DC and Marvel have given the world some of the greatest characters in pop culture: Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, and D-Man. So if the two companies were to put their heads together and come up with a character that they could share, that character would be the greatest comic creation of all time, right?
Well, if that’s what you think, then let me introduce you to Axel Asher, aka Access. And let me tell you right from the beginning, that he is not the greatest comic creation of all time.
A History of Crossovers
Before going too far into the history of the greatest comic find of his generation, we have to put the distinction between the big two into their proper context. Long before Snyder bros blasted the MCU for making unserious movies about people in colorful tights, long before Marvel Zombies knocked DC for dealing in boring gods,...
Well, if that’s what you think, then let me introduce you to Axel Asher, aka Access. And let me tell you right from the beginning, that he is not the greatest comic creation of all time.
A History of Crossovers
Before going too far into the history of the greatest comic find of his generation, we have to put the distinction between the big two into their proper context. Long before Snyder bros blasted the MCU for making unserious movies about people in colorful tights, long before Marvel Zombies knocked DC for dealing in boring gods,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Welcome to the latest instalment of a brand-new feature here on Nerdly, where one of our comic gurus, Ian Wells, delves into comics history and dissects Comics Interview, the long-running journal of interviews and criticism from David Anthony Kraft.
A Yak With Dak
David presents us with more of the same in his Upfront editorial. Every issue reads the same, a rundown of what is in store. All information we can get from the cover. From the information we get on the cover, you would be forgiven for thinking this interview isn’t going to offer much. The two biggest interviews revolve around Dak’s friends in the industry. But as you unpack the contents page there is actually a lot to sink your teeth into. I would prefer if Dak used this space to give more real inside information on the industry. With the many hats he has worn in the industry,...
A Yak With Dak
David presents us with more of the same in his Upfront editorial. Every issue reads the same, a rundown of what is in store. All information we can get from the cover. From the information we get on the cover, you would be forgiven for thinking this interview isn’t going to offer much. The two biggest interviews revolve around Dak’s friends in the industry. But as you unpack the contents page there is actually a lot to sink your teeth into. I would prefer if Dak used this space to give more real inside information on the industry. With the many hats he has worn in the industry,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Ian Wells
- Nerdly
Power Trip
By Jason Young
160 pages/25/Oldtimes Blue Ribbon Digest
Growing up in the 1970s, comic book readers didn’t have a lot in the way of extensions of their favorite characters. There was the occasional novel and ABC’s Super Friends, but really, little else. As a result, getting new stories or new versions of stories on an album featuring your favorite heroes seemed like manna from Heaven.
Power Records or Peter Pan Records filled that gap, beginning in the early 1970s and petering out in the early 1980s. They may be best remembered for the wonderful art produced for the album covers by Continuity Studios, the outfit run by Neal Adams and (briefly) Dick Giordano. They featured familiar vocal talent and the stories weren’t half bad. They were successful enough that their thirty or so releases were repackaged time and again, eventually eschewing vinyl for cassette tapes to retain the audience.
By Jason Young
160 pages/25/Oldtimes Blue Ribbon Digest
Growing up in the 1970s, comic book readers didn’t have a lot in the way of extensions of their favorite characters. There was the occasional novel and ABC’s Super Friends, but really, little else. As a result, getting new stories or new versions of stories on an album featuring your favorite heroes seemed like manna from Heaven.
Power Records or Peter Pan Records filled that gap, beginning in the early 1970s and petering out in the early 1980s. They may be best remembered for the wonderful art produced for the album covers by Continuity Studios, the outfit run by Neal Adams and (briefly) Dick Giordano. They featured familiar vocal talent and the stories weren’t half bad. They were successful enough that their thirty or so releases were repackaged time and again, eventually eschewing vinyl for cassette tapes to retain the audience.
- 8/15/2022
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Legendary comic book artist Neal Adams, whose career spanned nearly 60 years and included revitalizing Batman and the Joker for DC as well as decades of work for artists’ rights and a commitment to social relevance in his work, died early in the morning yesterday, according to his daughter-in-law Saori Adams. He was 80.
In 1969, Adams and writer Dennis O’Neil pulled Batman back from the campy persona he had been saddled with on TV through a series of dark comics appropriate to the times. During the period, the duo also re-grounded The Joker in his homicidal roots, revived Two-Face and created Ra’s al Ghul. That character trio would, of course, become essential to Christopher Nolan’s multi-billion-dollar film trilogy for Warner Bros. decades later.
Adams and O’Neil also revamped Green Lantern and Green Arrow for DC, adding modern-day relevance to their stories with commentary on racism, overpopulation, pollution and drug addiction.
In 1969, Adams and writer Dennis O’Neil pulled Batman back from the campy persona he had been saddled with on TV through a series of dark comics appropriate to the times. During the period, the duo also re-grounded The Joker in his homicidal roots, revived Two-Face and created Ra’s al Ghul. That character trio would, of course, become essential to Christopher Nolan’s multi-billion-dollar film trilogy for Warner Bros. decades later.
Adams and O’Neil also revamped Green Lantern and Green Arrow for DC, adding modern-day relevance to their stories with commentary on racism, overpopulation, pollution and drug addiction.
- 4/29/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
This week I will be taking an in depth look at some key issues from the ‘Bronze Age.’ I will be going indepth for all the ;Comics Ages’ in the future. I am starting with the Bronze because it is the era I am most familiar with as a reader and a collector. Also it is the era that is both dominating adaptations for the silver screen and inspiring this generation of comic creators. My original plan was use the Zap-Kapow (the official price guide of eBuying Comics) and talk about the 10 most highly valued issues of the Bronze Age. Five from Marvel and five from DC. But every comics website on the planet in their time has done a variation on this. So I decided to drop down some levels, still picking out key issues. But key issues that aren’t going to break the bank because of Hollywood interference…...
- 8/11/2021
- by Ian Wells
- Nerdly
Dennis Joseph “Denny” O’Neil, the writer and editor who redefined the Batman, the Joker, Green Arrow, the Shadow, and the Question for the modern era; created or co-created R’as al Ghul, OPtimus Prime, Azrael, Leslie Tompkins, Madame Web, Richard Dragon, and Lady Shiva; and was a beloved contributor to ComicMix, has passed away at the age of 81.
He started his career in comics almost by accident, when Roy Thomas suggested that O’Neil take the Marvel writer’s test, which involved adding dialogue to a wordless four-page excerpt of a Fantastic Four comic. O’Neil’s entry resulted in Lee offering O’Neil a job. O’Neil had never considered writing for comics, and later said he’d done the test “kind of as a joke. I had a couple of hours on a Tuesday afternoon, so instead of doing crossword puzzles, I did the writer’s test.
He started his career in comics almost by accident, when Roy Thomas suggested that O’Neil take the Marvel writer’s test, which involved adding dialogue to a wordless four-page excerpt of a Fantastic Four comic. O’Neil’s entry resulted in Lee offering O’Neil a job. O’Neil had never considered writing for comics, and later said he’d done the test “kind of as a joke. I had a couple of hours on a Tuesday afternoon, so instead of doing crossword puzzles, I did the writer’s test.
- 6/12/2020
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Mike Cecchini Oct 22, 2019
Frank Miller tells us why he keeps coming back to Batman and the Dark Knight universe, and plans for The Golden Child.
This article contains spoilers for The Dark Knight Returns and Dark Knight III: The Master Race.
Frank Miller is on a roll. The celebrated comics auteur is sometimes quiet, but never forgotten. It took 15 years for Miller to revisit his most famous work, The Dark Knight Returns, with a sequel, The Dark Knight Strikes Again. But in just the last few years, he's returned to the offbeat future of the DC Universe depicted in the Dark Knight world with increasing frequency, whether with Dark Knight III: The Master Race or Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade. He's also spent time building up the Man of Steel, a character who has also featured prominently in his Batman stories, on Superman: Year One.
