Missing Doctor Who episodes found

Doctor Who is one of the most popular science fiction programs ever. Even with Star Trek in the cinemas and more Star Wars movies on the way, Doctor Who still rules the TV screens.  The most imaginative and ambitious series of its kind created in 1963, Doctor Who is more of a national treasure than anything else. In the 1960′s, Doctor Who was an experimental project, attracting a family audience with imaginative scripts, a groundbreaking signature theme and stories that were equal parts science fiction, drama and horror with a touch of something else too. Over the years the appeal and approach has shifted but the popularity has, if anything, grown.

When Doctor Who gained prominence in its 20th anniversary and repeats were screened, it became clear that many of the previous stories were incomplete. To make room in the archives and for legal reasons, film cans of negatives had been burnt. Thought lost forever, fans decided to accept the possibility that there were many adventures that would forever remain unseen by younger viewers.

In 1991, Tomb of the Cybermen was discovered in its entirety. After that, all bets were off. Since then, more missing episodes and clips have turned up but there are many gaps remaining in the archives.

Dance in the streets, raise a glass, hoot and holler… an announcement regarding missing Doctor Who episodes is on the way.

Via Kasterborous:
Last November we became aware of the possibility that lost episodes of Doctor Who had been uncovered. Today the first website to publicly break the news was Bleeding Cool.

Now, you don’t simply announce that lost episodes from the 1960s have “turned up”. Other websites have done this in the past and been rightly ridiculed for it.

We’re not yet certain which episodes have been uncovered or where, but Bleeding Cool mentions both The Tenth Planet and The Daleks’ Master Plan – which isn’t quite what we’ve herd but is welcome nevertheless.

How this pans will prove interesting in Doctor Who‘s 50th anniversary year – it’s just a shame that yet another major leak has occurred…

Via RadioTimes:

• 50 Doctor Who stories were made in the 1960s

• Almost every story was a serial comprised of multiple episodes: four, six, seven etc

• Some stories are now entirely missing. Others are incomplete, ie odd episodes are missing.

• 253 individual episodes were transmitted

• 106 episodes are currently known to be missing from the BBC archive

• 44 from William Hartnell’s era as the first Doctor

• 62 from Patrick Troughton’s era as the second Doctor

These are the missing episodes that the BBC and Who fans hope to trace…

—

FIRST DOCTOR: WILLIAM HARTNELL

D Marco Polo (seven episodes: all missing)

1: The Roof of the World (22/02/1964)

2: The Singing Sands (29/02/1964)

3: Five Hundred Eyes (07/03/1964)

4: The Wall of Lies (14/03/1964)

5: Rider from Shang-Tu (21/03/1964)

6: Mighty Kublai Khan (28/03/1964)

7: Assassin at Peking (04/04/1964)

—

H The Reign of Terror (six episodes: two missing)

4: The Tyrant of France (29/08/1964)

5: A Bargain of Necessity (05/09/1964)

—

P The Crusade (four episodes: two missing)

2: The Knight of Jaffa (03/04/1965)

4: The Warlords (17/04/1965)

—

T Galaxy 4 (four episodes: three missing)

1: Four Hundred Dawns (11/09/1965)

2: Trap of Steel (18/09/1965)

4: The Exploding Planet (02/10/1965)

—

T/A Mission to the Unknown (one episode: missing)

1: Mission to the Unknown (09/10/1965)

—

U The Myth Makers (four episodes: all missing)

1: Temple of Secrets (16/10/1965)

2: Small Prophet, Quick Return (23/10/1965)

3: Death of a Spy (30/10/1965)

4: Horse of Destruction (06/11/1965)

—

V The Daleks’ Master Plan (12 episodes: nine missing)

1: The Nightmare Begins (13/11/1965)

3: Devil’s Planet (27/11/1965)

4: The Traitors (04/12/1965)

6: Coronas of the Sun (18/12/1965)

7: The Feast of Steven (25/12/1965)

8: Volcano (01/01/1966)

9: Golden Death (08/01/1966)

11: The Abandoned Planet (22/01/1966)

12: Destruction of Time (29/01/1966)

—

W The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve (four episodes: all missing)

1: War of God (05/02/1966)

2: The Sea Beggar (12/02/1966)

3: Priest of Death (19/02/1966)

4: Bell of Doom (26/02/1966)

—

Y The Celestial Toymaker (four episodes: three missing)

1: The Celestial Toyroom (02/04/1966)

2: The Hall of Dolls (09/04/1966)

3: The Dancing Floor (16/04/1966)

—

AA The Savages (four episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (28/05/1966)

Episode 2 (04/06/1966)

Episode 3 (11/06/1966)

Episode 4 (18/06/1966)

—

CC The Smugglers (four episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (10/09/1966)

Episode 2 (17/09/1966)

Episode 3 (24/09/1966)

Episode 4 (01/10/1966)

—

DD The Tenth Planet (four episodes: one missing)

Episode 4 (29/10/1966)

—

SECOND DOCTOR: PATRICK TROUGHTON

EE The Power of the Daleks
(six episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (05/11/1966)

Episode 2 (12/11/1966)

Episode 3 (19/11/1966)

Episode 4 (26/11/1966)

Episode 5 (03/12/1966)

Episode 6 (10/12/1966)

—

FF The Highlanders (four episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (17/12/1966)

Episode 2 (24/12/1966)

Episode 3 (31/12/1966)

Episode 4 (07/01/1967)

—

GG The Underwater Menace (four episodes: two missing)

Episode 1 (14/01/1967)

Episode 4 (04/02/1967)

—

HH The Moonbase (four episodes: two missing)

Episode 1 (11/02/1967)

Episode 3 (25/02/1967)

—

JJ The Macra Terror (four episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (11/03/1967)

Episode 2 (18/03/1967)

Episode 3 (25/03/1967)

Episode 4 (01/04/1967)

—

KK The Faceless Ones (six episodes: four missing)

Episode 2 (15/04/1967)

Episode 4 (29/04/1967)

Episode 5 (06/05/1967)

Episode 6 (13/05/1967)

—

LL The Evil of the Daleks (seven episodes: six missing)

Episode 1 (20/05/1967)

Episode 3 (03/06/1967)

Episode 4 (10/06/1967)

Episode 5 (17/06/1967)

Episode 6 (24/06/1967)

Episode 7 (01/07/1967)

—

NN The Abominable Snowmen (six episodes: five missing)

Episode 1 (30/09/1967)

Episode 3 (14/10/1967)

Episode 4 (21/10/1967)

Episode 5 (28/10/1967)

Episode 6 (04/11/1967)

—

OO The Ice Warriors (six episodes: two missing)

Episode 2 (18/11/1967)

Episode 3 (25/11/1967)

—

PP The Enemy of the World (six episodes: five missing)

Episode 1 (23/12/1967)

Episode 2 (30/12/1967)

Episode 4 (13/01/1968)

Episode 5 (20/01/1968)

Episode 6 (27/01/1968)

—

QQ The Web of Fear (six episodes: five missing)

Episode 2 (10/02/1968)

Episode 3 (17/02/1968)

Episode 4 (24/02/1968)

Episode 5 (02/03/1968)

Episode 6 (09/03/1968

—

RR Fury from the Deep (six episodes: all missing)

Episode 1 (16/03/1968)

Episode 2 (23/03/1968)

Episode 3 (30/03/1968)

Episode 4 (06/04/1968)

Episode 5 (13/04/1968)

Episode 6 (20/04/1968)

—

SS The Wheel in Space (six episodes: four missing)

Episode 1 (27/04/1968)

Episode 2 (04/05/1968)

Episode 4 (18/05/1968)

Episode 5 (25/05/1968)

—

VV The Invasion (eight episodes: two missing)

Episode 1 (02/11/1968)

Episode 4 (23/11/1968)

—

YY
The Space Pirates (six episodes: five missing)

Episode 1 (08/03/1969)

Episode 3 (22/03/1969)

Episode 4 (29/03/1969)

Episode 5 (05/04/1969)

Episode 6 (12/04/1969)

Star Trek: The Next Generation- The Best of Both Worlds

The Best of Both Worlds

Story 174 & 175
Written by Michael Piller
Transmitted June 18, 1990 and September 24, 1990

In the 24th Century, humanity is still exploring the vast unknown of space, seeking out new chapters of the human adventure. Unfortunately, some of those chapters are unpleasant and bloody. Such is The Best of Both Worlds, an award-winning story that remains a high point for the entire Star Trek franchise.

