Disney Animation Studios is developing Marvel’s Big Hero Six as an animated feature film according to It’s on the Grid. Scott Lobdell created the first version of this team of Japanese super heroes led by former X-Man Sunfire: Go-Go Tomago, Honey Lemon, Baymax and Hiro (the smartest boy in Japan.) Wolverine villain Silver Samurai was also part of this team. This cover by David Nakayama is from the relaunched book/team.
Silver Samurai and Sunfire will likely not be part of this project since Fox controls the cinematic rights to the X-Men. Silver Samurai is said to be the villain of The Wolverine, Hugh Jackman’s next film featuring Logan’s time in Japan.
I loved the first series: “Big In Japan” and can definitely imagine a cool animated version of these heroes – especially Hiro and Baymax.
Marvel Studios is definitely launching a new film franchise in May 2014. Will is be Guardians of the Galaxy? That’s been the speculation for months and two sources: The Hollywood Reporter Heat Vision and Latino Review report Marvel will make an official announcement during Comicon International. Reports also say Nicole Perlman has already turned in a script. An outer space based franchise would fit with the big cosmic-level reveal at the end of The Avengers.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 courtesy Marvel.com
Most fans have been cheering for the Guardians team by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning that debuted in the aftermath of their Annihilation epic in 2008. The team includes Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. Similar to the Avengers, these individual warriors were united against a common threat after several galactic conflicts.
Guardians of the Galaxy courtesy Marvel.com
Now I know I’m showing my age here but I’m fond of the old school Guardians: Vance Astro, Yondu, Martinex, Charlie-27, Nikki and Starhawk. These heroes were from the future fighting against the alien empire of the Badoon. The 31st century team went into the past to team up with the Avengers most notably in the classic Korvac saga.
Today’s fans really love ’em some Rocket Raccoon and he would work as an action figure and stuffed animal! Maybe Mark Walhberg’s teddy bear in Ted will be an indication of how Rocket Raccoon could work on screen. Stay tuned true believers.
As I shared this news with my co-worker (and non-comic reader) Matt Scheck he said “you know, there hasn’t been a sci-fi space epic in while.” Matt, my friend I think Marvel hears you.
Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who Assimilation2 #2 courtesy IDW Publishing
This is not a simulation malfunction! Two of science fiction’s greatest icons are together in a comic book crossover.
Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #2 is out this week from IDW publishing. Chapter Two begins with an extended detour to a Federation world where a routine visit turns into a near disaster under an alien ocean for Riker, Worf and Data. We meet a new species, learn of Starfleet’s desperate deal with them and hints of what time (as in Trek continuity) this tale takes place. Chapter One began with the Doctor, Amy and Rory’s adventure in ancient Egypt. I’m assuming these jaunts will tie into the main story.
The Enterprise crew recover from the away mission with a visit to the holodeck and a Dixon Hill program. It’s not too long before a police box of intruders appears thinking they’ve traveled to old world San Francisco. The interplay between the Doctor, his companions and the Enterprise crew is clever and charming. The writers capture the essence of these beloved characters while carefully sowing the seeds that something is very wrong.
Before the Time Lord and Captain Picard can dive into the mystery the Enterprise is warping to a Federation world under attack from the Borg and the Cybermen. Aside from the detour this issue delivers the fun and charm I was expecting and the stage is set for a great crossover. The preview of issue #3 will really engage even older old school fans of Who and Trek!
Steven Soderbergh, Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey are making male stripping cool again in this week’s Magic Mike. When I saw the trailer I was reminded of a comic book Bachelorette party in the pages of The Incredible Hulk.
Rick Jones and Marlo Chandler were friends with Bruce and Betty Banner so when the complicated couple got engaged they got the traditional stag parties courtesy of writer Peter David and artist Gary Frank.
In the classic and offbeat The Incredible Hulk #417 Rick gets a Bachelor party complete with a stripper and stag movie with a surprise. Wholesome Captain America’s discomfort with the naughty proceedings is classic. This is back when Bruce was in control of Hulk’s body but he lost control of the party in a jaw dropping way.
Betty, Scarlet Witch, Invisible Woman, She-Hulk and Crystal of the Inhumans take Marlo out for a wild night too at a male strip club. Betty yells for the dancer to take it off. Marlo gets pulled on stage. Susan Storm Richards wished she was invisible. Sue told Jennifer that the this is not her idea of good taste of a good time. The show is interrupted by would-be robbers who picked the wrong night to try to steal from his joint.
This is not your typical issue and the wedding is even more fun with appearances by Death (of Vertigo Comics) and Peter David himself. I love this Hulk era. Peter David effortlessly mixed heartbreak, humor and humanity among the superheroics and world saving.
Marvel reveals 3 new teaser images for This Is WAR coming in October.
courtesy Marvel.com
Iron Man is taking bullets.
courtesy Marvel.com
Spidey is down with a gun with to his chest.
courtesy Marvel.com
Black Widow is in the cross-hairs.
The publisher promised more will be revealed at the Amazing Spider-Man panel at Comic Con International. Other teasers include Captain America, Thor and Wolverine. All are Avengers so far.
The biggest theory going around is that this could be the Ultron War – Brian Michael Bendis’s swan song on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?
X-Man versus X-Man, Wolverine versus one of his own students and a God slammed by a mutant one-two punch. Wolverine and the X-Men #12 gives us a powerhouse and emotionally powerful showdown in a nasty corner of this new world ruled by the Phoenix Five. Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo deliver yet another issue packed with action, humor and the unexpected.
The heart of this issue is Rachel Summers. You don’t have the know Rachel’s tragic future history chronicled in the Chris Claremont/John Romita Jr era but knowing it makes this issue more impactful. Scott and Jean’s daughter from the future escaped her future life where he was a hound. In the Phoenix’s new world order Rachel is tasked with hunting again. Once Rachel tracks her “prey” the result is shocking and hints of what’s to come in future chapters of AvX. Jason Aaron’s portrayal of Rachel’s inner struggle is a standout of this issue.
This issue was so powerful it felt like it could have been a major chapter of the main mega series. This is definitely a tie-in issue you should not miss. Gladiator and a Shiar strike force were already on their way to kill the Phoenix. I can only imagine his wrath when he learns what’s happened to his son after Kid Gladiator took on one too many Avengers!
July 20th we’ll know if Talia Al Ghul is appearing in Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film. Fans have speculated that Marion Cotillard will be revealed as the daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises.
Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham create a dark love letter to Batman’s deadly dearest in Batman Incorporated #2. The duo share Talia’s harsh life growing up as the daughter and pawn of the criminal mastermind. The story takes us inside the minds of Batman’s most complicated enemies and sets the stage for what will be one hell of a payoff.
We relive some of the most powerful moments of Talia’s life and deadly love affair with Bruce. Morrison builds the issue to the present as Talia confronts her father and forwards her plot to punish Batman. We’ll see how her betrayal is tied to the shocking assassination of Robin in the premiere issue.
Chris Burnham was born to make Grant Morrison’s script come alive. From harrowing fights to Talia’s revealing closeups Burnham’s distinctive style is perfect for this twisted tale of love, revenge and death.
