The Prisoner (2009)

(Please click here for my article on the classic original series)
In 1967, Patrick McGoohan had a prime opportunity. A hot item in the world of TV, he had made a name for himself in the series Danger Man (known as Secret Agent in the US). Offered the role of Ian Fleming’s James Bond, he turned it down in order to create a bold new experiment that would utilize the TV action drama trappings of Danger Man in making an existential statement on modern life. With unusual visuals, a breathtaking setting in the holiday villa of Port Meiron and the music of Ron Grainer, the Prisoner was as bizarre then as it is today. Spanning just 17 episodes, the series remains a cult phenomenon with its influence spreading far and wide to comic books, movies, literature, music and more.

The Prisoner 1967-68 opening

The basic premise of the Prisoner is that a former secret agent was abducted from his home after resigning from his top job as an agent for MI6. Finding himself in the beautiful yet thoroughly alien setting of the Village, he finds that he has been assigned the designation of ‘Number Six.’ A charming man by the designation of ‘Number Two’ introduces himself and states that 6’s life can be an easy one in the Village if he just plays along and tells them everything they want to know. 6 refuses and begins a determined defense of his persona and individuality as the combined forces of the Village set about breaking down his sense of self and sanity. As the series progressed, it made statements on everything from mental illness to politics and MacGoohan’s own sense of identity as a celebrity as he used his own head shot as the file photograph of Number 6.

This Sunday AMC will attempt to revive the story for the modern world with their own take on the classic program. Yes, it is ‘heresy’ to even consider such a thing, but the project has been bubbling about for decades so it was only a matter of time before someone managed to get it off the ground. Given that at one time the pitch was a remake set in America’s heartland starring Nic Cage, we should count ourselves lucky. However, I don’t want to sell the AMC series short at all. James Caviezel has been cast as No.6, the unwilling subject of the Village’s unrelenting attack on his psyche. 6 awakens in a desert setting (rather than the seaside of Wales) to find that he is the center of No.2’s attention, played by Ian McKellen. The sole motivation of No.2 is to crush No.6’s individuality and of course No.6 is non-conformity incarnate in his reluctance to play along.

Ian McKellen Rules in Remake of ‘The Prisoner’

The 2009 Prisoner series has been previewed on local cable in a series of short documentaries revealing the tone and basic premise of the remake. While i am puzzled by its seeming to follow the events of the 1967-68 series, it does seem to have a good handle of the basic ideas of what made the original work and even has its own message on ‘what it is to be free’ to throw into the mix. I do think that the desert setting is a stroke of genius as No.2’s statement that ‘there is no New York’ seems all that more chilling when No.6 is surrounded by a wasteland.

I was rather surprised to see that the new series is basing its 6 episodes on key episodes from the original, including the controversial ‘Living in Harmony’ which was banned from US transmission as it was perceived to be a statement on the Vietnam War.

1.1 “Arrival” based on Arrival
1.2 “Harmony” based on Living in Harmony
1.3 “Anvil” based on Hammer Into Anvil
1.4 “Darling” based on Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
1.5 “Schizoid” based on The Schizoid Man
1.6 “Checkmate” based on Checkmate

When news initially broke, the series creators were adamant in their adoration and respect for the source material which shines through in what I have seen this far:

Writer Bill Gallagher says: “I was haunted by The Prisoner when I saw it as a boy on its first broadcast. Here was something that was more than television, something I couldn’t quite grasp but couldn’t let go of. It’s a unique opportunity for a writer to be able to go back to The Village and tell some new stories about that strange place and its surreal menace. We have a terrific cast and a wonderful director, so we hope to serve up something as beguiling and disturbing as the original was.”

Producer Trevor Hopkins adds: “The Prisoner was an iconic piece of 60s TV and updating the series for a contemporary audience has thrown up many interesting challenges. I feel that Bill Gallagher’s splendid scripts, combined with Jim and Ian in the lead roles will bring the series to a whole new audience, whilst still pleasing the dedicated fans of the original.”

“Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen bring an incredible level of talent to the project, and we’re honored they are taking on these important roles. We look forward to this production revitalizing a classic and bringing Patrick McGoohan’s brilliant and captivating story to an entirely new generation of viewers,” stated Charlie Collier, AMC’s General Manager and Executive Vice President. “The caliber of Hollywood talent AMC is attracting further validates our programming vision and our successful strategy of producing quality cinematic originals that stand alongside our library of iconic movies.”

While I do hope that the new take on the Prisoner has its own unique statement, I am happy to see that it is not forgotten how important and necessary it is to reflect what the original set out to do. Tune in the Sunday to watch this exciting new series.

For more information, please visit the official site of AMC’s the Prisoner and the Prisoner fanclub, SixofOne.

Dave Lapham delivers the danger in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare comic

The release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 this week made some major news in the gaming community, but the impact is not restricted to thumb-twitching gamers as Dave Lapham will reveal in his upcoming mini-series for DC Comics’ Wildstorm imprint. The well known writer of Stray Bullets and several company books such as Batman and Punisher, Lapham will bring his usual sense of danger and tension to the series based on the hit game.

Ghost in Call of Duty Modern Warfare

Started in 2003, the award winning first-person-shooter game Call of Duty has been impressing gamers ever since. In a genre that was popular for the ‘lone man against impossible odds’ approach (such as Duke Nukem and Doom), Call of Duty stresses the importance of the entire squad rather than one soldier fighting a war on his one. Call of Duty also explored numerous settings in World War Two including the British, Canadian and Soviet forces. Initially set exclusively in WW2, the franchise later expanded into the current day with the Modern Warfare game released on next-gen consoles in 2007.

Historically, the successful WW2 FPS games have been split between two camps of Call of Duty and Medal of Honor with Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six games taking center stage on the modern front. To even attempt to compete with the Tom Clancy games was a bold move, but the die was already cast. The gamble paid off and the critical reception was overwhelmingly positive. Set in the near future where the world is in the grips of global terrorism, the stark realism that gamers had grown to anticipate with the WW2 setting was even more jarring and unsettling, but resulted in a genuinely immersive gaming experience.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 online multiplayer trailer

Not a tie-in to the story of the game, the new Modern Warfare 2: Ghost 6 part mini-series will nevertheless provide readers with a similarly invigorating experience as only Dave Lapham can deliver it.

Interviewed by ComicBookResources.com, Lapham showed no remorse over having to do some ‘deep research’ into the latest chapter in the Call of Duty franchise. A die-hard gamer and fan of the COD franchise, Lapham has been pouring his attention over the game in preparation of his new work.

“I love the game. I love all of these kinds of games. I can tell you which deadlines were missed because of this game or that game. I have to admit, regrettably, that since having kids my time for the 60-hour video game has gone the way of the dodo. As much to write the book, it was a good excuse to “have to” play the game – y’know, research.