A two part thriller, The Best of Both Worlds was re-released as a feature-length story with a limited theatrical release nation-wide just last month. It was also released in Blu-ray for the home video market. As I have been revisiting classic Star Trek, I have begun to look more deeply into Star Trek: The Next Generation as well. It doesn’t hold the same level of appeal as I had watched Star Trek: The Next Generation on VHS several times over, built and sold phasers and communicators at shows and even (Grodd help me) wrote Next Gen fan fiction. So my life experiences are very intertwined with Next Gen, making any reviewing a step back in my own personal time. I think I have been putting it off for that reason, but finally feel that I can view it as its own program and am very intrigued to delve more deeply into this beloved revival of the Star Trek mythology that turned a once successful TV series into a full-blooded franchise.

The Borg, a gestalt entity that encountered the Enterprise far earlier than it should have (thanks to the intervention of the being known as Q), has found its way to the Federation’s sector of space. Its ultimate target is Earth, but first it has another imperative, Captain Picard. The story of The Best of Both Worlds is very well told with plenty of sign posts that this will be a tale that marks the end of an era. Commander Riker, a once hopeful and ambitious officer, is being scrutinized for his lack of career growth. This echoes back to the initial concept of the character as the action hero that would take on the bulk of each story while the elder statesman Picard presided from the bridge. Of course this changed when it became clear that Patrick Stewart was such a commanding actor that he demanded more attention. But nothing lasts forever…

However, the full impact of the Borg weighed heavily on Picard’s shoulders throughout the first chapter. In one scene he seeks wisdom from the sagely Guinan and his only reassurance is that humanity will survive, even if its only a handful. That, my friend… is cold comfort. It began to look that Picard could very well be on his way out, a tragic loss as the program saw progress. Likewise, a new feisty officer Lt. Commander Shelby had joined the cast and was actively poised to take Riker’s old job, forcing him off the ship or into the Captain’s chair. Additionally, the previous encounter with the Borg was a close call to say the least. An incredibly advanced life form, their very way of life was wholly contrary to the progressive culture of humanity. The Borg was hardly evil, more of a force of nature, a hive minded creature devouring all in its path. What could stop such a thing?

With the stage set for a major confrontation and a few hints at casting changes in the air, Star Trek: The Next Generation screened its first season cliffhanger (something that would later become traditional) and it was a doozy. Despite all the preparation and research from the best and brightest of Star Fleet, the Borg easily gain access to the bridge and abduct the Captain. A desperate rescue mission is a predestined failure as the Borg adapt far too quickly to any attack. When he is next seen, Picard is no longer… he has become absorbed into the Borg consciousness. With no other recourse, the rescue party retreats back to the Enterprise for an all out attack that will definitely kill their beloved friend and mentor.

… wow.

As a teenager I was the target audience of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Even so, I came into it in the second year (y’know, the one hardly anyone watched). I was actively attending the Boston Creation Conventions with my dad who silently watched me sift through piles of dusty toys and crinkled magazines, no doubt wondering where he went wrong. I had gleaned some knowledge of the classic Star Trek from reruns and the occasional screening at conventions. However, I really had very little attachment to Star Trek beyond the feature films. As a child of suburbia, I was an easy mark for something *anything* to draw in my imagination. As the second season ran on Saturday evenings, I caught up on reruns of the first season. By the time the third year began, I had a small collection of toys, space craft and posters in my wall. I was a fully fledged ‘Next Gen’ Trekkie.

Just in time for Star Trek: The Next Generation to reach its stride. The third series of STTNG saw everything improve from the scripts to the effects and even costumes. It was better in every way and the finale was the cherry on the top. As viewers started to tune in to see what was so great about this new series, a thrilling game-changing event arrived. At the time, Patrick Stewart was unsure if he was coming back for another year, so his ‘death scene’ at the hands of the Borg along with the possibility that Riker would finally take up the mantle of Captain was especially poignant.

As a villain, the Borg was very impressive and up until that point there really had been no great impact of any other aliens that could meet the same water mark as the Klingons or Romulans of the classic program. These races had become humanized and in gaining a more fleshed out culture, lost their edge. For a teenage boy, the Borg was the equivalent of a Doctor Who monster, a boogie man that came for you in the night. No surprise there as the Borg and Cybermen are so very similar… but never mind that. Up until this point STTNG lacked any real threat (aside from the outstanding ‘Conspiracy’). Fans wanted new aliens and we got the Ferengi.

As a feature film, The Best of Both Worlds certainly doesn’t hold up that well. It still feels like what it is, a two-parter of a weekly TV program. However, as a lapsed fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it awakened the long lingering adoration, excitement and comfort that I got out of this series. In particular, I enjoyed the clever thinking of Riker, Worf, Geordi and Data in getting Picard back from the Borg and it reminded me what that kind of writing was like… and why I missed it so much (I am looking coldly at you, Steven Moffat). I adore tech heads and clever thinkers, so I was traditionally drawn towards Data and Geordi (with Worf a distant third… as most to all of his decisions were immediately shot down) who both excel here.

Of course the real tragedy here is that nothing did change after The Best of Both Worlds. The status quot remained constant, Riker remained the perpetual first officer, Picard remained in command. The repercussions of The Best of Both Worlds are best seen in the spin-off Deep Space Nine, a program far more interested in developing characters rather than presenting them as static creations.

Star Trek: The Next Generation did progress as a series from this point on (for the most part) and its popularity exploded. This was when science fiction became a popular thing, when just anyone would freely admit to watching Star Trek rather than pulling a sour face and calling it lame. It wasa polished and respected TV series. The lack of development of the main cast is debatable, I suppose, but much like the cream-colored bridge and comfy command chairs, it is another part of the comfort found in a weekly TV program, and a reason to come back to it.

I had planned a new series of Star Trek reviews, mainly focusing on the classic series, so I am as surprised as anyone to be starting here, but if you have any feedback I would love to hear it, be it a difference of opinion or some fond memories of the series.

Make it so (and post comments).

Recommended:

Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Best of Both Worlds

Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Three [Blu-ray]

Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 3

Star Trek: The Next Generation 365

Star Trek: The Next Generation / Doctor Who: Assimilation 2 Volume 1

This week at your comic shop – 6/12/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

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Batman #21

Batman #21
By: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
Witness The New 52 origin of The Dark Knight in BATMAN: ZERO YEAR!

