Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

Despite the inclusion of many female creations, comic books and the action adventure pulps that inspired them are mainly a man’s world. However, that’s not to say that there is not an audience that is entertained and inspired by woman heroes. The role of the superherone is firmly established today, but once upon a time that was not the case.

The most popular and successful superheroine has to be Wonder Woman, a creation by William Moulton Marston, also inventor of the lie detector. Marston felt that young men needed a strong female role model to protect them. Princess Diana of Themyscira was created by Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons from the very clay of the island itself. Her desire to have a daughter in a society populated entirely by women was granted by Athena. One of the few characters of her ilk, Wonder Woman was on a mission of peace, yet also a trained warrior princess. Earning her place as an ambassador to the ‘world of men,’ she left Paradise Island for a n unknown world of danger.

Popularized in print, Wonder Woman is one of three superheroes to remain in circulation from her inception (alongside Batman and Superman). She has also been adapted into other mediums. appearing in the Super Friends cartoon series and in the live action Wonder Woman program.

From 1975-1979, Lynda Carter starred as the Amazon Wonder Woman. Rather than simply an exciting TV series full of action and skimpy outfits, Carter injected some positive messages of female empowerment and peace. It was a bold move, and one that the studio was reluctant to pursue (it was dropped later on), but the mere presence of a strong woman who more often than not saved her male companion rather than the other way around made an impact on young viewers.

Strangely, no modern version of Wonder Woman has appeared since her TV program aside from a stellar animated feature and as part of the Justice League animated series. Nevertheless, the superheroine is a vital part of Western popular culture and one that continues to inspire and empower people fro, various backgrounds. A PBS documentary explored the phenomenon to a great degree which I highly recommend.

The full documentary can be ordered here.

Recommended:

Wonder Woman: The Amazon Princess Archives Vol. 1

Wonder Woman: Amazon. Hero. Icon.

Wonder Woman: The Complete Collection

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Gods and Mortals

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite

I have never let go of my love of toys. I know they are not for everyone, but playing can transport you from adulthood to a world of near-infinite possibilities. I was honestly not that into Legos as a kid, but being a dad I have found myself building rockets, monster trucks and robots out of thin air and imagination. The Lego Batman series is lots of fun and embraces the kind of innocent fun and inventiveness that I see in my son while he concentrates on a building project. The DC Universe is transformed into miniature toy creations where the rules of reality are entirely rewritten.

If you like comic books and still have that playful side, you need to see this.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite provides the ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages. The film finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President – and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology – forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help.

The film will be available as a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and OnDemand starting May 21, 2013. It is now available to own via Digital Download. Initial Blu-ray Combo Pack & DVD release will include an exclusive Lego Clark Kent/Superman figurine on pack while supplies last.

Earth 2 gets a new Batman this May!

James Robinson’s Earth 2 series has been gaining support in its short run to date. Set on an alternate Earth where Darkseid’s army waged a devastating war that robbed the planet of its Trinity of heroes (Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman), the monthly book has depicted a gradual unveiling of new takes on classic heroes and villains such as the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, the Atom and this week, Doctor Fate.

This May, a new caped crusader will enter the fray as Earth 2 finds itself home to a new Batman.

(preview art below)

Via Comics-x-aminer

A new age of “Wonders” is dawning.

This May, EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1 will fly into stores. Written by James Robinson and illustrated by Yildiray Cinar, CAFU, and Julius Gopez, EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1 features a stunning cover by Andy Kubert, and introduces the new Batman of Earth 2!

Today, THE SOURCE is excited to give you a first look at this new Batman. In the gallery above, take a sneak peak at the interior art for EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1, featuring the new Caped Crusader leaping into action and continuing the fight against crime. But who could be under the mask? And how will the “Wonders” react to a new Batman? Place your bets in the comments section below!

Young Justice and Green Lantern the Animated Series end

This weekend, both Young Justice and Green Lantern the Animated Series are both airing their final episodes. I know that the Bruce Timm-helmed CGi Green Lantern series has had its detractors, but I am sad to see it go. In contrast, the Young Justice series remains one of my all time favorite toons. Utilizing every bit of inspiration and mythology from the comic books, Young Justice very quickly developed its own universe. A third season would be very welcome, but I have to say that I am happy with what was achieved in two short years.