“This plays in to why I wanted to do the job. You have an amazing game, and they wanted an amazing comic. At the same time, the game is a first person experience. You are a member of Task Force 141. In the comic we were going to be creating a character that the reader was going to follow, so there was a broad canvas upon which to create.

“There wasn’t pressure to recreate the game in comic form. The boundary was that a) they had to dig what we were doing, of course, and b) we had to give them a kick-ass experience to match the game, but it didn’t have to be the same experience. Comics aren’t video games. I can’t give you the vicarious experience of being a counter-terrorist soldier sneaking up and knifing someone. But I can give you a bad-ass character and take you on a journey through this guy’s psyche. A hellish, twisted, nightmarish journey.

“This is not your same old, same old, seen-it-before terrorist 101 story. Plenty of action, plenty of intrigue, yes. But I really wanted to get in this character’s head and let you see his transformation. It’s as much a psychological suspense story as anything.”

(read the entire interview here)

Modern Warfare 2: Ghost arrives today at comic shops.

Comics on sale 11/11/09

For the complete list of this week’s new releases, please visit ComicList.com.

As you have no doubt realized, I am a Marvel Zombie and currently collect nearly all of their monthly comics… ambitious as that may sound. As such I have a unique insight to many of the monthly releases that I attempt to convey upon you, the reader. For that reason I spotlight the Marvel Comics portion of the new release list… with one exception this week.

Absolute Justice HC

Absolute Justice HC
By: Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, Doug Braithwaite

This blockbuster 12 part series was released in a bi-monthly format initially. I want you to try and wrap your head around a comic book that opens with Superman curled in a fetal position while the planet Earth explodes around him coming out once every 60 days. Anxious anticipation does not begin to cover it. Even with a script by Earth X scribe Jim Krueger and layouts provided by Alex Ross, it is the full artwork by Doug Braithwaite that is the real star here. Challenged with depicting every major and minor superhero in the DC Universe as well as the villains… Braithwaite makes them all shine.

This series does not receive enough attention. The fact that it is set in a much simpler DC Universe that is far more in tune with what most comic book fans conceive when they think of the DCU, this series had it all. When the supervillains of the DCU have a collective dream depicting the destruction of the planet that the JLA fails to stop, they get organized to take matters into their own hands. Thrilling, exciting and compelling, this is everything that a superhero comic book should be.

Just in time for the holidays, this over-sized book is packaged in a hardcase slipcover and contains all of the issues, variant covers and a sketchbook a section with previously unseen artwork.

Dark Avengers Uncanny X-Men Utopia

Dark Avengers Uncanny X-Men Utopia
By: Matt Fraction, Paul Cornell, James Asmus, Jason Aaron, Mike Carey, Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost, Marc Silvestri, Terry Dodson, Mike Deodato, Luke Ross, Humberto Ramos, Dustin Weaver
The crossover event of 2009 between the Avengers and X-Men proved to be rather surprising. As Norman Osborn sets up the mutant population of San Francisco into an uprising, Cyclops plays his most daring move. Pinning the future of the ever-dwindling number of mutants on a rather bold gambit, the X-Men and Dark Avengers wage war through the streets of San Francisco while the world watches.

Not as strong an event as many had hoped, it did manage to use the event status of an Avengers/X-Men fight in order to further the plot of at least one book, X-Men. If you missed out and are eager to catch up on all things mutant-related, this is the place to do it. Featuring some great art by Terry Dodson and yes, Mark Silvestri, this is exactly the kind of story I remembered enjoying as a teenager.

Daredevil #502

Daredevil #502
By: Andy Diggle, Roberto De La Torre, Esad Ribic
Matt Murdock has left his old life behind him and is now the leader of the Hand, the most ruthless organization of assassins in the world. Incoming writer Andy Diggle has a high bar to meet with his run on this title and his work on Daredevil to date has shown he has just what it takes.

Deadpool #17

Deadpool #17
By: Daniel Way, Paco Medina, Jason Pearson
Deadpool joins the X-Men.

… no kidding.

Essential Moon Knight TPB Vol. 03

Essential Moon Knight TPB Vol. 03
By: DOUG MOENCH, STEVE RINGGENBERG, ALAN ZELENETZ, TONY ISABELLA, CHRIS WARNER, MARY JO DUFFY, JIM OWLSLEY, ANN NOCENTI, MICHAEL CARLIN, ROGER STERN, ROBERT INGERSOLL, CHUCK DIXON, KEVIN NOWLAN, TERRY AUSTIN, MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, MARC SILVESTRI, BO HAMPTON, RICHARD HOWELL
The two-fisted vigilante of the Marvel Universe wasn’t always as nutty as he is today, but he did certainly attract some of the top talent in the comic book industry. Just look at that list of creators above and you’ll see what I mean!

This collection finishes off what the first two essential collections started and even delves into the 1985 mini-series and Marvel Fanfare issues. A must for you moon-eyes fans.

Punishermax #1

Punishermax #1
By: Jason Aaron, Steve Dillon, Dave Johnson
It begins here, the successor to the popular Punisher MAX series by Garth Ennis is written by Jason Aaron of Weapon X and Ghost Rider fame. For those unfamiliar with this second Punisher title, the MAX series does not play around. In this series a grizzled and battle-worn Frank Castle wages a one-man war against crime. Since his family was viciously gunned down before him in 1976, Frank has made himself the number one threat to the mob.

The first issue of Punisher MAX introduces the Kingpin, the mob’s solution to the Punisher problem.

Also available…

Wolverine Weapon X Adamantium Men

Wolverine Weapon X Adamantium Men
By: Jason Aaron, Ron Garney & Adam Kubert
In the jungles of Colombia, people are turning up dead, whole villages brutally slaughtered by a team of soldiers who move through the shadows like ghosts. On the streets of San Francisco, Logan learns that the files from the old Weapon X program, the blueprints for building Adamantium-laced super soldiers like himself, have fallen into the hands of the evil corporation, Roxxon.

Once again, it seems, someone is looking to build the perfect killing machine. That means it’s time for Wolverine to step in, and remind them that someone already did.

S.W.O.R.D. #1

S.W.O.R.D. #1
By: Kieron Gillen, Steven Sanders
Spinning out of ASTONISHING X-MEN comes a series that will take you places you’ve never been! After Secret Invasion, Agent Brand is no longer the top dog at S.W.O.R.D. Forced to share her leadership post with former Avengers-liaison Henry Gyrich, Brand is less than pleased.

