Jeph Loeb News

This post relates to: Jeph Loeb, David Finch, Ultimate Universe

A White Cover?  Oooh!

Is there a reason behind the whiteness?  I've seen the white variant covers before.  Sure they sometimes look cool as they emphasize the single image on the cover.  Other times it just seems a little plain. 

This also would be a cool cover if we hadn't already seen this same exact image of Magneto sitting on his throne for so many months now.  Just seems like a cheap way to make another variant.

Either way, I'm getting excited over the series after seeing the trailer.

I don't have any info on how limited this variant will be.  There will be a regular cover plus an Ed McGuinness cover along with this, David Finch variant. 

This post relates to: Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Magneto, David Finch, Jeph Loeb

This post relates to: Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, Mohinder Suresh, Nathan Petrelli, Peter Petrelli, Sylar, HRG, Claire Bennet

Season 2 was far from perfect.  Things were getting set up and then it abruptly came to an end (because of the writers' strike).  Despite the fact that we did not get a full season, it's not really fair to fault the episodes that did come out.  After hearing what was supposed to happen later in the season, I think I'm a little thankful that it did end the way it did.  I'll get to that in a moment.  I decided to get the season on Blu-ray.  I'm picky and wanted the best quality picture possible.  I'm pretty sure the Blu-ray doesn't have anything that the four disc dvd set has besides the HD quality and pop up menus.

Disc 1:
Episodes 1-4.
Deleted Scenes:

 "Four Months Later..."  I Too Have A Special Ability
Ando is talking to Kaito Nakamura as he waits for Hiro to return.  Ando asks, "How do you know he'll be back?"
Kaito replies, "I too have a special ability.  Mine is to see the variables of any situation...and predict the outcome."
Ando asks, "You're like a computer?"
Kaito says, "I'm faster.  How do you think I've done so well in the stock market."
He then returns to his paper and sees some numbers jump out at him (like Russel Crowe in A Beautiful Mind).  That's when the picture marking him for death falls out of the paper and he knows he'll be dead within 24 hours.

Petrellis Don't Deserve To Be Saved
Nathan is drinking and his mom comes in asking for his help.  She knows she's being targeted.  She tells him rather than spend his time thinking of the past, to save her.  Nathan replies that Petrellis don't deserve to be saved.

The other feature on Disc 1 is a special entitled, Takezo Kensei - Sword Saint.  This is basically a history lesson on the legend.  It is given courtesy of www.yamagatofellowship.org.  Going to the website you can find the clips along with a video of Kaito Nakamura speaking (only it's in Japanese so I have no idea what he said).

Also on each disc is "Heroes Connections" which is an interactive map of each character.  The deleted scenes are only in 480i/p.

Disc 2:
Episodes 5-8
Deleted scenes:

"Fight Or Flight"  Look Yaeko - He Had It All Along
Kensei failed to bring Yaeko the full map to free her father.  She says he needs to get the other half.  He is about to say he can't until Hiro stops time and teleports to get it.

And She Hits Me Hard
Kensei tries to kiss Yaeko which results in her slapping him.  Kensei is ready to give up on her.

I'm The Only Normal Person In This Family
Monica Dawson is watching a Bruce Lee video practicing her new powers.  Her brother asks her what she's doing as she leaves for work.

You Think I Don't Know You, Hiro
Hiro is dressed in the mask talking to Yaeko.  Kensei is listening from behind a tree.  Hiro tells her he loves her.  She begins to tell him that she knows it's not his voice and removes the mask.  In Hiro's place now stands Kensei.

Don't Thank Me Yet
Monica is at work throwing out the garbage.  The guy she helped chase away is back, angry that the police are after him.  She decides to use her new Bruce Lee moves on him and gets in a fighting stance.  He pulls out a gun which makes her beg for her life.  The guy gets tasered from behind by Suresh.  Monica thanks him but Suresh tasers her too.

"The Line"  So It Does Run in the Family
Monica practices some gymnastics moves and talks to Suresh and Bob.

To Fight Alongside the Great Takezo Kensei
Hiro and Kensei are ready to free Yaeko's father.

No More Taser Kidnapping?
Bob brings Monica back home.  He gives her some information along with the video player.

"Out Of Time"  Get Down From There
Claire's mom is trying to change light bulbs in their living room.  Claire's boyfriend offers to help.  When she leaves the room, he flies up to change the bulbs.

