Yearly Archive: 2008

Hammer Films Lands Hilary Swank

Hammer Films Lands Hilary Swank

  • News
  • December 5, 2008

Hammer Films has announced that Hilary Swank has been signed to star in The Resident, shooting next May. The film will mark Antti J. Jokinen’s directorial debut from a script he co-wrote with Robert Orr. Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary) recently turned in a rewrite according to Variety.

Swank will play “a doctor who moves into a Brooklyn loft. Becoming suspicious that she’s not alone in her new home, she discovers her landlord is a stalker.”

The Finnish director has previously directed videos for Will Smith, Beyonce, Eminem, Korn and Celine Dion.

The reconstituted Hammer previously announced three films and just wrapped production on The Wake Wood. The Quiet One is the other film and is “based on the supposedly true story of a group of Canadian hippie scientists in the 1970s who attempt to create a ghost.” No director has been announced for the film.

Vertigo Films has signed on to distribute the film in the United Kingdom in 2009 with a domestic release to likely follow.

After Mad Hatter, Johnny Depp Does Barnabas Collins

After Mad Hatter, Johnny Depp Does Barnabas Collins

  • News
  • December 5, 2008

Producer Richard D. Zanuck told Collider that plans for a feature film adaptation of Dark Shadows is still happening and Johnny Depp remains attached to the project as Barnabas Collins.

He confirmed that Tim Burton, currently directing Depp as the Mad Hatter in his Alice in Wonderland movie, is also on board.  The two reportedly will segue right from the Looking Glass to Collinwood Manor. Depp’s work in a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film and The Lone Ranger are therefore expected to follow.

Zanuck told Collider that Depp has long been obsessed with the cult soap opera series, the first to tackle the supernatural, which ran on ABC from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. Depp has said in the past he would sneak out of school early to make it home to watch the show.

Various other adaptations of Dan Curtis’ show have been tried in the past including an NBC prime time revival with Ben Cross as the cursed vampire. The CW nearly went with a pilot written by Battlestar Galactica’s Mark Verheiden but Curtis’ interference marred the creative direction and the result was something the network felt it could not air.

Zanuck said production should begin in summer 2009 in London.

Bryan Fuller Returns to ‘Heroes’

Bryan Fuller Returns to ‘Heroes’

  • News
  • December 5, 2008

As anticipated, Bryan Fuller is heading back to Heroes as part of a two-year deal with Universal Media Studios.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fuller would return to Heroes’ writers room in time for episode 20.  That means most of the creative work on volume four, kicking off February 2, will be done before he can provide input.

The series has suffered creative drift and audience frustration.  Dwindling ratings and lack of buzz alarmed NBC which pushed series creator Tim Kring to make substantive changes.  As a result, executive producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb were dismissed last month.

Fuller had been a strong creative contributor until ABC purchased his whimsical Pushing Daisies.  Despite strong reviews, the ratings have never been strong and the series will complete its network run in December after 13 second season installments. The writer/producer is known for his strong emphasis on character and taking fresh approaches to normal situations as seen in his Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me.

It remains unclear if Fuller will remain with Heroes for its anticipated fourth season or be assigned to something else at Universal.  Fuller has indicated a desire to wrap Daisies’ storylines in comic books although no deal has been announced.

ComicMix Radio: Great Gift For The Whedon-phile

ComicMix Radio: Great Gift For The Whedon-phile

In our never ending quest to dig up cool and unusual gifts, we offer up the one thing that Buffy fan on your list probably doesn’t have – a CD full of original songs dedicated to Their Favorite Slayer,  plus:

  • Free comics from Asylum?
  • Marvel brings up Bad Guy Variants
  • Grab Clive Barker on UClick

Get ready to hear Buffy tunes that will stick in your head until New Year’s – just Press the Button!
 


 

And remember, you can always subscribe to ComicMix Radio podcasts via iTunes - ComicMix or RSS!

 

Judge Dredd RPG Coming to Mongoose

Judge Dredd RPG Coming to Mongoose

  • News
  • December 4, 2008

Mongoose Publishing has outlined their 2009 releases with several new Judge Dredd games coming.

The new Dredd role playing game will use the rules from Mongoose’s Traveller game and will be accompanied by a hardcover Judge Dredd RPG Rulebook kicking off the new game in the summer.  Before the year is out, campaign and sourcebooks will also be release. Judge Dredd Miniatures Game will also be released and be based on the original Gangs of Mega City One.

The new deal resulted from Rebellion, the game company that currently owns 2000 AD and its characters, coming to Mongoose with a desirable offer.  The new deal allows the publishing outfit to expand their book offerings with increased color.

According to ICv2, these are the other releases coming from the company.

Traveller
In 2009 Mongoose is expanding its science fiction RPG with a number of new core books, some of which (Scoundrel, Agent) will cover characters, while others such as a Civilian and Military Vehicle Supplement and a Central Supply Catalogue.  But in 2009 Mongoose is also implementing its long term plan under which Traveller becomes not just a single setting, but a core system able to handle all science fiction gaming.  Typical of the latter is Hammer’s Slammers, a full color hardcover RPG adaptation (using the Traveller system) of David Drake’s classic science fiction series that will be available in April.