Will the arrival of her boyfriend, X-Man Beast, help her out? Not when she discovers Gyrich’s plan for fixing S.W.O.R.D. is to rid Earth of ALL ALIENS! Brought to you by Kieron Gillen (DARK AVENGERS: ARES), Steven Sanders (Five Fists of Science) and topped off with covers by ASTONISHING X-MEN artist JOHN CASSADAY!

X-Men Wolverine Gambit Prem HC

Wolverine/Gambit
By: Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

The feral X-Man and the ragin’ Cajun–as interpreted by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, the award-winning creators of Daredevil: Yellow, Superman: For All Seasons and Batman: Dark Victory!

Warrior. Ronin. Soldier. Mutant. Logan knows little of his past, save that it was fraught with pain and loss. Long ago, he was trained as a samurai in Japan; later, he became Weapon X, a covert operative for the Canadian government. Today, Wolverine is an X-Man–using his animal-keen senses, accelerated healing factor and razor-sharp claws to help protect a world that fears and hates mutants!

Always an outsider, Gambit was shunned as a youth because of his strange, burning-red eyes. Eventually, Remy LeBeau realized he was a mutant, possessed of the ability to charge inanimate objects with explosively released biokinetic energy. A reformed thief and charming scoundrel, the ragin’ Cajun always has a card up his sleeve! Now, these two outlaw heroes have been drawn together by a string of brutal slayings that may mark the return of the 19th-century serial killer called Jack the Ripper! Is it merely coincidence that finds Remy and Logan in London, or does one of these enigmatic outsiders have an ulterior motive? Collecting WOLVERINE/GAMBIT: VICTIMS #1-4.

Voltron Lion Force Gift Set

Voltron 25th Anniversary Metallic Lion Gift Set
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Voltron, the 2009 San Diego Comic Convention SDCC exclusive set from Toynami, Metallic version of the Voltron Lion Force giftset.

This is a limited edition of 1000 units previously only available at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con.

Munchkin Mini Chibithulhu

Munchkin Mini Chibithulhu

Cute! Cuddly! Sanity-blasting! Because the world needs more cute, this diminutive version of the Chibithulhu plush figure features huge, adorable eyes, a loving heart on the chest, and Cthulhu’s trademark tentacles!

supermen!

Supermen!: The First Wave Of Comic Book Heroes 1936-1941
By: Greg Sadowski (introduction by Jonathan Lethem)
Superheroes have been the dominant comic-book genre ever since Superman transformed the industry in 1938. Other than a handful of hardy survivors, the hundreds of costumed crime fighters that sprang up in comics’ early era are long forgotten. Supermen! consists of vintage stories featuring a representative handful of those heroes. The earliest, some actually precursors of the Man of Steel, are Mandrake-inspired magicians (Yarko the Great), masked detectives (the Clock), space explorers (Cosmic Carson), and, occasionally, hybrids (Fero, Planet Detective). Later come cape-and-tights-clad stalwarts Skyman, Silver Streak, Daredevil, and Blue Bolt. Their primordial exploits may be crude, primitive even, but also quaintly entertaining and possessed of a brash, undeniable vitality. Often their naïveté is unintentionally hilarious, as in two stories by Fletcher Hanks, the Ed Wood of comics. But there’s also incipient artistry in the early work of Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, Basil Wolverton, and Jack Cole, who developed into leading talents. These early examples of a genre still finding its way display conventions recognizable in their superpowered successors. –Gordon Flagg

Black Terror (Collection One)

Project Superpowers Black Terror TPB Vol. 01
By: Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, Mike Lilly
Spinning out of Alex Ross’ Project Superpowers comes, THE BLACK TERROR! Co-plotted by Alex Ross, scripted by Jim Krueger and drawn by Dynamite Exclusive artist Mike (Batman/Nightwing) Lilly! The Terror is on a mission and God help whoever gets in his way, be they fellow super powers or the President of the United States himself… Includes a complete cover gallery by Alex Ross, John Romita Sr., Mike Lilly, and George Tuska — and all four issues of the all-new BLACK TERROR series! Who are the Super-Patriots? Who is really behind the power of the US Presidency…

Zombie Carols

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies Xmas Carols
By: Michael P Spradlin, Jeff Weigel
Forget chestnuts roasting over an open fire. Try fresh brains instead. That’s what you get when zombies write your Christmas carols!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies takes over two dozen of our most beloved Christmas carols and shreds them limb from limb, rewriting them from a zombie’s point-of-view. Mommy’s not kissing Santa under the mistletoe–she’s chewing his face.

With a foreword by Christopher Moore and jaw-dropping sketches accompanying each carol, this book will be the perfect holiday gift for the undead!

Comic Book Comics

Comic Book Comics #4
By: Fred Van Lente, Ryan Dunlavey
Our fantastic fourth issue! Featuring: Stan Lee! Steve Ditko! R. Crumb! Hergé! Together for the first time in one mighty magazine! (A special Evil Twin Not-Prize for everyone who gets that reference…) The incredible saga of the comic book industry continues, as Fred & Ryan tackle the rise of Marvel Comics, the underground comix revolution, and the story behind Tintin.

Doctor Who Classics TPB Vol. 04

Doctor Who Classics TPB Vol. 04
By: Steve Parkhouse, Dave Gibbons
Presenting the fourth collection featuring adventures of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors by superstar Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). Originally published in the U.K., these stories are making their first appearance in the States, and in color! Follow the Doctor and his TARDIS as they travel through time and space, solving problems, righting wrongs, and meeting strange new creatures and people along the way.

Strange Adventures Of HP Lovecraft #4 (of 4)

Strange Adventures Of HP Lovecraft #4 (of 4)
By: Mac Carter, Tony Salmons, Adam Byrne
The nightmares of H.P. Lovecraft have leaked from his brain into the world. All that he loves, all of Providence, is at risk. His mother has emerged from her catatonic state to take charge: with the police hot on his trail, her son must flee.

But the detectives are the least of his worries. While in the asylum, Lovecraft unwittingly created a hellish creature that now, beyond his control, has set its sights on Sylvia! Lovecraft won’t leave town and save himself without making a stand for the only woman he’s ever loved. But can he get there in time? And what will happen to him? It’s the final horrific chapter!

WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Peanuts 60th Anniversary Book

Peanuts 60th Anniversary Book
By: Charles Schulz
Sixty years of cartoons, generations of fans, a gang of beloved characters, but only one creator: the legend, Charles M. Schulz.

This special 60th anniversary tribute to The Peanuts is arranged by characters so each of Schulz’s creations comes to life by focusing on their individual quirks, personalities, and interactions. Packed with commentary from throughout Schulz’s career, complete with special memorabilia from the Schulz Museum, The Peanuts 60th Anniversary Book is not only a heartwarming tribute, but also a true collector’s item.

