Greg Land News

This post relates to: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Greg Land, The Uncanny X-Men, X-Men

Still Feels A Little Weird

Once again, Marvel was kind enough to let me read this issue in advanced.

It does feel like we almost have a new comic.  This is a great jumping on point for new readers.  It makes perfect sense for the X-Men to get out of New York and try a different part of the country.  At first I thought this move was to get away from their enemies.  Everyone knows where they were living since they decided to go public. 

Now in San Francisco, it's not fully clear (at least to me) whether or not their "base" is a complete secret.  They've announce that San Francisco is to become a haven for all mutants.  They're basically telling the world that this is where they're staying now.  With Angel buying huge chunks of land, it won't be hard to figure out where exactly they're calling home.

I have to say that I have some mixed feelings about this new direction.  We start out with the brutal beating (continued from last issue) of Pixie courtesy of the new Hellfire Cult.  This will have obvious future ramifications.  The rest of the issue feels a little...fake.  Greg Land's art looks great, even though it feels like we've seen some of it before.  I'm not too crazy with the way Cyclops looks.   A little too pretty it seems.  Same with Angel, but he's supposed to be.   There's just a little too much smiling, too much teeth.  Feels weird.

When the X-Men have their downtime, their conversations and way they talk to each other is great.  The way they give each other little jabs really conveys the sense that they are more than just a team.  I also have to say I really like what Wolverine and Nightcrawler come up with. 

I'm giving this a 4 out of 5.  I almost gave it a 4.5.  The art is just a little distracting.  Again, while it looks really great, often when familiar characters appear on the page, you don't always know who they are since they seem to have become so pretty.  Regardless, I cannot wait for the next issue. 

Uncanny X-Men #501

Things start out grim for the newest X-Girl as the team gets settled into its new secret headquarters. Scott and Emma do what Scott and Emma do best-- but what's the secret project Scott's been building? And is anyone prepared for the menace of the Hellfire Cult? Mysteries, riddles, enigmas, and pain freaks all converge in the brave new world of San Francisco-- read SFX 1: ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES!

This post relates to: Michael Turner, Alex Ross, Greg Land, X-Men

Okay, I think I'm actually getting a little excited about this.  And with the X-Men moving to San Francisco, I gotta figure out how to get an interview with them. 

Uncanny X-Men #500! A First Look Inside!

 
The historic Uncanny X-Men #500 is almost here, from the new writing team of Eisner-winner Ed Brubaker and Eisner-nominee Matt Fraction, and the series’ new superstar art team, Greg Land and Dodson…and this is the issue no X-Fan can miss. Why have the X-Men moved to San Francisco? What do Magneto, Master Mold and the Sentinels have to do with the surprising events of this issue? As X-Men: Manifest Destiny begins, Marvel’s mutants head into a bold new direction!

Plus, to celebrate this momentous occasion, Marvel looks back at 500 of the industry’s most groundbreaking comics in two new specials! Marvel Spotlight: Uncanny X-Men 500 Issues Celebration examines the past, present and future of the X-Men and their creators! Then, in Uncanny X-Men 500 Issues Poster Book, you can discover 36 posters celebrating the Uncanny X-Men mythos! But if that’s not enough, we’ve got Alex Ross and Greg Land’s gorgeous covers to Uncanny X-Men #500 as posters perfect for any room!

Marvel proudly presents this first look inside this anniversary issue, as Greg Land brings the X-Men into conflict with some of their greatest foes! Don’t miss Uncanny X-Men #500!




















 

































UNCANNY X-MEN #500 (MAY082324)
UNCANNY X-MEN #500 TURNER & DODSON VARIANTS (MAY082325)
UNCANNY X-MEN #500 TURNER & DODSON SKETCH VARIANTS (MAY088105)
Written by ED BRUBAKER & MATT FRACTION
Penciled by GREG LAND & TERRY DODSON
50/50 Wraparound Cover by ALEX ROSS
50/50 Wraparound Cover by GREG LAND
Variant Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: UNCANNY X-MEN 500 ISSUES CELEBRATION (MAY082340)
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08

UNCANNY X-MEN 500 ISSUES POSTER BOOK (MAY082339)
No Rating …$6.99
FOC—7/1/08, On-Sale—7/23/08

UNCANNY X-MEN ALEX ROSS POSTER (MAY082383)
36x24 Color Poster…$7.99
On-Sale—7/9/08
 
UNCANNY X-MEN BY GREG LAND POSTER (MAY082384)
55x20 Color Poster…$15.99
FOC—6/26/08, On-Sale—7/23/08

This post relates to: Nick Fury, Squadron Supreme, Greg Land, Howard Chaykin

I don't know if they're trying to be like the regular old Nick Fury but I'm sure you've noticed that Ultimate Nick Fury pulled a disappearing act recently.  He hasn't made an appearance (besides in the Iron Man movie) in some time.  I can't tell if this will explain where he's been or if it's a flashback tale.

