Master of the mystic arts, guardian of humanity against the forces of darkness, Dr. Strange is an ideal choice for the next Marvel Comics property for the big screen.
The arrogant and selfish Stephen Strange was a gifted surgeon who only used his gifts for personal gain. So brash is Strange that he smokes (again) in the operating room! After cannily finagling a business deal out of what should have been pro bono work, Strange is involved in a horrible car accident that robs him of his talented hands. Refusing to be anything but a brilliant surgeon, Strange spends all of his money foolishly attempting to heal his hands with no success. Strange ends up a vagrant, hopelessly wandering the streets until he hears of the ‘Ancient One’ who may hold some solution in far off Tibet.
Strange manages to find his way to the far off land and also to the home of the Ancient One but still has not learned humility. In the home of the wise seer, he meets the Ancient One’s pupil, Baron Mordo… who is definitely evil. Mordo has plans for the Ancient One that will result in him stealing the old man’s power from him, leaving Mordo as the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange elects to stay on in order to somehow stop Mordo.
Somehow Strange side-steps learning humility to discovering that the energy fueling his immense ego can instead be transfered to something akin to courage. (full article here)
The idea of a Dr. Strange film itself is not exactly new. Alex Cox (Repo Man) had worked on a script ages ago and an infamous TV movie was released in 1978. In 1992, another attempt was made by eventually released as Doctor Mordrid starring Re-Animator’s Jeffrey Combs. Perhaps this time, we will finally see a high quality feature film version of Dr. Strange along the lines of Thor, Iron Man and Captain America (rather than Ghost Rider and Elektra). What is interesting is that this will be the first project by Marvel Entertainment released under Walt Disney Pictures banner.
What’s very interesting is that this could feature the return of director Sam Raimi to the comic book movie genre… and wouldn’t he be the perfect choice for Dr. Strange?
Last June, Marvel Studios hired Conan: The Barbarian reboot screenwriters Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to write a script for a potential Doctor Strange movie. While not the most well-known character in Marvel’s canon, the move was an attempt to expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one that was approved by the character’s creator, Stan Lee.
While Oppenheimer and Donnelly obviously have experience working with supernatural and fantasy comic book characters after working on Conan and Dylan Dog: Dead of Night, their script was apparently good enough for Marvel to move forward. Twitch Film reports that Marvel has received the Doctor Strange script and are putting together a shortlist of directors in order to find someone to “oversee continued development”.
While the Twitch report remains unconfirmed, it did get us thinking about which directors could end up on Marvel’s shortlist. Director Francis Lawrence is no stranger to comic book adaptations that include the magic and sorcery, even if his 2005 adaptation of Constantine opened to mixed results amongst audiences. It doesn’t appear that Warner Bros. will bring back director Martin Campbell for Green Lantern 2, leaving the Casino Royale director available, but, considering the poor box office results for Green Lantern, perhaps Marvel will look elsewhere.
Another pie-in-the-sky candidate, if he’s available, is Sam Raimi, who is no longer tied to the Spider-Man franchise and could be looking to get back into the comic book movie business. The combination of Raimi’s signature visual style, combined with his proven success with comic book characters, would make him ideal for Dr. Strange.
Whomever Marvel chooses, they have time. Any potential Dr. Strange movie won’t reach theaters until at least 2014, as 2013 will already see the releases of Thor 2 and Iron Man 3. Then there’s the possible sequels of Captain America 2 and, should The Avengers prove successful at the box office next summer, an Avengers 2. Marvel also has an Ant-Man adaptation in the works, with a new script from writer-directors Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish turned in last month.
(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)
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DC Universe Online Legends #1
DC Universe Online Legends #1
By: Tony Bedard, Marv Wolfman, Howard Porter, Livesay, Adriana Melo, Norman Lee, Ryan SookThe DC event of the year begins, coinciding with the release of the wildly anticipated DCU MMO! Get ready for the ride of a lifetime with this immense, 26-issue biweekly series!
Lex Luthor’s obsession with destroying Superman reaches a fevered limit when he cuts the ultimate Devil’s deal with Brainiac…but with the shake of a hand, has Luthor consigned humanity to genocide?
Comic book legend Marv Wolfman joins fan-favorite writer Tony Bedard and artist Howard Porter to tell the ultimate DC Universe Super Hero tale of good versus evil!
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Brightest Day #19
Brightest Day #19
By: Goeff Johns, Peter J. Tomasi, IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK, JOE PRADO, DAVID FINCH, SCOTT WILLIAMS
The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered as this best-selling series heads toward its shocking conclusion, and fans won’t want to miss a single page of the action!’Aquawar’ breaks out with Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad and a surprise guest star facing off against the terrorist forces of Black Manta and Siren to keep the vast waters of the world from sinking the United States!
