Author: Shawn Madden

Comic enthusiast. Lover of Mexican food. Movie watcher. Destroyer of worlds. Or...something like that.

Early Concept Art For Spider-Man’s Suit From ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’

by Shawn Madden

As we all know they re-designed Spidey’s suit for ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. Concept artist Eddie Yang has posted images of some of the earlier designs on his personal website. I do prefer the suit that they did eventually go with. It actually looks amazing on the big screen. No pun intended. However I will say that second design is pretty damn cool…minus the weird alien eyes.

 

Source: Eddie Yang Studio

Geekscape Comics: First Look At ‘Uncanny Avengers’

by Shawn Madden

I will admit it is a pretty cool line-up. Anything with Havok on the team means I’m reading it. I love Havok…but why is he back in a version of his classic suit? It also appears that Cap and Thor will definitely be getting more movie inspired looks after ‘AvX’.

Source: EW

 

 

Arad And Tolmach Explain Why We Didn’t See Norman Osborn In ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’

by Shawn Madden

In a recent podcast with Empire Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach (producers of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’) discuss why we didn’t see Norman Osborn, the ties between Osborn and Peter and the rumor of the ‘Proto-Goblin’ being in the movie.

On why Norman Osborn is not in the film:
Avi Arad: Norman for us, in this movie, wasn’t an important face. It was more of a symbolic idea (Oscorp Tower) of the world of science. It’s a place where his father worked. It’s a place where Connors works. And most importantly, it’s a place where Peter aspires to be. One, because his father worked there and two, it stands for the ultimate advancement of science and biotechnology.

So the threat of Norman at the top, that’s what the comics are about. You can read the whole comic book and you’ll have a mention of something that may not appear for two more issues.

Matt Tolmach: We had a lot of story to tell within this movie and Dr. Connors is a very rich character and that’s where we wanted to spend time, on the relationship between Peter and Dr. Connors. If you begin to venture into Norman and Oscorp in this movie then…ummm..you just have a finite amount of screen time. As Avi said he hangs over this building and the lives of these people and you know, we’re going to make more movies.

With Peter solving his father’s algorithm and giving birth to The Lizard, is it safe to say that he will also be responsible for the creation of The Green Goblin:
Avi Arad: If you look at Norman’s affliction, if you will, cross-species genetics or any kind of that science is exactly what he needs to survive. Obviously he will support this kind of science to the nth degree and the nth degree is what is happening in laboratories around the world; stem cells, cloning, etc. You have a guy at the top of the building who has a huge personal stake and you have Connors who has a huge personal stake in succeeding. And then you have the man who supposed to be carrying the clue for it, who vanishes. And it happens to be Peter’s dad.

Matt Tolmach: They’re all sort of Norman’s lab rats. There’s something that Norman needs and everyone here also has their own needs. And Peter becomes the little mouse. Norman is the puppeteer and that’s something we’re going to get to.

In the Dark Reign comics we saw Norman Osborn as a formidable villain without the Green Goblin persona. Is that something that could be explored down the line:
Avi Arad: The goblin can be something that happens for a very short period of time or the goblin can become a whole story. The real story is Norman and I think this movie showed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Peter Parker is the most interesting study here. The fact that he becomes Spider-Man is great and it’s fulfillment, and it’s the metaphor for a lot of things but Peter works so well. And Norman needs to work really, really well and be sort of the classic, Marvel, sympathetic villain who carries something personal as the reason to do what he’s doing. And the fact that he’s going to fly through the air and fight Peter, eventually it will be inevitable. But that’s not his main story.

Matt Tolmach: He like Connors, and this is important, is connected to Peter Parker. You get hints of that in the movie obviously, through his relationship to Peter’s father and his relationship to Doc Conners. Norman Osborn, the man, is critically important to where this story is going.

Avi Arad: It’s all about secrets. Norman has a secret, Connors has a secret, Peter’s father had a secret and now Peter has a secret…..All these little hints throughout the movie are saying, ‘so if it worked on Peter, oh boy, this kid is not going to have a moment of peace and I think that’s a wonderful thing to look at.

Matt Tolmach: Norman is an important character and obviously there’s a certain inevitably to one day seeing the Green Goblin. What we’ve done, and what we’ll always do is go back to what serves the story best. Going back to this quest that Peter is still very clearly on when this movie ends, that’s going to lead us to villains, that’s the best version of how you figure out who your villain is going to be, it serves Peter’s story along the way.

On Gwen’s story and was there ever a point throughout all the script rewrites where she met her comic book end:
Avi Arad: No, it would’ve been too fast. It took the whole movie for us to develop this new relationship. To show what a match they are because the more you fall in love with them as a couple, the more you want them to be together, the bigger the tragedy. If you introduce her and get rid of her in the first movie then it feels manufactured.

On Proto Goblin,was he ever intended to be in the film:
Avi Arad: I don’t know where the talk came from, not from us. We tried multiple villains before, as you know, and it’s really hard to service them all, especially when you’re doing an origin story. Also, there was no reason.

Source: Empire

Geekscape Comics: New Creative Team Taking Over ‘Detective Comics’

by Shawn Madden

After DC’s ‘Zero Month’ Tony Daniel will be leaving ‘Detective Comics’ and John Layman (‘Chew’) will take over writing duties on the book. Jason Fabok (‘Batman: The Dark Knight’) will take over art duties on the book. The team spoke about what to expect from them when they take over on DC’s flagship title.

John Layman spoke on what he wants to do with Batman and his surroundings:

“Obviously, this is a happily surreal and exciting turn-of-events for my career. Not only is this my first work within the DC Universe, but I get to work on one of DC’s undisputedly coolest and highest-profile characters. I’m going to take a look at the role of criminal organizations within Gotham City, hopefully from a perspective that does not get considered very often (if at all). From the symbiotic relationship a master criminal must have with Gotham in order to survive, to the lowly, often faceless criminal underling hoping to rise up the ranks. All that, plus Batman’s gonna play with a bunch of crazy new toys and kick all kinds of butt.”

Jason Fabok talks about joining Detective Comics and what we can expect from his artwork:

“First, I want to express how thankful I am to have this opportunity. I am humbled that DC Comics would entrust me with one of their greatest titles. To work on a Batman title has been the number one goal that I set for my career and I am honored to have this opportunity to make my dream become a reality. I’m really hoping to deliver a dark, epic Batman with hints of the art deco stylings of the old animated series and the more modern take seen in recent incarnations. I am hoping to let my influences gush out onto the page and create something that is familiar, classic and yet my own. As for working with John Layman, I couldn’t be more excited. John is a great visual storyteller and he packs every page with meaningful panels that bring the story forward and add incredible depth. Together we hope to deliver a quality Batman tale, filled with mystery, twists, turns, shockers and most of all, fun!”

Source: DC

Marvel vs Capcom: Origins Announced

by Shawn Madden

Have you been hoping that Capcom would release the first Marvel vs Capcom or even Marvel Super Heroes? Well now you can have both in one! The game will merge both fighting styles giving you the choice of classic one-on-one battles or you can choose the three-on-three tag style of Marvel vs Capcom. The game features an online multiplayer mode with a limit of eight players in the lobby. Players that are waiting for their turn will be able to watch the match currently going on by using the spectator mode. Marvel vs Capcom: Origins will also feature HD graphics and the ability to save replays of players’ matches. The game will be coming to Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network for $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points).

Marvel vs. Capcom: Origins brings two classic arcade fighters – “Marvel Super Heroes” and “Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes” – together and to the modern generation. This September, fight like a hero, play like a legend!

Source: IGN

Geekscape Comic Reviews: ‘Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1′

by Shawn Madden

This book is exactly what I have been wanting and waiting for from the ‘Before Watchmen’ books. Len Wein and Jae Lee did not disappoint here and this one truly excels above the others.

