Marvel News & Views 12.15.03
Posted by Jim Trabold on 12.15.2003
More new than you can shake Thor's hammer at...
WOLVERINE/PUNISHER
Artist Mike Deodato Jr has posted news of a third WOLVERINE/PUNISHER mini-series in his X-a-Sketch discussion forum at ComiX-Fan. The INCREDIBLE HULK artist is providing covers for the series, which is written by X-STATIX scribe Peter Milligan and will feature interior art by Lee Weeks.
You know this is one of those mini series I can see a lot of fans looking forward to. The fact that’s it’s two of the baddest heroes in the Marvel Universe together and that they haven’t been getting along well lately will make this limited series a must read. Many Wolvie fans and Punisher fans will get this. Also it will be the third limited series with the two together since the 90s. I expect this to do very well. Just hope it’s done right. SCOTT LOBDELL
As we previously reported Scott Lobdell, Clayton Henry, Mark Morales, Avalon Studios, and Richard Starkings are the creative team returning ALPHA FLIGHT to a monthly series beginning in March. THE PULSE caught up with Lobdell to get some teasers for the series and find out the status of his film project CHEER UP.
You know I’m pretty excited to see the return of ALPHA FLIGHT A good amount of fans have also written me or contacted me and said that they can’t wait for this one. Scott is one man that can bring the FLIGHT back and make the book exciting. Some new characters and of course the old as well will be involved. I can tell already the team does look like it has some new blood for the cover. Of course with the characters faces not shown you never know. I do know also that he has said the originals will be somewhat involved. DD REX
In January, Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev settle back in to DAREDEVIL, returning to the book with issue #56, and finding it a much different place than it was in their last issue, or for that matter, years previous. Newsarama spoke with Bendis about the upcoming arc
More at Newsarama
Bendis is one busy man. He’ll be doing about 6 Marvel titles in February. That’s a lot to do for one guy. Although Bendis can do it. I just hope nothing lags or is late because of this. I know Bendis is normally on time with the books. This really does make Bendis a big name for Marvel now. He’s doing a little of everything at once. I hope Marvel is smart and allows him to do what he can handle and no more. SCOT EATON
When I first met Scot Eaton, I couldn't believe he was an artists. He looked more like a linebacker to me, but it was his hand that was bringing the sci-fi world of SIGIL to life. He left CrossGen early last year, wanting to have a chance to draw some of his favorite characters and a chance to work in the superhero genre. Eaton soon landed at Marvel and is now the regular penciler on THOR. Eaton talked Thunder Gods, Sigils, and a few things in-between with THE PULSE.
More at The Pulse
This guy does some very impressive art. I would say he’s added some great work to THOR. Of course it doesn’t hurt to have a good writer either. That’s what the title has at the moment. Great stories and great art. THOR has become a lot better and I would say that THOR now packs a good punch. I know a few people who now read THOR because how it’s doing better. I expect others will jump on sooner or later as well. Hey if I can keep plugging it then some readers of this column who don’t collect it might choose to do so. SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #1
Marvel Comics is pleased to announce that acclaimed Capcom artist Shinkiro will be contributing the cover to the January debut issue of their new anthology series SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED! The renowned Japanese designer and illustrator
of many of Capcom's hit titles will be bringing his acclaimed skills to yet another digital masterpiece that will grace the premiere issue of Spidey's newest comics series.
"I am honored that an artist as revered and respected as Shinkiro has agreed to illustrate the first cover for SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #1," commented Marvel's talent coordinator C.B. Cebulski. "I owe many thanks to our friends at Capcom Co. Ltd. for making this happen. We could not be more pleased with the beautiful cover that Shinkiro-san has so masterfully rendered.
"However, I would also like to express my sincere apologies to Shinkiro-san and Capcom Co. Ltd. for a slight blunder on Marvel's part," Cebulski continued. "When we solicited the book, we ran a pre-production image of the cover that Shinkiro-san had not yet completed. While it was clearly labeled "NOT FINISHED ART", this message was not imbedded in the image itself. This incomplete image was then mistakenly released to the Internet community, but it was not noted there that this was an unfinished piece. It was only after the piece had gone out that we realized our mistake.
"I feel terrible about this," Cebulski explained. "We've done a great disservice to Shinkiro, his art and his reputation by releasing a piece of his unfinished art. Marvel is going to do everything in its power to correct the mistake and see that the actual finished Spider-Man Unlimited #1 cover is distributed through the proper channels and give it the exposure it so rightfully deserves. Again, Marvel's apologies for this error go out to Capcom Co., Ltd. and Shinkiro. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with them, as well as expanding it to get other Capcom artists working on Marvel comics."