Via Newsarama:

They were taken too soon. No, this time we’re not talking about one of the many kids DC Comics has killed off throughout the years; this time we’re talking about two of the best superhero animated series we’ve ever seen, both of which end on Saturday March 16, 2013.

Young Justice lasted two (albeit disjointed) seasons, finding its voice, taking huge risks, and presenting a DC Universe that included Wally West, Tim Drake as Robin, & even a cameo by Stephanie Brown.

Green Lantern: The Animated Series only got one season, but somehow fit in Anti-Monitor, a tease to Sinestro’s turn to fear, Red & Blue & Violet Lanterns, the rogue Guardian Scar, & so much more amazing mythos.

Here are your final preview images for both series. In blackest night, indeed.

Is Chris Nolan in charge of Justice League? Will Christain Bale return as Batman?

The Justice League motion picture, a project that would potentially depict the heavy hitters of the DC Universe, made most familiar to members of my generation by the Super Friends cartoon. A Justice League movie would feature Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern and possibly Martian Manhunter and Aquaman (they’d be fools to not include the King of Atlantis no matter what anyone says) all on screen at the same time fighting some monumental foe(s).

However, there have been numerous setbacks including budgetary concerns and the unimpressive results of the Green Lantern movie which was intended to pave the way for the JLA as Iron Man took the first steps toward an Avengers project. Warner Bros. is now hoping that Zack Snyder and Chris Nolan’s Man of Steel will fill that role and the movie can finally get underway. Rumor is that the script is a mess and the casting still in wraps. Will the team consist of all new faces or will there be any returning actors?

Take a massive cube of salt with these rumors… but here they are.

Image from Injustice: Gods Among Us

Via Forbes.com

The impossible may be happening, fans — we could be returning to Gotham City at the same bat-time, same bat-channel. Latino Review is reporting that director Christopher Nolan is in talks to come back for more. More Batman, that is. But in what manner? Not what you’d expect — read on for details!

Keep in mind, the reports are that negotiations and talks are still ongoing and nothing is set in stone yet. So, this news is all tentative at the moment, but the reports from Latino Review jibe with what I’ve heard from some of my own sources. Batman-On-Film (BOF) has some additional insights in Bill Ramey’s report as well.*

The director would reportedly bring Batman back to the screen in the same overall “world” that existed in the previous three films… and Christian Bale is reportedly expected to return as Bruce Wayne!

But if that’s not enough of a shocking revelation for you, try this on for size: the new film would actually be a team-up film, putting Nolan’s Batman alongside Henry Cavill reprising his role as the new cinematic Superman (introduced in this summer’s upcoming Man of Steel from Nolan, Zack Snyder, and David Goyer) and possibly/probably additional superheroes as well.

Image from Injustice: Gods Among Us

That’s right, dear readers, the Nolan Batman may be teaming up with the rebooted Superman, in a Justice League movie (or, possibly, a Superman-Batman team-up movie, but Justice League seems more likely at the moment).

At this time, Nolan is reportedly in talks to be involved as producer, with Snyder as a producer and possible director, and it might involve a story by Goyer.

This is among the biggest film news of the year, along with the announcement of Disney buying LucasFilms to develop new Star Wars movies. And it would involve one of the most powerful filmmaking teams, coming aboard what could potentially become the biggest superhero franchises in cinema.

The story is getting lots of momentum, including IGN:

Christian Bale is in talks to reprise his role as Batman in DC’s upcoming Justice League movie, Christopher Nolan will oversee the project, and Man of Steel-helmer Zack Snyder will produce – and possibly direct – if a new report from Latino Review is to be believed.

The website claims that Nolan is now in charge of the entire DCU at Warner Bros., and is in discussions to act as a sort of Godfather to the project, as well as produce alongside Zack Snyder. The studio allegedly wants the film to be set in the same universe as Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, which naturally means a return of Bale’s Batman. Not only that, but Justice League would also tie in with Snyder’s gritty Man of Steel, which means – you guessed it – Bale’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman would appear in the same universe, in the same movie, at the same time.

As the website correctly notes, Bale wouldn’t be against reprising the role, as long as the story was right. “I would love the challenge of making a fourth one work,” he told Empire Magazine last summer.

So what is your opinion?

Do you think Bale will star in a Justice League movie? If so, it would grant some credibility to the project and generate lots of excitement rather than recasting the part once more.

The JLA by Alex Ross

Justice League has a tentative June 2015 release date.