WARNING: SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Doctor Who Ongoing #5

Doctor Who Ongoing #5
By: Tony Lee, Matthew Smith, Paul Grist
Tony Lee (w) o Matthew Dow Smith (a) o Paul Grist, Smith (c) In Part 3 of the four-part ‘Fugitive’ story arc, the Doctor has been trapped on an alien world with his old enemies now his allies-and his old allies now trying to kill him! He has only one chance to save his life… and possibly an entire galaxy!

This week’s releases are available online, at specialty shops and at your local comic book retailer. Don’t know where a comic shop is located near you?

Just visit ComicShopLocator.com.

Just the season for Winterworld

Chuck Dixon’s name may be familiar to you mainly due to his work in the Batman Universe of comics for DC, but there is more to this erudite writer than his Batman work… or superhero comics. The acclaimed fan favorite scribe of Nightwing, Birds of Prey and Robin.

Currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe (after a break with DC Comics), Dixon is proud to announce that a once out of  print gem of his earlier days in the independent comics world will once again grace the shelves thanks to IDW.

Winterworld

A mixture of apocalyptic science fiction and rugged frontiersman-type fiction, Winter World is an oddity of sorts. The breathtaking art and biting script make for a cinematic experience that is sure to appeal to modern comics audiences. The only drawback to the series (and an ironic one) is that Dixon’s reputation as a Batman writer may put off the sophisticated audience that would thoroughly enjoy this kind of story.

But we’re smarter than that, reader… aren’t we?

Winterworld’s central characters Scully and Wynn are determined to outlast not only the elements but also rabid beasts and cutthroat scavengers of the wintry wild wastes. If this sounds like an upcoming film, it only reinforces the fact that this series was published before its time.

“Scully is a guy who’s seen the absolute worst that humanity has to offer. This is a world where the environment is terribly unforgiving and the remaining population is at an animal level doing what they can to survive,” Dixon said of his central character. “Somehow, Scully has held onto a sense of purpose that is galvanized when he runs into Wynn. Wynn has made it through until this point because she is seen as having value to her captors and the fact that she, like Scully, is generally more intelligent than those around her.”

Originally a product of Eclipse Comics and later Marvel’s indie-ish imprint Epic, Winterworld is so popular with fans that readers still approach Dixon with praise for the series. The new printing will include a previously unavailable story ‘Wintersea.’

Initially conceived as a trilogy with the final part ‘Winterwar’ closing out the story, the project was unfortunately shelved during the collapse of the comic market that made creator-owned work not featuring guys in tights all but verboten. Despite the current rise in interest in the Winterworld trilogy, it will remain unfinished as artist Jorge Zaffino is no longer with us (Zaffino passed away in 2002).

For writer Chuck Dixon revisiting the series is an experience of both pride and reminiscence as the working relationship with Zaffino was so positive.

“It’s been suggested that I complete it with another artist. Without Jorge it would be tough. He was far more than an artist to me on this project; he was an equal collaborator and an inspiration. He was also a very dear and generous friend and I miss working with him,” Dixon said.

It may sound surprising to some, but it’s a rare thing for a writer and artist to gel as these two did. A renowned cover artist, Zaffino was known for his work at Marvel on Punisher and the ‘Nam series as well as the Batman: Black and White series for DC Comics. If you are unfamiliar with Winterworld, this is a great opportunity to see that unique occasion as creative spirits merge. Please visit the website maintained in Jorge Zaffino’s honor at http://www.jorgezaffino.com/

Winterworld hits the shelves in January 2010.

A full preview and in-depth interview with Chuck Dixon is posted on ComicBookResources.com

For more Chuck Dixon, check out http://www.dixonverse.net/

Puppets puppets puppets with Joe 90

Joe 90

Gerry Anderson is a man with big ideas. He wanted to produce TV and film projects with stunning special effects and big stories that operated on a grand scale while maintaining the human element. Frustrated with the high cost of such production, he developed a new way to make TV programs that became dubbed as ‘Supermarionation.’ TV Programs were dynamic and larger than life, even though the characters in them were miniature. As a child of the Carter administration, I saw my share of Gerry Anderson productions on syndicated TV including his most famous series, Thunderbirds. Recently I’ve been delving deeper into the world of Gerry Anderson only to discover that he had created not only a new way to make TV and film projects, but Supermarionation is an entirely new genre of its own.

I recently purchased what could be called a Gerry Anderson sampler, containing a few episodes of Stingray, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. All three are excellent series. In the coming weeks, I’ll review each one giving those unfamiliar with these gems some insight to their greatness. There is a massive fanbase for these programs, so let me stress to those of Fanderson fame that I am not an expert, just a happy newcomer.

Smaller than the puppets used in previous Gerry Anderson productions such as Thunderbirds and Stingray, the Joe 90 marionettes contain smaller solenoids used to transmit the signals sent by operators causing eyes and mouths to move. This allowed the puppets to be more detailed than ever before, both a good and bad thing as far as the puppeteers were concerned as this made every unnatural movement glaringly obvious. Both in content and in execution, Joe 90 is yet another advancement in the fine skill of Gerry Anderson’s team as they develop their genre to new heights.

In 1968, with the recent success of Captain Scarlet behind him, Gerry Anderson mounted production on his next endeavor, Joe 90. Centering on the adventures of a 9 year-old, I expected Joe 90 to be my least favorite of the trio of programs… boy was I surprised. While the pilot episode is a bit heavy on exposition, the following stories are all action. Set in the distant future of 2012, Joe 90 follows the adventures of inventor Professor ian McClaine (nicknamed Mac) and his son Joe. In the opening episode, Mac is showing off his latest invention to Sam Loover of W.I.N. (World Intelligence Network), BIG RAT, (Brain Impulse Galvanoscope Record And Transfer) which can transfer brain patterns from one subject to another.

Joe 90 Episode 28: Test Flight (part 1 of 3)

Mac’s son Joe is the guinea pig for BIG RAT and soon enough he becomes the ideal subject for its use. In one story, the brain patterns of a jet pilot are recorded and by wearing a special pair of eye glasses, Joe can retain these skills, allowing him to steal a highly advanced jet fighter from behind the Iron Curtain.
Carrying what appears to be a simple school boy’s kit, Joe is armed with a custom-made hand gun (capable of firing 200 rounds without reloading… presumably because he has the aim of a 9 year old boy and needs all the bullets he can get), a global transmitter and badge providing him with the authority of a very special agent of W.I.N.

Stories are more like James Bond films than children’s entertainment, with the brave and stoic Joe 90 taking the place of the martini sipping bachelor. The puppets may be smaller, but the action is big big BIG. Boats explode, grenades are hurled at unsuspecting mobsters and cars careen out of control. As for the program being too intense for children, I can understand the concern. More importantly, it just sets the bar too high for producers of other kids’ shows. After a child had been exposed to a Gerry Anderson program, what could possibly top it?