Either way, Squadron Supreme returning sounds cool to me.

Squadron Supreme Returns…With Ultimate Nick Fury!

The comeback of Squadron Supreme begins with four astronauts returning to Earth from a fantastic space mission, changed in a familiar way…and Ultimate Nick Fury will learn the truth about their quest! Squadron Supreme 2 #1, a bold new ongoing series from comics legend Howard Chaykin and Chesterquest artist Marco Turini, follows the hit Ultimate Power series as the mankind struggles to rebuild! But what is the secret behind a new group of heroes who’ve appeared? And whatever happened to the Squadron Supreme?
 
Squadron Supreme 2 #1 exposes the secrets of the lunar mission…and the truth that Fury discovers will rock the Supreme-verse to its core!
 
SQUADRON SUPREME 2 #1 (MAY082320)
Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN
Penciled by MARCO TURINI
Cover by GREG LAND
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—6/12/08, On-Sale—7/02/08

This post relates to: Witchblade, Devi, Greg Land, Ron Marz, Eric Basaldua

I have to say, it seems that Top Cow has got to be the friendliest company out there.  Look at all the crossovers they manage to do.  There's certain companies that just won't do them with others.  Top Cow manages to get along with the other companies and the crossovers always seem to "work."  They don't feel forced.  You can actually believe that the characters involved could actually exist in the same universe.  I'll be curious to see how this is since I don't really know much about Devi.

Top Cow Productions Inc. and Virgin Comics announced today the first-ever crossover comic book event between the two companies, starring the top, solo female characters from both publishers. In the story, longtime Top Cow icon Witchblade, a mystical artifact currently wielded by New York City detective Sara Pezzini, travels to India and encounters Devi, a supernatural force created by the gods that has been reborn inside the body of a young woman named Tara Mehta.

“The crossover seemed like a perfect connection,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. “It was a natural fit to have the Witchblade and Devi meet each other. And to have writer Ron Marz at the helm for us was by far the logical choice.”

Marz is the current writer on Witchblade, having joined the title with issue #80. He has committed to writing the book until at least issue #150 with artist Stjepan Sejic. Marz is also the editor of three of Virgin Comics’ Shakti line of books, including Devi, Ramayan 3392 A.D. and The Sadhu. He joined the staff one year ago to mentor and nurture the company’s young staff of India-based creators.

“Because of my connection to both universes, this crossover was pretty much my baby to run with,” said Marz. “I came up with a concept that would have the two characters believably meet, and from there we fleshed it out to create out a dynamic tale led by two beautiful women and featuring some scary bad guys and a cool pay-off to boot. Plus, this may not necessarily be the only time Sara and Tara meet!”

Top Cow will publish part one of the story in April, called Witchblade/Devi #1. Joining Marz on the issue will be artist Eric Basaldua (Magdalena), who will also draw one of the covers. Virgin Comics will then follow up with part two in May, entitled Devi/Witchblade #1. On that issue, Samit Basu (Devi) writes the story, and Mukesh Singh (Gamekeeper) will provide art and one of the covers. The celebrated Greg Land (X-Men: Phoenix – Endsong) provides variant covers for both issues.

“Simply put, this was a no-brainer for us to do,” said Gotham Chopra, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief of Virgin Comics. “Not only are we at Virgin huge fans of Witchblade, but the whole team behind it at Top Cow. I know our guys—Samit Basu and Mukesh Singh—are both going to bring their A game to make sure that Devi holds her own against Sara.”

This post relates to: Exiles, Michael Golden, Greg Land

I've always enjoyed the Exiles.  One of it's charm factor has been the rotating cast.  Before it was a matter of no one really being safe.  That was good.  It kept you on the edge of your seat.  You never knew if a mission was going to be your favorite character's last.  People would get ticked off and shocked at the same time when someone departed.  So now we're getting a "new" group.  Yes change is good but "if it ain't broke..."  I'm not going to write it off completely.  Of course I'm going to read it and see how things are.  I do agree that they do need a little more...guidance now.  Ever since the "Timebroker" was revealed, things sort of lost their momentum.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I do like seeing Tom Grummett's art.  At least that's something to look forward to.

