked and challenged me with every new issue. Building the atomic bomb was nothing compared to the staggering creations of this government think tank.

 

Fatale #1 cover courtesy Image Comics
Fatale #1 cover courtesy Image Comics

Fatale Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’s mixed crime noir with supernatural horror in two tales of a woman who may be immortal and the men who die for her. The second arc just wrapped. An actor crosses Josephine’s path and all hell runs wild in 1970’s Hollywood with killer cults.

Teen romance, horror, crime, western? Visit your local comic book shop in 2013 and ask for a book to fit your genre tastes!

By Editor