Much like Captain Scarlet before it, Joe 90 is all action… only this one has a 9 year old boy in the center of each situation rather than the indestructible Captain Scarlet! This caused some concern when the show was aired, resulting in a preamble declaring that without the special eyeglasses, Joe 90 is just a boy, with them, he is a highly specialized expert. In the 1990’s when the program was aired on the BBC, it was heavily butchered in order to remove any of the violence surrounding the young puppet. I can only imagine how much the program suffered from these cuts.

Interest blossomed in 2003 as studios, looking for good ideas that can be remade into (often bad) movies, eagerly eyed Joe 90 as material ripe for a remake. After the dud that was Thunderbirds failed to maker bank at the box office, this ideas was scrapped.

If you are a fan of Supermarionation and have not watched this series, I highly recommend it.

I also strongly recommend Bigrat.co.uk as a superb resource on all things Joe 90.

The Avengers prepare a Siege on Norman Osborn

It all started with Secret War, an ambitious event comic by then newcomer to Marvel Comics, Brian Michael Bendis who had already made a name for himself with his run on Daredevil and Ultimate Spider-Man. Secret War was meant to be a major story that had an impact on the entire MU, but scheduling delays kept anyone from caring about the series, keeping some much-deserved attention from the story.

In Secret War, Nick Fury assembled a covert operation against the new leader of Latveria. His team consisted of Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Captain America, Wolverine and others (no doubt a planned new line-up for Bendis’ Avengers). Without any official backing, Fury essentially committed an act of aggression against a foreign country with the aid of the super-powered community. Both S.H.I.E.L.D. and the superheroes were furious when this was revealed, leading to his fall from grace in both capacities. Nick Fury dropped out of sight after finding out that S.H.I.E.L.D. was really run by the villainous international terrorist organization known as Hydra.

What followed was a rather brilliant series of stories that has made the Marvel Universe more interesting than it has been since it was first created.

While Fury gathered intel, the Scarlet Witch lost her mind and decimated both the Avengers and the mutant population. With just under 200 mutants planet-wide in existence, the government protected them with Sentinels as an endangered species. The mighty Thor disappeared after Asgard was destroyed during Ragnarök. A well-conceived jailbreak of the high security prison the Raft lead to the formation of a New Avengers team. A proposed Superhero Registration Act split the superpowered community in two, resulting in a bloody civil war. In the ensuing destruction, Captain America was assassinated on the way to trial for started a revolution against a government he could not support.

Seeking to control the tide of violence, Tony Stark supported the bill and placed former supervillain the Green Goblin, Norman Osborn, in control of the Thunderbolts who rounded up any superpowered individuals who refused to register. I have surmised that Stark made this seemingly insane move because he himself did not wish to fight former comrades and thought that while Norman is insane, he could be controlled. This is supported by the numerous opportunities that Tony Stark allowed fugitives to escape his capture and the many successful captures Osborn’s Thunderbolts have made.

With the destruction of the Skrull home planet during the Annihilation wave, the Skrulls sought out a new home. Turning to ancient religious texts, the decision was made to occupy Earth as their new seat from which to rebuild their empire. In the resulting war, Stark’s technology became compromised and Norman Osborn, himself a brilliant weapons manufacturer, produced armaments that would not become corrupted by alien invasion. After killing the Skrull Queen (in the guise of Spider-Woman), Norman Osborn was declared a national hero. Donning a custom-made Iron Man armor decked out in Captain America’s colors, Osborn took on the name Iron Patriot and formed his own team of Avengers.

Becoming the new head of S.H.I.E.L.D., Osborn renamed the international intelligence and security organization H.A.M.M.E.R. As the leader of a major power group, Osborn called in his associates in the supervillain world, forming a Cabal, to split the reigns of control evenly. The status quot essentially turned on its head, the heroes of the world are in hiding, constantly evading Osborn’s H.A.M.M.E.R. troops while still trying to protect the common man from the forces of evil. It has not been easy. Not content to rule, Osborn has compiled a laundry list of problems that need to be addressed including the elimination of Spider-Man, the Hulk and Punisher. So far, things are going very well for Norman.

That is all about to change.

(I just noticed the comment that the crash at the end may be Asgard… wow)

January 2010 begins the next chapter in this continuing story. Entitled ‘Siege,’ the event will develop over the course of two 4 part mini-series and the usual tie-ins. Marvel Editorial has stated that they are aware of the grumblings of ‘event fatigue’ from the readers and are trying to keep this one more contained than usual. Looking at the solicitations in January, the Siege banner is on only a couple of the monthly comics of the Avengers family of book, making it appear that Marvel may be making good on their promise of a smaller event.

Upon closer examination, there are more events going on than ever before, but they are miniature, impacting select titles or families of books rather than crossing titles.

Nation X will continue to take over the X-Men family of books, no doubt leading into the third act of the Messiah storyline this Spring/Summer. Black Panther will have its own event entitled Doom War and the Amazing Spider-Man’s ‘Gauntlet’ will begin crossing over into the new Web of Spider-Man ongoing series. The Fall of the Hulks will take up The Hulk and Incredible Hulk series as well as a two stand-alone books and a new Savage She-Hulks title. Agents of Atlas may no longer have a monthly book, yet they will continue to appear in the back of The Incredible Hercules (entrenched in the Assault on New Olympus story), an Avengers Vs. Agents of Atlas mini-series and a few character-centric minis.

Siege promises to close the circle begun in Secret War with the reformation of the classic Avengers team of Captain America, Iron Man and Thor as well as removing Osborn from power once and for all. Trawling the Internet fort information, I have seen many very vocal comic book fans declaring their disapproval of the all of the events I just summarized. This may be a case of dissenting opinion being louder than support and I can certainly understand that. It’s much easier to complain than praise. That being said, sales figures have pretty steadily risen for Marvel since this series of event comics began with Secret War, especially where the Avengers are concerned. What was once an all but forgotten superhero comic book has become a top money maker for Marvel Comics and even out-sells the X-Men comics.

For both camps of supporters and dissenters, I hope that this upcoming Siege storyline delivers on the promise laid out by Joe Quesada that it will both redefine the Marvel Universe and give it some breathing room.

Siege hits the shelves the first week of January 2010.

In collected editions:
House of M
Secret War
New Avengers
The Death of Captain America
Civil War
Secret Invasion

Star Wars The Clone Wars Season One on DVD

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is kind of like Episode 2.5, taking place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Focusing on the massive outbreak of galaxy-wide war between the Separatists and the Federation, the series is one part adventure serial, one part war drama. This is because of the mixture of stories that center on the Jedi and on the Clone Troopers. These formidable soldiers cloned from the DNA of Bounty Hunter Jango Fett first came into prominence in the other Clone Wars animated series (no relation) where Dexter’s Lab animator Genndy Tartakovsky showed how dynamic the Star Wars universe could be with a healthy dose of Sgt. Rock-style military action thrown into it.