She Can Find Peter
Nathan wants Molly to use her power to find Peter.  Matt puts his foot down.  He says he wants to let her be a kid.

"Four Months Ago..."  Happy Birthday Micah
Niki takes a prescription pill before bringing Micah his birthday cake.

There is No Need To Cry, Child
Maya is at a church in Venezuela praying for forgiveness.  She is comforted by a nun.

I'm Not O.K.  Do I Look O.K.?
Nathan is in the hospital (still scarred from his burns) trying to walk.  His wife and boys come in.  Nathan falls and yells at them.  As they begin to leave, one of his sons comes back, hugs him and tells him he loves him.

Other features:
 Genetics of a Scene.  Behind the scenes featurettes.  "Maya and Alejandro Run From the Police," "The Anatomy of the Cherry Blossom/Swordfight Scenes," Exploding Man" (shows how the scene was filmed using harnesses and a green screen), "The Loft" (a look at Isaac's loft and Suresh's lab).

 The Drucker Files.  News-type features on the life of Richard Drucker, the "godfather of the internet."  His character played a role in the online comics.

Disc 3:
 Episodes 9 & 10
Deleted Scenes:
 
"Cautionary Tales"  I Will Bring Him To Justice
Hiro tells Ando that he knows who killed his father.

I Laughed So Hard Chocolate Milk Came Out of My Nose
Matt and Molly discuss her day at school.

Other features: 

 Tim Sale Gallery of Screen Art












Disc 4:
Episode 11

Other Features:
 "Powerless" Alternate Ending

When Peter opens the vault with Adam (Kensei) to get the vial with the Shanit virus, Hiro arrives just as before.  Matt arrives trying to force Peter to go after Adam.  Then Nathan comes.  Hiro goes after Adam.  Hiro confronts Adam, who has the vial behind his back.  Hiro teleports them out of there as Adam drops the vial. 

Instead of Peter rushing in to stop the vial from hitting the ground, it crashes, releasing the virus.  It goes up through the duct to the workers in the paper factory upstairs.  It begins to spread through contact and breathing.  It is released into the air outside the factory.  When Nathan, Peter and Matt get to the top, they find the workers feverish on the verge of dying.  They decided they have to quarantine the entire town. 

At the police station, no one will really listen to what they have to say.  Nathan sends Peter off to block off the town.  Matt commands everyone to listen and do what Nathan says.  Peter causes a landslide to block the only bridge leading in and out of town (this scene was only in storyboard form).

A reporter arrives at the station and asks Nathan for an update.  Nathan tells him to ask someone in charge but the reporter points out that he is the one in charge.  Nathan decides to hold a press conference stating that Odessa, Texas is under quarantine.  He begins sweating during his speech and soon collapses.

It ends the same way with Sylar injecting himself with the vial he took from Suresh's lab and getting his powers back.

Inside the Alternate Ending of "Generations"
It is mentioned that the vial breaking was going to affect the next eight episodes or so.  As the writers' strike was approaching, episodes 11, 12 and 13 were written and being filmed.  The outbreak of the virus was going to be a situation that would go on for several episodes.   Nathan, Peter and Matt were stuck in Odessa and they were trying to figure out how to bring the other characters to them.  Suresh would be going as an expert on the virus and Claire would end up there since here father was infected. 

 People have wondered what was the point of Maya and Alejandro's character in the season.  Maya was supposed to be the hero of the season.  She would be the one that would clear away the virus by taking it all into herself.  From there she would either die or be in a relationship with Suresh.

It was pointed out that in episode 7 when Peter talks to a CDC guy, there was going to be a twist.  The guy was secretly working for the Company.  They wanted the town to die in order to protect their secret.

The other endings, including Niki getting trapped in the warehouse as it exploded, happened as they were meant to.  Rather than leave the season ending on the verge of the outbreak, the plot was re-written.

Untold Stories
Elle Bishop is trying to get Sylar as he kills others including a man who was indestructible (his brain was removed through his mouth) and a chameleon girl.
Elle visits HRG who tells her she's being used as bait for Sylar.  Company protocal is agents always have a partner.  Her's must be hiding waiting for Sylar to try to get her powers.
Ando tries getting Hiro to use his powers.  Hiro insists that everything is his fault and refuses to use them.  Ando stands in traffic thinking Hiro will stop time to save him.  He pushes him out of the way instead.
In another scene, there is blood and destruction all around.  Hiro has Adam's sword sticking out of his chest, Micah and Monica lie dead on the floor, Matt and HRG also appear to be dead.  Peter is on the verge of dying.  Claire is being choked.  She gets slammed down and her head is chopped off.  Angela Petrelli sees this and finds herself blocked off by the man that killed Claire, Adam, Niki and Matt's dad.  Sylar comes and grabs her from behind.  She wakes up startled in the back of her car.