Deadpool And Cable #26
By: Duane Swiercyznski, Leo Fernandez, Dave Wilkins
Cable is dead, and no one’s more devastated than his old friend and partner, Deadpool (a.k.a. Wade Wilson, a.k.a. the Merc With the Mouth, a.k.a. the guy who’s in pretty much every other solicit this month). Sitting by Cable’s grave, Deadpool struggles to find the perfect way to honor his fallen mutant pal.Then… light bulb! Deadpool remembers Rumekistan, the troubled and totally fictional European country that Cable once tried to turn into a Utopia on earth. Deadpool travels there to establish up a Cable museum! A Cable amusement park! A Cable cable TV show! But Rumekistan isn’t quite what it used to be, and Deadpool’s appearance only makes things worse. To set things right, Deadpool will have to do more than just honor his old friend — he must become him!
Batman Beyond #2
By: Adam Beecgen, Ryan Benjamin, John Stanisci, Dustin Nguyen
Terry’s family is being held hostage by a crook who’s boosted technology so powerful, he doesn’t even understand what he has – and the Justice League intends to neutralize the threat with full aggression.But Neo-Gotham is Batman’s town, and Bruce Wayne doesn’t intend to give up one iota of control over the situation! With his loved ones’ lives on the line, which way will Terry turn under the pressure?
Amazing Spider-Man #653 By: Dan Slott, Stefano Caselli
REVENGE OF THE SPIDER-SLAYER Part 2 of 3 ‘All You Love Will Die’ The SPIDER-SLAYER’S assault escalates as his INSECT ARMY descends on Manhattan!No one in Spidey’s life is safe-from the offices of the Daily Bugle to the Mayor’s staff at City Hall! It’s way more than our wall-crawler can handle. Good thing he’s also a member of the NEW AVENGERS!
Guest-starring LUKE CAGE, JESSICA JONES, MS. MARVEL, MOCKINGBIRD, IRON FIST–and a few surprises.
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Doctor Strange From Marvel Vault #1
Doctor Strange From Marvel Vault #1 By: Roger Stern, Neil Vokes, Mario Alberti
A Marvel Masterpiece from deep inside the treasure vaults can now be told! For decades, Doctor Stephen Strange has worked as a practicing sorcerer out of the weird old brownstone at 177A Bleecker Street in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. But what eerie secrets does the building hide? What lurks within its walls? Is it Ö haunted?Now, at last, the full story of Doctor Strange’s first night in his Sanctum Sanctorum stands revealed — in a tale tastefully told by Roger Stern (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and dramatically drawn by those Masters of the Comic Arts, Neil Vokes and Jay Geldhof (UNTOLD TALES OF SPIDER-MAN: STRANGE ENCOUNTERS, The Black Forest).
Shadow Double Novel Vol. 45
The Shadow confronts a European mastermind of evil to end the murderous menace that lurks on ‘Terror Island.’ Then, Lamont Cranston seeks the strange secret behind the deadly ‘accidents’ that have caused a once-thriving community to become a ‘City of Ghosts.’
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Hulk #29
Hulk #29 By: Jeff Parker, G. Hardman & M. Robinson, Ed McGuinness
SCORCHED EARTH FINALE! Bruce Banner has found the key to stopping the Intelligencia’s assaultÖand it’s going to require RED HULK to team up with the one partner he never thought he would… THE HULK!
With the wounds between them still fresh, the two big brutes of the Marvel Universe must bring their incredible power together or it all ends here.
But was there an even bigger development hidden behind this master plan? Meanwhile on Stage 2- The A-BOMB takes a break from fighting really big monsters, so that he can get killed dead by the mysterious murdering alien-looking dudes!!!
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Superman Forever #1 Mini Statue
Superman Forever #1 Mini Statue
A classic DC Direct statue gets miniaturized!Based on one of the most popular Alex Ross covers ever, this 1:2 scale mini statue features all the sculptural details and intricate painting fans of DC Direct have come to expect.
This limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 6.375″ high x 5.875″ wide, is packaged in a 4-color box and is manufactured to order.
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Night of the Living Dead DVDTee
Night of the Living Dead DVDTee This DVDTee includes both a DVD of George A. Romero’s 1968, Night of the Living Dead, and a tee shirt with the original poster art on it. Night of the Living Dead, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential horror films of all time, tells the story of seven people who are secluded in a Pennsylvania farmhouse trying to avoid savage attacks by zombified corpses seeking to eat their flesh. Through radio and TV reports they learn that radiation from outer space is thought to be responsible for a wave of zombie attacks all over the eastern United States. It seems that this radiation from a fallen satellite has caused the dead to walk, and now they hunger for human flesh. Once bitten, you become one of them. The only way to kill them is by gunshot or a severe blow to the head.
