In fact, issues 5 and 6 of I, Vampire will spin off into the pages of Justice League Dark where a full-blown event “Rise of the Vampires” will launch in March. I know that crossovers are often frowned upon, but I am enjoying the more organic nature of these stories such as the blending of Swamp Thing and Animal Man. It just feels right. In direct opposition was the inexplicable appearance of the Flash in Batman: The Dark Knight. But, you can’t win them all.

The story so far can be gleaned from this single issue, thanks to some deft characterization from Fialkov. Andrew is a ‘good vampire’ who is fighting the many plots of Mary, an ‘evil vampire.’ Along for the ride are aged vampire hunter John Troughton and the feisty Tig (covered in day-glow band aids for some reason). The trio have landed in Gotham City where a train arriving from Boston is the scene of a brutal slaughter. No one can seem to explain what has happened but when Andrew starts flitting about in the form of mist, he encounter Batman and is reminded that he is in someone else’s town.

With a train depot full of bloody carnage and a creature appearing to exhibit the characteristics of a vampire, Batman is skeptical at best of Andrew’s motives. However, Batman is forced to accept that Andrew and his friends are not the cause of the grisly murders and are actually hunting the true cause, the mysterious Mary.

I quite like the interplay between Andrew and Batman. Neither is willing to lose face and seem to be in a contest to show who can be more mysterious and grim. Bats wins the moment Andrew admits to liking the hero’s cape. Looking for the most likely spot where Mary would house her cargo leads the group to the local courthouse. The newly turned vampires apparently have a period of uncontrollable rage on first awakening, so the cells built into the court house’s basement will serve to contain their rages.

It’s only when the elevator arrives in the basement that it suddenly dawns on the adventurers that they have delivered themselves into a den of blood-thirsty monsters, with no escape.

There are some weird moments where logic seems to go out the window (why would Batman suspect and accept Andrew with equal swiftness? and why deliver themselves into Mary’s hands?), but the character interactions are strong, the mood is sharp and the artwork interesting enough to have me coming back for more. I have been reading plenty of praise for I, Vampire and it’s nice that I finally have an excuse to check it out.

If you are a Batman fan worried that you’ll miss out on something important, don’t. This story seems as pertinent as the Batman Dark Knight series. However, I recommend at least giving it a glance at the comic shop as it is quite good and it may cause you to hunt down back issues of I, Vampire (collected in a recent bumper volume with Justice League Dark).

As Joshua Hale Fialkov had told Comicvine in a recent interview, he is an old hand at the vampiric genre and it shows. Many (myself included) feel that the concept has become over-sold of late, but this series could reverse that trend and return the vampire mystique to its noble status again.

I’ve written an inordinate amount of vampire fiction for a guy that writes non-monster horror. I predominantly write noir-horror, I write a lot of true-crimey stuff. But, Vampirella was my first work for hire, I did a series of vampire romance novels called the DARK-HUNTER books that adapted into manga and I did a manga series called PRINCESS RESURRECTION. My first paid writing job ever was writing a short story for Steve Niles’ 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, actually.

Vampires have sort of run through my career. It’s funny that my big first work for hire gig at DC is a vampire book. I was a fan of the original stories with the characters, and especially the book’s creator, J.M. DeMatteis. In fact J.M. DeMatteis’ BROOKLYN DREAMS was one of the books that inspired me to become a comic book writer.

Writing I, VAMPIRE has been a lot of fun. I haven’t had to compromise a lot of stuff. It’s an extremely rare thing to be able to tell the stories you want to tell the way you want to tell them.

He also spoke to Newsarama about the implications of setting the latest issue in Gotham City:

Nrama: Andrew’s off to Gotham now. What was it like writing those issues, and how does that setting in particular work with the story?

Fialkov:Well, writing a giant gothic romance in what is essentially the gothic capital of the fictional universe is a helluva lot of fun. The stuff [artist] Andrea [Sorrentino] brings out of the environments is just amazing, and he presents a Gotham like you’ve never seen before.