The 32-page SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED #1 - the debut issue of a new, bimonthly ongoing series - goes on sale 1/7/04 with a cover price of $2.99. Retailers are reminded its Final Order Cut-off [FOC] date is Thursday, 12/18. Readers, ask your local comic book retailer to reserve your copy!
The return of SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED. I’m not too shocked at this. Although the news has been around for some time. I wasn’t shocked then either. There’s a good amount of SPIDEY books coming out now again. I think this will make 3 and there will be a fourth also on the way. (not counting Ultimate) Seem like the 90’s? I would say it’s a lot but Spidey can hold them all as long as great writing and art is done. THE PUNISHER FOR PLAYSTATION 2 AND XBOX
THQ Inc. today announced "The PUNISHER" for the Sony PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system and Microsoft Xbox(TM). Developed by THQ's internal studio, Volition Inc.®, The PUNISHER, based on the popular Marvel vigilante, is scheduled to make its interactive debut in fall of 2004.
"’The PUNISHER' is one of Marvel's grittiest heroes delivering a unique brand of vigilante justice that is a perfect fit for the video game universe," said Germaine Gioia, Vice President of Licensing, THQ. "We look forward to working with Marvel in bringing a perfect blend of classic comic book and filmed franchise versions of `The PUNISHER' to console gamers across the globe."
Tim Rothwell, President of Marvel's Worldwide Consumer Products Group, said: "The Marvel Universe and all of its characters continue to provide engaging content in the interactive arena, and THQ is doing a great job translating this popular vigilante to the major consoles. This is a game that will satisfy long-time Punisher fans of the Marvel Comics series as well as any new fans turned on to the character after his feature film adaptation this April."
About "The PUNISHER"
Driven by a hatred of crime bordering on insanity, Frank Castle became The PUNISHER, a one-man army whose mission goes far beyond revenge. Taking on the city's high-powered crime lords, he wreaks havoc on the corrupt with methods reserved for those on the wrong side of the law. "The Punisher" video game represents the best of over 30 years of "PUNISHER" comic books and depicts some of the grittiest storylines in the Marvel Universe.
"The PUNISHER" film, starring Thomas Jane, John Travolta and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, is a production of Marvel Studios and Artisan Entertainment, and will hit theatres this April.
For more information about "The PUNISHER" and other THQ products visit www.thq.com.
I know I covered this last week as well. This week we had the press release though so it fits here as well. I think it’s a great idea for a game. Wasn’t there a game for PUNISHER before as well. Yes I believe I am right. Of course there have been a good amount of Marvel character based games out there. PUNISHER gets a new one here with a movie coming out. Expect more games for others as well with movies based on them. AVENGERS/JLA #4 RESCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY
The climactic fourth issue of AVENGERS/JLA has been rescheduled for an in-store date of February 18.
"What happened is that I worked myself into tendonitis with the cover to issue #3," says artist George Pérez. "No one else is to blame but me: not Marvel, not DC. I've been slowed down a tad, but I'm determined to get this thing done. I just don't want to let anyone down by rushing at the end. I'm grateful to everyone involved for being so patient. And I'd like to point out that despite having two creators who've had their share of physical ailments in the last few years, we've delivered three issues on time!"
AVENGERS/JLA #4 (OCT030233) is available for advance reorder and now is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 18.
Now this I expected. With Perez not feeling well. I don’t blame him. Hey you get sick it happens to everyone. Don’t worry Mister Perez we know you’ll get it done and we know it will be damn good like the other issues. Just rest easy us fans know your not feeling well and I don’t think anyone of them blames you. Just get well soon and expect the fans to be happy to see issue 4. IRON MAN #75
You knew something different was going on in IRON MAN, with its Tom Clancy meets the Marvel Universe storyline, "The Best Defense," right? The latest installment came out Wednesday and think of this as your Meet the Press, because we've got you Up to Date
You know this new touch on IRON MAN is very interesting. I like this new direction somewhat. It may really help get more people reading the title as well. It’s an interesting direction. I think it will bring some life to the title. It needed a swift kick in the pants as well. Sort of like CAP needed one and got one. THOR also got a kick with the Lord of Asgard storyline. That’s three main characters of Marvel needing them again.
