Doctor Strange News

This post relates to: Doctor Strange

Dr. Strange is such a hard character to write.  So many times he's been portrayed as a stiff bore.  Other times he can come across as interesting and even a bad-ass.  Sounds like Del Toro just might be interested in doing a Dr. Strange movie.  It could work.  A character like Strange would be easier to translate to the big screen than a spandex-clad hero.  And if Neil Gaimon would write it, that'd just be what the Doctor ordered.  (Bud-dum-kish).

"I talked with Neil Gaiman [about writing it]," he tells us. "I said, that’s an interesting character because you can definitely make him more in the pulpy occult detective/magician mould and formula than was done in the Weird Tales, for example...the idea of a character that really dabbles in the occult in a way that’s not X-Filey, where the supernatural is taken for granted. That’s interesting...But I wouldn't use the suit!"

What?!?  No suit.  That's a crime. 

Empireonline has the rest of the interview:  www.empireonline.com/news/feed.asp

This post relates to: Hulk, Greg Pak, John Romita Jr, David Finch, Doctor Strange

Hmmm...

The most “incredible” blockbuster of the summer is back in World War Hulk #4 (of 5)! From acclaimed writer Greg Pak and living legend John Romita JR comes the fourth chapter of the Marvel Comics event that has captivated critics and fans alike. The Hulk has converted Madison Square Garden into his own battle arena and captured those heroes who opposed him. The seemingly defeated Doctor Strange has returned, bonded with a demon to increase his own power…but at what cost to the Sorcerer Supreme? And when the dust settles, who will go too far to ensure their victory? The answer will shock you!

ComicBookResources.Com’s Hannibal Tabu declared World War Hulk #3 a book “too good not to own” and said that the issue was, “Just mean and quotable and fun.”

“Marvel’s very own special effects master does not disappoint,” said Comixfan.Com’s Jason Grasso of Romita JR’s art. “I just ask that you save my seat while I refill my popcorn.”

BrokenFrontier.Com’s Adrian Zettlemoyer exclaimed, “Romita flexes his muscles in this issue and reminds all the readers just why he is one of the top artists in the history of the medium… everything he does just feels right.”

As the penultimate chapter of World War Hulk smashes into stores, don’t miss the stunning World War Hulk By John Romita Jr poster, featuring the stunning art of John Romita JR! And if you missed out on the first sold out issue, be sure to pick up World War Hulk #1 John Romita Jr 2nd Printing Variant, in stores September!

WORLD WAR HULK #4 (of 5) (JUL072160)
Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/130/07, On-Sale—9/19/07

WORLD WAR HULK #1 JOHN ROMITA JR. 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (JUN078044)
Written by Greg Pak
Pencils and Cover by John Romita Jr.
64 PGS./Rated T+...$3.99
On-Sale—9/12/07

WORLD WAR HULK BY JOHN ROMITA JR. (JUL072247)
55x16 Color Poster...$15.99
On-Sale—9/05/07

This post relates to: Illyana Rasputin, Xavier Institute, Doctor Strange, Belasco

Here's hoping things work out for Illyana.  I'm all for Magik being back.  I'm also diggin' Yost and Kyle's writing. 

After years of suffering at the dark hands of the demon Belasco, will Illyana Rasputin finally have her revenge on the devil who stole her innocent soul? In New X-Men #41, three brave squads of Xavier’s mutants prepare for the final battle against the devil himself, but the stakes are high – if these Children of the Atom lose the fight then Belasco will pull the entire world into Limbo to find Illyana! The stunning conclusion of the “Quest for Magik” is written by the acclaimed duo of Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle, with pencils and cover by the red-hot Skottie Young.

The pace was fast and furious in the sold-out New X-Men #40 (though copies may be available at the retail level); Rockslide evolved into a hulking, lava infused creature, Pixie now wields the power of black magic, X-23 was brought back to life and summarily killed again, and the cavalry finally arrived in Limbo only to be met by a hungry horde of devilish familiars! Now, the stage is set for the final act, but Belasco might lose the upper hand when the Astonishing X-Men show up with the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange!

