The Latest in Comic Book News

From what I've been hearing, it seems that some people are getting a little tired of both Marvel Zombies and Marvel Apes.  What happens when the two meet?  Who wins?
 
  
Part of me was a little surprised by this book.  I've always rooted for the Marvel Zombies.  I really dug the idea when it first came out.  With Marvel Zombies 3 and 4, it started getting overused.  I was pleased with the recent Marvel Zombies Return mini-series.  When I picked this up, I didn't notice the Marvel Apes on the cover.  
 
Speaking of Marvel Apes, when I first heard about that, I thought it could be humorous.  To me, it didn't work as well as Zombies.  Now we have both together in the same book.  As I mentioned, it was a struggle to get through this book.  I wanted to like it but there wasn't really anything that brought joy to my heart.  I liked that it was all contained in one issue.  It was interesting having different creative teams working on the book.  Some of the zombie scenes just didn't feel gruesome enough.  I'm not sure if it was simply the art, the inks, the colors or all combined.
 
While this is a self-contained story, I'm not really sure what we get out of it at the end.  Is there a clear cut winner?  You'll have to see for yourself.  I would say that unless you're a big Marvel Zombies fan or a fan of Marvel Apes, there aren't too many reasons to pick this up.  I hate to say it but I only found a couple humorous moments.  Before I was half way through I wanted it to end.  I would like to see a break from both franchises.  I do think they both have potential but this is just too much yet not enough to be entertaining.

I will admit, even I had not heard of this comic before today, but it does sound relatively interesting. 
 
Published by Insomniac Publications earlier this year, ' Buskers' tells the story of Timothy Book, a successful London banker who after losing his cushy job, is forced to re-think his life. The story is written by Sean Michael Wilson with art by Michiru Morikawa. Unemployment eventually leads him to work as a 'Busker.' Generally, 'Buskers' are entertainers and street performers in England. While the comic book may not have received a lot of press, the film adaptation already has some relatively stellar names attached to the project. According to a recent report by HeyUGuys, Kevin Spacey and Mos Def have already signed on to star in the film along with Damon Albarn, and Ian Brown. Pilar Savone is set to produce (Inglourious Basterds). Filming is set to begin in December of this year. 
 
Are you interested in learning more about the comic? Does the plot sound like it would make for a good movie? You can check out the official 'Buskers' movie site here.

Smallville continues to bring in the comic book guest stars.  Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly has reported the exclusive news that Pam Grier (The L-Word) has been cast for multiple episodes as Amanda Waller.
 
As you know, whenever she turns up, it's bad news whenever she turns up.  She will be making her debut in the two part Justice Society episodes, "Legends" set to air in January.  What do you think about this casting?  What do you think this will mean for Clark and friends?

A look at the first issue by Ricardo Delgado

 
  
'Age of Reptiles: The Journey' #1 of 4
Writting and pencils: Ricardo Delgado
Colors: Jim Campbell
 
Who knew that dinosaurs could relay so much emotion? Delgado's ability to allow his art work to tell the story for him is impeccable; something I am sure is not very easy to achieve. The transitions between scenes and the build-up to the climax is perfect as far as organization is concerned, and the first issue will leave you wanting more. The limited amount of dialogue manages to captivate and arouse emotion and caters to comic book art fans. If you are like me, you will likely read this issue more than once and in doing so will catch details you may have missed the first time around. I imagine that by utilizing only art to tell the story is a relatively tedious task, and to get the expressions of these dinosaurs even more-so, but are two attributes to Delgado's story-telling capability which shows he has mastered perfectly in this first issue. By far one of the best comics I have read this year, the first issue of 'Age of the Dinosaurs' is one that I feel true comic book art fans will fall in love with.
 
5 out of 5

It's been a while sine we've had any juicy comic book movie rumors.  Mania.com has reported that based on "reliable sources," Rachel McAdams has met with producers for a "major role" in Spider-Man 4.  They're saying that she's a top contender to play Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat.  How reliable is this?  It's hard to say.  Mania hasn't been known to fabricate news stories for the sake of getting attention.  Felicia Hardy/Black Cat would make purrrr-fect sense.  We've seen the fan-made teaser posters for some time.  Black Cat is a character I think most of us would love to see.  It could add to the Peter Parker problems that he usually faces.  Also, if it takes time away from Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane, I know a few people that would be happy with that.
 
The question still remains who will be the main villain and how many will we have.  Sam Raimi has said he understands that too many is a problem.  We've heard the rumors that perhaps this will be the movie that will have Lizard as the main bad guy.  While Black Cat started out as a sort of villain, she could always walk that fine line between hero and villain.
 