The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 9 TPB By: Michael Fleisher, John Buscema, Val Mayerik, Pablo Marcos, Ernie Chan, Vince Colletta, Rudy Nebres
Conan has his hands full in this set of era–defining stories by Michael Fleisher, John Buscema, Ernie Chan, Pablo Marcos, and other familiar talents! In these pages, the Cimmerian faces a demigod who wields the awesome powers of the leopard, three deadly dwarves, a siren with an army of undead pirates, and the return of the Devourer of Souls! Plus, fan–favorite stories “The Blood Ruby of Death,” in which a priceless gem turns even the staunchest allies into enemies, and “When a God Lives,” where the theft of a seemingly harmless statue unleashes the ancient, arcane energies of a god whose only goal is to destroy Conan!
* Over 500 jam–packed pages of adventure, betrayal, and revenge!
* This volume collects The Savage Sword of Conan #94 to #101, complete with covers, frontispieces, backup stories, and pinups from each issue!
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Doc Savage Double Novel #44
Doc Savage Double Novel #44
When mysterious earth tremors endanger New York’s hydroelectric dams, Doc Savage must unearth the strange secret of The Roar Devil.Then, Doc Savage is jailed and charged with murder while investigating oil pipeline sabotage in Arkansas in ‘Satan Black.’
Famous Monsters Of Filmland #254
May 27, 2011 marks the centennial birthday of Vincent Price. Join Famous Monsters of Filmland as they celebrate a century of mayhem and menace by giving horror fans a birthday gift, wrapped up in a glorious cover by Jason Edmiston!Plus, Joe Nazzaro fills readers in on spring’s films and April Snellings adds her usual magic.
Iron Man Legacy #11 By: Fred Van Lente, Steve Kurth, Juan Doe
THE ILLUMINATI versus THE PRIDE as ‘INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION’ reaches its senses-shattering conclusion!… ‘NUFF SAID!
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Atari Cocktail Recipe Pint Glass
Atari Cocktail Recipe Pint Glass
Make cocktail concoctions inspired by Atari’s classic video games with this pint glass that comes imprinted with the recipes!
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Metropolis DVD & XL T-Shirt
Metropolis DVD & XL T-Shirt
In Fritz Lang’s influential silent classic Metropolis, set in a sprawling city of the future, a workers’ uprising threatens to destroy the metropolis. In the 21st century, society has been divided into two classes – the lowly workers who live underground, and the wealthy ruling class who indulge in a decadent existence in the towering skyscrapers above. One of the ruling class is lured below ground and becomes horrified by what he witnesses. He endeavors to help improve their plight, but a mad scientist and his evil robots are enlisted to thwart the young man and crush the labor reform efforts. This special edition DVD comes with an X-Large t-shirt that features the movie’s original poster art.
Blake’s 7: The Early Years | Season 1 Featuring Colin Salmon, Craig Kelly, Keeley Hawes, Geoffrey Palmer, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jake Maskall, Peter Guinness, Owen Aaronovitch, Michael Cochrane, Carrie Dobro, Stephen Lord, Jan Chappell and Michael Keating
VILA & GAN (Story 1.1), TRAVIS (Story 1.2), AVON (Story 1.3), CALLY (Story 1.4.1 and 1.4.2), JENNA (Story 1.5.1 and 1.5.2).The audio adventures feature DEREK RIDDELL (The Book Group, Ugly Betty) as the eponymous rebel leader Roj Blake, COLIN SALMON (James Bond, Alien vs Predator) as computer genius Kerr Avon and DANIELA NARDINI (This Life) as Supreme Commander Servalan.
Other cast members include CRAIG KELLY (Queer as Folk) as arch-villain Travis, CARRIE DOBRO (Babylon 5) as Jenna, MICHAEL PRAED (Robin of Sherwood), DOUG BRADLEY (Hellraiser), GEOFFREY PALMER (As Time Goes By) and KEELEY HAWES (Ashes to Ashes).
Marvel Knights: Black Panther Djimon Hounsou (Actor), Alfre Woodard (Actor), Mark Brooks (Director)
Deep in the heart of Africa lies Wakanda, an advanced and unconquerable civilization. A family of warrior kings possessing superior speed, strength and agility has governed this mysterious nation as long as time itself. The latest in this famed line is young King T’Challa, the great hero known worldwide as the Black Panther.Now, outsiders once again threaten to invade and plunder Wakanda. Leading this brutal assault is Klaw, a deadly assassin with the blood of T’Challa’s murdered father on his hands, who brings with him a strong army of super-powered mercenaries. Even with Wakanda’s might and his own superhuman skills, can the Black Panther prevail against this deadly invading force?
From respected filmmaker/producer Reginald Hudlin and legendary comic book artist John Romita, Jr., comes the epic Black Panther story for which comic fans have waited 25 years. Starring Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamond) and Alfre Woodard (True Blood, Star Trek: First Contact).