NBC Featurettes
Hotel Corintian Explosion
Maya & Alejandro Viral Video
Nathan & Peter Brookly Cam

My thoughts...

All in all, it's a nice package.  I did like the packaging for the deluxe Season 1 set I got last year.  The high definition viewing, to me is a must.  The deleted scenes this time around weren't too spectacular.  It's pretty apparent why they ended up getting deleted.  The extra footage was pretty cool to see.  As Tim Kring pointed out, this is the only place you'll see the extra footage.  It blows me away how different the season would've been.  As I mentioned, I'm happier with the way the season did end.  After already seeing the first episode for Season 3, I think it's better this way. 

Season 2 was intended to be more ambitious.  They mentioned going all out and having tanks and helicopters during the quarantine.  That all just seems too much for the world of Heroes.  I'm also not sure what was to come of Angela's vision.  Jeph Loeb pointed out that a lot of people were going to die in later episodes.

Should you buy this set?  It depends.  I own the first season and feel obligated to own the second.  For me, this will be a series that I will go back and watch, especially during the summer months when there isn't new programming on.  I did like the season even though it got short changed.  If you're the type of person that buys dvd box sets, I say get it. 

Should you buy this on Blu-ray?  Again, that depends.  I can't go to a movie if the theatre doesn't have a digital projector. I wouldn't want to have a standard version of this knowing the Blu-ray was available (I own Season 1 on dvd since it only came out on the defunct HD-DVD and I don't know if I'll go and re-purchase it on Blu-ray).  If you have a HD tv, it makes sense.  A show like this, with special effects and all really should be seen in HD.  If you were thinking of buying something like The Office, I don't think there'd be a huge need for HD. 

I give this a solid 4 stars out of 5.

This post relates to: Ed Mcguinness, Jeph Loeb, Thor, Hulk

Red Hulk Wages War With Thor To A Second Printing!

I may have questioned a couple things in this issue but I am still enjoying the series.  Like everyone else, I want to know who is this Red Hulk.  He has shown not only incredible brute strength but also a brilliant mind.  He's been able to take down everyone that's stood against him.  With the last page, issue 6 looks to be really interesting.  Perhaps it will mark the end of his smashing.  Maybe we'll find out who he really is.

Don't worry, Red Hulk will continue to have a presence in this series.  Jeph Loeb said that the issues would be split with both Red and Green Hulk having their own stories.

So is it better not knowing who he is?  Will knowing take the mystery out of him and make him less interesting?  That's hard to say.  If continued to be well-written, it'd just be an opportunity to flesh out the character.
 

It’s the comic book phenomenon that has everyone talking and that has sold out again! Marvel is pleased to announce that Hulk #5, from the white-hot creative team of Eisner-winner, Emmy-nominated scribe Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3, upcoming Ultimatum) and superstar artist Ed McGuinness, will return with Hulk #5 Second Printing Variant! With a new cover featuring the powerful interior art of McGuinness, and a story that pits Red Hulk against the mighty Thor, no Marvel fan can afford to miss this shocking battle! And just what happened to green Hulk and A-Bomb?

"Five issues.  Five sold out.  And the second printings too!” said Loeb. “I'll have to tell McGuinness' kids to stop buying so many copies!  Seriously though, I gotta thank Warren Simons and the entire Thor crew who were so helpful at getting the God of Thunder to guest star in this issue.  And rest assured, Thor vs. Red Hulk -- the Grudge Match isn't far behind.  All of this builds to next issue when Ol' Greenskin and the Rulk finally have it out -- and I can promise you, only one of them walks away!”

With the buzz around Hulk growing with each issue—leading to sell outs of all the series’ printings—Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Hulk. Timothy Callahan of ComicBookResources.Com gushes, “This comic is pretty much all I ever need from a Hulk series, and as long as each issue is this much fun, I'll be sticking around for a long time.”

After this issue’s stunning last page, just what lies ahead for Red Hulk? There’s only one way to find out—read the smash hit Hulk!