Let me start by saying Jae Lee’s artwork is phenomenal here. The way he shapes his panels much like they were in the original ‘Watchmen’ series using circles and rectangles really makes his art have this classic feel that was definitely needed in a book like this.

I love Len Wein’s pacing as well. The story doesn’t drag its feet but it also doesn’t rush through things too fast. Wein touches on elements of the characters history that are hardly new to us but expands upon them and adds new interesting pieces to them. The books tone makes it hard for you to feel sympathetic for Veidt at the end of it…but it somewhat feels like thats the point.

This book won’t be for everybody. That one is for sure. But I think that it is really well done and so far is my favorite of all of the ‘Before Watchmen’ issues that I have read so far. Do yourself a favor and check it out if not for Jae Lee’s art alone.

My rating: 4/5

Geekscape Comics: Five Spidey Stories You Should Read

by Shawn Madden

In celebration of the release of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and Spideys upcoming 50th Anniversary I decided to compile a list of five Spider-Man stories I think you should all check out if you haven’t already.

5. Revenge Of The Sinister Six

Spider-Man #18-23

One of my all time favorite Spidey story-arcs is ‘Revenge Of The Sinister Six’. The story saw the group reunited once more in a bid to take over the world with alien weaponry. The line-up consisted of Doctor Octopus, Electro, Gog, Hobgoblin, Mysterio, Vulture. Sandman’s foster family was hit with a bomb and Sandman (believing Octopus had attacked his foster family as punishment for betraying him) joined the other members of the Sinister Six in a plan to take revenge upon Doctor Octopus.

Written and drawn by Erik Larsen, this story had it all. I mean, you had Spidey getting his ass kicked by the best of the best of his villains and even calling upon some of the coolest characters of the 90’s to back him up. We had the Hulk (in his Professor identity), the Fantastic Four, Sleepwalker, Deathlok, Nova, Solo, Cyborg X, and Ghost Rider all teaming up with Spider-Man to take on the Sinister Six. This was the six in their prime. They pulled out all the stops on this one. I mean they even fucking had Gog on their squad. Gog aka a gigantic reptilian humanoid from The Savage Land. I’ve actually gone back and re-read this story many times because it holds up. And I still love seeing the ending where a broken glass Sandman nearly shreds Doc Ock to death. If you can find a trade of it. Get it. If you can find the issues. Get them. You won’t be disappointed.

4. The Death Of Spider-Man

Ultimate Spider-Man #156-160, Ultimate Comics Avengers vs New Ultimates #1-6, Ultimate Fallout #1-6

This is one powerful story right here. Bendis really delivered a blow with the story-arc that really hits you once you’re done with it. Unlike some of the other stories I am going to to avoid talking too much about this one because it really is a story to be read from start to end. And if Peter Parker’s final words in issue #160 don’t hit you…I don’t know what will. This story not only does its death right but also does right by its death unlike many comic book “death stories”. Bendis is at top of his game here and Bagley’s artwork is phenomenal to go with it. You can most likely still find this available in trade or possibly even singular issues at your local shop.

3. Venom

Amazing Spider-Man #300, 315-317

Spider-Man had never fought a villain like Venom before. Regarded by some as Spideys best villain since The Green Goblin he had all of his same powers, was stronger and didn’t set off his spider sense. While some of Tom DeFalco’s dialogue is a bit weak in the issues you ignore it looking at Todd MacFarlane’s fantastic art work. If you’ve ever been a fan of Eddie Brock…this story is a must read.

2. Kraven’s Last Hunt

Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132, Web Of Spider-Man #32-33

Kraven The Hunter was a villain that many people took as a joke until this story arc hit. This is one of the best read’s you can find. Kraven has hunted every other prey on earth but there is one that has eluded him. He decides to hunt down Spider-Man and buries him alive and then begins posing as him. J. M. DeMatteis and artist Mike Zeck craft an ultimate tale of revenge here with a very memorable ending.

1. The Night Gwen Stacy Died

Amazing Spider-Man #121-122

This right here is one of the most important Spider-Man stories ever written. If you sat and wondered why they were establishing the Gwen and Peter relationship in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ you definitely need to read this. he death of Gwen Stacy shocked the American comic book community. Previously, it had been unthinkable to kill off such an important character and this event was so revolutionary and important that it is one of the markers of the end of the Silver Age of comics. This two issue story-arc also included the death of Norman Osborn aka The Green Goblin and makes this already epic story even better.

For years people debated on how exactly she died. The original comic features a “snap” sound effect next to Gwen Stacy’s head in the panel in which Spider-Man’s webbing catches her, however some later reprints remove the effect. Many people believe that the whiplash from Peter grabbing her with his webbing caused it. Had he not webbed her though she would have fallen to her death regardless. In the end there was no way he could have saved her. Gwen is one of the few comic characters to die and stay dead. This arc gets my number one spot due I consider it to be quite possibly the most important Spider-Man story for everyone to read.

Other recommendations:

The Clone Saga, Spider-Island, The Death Of Jean DeWolff, Spider-Man: Reign, Shed, Return Of The Goblin

 

Marc Webb Explains Why He Wanted To Re-Tell The Origin And Themes In ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’

by Shawn Madden

The Geekscape staff is quite split on their opinions of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. Some of us loved it (I really loved it). Some of us down right didn’t like it. Some of you still haven’t seen it yet and I really hope you don’t let our opinions and preferences sway you from your interest or even lack of interest in the movie.

The Hollywood Reporter recently did an interview with Marc Webb discussing the themes of the movie and why he wanted to re-tell the origin that I found really interesting and a good read.

THR: When you embarked on reimagining the Spider-Man franchise, what story did you want to tell, what did you want to keep, and what did you know you could move past immediately?

Marc Webb: What always interested me was the orphan story – this kid gets left behind by his parents when he’s six or seven years old – because that to me is a more definitive moment for the character than even the spider bite. I think his problems with authority and his surly attitude, which I loved in the comics, emerged from that moment he was left behind – because authority betrayed him. So he’s going to be inherently distrustful of it, and that is reflected in his relationship with Uncle Ben and Aunt May at times, and also with Captain Stacy. And also with the humor and the sarcastic wit, which is something that is totally indigenous to the Spider-Man comics that we haven’t seen or explored much cinematically before. So even the familiar elements of the story, I wanted to hang on a different throughline that had to do with his parents’ disappearance.

THR: Was there ever a discussion about starting the film after he’d already become Spider-Man?

Webb: No, I think you have to do groundwork. I think even if we’ve seen the origin of Spider-Man, we haven’t seen the origin of Peter Parker, and I wanted to establish a context for him. I needed to build a foundation for a universe that would last not just through this movie, but subsequent films, so there was groundwork involved in that.

THR: Peter Parker has bad luck with mentors and father figures. How much did you write Dr. Connors and every other male role model to advance that theme?

Webb: That’s a motif in Spider-Man, and not only in Spider-Man and not just superhero movies, but that’s a big mythological theme, the search for the father and the father disappointing the son in a variety of ways. It’s a story about a kid who goes looking for his father and ends up finding himself – he becomes the father that he never had. And that’s what his realization is. I think the other theme, with Curt Connors, I don’t know if I wrote to it but it was naturally something I was aware of, and one of the big reasons I chose that villain, but again it’s about this kid whose parents are missing – he has a missing piece – and Curt Connors also has a missing piece. A literal missing piece – he’s a literal embodiment of the theme. And how we choose to fill that void is how we define ourselves. And that is something that resonated with me and something that I hoped to inject into the subtext of the film.

THR: Some of the footage you screened at Comic-Con last year did not make it into the final film. How tough was it to sculpt this material into its final form and communicate the content and tone you were aiming for?