Twists and turns are around every corner as Bruce Wayne takes the final steps toward his destiny! And in the backup story, learn more about how different Gotham City was at this dangerous point in time.
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Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Silent Stars Go By

Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Silent Stars Go By
By: Dan Abnett
An eleventh Doctor adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by Matt Smith and his companions Amy and Rory. The winter festival is approaching for the hardy colony of Morphans, but no one is in the mood to celebrate. They’re trying to build a new life on a cold new world, but each year gets harder and harder. It’s almost as if some dark force is working against them. Then three mysterious travelers arrive out of the midwinter night, one of them claiming to be a doctor. Are they bringing the gift of salvation or doom? And what else might be lurking out there, about to wake up?
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Guardians of the Galaxy #3

Guardians of the Galaxy #3
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven
THE BIGGEST NEW BOOK OF THE YEAR CONTINUES!

As the Guardians first story wraps up, the mysteries leading to the next great Marvel event become clearer.
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Superman Unchained #1 (75th Anniversary Variant Cover Edition – 1930′s)

Superman Unchained #1 (75th Anniversary Variant Cover Edition – 1930′s)
By: Scott Snyder, Jim Lee
When thirteen satellites fall from the sky in one day, the logical suspect is Lex Luthor-even though he’s still locked up in prison! But a stranger question remains: If Superman didn’t stop the last satellite from falling, who did? There’s an mystery hidden where even Superman can’t see it-Can The Man of Steel drag a decades-old secret into the light?

Don’t miss the debut of this red-hot new series from two of comics’ brightest superstars: SCOTT SNYDER and JIM LEE!

This variant cover edition comes bagged and boarded.
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Space Invaders Color Changing Mug

Space Invaders Color Changing Mug

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The Black Beetle: No Way Out #4 (of 4)

The Black Beetle: No Way Out #4 (of 4)
By: Francesco Francavilla
The epic conclusion to Black Beetle’s first series! Colt City’s caped crusader goes head to head with the mysterious villain Labyrinto! Can Black Beetle make it out of this maze of matched wits and matched blows alive?!

* An all-new superhero tale from 2012 Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla!

* Super Noir!
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Lifeforce Bd + DVD

Lifeforce Bd + DVD
From Shout! Factory! A mission to investigate Halley’s Comet discovers an alien spacecraft. After a deadly confrontation, the aliens travel to Earth where their seductive leader begins a terrifying campaign to drain the life from of everyone she encounters. Her victims, in turn, continue the cycle, and soon the entire planet is in mortal danger!
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Star Trek City On The Edge Blk T-Shirt

Juan Ortiz’s striking Star Trek artwork for ‘City on the Edge of Forever’ graces this black t-shirt!
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Simon & Kirby HC Library Science Fiction

Simon & Kirby HC Library Science Fiction
A huge cache of untouched stories by the legendary creative team, collaborating with some of the most famous illustrators in comics! Simon and Kirby’s science fiction stories are an unimaginable treasure trove that have remained largely uncollected – until now!

Their first collaboration, Blue Bolt, was first published in 1940 and changed the way comics were produced. They returned to science fiction in the 1950s, producing Sputnik-era adventures in collaboration with other legendary creators: Al Williamson, Angelo Torres, Reed Crandall, and Wally Wood.

This volume features all-new digital restorations of over 300 pages of comic strip. This volume resents for the first time in 70 years the first Blue Bolt story by Joe Simon and includes an all new introduction by writer and artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen).
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Wolverine #4

Wolverine #4
By: Paul Cornell, Alan Davis
The conclusion of Hunting Season!

New York City is under biological attack. Can Wolverine save it before it’s too late?

Guest starring Nick Fury!
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Cinema Retro #26

Cinema Retro #26
Sam Peckinpah’s controversial Straw Dogs is our 10-page ‘Film in Focus’ special this issue, with dozens of rare behind-the-scenes photos and interesting anecdotes by Peckinpah historian Mike Siegel. Another major article looks at the US-financed ‘Italian Western’ The Five Man Army, which brought together Mission Impossible’s Peter Graves and Italy’s Bud Spencer, who take on a train filled with gold bullion in ‘Spaghetti Western’ style fashion, complete with Ennio Morricone score.
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Popeye Classics #11

Popeye Classics #11
The critics are raving about the classic reprints of the one-eyed sailor
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Rogue Trooper Welcome To Nu-earth Digest GN

Rogue Trooper Welcome To Nu-earth Digest GN
By: Gerry Finley-Day, Dave Gibbons
Nu-Earth, a battle-ravaged world, forever scarred by an ongoing war between the Nort and Souther armies. The poison atmosphere makes it hostile to all who fight there, with the exception of one person – the Rogue Trooper. A biologically engineered war machine, the Rogue Trooper is searching for the traitor General responsible for the deaths of his clone brothers. Together with his three ‘dead’ bio-chipped comrades, Gunnar, Bagman, and Helm, he won’t stop until he has succeeded in his personal mission of revenge!
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Demon Knights #21

Demon Knights #21
By: Robert Venditti, Chad Hardin, Howard Porter
The Knights are ready to complete their mission — but what happens to the world when Vandal Savage and Etrigan the Demon gain control of the Holy Grail?
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Batman The Killing Joke Joker Artfx Statue

Batman The Killing Joke Joker Artfx Statue
A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import!With plenty of Batman statues released over the years, Gotham city’s most evil is out to take revenge on the world. Joining the ranks of such greats as The Dark Knight Returns Batman vs. Joker is another classic Batman story come to life in BATMAN THE KILLING JOKE THE JOKER!

A 1988 graphic novel by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland, The Killing Joke is a story about Joker and how he came to be the Clown Prince of Crime.

Other than an interesting origin story for him, the book also features one of the most famous scenes in the history of comics: Joker shooting Barbara Gordon (which would in turn lead to her becoming the hero Oracle).

Almost as famous as its contents is Joke’s iconic cover image, captured for the first time as an ARTFX Statue! Featuring a portrait inspired by the graphic novel cover art coupled with an original pose by Kotobukiya, this new statue brings the maniacal clown to life as you’ve never seen him before. Joker stands with one foot resting on a crate of dynamite, smiling his huge toothy grin as he snaps a photo on his old school film camera.

The sadistic villain’s costume is incredibly detailed, showing off every seam, cuff, button, crease, and more on his purple three piece suit and trench coat. His outfit is even topped off by authentic studded spats, fedora, iconic white gloves, and lapel-pinned flower.

The Joker’s elongated white painted face leaps right off of the graphic novel cover with its deep laugh lines, left eye squeezed shut, and unruly green hair peeking out from under his hat. There’s even a motion sensor built into the base that activates an LED spot lamp and camera shutter sound after a brief delay.

As an added bonus, the lamp is movable and can be placed at any angle around the statue! The Killing Joke Joker stands 11 inches tall (1/6th scale) on a special display base that includes the broken crate of dynamite, LED lamp, and a creepy cherub henchman.

The Joker is an incredible statue capturing one of the most famous graphic novels of all time, and he’ll look great on display or alongside other DC Comics-inspired statues from Kotobukiya like the Batman Black Costume Ver. Lights, camera, action!
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Uncanny X-Force #6

Uncanny X-Force #6
By: Sam Humphries, TBD, Kris Anka
Secrets from the future and the past come to haunt Uncanny X-Force!

What does Fantomex want from Betsy?

What does Betsy want from Cluster?

What does Cluster want from Fantomex?

What does Bishop want from the 21st century? A body count or a good burger?

And Los Angeles, lock up your humans: there’s a new mutant on the loose!