Nrama: How was it writing Batman in issue #5 and #6, and what’s his role in this story?

Fialkov:Writing Batman is always a treat. He’s that rare character in comics where his purpose is so clearly defined, that he almost writes himself.

When the story starts, a train that should be filled with people shows up completely empty, save for the pools of blood all over. Batman’s in “red ball” mode, racing to find out which of his villains could’ve done it, when he meets Andrew for the first time, and then Mary “introduces” her vampires to one of the cornerstone heroes of the DCU.

The idea for me was that once Mary and her crew face Batman, the heroes of the world know that this menace is out there, and suddenly are forced into becoming proactive against them. Plus, if she can face down Batman and win, that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the world.

Of course thanks to the zaniness of old comic books, Batman is no stranger to fighting creatures of the night as the panel below attests. Will the new modern Batman rise to the challenge? Find out next month.

Are you ready to become one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? Today, eFX Inc. announced a new line-up of collectible prop replicas based on assorted Marvel Comics properties — beginning with weapons and costume items from “The Avengers” film. From March 16 – 18, eFX Inc. will display the first collectable prop replicas from Marvel’s “The Avengers” at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA with even more to be revealed. In anticipation of the May 4 release of “The Avengers,” the first line-up of limited-edition replicas based on Joss Whedon’s epic film are expected to include Thor’s mighty Mjolnir, Iron Man’s Mark V Armor helmet and Captain America’s vibranium shield.

“The Marvel universe is extraordinary, diverse and exciting — just like Marvel’s fans around the world, and we are really eager for them to see what we are creating with guidance and input from the Marvel team,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc via press release. “Marvel’s comics and movies offer virtually endless possibilities for absolutely incredible prop replicas.”

eFX, responsible for high-quality replicas for properties including “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” “The Muppets” and “Battlestar Galactica,” recently acquired worldwide rights to create collectables based on Marvel’s heroes and will further reveal its new line during the first quarter of 2012. The company expects to offer a number of items — ranging in price from $49 to $1500 — inspired by Marvel’s characters and films through its website and select retail locations.
Via: CBR.com

Bookmark this page for pre-orders.
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A pair of frustrated interns at a local magazine spot an unusual ad asking for time travel companions. It is specified that they must bring their own arms and supplies and that their safety cannot be guaranteed.

Searching for the true story behind the classifieds ad leads to some unexpected events and opportunities to right wrongs and change history… or not.

The mystery man, Mark Duplass’s Kenneth, is easy to find, but hard to interview: A paranoid whose hermetic tendencies and iffy fashion sense peg him as a possible Unabomber, Kenneth figures Jeff is “one of them” and refuses to talk. Taking this as his cue to go hunting for his ex, Jeff sends in Darius — not as a journalist, but as a candidate to join Kenneth’s mysterious mission back to 2001.
Plaza plays the start of Darius’s infiltration as she might a storyline on Parks and Rec — she’s patronizing Kenneth in a way we find hilarious but that he can’t see, adopting his hard-ass “when things go down” lingo and convincing him she’s right for the job. But as they get to know each other, Plaza warms to an extent we haven’t seen. She’s convincingly fond of the guy who’s teaching her to use firearms and decipher coded messages.

For his part, Duplass keeps his oft-employed Everydude charisma in check: Kenneth is a wounded, mockably serious man, and the actor doesn’t start making him warm and fuzzy when it’s time for us to like him. Though the script shows us what’s underneath his facade — in a gorgeous scene, Kenneth plays zither and sings a sweet song by Guster’s Ryan Miller — we come around to Kenneth on his terms.

(Via Hollywood Reporter)

Director Colin Trevorrow talks about the back story of the film

Here is a fan-made trailer for a fictional film based on the erstwhile time traveler… which looks to be made from Jean Claude Van Damme’s rejected material.