You’ve just got to feel it, and it’s about pace, it’s about tone and playing it a few times in front of an audience and refining those points. I was pretty cautious of trying to keep the pace as quick as possible and I wanted to do something more grounded emotionally; I wanted the actors to behave in a way that was more natural and that felt realistic and not stylized. And it’s tricky to use the word “grounded” when you have a nine-foot lizard running around the streets of New York, but we had a real person there interacting with Andrew to create some gravity and reality. So there was a philosophy that went beyond just the acting and the emotions, and that was keeping a level of physical reality and emotional reality.

THR: What ended up being the biggest challenge for you in terms of combining the skills you used on (500) Days of Summer with something we haven’t seen you execute on the big screen?

Webb: There’s a learning curve with the action, I guess, but I tried to think of action as a sequence of scenes where the character was a little bit different at the beginning of the scene than at the end of the scene, and it’s a way to create some emotional epiphanies. Like for example, the bridge scene is really a moment when Peter’s motivation changes. At the beginning of the scene, he is motivated by vengeance and he’s trying to satisfy some darker part of his soul – he’s trying to find the killer of his uncle. And at the end of the scene, he realizes that he’s got bigger shoes to fill, and he’s got a more profound destiny. And again, before that, his crime-fighting was just incidental – he was just hunting for the killer – but after that, he becomes responsible for the city, and he realizes that he’s got powers that can be used to better effect. Those, I think, are the best kind of action scenes.

THR: How carefully did you have to shape Andrew and Emma’s performances to make sure that she played a character equal to his?

Webb: I wanted to honor the emotions of the scene and not just the dialogue. I love Judd Apatow movies, where you feel these people are so real, and I wanted to capture that tone. But the chemistry is interesting, because Andrew comes from a more intense, theatrically-trained background; he’s done some trickster roles like in The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, but he’s got this great emotional dimension and muscle, and Emma comes from improvisational comedy and lightness and has such great humor, but both have an ability to remain spontaneous and open and aware – and those different paths sort of converge in a really beautiful, magical way. And when we did the screen test, you knew it was going to work – it was really that simple.

THR: How much material didn’t make the final cut that you would like to see released, be it for the DVD or just for the purposes of supplementing the story told in the theatrical cut?

Webb: I’m putting out the movie that I wanted to put out. I’m not going to do a director’s cut. But there are scenes that I miss – there’s a scene that’s a more explicit statement of the themes between Connors and Peter that I liked; there’s a few lines, like one Alvin Sargent wrote that isn’t in the movie that’s one of my favorite lines I’ve ever read in my life that I wish I could have put in the movie. It was Connors talking to Peter, and he said, “Be creative. We have to be greater than what we suffer.” It was so beautiful, and it kills me that I couldn’t put it in the movie, but it was at the end of a long scene where we needed to keep the pace up. But it’s things like that and a few other scenes here and there that will be on the DVD, but you’ve got to think of the thing holistically – and that stuff happens all of the time. That’s just the nature of creating a big movie, I suppose.

THR: Was there a moment on set or at some point in the production where you just kind of kicked yourself and said, “Wow – I’m making a Spider-Man movie?”

Webb: We built these huge rigs, these traveling rigs underneath Riverside highway in Harlem up by Columbia University, and we slung a human being on these wires and he traversed through the traffic. It was something that hadn’t been done before; not only did he swing, he changed webs mid-swing in a single take, and he changed direction. And that was something that was an incredible feat of engineering, and Andy Armstrong, our stunt coordinator, spent a lot of time conjuring. It was a blast to do, and it was like I just didn’t want to yell “cut” – it was so amazing to watch. But also, we got to see the body language of what it would be like for a human to swing through the streets and how his body would move, and it helped us to define the animation and the CG enhancements later in the film. But that was a moment where I sort of pinched myself – it was unbelievable.

THR: How indicative are the two films you’ve made of the career path that you want to continue on?

Webb: I don’t know. I love doing big movies – it’s really fun. But I loved doing my small movie, so it doesn’t really matter to me. It’s about the story and about the characters and whatever inspires me in the moment is what I’ll do, I imagine. I love making movies – I’m addicted to it; that’s probably the better term. But we’ll see what happens. It’s hard to say.

Rhys Ifans Reveals Who ISN’T In The ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Mid-credit Scene

by Shawn Madden

Well, if you’ve seen ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and have been trying to figure out just who that is in the mid-credit scene I am here to tell you who it IS but also who it is NOT.

Who IS as far as the actor in that scene is Michael Massee (‘The Crow’, ‘Fringe’, ’24’)

Who it is NOT is who many had speculated it being. Including myself. AintItCool recently spoke to Rhys Ifans, who played Curt Connors, about the scene:

AIC: Okay, what do you think about that ending?

Ifans: Well, Connors is basically locked up in a very high-security mental institution.

AIC: We were debating whether it was a prison or a mental institute.

Ifans: It’s not a zoo. [laughs] I kept seeing it as maybe a mixture of both. Then a representative from OsCorp appears miraculously in the room. How he gets in there and how he leaves, we don’t know. Maybe we will find out. But it’s not Norman Osborn.

AIC: It’s not? You can say that?

Ifans: Yeah. But it is someone who is in the employ of Norman Osborn without question.

AIC: Someone we’re familiar with, who we don’t know is employed by Osborn?

Ifans: Yeah. Who knows? Maybe he will be the next bad guy; we’ll see.

Well let the speculation begin! Could it be one of Spideys big villains? Chameleon? Mysterio? Someone else that we totally can’t think of right now?! Guess we will have to wait and see.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Smashes ‘Transformers’ Setting New Record

by Shawn Madden

A small group of internet fanboys may be crying about ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (which I personally find to be the best Spider-Man movie to date). Then again these are probably the same people that hate Ultimate Spider-Man. But the nerd complaints are definitely not hurting the ticket sales at all.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ has debuted with $35M knocking down Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers’ (2007), which pulled in $27.8M to set the record for a Tuesday opening.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ received an ‘A-’ Cinemascore from audiences (an ‘A’ from under age 18 moviegoers) which should definitely spur good word of mouth.

How could this movie be doing so great though? I mean…it’s nowhere close to that “great” Sam Raimi trilogy! Geez…why couldn’t Marc Webb take inspiration from sweater vest wearing Peter Parker from the 60’s! Why couldn’t we get more goofy Sam Raimi stuff?! That would surely beat ‘The Avengers’ ticket sales! Yes…I am being sarcastic.

Source: Deadline

 

First Look At Matt Damon In ‘Elysium’

by Shawn Madden

Neill Blomkamp (‘District 9’) will be releasing the first look at his upcoming sci-fi flick ‘Elysium’ at San Diego Comic-Con but we have the first look at Damon in the movie for you right now. Yup…Damon is bald in this movie. And what is Chemrail? I don’t know. I will be attempting to attend the panel in Hall H and fill you guys in. Key word: attempt.

Set in 2159, Damon plays a man who takes on a daunting mission in a world where the very wealthy live on the pristine, man-made space station called Elysium, and fight to keep the citizens of Earth from illegally immigrating. Political subtext!

Co-starring Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, William Fichtner, Alice Braga, Diego Luna and Wagner Moura, “Elyisum” opens on March 1, 2013. Take a look at bigger pic below.

 

Source: The Playlist

[UPDATE] Geekscape Comics: Take Your First Look At The Marvel Universe After ‘AvX’

by Shawn Madden

UPDATE: Marvel has released the official image and information on the books.

Taken from Entertainment Weekly’s Comic-Con issue we have the following:

The artist behind this teaser (and Chief Creator Officer of Marvel) Joe Quesada had this to say about the new looks for these characters. “There are some costume changes. There are some new character attitudes. Some characters may be changing their identities altogether. There’s a reason Sue Storm is there. And why there’s a floating robot near Hulk. We’re trying a lot of fun and new different things, we’re exposing characters who we’ve had in our toy chest for a long time.”

