The Mix : What are people talking about today?

Marvel extends distribution deal with Paramount

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

Though hard to deny the colossal success of The Dark Knight, it can’t be said that Marvel slept through 2008. Iron Man was the second highest grossing film of the year, taking in $318 million domestically and $571 million worldwide. It wasn’t long after the appropriately Stark-sized success that Marvel Studios announced official development on further film projects. Today, it was announced that Shakespearean director Kenneth Branagh is in talks to direct Marvel’s Thor. Now, only hours later, Marvel has yet another big announcement.

Marvel Studios has extended their distribution pact with Paramount Pictures. Paramount will distribute Marvel’s next five films. These films include Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010), Thor (July 16, 2010), The First Avenger: Captain America (May 6, 2011) and The Avengers (July 15, 2011). The deal also covers Iron Man 3, which was always an assumed project but is now officially in the woodwork.

The agreement includes theatrical distribution in foreign countries previously uncovered by Paramount. Such territories include Japan, Germany, France, Spain and Australia/New Zealand. Due to a prior arrangement, Iron Man 2 will be distributed in Germany by Telemunchen.

"Coming off of Iron Man’s incredible success this summer, we could not be more excited about extending our relationship with Marvel," Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said of the new deal. "Marvel’s iconic brand, its popular characters and its proven ability to create compelling and visually spellbinding films complement Paramount’s great history of filmmaking."

Iron Man 2 reunites the creative powerhouse of director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. Terence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow are expeced back and director Favreau has been meeting with Iron Man scribe Matt Fraction top kick around story ideas although the War Machine armor is expected to debut.

Thor, set for release two months after Iron Man 2, was written by I am Legend screenwriter Mark Protosevich. Actor/director Kenneth Branagh is attached to direct.

The First Avenger: Captain America comes from a screenplay by Zak Penn, and is rumored to be a World War II-era period piece. No casting announcements have been made regarding Steve Rogers, but rumors have ranged from Leonardo DiCaprio to Will Smith.

These properties will culminate in 2011’s The Avengers, Marvel Studios’ big team-up epic. Captain America, Iron Man and Thor are set to headline with their respective actors in place. The films leading up to the project will feature interweaving cameos from other Marvel characters, such as Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury appearing after the credits in Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. at the end of The Incredible Hulk.

Assuming that the remainder of Marvel’s current slate succeeds on the same scale as ol’ Shellhead’s cinema outing, this could be the start of a very long, beautiful relationship between Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures.

‘War Heroes’ Optioned by Columbia

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

After weeks of Mark Millar talking up Hollywood optioning War Heroes, Variety reports this morning that Sony has picked up the Millar and Tony Harris Image series. Michael De Luca, formerly head of New Line Cinema, will produce for Columbia Pictures.

A screenwriter is now being sought for the series, which is “revolve around an experimental military program that gives ordinary soldiers superpowers. When a small group of recruits break off to use these powers for a criminal enterprise, a hero rises from their ranks to prevent catastrophic results.”

The comic book has received critical praise and strong sales since its June debut.

Millar has suddenly become a hot Hollywood property after years of yearning to be a player. Wanted, which produced for Image with artist J.G. ones was a summer hit, earning $293 million and Universal has recently confirmed work on a sequel has begun.

His Kick-Ass, with John Romita, Jr., has become a major event for Marvel’s Icon imprint and production on the film version, starring Aaron Johnson and Nicholas Cage, began this month for a 2009 release.

Harris is represented in Hollywood with New Line Cinema slowly developing his Ex Machina, written by Brian K. Vaughn and published by WildStorm.
 

Baltimore: Superman Panel

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

supergirl-341-6517567The Baltimore Comic-Con Superman panel was moderated by editor Matt Idleson and included the new creative team behind Superman, Action Comics and Supergirl, which will begin having a closer relationship with each other (which one fan in the crowd unfortunately referred to as “the Supergirl book becoming a three-way with Action and Superman“). There was Geoff Johns, writer of Action Comics, James Robinson, who recently began writing duties on Superman, and the new Supergirl team of Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle.

Towards the end of the panel, Johns pointed out his Uncle Roger who was sitting in the audience and had first gotten him into comics as a child.

Supergirl #35 is the first issue under the new creative team of Gates and Igle. It is said to be a perfect jumping-on point, with a quick introduction to Kara Zor-El, including her origin and place in the DC Universe. And since it is part of the “New Krypton” story arc that will be running through the Superman books, Gates will touch on the recent discovery of her parents being alive. The story will also introduce a smear campaign by Cat Grant after she publishes an article in the Daily Planet entitled “Why the World Doesn’t Need Supergirl.”