WOLVERINE/CAPTAIN AMERICA
A project that's been a long time coming, R.A. Jones and Tom Derenick's WOLVERINE/CAPTAIN AMERICA miniseries finally hits in February with a weekly release. We caught up with them for their views on the two leading characters, and a fistful of preview art
You know these two work together pretty well. Cap and Wolvie both have teamed up before a few times. Wolvie respects Cap and Cap likes how Wolvie fights. These two in a limited series together is a great idea. I think it will sell very well. This should be a very interesting limited series and hopefully one that fans will love. SLEEPWALKER
Khary Randolph is one of the Epic creators who was recently disappointed to learn the planned monthly series he was working on SLEEPWALKER was going to become a part of an anthology instead. Randolph is still very enthusiastic about the project and, besides answers, provided us with some sketches and pages from the first issue.
I am still not shocked too much at SLEEPWALKER’S return. Although I would have 15 other characters getting another series over him. I still can see it. A good amount of fans have been asking what happened to the original and more. They wonder why it got cancelled and if he would come back. Well here’s your answer. I personally still don’t understand the character to much but I can see bringing him back for his fans. So it’s up to them now to support this series. RUNAWAYS
Cloak and Dagger aren't the only guests coming up in Marvel's RUNAWAYS #11 and #12. The two issue arc entitled "Lost and Found" also welcomes guest artist Taskeshi Miyazawa to the series. Newsarama caught up with the artist for a quick chat and some design sketches
A guest artist and Cloak And Dagger. Very interesting. Can you tell that the title needs a push to keep it alive. This series is a great read. The facts are though some fans didn’t join from issue 1 and the best way to save it will be a Trade that will allow people to read those back issues. Other way is for them to go buy back issues. I would expect that they can save this book. Hell it’s one of the better ones out there. Can you say BKV? Brian K. Vaughan is the reason here. He’s a great writer. THUNDERBOLTS
Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS are due to return in March in a six-issue miniseries entitled AVENGERS VS. THUNDERBOLTS. As the title suggests, this ain't about the "Fight Club," but rather the reformed Masters of Evil. We caught up with co-writer Fabian Nicieza for more
This is yet another series fans are looking forward to. The original THUNDERBOLTS returning. Many fans want this. They have even begged for it. There was a lot of questions asked when they replaced the team with the crap that was in the final bunch of issues. I would not be surprised this will be the return of the title and that the fans will love it. I have a feeling the fans will jump on this one right away. It’s good to see a good idea doesn’t die for long. BLADE II
The standard edition of BLADE II will be released on DVD on Feb. 3 from Warner Home Video.
Unlike the first release -- which was a two-disk set -- this version will just have one. The packaging is also different, with a tighter image of Blade.
The standard edition will have a suggested retail price of $19.97.
BLADE II, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Wesley Snipes as the Marvel Comics vampire hunter, brought in $86.8 million at the box office.
Somewhat odd to see this but I guess you can make more money by coming out with another version. Normally though you would see .5 at the end of a second edition with even more features. This one is odd and it goes the other way. This one does. Lets see what it does in sales. SPIDER-MAN 2
With early excitement building towards its July 2, 2004 release, Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel Studios announced today that the first theatrical teaser trailer for SPIDER-MAN 2 will premiere online, exclusively at Yahoo!, streaming to fans around the world beginning on December 15 at 12:01am EST.
Fans everywhere who visit the Yahoo! front page will be able to click on the SPIDER-MAN banner and experience a top-quality stream of the film's teaser trailer.
The trailer is set for prominent placement globally on the front pages of international Yahoo! properties in 13 countries including United States of America, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Local times are as follows:
Yahoo! Mexico mx.yahoo.com 11:01pm December 14
Yahoo! USA yahoo.com 12:01am EST December 15
Yahoo! Canada ca.yahoo.com 12:01am December 15
Yahoo! Brazil br.yahoo.com 3:01am December 15
Yahoo! UK & Ireland uk.yahoo.com 5:01am December 15
Yahoo! France fr.yahoo.com 6:01am December 15
Yahoo! Spain es.yahoo.com 6:01am December 15
Yahoo! Italy it.yahoo.com 6:01am December 15
Yahoo! Germany de.yahoo.com 6:01am December 15
Yahoo! Japan yahoo.co.jp 2:01pm December 15
Yahoo! Australia & NZ yahoo.com.au 3:31pm December 15
"This will be the first wave of our global launch for one of the most anticipated films of 2004," said Geoffrey Ammer, President, Worldwide Marketing for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. "The worldwide demand for images and materials from SPIDER-MAN 2 is nearly insatiable and, given that such a large segment of the opening weekend audience for the first film was influenced by our interactive campaign, what better way to reward that loyalty than by sharing these exclusive images with fans around the world on the Internet. Thanks to our solid relationship with the people at Yahoo!, we are taking full advantage of our capability to host this global premiere for the enjoyment of our fans worldwide."