 
HULK #5 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JUN088081)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—8/21/08, On-Sale—9/10/08

This post relates to: San Diego Comic-Con, Jeph Loeb, Sylar, Nathan Petrelli, Peter Petrelli, Mohinder Suresh, HRG, Claire Bennet

Heroes is back better than ever

The Heroes panel was the first one in the big hall at Comic-Con today.  I knew I had to get there early.  Especially since LOST and Terminator Salvation would be in the hall right afterwards (the hall is not cleared out in between panels.  I got to Comic-Con about 45 minutes before it started and a huge line was already there.  It actually took be close to ten minutes just to walk all the way around the convention center to reach the end of the line.  I had no idea if I'd make it in but I was going to give it a shot. 

I did make it in.  With about 3 minutes to spare.  The amount of people waiting (some people actually slept out all night for a spot in line) made me think that Heroes might need its own convention. 

It started with a 'commercial' for the Create Your Own Hero online.  Basically you vote between two heroes to decide which gets their own online comic.  Okay.  Then we got to see Webisode 3 of "Going Postal."  It picks up right where episode 2 ends.  Should be online Monday.  There's a surprise appearance by (SPOILER) Angela Petrelli. 

Finally Jeph Loeb comes out.  Gets the crowd chanting for Heroes.  Tells us this season will be "completely off the hook."  Next come the entire cast (I'll just name character names for sake of time): Matt Parkman, Niki, Sylar, Angela, Peter, Maya, Claire, HRG, Nathan, Mohinder, Hiro and Ando.  Tim Kring comes out later with a briefcase literally handcuffed to his wrist.  Inside?  A dvd copy of Heroes Volume III: Villains, Chapter 1: The Second Coming.

I hate giving away spoilers but let's face it, if I don't, most likely someone else will somewhere online.  I'll save you from having to search it out.  It was an incredible episode.  Blows away the entire last season.  I would rather you wait to see it when it returns on September 22 but if you can't wait, continue reading.

Absolute and complete SPOILERS below

You've been warned...

Peter is running in the streets of Manhattan.  It turns out it's four years in the future.  Ducking inside a building, it turns out he's being chased by a future, dark-haired, gun-totting Claire.  SHe tells him, "It ends here" and holds the gun to Peter.  Peter tells her he can go back to the day "they" all found out and fix things.  The angry Claire simply shoots at Peter.  He stops time, takes her gun and teleports out of there.

Future Peter arrives in the present.  He grabs a trenchcoate and ball cap.  Nathan is about to make his announcement about his powers at the press conference.  Future Peter shoots him twice.  Present day Peter just sees the shooter duck back and takes off after him.  Future Peter hides the gun, ducks in a bathroom and disappears moments before Present day Peter, Matt and some officers arrive. 

Nathan is taken to the hospital.  It doesn't look good.  Claire calls Peter in the ambulance wanting to go out there to give Nathan her blood.  Peter tells her she's too far away and to stay there.  In the hospital, Peter is forced to wait outside.  Finally a doctor comes out.  Nathan is dead.  Peter slowly goes into the room to see Nathan lying there, already pale from death.  Suddenly...he sits up and gasps.

In Japan, Hiro is sitting in his new office as head of his father's company.  Ando walks in and Hiro tells him he's not happy.  He doesn't care about the money.  He wants a destiny to fulfill.  He doesn't want to sit around and wait for opportunity to knock on the door.  At that moment, there is a knock on the door.  Hiro's father's lawyer comes in with an envelope.  A dvd message from his father.

Claire, watching the news, decides she can't wait around.  She starts packing and heads for her bedroom door.  Opening it, she discovers Sylar standing out there.  She bashes him in the head with a cheerleading trophy and runs out of the room.  Downstairs, all the windows and doors slam shut.  She's locked inside.  She grabs a knife then decides to hide in a closet.

Mohinder arrives in his apartment where Maya almost clobbers him thinking Sylar has returned.  Mohinder is gathering his papers and says he's returning to India.  He's failed to complete his father's work.  Maya gets upset that he's just giving up and isn't going to try to cure her.  Her powers start to kick in but she calms herself.  Mohinder asks her what she just did.  He figures her powers (and the others) must be triggered by the adrenal glands.