Marvel is proud to reveal legendary artist Michael Golden’s new variant cover to the highly-anticipated New Exiles #1, ushering in a new era for fan-favorite team! Written by iconic X-Men scribe Chris Claremont, with art by Tom Grummett and a standard cover by superstar Greg Land, New Exiles #1 assembles a brand new team of heroes to protect the Omniverse. With new leaders, new worlds and new adversaries, this team of Exiles are about to face their greatest threat yet—that is, if they can survive each other first!


It’s an all-new, all-different group of Exiles—let’s hope they all survive the experience in New Exiles #1, featuring stunning covers by Greg Land and Michael Golden!


NEW EXILES #1 (NOV072193)
NEW EXILES #1 GOLDEN VARIANT (NOV072194)
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT
Penciled by TOM GRUMMETT
Cover by GREG LAND
Variant Cover by MICHAEL GOLDEN
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—12/20/07, On-Sale—1/16/08

This post relates to: Ultimates, Squadron Supreme, Jeph Loeb, Greg Land

I suppose I've been enjoying this series.   The only problem I have is there's just too many characters.  There's not a whole lot of character interaction.  I get that there's a lot of fighting going on but it's not like these guys get together everyday.  They seem too comfortable around each other.  I guess they all fought against the aliens in the Ultimates.  Which we never did see where that fit into continuity with the other Ultimate titles.  I don't remember there being a mention of New York getting trashed in Ultimate Spidey or Ultimate X-Men.  Am I just drawing a blank from reading too many comics?  Oh well.  Like I said, it is enjoyable. 

The breathtaking battle between the Ultimates and two versions of the Squadron Supreme concludes and the Ultimate Universe will never, ever be the same again! Ultimate Power #9 (of 9), from the red-hot creative team of Emmy-nominated and Eisner-winning author Jeph Loeb and acclaimed artist Greg Land bring you the “ultimate” superhero throwdown as enemies become allies to defeat the Hulk! Who’s more powerful—the Thing or The Hulk? Who is the new permanent resident of the Ultimate Universe? And what’s Nick Fury’s role in the stunning conclusion?

A March On Ultimatum tie-in, this powerful final chapter of the Ultimate Power epic forces both sides to make huge sacrifices that’ll change both the Ultimate and Supreme Power universes forever. True Believer, you won’t believe your eyes when it all concludes—it’s more than mortal minds can imagine!

Setting the stage for 2008’s can’t-miss event, Ultimatum, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Ultimate Power #9 and all upcoming March On Ultimatum tie-ins. In 2008, the ultimate price will be paid, but this is where the future of the Ultimate Universe begins…but is it the beginning of the end? Look to the Ultimatum teaser for a hint of things to come.

ULTIMATE POWER #9 (of 9) (AUG072199)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—12/06/07, On-Sale—12/28/07

This post relates to: Hulk, Rick Jones, Greg Pak, Leonard Kirk, Greg Land

I know there's a lot of Hulk love on the boards here.  So you should be excited to see this.  And it's the return of Rick Jones!

Hulk has returned to Earth for “World War Hulk” and now he must deal with his best friend Rick Jones—but where does Rick stand? Is he with the Hulk or has he joined with those who oppose the Green Goliath? These answers and more come in the all new Incredible Hulk #108, which will feature a different story than solicited, allowing for the previous story to now appear in Incredible Hulk #109. No one in the universe knows Hulk better than Rick Jones, who’s stood by the savage beast through the good and the bad, no one except…Miek The Unhived? As Hulk’s oldest friend on Earth meets with Hulk’s first ally on the alien planet Sakaar, fans will get a look into the mind of the one man to not only fight alongside Hulk, but to also suffer with him—Rick Jones!

Written by Greg Pak, the man behind the best selling Planet Hulk, and featuring pencils by fan favorite Leonard Kirk, fresh off Agents Of ATLAS, this clash of worldviews will leave Rick and Miek very different people…if either friend of the Hulk survives! And how does this affect the Hulk? You’ll have to tune into Incredible Hulk #108 to find out!

INCREDIBLE HULK #108 (MAY072122)
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils by LEONARD KIRK
Cover by GREG LAND
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/5/07, On Sale—7/25/07

 

Who does he think he is?