Gates will also be giving Supergirl a rogues gallery of her own, starting with a “tussle with Silver Banshee”. Robinson commented that Gates and Igle are “going to be one of the greatest combinations that DC has seen for a long time.” Igle himself said that he was so impressed by Gates’ writing that he felt he had to step up his own game on art chores. He added that Gates will defeat fan criticism of the teen Kryptonian, as he has made Superiglr “not only a likable character, but a sympathetic character.” Gates himself explained that he wanted to portray Kara as a fun, teenage hero rather than one focused on angst.
Several fans asked about the previous Supergirls and if they would be referenced. The panel pointed out that Linda Danvers is appearing in the Reign in Hell mini, but that otherwise they wouldn’t really be referenced as they don’t affect today’s Supergirl stories nor have any impact on Kara Zor-El’s life. But that doesn’t mean Supergirl isn’t going to have a more experienced mentor. Lana Lang, recently fired a LexCorp’s CEO, will be joining Kara and lending her advice from time to time.I asked Johns who was running LexCorp now that Lana was gone and Lex was still a criminal. Johns said “Keep reading.”When asked if Supergirl would have a secret identity, Gates smiled and said “Good idea.”I met with Jamal Igle afterwards and looked over the artwork for the next issue of Supergirl, folks, and it looks wonderful. I also asked Jamal if Kara would be getting a new costume soon, since several fans have been critical of her exposed stomach and a new costume was hinted at in Final Crisis #3. Jamal Igle replied that he had submitted a subtle re-design but that it was felt there was no need to change her look completely now since she was still recognizable on sight and no one wanted to mess with that.I’m also guessing that DC may be a bit protective of a costume that was designed by Michael Turner, who sadly left us so recently. (more…)

Del Rey Manga and Cartoon Network Team-Up

  • Uncategorized
  • September 29, 2008

ben10-7202580Del Rey Manga has partnered with Cartoon Network Enterprises to form a new Manga publishing imprint.  The deal will debut original Manga based on two current Cartoon Network series, Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Ben 10 Alien Force (already in comic form via DC Comics).  The first titles will feature color stills from Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins, will be published on December 2008, and followed by a second volume in March 2009. Ben 10 Alien Force: Ben 10 Returns will be released in April 2009.  Original black and white Manga-style graphic novels based on Bakugan and Ben 10 Alien Force are slated for release in summer and fall 2009, respectively. Creative talent was not announced.

The news, announced this weekend at the NY Anime Festival, was the biggest Manga announcement over the three day event.  Del Rey also confirmed new titles in their relationship with Kodansha including:

Moyashimon: Tales of Agriculture by Masayuki Ishikawa – Fall 2009
This quirky series is based on a serial running in Kodansha’s Evening magazine. The anime version, has spawned the usual merchandising bonanza and won both the Grand Prize in the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize awards and Kodansha Manga Award in 2008.

Del Rey Manga Editor Trisha Narwani noted, "A lot of publishers like to brag that what they’re bringing is unique, but this one really is. It’s about an agriculture student who can see very cute bacteria and germs.”

Amefurashi by Atsushi Suzumi – July 2009
This new series is about a cute, powerful and of course temperamental rain goddess and the human boy who must try to appease her moods to save his village.

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles Character Guide 2 by CLAMP – Summer 2009
The character guide should make following this series, covering volumes 8-14, easier.

Maid War Chronicles by RAN – May 2009
"For this one, this one, the title says it all," said Narwani. Artist of Mao-Chan’s adventure is about "fighting maids who must fight to win back their master’s kingdom."
 

Review: ‘Dexter’ Episode #301

dexter-season-3The Crime Scene: “Our Father”
From Showtime: “[[[Dexter]]] begins to question his blind loyalty to his father’s memory. In an act of spontaneity, he wonders whether The Code of Harry is a necessity anymore. Dexter’s relationship with Rita intensifies. Angel becomes Sergeant, replacing the deceased Doakes. Dexter goes to desperate measures to cover up his latest murder, while meeting assistant district attorney Miguel Prado, who has history with Lt. LaGuerta. Meanwhile, the team discover the victim of another killer, which could just be bigger than the Bay Harbor Butcher.”

Blood Spatter Analysis

[[[The Dark Defender]]] is back, and he’s ready to kick ass and take blood samples.

Last season, blood spatter analyst cum vigilante killer Dexter Morgan nearly found himself on the wrong side of a prison cell. Sergeant James Doakes discovered that Dexter was the man behind the grizzly Bay Harbor Butcher slayings. Luckily, Dex was saved by the belle, the highly obsessive Lila, who killed Doakes to prevent Dexter from being discovered. Not so luckily for Lila, Dexter murdered the woman for killing Doakes, but not before pinning the murders on the deceased officer. With that monkey off his back, Dexter was free to resume his vendetta against Miami’s criminal underground… and resume he has!