Wonder Woman (fan trailer)

Created by the inventor of the lie detector, Dr. William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman was created by the Queen of the Amazons, a society of only women. Longing for a child, Hypolita crafted a baby from clay and prayed to her Gods for the gift of life (this was later changed to twins when another similar child was introduced much later). Born from women in a society solely made up of women, it is no surprise that Wonder Woman became an icon of the women’s movement. She even traded in her eagle-emblazoned bodice for a WW-bearing one in the mid 1970′s to show her support for women’s lib.

Along with Superman and Batman, Wonder Woman is the only superhero to have remained in print since her first appearance back in 1939. She is also the most popular superheroine around, made all the more familiar by the outright feminist TV program in the 1970′s starring Lynda Carter in which the statuesque actress espoused sexual equality while defending the free world from its enemies.

So, uh… why is there no big budget Wonder Woman movie in the works?

A live action movie has been in production Hell since 2001 when producer Joel Silver of Lethal Weapon fame decided it was time to bring the Amazon Princess to the big screen as a ‘flawed hero.’ From what I can gather, the problem seems to be that no one attached to the project can understand the character or gain a foothold on a story, fan favorite Joss Whedon in particular who, when he was involved in a Wonder Woman film development back in 2005 said ‘there’s nothing from the comics that felt right 100 percent, no iconic canon story that must be told. Batman has it made — he’s got the greatest rogues gallery ever, he’s got Gotham City. The Bat writes himself. With Wonder Woman, you’re writing from whole cloth, but trying to make it feel like you didn’t. To make it feel like it’s existed for 60 years, even though you’re making it up as you go along.’

While studio execs continue to bungle a Wonder Woman feature film, this gem arrives from a fan…

Actress / performer Nina Bergman & director Jesse V. Johnson wanted to shoot a fan trailer for their favorite super hero.
Director: Jesse V. Johnson: facebook.com/jesse.johnson.942
latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-package-capsule-20130215,0,7843640.story
WW: Nina Bergman: n-i-n-a.com/
Representation: Kailey Marsh – Station 3 – Kailey@stationthree.com – 323-848-4334
Cast:
Peter Stormare facebook.com/pages/Peter-Stormare/11096889471
Timothy V. Murphy facebook.com/Tadhgomurchu?fref=ts
Matthias Hues facebook.com/mathias.hues.3?fref=ts
Crew:
Cinematography – Van Urfalian urfalian.com/URFALIAN.COM/HOME_PAGE.html
Producer – Hugh Daly facebook.com/Hugh.Daly?fref=ts
Effects supervisor David Kenneth ieeffects.com/
Editorial Harry Frishberg harryproductions.com/
DISCLAIMER: Wonder Woman is a non-profit film for private use only, and is not for sale or resale. It is strictly for the promotional use of the filmmaker. It is in NO way endorsed by Warner Brothers or DC Comics nor is it intended to undermine or compete with any existing or forthcoming material. Wonder Woman is created for fun and should not be sold, rented or used for anything of the sort. Station 3 and Jesse V. Johnson make no claim to any of the characters, locations, storyline, props, costume designs, logos, names or situations that are trademarked, copyrighted or otherwise protected by the federal, state, international or other intellectual property law. This film is produced solely for the personal enjoyment of the cast, crew and any other Wonder Woman fans. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.

To date, Warner Bros and DC Entertainment are holding off on a JLA movie until after Superman: The Man of Steel is released and deemed a success or failure (the same stance was made before the Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern film). Previously, the general consensus was that films based on the Flash and Wonder Woman would precede the Justice League movie much like Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America and Thor led into the Avengers, but now the story is that a team movie will simply arrive without any build-up. In fairness, the characters of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash and Green Lantern are much more familiar to the general than the Marvel Superheroes and don’t exactly require character development… but it still strikes me as peculiar.

Wonder Woman by Greg Moutafis

The fan film is not perfect, but it’s a damn sight better than what has been attempted to date and successfully sells the notion of a female action hero in a period setting (I think… I can’t figure out if the modern skyline and WWII setting are mix-ups or intentional), thereby modernizing the Lynda Carter version for a new generation.

Thoughts?

Grant Morrison, Batman writer no more

The pop sensational author Grant Morrison is nearing the end of his run on Batman. A writer who created a groundbreaking new kind of experience in comics while paying homage to his childhood fantasies and adult fascinations, Morrison embraced his cult of followers who saw him progress from anti-establishment apocalyptic drama to mainstream superhero comics. His Batman run has been a fusion of the two approaches with an added element of intensity and reinvention.