UNCANNY AVENGERS

Following Avengers Vs. X-Men, Captain America will apparently decide that he hasn’t done enough for the mutants over the years and this results in a new book from writer Rick Remender and artist John Cassaday. With a team including Cap, Thor, Wolverine and Havok, this is an exciting twist which will apparently see that latter, “become one of the biggest players in the Marvel Universe.” Their first villain will be none other than the Red Skull! However, it won’t be the version most recently seen in comics as the writer explains. “In 1943, Arnim Zola, who was this bio-fanatic engineer, recorded the Red Skull’s consciousness, and set it to wake up 70 years later. So the Red Skull [in Uncanny] is right out of 1943-44. Prime Nazi scumbag. In his mind, he’s taking that vitriol and hate and Nazi horror and methodology, and pointing it at the mutant species.”

AVENGERS

“It’s not six Avengers, it’s 18 or more,” teases writer Jonathan Hickman. The book will be pencilled by Jerome Opena, and the first arc will be entitled “Avengers World”. Published twice a month, it will apparently tell five and six issue arcs as well as much smaller one-shot stories. There’s currently no word on which heroes will make up the roster, but one of them WILL be Shang-Chi.

ALL-NEW X-MEN

“The X-Men is a tough nut to crack. There’s thousands of characters, all of which have a website dedicated just to them. I wanted to make sure I had a take that was unique,” says series writer Brian Michael Bendis. As this is a time travel story, it will feature original X-Men, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel, and Marvel Girl. “Here’s the big question that the original X-Men are gonna be faced with: We’re gonna grow up, and this is what we’re going to get? That is not acceptable.” Since her death in 2004, fans have been desperate to see the return of Jean Grey and that is obviously exactly what they’ll get in this series. “It’s the one thing X-Men fans have always asked for is: They want Jean Grey back. But they want Jean Grey. Not reincarnated Jean, or the ghost of Jean. Well, you’re getting Jean back. And Jean is gonna be looking at a world that rattles her.” Stuart Immonen has been confirmed as artist.

So it won’t be a reboot but there WILL be drastic changes to the Marvel U. I’m not sure how I feel about it (especially Cyke’s new Eric The Red’ish outfit) but I am glad they aren’t killing Scott Summers. I promised to never read a comic again if they did. Some of the suits look cool though. Especially Thor, Spider-Man and Nova.

Source: EW

The Details On Marvel Studios Short Film ‘Item 47’

by Shawn Madden

After ‘The Avengers’ hit theaters it was revealed that Marvel had a shot a short film in secret. The short film that will be featured on the Blu-Ray as well as receiving a screening during Comic-Con next week is titled ‘Item 47’. Now thanks to Entertainment Weekly we have details on the cast and just what the 12 minute ‘Item 47’ is about and how it is expanding the Marvel universe.

The film is the latest in the company’s series of shorts dubbed “One-Shots,” a comic book term for stories that wrap up in one issue. Lizzy Caplan (Party Down, pictured) and Jesse Bradford (Flags of Our Fathers) star as a down-on-their-luck couple who find one of the discarded alien guns from the finale to The Avengers — and proceed to make some incredibly bad decisions.

Item 47 refers to the gun itself, which S.H.I.E.L.D. would like very much to retrieve from the hapless young troublemakers. “The world is topsy-turvy now. There’s been an alien invasion, and things are crazy,” explains Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito, who directed the film himself. “So when this gun ­literally fell into their lap, this is a sign: We’re going to rob a few banks, we’re going to buy a boat, we’re going to the Caribbean, and all our problems will be solved.”

Two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents (Maximiliano Hernández, returning from Thor and The Avengers, and Lost’s Man in Black Titus Welliver, making his Marvel debut) are given the job of cleaning up the mess and stopping this modern Bonnie and Clyde (not coincidentally named Benny and Claire.)

The goal was to show some non-superpowered people reacting to the aftermath of The Avengers. “Anything that expands the world and shows you the more human elements of it, that just makes the world more colorful and fun for the average viewer,” says Eric Pearson, who wrote the screenplay for Item 47, as well as the previous two One-Shots: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer and The Consultant.

 


The Amazing Spider-Man: What Peter Parker Means To Me

by Shawn Madden

Originally I had planned on writing a review for the movie but before we went to see it last night I told Scott “I want you to do the review. I want to do something else.” Seeing this movie was important to me. Originally Scott, Jonathan and I were to attend an early showing but due to circumstances we were unable to get in. I swallowed down by disappointment and hid it but on the inside I was let down so bad because of how much I was dying to see this movie. The reason being that Spider-Man/Peter Parker has been an important part of my life ever since I was a young child.

I think there’s many Spider-Man fans that can relate to what I am about to write and it’s why I am sharing it. When I was younger I wasn’t popular. I actually was picked on quite a bit throughout elementary school through junior high. Many people look at me when I tell them and they don’t believe me but it definitely happened. And during my youth I fell in love with something…comic books. In my youth though I stuck to two things…the X-Men and Peter Parker ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. I could never relate to some of the main Marvel characters or DC characters but when it came to Peter Parker I totally got it. As a kid Spider-Mans story hit me hard because like him I was kind of a loner and I never knew my dad myself. I had my mom in my life and my grandfather kind of played the father role to me. He was my own personal Uncle Ben. My love of comic books spawned from my introduction to Spider-Man. I had prior knowledge to Batman and Superman before but never developed an interest like I did when I fell into Peter Parker’s world. I would save lunch money just to run to the comic shop and pick up the new Spidey book that hit the shelves every month. Due to having a lack of friends I would sit in my room for hours reading comics over and over again and thinking out ideas for storys in my head.

There was even an incident in which some punk kid stole a copy of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man #365″ out of my backpack. At nine years old that was devastating because he denied it and the teachers did nothing. Let’s just say I got detention for my fist making contact with a certain classmates face due to a certain issue being stolen.

Over the years my love continued on but like most comic collectors during our teenage years alot of us having a time where we “lose love” for comics. This happened for me around eighth grade and lasted well past high school. I still went out and caught comic book movies and even caught ‘Spider-Man’ in 2002 which I liked at the time.

Around 2005 I was going through a hard time myself and it wasn’t a good time in my life in general. The best way to describe my feeling about life was that I felt “lost” like I did as a kid again. I didn’t feel I fit in anywhere and I wasn’t really sure what to do. One day my friends mother called me because he had moved and no one had been able to get in contact with him and was wondering if I wanted to pick up a box of comics he had left behind because otherwise she was going to toss them. I agreed and picked up the box and upon getting home opened it up. On the very top of the stack was ‘Peter Parker Spider-Man’ issues 44-47. I decided to open up the issues and ended up reading the entire story arc “A Death In The Family” aka “Return Of The Goblin” straight through. I was instantly returned to the world I had once loved and didn’t realize I missed so dearly.

Reading these issues brought me back to collecting comics and really changed my life in general to be honest. And that is why 2007’s ‘Spider-Man 3’ hurt me so much. I remember being so excited to see that movie and leaving theaters not even trying to defend it. I think I was dead silent for about five minutes after until I said “What the fuck was that?!” and just swore off the Spider-movies after. I’ll be straight forward with you…I didn’t like the Raimi movies. As I told Scott recently they are goofy, Tobey Maguire and Kristen Dunst were horrible leads and as much as I liked Sam Raimi’s movies…they weren’t Spider-Man movies. I had a sour taste in my mouth due to my favorite comic character just being such a let down on the big screen. I know some people are going to disagree with me but I think those are the same people who haven’t actually watched the original Spider-Man movies in about five to six years and realize that they don’t hold up and are just…silly.

When they announced the re-boot and that Marc Webb would be directing I was instantly excited. As more and more details emerged my excitement levels grew for it. Every trailer and every clip I watched made me feel like a kid again. I loved everything I learned about the movie and once I sat down last night I held in my excitement.