And now Miller is...
Frank Miller tells us why he keeps coming back to Batman and the Dark Knight universe, and plans for The Golden Child.
This article contains spoilers for The Dark Knight Returns and Dark Knight III: The Master Race.
Frank Miller is on a roll. The celebrated comics auteur is sometimes quiet, but never forgotten. It took 15 years for Miller to revisit his most famous work, The Dark Knight Returns, with a sequel, The Dark Knight Strikes Again. But in just the last few years, he's returned to the offbeat future of the DC Universe depicted in the Dark Knight world with increasing frequency, whether with Dark Knight III: The Master Race or Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade. He's also spent time building up the Man of Steel, a character who has also featured prominently in his Batman stories, on Superman: Year One.
And now Miller is...
- 10/21/2019
- Den of Geek
Considering how we’ve still got some time to go before cameras begin rolling on The Batman, it’ll be even longer before we get to feast our eyes on a teaser trailer of some sort. Fortunately, we’ve got you taken care of for the time being with a brand new fan-made preview that allows us to gaze into the crystal ball.
If you take the time out to watch the video embedded at the top of this article – and we highly recommend that you do – then you’ll be treated to something akin to what Robert Pattinson’s debut as the Dark Knight may entail. Spliced together from some of the headlining actor’s previous films and footage from others like Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Batman Forever, it paints a pretty good picture of what’s to come. Not only that, but TV shows such as Gotham and Titans,...
If you take the time out to watch the video embedded at the top of this article – and we highly recommend that you do – then you’ll be treated to something akin to what Robert Pattinson’s debut as the Dark Knight may entail. Spliced together from some of the headlining actor’s previous films and footage from others like Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Batman Forever, it paints a pretty good picture of what’s to come. Not only that, but TV shows such as Gotham and Titans,...
- 9/5/2019
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Jim Dandy Jul 17, 2019
Black Canary, Huntress, and Harley team up in a new Birds of Prey series from Brian Azzarello and Emanuela Lupacchino.
With a movie coming out in February, DC is putting some heft behind a classic property. Brian Azzarello and Emanuela Lupacchino are bringing back the Birds of Prey in October with a new monthly series.
The Birds were originally introduced by Chuck Dixon and Dick Giordano in 1995 as a team-up between Black Canary and then wheelchair-bound genius strategist, ex-Batgirl and then-Oracle, Barbara Gordon. The team later grew to include...nearly every superhero woman in the DC Universe, from Judomaster to Poison Ivy to Huntress to Lady Blackhawk.
“I’m thrilled to work on Birds of Prey with Brian Azzarello,” Lupacchino said in a press release. “The Birds are a super-team I’ve never worked on before but that I‘ve always loved. Harley is shining with her craziness,...
Black Canary, Huntress, and Harley team up in a new Birds of Prey series from Brian Azzarello and Emanuela Lupacchino.
With a movie coming out in February, DC is putting some heft behind a classic property. Brian Azzarello and Emanuela Lupacchino are bringing back the Birds of Prey in October with a new monthly series.
The Birds were originally introduced by Chuck Dixon and Dick Giordano in 1995 as a team-up between Black Canary and then wheelchair-bound genius strategist, ex-Batgirl and then-Oracle, Barbara Gordon. The team later grew to include...nearly every superhero woman in the DC Universe, from Judomaster to Poison Ivy to Huntress to Lady Blackhawk.
“I’m thrilled to work on Birds of Prey with Brian Azzarello,” Lupacchino said in a press release. “The Birds are a super-team I’ve never worked on before but that I‘ve always loved. Harley is shining with her craziness,...
- 7/17/2019
- Den of Geek
Steve Ditko, a comic-book artist who co-created the Marvel characters Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, has died in New York. He was 90. The NYPD public information officer told Deadline that he was found in his apartment on June 29 and likely had been dead for a couple of days.
Ditko studied art at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School under early Batman artist Jerry Robinson. His first two published comic books — Fantastic Fears 5 and Black Magic 27 — were drawn in 1953. The iconic Spider-Man character first appeared in 1962 in issue #15 of Amazing Fantasy.
During that span, Ditko also worked for Charlton Comics, where he had full autonomy over his creations. In 1955 he met Lee, then an editor at Atlas Comics, which was run by Lee’s uncle Martin Goodman. The company, which began as Timely, would later morph into Marvel Comics.
Ditko started working for Marvel and would continue to do so for the next two decades,...
Ditko studied art at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School under early Batman artist Jerry Robinson. His first two published comic books — Fantastic Fears 5 and Black Magic 27 — were drawn in 1953. The iconic Spider-Man character first appeared in 1962 in issue #15 of Amazing Fantasy.
During that span, Ditko also worked for Charlton Comics, where he had full autonomy over his creations. In 1955 he met Lee, then an editor at Atlas Comics, which was run by Lee’s uncle Martin Goodman. The company, which began as Timely, would later morph into Marvel Comics.
Ditko started working for Marvel and would continue to do so for the next two decades,...
- 7/7/2018
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Even though many enduring elements that we now associate with Superman were products of the Silver Age or the 1940’s radio drama, it’s important that we never forget the contributions that Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster made to comic books – and pop culture as a whole – when they created the Man of Steel for Action Comics #1 back in 1938. After all, that served as the very blueprint for the superhero genre as we know it today.
With that, one could say that the character’s 80th anniversary being celebrated by the release of the one-thousandth issue of Action is a bit too poetic. And appropriately enough, DC is complementing the periodical release of said issue with a commemorative hardcover titled Action Comics #1000: 80 Years of Superman. Suffice it to say, this is shaping up to be a must-own for any fan of Big Blue.
Understandably, many of you reading this...
With that, one could say that the character’s 80th anniversary being celebrated by the release of the one-thousandth issue of Action is a bit too poetic. And appropriately enough, DC is complementing the periodical release of said issue with a commemorative hardcover titled Action Comics #1000: 80 Years of Superman. Suffice it to say, this is shaping up to be a must-own for any fan of Big Blue.
Understandably, many of you reading this...
- 1/23/2018
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Moving Target: The History and Evolution of Green Arrow by Richard Gray. Sequart, $17.99 paperback; $6.99 Kindle edition
Way back when, Green Arrow was sort of the “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” of the superhero set. For a long time, fans could enjoy a new Green Arrow adventure just about every month, but he didn’t enjoy the headliner popularity of his hero pals like Batman or even Wonder Woman.
That’s all almost forgotten now. Today, so many fans enjoy this modern-day Robin Hood in comics, on TV and with licensed merchandise.
For some, Green Arrow became “a thing” when he debuted on TV, first as one of Superboy’s pals in Smallville and then in his own series. (He was briefly on Saturday morning cartoons before that too.)
Comics fan, and local dad, Greg Parker started with the TV series and now reads the comics. “In today’s...
Way back when, Green Arrow was sort of the “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” of the superhero set. For a long time, fans could enjoy a new Green Arrow adventure just about every month, but he didn’t enjoy the headliner popularity of his hero pals like Batman or even Wonder Woman.
That’s all almost forgotten now. Today, so many fans enjoy this modern-day Robin Hood in comics, on TV and with licensed merchandise.
For some, Green Arrow became “a thing” when he debuted on TV, first as one of Superboy’s pals in Smallville and then in his own series. (He was briefly on Saturday morning cartoons before that too.)
Comics fan, and local dad, Greg Parker started with the TV series and now reads the comics. “In today’s...