But it all comes down in just four issues.

Via DC Comics

Little did I suspect when I accepted the BATMAN writing assignment back in 2006 that I’d wind up spending the next six years writing the longest continued comic story I’ve ever attempted. I thought I’d said most of what I had to say about the character with Arkham Asylum, Gothic, and Batman’s appearances in JLA. Clearly, I was wrong.

The original pitch was for 15 issues winding up with BATMAN R.I.P. but something happened along the way and, as I was researching his rich history, I became fascinated by the idea that every Batman story was in some way true and biographical – from the savage, young, pulp-flavored “weird figure of the dark” of his early years, through the smiling, paternal figure of the 1940s and the proto-psychedelic crusader of the ‘50s, the superhero detective of the ‘60s, the hairy-chested globetrotting adventurer of the ‘70s, to the brutally physical vigilante of the ‘80s and snarling, paranoid soldier of the ‘90s.

By taking his entire publishing history as the story of his life, I was able to approach Batman from a different angle and the multifaceted character that was revealed became the subject of my story.

What would such a man be like, realistically? This was a man who had saved countless lives, faced innumerable perils, and even prevented the destruction of the world itself. This was a master of martial arts, meditation, deduction, yoga and big business. This was a man who had tamed and mastered his demons and turned personal tragedy into a relentless humanitarian crusade.

Taking that man seriously meant I had to throw out a few of the accepted ideas about Batman as a semi-unhinged, essentially humorless loner struggling with rage and guilt. The totality of his history and accomplishments made that portrayal seem limited and unconvincing, so instead, my Batman was a true superhero at the height of his powers and the peak of his abilities, surrounded by a network of friends and associates, all of whom had been inspired by his lead.

I chose to build my story around the basic trauma, the murder of his parents, that lies at the heart of Batman’s genesis. It seemed to me there would be a part of Bruce Wayne that resented his parents for leaving him and especially resented his father for not being Batman that night, so the principal villains were an archetypal bad father figure in the form of Dr. Hurt and a dark mother in the form of Talia, our villain for the concluding chapters of the story.

This master theme of damaged and ruined families was nowhere more in evidence than in the creation of Damian, the first “Son of Batman” to be acknowledged in the canon. In many ways this has been Damian’s story as much as it has been the story of Bruce Wayne and it’s a story that had its end planned a long time ago – for what son could ever hope to replace a father like Batman, who never dies?

And so, via Batman, Batman and Robin, Return of Bruce Wayne and Batman Inc. this epic tale has finally reached its finale.

Thanks to all the artists who helped realise the story – Andy Kubert, JH Williams, John Van Fleet, Tony Daniel, Ryan Benjamin, Lee Garbett, Frank Quitely, Philip Tan, Cameron Stewart, Andy Clarke, Frazer Irving, Scott Kolins, Chris Sprouse, Ryan Sook, Yanick Paquette, Georges Jeanty, David Finch, Scott Clark and of course, Chris Burnham.

Thanks to the inkers, colorists and letters and to my indefatigable editors.

Thanks to the readers who joined in the fun and contributed to the thought-provoking debates and analyses online.

The conclusion is finally here, with only four more issues to go. Four issues which take Batman to dark places he has never had to visit before. Four issues and I’m done, while Batman himself continues into as yet unimagined future adventures. He’ll still be here long after I’m dead and forgotten; long after all of us have come and gone, there will be Batman. It’s been a joy and a privilege to spend so much time in the company of pop culture’s greatest character but it’s going to feel weird waking up and not having Bruce Wayne’s calm, commanding, ever-so-slightly cynical voice in my head.

Batman forever…

- Grant

Scotland, December 2012

Batman and Son

Batman: The Black Glove

Batman R.I.P.

Batman & Robin, Vol. 1: Batman Reborn

Batman & Robin, Vol. 2: Batman vs. Robin

Batman & Robin, Vol. 3: Batman & Robin Must Die

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

Batman Incorporated, Vol. 1

This week at your comic shop – 2/20/13

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

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

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

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Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1

Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven
Move over Avengers the Guardians got this. Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. and the Invincible Iron Man?!

The Marvel Universe just got bigger as the legendary cosmic epic returns in the hands of superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, All-New X-Men) and Steve McNiven (Civil War; Old Man Logan). In this special prelude issue meet the man behind the Guardians: Star-Lord and discover how this child of Earth became the leader of the rag-taggiest of teams in all the Galaxy.