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Shadow Double Novel Vol. 73

Shadow Double Novel Vol. 73
By: Maxwell Grant/Walter Gibson, Paul Orban
The Knight of Darkness proves that crime does not pay in two pulp classics by Walter B. Gibson writing as ‘Maxwell Grant.’ First, The Shadow follows a trail of murder to retrieve the priceless rubies known as ‘The Seven Drops of Blood.’ Then, to prove the innocence of a man accused of an impossible crime, the Dark Avenger must uncover the strange secret behind ‘Death from Nowhere.’ This instant collector’s item features the classic color pulp covers by Graves Gladney and George Rozen, the original interior illustrations by Edd Cartier, and commentary by popular culture historian Will Murray.
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Green Lantern Corps #21

Green Lantern Corps #21
By: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Bernard Chang
It’s nonstop action as the Green Lantern Corps faces attacks on Oa and Earth. . . and Guy Gardner is presented with a choice that could change the balance of power between the different Lantern Corps forever!
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Doctor Who Harvest Of Time SC

Doctor Who Harvest Of Time SC
By: Alastair Reynolds
A thrilling new Doctor Who adventure, by one of the world’s most renowned science fiction writers! Adjacent to our universe lies another slice of reality, with its own galaxies, stars and worlds. The two have been separate since the dawn of time, never touching, never meeting. Until the Sild broke through into our universe. Now they wait, sleeping in stasis on board their war fleet, but ready to continue with their invasion. UNIT is brought in to investigate a series of shipping losses and attacks on drilling platforms. The Doctor believes that it is the work of a previously unknown marine intelligence. What he doesn’t know is the true target of these attacks. But the Doctor and Jo have other problems. Soon the Doctor will have to act to protect his old adversary – the Master. No matter how much this conflicts with his basic sense of right and wrong, the Doctor knows that all life on Earth now depends on whether the Doctor can save his nemesis for the Sild are waking.
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Thor God Of Thunder #9

Thor God Of Thunder #9
By: Jason Aaron, Esad Ribic
“GODBOMB” Part Three of Five.

Three Thors, side by side at last, united in battle! But will even that be enough, as Gorr the God Butcher’s grand plan nears completion and his powers grow beyond anything we’ve seen before. . . ?
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Doctor Who TPB Nemesis Of Daleks

Doctor Who TPB Nemesis Of Daleks
By: Paul Cornell, Mike Collins
In this, the much-anticipated second volume of comic strips collecting the seventh Doctor’s complete adventures from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine, the famous Time Lord has his most exciting adventures yet, throughout the infinity of time and space! With stories by celebrated writers Paul Cornell (Demon Knights) and Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy), these stories include ‘Nemesis of the Daleks,’ ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ and ‘Abslom Daak: Dalek Killer.’
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Nightwing #21

Nightwing #21
By: Kyle Higgins, Brett Booth
Desperate to find a ghost from his past, Nightwing turns to The Prankster for help, unaware that they are both targets of The Mask Killer!
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Shadow #14

Shadow #14
By: Chris Roberson, Giovanni Timpano, Alex Ross
The Shadow is on the hunt for a serial murderer in the darkened streets of New York. But what is the connection between these killings and the shining woman known only as ‘The Light’? Meanwhile, a nun named Sister Esclarmonde, a newcomer to the city, tries to ease the suffering of the sick and dying at a local hospital. But does she know more about the unfolding mysteries than she will admit?
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Star Trek Select Spock Action Figure

Star Trek Select Spock Action Figure
A Diamond Select Release! Designed and Sculpted by Art Asylum! It’s an all-new Star Trek action figure line designed especially for collectors! Packaged in display-friendly Select packaging, each 7-inch scale figure comes with a diorama-style accessory and interchangeable parts for a variety of display options. The first offering in this new series is Commander Spock, first officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, who comes with a cave backdrop and the Horta alien from the classic episode ‘Devil in the Dark.’ Get in on the ground floor of this exciting new line!
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Is Rory Kinnear the new Doctor Who?

Despite statements to the contrary, the rumor is circulating more heavily that the next actor to play is Rory Kinnear. Officially, the BBC has maintained (as of yesterday) that there has not been a casting decision made yet, but it is starting to look like we may have our next (and last?) Doctor.

Via Twitch:

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Rory Kinnear. You may have noticed him playing Tanner in Skyfall and Quantum Of Solace and you’ll soon see him with Chris O’Dowd and Nick Frost in Cuban Fury, but you’re about to hear his name a whole lot more than you ever have before. Why? Because according to The Guardian, with Matt Smith about to vacate the part Kinnear has been offered the role of Doctor Who.

Is this accurate? UK bookmakers certainly seem to think so as they’ve suspended all wagering on who the new Doctor may be and, if so, it’s now entirely in Kinnear’s court to decide whether he wants the part or not. So, for those hoping, no … the new Doctor appears to be neither female, black nor ginger.

Rory Kinnear as Hamlet

Opinions?

(Update: According to a close friend of the actor as reported by Bleeding Cool, Kinnear is sick of the rumors and denies any involvement, calling it a PR smoke screen while the production crew casts a replacement actor)

Play Marvel Heroes Online

Watch the origins of the Marvel Universe through the eyes of the Watcher, then jump into the role of a superhero!

Official press release:

SAN MATEO, Calif. – June 4, 2013 – It’s Clobberin’ Time! Gazillion Entertainment today released Marvel Heroes, the highly anticipated free-to-play action-MMORPG set in the Marvel Universe. Created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo II, Marvel Heroes lets gamers suit up as their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America and Spider-Man, as they battle through an extensive original story crafted by Marvel super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis. Marvel Heroes is now available* worldwide as a free digital download for PCs at http://www.marvelheroes.com.

“For over three years we’ve been building Marvel Heroes to be an exciting, free-to-play massively multiplayer action game, and we are ecstatic to finally put it in the hands of Marvel fans and gamers alike,” said David Brevik, President and COO of Gazillion Entertainment. “The creation of Marvel Heroes has been a labor of love. As a die-hard Marvel fan, it’s an honor to give players the chance to take on the roles of their favorite Marvel Super Hero in an epic adventure.”

At launch, Marvel Heroes will feature 21 Super Heroes, each with unique and extensive leveling systems, power trees and equipment. Players can choose to wear costumes from over 70 years of Marvel history, including costumes from Marvel’s recent theatrical blockbusters Marvel’s The Avengers and Iron Man 3. At any time, players can swap between their favorite Marvel Super Heroes on the fly. Set across diverse locations from the Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes offers fast-paced, action-packed game play with a robust crafting system, intense player-versus-player (PvP) combat, End Game, and much more.

Gazillion will be frequently releasing updates to add new content to the free-to-play experience, including additional story missions, new playable Marvel Super Heroes, end-game content and much more.

To download and start playing Marvel Heroes today, visit www.marvelheroes.com or download the game on Steam.

Marvel Heroes is available now on PC and is currently in development for Mac. To get the latest news on Marvel Heroes, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

* Internet connection required

Super Heroes is a co-owned registered trademark.

About Gazillion
Gazillion Entertainment is a privately held developer and publisher of free-to-play online games for all ages. Gazillion’s games feature revered brands, superior production quality and unmatched gameplay. For more information on Gazillion please visit http://www.gazillion.com.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com.

Game Overview

Marvel Heroes is a FREE-TO-PLAY action-packed massively multiplayer online game created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo 2. Set in the iconic Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes combines the core game-play style of Action RPGs and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. In the game, players can collect and play as their favorite Marvel Superheroes (including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and many others). Team up with friends and try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube in a story written by Marvel comic super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis.

Features

Play for FREE

• Experience the entire game without paying any money. If you choose, you can shop in the in-game store for even more heroes and items.

Battle as Marvel Super Heroes

• Play as Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and many other famous heroes.

Customize Your Hero

• Make your Hero unique with a range of spectacular powers and costumes. Discover enhancements to increase your hero’s power.

Explore the Marvel Universe

• Visit famous locations from the Marvel Universe, from Avengers Tower to Mutant Town to the Savage Land.