The dvd tells Hiro of a sacred duty he must continue.  In his personal safe there is a dangerous secret that could destroy the world.  He tells Hiro no matter what, he should never open the safe.  End of video.  Hiro won't just sit back and do nothing.  He figures out how to open the safe.  Inside is an envelope that says "Press Play."  It's his father again saying, "I told you not to open the safe!"  He then tells him there is a formula that must be protected.  It needs the 'light' to protect it from the darkness.  It's only for the pure blooded.  Out of nowhere the formula disappears in a gust of wind.  A speedster has just swiped it.  Hiro stops time and follows the speed trails left by the thief.  He finds a female at the end of the streak.  Looking at her, her eyes suddenly move.  She asks him if he's a speedster too and Hiro tells her no, that he stops time.  She tells him that he doesn't stop it completely.  Then she punches him and leaves, with the formula. 

Back where Nathan was shot, Peter goes into the storeroom where Future Peter stashed the gun.  It's not there.  Matt walks in with it.  He wants to know how he knew the gun would be there or even that the shooter stashed the gun. Peter's appearance changes into the scarred Future Peter.  He tells Matt he's from the future.  Now that Matt knows, he can't be there.  He gives him a little shove and Matt is gone.

Future Peter (looking like Present day Peter again) goes to the hospital and finds Nathan's bed empty.  Nathan walks into the hospital chapel.  He tells a praying woman, "I saw God today."  God gave him a second chance.  He's there to do great things.  He's there to do His bidding.  Future Peter walks in and listens while hiding.  Nathan says "We're all connected.  Our hopes and dreams..."  Only together can they do great things.  He collapses in Future Peter's arms.

Mohinder gets a sample from Maya.  He manages to isolate the source of her powers.  Overjoyed he tells her that the syringe can give powers to anyone.  He has to go to his lab to do more work.

Sylar taunts Claire while she's locked in the closet.  While talking, he finds a folder filled with files from her dad of other people with powers (like a menu).  He wants to start with the best, Claire.  Turning back towards the closet, Claire is there and stabs Sylar in the chest.  Sylar is still able to slam and pin Claire against the wall.  He starts his cutting at her head.  Claire is then laid on a table as Sylar is poking around her brain.  She is still conscious but can't move or feel anything.  Sylar finds what he's looking for.  Claire asks him, "Are you gonna eat it?"  Sylar responds, "Eat your brain?  Claire, that's disgusting."  He pulls out the knife from his chest.  The wound heals.  He takes HRG's files and starts to leave.  He then picks up the top of Claire's head and places it on her.  Claire is now able to heel, herself.  Sylar leaves but Claire yells out "Wait!"  She wants to know why he's not going to kill her.  Sylar tells her there's so much about herself she doesn't know.  She's not like the others.  She's special.  He says he couldn't kill her even if he wanted.  "You can never die.  And now...neither can I."

At Mohinder's lab, Maya asks if the syringe can cure her.  Mohinder says nothing, knowing that it can't.  She tells him he needs to destroy it.  It's a curse.  It's evil.

Nathan is back in his hospital bed.  He tells (Future) Peter  that they can be angels.  They are all there to do God's bidding.  (Future) Peter asks him about his announcement.  Nathan says they can't be angels if everyone knows about them.  Peter walks out.  Mr. Linderman comes in, back from the dead, himself.  Nathan now knows that he healed him.

The governer is watching the news.  He sees the story of Nathan "miraculous" recovery.  He tells a woman getting dressed in the bedroom, "We found our guy."  Out walks Niki.

Matt wakes up.  He's in the middle of the desert.

Ando is arguing with Hiro.  He tells him he should go into the past to talk to his dad.  Hiro says he's done going into the past.  He's never going back because he messed things up too badly.  He decides to go to the futrue to see what will happen.  Tokyo is in a state of panic.  Sirens are blaring.   Hiro sees Future Hiro and Ando arguing.  They're actually arguing over the formula. Futrue Hiro pulls out his sword.  Ando gets in a stance and blasts Hiro with a bolt of red energy.  Future Hiro doesn't get up.  Tokyo starts getting destroyed.  Hiro teleports back to the present just in time.  He tells Ando, "We have to find that formula."

Mohinder is at the docks.  He's going to toss the syringe into the water.  He then decides to inject himself.   He starts convulsing and passes out.