All setting the stage for next month’s historic Guardians of the Galaxy #1. This is the start of something big, Marvel fans.
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Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)

Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)
By: David Tipton, Lee Sullivan, Francesco Francavilla
Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! Oh my giddy aunt! It’s time to break out the recorders, as the Second Doctor takes the spotlight in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor!
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Masks #4

Masks #4
By: Chris Roberson, Dennis Calero, Alex Ross
With the law twisted and perverted to benefit the unjust, those who serve justice have no choice but to operate outside the law. The Spider digs into the shadowy past of the new governor, but what he finds raises more questions than it answers.

Back in New York City, the Shadow and Green Hornet are marshaling their forces, as vigilantes and heroes like the Green Lama, Miss Fury, and the Black Terror join their cause.

Meanwhile, a blind lawyer and a fugitive artist find themselves standing alone against the might of the Black Legions.
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Flash #17

Flash #17
By: Francis Manapul
The finale of ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ as Barry’s battle with Grodd comes to its bone-crunching conclusion! Don’t miss the introduction of one of The Flash’s greatest foes!

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Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5

Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5
By: Caleb Monroe, Will Sliney, Lorena Carvalho
Mods IN SPACE. It’s well established that our spies are the swingingest secret agents in all the land, but what about in the galaxy? Emma Peel and John Steed enter the Space Race, thanks to the rocket-fueled talents of Caleb Monroe and Will Sliney!
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Hawkeye #8

Hawkeye #8
By: Matt Fraction, David Aja
Cherry’s got a gun. And she looks good in it. Hawkeye gets distracted. Just like you are right now.
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Aquaman #17

Aquaman #17
By: Geoff Johns, Paul Pelletier
A startling epilogue to ‘THRONE OF ATLANTIS’!

With the secrets of Atlantis revealed, Aquaman is confronted by a horrible myth from Atlantis’s past that’s connected to his own. Plus: Mera confronts a longtime enemy.
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Marvel Noir Marvel Noir Wolverine And X-Men TPB

Wolverine And X-Men TPB
By: Fred Van Lente, Dennis Calero
The Marvel Universe – shot in noir!

Hard-boiled, hard-drinking private eye Jim Logan is the best there is at what he does. And when Mariko Yashida saunters into his office, he knows she’s trouble when he sees it. It’s the case of Logan’s career – if he survives.

Meanwhile, discredited quack Charles Xavier rots in jail. He used to train desperate teens into canny grifters, but now one of his ‘X-Men,’ Jean Grey, is dead – and corrupt police chief Eric Magnus is closing in on the rest.

Then: Logan, Cyclops and the avenging Angel find the Gem of Cyttorak in the stinking jungles of Madripoor – but all it’s done is put a target on their backs. And what kind of monster is Nightcrawler?

This title collects
X-MEN NOIR #1-4, WOLVERINE NOIR #1-4, X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #1-4 and WEAPON X NOIR #1.

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Uncanny X-Force #2
By: Sam Humphries, Ron Garney, Olivier Coipel
BISHOP VS. UNCANNY X-FORCE!

What secrets does the man with the ‘M’ on his face bring from the future?
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Batman The Black Mirror TPB

Batman The Black Mirror TPB
By: Scott Snyder, Jock, Francesco Francavilla
Originally published in DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877, this epic from the writer of BATMAN, SWAMP THING and AMERICAN VAMPIRE forces Batman to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils!

Plus: The corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City’s foremost banks, setting a deadly mystery in motion!

This title collects
DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877

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Uncanny X-Men #2

Uncanny X-Men #2
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
There is a mole on Cyclops’ team, but who is it? When you hunt the UNCANNY X-MEN you use Sentinels, but when you find out WHO’S DOING THE HUNTING your jaw will drop!
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Batman The Dark Knight #17

Batman The Dark Knight #17
By: Gregg Hurwitz, Ethan Van Sciver
Ethan Van Sciver’s first storyline as regular artist continues as the gory details of The Mad Hatter’s past are revealed! With The Mad Hatter kidnapping citizens all over Gotham City, not even Batman can figure what he’s after.
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Uncanny Avengers #4