For all of my accolades there are some flaws in the series (such as the inexplicable Jar Jar episode), however it all comes together so well in a remarkable season finale that will leave you hungry for Season Two (which has been outstanding so far).

Don’t take my word for it, though. The entire 23 episode first season has been released this past Tuesday November 3rd on DVD and Blu-ray. The packaging alone is amazing and looks more like a manual than a DVD set. This is due to the extensive 68 page booklet containing exclusive behind-the-scenes designs on characters as they appeared in the Clone Wars cartoon.

The solicitations promise easter eggs, crew confidential documentaries and many other inside peeks into the making of this ground breaking series. In addition to the episodes as they were broadcast, the box set contains 7 director’s cut versions and featurettes showcasing specific stories. The Blu-ray version has even more info, referred to as the ‘Jedi Holocron Vault’ and interactive components that will surely excite the lucky few who have Blu-ray players (read: not me).

The first series has several stand out episodes that will make even the most die hard Star Wars fan frustrated that the prequels were not fleshed out in the same fashion. I will admit that this animated series is aimed at children, but a recent episode featuring an all out assault on a droid factory where several troopers used flame throwers to get through heavy Geonisian resistance is a sign that the animators are producing a top notch action drama worthy of an adult Star Wars fan’s attention.

That said, I must stress that this is not for kids. If you are a  parent and looking to get your ten year old nephew a keen gift, this is far too violent for their eyes in my opinion. While it does evoke a kind of childlike glee in adults, I can’t imagine a youngster getting anything good out of this series. The depiction of war is a fairly sophisticated one (hampered by the fact that the enemy is a bunch of vaudeville-knock off robots), but much of the attempted intelligence in the message will likely get lost in the soldered limbs and desperate screams that so populate Star Wars in general.

Last year I wrote several pieces on specific episodes from the first season as they aired. If you missed out, I suggest that you please visit my reviews of Season One here. After that, go hunt down a copy of this set and remember why you enjoyed Star Wars as a kid in the first place.

HALO Legends DVD set for Feb 2010 release date

For all of you fans of the FPS videogame sensation that is HALO, things are about to get interesting.

A lavishly epic videogame set in a science fiction universe worthy of the sci-fi literary world, HALO remains an immersive experience for gamers. Maybe it’s the context-sensitive soundtrack mixed with the eye-popping visuals or the otherworldly grandeur as seen through the cracked HUD of a galactic Marine, but there really is nothing like playing a game of HALO. Three games and a couple of expansion packs have only made fans hungry for more.

Marvel Comics has released a graphic novel exploring the world of HALO and while a feature film deal fell through, a DVD of eight animated features is set for a release next year. With animators from Cowboy Bebop, Batman Gotham Knight and Evangelion, this is not your typical ‘direct to DVD’ animated fare.

This Saturday November 7th, XBox Live members will have an exclusive first look.

More below in the official press release.

BURBANK, CA (November 5, 2009) – Go deeper into the Halo universe than ever before with Halo Legends, an all-new, CG and traditional anime PG-13 experience that presents enthralling new stories from one of the world’s most popular video game franchises. Produced by 343 Industries, a part of Microsoft Game Studios, the exciting tales-beyond-the-games will be distributed February 9, 2010 by Warner Home Video as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ for $29.98 (SRP) and $34.99 (SRP), respectively, as well as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP) due date for all versions is January 5, 2010. The chapters will also be available On Demand and Digital Download.

Halo Legends is a seven-story anthology – told across eight spectacular episodes – that explores the origin and historical events of the Halo universe and its intriguing characters. Halo Legends has been created in the same breakthrough format as The Animatrix and Batman Gotham Knight with each individual episode imagined by a cutting-edge, renowned Japanese anime director/animator, including Shinji Aramaki, Mamoru Oshii, Hideki Futamura, Tomoki Kyoda and Yasushi Muraki. The stories are inspired and produced by the creative minds of 343 Industries, including Halo franchise development director Frank O’Connor and managing editor Kevin Grace.

The individual episodes fall within Halo’s 26th Century mythology as the battle between humanity and aliens rages on in an attempt to protect Earth and mankind’s expansive number of space colonies. The dramatic, action-packed stories feature characters and locales familiar to Halo fans, and episodes range in length between 10 and 17 minutes – resulting in nearly two hours of animated adventures.

The episodes are animated by some of the world’s most respected studios and directors in anime today. The studios range from Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Batman Gotham Knight), Bones (Cowboy Bebop, Fell Metal Alchemist) and Toei Animation (Dragonball Z, Digimon) to Studio 4oC (The Animatrix, Batman Gotham Knight) and Casio Entertainment. The stellar roster of animation talent on Halo Legends is highlighted by creative supervisors Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed) and Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell); directors Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed), Hideki Futamura (The Animatrix), Daisuke Nishio (Dragonball Z), Hiroshi Yamazaki (Karas), Toshiyuki Kanno (Black Lagoon), Koichi Mashimo (Blade of the Immortal) and Koji Sawai (Patlabor); directors/action designers Tomoki Kyoda (Eureka Seven, Evangelion 1.0) and Yasushi Muraki (Macross Plus, Vampire Hunter D); and writer Dai Sato (Cowboy Bebop).

Halo is a centerpiece in the world of video games, selling more than 27 million units to a devoted legion of fans – including the latest hit Halo 3:ODST. The Halo franchise has driven more than $1 billion in revenue from its award winning Xbox games, New York Times best-selling novels and comics and a wide variety of other merchandise.

Halo Legends – 2 Disc Special Edition version will have several hours of incredible bonus features, including:

• The Making of Halo Legends – An introduction to Halo Legends followed by a making-of segment for each episode.

• Halo: Gaming Evolved – Explaining the Halo phenomenon from its inception as an Xbox video game to a present day entertainment franchise.

• Audio Commentary with directors Frank O’Connor and Joseph Chou

• Widescreen (1.78:1)
Halo Legends Blu-Ray versions will be loaded with bonus materials, including all the great extras from the 2-disc Special Edition as well as Halo: The Story so Far, an overview of the Halo universe up until the end of Halo 3

“Halo Legends offers fans stunning, new creative visions of the popular video game’s expansive universe, providing added depth and perspective to these beloved characters and thrilling environments,” said Halo franchise development director Frank O’Connor. “Halo Legends is a perfect complement to the game’s growing canon of ancillary entertainment options.”