Also, New X-Men #41 includes the eighth chapter of Endangered Species written by Christos Gage and penciled by Scot Eaton. Beast crosses a line when he digs up remains on Genosha in the name of science – will this X-Man go to any lengths to save mutantkind? And just who will join him in this quest? Prepare to be shocked!

True Believers, if the gripping New X-Men #41 doesn’t leave you saying, “By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth,” then we haven’t done our job!


NEW X-MEN #41 (JUN072190)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST, CRAIG KYLE, & CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by SKOTTIE YOUNG & SCOT EATON
Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—7/26/07, On Sale—8/15/07

This post relates to: Hulk, The Darkness, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Witchblade, Sara Pezzini

I'll admit (or brag) I've read this issue.  I liked it.  I like how seemlessly the two universes are meshed together.  It doesn't quite feel like a cheap crossover (which I've seen too many times in the 90s).  Sure the way everyone comes together could be stretching things a bit but it is a comic book.  It's meant to be fun.  Seeing all of these characters fight together or along side each other is going to be interesting.  This one-shot does it all in one issue.  It sets things up and doesn't skimp on the action.  It's also a lead in to First Born, in a way.  I'm really getting hooked into the Top Cow comics.  They've been...refreshing lately.

Unholy Union

(W) Ron Marz
(P) Michael Broussard
(Cov) Marc Silvestri

The biggest Top Cow/Marvel crossover yet crashes into stores in June! Bringing together The Darkness and Witchblade along with no less than three Marvel superstars, this crossover is going to bring the house down!

Every mob boss needs a competent lawyer. Jackie Estacado's hired a great one (even though he does happen to be blind). But even if Jackie can beat the rap, the Spirit of Vengeance is not so easily satisfied. As if a battle royale between The Darkness and Ghost Rider weren't enough, this special features the incredible Hulk rampaging through New York City, both the current and former bearers of the Witchblade, and even an appearance by the master of the mystic arts, Doctor Strange. A stand-alone story that nevertheless sets the stage for Top Cow's First Born event, this is a tale in which all hell breaks loose -- literally!

Written by Ron Marz (Witchblade, Ion) and drawn by Top Cow's latest find, Michael Broussard, this is one crossover that demands your attention. Oh, yeah... The book also contains an exclusive preview of First Born!

Full Color
40 pages
$3.99 one-shot

This post relates to: Ronin, New Avengers, Leinil Francis Yu, Doctor Strange, Brother Voodoo, Wolverine, Ms. Marvel, Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis, Iron Man

This is one of my favorite comics.  This is going to be the big one.  We (supposedly) find out who this new Ronin is.  Place your bets.  The window's about to close.  And things don't look too good for Dr. Strange.  Man, first he gets shot in The Oath (great series) and now it looks like he's getting a sword through the chest.  Just when he's starting to get cool again.  What's going to happen when Hulk arrives?

The recent incarnation of the New Avengers doesn’t have it easy, forging their own underground movement against the Superhuman Registration act they consider unjust and finding themselves embroiled in conflicts with their former friends. But as readers will learn in New Avengers #30, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. As readers continue to learn how the New Avengers survived their conflict with Iron Man’s state-sponsored Mighty Avengers team in the past, they’ll also be thrilled to the New Avengers’ current conflict with the martial arts crime cabal known as the Hand! Throughout this top-selling story arc by award-winning writer Brian Bendis and red-hot artist Leinil Yu (one of Marvel’s Young Guns), fans have wondered just who is wearing the new Ronin armor and they’re about to find out in May.

Oh, and did we mention this all sets the stage for 2008’s top secret Marvel epic?

So don’t miss the series that ComicBookResources.Com’s Augie De Blieck called, “the premiere team title of the Marvel Universe.” Marvel advises retailers to check their orders on New Avengers, which not only ties into the best-selling ongoing Initiative storyline, but continues to sell out with each issue.


NEW AVENGERS #30 (MAR072102)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils and Cover by LEINIL YU
Rated A …$2.99
On Sale- 5/9/07

 

"2008's Top Secret Marvel Epic"?!?  Oh man.  Is this a good thing or does this mean another huge crossover that will require me to spend lots of money?  Either way, I'm excited.