"We are pleased to leverage the global reach of Yahoo! For the worldwide phenomenon of SPIDER-MAN," said Jim Moloshok, Yahoo! Senior Vice President, Media, Entertainment, Information & Finance. "Yahoo's audience around the world is made up of the same entertainment consumers who stand in line for a movie on opening weekend, and the Yahoo! network is the ideal place to give the fans their first peek at SPIDER-MAN'S newest adventures."
Following its online premiere, the new trailer will segue into U.S. theaters on Wednesday, December 17, where the studio is targeting such films as The LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING.
On May 3, 2002, SPIDER-MAN made box office history with a record- shattering opening weekend of $114 million. The film went on to earn more than $820 million worldwide and ranks as the fifth highest grossing film in U.S. history.
Based on exit polls that Sony conducted during the opening weekend of SPIDER-MAN, an estimated 47 percent of patrons cited the Internet as an important source of information for the movie.
In SPIDER-MAN 2, the latest installment in the blockbuster SPIDER-MAN series, based on the classic Marvel Super Hero, Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as a college student and a superhuman crime fighter.
The entertaining adventure escalates and SPIDER-MAN'S life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius, (Alfred Molina) who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled "Doc Ock."
In addition to Maguire and Molina, SPIDER-MAN 2 also stars Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Donna Murphy and J.K. Simmons. Spider-Man 2 is directed by Sam Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
For more information on SPIDER-MAN 2, please visit www.sony.com/spider-man .
Special thanks to Yahoo http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031211/lath083_1.html
Very cool to see that we will be getting the preview on Monday. There’s a lot of hype with SPIDER-MAN 2. I would think so after the amount of money the first one made. I expect this one to be even better then the first. I also think if the fans liked the first all show up for this one it could make more. I know the fans will show up and I expect that it will do very well. The trailer will be great for those reading this to see tomorrow. OTHER NEWS
-Fox will broadcast the first X-Men movie, released theatrically in 2000, on Monday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
-Word on a possible fifth season of X-Men: Evolution probably won't come until after the holidays. A little more opinion
Paul you left me a lot of news out Friday. Just watch what you say too. The facts are only two people had some say on the Howard thing. So I didn’t get ripped too much apart but by two 411ites. I think there are a lot of fans out there that could feel the Howard was a great character and a good amount wondering what the hell Marvel was thinking. The other factor was most saw that movie first and even you know for a fact that it was one of the worst pieces of crap that has been made.
I think if Howard got another run it may last a few issues if part of the Max line but the last one should’ve gone longer too so who’s to say fans didn’t get hurt by the movie. That may have hurt Howard the most from coming back. I admit the facts where wrongly stated by me till the apology. So it was good of you to help me fix what I said though.
That’s why it’s good to have others emailing me with thoughts and comments. I can’t be right all the time. Never will say I am either. Although I do try my best to be accurate with my facts. Howard though I have the opinion of not really being an interesting character. Although I have to admit when he appeared as a guest star a few times he made the stories very interesting. Hell he was even a Defender. That’s not much to say since half the damn Marvel Universe has been a Defender.
Hell Defenders could be more JLA like then the Avengers in a way with as many damn members there have been. Yes I’m counting the Secret Defenders and also the fact that mostly the Defenders where not an offal type team and that when a character appeared in it’s pages to help the team a few times he/she was considered a member. We’ll get to that another time.
But I just wanted to help clear this off the list now. Howard the Duck in his time was a very important character to Marvel. That is true. When the movie came out many fans lost interest in the character I believe and that it made fans would’ve been there waiting for a return later and even demanding more then just guest appearances. The Max series would’ve even lasted longer then a limited series if he had not lost some of his appeal.
Very busy weekend. Have to admit there was a ton of news just over the weekend. Another note this weekend from me here is that I expect that the big X-News should be coming soon. I thought it might have come this week but it didn’t. 411 will try to get you this news as soon as possible. I should be able to get you an update when it happens. Reporting from the Marvel Universe this is Jim Trabold. Have a great week.
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