“Warner Home Video is proud to partner with Microsoft to bring this video game phenomenon to fans in an altogether different entertainment medium,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands Marketing. “The great storytelling, memorable characters and truly astounding CG/Anime make Halo Legends a must-have for the fans.”

Marketing Support
Halo Legends will be extensively marketed with a major national TV, Print, Radio and Online media campaign.
The campaign will also include trailering on WHV titles to garner an additional 10 million impressions. Exciting promotions with Xbox LIVE, iTunes, Amazon and other related partners will drive strong consumer awareness and demand amongst the core fan base. Additionally, the dedicated Halo Legends website URL halolegendsdvd.com will include an enticing sweepstakes offer to drive traffic and viral activity. More information about Halo and Halo Legends can be found at halolegends.com.

Exclusive previews of Halo Legends will be available on the new Xbox LIVE experience, Halo Waypoint, starting November 7, 2009.

Animated Superman (1988) finally on DVD

Superman. Regarded by many as the grandfather of the comicbook superhero, the creation of Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster has been adapted in numerous mediums throughout his long history. A radio adventure program, a set of ground breaking serials and a TV series preceded the feature film debut of the Man of Steel in 1978. But alongside the live action portrayal of Superman was the Max Fleisher and later Filmation animated depiction in addition to the lesser known Ruby-Spears cartoon of 1988.

That’s right, Superman had his own animated series in the 80’s.

Thanks to the DVD release of the Superman cartoon this week, that may finally change as this forgotten gem finally gets the recognition it has long deserved.

Created to celebrate the Man of Steel’s 50th Anniversary, the Ruby-Spears cartoon series remains a high point for the Metropolis Marvel. Spanning as short 13 episodes, the series was created in conjunction with DC Comics scriptwriter Marv Wolfman and artist Gil Kane (creator of numerous superhero designs from the Hal Jordan Green Lantern to Captain Marvel). As DC Editorial was revisiting the look and feel of their star comic book character in print, so to was the animated version an attempt to sell the character to a new audience. The braintrust of John Byrne, Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway redefined Superman in print and on screen, the animated hero soared.

Featuring bumper shorts from the Kent ‘Family Album,’ the series also had its share of whimsical tales featuring a young Clark Kent attempting to fit into normal society. These tales are very hokey but also ahead of their time as they humanized what was regarded by many to be a two-dimensional character.

The look of the cartoon is very slick and a far cry from the then faded depiction in Superfriends. However the biggest improvement was that for the first time since the Filmation series the cartoon was in step with the comic. This meant that Lex Luthor was a conniving businessman for the first time and that Clark Kent was a bumbling klutz in front of Lois Lane in order to cover his duel identity. The Ruby-Spears series also featured the first team-up of Superman and Wonder Woman outside of the Superfriends series. Full of big action and big danger, this cartoon was a valiant try on behalf of Warner Brothers to deliver a high quality product worthy of their most prominent property. Unfortunately the market was changing and the interest just was not there for a comic book adventure cartoon aired on Saturday mornings. Years later that would all change as the interest in comic book superheroes exploded, demanding several animated and live action superhero projects for an audience seemingly hungry for more.

More recently legal troubles have plagued Warner Brothers from continuing their Superman franchise and it is starting to look like it may be time for someone else to attempt to breath new life into this vital icon of Americana. Even in print, Superman is strangely absent leaving many to wonder where the Man of Steel is. At least with this DVD release, Superman can regain some of his power.

Series executive producers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears are overjoyed that their creation is finally available for a wider audience. When looking for the strengths of the series, it is plain as day to Ken Spears that aside from the source material, it was the people involved: “We had the best talent in the business at the time – that was our strength. They were excellent. When you first create a show, you hope your talent will be able to plus it – and they really plussed it. There are so many shots in the show that weren’t written into the script – those kind of great additions come straight from the artists and the storyboarders.”

Joe Ruby went on to sing the praises of the creative crew, noting that they had “some of the best comic book guys in the business, and that made for good filmmaking. Guys like John Dorman and Gil Kane – we had an army of great talent on that show. Give credit to John Dorman – he’s a filmmaker and that’s the difference. He made sure the show had all the creative shots, the movement, some of that great left-to-right or down-angle camera moves. The show was well paced, well boarded, and I think John really put these things together well.”

Finally on DVD, the Ruby-Spears Superman cartoon is a time capsule of DC Comics getting their act together in a big way. If you have not seen the series this may be the perfect chance to pop it into your DVD player and take a trip back to a simpler time. Restored to full audio and video glory and full of extensive extras, the Superman Ruby-Spears cartoon DVD box set is available at local retailers and online.

Comics on sale 11/4/09

For the complete list of this week’s new releases, please visit ComicList.com.

As you have no doubt realized, I am a Marvel Zombie and currently collect nearly all of their monthly comics… ambitious as that may sound. As such I have a unique insight to many of the monthly releases that I attempt to convey upon you, the reader. For that reason I spotlight the Marvel Comics portion of the new release list.

Criminal Omnibus HC
By: Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips
Before Captain America and Daredevil, writer Ed Brubaker made a name for himself in crime fiction. From Scene of the Crime at DC’s Vertigo imprint, he carried his penchant for the seedier side of life to Marvel Icon’s Criminal. A critical success, the series united him with artist Sean Phillips, known for his work on John Constantine: Hellblazer. The series reads like a movie, with twists and turns, betrayals and plenty of atmosphere. If you are unfamiliar with Brubaker’s ‘noir comics,’ this is a perfect place to start… just be sure to pick up Scene of the Crime as well.

The deluxe hardcover collection includes issues previously presented in softcover editions under the names COWARD, LAWLESS, and THE DEAD AND THE DYING.

Black Widow: Origin #1 (of 4)
By: Paul Cornell, Tom Raney & John Paul Leon, Adi Granov
Revving up for her big screen debut in Iron Man 2 is this series by fan favorite writer Paul Cornell (Dr Who, Captain Britain and MI3), Tom Raney (Dark Reign: Hawkeye) and Jon Paul Leon (Earth-X). Cornell promises this to be the superhero equivalent of a globe-trotting James Bond adventure as it follows Natalia Romanova from Russia to the Unites States and beyond. Black Widow has worn many faces from ballerina to secret agent, super assassin to superhero, making her one of the most adaptive and unusual of comicdom’s characters. This 4 part series promises to shine a light on each of those facets.