By Mark Waid, Emma Rios and Kano
The superhero team-up is something that you either love or hate. Often used to boost the sales of a monthly series, guest appearances are usually obligatorily involving Wolverine. In this case, Daredevil and Spider-Man team up in order to clear the Black Cat’s name. The fact that the Black Cat is a celebrated thief doesn’t make her case look any better, but Peter Parker is convinced that she is innocent.

Just getting over a nasty break up, Peter Parker is down on his luck, so it should come as no surprise that he comes into contact with Felicia Hardy (AKA The Black Cat). Ordinarily the pair have a smoldering intensity, but Spider-Man is giving off ‘break up vibes,’ which turn her off. When she returns to her penthouse apartment, she finds a spider-tracer pinned to her costume just before the police bust her.

Spidey suspicious to learn that Hardy is blamed for the theft of new phone technology developed at Parker’s new employer, Horizon Labs. He seeks out Daredevil who is still attempting to live down his secret ID expose. Unfortunately, Parker’s luck holds up and he nearly outs Matt Murdock in front of the DA. Nevertheless, DD agrees to help out and the rooftop running and swinging begins.

Emma Rio's spine-tingling artwork

Emma Rios (artist of Strange, Osborn, and Cloak and Dagger) brings her A-game to this comic. The figures of Daredevil and Spidey are incredibly fluid and possess a dynamic ability that fits their acrobatic skill perfectly. It has hints of Paul Pope in places, but it’s also entirely her own.

Waid’s script is loose and fun, with just enough intrigue to pull the reader along while allowing space for humor and action. Part of the appeal of Marvel Comics characters is their humanistic relationships. Everyone is annoyed by Spider-Man after spending just a few moments with him, and Daredevil is so hauntingly tragic that he gives other heroes the creeps. Pairing them up is somewhat therapeutic in a way. Aside from that, they play off of each other like a road movie with tights.

When Black Cat traps Spider-Man under a cave-in and electrocutes him, it starts to look like Spidey may have been mistaken by his assessment of her character. But then, looking at her low-cut, form-fitting costume who couldn’t give her the benefit of a doubt?

A great action shot from Kano

Convinced that Spidey framed her for the theft of the h-phone, Black Cat is out for blood. Of course, Daredevil can see a double trap a mile away and recognizes that they have both been set up. Daredevil is very suspicious of the criminal underworld after obtaining a Omega-drive using Fantastic Four unstable molecule technology for data storage. The drive contains data on Hydra, AIM and Black Spectre, all big players in the business of world domination. The theft of the h-phone could be related, causing him to play his cards very close to his chest.

The criminal plot is very convoluted with Black Cat far from innocent in the situation. She was implicated as a thief of the h-phone simply to draw her out and hire her services. Some people have weird ways of doing business.

Speaking of which… DD spends a lot of time flirting with Black Cat, finally locking lips and becomes happily snared in her curvaceous form. Normally I’d be suspicious of this kind of thing, but Murdock seems more than happy with the situation, even as Spider-Man catches a glimpse of them from afar, brewing with moody disdain. Poor guy.

Daredevil gets all the ladies, Spidey... just accept it

Dollars to donuts, Black Cat snared the Omega-drive from Matt’s apartment when he was ‘looking’ the other way… and serves him right. But damn if it wasn’t worth it.

Devil and the Details is obviously a lead-in to the upcoming Spider-Man/Punisher/Daredevil crossover so there’s plenty of dangling plot-threads that may leave casual readers scratching their heads. But for all that, it’s a lot of fun and heartily recommended, if only because it encourages others not reading Spider-Man and Daredevil to give both or either a shot.

If you listen closely you’ll hear McCoy delivering the speech from the Pandorica Opens… which is a real treat.

Please be sure to look at Babelcolour’s other videos as they are very good.

But he also gives great hugs… apparently.