- 9/18/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
This is the final part of my conversation with comics writer Robert Loren Fleming on the tragic backstory and forgotten history of DC’s Thriller comic book series. As I explained last week, this is actually an addendum to my recent article on this 80s cult favorite in TwoMorrow’s Back Issue Magazine.
Thriller was poised to be the next big thing from DC, but it seemed like many forces conspired against it. Despite it all, Thriller achieved a certain status. How did so many things go off the rails? The behind the scenes stories are as fascinating as the story between the covers.
Hazing, Publishing Style
There were some difficult things going on backstage at DC in those days. One of the uglier things was the hazing. It included everything from ripping up freelancers checks to harassing a female worker to the point where she was ready to clobber...
Thriller was poised to be the next big thing from DC, but it seemed like many forces conspired against it. Despite it all, Thriller achieved a certain status. How did so many things go off the rails? The behind the scenes stories are as fascinating as the story between the covers.
Hazing, Publishing Style
There were some difficult things going on backstage at DC in those days. One of the uglier things was the hazing. It included everything from ripping up freelancers checks to harassing a female worker to the point where she was ready to clobber...
- 9/11/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
In the 80s, DC comics woke up the comics industry with Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns and The Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons. Fans and retailers were anxiously awaiting the next big thing. Thriller, the comic that you couldn’t read fast enough, was supposed to be that next big thing. Management was excited about this fresh title. The DC marketing department got behind it and sent the writer on the road with a presentation. Distributors got behind the first issues. Comic shop retailers aggressively ordered the first issue.
And then…it wilted. Thriller wasn’t the next big thing. It doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of great things about the series. There certainly were. In the recent issue of Back Issue magazine, I looked at Thriller and the tumultuous backstory. As a fan, I always liked the early issues of the series, and now,...
And then…it wilted. Thriller wasn’t the next big thing. It doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of great things about the series. There certainly were. In the recent issue of Back Issue magazine, I looked at Thriller and the tumultuous backstory. As a fan, I always liked the early issues of the series, and now,...
- 9/4/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
I’m a sucker for crime fiction, whether it’s served up by Raymond Chandler or by Harlan Coben. As a kid, my passion for adventure stories started it all. But like a Chevy Impala on a rain-soaked highway, my interest slid all over the road. I’d devour mysteries, detective novels, pulps and crime thrillers.
In the world of comics, lately we’ve been treated to outstanding fantastic crime thrillers. Ed Brubaker leads the way, of course, with his various crime noir and spy series. Greg Rucka’s stuff is always fun and I hope Oni publishes more Stumptown soon. And other publishers, like Dynamite, Idw, and Boom! Studios have been providing strong contributions as well.
In the traditional book world, Hard Case Crime has been on the forefront of hardboiled crime fiction. Charles Ardai is the man behind it all, and he combines his love for this genre...
In the world of comics, lately we’ve been treated to outstanding fantastic crime thrillers. Ed Brubaker leads the way, of course, with his various crime noir and spy series. Greg Rucka’s stuff is always fun and I hope Oni publishes more Stumptown soon. And other publishers, like Dynamite, Idw, and Boom! Studios have been providing strong contributions as well.
In the traditional book world, Hard Case Crime has been on the forefront of hardboiled crime fiction. Charles Ardai is the man behind it all, and he combines his love for this genre...
- 6/26/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
Warners continues development of an R-rated, feature-length animated version of writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons "Watchmen" graphic novel, with Damon Lindelof ("The Leftovers") also in talks for a "Watchmen" TV series on HBO:
"...'Watchmen' (1985) was inspired by characters from the Charlton Comics library, then owned by DC...
"...set in a universe in which costumed superheroes and crime-fighting vigilantes in the mid-20th Century had altered the course of history.
"'Watchmen' followed a group of crime-fighters investigating the murder of one of their own.
"In this setting 'Doctor Manhattan', 'Nite Owl', 'Silk Spectre' and 'Rorschach' — uncover a conspiracy with enormous implications.
"From the flashbacks to the nonlinear storytelling to the deeply flawed heroes...
"...these are all elements that I try to put into everything..." said Lindelof about the "Watchmen" graphic novel...
Although he regards Snyder's film "...the most married-to-the-original-text version of 'Watchmen' that could've been made," Lindelof said his version will "...keep it sort of insular.
Published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987, then collected in 1987, "Watchmen" was created by writer Alan Moore, illustrator Dave Gibbons and colorist John Higgins...
...originating from a story proposal Moore submitted to DC featuring superhero characters that the company had acquired from Charlton Comics...
...but managing editor Dick Giordano convinced Moore to create original characters instead.
"Watchmen" depicts an alternate history where costumed vigilantes emerged in the 1940's and 1960's...
...with their presence changing history, so that the Us won the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal was never exposed.
Then in 1985, with the country edging towards a World War, most vigilantes have been outlawed, while former 'superheroes' are in retirement or working for the government.
Moore's story focuses on the personal development and moral struggles of the protagonists...
...just as an investigation into the murder of a government-sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Watchmen"...
"...'Watchmen' (1985) was inspired by characters from the Charlton Comics library, then owned by DC...
"...set in a universe in which costumed superheroes and crime-fighting vigilantes in the mid-20th Century had altered the course of history.
"'Watchmen' followed a group of crime-fighters investigating the murder of one of their own.
"In this setting 'Doctor Manhattan', 'Nite Owl', 'Silk Spectre' and 'Rorschach' — uncover a conspiracy with enormous implications.
"From the flashbacks to the nonlinear storytelling to the deeply flawed heroes...
"...these are all elements that I try to put into everything..." said Lindelof about the "Watchmen" graphic novel...
Although he regards Snyder's film "...the most married-to-the-original-text version of 'Watchmen' that could've been made," Lindelof said his version will "...keep it sort of insular.
Published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987, then collected in 1987, "Watchmen" was created by writer Alan Moore, illustrator Dave Gibbons and colorist John Higgins...
...originating from a story proposal Moore submitted to DC featuring superhero characters that the company had acquired from Charlton Comics...
...but managing editor Dick Giordano convinced Moore to create original characters instead.
"Watchmen" depicts an alternate history where costumed vigilantes emerged in the 1940's and 1960's...
...with their presence changing history, so that the Us won the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal was never exposed.
Then in 1985, with the country edging towards a World War, most vigilantes have been outlawed, while former 'superheroes' are in retirement or working for the government.
Moore's story focuses on the personal development and moral struggles of the protagonists...
...just as an investigation into the murder of a government-sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Watchmen"...
- 6/21/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Detective Comics is the longest running American comic book series. It was so important to the publisher, an outfit called National Periodical Publications, that one day they officially changed their name to reflect comic’s initials. They became DC Comics. Oh, sure, Detective Comics Comics doesn’t make sense, but let’s not split hairs and just chalk it all up to simpler times.
I’ve been reading Detective Comics for as long as I’ve been reading. Batman was the lead character since #27, 1939, and in the early days I admit I’d often choose the latest issue of Batman – with that big Batman logo – instead of the latest Detective Comics.
But then, right about the time that I was actively buying and reading comics on my own with minimal parental supervision, Detective Comics shifted direction. Batman’s superhero adventures morphed into detective and mystery stories. Many stories embraced a whodunit feel.
I’ve been reading Detective Comics for as long as I’ve been reading. Batman was the lead character since #27, 1939, and in the early days I admit I’d often choose the latest issue of Batman – with that big Batman logo – instead of the latest Detective Comics.
But then, right about the time that I was actively buying and reading comics on my own with minimal parental supervision, Detective Comics shifted direction. Batman’s superhero adventures morphed into detective and mystery stories. Many stories embraced a whodunit feel.