(Click here for my article on the Black Widow)

Terror Inc: Apocalypse Soon
By: David Lapham, Koi Turnbull, Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic
Stray Bullets creator David Lapham develops the obscure character from Marvel’s Shadowline into a villain worthy of Marvel’s mettle in this knockout mini-series finally back in print.
(Click here for my article on Terror)

Deathlok #1 (of 7)
By: Charlie Huston, Lan Medina, Brandon Peterson
Moon Knight writer Charlie Huston has revived the Bronze age cyborg for new readers in what looks to be an outstanding new series. Combining ideas from the characters past with a new take on warfare as a spectator sport, Deathlok the Demolisher is a very new take on a classic concept.
(Click here for my article on Deathlok)

X-Men vs. Agents Of Atlas #2 (of 2)
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Adi Granov
The Agents of Atlas monthly series may have ended, but the characters are still very much alive and kicking. From future solicitations it looks like the Avengers are next in line against Jimmy Woo and his associates, but until then it’s paw versus claw.
(Click here for my article on the Agents of Atlas)

Doctor Voodoo Avenger Of Supernatural #2
By: Rick Remender, Jefte Palo, Marko Djurdjevic
Brother Voodoo is the new Sorcerer Supreme, taking the mantle from Doctor Strange against the forces of darkness. The first issue of this series blew me away with excellent development of Voodoo and his other-worldly brother and I have high hopes that it will continue to develop into a great series worthy of the recent Ghost Rider series by Jason Aaron.
(Click here for my article on Doctor Voodoo)

Please visit ComicBookResources for previews on select releases from:

Marvel Comics
Boom! Studios
Image Comics
Dynamite Entertainment

This week’s releases are available online, at specialty shops and at your local comic book retailer. Don’t know where a comic shop is located near you?

Just visit ComicShopLocator.com.

Also one sale…

Assault On New Olympus
By: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente, Rodney Buchemi, Adi Granov
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE Penciled by RODNEY BUCHEMI Cover by ADI GRANOV Hercules! Spider-Man! Ares! New Avengers! Wolverine! Mighty Avengers! The Agents of Atlas! If there’s a bigger event this fall, we don’t know what it could be! At long last, the Prince of Power takes the fight to his villainous stepmother Hera and the forces of the Olympus Group — just as she unleashes the most terrifying threat the Marvel Universe has ever seen! But first Herc has to gather together a star-studded strike force from the ranks of the New and the Mighty Avengers! First on the list: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN! But why is Everyone’s Friendly Neighborhood fighting against Hercules? Has he joined the side of the dark gods? It’s webs and wisecracks versus Olympian power in this super-sized one-shot! (There will be major property damage, we guarantee.) Plus: The iHerc team proudly welcomes our new INCREDIBLE HERCULES on-going back-up feature… THE AGENTS OF ATLAS, written by fan favorite scribe Jeff Parker! When the forces of New Olympus target Venus, will Jimmy Woo lead his team into the fray for or against Hercules’ forces?

Captain America: Reborn #4 (of 5)
By: Ed Brubaker, Bryan Hitch & Butch Guice, Bryan Hitch
Steve Rogers, the original Captain America – trapped in time! Bucky and Sharon Carter – in the hands of the enemy! As Dr. Doom and the Red Skull make a terrifying pact that could destroy what Captain America means forever! Ed Brubaker and Bryan Hitch bring you the penultimate issue of Marvel’s event of the year!

Star Wars Vehicles Coll Mag #01 Millennium Falcon
The Star Wars: The Official Starships and Vehicles Collection Magazine brings fans superbly detailed painted metal models of the most amazing starships and land vehicles from George Lucas’ mythic Star Wars films.

Each comes with a copiously illustrated magazine that relates the history of the vehicle, its pilots or crew, and full technical specifications. Readers will also uncover information on the other fascinating craft from the Expanded Universe of the novels and comics, plus the inside story on the making of the films.

Choose from the Millennium Falcon (#1), the X-Wing Fighter (#2), General Grievous’s Wheel Bike (#27), or Naboo Royal Cruiser (#28)!

Project Superpowers Chapter Two #4
By: Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, Edgar Salazar, Doug Klauba, Various
The Superpowers continue to battle one of their own in the continuing adventures of Dynamite’s powerful superhero odyssey!

Overseen by Alex Ross and written by Jim Krueger, artist Edgar Salazar continues to sizzle and issue #3 also features the painted – by Doug Klauba – origin sequence (2 BIG pages) of The Flame!

Project Superpowers Meet The Bad Guys #3 (of 4)
By: Alex Ross, Joe Casey, Carlos Paul
Dynamite invites you to ‘Meet the Bad Guys!’ with this special PROJECT SUPERPOWERS series plotted by Alex Ross, scripted by Joe Casey and illustrated by Dynamite artistic sensation Carlos(The Black Terror) Paul!

As the heroes return, the villains rise – this third villainous issue introduces DagonÖ an awesome force to be reckoned with for The Mighty Samson!

Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #12
By: Steve Parkhouse, Steve Dillon, Mick Austin, Robert Hack
IDW’s newly recolored reprints of classic Doctor Who tales from years past continues. In this issue, the adventures of the Fifth Doctor continue in the final chapters of ‘4-Dimensional Vistas’ and the first half of ‘The Moderator’ with art by Steve Dillon (Preacher, Punisher).

A History of the Doc Savage Adventures in Pulps, Paperbacks, Comics, Fanzines, Radio and Film by Robert Michael Cotter
Doc Savage is not only the prototype of the modern fictional superhero; he was also a seminal force in creating multimedia crossovers. The character exploded onto the scene in 1933, with the Great Depression and the gathering clouds of war as a cultural backdrop. The series is examined in relation to historic events and changing audience tastes, with special attention on the horror and science-fiction elements. The artwork features illustrations, covers, and original art. Appendices cover Doc Savage paperbacks, pulp magazines, comic books, and fanzines, and a biographical appendix covers all major contributors to the series.

James Bond: Omnibus Volume 001
By: Ian Fleming
The daring James Bond is back in a definitive bumper edition collecting Ian Fleming’s earliest literary adventures in comic strip form! For the first time, eleven of Bond’s most thrilling and dangerous missions appear in a single volume: “Casino Royale”, “Live and Let Die”, “Moonraker”, “Diamonds are Forever”, “From Russia With Love”, “Dr. No”, “Goldfinger”, “Risico”, “From a View to a Kill”, “For Your Eyes Only” and “Thunderball”! With an exclusive introduction by Sir Roger Moore, this huge volume features beautiful women, thrilling action, incredible gadgets and the odd Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred…this ultimate collection of Bond’s best is not to be missed.

Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Vol. 1
Teen genius Tony Stark has just finished his greatest invention: the Iron Man armor. But before he gets to show his dad, Tony’s world is shattered. His father, his home, his entire life are all gone, and Tony is left picking up the pieces. But with a little help from his friends Rhodey and Pepper, he begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the attack on his father. And as IRON MAN, Tony Stark takes his first steps toward becoming a HERO. Volume 1 includes the first 6 episodes of the massively popular series.
(Click here for my reviews on this series)