Until we get official confirmation, take this as you will.  My fingers are crossed that we do see Felicia in the movie.  Would McAdams do well as Black Cat?  I'm not sure.  You might recognize her from The Time Traveler's Wife, The Notebook and the upcoming Sherlock Holmes.  I think she could maybe pull it off.  What are your thoughts?  Too good to be true?

There are few things I love more than Skottie Young's Spidey...

 
This is by far one of the most adorable (yes, Deadpool can be adorable too) images I have seen in a long time! Check out the really sweet cover featuring Deadpool and Spider-Man by Skottie Young as well as the fantastic interior panels by artist Eric Canete courtesy of Marvel ! Are you looking forward to picking up issue #611 of 'Amazing Spider-Man' on November 11th?
 
Cover by: Skottie Young
Written by: Joe Kelly
Pencils by: Eric Canete
Inks by: Eric Canete
Lettered by: VC - Joe Caramagna

Deadpool-Man, Deadpool-Man – does whatever a Deadpool can…spins a web any size – but not really…Deadpool’s don’t have webs. Look out! Here comes the Deadpool-Man! What force on Earth has brought the Merc with a Mouth and the Webheaded Wonder closer together than Quesada and Twitter? And how does it tie to the upcoming Spider story The Gauntlet?! And finally – WHO IS LADY STILT-MAN?! Joe Kelly (DEADPOOL CLASSIC; This issue of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Eric Canete (IRON MAN: ENTER THE MANDARIN) bring you 2079’s top Marvel Comic of the last 70 years (sorry, Dazzler #500)!
 
 
 

The SIEGE teases continue.  This time we see Norman as the Iron Patriot actually taking on Thor.  Is he crazy?  Okay, yes we know he is crazy but this is really crazy.  What could Norman possibly be thinking trying to take on the Thunder God?  I guess despite this "Siege" coming up, Norman is not going to simply roll over.  It looks like it's game on.


Siege: The Cabal #1 kicks off the action on December 2, 2009.  It's written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Michael Lark and cover by David Finch.  Place your bets.  Will Thor take this beating lying down?

As you may have heard, in Archie #600, Archie proposed to Veronica.  As he was literally walking up Memory Lane, he came to a fork in the road.  Later we saw him proposing and marrying Veronica.  You may have also heard the news that Archie is somehow going to marry Betty.  The Library of Congress has reported that Archie loves poet Robert Frost.
 
In Archie #602, Archie reads his favorite poem to his two kids, Frost's "The Road Less Traveled."  In Archie #603, Archie will be going back down that lane and decides to take the less traveled path.  The story changes dramatically as Archie sees what his life would be like with Betty Cooper.
 
What will this mean for the overall story?  Will Archie be able to actually choose which path he wants to stay on or will things simply return to the status quo?  It's not everyday the Library of Congress covers a comic book event.

The Super Hero Squad is a show that I like even though it may not be the perfect "superhero" show.  When news about the show first came out, it seemed that most people, myself included, weren't too thrilled with the idea.  When the show debuted on September 19th, it had rave reviews (from myself included) and became Cartoon Network's number 1 show for Boys 6-8.  Clearly the show may not be geared towards you or I.  But the show has continued to grow in that demographic, increasing that audience by nearly 30%, according to Marvel.
 
That being said, I do like the show.  My six-year-old daughter likes it as well.  I've said in the past that what is great about this show is the vast amount of characters and guest stars that appear.  Throw in moments of clever and witty lines along with a stellar voice cast and it's a show worth watching.  Now the show is ready to make the leap to primetime.  Last Saturday, November 7th, The Super Hero Squad aired at 7:30 pm as part of Cartoon Network primetime line-up.  The show will continue to air weekdays Monday through Friday at 8:30 am.
 
For more information visit www.superherosquad.com.

It's always nice when high profile creators donate their talents for charity.  Alex Ross has donated an original piece of Catwoman to The Saved Whiskers Rescue Organization (S.W.R.O.), a charity dedicated to rescuing animals.  You can bid on the piece at EBAY but keep in mind, it's a piece of original Alex Ross work.  Bidding ends on Friday, November 13, 2009 (at 11:00 PST).
 
Alex Ross said:

"Animal rescue is one of my favorite causes. Saved Whiskers does great work to save the lives of animals in need. Doing this painting for them was also a great excuse for me to illustrate a version of a character I love. It is a donation that I'm extremely proud of. For any fans who are animal lovers, please bid as much as you can. If you can't afford to bid, please donate to: http://www.savedwhiskersrescue.com/donations.html or send a donation via paypal at: paypal@savedwhiskersrescue.com or to Saved Whiskers Rescue, PO BOX 1674, Voorhees, NJ 08043. It's a great cause!" 

What do you think of Ross' work here?  How much do you think the winning bid will be?