Fight Incredible Enemies

• Smash through hordes of Marvel enemies and face off against iconic super villains.

Team Up With Friends

• Join with your friends as you fight your way through the game.

System Requirements

If your computer does not meet these minimum requirements, you may have difficulty playing.

• CPU: Core 2 DUO 2.1 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.1 GHZ or better
• Graphics Card: DirectX10 Compatible Graphics Card with 512 MB VRAM or higher
• System RAM: 2Gb or higher
• Hard Disk Space: 10Gb or higher
• OS: Windows XP 32 bit or higher

James Bond Quick Review- Dr. No

Dr. No (1962)

Dr. No by Francesco Francavilla

Screenplay by Richard Maibaum,
Johanna Harwood and Berkely Mather
Directed by Terence Young

My dad was a big fan of James Bond, specifically the Sean Connery films. At an early age, I had seen Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice and Man With a Golden Gun several times over. Over the years, he made it a point to bring my brother and I to each and every Bond film in the cinema (with the strange exception of Never Say Never Again). In my own way, I have taken up the Bond mania. Recently I collected all of the 50th anniversary Blu-ray editions (with the exception of Die Another Day) and have been reviewing the cult films with added interest.

There are several outlets on the web that offer exhaustive investigation of the James Bond films, so that’s not exactly what I intend to do here. I will be composing quickfire reviews of the movies, often out of order, that are more in tune with my own experience and what these films mean to me.

It was many years after my association with the Bond franchise began that I first saw Dr. No. It is far removed from what I was used to, the gadget-happy Roger Moore movies or even the more imaginative Connery stories that followed. Dr. No lacks these qualities but in its place is pure charm and class.

I understand that Connery was not a popular choice with producer “Cubby” Broccoli (who was more convinced that David Niven was a natural Bond). A large burly fella, Connery was crafted into the gentleman secret agent by director Terrance Young who took the Scots actor and placed him in a custom tailored suit, made sure his manicure was immaculate and his charm bracelet perfect. It is through Young’s intervention that the character and look of Bond was so distinctive in these early films. But it was Connery who added that primal danger to the part, giving viewers the glimpse that beneath that lady-killing smile lay the heart of an assassin.

Dr. No is a great establishing story as viewers see the intricacies of MI-6 and the way in which Bond is an awkward fit within their organization. From his choice of firearm to his sledgehammer tactics, Bond has a problem with authority (strangely something that another first choice for Bond Patrick McGoohan’s shared as secret agent John Drake). It is also important in that it has such a strong central villain in Dr. No, something that would be expected in later films. As we learn the capabilities of Bond, we see the level of danger that he faces, a villain so deadly that he imbues fear of a kind unseen before.

As a Bond movie, the pacing is a bit slow and the action sparse, but there is so much style and character in this movie that I cannot help but adore it. The scenery is breathtaking and the Jamaican location is used with great aplomb. If you are a Bod fan and have not seen this one in a while, give it a chance but be sure to grab the Blu-ray edition. The retouched image and sound are astounding and the added features, including rare footage of Connery and a look into Bond’s arsenal.

Recommended:

Dr. No [Blu-ray]

Sean Connery 007 Collection Volume 1

The James Bond Archives

LIFE 50 Years of James Bond

Doctor Who – Ghost Light

‘Ghost Light’

Story 153
Written by Marc Platt
Directed by Alan Wareing
Transmitted 4 October – 18 October 1989

_______________________________

“Redvers had some stories… The pygmies led him blindfolded for three whole days through uncharted jungle. They took him to a swamp full of giant lizards like giant dinosaurs.
“Do you know young Conan Doyle just laughed at him?
“Well… that’s doctors for you.”

_______________________________

As part of an initiative test, the Doctor has taken Ace to an unknown location for a surprise; a seemingly normal Victorian house which is anything but. A diabolical alien known as Josiah Samuel Smith has taken over the house, bending it to their will with one goal, to assassinate the Queen and take over England. Deep in the bowels of the house, Smith has a pair of prisoners, one a bestial creature surviving off of scraps, the other revered as a God by a primate, impossibly serving as a man servant.

The Doctor plays the mad house as a master manipulator, a role that developed through McCoy’s brief run in the part. Playing with Smith and the other tenants of the house, he appears to have the situation well in hand, but the truth of the matter is something other. In his attempt to teach Ace a lesson, he has exposed her to one of her darkest memories, a haunted house that she had firebombed as a teenager. By bringing her to the same house earlier in time, the true horror of the haunting is evident and it could potentially crush her psyche and her trust with the Doctor.

The final season of Doctor Who is, in many ways, it’s most ambitious and adult in decades, certainly since 1970 when the program re-invented itself. The scripts were more far-reaching and diverse in their directions, from the straight forward and lighter Battlefield to the intense Curse of Fenric and Survival, a story which appears to be yet another Master adventure on the surface but is deeply embedded with meaning. In the case of Ghost Light, author Marc Platt adapted a tale that was intended to explore the Doctor’s family into one that more fully developed the companion Ace while utilizing the amazing aptitude of the BBC to craft beautiful period dramas.

This is a story that has a lot of naysayers and for good reason; it is overly complicated and crammed into three parts when four would have been better, McCoy is not exactly up to the demands on him and it is very difficult to even talk about what happened. For me, it is a special story that I hold a lot of care for simply because of the mood, set design and guest cast. The script is rushed and awkward at times but also brimming with evocative imagery and moving emotional exchanges. Ghost Light functions as a horror story, a cerebral thriller, a science fiction tale and a domestic drama. It’s marvelous.

The ‘monsters’ of the story, a pair of husks that ‘Josiah’ had discarded as he out-evolved his previous forms, are memorable creations. I quite like the image of creatures in tuxedos launching attacks from behind velvet curtains. Smith himself is a suitably insidious villain, oozing with charm and malevolence, he even tries to buy the Doctor’s services! Additionally, Michael Cochrane as Redvers Fenn-Cooper is outstanding; a big game hunter wandering the halls of the house with an elephant gun, recounting his adventures in the jungle, his mind shattered.

When the facade is pulled back and the Doctor frees Josiah’s prisoners, things get a bit… overloaded. Both ‘Control’ and ‘Light’ threaten Josiah’s plans as they develop their own. Light is an alien that started a catalog of all life, took two samples, one free to evolve into other forms and another that would remain static. The first got ideas above his station and imprisoned his master and the control subject. Now free, Light is frustrated to see that his catalog is useless and vows to destroy all life on the planet. Meanwhile Control has become ‘infected’ by the same evolutionary bug that drove Josiah to dreams of empire, but in her case she simply desires to be a lady.

There is so much to love about this story… but a lot that hampers its enjoyment.

Sure, you have to watch this story very closely, paying clear attention to it (possibly twice) and even then you may scratch your head wondering who or what ‘Light’ is. That’s a failing in the story as the dramatic potential is undercut by a plot interlaced with layers, characters and revelations that all play out in concurrence. The story does not always play to its strengths and can easily lose even the most devoted fan. Some of the performances, such as Ian Hogg as Smith, are extraordinary, and while McCoy has some outstanding moments he also gurns at the camera so badly I wince in pain *for* him.

Doctor Who in 1983 was, even at its best, formulaic. In 1989, it was trying something new, something that the new series could take some lessons from. Even at its worst, Ghost Light tells a complete story that develops the companion, uses the Doctor, has monsters and an amazing guest cast. A true gem of the classic program, this story deserves an other look.