As the third season begins, Dexter reflects upon his highly successful summer. His game has stepped up in every sense of the word. He’s back in the killing business, taking out all new bad guys and making up for lost samples with a new blood collection. He’s also upped his acting abilitiy, particularly notable when Dexter poses as a junkie to attain recon on his next victim, a murdering drug dealer named Freebo. Dexter’s social skills are at an all time high as well, both around the Miami Metro Police Department and at home with his girlfriend, Rita. In fact, Dexter’s progress as a killer might be second to his relationship progress with Rita. Let’s just say that he’s had his hands very, ah, full.

(more…)

Baltimore: Bendis Vs. Kirkman

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

Over a month ago, Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Walking Dead) posted a video mission statement on the idea that many who work at DC and Marvel are there because they do not realize that creator-owned books can provide a stable living with healthy profit and that such titles are the way to enhance the industy.

Brian Michael Bendis immediately responded by saying that things weren’t that easy and that it was irresponsible to tell people that, speaking as a man who works on many Marvel titles and has had success with his creator-owned Powers series.

The two sides of the argument have been tackled, discussed and disected across the board on message boards, in comic stores, in bars, possibly even in secret lairs hidden beneath wealthy manors.

And so, at Baltimore Comic-Con, Bendis and Kirkman met to continue their debate and elaborate on their points before an interested audience. (more…)

Kenneth Branagh in talks to direct ‘Thor’

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

In a move that may be construed as either a gift from the Gods or the coming of Ragnarok itself, Variety has announced that Kenneth Branagh is in negotiations to direct Thor for Marvel Studios. Branagh’s previous directing and acting credits include Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. He also starred as Gilderoy Lockart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The trade reminds us that Branagh is joining a pantheon of well established directors such as Bryan Singer, Chris Nolan and Jon Favreau that have crossed from arthouse film to big studio projects. What they aren’t emphasizing nearly enough is that Branagh is a Shakespearean actor at his core, bringing the kind of gravitas that Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan lended to their roles in X-Men.

The movie has been written by Mark Protosevich basing it on the early Journey into Mystery stories by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby involving mortal doctor Donald Blake, who finds Mjolnir and trasnsforms into the god of Thunder. Other rumors peg Thor as an entirely mythology based film. Given that, can you imagine a Shakespeare inspired, all-out war between Norse gods? Verily, so can we!

Although no mention of whether Branagh will also star in the film, it’s a safe bet that he’ll step in front of the lens in some capacity, as he’s done several times before. It’d be a bit of a stretch to see Branagh wielding Mjolnir, but maybe he’ll step into the trickstery boots of Loki… assuming, that is, they aren’t going with the chick version. And hey, even if they are, we’ve certainly seen weirder.

Thor is the next in Marvel’s 10-picture deal with Paramount Pictures where the studio releases the films, giving Marvel Studios creative control as they self-fund from a $500 million credit line still secured by Merrill Lynch.  The first film in the deal, Iron Man, proved the deal a smart move for Paramount. Also included among the ten pictures are Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, First Avenger: Captain America, Thor and Avengers.

The film is another building block to July 2011’s Avengers film so fans can expect Easter eggs and cameos.

Baltimore: DC Q & A

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

black-lantern-corps-large-2476224Saturday morning at Baltimore Comic-Con, DC Comics held their usual DC Nation panel featuring Jimmy Palmiotti, Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates, James Robinson, Sean Mckeever and Ian Sattler. The panel was hosted by Dan Didio who actually invited a mustached fan named Brian onto the panel after he praised the weekly series Trinity. Geoff Johns complimented the same fan for being able to “rock the ‘stache.” When the same fan referred to the Green Lantern Corps as “NYPD Green”, Johns stated he would be stealing this title.

After fan Brian spoke highly of Trinity, Didio added that the main focus of the series is the great influence of the three heroes and how important they have been not only to the DCU but to the multiverse as a whole. He commented that this made the series a complete counterpoint to 52, which explored the mainstream DC Earth spending a year without the three icons. In the same vein, he clarified that the current Batman R.I.P. storyline is exploring whether or not Bruce would still operate as Batman "if you took everything away", as well as showing how his absence affects many, not just the Gotham-centric characters but also people like the Outsiders.

DC had several things to announce in terms of upcoming projects.

A few years ago, DC did a fifth-week event called "New Year’s Evil" involving several one-shots that did not relate to each other but all centered villain-centric stories. Operating on a similar note, DC will be release "Faces of Evil", a month-long project launching next spring. Each issue will be a one-shot focusing on a particular villain and the covers will be done in the same style as the recent “anti-inspirational posters” ads. Johns announced that he and artist Scott Collins would be working on a one-shot focused on Solomon Grundy. Other villains who would be focused on include Parasite and Despero. When a fan asked if any of the Rogues (from Flash) were going to have a one-shot, Johns simply said that the future of the Rogues will be set-out at the conclusion of the miniseries Final Crisis: Rogues Revenge.