So what did I think of the movie? It was perfect. I have no shame in admitting that I teared up during parts of this movie. The cast are amazing…pun intended. Andrew Garfield was the best choice for Peter Parker that they could have possibly made and when I read Spidey books now I imagine I am going to be hearing his voice in my head. You truly relate to the character versus with Maguire where you felt like he was just a guy filling a role. The visuals in this movie are beautiful and you get lost in Peter Parker’s world and fall in love with everyone in it especially Gwen Stacy. Emma Stone if you wanted to go out…I would take you to a nice dinner and call you again. The introduction of  _____ _____ (I won’t tell you who it is) during the mid-credits is great to me. Can I wait for a second film? No. But I guess that just means I have to watch this one again and again. Thank you to Stan Lee for creating this character that helped me so much and to Marc Webb for making the best Spider-Man film to date and making a long time Spider-Man fan finally see what he loved truly come to life for the first time.

If you’re a Spider-Man fan…go see ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. You will definitely leave with a smile on your face.

First Look At ‘Iron Man 3’ Concept Art Poster For San Diego Comic-Con

by Shawn Madden

Well it look’s like next week if you are attending San Diego Comic-Con you will be able to snag one of these posters for ‘Iron Man 3’ featuring some of the concept art. Tony Stark? Check. Extremis armor? Check. Awesome? Check.

Source: EW

‘Eastbound & Down’ Will Return For A Fourth Season

by Shawn Madden

Were you one of the people who screamed “No!” when you found out that Kenny Powers would not be returning to the airwaves? Do you need more Kenny Powers? I know I do. Well good news for you if you’re with me here. It’s been announced that HBO wants more ‘Eastbound & Down’ and has ordered eight more episodes.

McBride told Entertainment Weekly “HBO definitely wants us, and [co-creator] Jody Hill and I love writing for the show. But there is other stuff we’d like to do. Both of us are ready to make jokes concerning people who don’t have strange haircuts.”

Adam McKay (one of the shows producers) confirmed the news on his Facebook page, “Very good news. Just closed the deals for McBride and Hill.”

If there’s one thing Kenny Powers hates in this life, it’s losing. If there’s two things he hates, it’s losing and getting cancer.

Source: EW

First Plot Synopsis For M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘After Earth’

by Shawn Madden

M. Night Shyamalan has recently wrapped on his post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie ‘After Earth’ starring Will Smith and son Jaden Smith. The film was written by Gary Whitta (‘Book Of Eli’) and we now have our first plot summary.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind’s new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai’s craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.

Did this spark your interest? Going to Comic-Con? Well there will be a panel for ‘After Earth’ you can attend on Saturday, July 14th. . “The SDCC panel will include the film’s screenwriter Gary Whitta and cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, as well as the team behind the tie-in comic book After Earth: Innocence, artist Beni Lobel and writers Robert Greenberger and Michael Friedman. Peter David, author of the After Earth prequel novel, will also be there.”

The surprise twist is that even after all the movies he has made that we hated…we are all probably going to watch this. Let’s hope for the best this time around. I’ll be attending the panel at SDCC and will definitely let you guys know how it looks.

‘After Earth’ hits theaters June 7, 2013.

Source: Filmofilia

Could We See ‘The Sinister Six’ In An Upcoming Spider-Man Movie?

by Shawn Madden

Ten years ago if you told someone about the concept of a movie like ‘The Avengers’ they’d have told you it wouldn’t work. Well it did work and quite possibly inspired the producers of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ that they could do something similar with ‘The Sinister Six’ aka a team of Spider-Mans greatest villains. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach recently spoke with SuperHeroHype on the subject and here’s what they had to say about it.

SHH: Do you feel like you need to stay away from some of the villains that have appeared in the Sam Raimi movies? Or can you redefine them within the context of this new Spider-Man?

Arad: Well, not really. There are so many ways to paint these villains, all of them. As you know, one of the great sagas in the Spider-Man universe is of course the Sinister Six. I think “Avengers” did okay the last time I looked.

Tolmach: It’s going to be okay.

Arad: Yeah, it will survive.

SHH: So are you suggesting you’re going to do five Spider-Man movies introducing each villain and then the sixth movie will have the Sinister Six?


Tolmach: It seems like a good model.

Arad: It all depends on the stories that one wants to tell, because Spider-Man is really more a depth kind of a story, we have to be careful how many villains we can service, because a relationship with a villain has to be such that it’s a story on his own. We attempted to do multiple villains–you’ve been there–you just need screen time to do it.

SHH: Does Sony have the rights to Kingpin? That was a great Spider-Man villain until Frank Miller took him for his run on Daredevil and he became known more as a Daredevil villain, appearing in that movie.

Arad: Believe it or not, Kingpin was on loan to Daredevil, so again, anything that is part of the Spider-Man Universe or introduced in the Spider-Man Universe–without getting too legal beagle here–is an opportunity, and if we have a story that Kingpin is important, I’m sure we can handle that.

Source: SuperHeroHype

‘Ghostbusters 3’ Gets A New Writing Staff

by Shawn Madden

Recently Bill Murray appeared on Letterman stating that he would be open to making a third ‘Ghostbusters’ but he didn’t feel that the scripts so far were right. Murray stated “You know, you just gotta have a really good script. It’s hard. Even the second ‘Ghostbusters’ wasn’t as much fun for me as the first one. It’s hard to make a sequel. It’s gotta be really funny, and that first one was just so darn funny.” And it looks like Dan Akroyd was listening and is working hard to make it happen.

The last writers to work on the script were Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. This team brought us the great ‘Year One’ and ‘Bad Teacher’. Okay no more sarcasm from this point on.

During a recent interview at an WNY event Akroyd stated “We’ve got a new writing staff working on it now. It’s got to be prefect. That’s the whole thing. There’s no point in doing it unless it’s perfect. So that’s what we’re up to now.”

This project has been in talks for quite some time now. Do you think we will ever see it go into production? Or will one of the cast be ghosts by the time it comes around?

Source: WIVB

Geekscape Comics: The Joker Is Returning To Gotham

by Shawn Madden

Ever since the shocking ending to ‘Detective Comics #1’, many fans have been wondering just what happened to The Joker. And it looks like we’ll finally be finding out this October. Writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo are about to follow up the awesome ‘Court Of Owls’ story-arc with something great here in the aptly titled ‘Death in the Family’.

I’ve been loving Snyder’s run on ‘Batman’ and can’t deny that this teaser has got me more than excited to see what he has in store. As the team explained to The Examiner:

“Joker is my favorite villain of all time,” Snyder told THE SOURCE. “Not just in comics. In everything – film, books, TV. He’s the greatest, hands down. So this story is something extremely important and personal to me – something I’ve been building in my head ever since I started working in Gotham. Basically, this is my big exploration of the Joker, my ARKHAM ASYLUM or THE KILLING JOKE, only bigger in scope. Bottom line: it’s the biggest, baddest, most shocking Joker story I could tell. This is Joker completely unleashed. He has been away for a full year planning this revenge, watching, plotting, setting things up. And now he’s back. He has his traps set, his knives sharpened… And wait ’til you see him. Greg’s sketches literally gave me chills. Point blank: This is Joker like you’ve never seen him before. He has a mission. He has a secret. And he has a serious axe to grind with Batman. It isn’t going to be pretty, but it’s going to be a wild ride. Thanks for taking it with us.”

IGN.com has the first look at the teaser (which is pretty damn awesome):

Geekscape Comics: So, Guess Who’s Coming Back To The Marvel Universe?

by Shawn Madden

Well, it looks like we may just be seeing the return of Jean Grey as one of the many changes that will occur during and after ‘AvX’. However, the return of Jean Grey might be more than meets the eye. Entertainment Weekly posted this image of her donning her classic Marvel Girl costume with a very mysterious line at the end of the article.