Josiah’s discarded husks

‘Josiah Samuel Smith’ and Gwendoline

A civilized supper

Redvers Fenn-Cooper confronts the Doctor

One of Josiah’s surveillance devices

‘Josiah Samuel Smith’ an intergalactic cuckoo who has infiltrated a quiet family

The Doctor and Ace attempt to help the local police

Ace dons dinner attire

Recommended:

Doctor Who: Ghost Light DVD

Doctor Who: Ghost Light (novelisation)

Doctor Who In-Vision Magazine Issue #102 Ghost Light

This week at your comic shop – 6/5/13

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

Astro City #1 (Cover B)

Astro City #1 (Cover B)
By: Kurt Busiek, Brent Eric Anderson, Alex Ross
ASTRO CITY is back in a new, ongoing monthly series that showcases old heroes and new, as The Ambassador comes to Earth, and an ordinary man is caught up in a cosmic conflict!Featuring the return of favorites like Samaritan and Honor Guard, and the debut of some new sensations! Plus, the seeds of a new mystery: Who is the Broken Man?

The entire award-winning creative team is back to kick off a new epoch of the human and the super human. Get in on the ground floor of Astro City’s next epic!
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Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Festival Of Death

Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Festival Of Death
By: Jonathan Morris
A fourth Doctor adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by Tom Baker and his companions Romana and K-9. The Beautiful Death is the ultimate theme-park ride: a sightseeing tour of the afterlife. But something has gone wrong, and when the Doctor arrives in the aftermath of the disaster, he is congratulated for saving the population from destruction, something he hasn’t actually done yet. He has no choice but to travel back in time and discover how he became a hero. And then he finds out. He did it by sacrificing his life.
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Superior Spider-Man #11

Superior Spider-Man #11
By: Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli
The Spider-Slayer is scheduled for execution and Mayor J. Jonah Jameson is leaving nothing to chance. To ensure that everything goes according to plan, Jameson’s called in the one man he can trust to oversee everything-the Superior Spider-Man.

Since the startling events of Superior Spider-Man #9, will anyone realize that things have changed?
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Action Comics #21

Action Comics #21
By: Andy Diggle, Tony S. Daniel
Superman is betrayed by his own DNA! And in the backup story, learn The New 52 origin of The Parasite!

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Universal Monsters Fossilized Creature Hand Ltd Ed Prop Replica

Universal Monsters Fossilized Creature Hand Ltd Ed Prop Replica
Factory Entertainment makes available, for the first time ever, a limited edition prop replica of the fossilized Creature hand, as seen in the Universal Monsters classic 1954 film, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Each replica is cast in heavyweight stone effect polyresin and then hand-painted to create an aged fossil effect. Support bars are permanently molded into the wrist bones to create stability and a durable replica suitable for display, mirroring the ‘specimen’ presentation style seen in the film during the scenes when the fossil is examined at the marine biology institute. Each Creature Hand comes with a limited edition plaque, Certificate of Authenticity, and detailed prop story booklet. Each piece is also presented in a full color box designed to emulate a shipping crate.
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Age Of Ultron #9 (of 10)

Age Of Ultron #9 (of 10)
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Brandon Peterson
To save the planet Earth — and maybe the entire galaxy! — the heroes of the Marvel Universe made the most controversial decision of their lives. The results have brought disaster the likes of which they have never seen before. And now, with one final chance. . . can they make it right?

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Hellboy Library Edition Volume 6: The Storm and the Fury and The Bride of Hell HC

Hellboy Library Edition Volume 6: The Storm and the Fury and The Bride of Hell HC
By: Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo, Richard Corben, Kevin Nowlan, Scott Hampton, Dave Stewart
The oversized Hellboy hardcover series continues, collecting the climactic death of Hellboy storyline from Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo, and one-shots by some of the greatest talents in comics! Hellboy Library Volume 6 collects two complete trade-paperbacks: The Storm and the Fury and The Bride of Hell and Others, as well as an extensive selection of previously unreleased art.

* An extensive selection of new sketchbook material.

* A New York Times bestseller!

* Includes the death of Hellboy!

“Every Hellboy story, whether short or long form, contributes to a larger tapestry that is not only entertaining but, as I can personally attest, offers you more bang for your buck in the form of numerous re-reads as the Hellboy saga grows ever larger.” – Comics Alliance

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Earth 2 #13

Earth 2 #13
By: James Robinson, Yildiray Cinar, Brett Booth
Captain Steel debuts as the World Army sends the hero into the Fire Pits left over from the war with Apocalypse, but even Earth 2′s newest hero isn’t ready for what is hidden within the burning reminders of the conflict that killed Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

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My Favorite Martian Martin & Ship Prebuilt Mod Kit

My Favorite Martian Martin & Ship Prebuilt Mod Kit
Based on the classic TV sitcom My Favorite Martian, this 1/18-scale model kit comes with an Uncle Martin figure (Ray Walston) and his spaceship. The spaceship features opening doors with interior and logo plaque. Pegasus consulted with art director James Hulsey, the original designer of the full size ship that was built by the Desilu special effects department headed by Joe Lombardi. This model comes pre-assembled.
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Cable And X-Force #9

Cable And X-Force #9
By: Dennis Hopeless, Salvador Larroca
Guest starring the Uncanny Avengers!

Hope goes on the run, determined to help Cable whether he wants it or not. . . but the Uncanny Avengers have been keeping tabs on Hope and they’re not about to let her get tangled up with Cable’s band of fugitives!

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Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Beautiful Chaos

Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Beautiful Chaos
By: Gary Russell
A tenth Doctor adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by David Tennant and his companion Donna. Wilfred Mott is very happy: his granddaughter, Donna, is back home, catching up with family and gossiping about her journeys, and he has just discovered a new star and had it named after him. He takes the Doctor with him to the naming ceremony. But the Doctor soon discovers something else new, and worryingly bright, in the heavens – something that is heading for Earth. It’s an ancient force from the Dark Times. And it is very, very angry.
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Kre-o Star Trek Spock Volcano Mission

Kre-o Star Trek Spock Volcano Mission
Pretend to carefully lower KREON figures onto dangerous, volcanic planets with the KRE-O Star Trek Spock’s Volcano Mission, from the Star Trek Into Darkness movie. The building set features LightTech that illuminates the cockpit of the ship and can be rotated 90-degrees to provide light for the KREON figure to be lowered out of the ship with the string zip line feature! The building set also includes a push lever activated erupting brick volcano. Set includes 141 pieces and two KREON figures (Sulu and Spock). Requires two LR41 Alkaline batteries. Batteries are included.

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Dark Knight Rises Batarang Replica

Dark Knight Rises Batarang Replica
Based on the film film in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, this replica of the Batarang by The Noble Collection measures 9″ wide and comes with a display.
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Daredevil Dark Nights #1 (of 8)

Daredevil Dark Nights #1 (of 8)
By: Lee Weeks
A gorgeous new series featuring the greatest talents in comics brings you the rest of the Man Without Fear’s story

Legendary artist Lee Weeks returns to his favorite hero for ‘Angels Unaware!’

A blizzard brings New York to a stand still — and a young patient lies on death’s door unless Daredevil can get to him in time!

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Green Arrow #21

Green Arrow #21
By: Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
Ollie returns to the island where he first became Green Arrow and learns some hard truths about his father and the mysterious Outsiders!
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Iron Man #11

Iron Man #11
By: Kieron Gillen, Dale Eaglesham, Greg Land
‘THE SECRET ORIGIN OF TONY STARK’ CONTINUES!

The Price.

The Deal.

The Consequences.