- 5/1/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
Warners has confirmed production of a new, R-rated, feature-length animated version of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons "Watchmen" graphic novel, previously adapted as a live-action feature from director Zack Snyder, as well as a 'motion comic' and video game:
"...the upcoming made-for-video-movie' is a faithful adaptation of the 'Watchmen' graphic novel executed in an animation style that mirrors the source material..."
Published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987, then collected in 1987, "Watchmen" was created by writer Alan Moore, illustrator Dave Gibbons and colorist John Higgins...
...originating from a story proposal Moore submitted to DC featuring superhero characters that the company had acquired from Charlton Comics...
...but managing editor Dick Giordano convinced Moore to create original characters instead.
"Watchmen" depicts an alternate history where costumed vigilantes emerged in the 1940's and 1960's with their presence changing history, so that the Us won the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal was never exposed.
"...the upcoming made-for-video-movie' is a faithful adaptation of the 'Watchmen' graphic novel executed in an animation style that mirrors the source material..."
Published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987, then collected in 1987, "Watchmen" was created by writer Alan Moore, illustrator Dave Gibbons and colorist John Higgins...
...originating from a story proposal Moore submitted to DC featuring superhero characters that the company had acquired from Charlton Comics...
...but managing editor Dick Giordano convinced Moore to create original characters instead.
"Watchmen" depicts an alternate history where costumed vigilantes emerged in the 1940's and 1960's with their presence changing history, so that the Us won the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal was never exposed.
- 4/15/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
I recently covered a mini-trend of fascinating and well-researched books lovingly that looked back at goofy super-heroes here. Now that we’re on the cusp of the debut of one of these books, Hero-a-Go-Go, it’s time to take a deeper dive. I cornered author Michael Eury and asked all those questions that I’ve been dying to ask him:
Ed Catto: You reminisce about Jill St. John’s role in the debut episode of the 60s Batman TV series. Isn’t this really the start of the Camp Age?
Michael Eury: Well, as I wrote in my introduction: “No, Batman did not create the camp movement of the Sixties. Yet Batman was its zenith, its very poster child. And from my perspective, it was a wonderful way to go-go.” I can’t pinpoint an exact beginning of the Sixties camp age (I doubt there was a single moment, but instead a growth,...
Ed Catto: You reminisce about Jill St. John’s role in the debut episode of the 60s Batman TV series. Isn’t this really the start of the Camp Age?
Michael Eury: Well, as I wrote in my introduction: “No, Batman did not create the camp movement of the Sixties. Yet Batman was its zenith, its very poster child. And from my perspective, it was a wonderful way to go-go.” I can’t pinpoint an exact beginning of the Sixties camp age (I doubt there was a single moment, but instead a growth,...
- 4/10/2017
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
His illustrations may have caused you to dread the next full moon, avoid the swamp on your shortcut home, or ignite your imagination with a peek into the post-apocalypse. Through his artwork, Bernie Wrightson has influenced and inspired generations of horror fans, so it is with great sadness that we inform readers that the prolific artist has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Wrightson's wife, Liz, shared the somber news of her husband's passing earlier today on the artist's official website and Facebook page.
A fan of EC Comics growing up, Bernie Wrightson, aka "Berni," began working on projects for both DC and Marvel early in his career, co-creating the complex character Swamp Thing with writer Len Wein in the early ’70s. Bernie later worked for Warren Publishing, where he helped bring H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe stories to life on the paneled page.
Wrightson's wife, Liz, shared the somber news of her husband's passing earlier today on the artist's official website and Facebook page.
A fan of EC Comics growing up, Bernie Wrightson, aka "Berni," began working on projects for both DC and Marvel early in his career, co-creating the complex character Swamp Thing with writer Len Wein in the early ’70s. Bernie later worked for Warren Publishing, where he helped bring H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe stories to life on the paneled page.
- 3/19/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
DC in the 80s is a Webzine for the DC Comics Fans with an affinity for 80s comics. It’s fun, upbeat and engaging. Justin Francoeur and Mark Belkin keep the fan fires burning with wit and a great degree of nostalgic professionalism. I’m fascinated by the their endeavor, so I reached out to discuss it with them.
Ed Catto: Can you tell me a little bit about the site and how it came about?
Justin Francoeur: My formative years of comic book reading were during the early 80s to the early-to-mid 90s. Roughly six years ago, there wasn’t much on the Internet about DC Comics from the 80s (or it was scattered all over the place and not easy to find) so I decided to make a tumblr blog specifically spotlighting the house ads of that era. There were a lot of ‘buried gems’ in that time...
Ed Catto: Can you tell me a little bit about the site and how it came about?
Justin Francoeur: My formative years of comic book reading were during the early 80s to the early-to-mid 90s. Roughly six years ago, there wasn’t much on the Internet about DC Comics from the 80s (or it was scattered all over the place and not easy to find) so I decided to make a tumblr blog specifically spotlighting the house ads of that era. There were a lot of ‘buried gems’ in that time...
- 10/17/2016
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
Are you tired of all the comics-related movies this summer? I didn’t think so, but I do understand why some of the movie critics are. These poor bastards see a couple hundred movies each year, they have little choice over which ones they must review and after a couple years, the daily smell of hot popcorn must become cloying.
Still, a couple of these writers have become complete assholes about it. Fine, fine. It is a great tradition among the professional critic set to cast their noses so high in the air you’d think they’d drown in a drizzle.
Having just seen The Killing Joke in a real movie theater – that part was cool – I’m only a couple days away from seeing Suicide Squad at the New York City screening. I’ll be joining my friend, frequent-collaborator and fellow ComicMix columnist John Ostrander, creator of Amanda...
Still, a couple of these writers have become complete assholes about it. Fine, fine. It is a great tradition among the professional critic set to cast their noses so high in the air you’d think they’d drown in a drizzle.
Having just seen The Killing Joke in a real movie theater – that part was cool – I’m only a couple days away from seeing Suicide Squad at the New York City screening. I’ll be joining my friend, frequent-collaborator and fellow ComicMix columnist John Ostrander, creator of Amanda...
- 7/27/2016
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
This is a continuation to last weeks articles of Holiday Gift ideas. Some of the best Christmas gifts I received as a youth were graphic novels. Before the days of digital comics this was the only way for me to have a complete story set, and since they were expensive I would put two or three on my Christmas list. Here is part 1 of what I consider important comic graphic novels for collectors and new readers.
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is a 1988 one-shot graphic novel featuring the characters Batman and the Joker written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the Joker, an established comic booksupervillain and nemesis of Batman. Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to...
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is a 1988 one-shot graphic novel featuring the characters Batman and the Joker written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the Joker, an established comic booksupervillain and nemesis of Batman. Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to...
- 12/16/2015
- by Michael Connally
- LRMonline.com
Our friends at Marvel Comics have informed the world that “the biggest Marvel event of all time” will come to an end four weeks from today, on January 13, 2016.
Of course, the “biggest Marvel event of all time” is in the mind of the beholder. Personally, I would have picked the release of the first Fantastic Four #1 back in 1961, or the release of Marvel Comics #1 back in 1939. But that’s just the way I see it, and I’m the one digressing from the point.
They’re talking about the release of the ninth and final issue of Secret Wars, the third such dull mega-event employing that title. The penultimate issue came out last week, and that one was late. This one is later. In fact, it is so late that the entire Marvel Universe which was supposed to be upended by this series (opinions differ) already has been upended to...
Of course, the “biggest Marvel event of all time” is in the mind of the beholder. Personally, I would have picked the release of the first Fantastic Four #1 back in 1961, or the release of Marvel Comics #1 back in 1939. But that’s just the way I see it, and I’m the one digressing from the point.
They’re talking about the release of the ninth and final issue of Secret Wars, the third such dull mega-event employing that title. The penultimate issue came out last week, and that one was late. This one is later. In fact, it is so late that the entire Marvel Universe which was supposed to be upended by this series (opinions differ) already has been upended to...