At the hospital, Angela Petrelli corners (Future) Peter and asks him what he's done with her son.  She says she had a dream that he was coming.  Future Peter says he's somewhere safe and that he's fixed things.  Angela tells him by shooting Nathan he's screwed up everything.   Now something else is going to happen. 

In Level 5, a man is banging on the window.  He yells, "I'm not who you think I am!  I'm Peter Petrelli!" Over and over.  Other people with powers are locked up.  HRG is seen in a cell himself.

Matt walks through the desert.  He passes by a rock with a certain symbol in it.

Sylar is on the hunt for more powers.

Mohinder is found by two guys that start to take his money. One pulls a gun to "finish him."   Mohinder grabs the gun, bending it at the same time.  He punches the guy.  He's super agile and strong now.  On the building behind him, a certain symbol can be seen again.

End of SPOILERS...

The Question and Answer portion wasn't too thrilling.  Jeph did announce that the dvd for Season 2 (out on August 26) will contain the unknown lost episodes that were not aired.

To end with, here's a clip from NBC.com of Matt giving some tips about Comic-Con.

This post relates to: Joe Madureira, Jeph Loeb, The Ultimates 3, Ultimates

Ultimates 3 #4 Returns With New Printing!

Marvel is pleased to announced that due to an overwhelming demand, the sold-out Ultimates 3 #4 is returning with Ultimates 3 #4 Second Printing Variant. Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated super-scribe Jeph Loeb (Hulk, Captain America: White, television’s Heroes) and the superstar art team of Joe Madureira and Christian Lichtner continue the story of comics’ most controversial superhero team as Wasp fights for her life & the rest of the team confronts Magneto in the Savage Land! With a new cover featuring the interior art of Madureira & Lichtner, and tying into the red-hot March on Ultimatum, Ultimates 3 #4 Second Printing Variant is a must for any fans of the Ultimate universe!

"It's unbelievably wild that we've sold out of all four issues AND multiple printings of these stories," said Loeb.  "We're having a blast with the Ultimate U's mightiest heroes and this issue really sets up our last issue #5 of the "Who Killed The Scarlet Witch?" arc.  The ending will surprise you -- and even better, it is the direct lead in Ultimatum #1 with killer artwork by David Finch and Danny Miki!  Hop on now before the Ultimate Universe is never the same again!"

 
With quick sell outs of the first four issues and subsequent printings, Ultimates 3 is one of 2008’s hottest series and Marvel urges to check their orders on the book that has changed the Ultimate U forever!
 
ULTIMATES 3 #4 (of 5) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY088299)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and Cover by JOE MADUREIRA & CHRISTIAN LICHTNER
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—07/31/08, On-Sale—08/20/08

This post relates to: Watcher, Ed Mcguinness, Jeph Loeb, Hulk

Ha.  This is just classic.  I'm really diggin' this series and absolutely love this image.

Hulk Versus Hulk Smashes To A Second Printing of Hulk #4!

 
Marvel is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Hulk #4, featuring the titanic clash between Hulk and Red Hulk, has sold out at Diamond in less than 24 hours! To meet the overwhelming demand for this issue, Marvel is going back to press with Hulk #4 Second Printing Variant, featuring the interior art of Ed McGuinness on a new wraparound cover as Red Hulk takes on the Watcher! The smash-hit superstar creative team of Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated scribe Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3, television’s Heroes) and incomparable artist Ed McGuinness take the Hulk mythos where it’s never been! With sell outs of multiple printings of all Hulk issues released thus far, 2008 truly is the year of the Hulk!

“Whahooo!” said Loeb. “Ed and I and Jason and Rich are thrilled that the newest Hulk in the marvel universe has made red turn to green for our retailer friends!  And just in case anybody thinks we're slowing down, next up is the Red Hulk vs. THOR in Hulk 5 and then in Issue 6 it's GREEN VS. RED -- The Rematch of the Century!  And we can promise you, there's more and more surprises galore!”

McGuinness said, “This book is about making impossible things happen....selling out again was not part of those plans!!! Thanks to all that continue to make this ride what it is. Excelsior!”

Plus, if you missed the first three red-hot issues, make sure you don’t miss Hulk: Red Hulk, collecting Hulk #1-3!

With Hulk on everyone’s minds and Hulk continuing to sell out quickly with each issue—and subsequent printing—Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on one of 2008’s hottest new books- HULK!