To answer your questions: Yes, this is Jean Grey — as in, the Jean Grey who’s been absent from Marvel Comics ever since dying for a second time back in the mid-’00s. And yes, she is modeling her vintage blue-and-yellow X-Men outfit from her Marvel Girl days. Does this mean that the fan-favorite character is finally returning? We can only confirm that her presence in the Marvel Universe will not be imaginary. This will not be part of the Ultimate line-up. She will not be a zombie hologram, like Shard on X-Factor What could this all mean? Check back tomorrow, when all the secrets will be revealed. (Or some of them, anyhow.)

I guess Marvel isn’t waiting for Comic-Con to pull out some of their big guns.

 

‘Cabin In The Woods’ Blu-Ray Details Released

by Shawn Madden

If you haven’t seen ‘Cabin In The Woods’…what the fuck have you been doing with your life? On September 18th (my birthday…just sayin’ Geekscapists) you’ll have the chance to own one my favorite movies that came out this year. Check out our review from SXSW here, and you can watch Jonathan talk with cast & crew here.

If you think you know the story, think again. Experience the film that critics and audiences are raving about when The Cabin In The Woods arrives on Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital Copy), DVD (plus Digital Copy) and On Demand and Pay-Per-View September 18 from Lionsgate. The Cabin In The Woods will also be available on EST September 4, two weeks prior to the Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand release. Co-written by fan favorites, Joss Whedon (The Avengers, TV’s “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) and Drew Goddard (Cloverfield) and directed by Goddard, The Cabin In The Woods is a film that “horror fans will be gushing about for years” (FearNet).

The Cabin In The Woods begins as a conventional horror movie then transforms into a genre-bending, mind-blowing experience that cleverly mixes screams with pop-culture wit as the scared teens are revealed to be watched by a group of technicians that control their every move behind the scenes.

Starring Kristen Connolly (The Happening), Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers), Anna Hutchison (TV’s Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior), Fran Kranz (The Village), Jesse Williams (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) and Bradley Whitford (TV’s “The West Wing”), The Cabin In The Woods is not like any horror movie you have seen before. Both formats come complete with a must-have behind-the-scenes “making of” featurette along with numerous additional featurettes that focus on the make-up, effects, animatronics and more, audio commentary with Writer/Director Drew Goddard and Writer/Producer Joss Whedon and the Wonder-Con Q&A, while the Blu-ray Disc includes the exclusive”It’s Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods” Bonus View Mode. The Wonder-Con Q&A will also be available on Digital Download. The Cabin In The Woods Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital Copy) and DVD (plus Digital Copy) will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

Audio commentary with writer-director Drew Goddard, writer-producer Joss Whedon
We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin in the Woods documentary
The Secret Secret Stash featurette
Marty’s Stash
Hi, My name is Joss and I’ll be your guide
Wonder-Con Q&A with Joss and Drew
An Army of Nightmares: Make-Up & Animatronic Effects featurette
Primal Terror: Visual Effects featurette
It’s Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods Bonus View Mode (Blu-ray Exclusive)

Source: Lionsgate

San Diego Comic-Con Teaser Poster For ‘Fringe’ Season 5

by Shawn Madden

The world is about to be invaded and conquered by time traveling Observers from the future. Our heroes must find some way here in the present to stop the take-over from happening… or they must find some way to overthrow their oppressors in the future.

There will be a ‘Fringe’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Sunday July 15th. “The Comic-Con panel is something I always look forward to, but this year it’s bittersweet,” says exec producer J.H. Wyman. “I think we have lots of good stuff in store for them.” Attendees will receive the teaser poster shown above.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

 

Geekscape Comics: First Look At ‘Infernal Man-Thing #1’

by Shawn Madden

• Steve Gerber’s final Man-Thing story!
• What is the mystery behind the “Screenplay of the Living Dead Man”?
• The story no one thought existed!!!
• No ads! Bonus Content!

 

Written by Steve Gerber
Pencils by Kevin Nowlan
Cover by Art Adams
Variant Covers by Kevin Nowlan, Gil Kane

Source: Marvel

Can’t Get Into Preview Night? Go See ‘Easy Money’!

by Shawn Madden

So, can’t make it to preview night for Comic-Con? Or just looking for something to do on July 11th in general? Check out ‘Easy Money’. Scott Alminiana and I had the opportunity to catch an advance screening of this film on Tuesday and I have to say…it was great. I’m not going to give a review on this movie because I honestly think it’s one of those movies you need to check out for yourself and form your own opinion on. There’s already a sequel released in Sweden and I can’t wait until it makes its way out here.

Directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House), ‘Easy Money’ is a Swedish crime thriller based on the international best-selling novel Snabba Cash by Jens Lapidus. Lower-class business student JW (Joel Kinnaman from AMC’s ‘The Killing’) falls in love with a sexy heiress while living a double life mingling with Stockholm’s wealthy elite. To keep up the facade of his lifestyle, he’s lured into a world of crime. Jorge is a petty fugitive on the run from both the police and Serbian mafia. He hopes that brokering a massive cocaine deal will allow him to escape for good. Mafia enforcer Mrado is on the hunt for Jorge, but his efforts are complicated when he’s unexpectedly saddled with caring for his young daughter. As JW’s journey ventures deeper into the dark world of organized crime, the fate of all three men becomes entangled and ends with a dramatic struggle for life and death.

‘Easy Money’ hits theaters July 11th.

New ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Soundtrack Available At Comic-Con

by Shawn Madden

La-La Land Records has announced that a second soundtrack release for ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ is set for release July 2012 following the sell-out success of ‘Batman: The Animated Series – Original Soundtrack From The Warner Bros. Television Series, Volume One’. The soundtrack will be exclusively available July 12-15th, 2012, and on Preview Night July 11th, 2012, at Comic Con from La-La Land Records at Booth 429 before going wide on July 19th, 2012 through the label’s official website.

BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES: VOL 2 (4-CD SET)
Literally years in the making, La-La Land proves the wait was worth it with this amazing 4-CD set of previously unreleased music from arguably the greatest animated television series of all time! The set’s 36 page booklet is packed with in-depth liner notes that take you through a treasure trove of astounding orchestral scores; music that rivals any blockbuster feature film. Composers Shirley Walker, Harvey R. Cohen, Carlos Rodriguez, Lolita Ritmanis, Michael McCuistion, Carl Swander Johnson and others are musically represented here, as well as Danny Elfman’s iconic theme. Limited Edition of 3500 Units. Comic Con price $60

Complete details can be found on Worlds Finest.

Source: Worlds Finest

Comic Con 2012: Saturday Panel Highlights

by Shawn Madden

So we’ve given highlights for the rest of the days. Now on to the main attraction. Make sure and pack your bags and get in line for Hall H early because it looks like it’s going to be a good year in there.

10:00-11:00 After Earth

Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky (The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) — the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman – Room 6A

10:00-11:00 DC: The New Wave With DC Comics

The New 52, Before Watchmen, and The New 52, Wave 2, DC Entertainment is running on all cylinders! But you haven’t seen anything yet-find out about the next exciting event from DC Comics with DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio (Phantom Stranger) and creators Brent Anderson (Phantom Stranger), Tony Bedard (Sword of Sorcery), Scott Snyder (Talon), and James Tynion IV (Talon) – Room 6DE

10:30-11:30 Marvel Television Presents

Marvel’s head of TV, Jeph Loeb, brings the scoop on season 2 of the hit animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, along with a never-before-seen episode…and a glimpse of the other heroes joining Marvel Universe on Disney XD! Plus, get the update on other hot Marvel Animation Studios projects, including Marvel Knights Animation, Marvel anime-and more surprises from Marvel Television – Room 6BCF

11:30-12:30 Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained

The Weinstein Company presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated new film from acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino. Fans will get to see exclusive footage from Django Unchained and take part in a special discussion with Tarantino and the cast. You won’t want to miss this – Hall H