- 12/16/2015
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Secret Origins of the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes #7
“The Man Who Falls”
Written by Dennis O’Neil
Art by Dick Giordano
Colors by Tom McCraw
Published by DC Comics
Batman #404-407
“Year One”
Written by Frank Miller
Art by David Mazzuccheli
Colors by Richmond Lewis
Published by DC Comics
Only separated by two years “The Man Who Falls” and “Year One” attempt to tell the origin of Bruce Wayne becoming Batman. Frank Miller’s story is much better known than Dennis O’Neil’s one shot, but O’Neil had a much bigger impact on the tone of Batman Begins. Christopher Nolan showcases Batman’s search for his abilities rather than giving them to Bruce Wayne at the beginning of the film. Thus, Bruce’s training and its effect is of paramount importance during the film.
“The Man Who Falls” is a short story about the travels of Bruce before he became Batman.
“The Man Who Falls”
Written by Dennis O’Neil
Art by Dick Giordano
Colors by Tom McCraw
Published by DC Comics
Batman #404-407
“Year One”
Written by Frank Miller
Art by David Mazzuccheli
Colors by Richmond Lewis
Published by DC Comics
Only separated by two years “The Man Who Falls” and “Year One” attempt to tell the origin of Bruce Wayne becoming Batman. Frank Miller’s story is much better known than Dennis O’Neil’s one shot, but O’Neil had a much bigger impact on the tone of Batman Begins. Christopher Nolan showcases Batman’s search for his abilities rather than giving them to Bruce Wayne at the beginning of the film. Thus, Bruce’s training and its effect is of paramount importance during the film.
“The Man Who Falls” is a short story about the travels of Bruce before he became Batman.
- 7/24/2015
- by Adam Todd
- SoundOnSight
This may be hard to believe, but every once in a while the good folks at ComicMix L.L.C. act as though we really are a corporation. Yeah, it’s hard for me to believe that, too.
Last Sunday, our “senior” staff (a phrase that has nothing to do with age, until August 4th) met at Martha Thomases’ plush Greenwich Village condo. Adriane Nash and I were there right on time, but Glenn Hauman was caught in traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel, an all-too-common experience for those trying to escape the land of Christie. Not a problem; Martha’s kittycat Selina (yep; Selina – fangirls, go know) was making a rare public appearance. The conversation turned to this week’s comic books. I started out bitching about Bizarro #1 and Martha defended it nicely. No, I did not complain about internal consistency. I stopped doing that around Adventure Comics #285. Then Martha...
Last Sunday, our “senior” staff (a phrase that has nothing to do with age, until August 4th) met at Martha Thomases’ plush Greenwich Village condo. Adriane Nash and I were there right on time, but Glenn Hauman was caught in traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel, an all-too-common experience for those trying to escape the land of Christie. Not a problem; Martha’s kittycat Selina (yep; Selina – fangirls, go know) was making a rare public appearance. The conversation turned to this week’s comic books. I started out bitching about Bizarro #1 and Martha defended it nicely. No, I did not complain about internal consistency. I stopped doing that around Adventure Comics #285. Then Martha...
- 6/10/2015
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
One of the marketing trends today is for consumers to take a brand and make it their own. An example is the phenomenon of customizing phones. I’m sure that just about everyone you know has selected a cellphone case so that their phone has really become their phone. And a few years ago, I had a role in a Kia Soul marketing campaign. The big idea was that you, as a car owner, could customize the Soul in whatever way worked best for you. And there’s more of this brand customization in the future. Centennials, the group that comes after Millennials, are even more passionate about personalizing brands.
Geek Culture’s passionate fans already have their own personalized visions of popular entertainment brands and characters. They are a finicky bunch, especially when it comes to change. Long gone are the days when they blindly accepted reboots or revisions...
Geek Culture’s passionate fans already have their own personalized visions of popular entertainment brands and characters. They are a finicky bunch, especially when it comes to change. Long gone are the days when they blindly accepted reboots or revisions...
- 6/1/2015
- by Ed Catto
- Comicmix.com
I am so very tired of it.
Last week fellow ComicMix columnist Molly Jackson wrote about the sexual harassment of cosplayer Mindy Marzac at the most recent Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California. Separately, Frank Cho drew a riff of the “infamous” Milo Manara cover and all hell broke loose.
Separately, country music icon Tim McGraw decided to do a benefit concert for the Sandy Hook Promise charity and suddenly he became persona non grata to the gun lobby while others call for his records to be banned.
Separately, political hack Peter Schweizer was a consultant for Sarah Palin when she was John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 Presidential election, and we’re supposed to take seriously his allegations that Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, okayed the sale of Uranium One, a Canadian company with uranium mining claims in the U.S., to Rosatom, a Russian atomic energy agency.
Last week fellow ComicMix columnist Molly Jackson wrote about the sexual harassment of cosplayer Mindy Marzac at the most recent Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California. Separately, Frank Cho drew a riff of the “infamous” Milo Manara cover and all hell broke loose.
Separately, country music icon Tim McGraw decided to do a benefit concert for the Sandy Hook Promise charity and suddenly he became persona non grata to the gun lobby while others call for his records to be banned.
Separately, political hack Peter Schweizer was a consultant for Sarah Palin when she was John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 Presidential election, and we’re supposed to take seriously his allegations that Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, okayed the sale of Uranium One, a Canadian company with uranium mining claims in the U.S., to Rosatom, a Russian atomic energy agency.
- 4/27/2015
- by Mindy Newell
- Comicmix.com
You may have seen it yourself: the scene a while back in which James Gordon and Dr. Leslie Thompkins stand in front of their police department colleagues getting very well acquainted. It happened during an episode of Gotham and although the television Leslie wasn’t the Leslie Dick Giordano and I introduced in Detective Comics #457, I didn’t mind. I know that television shows are not comic books: they have different techniques, strengths, weaknesses, and that the story being told there on the tube wasn’t our story and that serialized characters have to evolve if they are to survive for decades, as Leslie has.
In the weeks since the television Leslie was introduced, we’ve seen her become her own person – witty, intelligent, feisty. Independent. I’d happily watch her if her name were Honorifica Flabdiggle, especially if Bertha, like Leslie, were played by the talented and truly lovely Morena Baccarin.
In the weeks since the television Leslie was introduced, we’ve seen her become her own person – witty, intelligent, feisty. Independent. I’d happily watch her if her name were Honorifica Flabdiggle, especially if Bertha, like Leslie, were played by the talented and truly lovely Morena Baccarin.
- 2/19/2015
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
So on Monday, I watched the Gotham series premiere with about 8 million of my friends. I started writing a column about the show and what it says (accidentally and/or purposefully) about the role of Batman in pop culture right now. But working on that column got me thinking more generally about Batman: A character who has been around for 75 years, a figure in my cultural consciousness since before my memory begins. The next thing I knew, I was making a list of my favorite Batman things–the movies, the TV shows, the vividly recalled comic book story arcs and standalone issues,...
- 9/29/2014
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
DC Comics
When it comes to comic books, the cover is the first line of defense in creating a captivating issue. As the old saying goes; you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and the comic book cover is your welcome mat into whatever insanity the writer has planned for you. That initial tease of something awesome can lure you in, even tempting you to buy a comic that you’ve never read before. The power of the cover can’t be denied.
DC Comics have been one of the mainstays in the industry for the last eighty years, forming as National Publications in the mid-1930′s and cultivating a media empire that consists of comics, cartoons, movies and video games. They dominated the animation world starting in the 1990′s thanks to the work of Bruce Timm and have continued to find new ways to bring...
