Fairy Quest Portland Comic Con VIP Exclusive Lithograph by Humberto Ramos
Following up on my picks for the Wizard World Portland Comic Con here’s a complete list of guests plus some of the exclusives available like this lithographic from acclaimed artist Humberto Ramos.
A world-class roster of more than 150 comics artists and writers, including notables Mike Zeck (“Spider-Man,” “Punisher”), Jim Cheung (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Iron Man”), Rafa Sandoval (“Catwoman,” “Ultimate Hawkeye”), Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern” “X-Men”) and Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man”), will be on hand at Wizard World Portland Comic Con, January 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center. A total of 15 winners of the prestigious Eisner Award are among the scheduled attendees. Continue reading Wizard World Portland Guests and Exclusives Preview
Not only is the man with the Iron Fist set to star in a new Marvel series for Netflix but he’s got a brand new solo comic book series on the horizon.
Kaare Andrews will write/draw/ink/color/drew covers for Iron Fist: The Living Weapon. Expect kung fu mysticism and ass kicking as Andrews sends Rand on a quest for vengeance taking him to K’un Lun. The multi-tasking creator tells Marvel.com his position on diving into the hero’s origin. Continue reading IRON FIST by Kaare Andrews Preview
Stan Lee on the set of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD courtesy Marvel
Wizard World Portland Comic Con brings a galaxy of stars from movies, television and the comic book world to the Rose City later this month. Pacific Northwest fans have the chance to meet and greet celebrities and artists for three days (January 24, 25, 26, 2014) at the Oregon Convention Center.
Let’s begin with some Living Legends:
Stan Lee: The man who created Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four will be there all three days to sign autographs, take photos and share incredible, uncanny, amazing stories of his historic career. After multiple cameos in Marvel movies, Lee will guest star on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (see above) on ABC next month. Always a thrill. Get in line fanboys and girls – Stan “The Man” Lee is worth it! You never know what Stan will do for fans. Last year I watched the legend join dozens of Marvel inspired cosplayers for an amazing photo op!
William Shatner: Star Trek fans will be beaming as the man who commands as Captain Kirk transports to the Rose City.
Billy Dee Williams and Peter Mayhew of the original Star Wars trilogy: The ultimate cool customer, Williams portrayed the smooth Lando Calrissian, original owner of the Millenium Falcon and Mayhew was the mighty Chewbacca.
Adam West and Burt Ward: Batman and Robin of the classic 60’s series who inspired so many future geeks like me. Batman reruns after school were my first comic book character exposure that made be run to the magazine racks in search of comics! West and Ward are hilarious in person and give fans a fun, insightful insider take on the iconic television series and how it shaped their careers.
Infinity Gauntlet #1 courtesy Marvel
George Perez: The acclaimed writer/artist of New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, Superman and classic epics: Crisis of Infinite Earths, The Infinity Crisis and JLA/Avengers (which he worked with fellow WW guest Kurt Busiek.) Personally, Perez is one of top reasons I’m attending. You’re meeting a true legend and major influence on today’s creators and beyond who is still working at the top of his game.
Mike Zeck: He’s one of “THE” signature artists of The Punisher. Zeck’s art on Kraven’s Last Hunt made it one of the greatest Spider-Man epics of all time. I found a copy of the masterpiece Secret Wars #1, in which Zeck drew Marvel’s greatest heroes and villains in a battle that was a major influence on the industry.
The First X-Men by Neal Adams courtesy Marvel
Neal Adams: The artist who helped revive the X-Men, transform Batman into a darker Knight and was part of incredible runs on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Deadman. Adams is one of the most influential artists ever who challenged and changed the industry. Adams co-wrote and drew The First X-Men limited series for Marvel last year and was one of the all-stars on Detective Comics #27 celebrating Batman’s 75th Anniversary.
Kurt Busiek: The writer with phenomenal runs on Superman, Avengers, Thunderbolts plus epic limited series JLA/Avengers, Marvels and his own Astro City. Busiek will be featured in his own spotlight panel on Friday.
Television Superstars:
Four Stars of The Walking Dead: Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker, Laurie Holden and Jon Bernthal will be there to meet fans and answer (almost all) your burning questions about the smash hit series based on the phenomenal comic book.
Ron Perlman: Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy, Beauty and the Beast are just some of the signature roles of this superstar.
Bruce Campbell, Robert Englund and Summer Glau are among the stars giving fan moments and talking about the classic roles you love them for.
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #4 courtesy Marvel
Comic Book Superstars:
Jim Cheung: The artist of Avengers: The Children’s Crusade, Infinity and covers for Avengers vs. X-Men.
Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, Michael Oeming and Steve Lieber are the artists signing for fans and featured in a roundtable panel Sunday.
Jim Valentino: Co-founder of Image Comics, Shadowhawk creator and fan-favorite Marvel artist before the Image revolution.
Michael and Laura Allred! From creator owned Madman to runs on X-Statix, FF and upcoming Silver Surfer, the Allred signature style is unforgettable.
I could go on and on naming celebrity and comic book guests but these are some highlights this geek. Be sure to check out the programming guide to see the stellar lineup of panels, parties and when to get in line for a possible photo op. Wizard World Portland Comic Con is January 24, 25, and 26. Stay tuned for coverage right here from the Rose City.
Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman on the set of Doctor Who courtesy BBC, photo by Adrian Rogers
Here’s a first look at Peter Capaldi along with Jenna Coleman on the set of Doctor Who courtesy BBC. The Scottish actor will portray the Twelfth Doctor when the series returns in Fall 2014. Coleman continues her role as Clara and will help the Time Lord through this latest regeneration. Continue reading Peter Capaldi as DOCTOR WHO On Set
The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in X-Men #13 courtesy Marvel
Just when you think producers can’t put one more mutant in X-Men: Days of Future Past…another pops up!
Evan Jongkeit (Girls) told MTV News he’s playing a younger version of the villain Toad. Ray Park (aka Darth Maul) played a menacing version of Magneto’s henchman in X-Men.
Mortimer Toynbee was an original member of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
2014 will be superstar year for comic book and sci-fi fans with Marvel movies, a new Doctor Who, The Walking Dead returns and Godzilla’s comeback!
But a geek can dream – here’s what I hope to see or announced in 2014.
1. All New Cast for X-Men: Apocalypse!
Bryan Singer revealed he’s on board for 2016 film set to star the First Class cast. After the time twisting elements of X-Men: Days of Future Past – it’s a perfect opportunity for Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) to start over and discover a young Cyclops, Jean, Storm and even the impossible task of recasting a wild loner named Logan!
Wolverine #11 courtesy Marvel
2. Hugh Jackman in Wolverine and Kitty Pryde.
I know I’m countering my previous wish but if Hugh Jackman and director James Mangold return for a solo Wolverine movie I hope it’s based in part on this other classic tale by Chris Claremont set in Japan. Ellen Page as Kitty could join Jackman in this supernatural tale of family, honor and demons.
3. Daniel Craig returns as James Bond 007 in SPECTRE!
Don’t “Khan” it! Producers have the rights to bring back the classic S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and their sinister leader, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, back to the big screen for the first time since the Sean Connery era! I want to see Craig’s Bond kill and seduced his way up the S.P.E.C.T.R.E. food chain until a final showdown with the bald, bad criminal genius with a fondness for white kitties.
4. Fantastic Four teaser in X-Men: Days of Future Past!
I think Fox’s Marvel movie team (including Mark Millar) have a “Fantastic” teaser moment in the post-credits sequence for us! How about Dr. McCoy calling on a young Reed Richards in class or Logan and Ben Grimm sharing a brew?
The Massive #1 courtesy Dark Horse Comics
5. The Massive will become a movie or television series!
Brad Pitt as sniper/professional soldier turned conservationist Callum Israel and executive producing a big-screen version of Brian Wood’s epic series of pacifist environmentalists now fighting for survival and searching for their sister ship in a post-apocalyptic world. With Naomi Campbell as Mary, Callum’s tough devoted lover and Dwayne Johnson as Mag, Callum’s fellow soldier turned activist.
6. Rian Johnson
The director of Looper should be up for any superhero movie he wants! How about Doctor Strange?
7. Lex Luthor in Superman vs. Batman!
Enough speculation – let’s have the charming but ruthless genius/C.E.O. manipulate the conflict between the DC titans but in a sequel having him fitted for a Lexcorp Battlesuit!
courtesy BBC and Facebook/DoctorWho
8. Doctor Who, Agent of ?
I’d like to see the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) forced to an agent of a greater power. I always enjoyed when the Time Lords forced the Third and Fourth Doctor to go on missions for them. My first Doctor Who arc was Tom Baker on a quest for The Key to Time by the White Guardian. The Time Lords forced Baker’s Who to investigate the Genesis of the Daleks. Capaldi reminds me of Jon Pertwee, who was a UNIT scientific adviser. I liked seeing the anti-authority rebel Doctor sometimes forced to work at the whim of a higher authority.
9. Spacey cameos in Guardians of the Galaxy!
The Collector, The Nova Corps and Ronan the Accuser will appear in the big screen adventure based on Marvel’s space faring team. I’m sure if Ronan is a villain then we’ll see the Supreme Intelligence or Yon-Rogg, the Kree officer connected to the transformation of Carol Danvers into Ms. Marvel – now known as Captain Marvel.
Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #2 courtesy Marvel.com
10. Black Cat in Amazing Spider-Man 2! Sony is spinning spinoffs starring Venom and the Sinister Six but have about Peter Parker’s femme fatale? There are some reports Felicity Jones will play Felicia Hardy – the cat burglar anti-heroine.
11. Misty Knight and Colleen Wing in Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones.
The tough private detectives (Knight Wing Restorations) aka the Daughters of the Dragon are integral players in the world of Murdock, Cage, Rand and Jones. Misty and Danny Rand always made one hot couple.
12. Steranko in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Stan Lee deserves every cameo he wants but how about giving the legendary Jim Steranko a role in the ABC series or flashback arc that salutes the groundbreaking Steranko era of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
13. Fatale The hit horror/crime noir Image series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips would be a smash and (would have to be on HBO, Showtime, Cinemax.) Josephine is cursed and so is every man who falls in love with her as she runs through the decades from demonic forces and killer cults.
Black Widow and The Winter Soldier from the cover of Captain America and Bucky #624 courtesy Marvel.com
14. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
This is THE story that made be love Steve Rogers all over again. Ed Brubaker’s epic take on the Star-Spangled Avenger and his resurrected best friend is one of my all-time favorite comic book storylines. I hope this sequel is such a smash that we see a Winter Soldier/Black Widow movie based on Brubaker’s spinoff series.
There you have it – my 14 geek wishes I hope to see or have announced in 2014. What’s on your wish list? Comment below or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter @comicsblend and check out our Best of 2013 recaps.