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Before Watchmen

It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! You don’t want to miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio, VP/art direction and design Mark Chiarello, senior editor Will Dennis, and creators Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr Manhattan), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair), and others talk about this game-changing event! Hurm – Room 6DE

12:45-1:30 The Simpsons

Now entering its 24th season, The Simpsons is a living animation legend. Join moderator David Mirkin, creator Matt Groening, executive producer Al Jean, supervising producer Mike Anderson, and the voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith, for a lengthy look at the upcoming Treehouse of Horror, a sneak (2D) peek at Simpsons theatrical short The Longest Daycare, and much, much more (okay, 45 minutes’ worth). Ballroom 20

1:45-2:45 Marvel Video Games

Learn all about Gazillion’s Marvel Heroes MMO, Ubisoft’s Avengers: Battle for Earth and more future Marvel games-including an announcement from Activision and High Moon Studios that is sure to be a hit! Q&A will follow – Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Onto Season 5

The aftermath of season 4 has left the Star Wars galaxy a very dangerous place: Darth Maul is alive, Asajj Ventress is a bounty hunter, and the Mandalorian Death Watch is deadlier than ever. How will these threads continue in season 5 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Find out in this behind-the-scenes panel, which will feature new clips, new insights, and more. Join the discussion with supervising director Dave Filoni and head writer Matt Michnovetz (who wrote season 4’s powerful Umbara arc). Moderated by Star Wars author Pablo Hidalgo – Room 6DE

2:00-3:00 Alphas

Alphas are among us…especially at Comic-Con. A panel featuring the stars of Syfy’s Alphas discuss the show’s exciting new season. Moderated by Geoff Boucher (Los Angeles Times) – Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups

Legendary Pictures: Pacific Rim-From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ epic sci-fi action adventure Pacific Rim. When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes — a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) — who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse. Pacific Rim also stars Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, and Charlie Day.

Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film’s ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum – Hall H

2:45-3:45 Marvel: Avengers vs. X-Men

The battle between the Avengers and the X-Men rages on in this cosmos-shattering event! All your favorite superheroes enter-and only one team will emerge victorious. You’ve got questions, and these people have the answers! Editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, chief creative officer Joe Quesada, X-Men editor Nick Lowe, SVP of creator and content development C.B. Cebulski, and others are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle surrounding the X-Men’s Phoenix Five and the Avengers – Room 6BCF

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios

Producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe – Hall H

7:15-9:15 Comi-Kev: Q&A with Kevin Smith

For like the millionth year in a row, Saturday at Comic-Con’s not over ’til the fat lady sings…and that fat lady is @ThatKevinSmith! Taking the the Hall H stage like he takes the desserts off your lunch tray, the guy in the hockey jersey will A all of your Qs! Query about Comic Book Men, Spoilers, SModcast.com, his book Tough Sh*t, Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, his Fat Man on Batman podcast, or just ask him about stuff he’s got nothing to do with! But get ready to listen because this fatty is chatty! Warning: Kevin Smith throws around adult language like it’s clever. It’s not, but he loves it. A lot – Hall H

Source: Comic Con

Comic Con 2012: Friday Panel Highlights

by Shawn Madden

Comic-Con has announced their schedule for Friday’s panels at Comic-Con 2012 and I have compiled a list of highlights to make your schedule planning a bit easier.

10:45-11:45 ParaNorman: Behind the Scenes

Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Travis Knight, Chris Butler, and Sam Fell discuss making their new stop-motion-animated comedy thriller, ParaNorman, made in 3D. Never-before-seen footage will be shown from the Laika movie that Focus Features is opening nationwide on August 17 – Hall H

11:15-12:15 DC Comics: Superman

Since the launch of the New 52, Superman has been flying higher than ever. Group editor Matt Idelson and super talents Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Scott Lodbell (Superman), and Bryan Q. Miller (Smallville Season 11) take fans new and old up, up and away with a sneak peek at what’s in store for Superman – Room 6DE

11:15-12:15 Join the Revolution! Nickelodeon’s Legend of Korra

The cast and crew of Legend of Korra offer an in-depth discussion of Nickelodeon’s hottest new series. Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are joined by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as they discuss the creative process that brought the first book in the Korra series to life. You’ll also get to hear from your favorite characters as talented voice actors Janet Varney (Korra), David Faustino (Mako), P. J. Byrne (Bolin) and Seychelle Gabriel (Asami) will be featured on the panel and renowned voice director Andrea Romano (Avatar: The Last Airbender) will direct the actors in a live performance from the series. And if you’re extra nice, Mike and Bryan may even drop a hint or two about Book 2. So don’t miss out! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon – Ballroom 20

12:05-1:05 The Big Bang Theory Screening and Q&A

Boldly go Big Bang Theory! For the first time ever in Hall H, the mega-popular TV series returns to Comic-Con for a special screening and a lively discussion. Will Howard (“Froot Loops”) Wolowitz return from space? Where do things stand with Penny and Leonard? And will unscheduled handholding affect “The Relationship Agreement”? From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS. The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fifth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 11 – Hall H

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Ultimate Comics

The Ultimate Universe will be shaken to its core in the mega-event Divided We Fall. But what happens after the fall? Find out with writer Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), Ultimate Comics editor Sana Amanat, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others as they detail the shocking revelations surrounding Divided We Fall – Room 6DE

12:30-1:30 Judge Dredd 35th Anniversary

It’s an exciting year for Judge Dredd-not only does he turn 35 but he has a big-budget movie coming, a brand-new IDW series launching, and more. IDW’s Chris Ryall, Dredd movie concept artist Jock, 2000 AD’s Matt Smith and Ben Smith, and some very special guests join moderator Douglas Wolk to announce the creative team of IDW’s series, talk about the return of the Dark Judges, and much more – Room 8

12:30-1:30 Firefly 10-Year Anniversary Reunion

Calling all Browncoats to unite! It has been 10 years since the crew of the Serenity took flight in the now infamous show Firefly. Science Channel will reunite, for the first time ever, Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship. Join Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, and many more for a trip down memory lane, some special surprises, and exclusive Science Channel giveaways. SHINY – Ballroom 20

1:25-2:25 AMC’s The Walking Dead

Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, and introducing Danai Gurira as Michonne and David Morrissey as The Governor join executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, and special effects makeup supervisor and co-executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the wildly successful second season of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 3, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 3 – Hall H

1:45-2:45 DC Comics: Justice League and Green Lantern

Comics’ top talent-writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee-continue their historic team-up on DC Comics’ bestselling Justice League, while Geoff continues his epic run on Green Lantern. Johns, Lee, Tony Bedard (Green Lantern: New Guardians), Brian Buccellato (Flash), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Justice League Dark), Francis Manapul (Flash), James Robinson (Earth 2), and Nicola Scott (Earth 2 explore some of DC Comics’ spectacular titles – Room 6DE

1:45-2:45 Bones

Creator and executive producer Hart Hanson, executive producer Stephen Nathan and stars David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel are on hand to discuss the shocking finale of season 7 as well as what’s in store for Booth and Brennan in an exciting season 8. The panel will be followed by a fan Q&A – Ballroom 20

2:15-3:15 Tron: Uprising

Disney XD is bringing the Grid to Comic-Con! Join the noteworthy voice cast Elijah Wood (Beck), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Paige) and Tricia Helfer (The Grid), along with executive producer/director Charlie Bean and consulting producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Once Upon a Time, LOST), to see exclusive footage and find out everything you want to know about this ground-breaking animated series. The panel will also feature never-before-seen clips of Disney XD’s turbo-charged original series Motorcity and a sneak peek of the upcoming animated series Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja. The panel will be moderated by Daily Variety film editor Josh Dickey – Room 6A