When it comes to comic books, the cover is the first line of defense in creating a captivating issue. As the old saying goes; you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and the comic book cover is your welcome mat into whatever insanity the writer has planned for you. That initial tease of something awesome can lure you in, even tempting you to buy a comic that you’ve never read before. The power of the cover can’t be denied.
DC Comics have been one of the mainstays in the industry for the last eighty years, forming as National Publications in the mid-1930′s and cultivating a media empire that consists of comics, cartoons, movies and video games. They dominated the animation world starting in the 1990′s thanks to the work of Bruce Timm and have continued to find new ways to bring...
- 9/4/2014
- by Matthew Fisher
- Obsessed with Film
In 1975, the Joker became the first Batman villain to be awarded his very own title. Throughout each issue, the Clown Prince of Crime went up against a super hero or another megalomaniacal criminal before his corrupt plans were foiled and he was sent back to prison or left for dead. DC Comics has done fans the great service of finally releasing the nine issue series that ran from 1975 to 1976 in one collection.
The Joker: The Clown Prince of Crime features the insane jester going up against or working with several of his partners-in-crime. There are appearances by Lex Luthor, the Scarecrow, Catwoman, Two-Face, the Creeper, and the Royal Flush Gang. The only super hero that shows up is Green Arrow. I have to commend the writers and editors of the book for never bringing Batman into the stories. It shows that they wanted the Joker to rest on his own laurels,...
The Joker: The Clown Prince of Crime features the insane jester going up against or working with several of his partners-in-crime. There are appearances by Lex Luthor, the Scarecrow, Catwoman, Two-Face, the Creeper, and the Royal Flush Gang. The only super hero that shows up is Green Arrow. I have to commend the writers and editors of the book for never bringing Batman into the stories. It shows that they wanted the Joker to rest on his own laurels,...
- 2/5/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Eric Shirey)
- Cinelinx
We start with sequences of birth: a pregnant Hermione Lodge, the proud Hiram Lodge, promising a new home and a new life in Riverdale. It’s the past, the panels awash in telling sepia. Then, a mystical scene involving the aunts of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch; we haven’t seen them since issue #1, and not only does this bit of continuity lend verisimilitude to the expanded supernatural Archie universe, it also reminds us that we’re looking into the past. Artist Francesco Francavilla cleverly shades these panels in half-dark, half-light tones, keeping readers off-kilter. Suddenly, jarringly, we’re back in the present, and it’s death again. So much death. This is “Sleepover.”
We’re three issues into Afterlife with Archie, and the tone has entrenched itself. It’s grim, but not unrelentingly so: these characters were created as light comic archetypes, and it’s not hard for writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa...
We’re three issues into Afterlife with Archie, and the tone has entrenched itself. It’s grim, but not unrelentingly so: these characters were created as light comic archetypes, and it’s not hard for writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa...
- 1/28/2014
- by Kevin Quigley
- FEARnet
I may be behind the eight-ball here, but last month much blogging, Facebook and Tumblr posts and Twitter accounts were ablaze with comics artist Tess Fowler’s account of sexual harassment at the 2007 San Diego Comic Convention – a comics pro used the age-old pretense of being interested in her work to try and get her to come up to his room, and when Tess declined, he then went about insulting her work, her cosplay and talking bullshit about her to other male comics professionals and anybody else who would listen on the convention floor, i.e., in public.
Yeah, I know I’ve written about this subject before, and so has Heidi MacDonald over at The Beat, Colleen Doran on her own blog, former Dark Horse editor Rachel Edidin on her Tumblr site Postcards From Space, Jill Pantozzi at The Mary Sue, and Corrina Lawson on her site, Geek Mom.
Yeah, I know I’ve written about this subject before, and so has Heidi MacDonald over at The Beat, Colleen Doran on her own blog, former Dark Horse editor Rachel Edidin on her Tumblr site Postcards From Space, Jill Pantozzi at The Mary Sue, and Corrina Lawson on her site, Geek Mom.
- 12/9/2013
- by Mindy Newell
- Comicmix.com
Our good times are all gone
And I’m bound for moving on…
Ian Tyson
I doubt that anyone who cared was surprised when, last week, Diane Nelson, the high honcho of DC Comics, announced that the company was relocating to Burbank in about a year. The move had been rumored for a long time, particularly afterDC became part of a movie making company, Warner Bros., of which you may have heard. It was only logical: Manhattan real estate comes with a mighty price and so it seemed to make sense to leave New York and go where the parent company already owned property.
Once, on a business trip, Dick Giordano and I established very brief headquarters on the sprawling Warner’s lot, which had vacant offices we could use. So: empty space, huh? Interesting. And a publishing venture no longer much needed to be located in New York: electronic...
And I’m bound for moving on…
Ian Tyson
I doubt that anyone who cared was surprised when, last week, Diane Nelson, the high honcho of DC Comics, announced that the company was relocating to Burbank in about a year. The move had been rumored for a long time, particularly afterDC became part of a movie making company, Warner Bros., of which you may have heard. It was only logical: Manhattan real estate comes with a mighty price and so it seemed to make sense to leave New York and go where the parent company already owned property.
Once, on a business trip, Dick Giordano and I established very brief headquarters on the sprawling Warner’s lot, which had vacant offices we could use. So: empty space, huh? Interesting. And a publishing venture no longer much needed to be located in New York: electronic...
- 11/7/2013
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
Nick Cardy (October 16, 1920-November 23, 2013) died today after an illness. He was placed in hospice care over the weekend and leaves behind an enduring legacy of memorable artwork.
Born Nicholas Viscardi in New York City, he was raised on the Lower East Side and was already dabbling with art by the time he was six years old. He was painting and having his work published during his early teen years, taking free classes at the Boys Club of America. Raised in an era of gorgeous magazine illustration, he found inspiration in the works of Charles Dana Gibson, Arthur Petty, Al Dorne, and John Gannon among others. He continued his studies at the School of Industrial Art where he met and befriended Al Plastino.
In 1937, he went to work for an ad agency but two years later joined the Eisner/Iger Studio and drew stories for a variety of publications, notably Quality Comics.
Born Nicholas Viscardi in New York City, he was raised on the Lower East Side and was already dabbling with art by the time he was six years old. He was painting and having his work published during his early teen years, taking free classes at the Boys Club of America. Raised in an era of gorgeous magazine illustration, he found inspiration in the works of Charles Dana Gibson, Arthur Petty, Al Dorne, and John Gannon among others. He continued his studies at the School of Industrial Art where he met and befriended Al Plastino.
In 1937, he went to work for an ad agency but two years later joined the Eisner/Iger Studio and drew stories for a variety of publications, notably Quality Comics.
- 11/3/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
If I quit my day job, I just might possibly keep up with the output from TwoMorrows Publishing. Sundry regularly published magazines (Alter-Ego, Back Issue, Draw!, etc.), trade paperback and hardcover profiles of significant creators, publishing lines, eras and events – I can’t begin to list them all here. Well, I could, but they do a better job on their own website.
Did I mention they do everything up in both hardcopy and digital? Well, they do, and they’ve made many an otherwise tedious commute into Manhattan a lot more palatable.
I only get to bring to your attention a small fraction of their books. I’m still pissed that travel and work schedules didn’t allow me to review their Matt Baker: The Art of Glamour. So, to paraphrase the great Jack Kirby (and, yeah, they also publish The Jack Kirby Collector), just buy it.
But I...
Did I mention they do everything up in both hardcopy and digital? Well, they do, and they’ve made many an otherwise tedious commute into Manhattan a lot more palatable.
I only get to bring to your attention a small fraction of their books. I’m still pissed that travel and work schedules didn’t allow me to review their Matt Baker: The Art of Glamour. So, to paraphrase the great Jack Kirby (and, yeah, they also publish The Jack Kirby Collector), just buy it.