Geoff Johns also added that Solomon Grundy would become a Black Lantern, though he also said the same thing of any other character mentioned during the panel who is deceased. Concerning the upcoming "war of light" stories in Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, Johns again spoke about Agent Orange, the leader of the Orange Corps dedicated to Avarice, as a major villain. He also said that the Orange oath was his favorite. Throughout the remainder of the panel, questions about seemingly dead characters usually involved Johns saying , "(Fill-in-the-Blank)’s a Black Lantern."

  (more…)

Oblivion, by Mike Gold

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

So we’re headed straight into another 1930s-style depression, or so our politicians and the media would have us believe. Maybe that’s true, although the attempted cure – the socialization of our investment bankers and the insurance industry – just might work. It’s the perfect solution in the Age of Irony: our neocon president nationalizing the very companies that control so much of our economy. Franklin Roosevelt must be rolling over in his grave.

But the real question that concerns us is – how might this affect us as comics and popular culture enthusiasts?

First, I’ll address the most obvious. If you lose your job, you will have less discretionary income and, despite our self-image, comics and movies and action figures are more discretionary than the rent, electricity and food. Even if you’re 45 years old and you live in your mother’s basement, if she’s living off of an annuity and her insurance company goes blooie, you might be cutting back on those X-Men titles.

If enough people find themselves in that position, the friendly neighborhood comics shop will go blooie as well. If enough comics shops go down, the smaller publishers (the “back of the catalog” people) will see retailers order their wares more conservatively than they did before. Some publishers will vaporize. It’ll certainly be tougher for creators to sell those more interesting yet less commercial projects.

Movies… well, that’s another matter. Movies have this rep for surviving the 30s Great Depression, but only among those who aren’t aware how many movie studios got sold, went bankrupt, or almost went bankrupt at the time. Today’s movie-going experience is a lot more expensive than it was for our grandparents. Even in constant dollars, $10.00 tickets are a lot more than 25¢ tickets… and our grandparents didn’t have to spend as much (relatively speaking) on popcorn and soda. More significant, most were able to walk to their local movie house. Today, we have to drive. Even the low, low price of $3.50 a gallon would crank the entire movie going experience up to $50.00 for a couple; more, with dinner. A movie date will cost you a cool hundred.

Television is no longer free. Sure, only a few people will need to get those digital adaptors for their rabbit-ears this February, but most of the rest of us get our fix from cable or satellite (or, in the case of my bestest friend, both cable and satellite). If food, rent, gasoline and utilities cost a family of four two grand a month or more and either one of the breadwinners is no longer winning bread, those premium channel packages are going to look real expensive.

Comics retailers order their stuff from Diamond on a non-returnable basis and, literally, bet the rent each month on their order form. They will have to be even more conservative. They’ve already been ordering what they know will sell; now they have to factor in the fear factor: how many of their regulars will lose their jobs, how many will be so afraid of losing their jobs that they’ll make immediate cut-backs in their purchases? I already said the “smaller” publishers would suffer; so would those companies that manufacture licensed material – action figures, posters, tie-in apparel, (more…)

Review ‘Pathology’ DVD

  • News
  • September 29, 2008

pathology-3543402There has to be a certain detachment when it comes to slicing open a human body.  After all, it looks just like your own body and once you cut into the skin, you get to the inner mechanics and it can either be fascinating or repulsive.  The art of pathology requires that emotional detachment while at the same time can remain fascinating as one tries to determine the cause of death.

While a fascinating premise for a character study, 20th-Century Fox’s Pathology used it more as a backdrop for a thriller that failed to thrill.  The movie opened last spring to middling reviews and was immediately rejected by the movie going audience, vanishing after 21 days and earning a meager $109,045 at the box office.The movie, starring Milo Ventimiglia, was released on DVD this past week by 20th and it can be a diverting experience.  Unless, of course, you like characterization.  Milo’s Ted Grey has been invited to join a prestigious Pathology program in some nameless city.  Being the newcomer, he’s easily dismissed or razzed by the team already in place, being tutored by the somewhat observant, somewhat creepy John de Lancie.

The quartet of residents is all attractive white folk who harbor a secret.  To unleash their emotions and experience something, they have formed a club to play a secret game.  Targeting and killing people then challenging one another to determine how the death was actually caused.  Jake Gallo (Michael Weston) is the ringleader and sees the brilliant Grey as a rival so seduces him to play along. At first, Grey is justifiably repulsed at the notion but is brought into the circle and commits murders, slowly losing himself in the process.

Things begin to get out of hand when Grey begins sleeping with Gallo’s girl friend, fellow club member Juliette Bath (Lauren Lee Smith) and Grey’s life begins to spiral beyond his control.  He’s killing people, doing drugs, cheating on his girl friend Gwen (Alyssa Milano) and no longer recognizable.

(more…)

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