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Super Boys Amazing Adv Of Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster HC

Super Boys Amazing Adv Of Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster HC
In the vein of Schulz and Peanuts, the first comprehensive literary biography of Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, creators of Superman. Drawing on ten years of research, Brad Ricca’s Super Boys is the first ever full biography about Superman’s creators. Among scores of new discoveries, the book reveals the first stories and pictures ever published by the two, where the first Superman story really came from, the real inspiration for Lois Lane, the template for Superman’s costume, and much, much more. Super Boys is the story of a long friendship between boys who grew to be men and the standard that would be impossible for both of them to live up to.

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Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Last Of Gaderene

Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Last Of Gaderene
By: Mark Gatiss
A third Doctor adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee and his companion Jo, written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss. The aerodrome in Culverton has new owners, and they promise an era of prosperity for the idyllic village. But former Spitfire pilot Alex Whistler is suspicious; when black-shirted troops appear on the streets, he contacts his old friend Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart at UNIT. The Doctor is sent to investigate, and soon uncovers a sinister plot to colonize the Earth. The Gaderene are on their way!

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Kre-o Star Trek Micro Build Ship Assortment

Kre-o Star Trek Micro Build Ship Assortment
Kids and fans alike will be excited to build the four ships in the KRE-O Star Trek Mirco-Build Ships assortment, inspired by ships from the Star Trek Into Darkness movie. The assortment includes the U.S.S. Enterprise, Klingon D7 Battle Cruiser, U.S.S. Kelvin, and the Jellyfish vehicles. Each building set comes with a LightTech illuminated display stand and approximately 34-42 pieces. Each ship sold separately. Requires two LR41 Alkaline batteries. Batteries are included.
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Best Of Alter Ego SC Vol. 02

Best Of Alter Ego SC Vol. 02
The Best of Alter Ego Volume 2 presents more fantastic features from the fabled mag begun in 1961 by Jerry Bails and Roy Thomas, covering undiscovered gems from all 11 original issues published between 1961 and 1978.

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Red She-hulk #66

Red She-hulk #66
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Francesco Francavilla
“ROUTE 616″ CONTINUES WITH A NIGHTMARE AT THE NEXUS OF REALITIES!

Betty needs to save the future, but THE MAN-THING stands in her way!

The Mad Thinker retools the ECHELON soldiers!

Red She-Hulk versus Green She-Hulk!
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DC Batman Automobilia Figure Coll Mag #8 Animated Series

DC Batman Automobilia Figure Coll Mag #8 Animated Series
The Batman Automobilia Collection gives collectors the most definitive collection of Batman’s vehicles ever assembled. These amazing die-cast vehicles reproduce the Batmobiles that have been seen in comics, on television, and in the blockbuster Batman movies since Batman’s debut in 1939. Each Batmobile comes with a unique 3-D lenticular backdrop that creates a detailed scene of the Dark Knight and his vehicle. Perfectly reproduced at 1:43-scale and made of zinc alloy, these die-case vehicles have additional metal castings for extra detail, including gadgets. Every vehicle also comes with an informative 12-page magazine that looks at the history of the vehicle – and Batman himself. Continue your collection with the Batmobile from Batman #575 (#7) and the Batmobile from Batman: The Animated Series (#8).

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All New X-Men #12

All New X-Men #12
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen
The All-New X-Men find themselves face-to-face with the UNCANNY AVENGERS!

Young Cyclops meets the adult version of the little brother he thought he may never see again.

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Dial H #13

Dial H #13
By: China Mieville, Alberto Ponticelli, Brian Bolland
This issue must be read to be believed!

Open-Window Man tells the tale of a world of living graffiti that’s on the verge of erasure. Send up the Open-Window signal — we need a hero!

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Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Only Human

Doctor Who 50th Anniv MMPB Ed Only Human
By: Gareth Roberts
A ninth Doctor adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by Christopher Eccleston and his companion Rose. Reports of a time disturbance lead the Doctor to modern-day London, where he discovers a Neanderthal Man, 28 thousand years after his race became extinct. A trip back to the dawn of humanity only deepens the mystery: who are these strange humans from the far future now living in the distant past? The Doctor must learn the truth about the Osterberg experiment before history is changed forever.

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DC Batman Automobilia Figure Coll Mag #7 Batman #575

DC Batman Automobilia Figure Coll Mag #7 Batman #575
The Batman Automobilia Collection gives collectors the most definitive collection of Batman’s vehicles ever assembled. These amazing die-cast vehicles reproduce the Batmobiles that have been seen in comics, on television, and in the blockbuster Batman movies since Batman’s debut in 1939. Each Batmobile comes with a unique 3-D lenticular backdrop that creates a detailed scene of the Dark Knight and his vehicle. Perfectly reproduced at 1:43-scale and made of zinc alloy, these die-case vehicles have additional metal castings for extra detail, including gadgets. Every vehicle also comes with an informative 12-page magazine that looks at the history of the vehicle – and Batman himself. Continue your collection with the Batmobile from Batman #575 (#7) and the Batmobile from Batman: The Animated Series (#8).
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Superman The Golden Age Omnibus HC Vol. 01

Superman The Golden Age Omnibus HC Vol. 01
The early adventures of Superman are collected in one massive hardcover as he battles social injustice and political corruption, fighting for the common man. Includes the first appearances of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor.

This title collects
Stories from ACTION COMICS #1-31, NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR #1, NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR 1940, and SUPERMAN #1-7.
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Famous Monsters Of Filmland #268

Famous Monsters Of Filmland #268
This June we celebrate what would have been Peter Cushing’s 100th birthday, and Famous Monsters will look back over the life and classic works of one of cinema’s greatest legends! We’ll also be digging deeper into the world of Charles Addams and his most famous creation, The Addams Family. From their comic strip roots to TV and now Broadway, Gomez Addams and his clan are as prolific today as they ever were. Featuring a Peter Cushing cover by Oscar-winner Dave Elsey.

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Doctor Who Magazine #460

Doctor Who Magazine #460

Packed with exclusive photos and interviews, Doctor Who Magazine looks at the brand new episodes of the 2013 series; the full color comic strip continues; showrunner Steven Moffat answers more of your questions; ‘The Fact of Fiction’ puts another story under the microscope; all the latest audios and DVDs are previewed and reviewed; plus in-depth interviews and features, all the very latest news, prize-winning competitions and much, much more.
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Winter Soldier #19

Winter Soldier #19
By: Jason Latour, Nic Klein, Declan Shalvey
High above Earth, the ELECTRIC GHOST has set a plan in motion that tears at the very fabric of reality. As the universe threatens to unravel, only THE WINTER SOLDIER can stop it — But does he even want to?

Writer Jason Latour (Loose Ends, Wolverine) and artist Nic Klein (Dancer, Viking, Doc Savage) bring you the fiery conclusion to THE WINTER SOLDIER’S latest deadly mission

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Detective Comics #21

Detective Comics #21
By: John Layman, Scot Eaton, Jason Fabok
Harper Row joins Batman on a case that leads all the way back to DETECTIVE COMICS #0, but will The Dark Knight be willing to accept her help? Illustrated by guest-artist Scot Eaton!
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Thanos Rising #3 (of 5)

Thanos Rising #3 (of 5)
By: Jason Aaron, Simone Bianchi
The Mad Titan flees his home in search of true love.

But how many lives will he have to take to find it?

The book so blood-soaked you’ll be glad it’s a mini-series.

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Swamp Thing #21

Swamp Thing #21
By: Charles Soule, Kano, Jock
Who is Capucine, and what is the Sanctuary of the Green Leaves? Mysteries plague Swamp Thing as he rushes to find the answers to these questions and finds much more than he expected, and see a Swamp Thing from the past unlike any you’ve ever imagined!
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Solo Deluxe Ed HC

Solo Deluxe Ed HC
By: Darwyn Cooke, Tim Sale
At last, the acclaimed 12-issue series SOLO is collected, featuring the work of some of comics’ greatest creators, including Darwyn Cooke, Tim Sale, Paul Pope and so many others. With stories starring Batman, Robin, Superman, The Spectre, The Teen Titans and more, as well as westerns, war stories, science fiction epics, humor and horror, this is a collection you won’t want to miss!