Runequest
Mongoose is planning major new initiatives for Runequest in 2010, but 2009 will see the release of some interesting volumes including a Pocket Deluxe Edition of the game as well as volume detailing the role of Guild, Factions & Cults.  Gloranthan players will get a steady stream of new releases including Mostali, Castle of Lead, Vithela and Lairs of Glorantha.  The release of the Corum and Multiverse volumes for Elric and Hawkmoon has be moved to 2010, but there will be Lankhmar volume in 2009 that will be a definitive guide to Fritz Leiber’s great creation.

Flaming Cobra

Flaming Cobra is Mongoose’s imprint for publishing and distributing third party games.  Flaming Cobra’s major initiative for the summer of 2009 is the release of Gary Gygax’s Lejendary Adventures.

Paranoia
Mongoose is planning to release a 25th Anniversary Paranoia Rulebook, which won’t replace previous editions, but will add some interesting dimensions as will two new rulebooks, one covering Int Sec Troopers and one on the High Programmers.

Conan

The major release for Mongoose’s Conan RPG in 2009 will be a Warriors Companion.  While the Conan game is compatible with D&D 3.5, Mongoose is planning to produce Wraith Recon, which places elite special forces in a fantasy setting for the new 4th Edition D&D.

Babylon 5
Mongoose has just released Lawrence Whitaker’s The Universe of Babylon 5 will allow players to play the game using Traveller rules.  A second book in this Traveller/Babylon 5 line will cover ships and vehicles.

Miniature Games
In addition to the aforementioned Judge Dredd miniatures game, Mongoose will release a new version of A Call to Arms its space combat game set in the world of Babylon 5, a V-Max Racing game and in February, the release of a new volume for Victory at Sea, Victory At Sea: Age of Dreadnoughts.

‘Watchmen’ Top BookScan Charts for November

‘Watchmen’ Top BookScan Charts for November

  • News
  • December 4, 2008

It’s little surprise that the Watchmen toped BookScan’s list of Top 20 Graphic Novels for November for the fifth month in a row.  In a report at ICv2, it was noted the book actually hit the Top 10 list twice with the paperback edition of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ story atop the list and the new hardcover edition in the sixth spot.

Eight of the 20 spots belong to traditional graphic novels with the remaining dozen spots nabbed, as expected, by Manga releases, led by Fruits Basket Vol. 21 in second place. DC’s Joker original tale debuted in fourth place and gave the publisher three of the Top 10 spots. Marvel had no titles in the Top 20 although DK’s holiday book Marvel Chronicle debuted in 17th place. Similarly, Running Press’ wonderful DC Vault appeared in 15th place.

BookScan’s report of bookstore sales is an incomplete picture of the book business but used as a measuring stick by publishers and retailers.

Rank    Title                                                                                                  Author                              Pub     PubDate

1           WATCHMEN TPB                                                                           ALAN MOORE               DC         4/1/95
2           FRUITS BASKET VOL. 21                                                            NATSUKI TAKAYA         TKP       11/1/08
3          NARUTO VOL. 32                                                                           MASASHI KISHIMOTO  VIZ        12/1/08
4          THE JOKER                                                                                     BRIAN AZZARELLO      DC       11/1/08
5          YU-GI-OH! GX VOL. 2                                                                     NAOYUKI KAGEYAMA   VIZ       11/1/08
6          WATCHMEN HC                                                                             ALAN MOORE                 DC       11/1/08
7         NARUTO VOL. 31                                                                            MASASHI KISHIMOTO   VIZ       9/1/08
8         HELLSING VOL. 9                                                                           KOHTA HIRANO             DHC    10/1/08
9         CHIBI VAMPIRE VOL. 11                                                                YUNA KAGESAKI            TKP     11/1/08
10       BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 8 VOL. 3                  DREW GODDARD         DHC    10/1/08
11       OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB VOL. 11                         BISCO HATORI               VIZ       11/1/08
12       THE DRESDEN FILES: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE HC     JIM BUTCHER                DEL    10/1/08
13       FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST VOL. 17                                              HIROMU ARAKAWA        VIZ      10/1/08
14       TSUBASA  VOL. 19                                                                         WILLIAM FLANAGAN      DEL     11/1/08
15       THE DC VAULT: A MUSEUM-IN-A-BOOK                                   MARTIN PASKO              RPB     10/1/08
16       BLEACH: SOULS OFFICIAL CHARACTER BOOK                   TITE KUBO                       VIZ      11/1/08
17       MARVEL CHRONICLE                                                                   BREVOORT, DEFALCO DK     11/1/08
18       D.GRAY-MAN VOL. 11                                                                    KATSURA HOSHINO     VIZ     11/1/08
19       VAMPIRE KNIGHT VOL. 5                                                              MATSURI HINO               VIZ      9/1/08
20       BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE SPEC. ED. HC                           ALAN MOORE                 DC      3/1/08

IDW Expands Reach with Uclick Deal

IDW Expands Reach with Uclick Deal

  • News
  • December 4, 2008

Uclick has added IDW’s graphic novel version of Clive Barker’s The Thief of Always to its rapidly growing line of comic book titles optimized for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Like the children lured to Mister Hood’s Holiday House in the novel, once fans begin reading this engrossing tale, presented in vibrant color and rich detail on their iPhone screens, they too will find it impossible to leave.