Via ComicsAlliance:

The caped crusader will liven up his lounge space in this soft bedrest pillow featuring the invincible Batman(TM) on the front. Batman(TM) is armed and ready with squeezable fits that rest on the arm-chair sides. Great for reading, watching t.v. or just for chilling out. Ages 3 and up. Measures 22″ x 15″. 100% Polyester. Spot clean.

Pre-order from Sears.

Click to buy from Tee Fury

(can you name all the time travel references?)

Click to buy from redbubble

(A Battlefield T-shirt??)

Story 23
Written by Cavan Scott and Mark Wright
Released August 2001
In search of some low end takeaway, the Doctor treats Evelyn to a dish from the ‘slow boat’ in contemporary London’s south end. There he encounters what appears on the surface to be a gangland attack. Bringing the body into the confines of the shady nightclub ‘Dusk,’ the Doctor encounters a situation that is as deadly as it is complicated. A race of vampires is operating in London, using the nightclub as a cover. Upon discovering the truth, the Doctor is torn as it is his duty as a Time Lord to destroy all vampires he encounters (as great Rassilon himself led a crusade against the creatures in the Dark Times), but he cannot help but feel some compassion toward them.

Reggie and Amelia appear to be crafty gangsters, but they are actually the result of a place called ‘The Forge’ where alien technology is used to make better weapons. While Amelia seems to be somewhat refined and sane, Reggie has decided to mimic Reggie Kray, the legendary gangster of the time (immortalized in film and Morrissey’s Last of the Famous International Playboys). A young waitress named Cassie is caught putting her nose where it doesn’t belong and becomes the object of Reggie’s bizarre mean streak.

The pair are living in a state of fear as a mystery man named Nimrod has been hunting them throughout their long lives. Armed with futuristic weaponry and possessing far more knowledge than he will reveal, he is the source of the Doctor’s worry as well, but also the only solution to the riddle of the Dusk.

Lee Sullivan's illustration for Project Twilight in DWM

The unfortunately named Project Twilight (no relation to the popular book series that it predates) is incredibly violent, in fact I had to step away several times during a moment when Reggie tortures Cassie, brutally defacing her. It may serve the plot, but it goes on for far too long and is simply gut-wrenching. It turned me off so much that I skipped this story for a few months then encountered Project Lazarus and realized that I should revisit this one. I ended up skipping past the torture scene.

Nimrod is a very shadowy character and given the duplicitous nature of the Dusk crew, I was somewhat sympathetic toward him at first. Even the Doctor treads carefully around the entire triangle, unsure of what side to take or how to solve the problems closing in around him.

The Doctor in this story is very conflicted. He seems to want to overcome what he sees as a mark of prejudice against Reggie and Amelia and decides to assist them. Using their laboratory, the Doctor develops a make-shift cure, but Amelia sees an opportunity to use the experiment as a biological weapon and transform the population into creatures like them. Meanwhile Evelyn struggles to protect Cassie, but in the end it’s all too much and the situation gets away from them.

Despite the unsettling violence, I did enjoy Project Twilight. It placed the Doctor and Evelyn in an intensely dangerous situation that grew all the more explosive as the story developed. I was turned off by the hysterics that Evelyn and Cassie fell into at times as it bordered on being over the top, but it was actually in keeping with the mood of the adventure as it started off as a standard tale and quickly devolved into a story of pain and death.

Project Twilight is not a pleasant story, it delves very far into the realm of shock horror which I don’t think suits Doctor Who, yet the reactions of the Doctor and Evelyn save this one for me as they are genuinely disturbed by what happens around them.

Doctor Who - Project Twilight can be purchased directly from Big Finish Productions and local retailers such as Mike’s Comics.

From BBC and Supermassive Games, the latest in the Doctor Who Adventures Games series will arrive in March 2012.

The trailer below gives fans a glimpse of the gameplay and graphics. I’m not much of a fan of River Song, but as a playable character in a video game, I can see how she would be useful… just.

Side note: There’s a great article here chronicling the history of Doctor Who games, including the world famous pinball game!

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