This title collects
SOLO #1-12.

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Who will be the next (and last?) Doctor?

All of the incarnations of Doctor Who as cats

Matt Smith is leaving Doctor Who Christmas 2013. What makes this particular regeneration remarkable is that it could very well be the last one. The revelation of John Hurt as a ‘missing incarnation’ of the Doctor could very well make Smith the 12th rather than the 11th Doctor, thus making his next life the last (unless you take what was said in the Sarah Jane Smith episode regarding regenerations as canon).

The news is till new, but there are already a few hot choices for what actor could be playing the next Doctor Who in 2014.

David Threlfall

David Threlfall is best known for playing the lead in the award-winning Shameless (UK). A talented actor with a wide range, I never would have considered him for the part, which may be why he is perfect. That said, he doesn’t fit the sexy image that the BBC has been pushing since David Tennant. This would be a step in an entirely new direction and one that the program has needed for some time.

Stephen Mangan

I enjoyed he comic actor Stephen Mangan in Hyperdrive and Green Wing (still have not caught Dirk Gently or Episodes). I like Mangan a lot and think that he has a unique screen presence that could lend a lot to Doctor Who, but am unsure if the public would accept him.

Ben Daniels

fan made poster

The most popular choice online right now is Ben Daniels, the award-winning actor from the popular series House of Cards. This could be the strongest actor in the running, but he lacks the quirky personality and weird character that is commonly associated with the Doctor. I personally don’t see it, but he’s where the money is apparently.

A female Doctor?

It has been rumored since producer John Nathan-Turner threw out the notion on daytime TV back in 1983 when Peter Davison was departing. Since then, it has come around now and again. Is the public ready for a female Doctor Who? If so, it would be a bold move on the BBC’s part.

For this, I am totally going to crib a few choices from Big Finish scribe Alan Barnes, mostly because I think they are interesting options.

Vicky McClure

I admit to being unfamiliar with Vicky McClure, but she did appear in the film and TV series of This is England. Not sure about this choice.

Lesley Sharp

From the Mike Leigh film Naked, the TV series Clocking Off and of course the Doctor Who adventure Midnight, Sharp is one of the most accomplished actresses in this list in my opinion. She also has distinctive facial features, something that I think of as a pre-requisite for the part.

Gina McKee

Gina McKee starred in the Borgias and the excellent film In the Loop. A superb actress, she’s just a bit too alluring and sexy to play the Doctor. But that’s not a mark on her talent and screen presence.

Amelia Bullmore

Amelia Bullmore is an outstanding choice. I have loved her comedic appearances in the Chris Morris series Jam and later alongside Steve Coogan in I’m Alan Partridge. Possibly my favorite option for a female Doctor.

Make your choice!

My own choice is to bring back Paul McGann, an actor who was not given a fair shot at the part on screen and is in great shape for TV. The fact that he wasn’t even approached to appear in the 50th anniversary special is frankly inexplicable to me, hence the animated image below.

Captain America welcomes artist Carlos Pacheco, readies Nuclear encounter

The current Captain America monthly book is just off the wall bonkers. Cult writer Rick Remender has hurled the character out of his comfort zone, placing him in an other-worldly war zone in another dimension. The book has been more unpredictable and wildly entertaining than ever before. With the arrival of Carlos Pacheco, Cap looks to be coming back to Earth, but the hits won’t stop coming.

I have enjoyed Pacheco’s art since his time on the Fantastic Four and followed him to Superman, X-Men and beyond. He’s an excellent artist and will bring a vibrant new life to the book. The creative team met with ComicBookResources to give a quick preview of what’s to come…

(note: I totally dig the cover with the homages to the many logos that have graced the series over its long life span)

Via CBR.com (click for additional info and more preview art)

Rick Remender: I’m a big fan of Carlos’ work going back to his work on books like “Starjammers” and “Avengers Forever.” He has a very crisp and clean style and is very versatile. He’s a great fit, because when we come back to Earth in this next arc, I want there to be this crisp and clean aesthetic. Editor Tom Brevoort and I spent a lot of time looking at the work of a lot of artists and decided on Carlos to get the book back to a classic Captain America feel. Issue #11 will be sort of a brand-new day for “Captain America.”

Plus, Carlos is an amazing storyteller with a dynamic style. We’ve got a lot of exciting stuff coming up in this arc, including the Weapon Minus Program, Doctor Mind Bubble, the Iron Nail, and in the center of it all is Nuke. I think when people see what Carlos has been doing, they’ll be blown away. I know I have been.

Carlos, What’s it like working with Rick? Which elements of his scripts do you find especially appealing as an artist?

Carlos Pacheco: He does a wonderful job with characterization for Cap, who comes from the first half of 20th Century. He’s a man that comes from a different era, different time, different way of living — and you cannot change this easily. His present identity is marked profoundly by all his sentimental education.

And Rick loves Zola! [Laughs]

I think we are in a new artistic direction for the character. He has been a superhero in an American flag. Those red, white and blues are the colors of a No-Doubt-He-Is-The-Good-Guy character, but Cap is also a soldier — he wore a Marine outfit during the Second World War. Now, he’s still a Marine. A modern one — and he will need to look like this. To be a soldier is his job. We cannot forget he’s a “Captain” and not on a baseball team.

Captain America is definitive authority incarnated in a man. This has to be shown in every panel where he appears. He was born to be a leader. There are no questions after his orders are given — except if you are Hawkeye. That’s why I love Clint Barton so much [Laughs].

Rick, you mentioned that Nuke, the rogue super soldier created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, will play a significant role in this arc. What do you find intriguing about the character? What kind of potential do you see in him?

Remender: Tom Brevoort and I worked hard to find a new angle for Nuke. He is sort of a Captain America of a different era who was abused and his mind was shattered. So he’s still a soldier and a patriot, but he’s absolutely lost the plot. His mind is so fried and he’s been through so many experiments and taken so many of these drugs that give him all of his strength.

He’s almost like a Captain America from the Iran-Contra era; a time when the government was doing things that they maybe shouldn’t have been. He was a victim of that. I like playing with the patriot who is misguided, but at the same time truly believes that the mission he is on is a sound one.

Secret government programs and rogue super soldiers suggest a shadowy tale. Carlos, what can you tell us about the overall look of the story? What kind of feelings are you hoping to convey with your art?

Pacheco: As an artist, my definitive objective is to show all the emotions and visual events the writer needs to show. Honestly, I want to be capable of drawing everything!

Remender: This is classic “Captain America.” The country and our standing in the world is at risk. There is a fellow super soldier out there doing some terrible things. He’s completely misguided, but he isn’t necessarily evil. Then, we’ve got a new villain in the Iron Nail, who will be revealed. We’ve got a new assassin in Doctor Mind Bubble, who will also be revealed. We’ll also see a lot of other familiar faces from Cap’s past, and we’ll see Cap dealing with the ramifications of Dimension Z, which are many.

It’s almost like a “Bourne Identity”-style story involving a rogue agent that needs to be taken down. Nuke is the Bourne character and Cap is the guy coming after him to take him down.

Tonally, it’s going to be similar to that as well. I did a crazy, sci-fi epic and now I’m going to take things back to ground-level and focus in on a classic Captain America story.

Artist Carlos Pacheco joins continuing writer Rick Remender on “Captain America” with September’s issue #11.