2:45-3:45 Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A session

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO’s Game of Thrones series concluded its 10-episode second season on June 3. Created and executive produced by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, the series follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power in a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime. Season 2 of the hit series told an epic story of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor, conquest and triumph, set in an enthralling world of intrigue, seduction, and magic. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, production of season 2 also took place in Croatia and Iceland. Some of the cast featured in the second season and appearing on this panel are (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister, and Richard Madden as Robb Stark. George R. R. Martin, who also serves as a co-executive producer and writer on the series, moderates with executive producer Carolyn Strauss – Hall H

3:00-4:00 Arrow Screening and Q&A

Oliver Queen lives! The iconic DC Comics character will be the subject of a hard-hitting new drama series on The CW this fall. Arrow makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the full Arrow pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice) and Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), executive producers Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), and pilot director/executive producer David Nutter (Smallville). After being marooned for five years on a remote island, former billionaire playboy Oliver Queen returns to his home of Starling City with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall – Ballroom 20

3:15-4:15 Marvel: Cup O’ Joe

This is it, Mighty Marvel fans-the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full-of-surprises panel you wait all year for! Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing, along with guests including Marvel’s head of television Jeph Loeb, SVP of creator and content development C. B. Cebulski, and editor-in-chief Axel Alonso. You never know who will show up, but you’d better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about – Room 6BCF

4:05-4:35 Screen Gems: Resident Evil: Retribution

In Resident Evil: Retribution, we learn more about Alice’s mysterious past as she continues to hunt those at The Umbrella Corporation responsible for the T-virus outbreak, a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, including the return of Michelle Rodriguez as Rain Ocampo, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. Appearing in person: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, Boris Kodjoe, Mika Nakashima and writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson. Please join them for a preview and discussion of this highly successful film franchise, based on the popular video game series, and watch never before seen footage from the latest installment, Resident Evil: Retribution, in state-of-the art 3D – Hall H

4:30-5:30 50th Anniversary of Marvel Superheroes

Fifty years ago Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Dick Ayers, Don Heck, and Larry Lieber created the Marvel Age of Comics when they introduced the Incredible Hulk, the Amazing Spider-Man, the Mighty Thor, the Astonishing Ant-Man, and the Invincible Iron Man, all in the course of one short year, 1962. Those characters have shown incredible endurance and staying power, still thrilling audiences today, on both the page and screen. Mark Evanier talks to Comic-Con special guests Stan Goldberg (a Marvel cartoonist and colorist in that storied year) and Incredible Hulk artist Herb Trimpe about the heroes that still thrill us five decades later – Room 5AB

4:30-5:30 Falling Skies: The Battle Is Just Getting Started

Continuing the fight against alien invaders, TNT’s Falling Skies follows a band of human survivors on their quest to outrun and outwit the powerful alien force that invaded Earth. Join stars Noah Wyle (ER), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation), Will Patton (Armageddon), Drew Roy (Secretariat), Colin Cunningham (Living in Your Car), Sarah Carter (The Vow), and Connor Jessup (The Saddle Club), and show runner Remi Aubuchon (Caprica), with Q&A hosted by Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory). Watch never-before-seen clips and be treated to an in-depth discussion on Falling Skies season 2 – Room 6BCF

4:35-6:35 Sony: Total Recall, Looper, and Elysium

Total Recall-Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell), the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his ordinary existence. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate. Based on Philip K. Dick’s classic story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale,” this brand new take on some of his most visionary ideas is directed by Len Wiseman, who will join stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, and Bryan Cranston on stage.

Looper-In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented-but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper”-a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)-is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good…until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. Writer/director Rian Johnson will join Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt to discuss the film.

Elysium-Ever since writer-director Neill Blomkamp broke through with his first feature film, District 9, people have been wondering what he has in store for an encore. Be a part of the first audience anywhere to get a first look at his new movie, Elysium, as stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster join Neill and producer Simon Kinberg on stage – Hall H

5:00-6:00 The Last of Us: Behind the Scenes with Naughty Dog

Creative director Neil Druckmann, game director Bruce Straley, and actors Troy Baker (Fullmetal Alchemist, Batman: Arkham City) and Ashley Johnson (Marvel’s The Avengers, The Killing, Ben-10: Alien Force) discuss the upcoming post-pandemic, survival-action PlayStation 3 videogame from Naughty Dog, developers of the critically acclaimed Uncharted series. The panelists will provide an exclusive reveal of a new in-game cinematic featuring a special guest. Moderated by veteran games industry journalist Adam Sessler – Room 25ABC

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Scott Snyder

Scott Snyder is arguably the hottest writer in comics today. His work on DC Comics-The New 52 Batman has propelled it to the top of the sales list. His reworking of the classic horror character Swamp Thing has put a whole new spin on the series while staying true to its roots (no pun intended). And his ground breaking Vertigo series with artist Raphael Albuquerque, American Vampire, is an award-winning fan favorite. Snyder makes his first appearance as a special guest at Comic-Con this year, and here’s your chance to find out what’s next for him and his books – Room 5AB

5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon

Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here’s your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse’s line of Season 9 comics – Ballroom 20

5:45-6:45 Spartacus: War of the Damned

Liam McIntyre (McLeod’s Daughters) returns to Comic-Con, along with Manu Bennett (30 Days of Night), executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and a few surprise appearances to show footage from the final season of Spartacus: War of the Damned, airing on STARZ in January 2013. They will also discuss some of the bonus features on the Spartacus: Vengeance DVD, available September 11 – Room 6BCF

6:00-7:00 Resident Evil 6: The Fear and Horror!

The latest installation of the blockbuster Resident Evil video game franchise arrives this October! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the most ambitious CAPCOM title to date from Hiroyuki Kobayashi (executive producer), Yoshiaki Hirabayashi (producer), andMiguel Corti (localization director). Arrive early and receive access to exclusive information, live gameplay demos, a trailer premiere, and some surprises. Q&A session to follow – Room 25ABC

6:45-7:45 AMC’s Breaking Bad

Executive producer and showrunner Vince Gilligan appears with the cast of Breaking Bad, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, R. J. Mitte, and Jonathan Banks. In a panel moderated by TV Guide’s Mike Schneider, Vince and the cast talk about what it’s like to shoot one of the boldest and most intense dramas on television, and how they are preparing for the final 16 episodes of the series. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of Breaking Bad season 5, premiering Sunday, July 15 at 10ET/PT – Ballroom 20

7:00-8:00 Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Celebration

In 1982, Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott’s classic adaptation of SF master Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was released to theaters and forever changed the face of cinematic science fiction. Filmmaker, BR expert, and acclaimed author Paul M. Sammon (Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner) hosts a 30th anniversary celebration of this influential masterpiece. Sammon (who was present throughout BR’s filming and met Philip K. Dick) will interview numerous BR cast and crewmembers, including BR art director David Snyder and BR: The Final Cut producer Charles de Lauzirika. Be there to meet these and other very special BR guests – Room 6BCF

7:30-8:30 Resident Evil: Damnation Worldwide Trailer Premiere, 7-Minute Sneak Peek, and Filmmaker Q&A

The next action-packed installment in the Resident Evil franchise continues. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the worldwide 2D trailer premiere (in English) of Resident Evil: Damnation, the all-new, 3D sequel to the full-length CG animated feature Resident Evil: Degeneration, based on the Resident Evil (known in Japan as Biohazard) series of games. Fans will also get an exclusive look at the first 7 minutes of the Japanese theatrical version of the film, followed by a Q&A with Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Japanese producer of the Resident Evil franchise) and Makoto Kamiya (Resident Evil: Damnation director) – Room 5AB

8:00-10:30 Syfy Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards

The 24th annual Eisner Awards (the “Oscars” of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 28 categories. Presenters will include British talk show host/comics writer Jonathan Ross, actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Family Guy, Pee Wee’s Playhouse), and special guests Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Lynn Johnston (cartoonist, For Better or For Worse), Eric Powell (The Goon), Sergio Aragonés (cartoonist, MAD), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Michael Uslan (movie producer, Batman films), plus some special surprises! Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comics Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award – Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Source: Comic Con