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Marvel Minimates Series 37 Assortment
Marvel Minimates Series 37 Assortment
A Diamond Select Release! Art Asylum Designs & Sculpts!Diamond Select continues the longest running collector line in toy history. After 36 series of Marvel Minimates you might be wondering what is left. How about the always popular Spider-Man paired with the long awaited Minimates debut of the classic villain Lizard. Next up two eagerly awaited mutants rounding out previous release get ready for 90’s era Professor Xavier and X-Force’s own Warpath. Rounding out the main release the ever loving blue eyed Thing as well as the army building Doombot.
For the specialty exclusive two pack get ready to make room for Thing in his trench coat disguise and more Doombots. Each Minimate stands 2.5″ tall with 14 points of articulation and a variety of removable and interchangeable parts and accessories.
NOTE: This is a factory sealed case assortment.
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Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #19 ( of 24 )
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #19 ( of 24 ) By: Philip K. Dick, Tony Parker, Brett Weldele
The Eisner-nominated series from the novel that inspired Blade Runner continues as Rick Deckard makes a decision that may be the biggest mistake of his life.Or it may also be the most enlightening experience of his life. Only three renegade Nexus-6 remain, you won’t believe what happens next in Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi masterpiece!
Quicksilver Costume Turquoise T-Shirt XXL
Feel the speed of Quicksilver with this t-shirt! Dress up as the Avenger/Evil Mutant Pietro Maximoff and speed past the jibes and snickers from your foes!
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Hellboy: The Sleeping and the Dead #2
Hellboy: The Sleeping and the Dead #2 By: Mike Mignola, Scott Hampton, Dave Stewart
Hellboy is trapped in a dark basement littered with bones and small coffins, and the only way out is through the floating creature of death!For the first time, Mike Mignola teams up with artist Scott Hampton (Batman, The Sandman Presents: Lucifier) for this gothic tale.
* Classic vampire horror!
* The exciting conclusion!
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War of the Worlds 2005 1/8 Scale Alien Creature Model Kit
War of the Worlds 2005 1/8 Scale Alien Creature Model Kit
Straight from Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster 2005 movie War of The Worlds comes the incredible alien creature model kit! From its unique three limbs and creepy walk, to its refractive eyes and long fingers, it’s striking design invokes feelings of fear and fascination.Created from the original 3D computer model used in the movie, the kit consists of one alien figure with alternate neck for posing options and detailed logo display base.
War of the Worlds 1:8 Scale Martian Model Kit
War of the Worlds 1:8 Scale Martian Model Kit
When meteors began to fall on the Earth in the mid-1950s, no one could have imagined that they were not rocks from space but the vanguard of an invasion from another world.This model kit recreates the Martian from George Pal’s classic 1953 film, The War of the Worlds. Taken from images from Paramount’s original studio prop, this model comes with 2 sets of arms for multiple posing options, and it stands atop a detailed film logo display base.
While Marvel’s upcoming film slate is loaded with the new “Spider-Man” reboot, “X-Men: First Class” as well as Marvel Studios’ “Thor,” “Captain America” and “The Avengers;” some of Marvel’s secondary characters may also get their shot at cinematic stardom.
According to Latino Review, Marvel is rumored to be considering properties like “Doctor Strange,” “Black Panther” and “Luke Cage” for 10-minute short films that would introduce the characters to moviegoers without taking the financial risk of a full-length feature.
Although the anonymous rumor is unconfirmed and entirely unofficial at this point, it does seem like a logical step for the company. Various other unconfirmed reports have circulated this year indicating that Marvel Studios was potentially planning smaller budget films based on “Ka-Zar,” “Dazzler” and “Power Pack” as well as the previously mentioned “Dr. Strange” and “Luke Cage.”
“Luke Cage” in particular, has had a difficult time making it to the big screen, despite the interest of actors like Tyrese Gibson. The long-gestating “Deathlok” film has also been stuck in development and could potentially be a candidate as well.
Other hoped-for Marvel movies like “Iron Fist” and “Taskmaster” may also be better suited as short films, if Marvel Studios goes forward with that plan.
I have to admit that I can see the logic in this and the budget would be much more manageable on short films, but I also have to ask what’s the point of the project is only 10 minutes? If this is just a marketing opportunity, I can almost forgive it but it cheapens both the creation and the film itself by making a Dr. Strange film only ten minutes long. I mean, what’s the point?
Perhaps if a compromise were made and the films were part of an anthology series released direct to DVD or as part of a direct download purchase it could be interesting. Rather than the traditional ‘retelling of the origin of hero X’ Marvel could craft a new adventure that used second tier character such as Power Man, Iron Fist and Deathlok. They could even call it Marvel Knights!
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