 
HULK #4 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY088166)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/10/08, On-Sale—7/30/08

HULK: RED HULK (APR088241)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A …$4.99
On-Sale—7/9/08

This post relates to: Hulk, Jeph Loeb, Ed Mcguinness, Watcher

Ha ha.  Check it out.  The Watcher is getting trounced.  You know that's what you've always wanted to do (and say) to that peeping Tom.

The Red Hulk battles the Green Hulk—and there will be smashing!

It’s the battle you’ve been waiting for since the incredible, smash-hit superstar creative team of Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated scribe Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3, television’s Heroes) and the incomparable artist Ed McGuiness teamed up to launch Hulk, creating one of 2008’s runaway successes!

But just who is the Red Hulk? How will this reveal shake the Hulk’s universe to its core? And just what is the Watcher doing in the middle of this? Find out in Hulk #4, as the sold-out series continues!

Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for special ordering incentives.

If you’re wondering what all the buzz is about, don’t miss Hulk: Red Hulk, collecting the first three issues of the series that introduced the Hulk you never thought you’d see!

HULK #4 (FEB082223)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & 50/50 Covers by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—6/5/08, On-Sale—6/25/08

HULK: RED HULK (APR088241)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A …$4.99
FOC—6/19/08, On-Sale—7/9/08

Man, that might be the best panel so far this year.

This post relates to: Captain America, Tim Sale, Jeph Loeb

I am so looking forward to this.  I love Cap.  I am enjoying Brubaker's story even though Cap is (still) dead.  This will  be classic.  I had a chance to watch Tim Sale in action at Wonder Con in February.  Simply amazing the way the pictures just pour out of his pen.  If you've read any of the past Loeb and Sale stuff, you don't need me telling you how good this is going to be.

It’s the project everyone’s buzzing about, from the Eisner Award-winning dream team of superstars Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, and it begins with Captain America: White #0, now featuring a new wraparound variant cover and lower price! Beloved for their powerful work on Spider-Man: Blue, Hulk: Gray, Daredevil: Yellow, television’s Heroes and more, Loeb & Sale reunite for a special, all-new tale of Captain America and Bucky during World War II, kicking off this hotly anticipated series! Leading directly into this fall’s Captain America: White #1, this issue also contains loads of extras taking you behind the scenes—and hinting at the future—of the next “color” series from one of the industry’s most acclaimed duos!

So what’re you waiting for? Don’t miss your first look at one of this year’s most anticipated projects in a special edition so chock full of surprises that it could only come from the team of Loeb & Sale—it’s Captain America: White #0, now only $2.99!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: WHITE #0 (MAY082268)
CAPTAIN AMERICA: WHITE #0 WRAPAROUND VARIANT (APR088184)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Covers by TIM SALE
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—6/19/08, On-Sale—7/9/08

This post relates to: Jeph Loeb, Ed Mcguinness, Hulk

Wonder when we'll find out just who exactly he is.  I'm not buying some of the "suspects" floating around.  Keep in mind this Red Hulk is willing to kill Rick Jones.  I think that rules out a lot of people.  Can't wait for issue #4.

One of this year’s hottest new series sells-out at Diamond immediately again, as the red-hot Hulk #3 returns with a new printing! The incredible creative team of Eisner-winning, Emmy-nominated writer Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3, television’s Heroes) and superstar artist Ed McGuinness continue their rampage as the Red Hulk battles A-Bomb and…the Hulk? Hulk #3 Second Printing Variant features the incomparable interior art of Ed McGuinness on a new cover depicting two of Marvel’s greatest powerhouses meeting for the first time!

“Oh. My. Gosh.” Loeb exclaimed, "I'm amazed and so grateful for our continued success -- three issues and three sellouts! Ed and I set out to have fun on this title and clearly the retailers and readers are having a blast too! We know that everyone is spoiling for the Red Hulk vs. Green Hulk match-up and this one sets the stage. So, hang on, true believers, the real smashing is still to come! Thanks to everyone, in particular our amazing team of Dex, Jason and Richard who knock themselves out every issue delivering the goods!”

With every issue of Hulk selling out almost immediately, and multiple printings still red-hot, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all issues of this series. Now that Hulk and Red Hulk have met, what’s next? HULKS SMASH!

Please note that copies of Hulk #3 may still be available at the retail level.

HULK #3 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAR088088)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Inked by DEXTER VINES
Colored by JASON KEITH
Rated A…$2.99
FOC—5/8/08, On-Sale—5/28/08