But I...
- 7/10/2013
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
It's amazing the things you discover reflecting on the works of one artist during a specific period of time in the publishing history of a comic book. Growing up, I read Batman comics from all eras of the Dark Knight's long career. I remember checking out this monstrous hardcover book from my elementary school library that featured reprints of Batman comics from the 1930s all the way through the 1970s.
One of the comic book covers that stood out in my young mind at the time and stayed with me as one of my favorites was by an artist I now in my old age have come to respect and hold dear to my heart named Neal Adams. My eight-year-old self would have never guessed that at age 40 I would be reading Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2 and see that cover again.
The cover was for Batman Issue #227 from...
One of the comic book covers that stood out in my young mind at the time and stayed with me as one of my favorites was by an artist I now in my old age have come to respect and hold dear to my heart named Neal Adams. My eight-year-old self would have never guessed that at age 40 I would be reading Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2 and see that cover again.
The cover was for Batman Issue #227 from...
- 5/15/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Eric Shirey)
- Cinelinx
by Brett White
Wednesday is new comic book day, which also means it's new potential-movie-source-material day. Here are all of the comics and collections out today starring the comic book characters from the movies and television shows of today, tomorrow and yesterday.
Of particular note this week: hop on board "Journey Into Mystery" with issue #651 as it starts a new storyline full of Asgardian hijinks; catch up on the X-Men/Avengers mash-up team with the first collection of "Uncanny Avengers"; and get pumped for "Man of Steel" with any of this week's new Superman releases.
2013 Movies
("Iron Man 3" "Man of Steel" "The Wolverine" "Kick-Ass 2" "Thor: The Dark World")
» Journey Into Mystery #651
Story by Kathryn Immonen, art by Pepe Larraz, colors by Jordie Bellaire
» Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor, Vol 04 paperback
Collecting: Journey Into Mystery (1952) 121-125, Thor 126-130, Not Brand Echh 3
» Superman #19 (pictured above)
Story by Scott Lobdell, art...
Wednesday is new comic book day, which also means it's new potential-movie-source-material day. Here are all of the comics and collections out today starring the comic book characters from the movies and television shows of today, tomorrow and yesterday.
Of particular note this week: hop on board "Journey Into Mystery" with issue #651 as it starts a new storyline full of Asgardian hijinks; catch up on the X-Men/Avengers mash-up team with the first collection of "Uncanny Avengers"; and get pumped for "Man of Steel" with any of this week's new Superman releases.
2013 Movies
("Iron Man 3" "Man of Steel" "The Wolverine" "Kick-Ass 2" "Thor: The Dark World")
» Journey Into Mystery #651
Story by Kathryn Immonen, art by Pepe Larraz, colors by Jordie Bellaire
» Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor, Vol 04 paperback
Collecting: Journey Into Mystery (1952) 121-125, Thor 126-130, Not Brand Echh 3
» Superman #19 (pictured above)
Story by Scott Lobdell, art...
- 4/24/2013
- by Splash Page Team
- MTV Splash Page
The High School Of Art & Design (A&D) was where I studied illustration and where countless great comic book, animation and illustration artists learned their craft, including Carmine Infantino, John Romita Sr., Dick Giordano, Ralph Bakshi, Neal Adams, Larry Hama, Denys Cowan, Mark Texeira, Malcolm Jones III, Frank Brunner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Jusko, Mike Carlin and Ralph Reese. That list goes on but A&D also produced many others of note in various areas such as fashion and music: Calvin Klein and Tony Bennett are A&D alumni along with a myriad of badass mofos. I’ve written about A&D before as it certainly has played an important part in the comics industry and has for many decades. A&D is the backdrop for this piece, but that’s pretty much the extent of the industry tie in. This piece is about a love story and A&D is...
- 4/23/2013
- by Michael Davis
- Comicmix.com
After his death in Green Arrow 101, Oliver Queen is replaced as Green Arrow by his son Connor Hawke. The series lasted for 37 more issues before being cancelled in 1998. Connor Hawke also became a temporary member of the Justice League of America in Grant Morrison’s run on Jla even taking out the supervillain The Key with his father’s trick arrows, including the infamous Golden Age refugee that is the boxing glove arrow. However, Oliver Queen’s exploits were chronicled in several out of continuity stories before he was brought back from the dead and rebooted for good.
Alex Ross (Kingdom Come in 1996, Jla: Secret Origins in 2002, Jla: Liberty and Justice in 2003, Justice from 2005-07)
Alex Ross combined his love for aesthetic and heroes of the Silver Age with a painter’s touch to become one of the greatest and most unique comic book artists. He doesn’t use an inker,...
Alex Ross (Kingdom Come in 1996, Jla: Secret Origins in 2002, Jla: Liberty and Justice in 2003, Justice from 2005-07)
Alex Ross combined his love for aesthetic and heroes of the Silver Age with a painter’s touch to become one of the greatest and most unique comic book artists. He doesn’t use an inker,...
- 4/4/2013
- by Logan Dalton
- SoundOnSight
Green Arrow is a perennial second string DC Comics character that has recently become more popular again through the successful CW show Arrow, whose premiere was the highest rated CW program in three years and was recently picked up for a second season. He also will be a playable character in the upcoming fighting video game Injustice: God Among Us. Previously, he made many guest appearances in the animated shows Justice League Unlimited and Young Justice (where he was voiced by Firefly star Alan Tudyk). But before becoming famous on the silver screen, Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow began as a Batman/Robin Hood quasi-rip off in DC Comics’ More Fun Comics 73 (1941) which also marked the debut of Aquaman (who is cool now).
George Papp (More Fun Comics; Adventure Comics)
During the height of the 1940s, superheroes were omnipresent. A lot of them were riffs on popular superheroes like Will Eisner’s Wonder Man,...
George Papp (More Fun Comics; Adventure Comics)
During the height of the 1940s, superheroes were omnipresent. A lot of them were riffs on popular superheroes like Will Eisner’s Wonder Man,...
- 4/2/2013
- by Logan Dalton
- SoundOnSight
The second trailer hit for Superman: Man of Steel and this one has a lot more meat to it and may give us more confidence in it going in. Watch it below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
The initial set of teasers were cryptic, starting with iconic imagery of Henry Cavill who is playing Superman/Kal-El/Clark. Making it even more mysterious were scenes of laundry hung, drying in the wind, a bearded Clark Kent working on a fishing boat, and later hitchhiking. Initial reactions were spread across the board ranging from confusion to guarded excitement. One of the teasers featured a voice over from Russell Crowe (as Jor-El) inspired from Grant Morrisson’s award-winning story, All-Star Superman (a 12-part stand-alone story that covered all of the wonderful eras and aspects of Superman perfectly–every Superman fan should read it). Despite mixed reviews, the teaser created mystery surrounding the reboot,...
Click here to view the embedded video.
The initial set of teasers were cryptic, starting with iconic imagery of Henry Cavill who is playing Superman/Kal-El/Clark. Making it even more mysterious were scenes of laundry hung, drying in the wind, a bearded Clark Kent working on a fishing boat, and later hitchhiking. Initial reactions were spread across the board ranging from confusion to guarded excitement. One of the teasers featured a voice over from Russell Crowe (as Jor-El) inspired from Grant Morrisson’s award-winning story, All-Star Superman (a 12-part stand-alone story that covered all of the wonderful eras and aspects of Superman perfectly–every Superman fan should read it). Despite mixed reviews, the teaser created mystery surrounding the reboot,...
- 12/11/2012
- by Ernie Estrella
- BuzzFocus.com
While we’re all busy celebrating the 49th anniversary of Doctor Who and the 50th anniversary of both Spider-Man and the James Bond movies, the daddy of heroic fantasy characters quietly turned 76 way back in February. Or, depending upon how you look at it, he turned 476.