Creator of the well-known horror films Hellraiser, Nightbreed and Lord of Illusions, and author of more than a dozen horror novels and short story collections, Clive Barker has long been considered a master of the horror genre. Barker originally published The Thief of Always in 1992 as a fable for young readers. The novel was serialized as a graphic novel in 2005 by IDW Publishing, with story adaptation by Kris Oprisko and art by Gabriel Hernandez. All three installments of The Thief of Always are now available on the iPhone App Store for only 99 cents each.

“We feel very fortunate to once again be working with IDW and now Clive Barker,” said Uclick CEO Douglas Edwards in a release.  “Mr. Barker is a legend and literary genius. We are honored to bring his masterpiece to millions of fans on the iPhone through the Uclick graphic story player.”

“The Thief of Always graphic novel is based on one of Clive Barker’s most popular stories,” IDW’s CEO Ted Adams said. “We’re very excited that this critically acclaimed title is now available for readers to download on the iPhone through the App Store. This is a great new way for fans to experience some of the best work in comics.”

The Thief of Always is the tale of Harvey Swick, an average boy bored with school until he receives a visit from an otherworldly stranger. Mister Rictus invites Harvey to Mr. Hood’s Holiday House, a child’s paradise where, Rictus declares, Harvey will find everything his heart desires. The Holiday House proves to be all Rictus promised, but Harvey soon discovers that its pleasures come at a heavy price.

Uclick continues to add to its already diverse collection of popular graphic novels and webcomics available on the iPhone App Store. IDW Publishing’s adaptation of the beloved Clive Barker fable joins Jeff Smith’s Bone, the cosmic sci-fi superhero series GODLAND, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles anthology series Tales of the TMNT, and webcomics Pibgorn and Basic Instructions.
 

More Industry Layoffs

More Industry Layoffs

  • News
  • December 4, 2008

Wizards of the Coast is the latest genre publisher to announce layoffs, in this case, it was the game company’s second round this year.  Among those terminated were VP of Digital Gaming Randy Buehler, Director of Digital Games Andrew Finch, Creative Manager of Digital Design William Meyers, and Online Community Manager Jennifer Paige according to ICv2.

A WotC spokesperson told the trade website, “Wizards of the Coast consolidated its digital game organizations to streamline execution of digital growth strategies for core brands.”

“Consolidating internal resources coupled with improved outsourcing allows us to gain efficiencies in executing against our major digital initiatives Magic Online and D&D Insider,” Wizards of the Coast President Greg Leeds added..  “Wizards of the Coast is well positioned to maximize future opportunities, including further brand development on digital platforms.  The result of this consolidation is a more streamlined approach to driving core brands.”

Simon & Schuster laid off 35 people yesterday including Senior Editor Marco Palmieri.  Palmieri, a former DC Comics marketing staffer, joined Pocket and successfulyl edited Star Trek novels in addition to helping Pocket expand its media tie-in operations to incude Blizzard’s RPG titles and Marvel’s super-heroes.  Margaret Clark, another former DC staffer, is now solely responsible for the media tie-in line along with editors Jennifer Heddle and Ed Schlesinger.
 

‘Mutts’ Comments on Obama Dog Adoption

‘Mutts’ Comments on Obama Dog Adoption

  • News
  • December 4, 2008

Mutts has never been afraid of dealing with current events and now, a new storyline begins on Monday as the characters begin discussing the hunt for a dog as pet for president-elect Barack Obama’s children.

Patrick McDonnell’s comic strip is currently syndicated in over 700 newspapers most recently advocated in favor of a California proposition and now focuses on the desire for the Obamas to find a dog from a shelter.  The new First Family’s every step is carefully chosen these days for its symbolic meaning and Obama keeping his campaign promise to his daughters is now different.

McDonnell uses strip regulars Mooch the Cat and Earl the Dog to spotlight the 7.5 million dogs and 16.2 million cats now living in American homes, all of which came from shelters.
 
The Humane Society of the United States has showered McDonnell with their Genesis Award three times to date. He’s been singled out for using Mutts to show how hard the staff and volunteers at animal shelters work to rescue and care for the more than six million animals living in shelters in this country.. Shelter Stories: Love Guaranteed collects 100 of the strips along with 70 candid photos of rescued dogs that have gone on to new homes through the adoption process.
 

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