The Phantom was the very first masked, costumed hero in comics, debuting in the pages of the many Hearst papers February 17, 1936. He wore a dark outfit – when the feature added a Sunday page, an unthinking engraver made the costume purple for some unknown reason and the color stuck. He fought piracy and other crimes and handed down his clothes, his weapons, his Skull Cave, his fortune and, most important, his legacy to his son. The current guy – most have been named Kit Walker – is the 21st. This cool concept predated Doctor Who by a generation.
One would think the locals were pretty stupid to...
The Phantom was the very first masked, costumed hero in comics, debuting in the pages of the many Hearst papers February 17, 1936. He wore a dark outfit – when the feature added a Sunday page, an unthinking engraver made the costume purple for some unknown reason and the color stuck. He fought piracy and other crimes and handed down his clothes, his weapons, his Skull Cave, his fortune and, most important, his legacy to his son. The current guy – most have been named Kit Walker – is the 21st. This cool concept predated Doctor Who by a generation.
One would think the locals were pretty stupid to...
- 11/28/2012
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
If you weren’t following our Twitter feed or our Facebook page in real time on Saturday night (and good heavens, why weren’t you?) the 2012 Harvey Awards were given out at the Baltimore Comic-Con. Daredevil was the big winner of the night with four wins for Best Series, Best New Series, Best Inker and Best Writer. Hark! A Vagrant‘s Kate Beaton won three with Best Online Comics Work, the Special Award for Humor, and Best Cartoonist. Jim Henson’s Tale Of Sand by Ramon Perez won two for Best Original Graphic Album and Best Story, tying Walt Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition with wins for Best Domestic Reprint Project and the Special Award for Excellence in Presentation, and J.H. Williams on Batwoman snagging Best Artist and Best Cover Artist.
The Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award from the Hero Initiative was given posthumously to Joe Kubert,...
The Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award from the Hero Initiative was given posthumously to Joe Kubert,...
- 9/11/2012
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
The Hero Initiative has honoured John Romita Jr and the late Joe Kubert. The charitable organisation has named the pair as the recipients of its two awards. Kubert has been named the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year. The Sgt Rock and Hawkman artistic legend was chosen for the honour prior to his death in August. Romita Jr received the Hero Initiative's Lifetime Achievement Award. This year marks the 35th anniversary of his debut in the comics industry. "For a man as talented (more)...
- 9/11/2012
- by By Hugh Armitage
- Digital Spy
I am of the opinion that “bad taste” is a good thing. It’s the most ridiculously subjective concept imaginable: what offends me (admittedly, very little) might be absolutely awesome to you, and we each have a right to our opinions.
I was fortunate enough to be the editor and, along with ComicMix co-conspirator John Ostrander, co-conceiver of a DC Comics series called Wasteland. It was the black hole of humor, a monthly love-letter to bad taste. The stories usually had a point with enough wiggle-room in each concept to cause the reader night sweats. John wrote the series, often in tandem with improv legend Del Close, and we had a rotating gaggle of extraordinarily gifted artists as our visual collaborators. We’d have four going at any one time: three doing interior stories and one doing the cover. The one who did the cover in month one would do...
I was fortunate enough to be the editor and, along with ComicMix co-conspirator John Ostrander, co-conceiver of a DC Comics series called Wasteland. It was the black hole of humor, a monthly love-letter to bad taste. The stories usually had a point with enough wiggle-room in each concept to cause the reader night sweats. John wrote the series, often in tandem with improv legend Del Close, and we had a rotating gaggle of extraordinarily gifted artists as our visual collaborators. We’d have four going at any one time: three doing interior stories and one doing the cover. The one who did the cover in month one would do...
- 5/23/2012
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
It seems everybody has his or her tits in a wringer over this upcoming Before Watchmen thing. I’ve made a few comments here and there, but now that these books are about to come out, I’m going to weigh in officially.
I’ve been reading the solicitations in the Diamond Catalog and to be sure there’s a lot of great talent involved on these efforts. Really top-notch people, some of whom we haven’t seen much from lately. Most of these folks are basically if not emphatically pro-creators’ rights. Aside from the latent listings, I’ve read the thumbnail descriptions as well as DC’s press releases. There’s a lot of comic books involved here, and I approach Before Watchmen with the same question I approach any new effort: “Does this seem like it’s worth my time?”
Obviously, sometimes I make the wrong call – particularly when it comes to television.
I’ve been reading the solicitations in the Diamond Catalog and to be sure there’s a lot of great talent involved on these efforts. Really top-notch people, some of whom we haven’t seen much from lately. Most of these folks are basically if not emphatically pro-creators’ rights. Aside from the latent listings, I’ve read the thumbnail descriptions as well as DC’s press releases. There’s a lot of comic books involved here, and I approach Before Watchmen with the same question I approach any new effort: “Does this seem like it’s worth my time?”
Obviously, sometimes I make the wrong call – particularly when it comes to television.
- 5/16/2012
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
This week saw the launch of the third trailer for The Dark Knight Rises. James has been digging in to see what it all means...
And so, with the release of the third trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, the four-year build up to Chris Nolan’s final Bat-flick enters the home stretch.
But what does this final trailer actually tell us…?
The Dark Knight... continues
From the sparse opening musical accompaniment to the woozy images of Gotham in the half-light, Tdkr seems to be continuing with the stark mood that dominated the conclusion of Nolan’s previous film.
Back to the beginning
The Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) we see as the trailer opens is without doubt a clear echo of the Bruce we were introduced to at the start of Batman Begins. Bearded, pained and haunted by the past, it’s a clear indication that the fall Batman took...
And so, with the release of the third trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, the four-year build up to Chris Nolan’s final Bat-flick enters the home stretch.
But what does this final trailer actually tell us…?
The Dark Knight... continues
From the sparse opening musical accompaniment to the woozy images of Gotham in the half-light, Tdkr seems to be continuing with the stark mood that dominated the conclusion of Nolan’s previous film.
Back to the beginning
The Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) we see as the trailer opens is without doubt a clear echo of the Bruce we were introduced to at the start of Batman Begins. Bearded, pained and haunted by the past, it’s a clear indication that the fall Batman took...
- 5/3/2012
- Den of Geek
It’s that time again… okay, it’s a little past that normal time, thanks to the Mix March Madness wrapup, but here are the preview materials for DC Comics releases for July 2012.
What’s on tap this month? More of the Before Watchmen books, with the debut of Ozymandias from Len Wein and Jae Lee, the conclusion of the Court of Owls storyline and crossover in all the Bat-books, and the debut of the done-in-one book, National Comics, featuring the New 52 Debut (coming right at you) of Eternity.
And in the white elephant of desire category, there’s the $300 statue showing the climactic scene from The Dark Knight Returns.
Once more, into the breach? Banzai!
As always, spoilers may lurk beyond this point.
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1
Written by Len Wein
Art and cover by Jae Lee
Backup story art by John Higgins
1:25 Variant cover by Phil Jimenez...
What’s on tap this month? More of the Before Watchmen books, with the debut of Ozymandias from Len Wein and Jae Lee, the conclusion of the Court of Owls storyline and crossover in all the Bat-books, and the debut of the done-in-one book, National Comics, featuring the New 52 Debut (coming right at you) of Eternity.
And in the white elephant of desire category, there’s the $300 statue showing the climactic scene from The Dark Knight Returns.
Once more, into the breach? Banzai!
As always, spoilers may lurk beyond this point.
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1
Written by Len Wein
Art and cover by Jae Lee
Backup story art by John Higgins
1:25 Variant cover by Phil Jimenez...
- 4/12/2012
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.