Uncanny Avengers #4
By: Rick Remender, John Cassaday
Red Skull and his S-Men move forward their take over of New York. A member of the Uncanny Avengers joins the S-Men! When the chips are down, the fight all but lost, one Avenger must rise and face the terrible might of The Omega Skull!
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Dark Shadows #14

Dark Shadows #14
By: Mike Raicht, Guiu Vilanova, Francesco Francavilla
The future of Collinwood has been glimpsed. Barnabas and his clan are headed towards dark days. What are those who endured it willing to sacrifice to make sure it never happens? Is it too late for some, or is there one last drastic measure one member of the clan can make to make the future unknown again?
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Avengers Arena #5

Avengers Arena #5
By: Dennis Hopeless, Kev Walker, Dave Johnson
The Braddock Academy vs. . . themselves?
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Justice League Dark #17

Justice League Dark #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
Constantine and the others are trapped on a world where magic has been outlawed, and Tim Hunter is king! Their only hope of returning home is in the hands of Colonel Steve Trevor-but will the A.R.G.U.S. chief decide to protect the Earth by leaving Team Dark where they are?
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FF #4

FF #4
By: Matt Fraction, Mike Allred
It’s Valentine’s Day at the Baxter Building! So why does that spell trouble for She-Hulk?

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The Lone Ranger #13

The Lone Ranger #13
By: Ande Parks, Esteve Polls, Francesco Francavilla
‘Ghost Town’.

The first in a series of single issue stories, and a perfect jumping on point. The Lone Ranger and Tonto come across a small Western town that harbors great suffering. That suffering resonates through time, to the Ranger’s own past, and to the future.

Can the Lone Ranger and Tonto find a way to replace that suffering with hope?
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Journey Into Mystery #649

Journey Into Mystery #649
By: Kathryn Immonen, Valerio Schiti, Jeff Dekal
Guest starring the Superior Spider-Man + a collection of superstars from the MU firmament!

Ancient Viking Monsters? Eerily Familiar Freaks? Whatever they are, they’re invading Midgard!

Sif and her three hench-Berzerkers slither back to Earth in time to help put down this new assault. But can the berserkers keep their bloodlust in check?
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This week at your comic shop – 2/6/13

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

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

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

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle
Dress with some Marvel Comics style with these belt buckles that feature the characters and logos of some of the world’s most famous characters!Choose from the Spider-Man logo, Captain America’s A-wings, the Punisher’s silver/black shield, or Thor in red letters.
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Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)

Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)
By: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, Gabe Eltaeb, Alex Ross
This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! We’re taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star-when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

* After launching to rave reviews Star Wars #1 sells out the day of release!

* Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely stripped down Alex Ross cover.

“Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda truly have the making of a classic on their hands. If you ever wondered if Star Wars could ever recapture that childlike glee of those earliest of memories, wonder no more. Star Wars is back and it’s never been better.” Newsarama

“It all just feels like Star Wars, and for a franchise that has been around for over 30 years, D’Anda somehow finds a way to inject new life into it.” Complex
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Wasteland #43

Wasteland #43
By: Antony Johnston, Russell Roeling, Christopher Mitten
Separated from Abi, Michael does what he’s always done–walks the desert alone, for as long as it takes. But not everything out here is a barren wasteland, and maybe Michael isn’t as alone as he thinks! When he meets an old Artisian called Collyn, Michael’s journey reverts to violence, and… a new friendship?
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Secret Avengers #37

Secret Avengers #37
By: Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera, Arthur Adams
FINAL ISSUE!

The conclusion to the Rise of the Descendants! All secrets revealed!

Father and the Descendants begin Contagious Robotic Evolution, merging the Descendants with all of humanity!

What is the secret behind the power of Parvez?

The ultimate test of Hawkeye!
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Hellboy in Hell #3

Hellboy in Hell #3
By: Mike Mignola, Dave Stewart
Hellboy meets more of his family members, and it’s not a fond reunion, as blood sprays through the air in Hell.

* This is what it’s all been building to!

* Mike Mignola writes and draws Hellboy!

* Featuring one of the strangest twists ever!

Death was only the beginning.
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Superior Spider-Man #3

Superior Spider-Man #3
By: Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman
‘Everything You Know Is Wrong’

Is this all-new Spider-Man in cahoots with… J. Jonah Jameson?!

Has Carlie Cooper figured out the Superior Spider-Man’s secret identity?

All this and the return of the villainous Vulture!
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Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD

Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD
From Synapse Films!

The television series Chiller was a five-episode horror anthology that aired in the UK in 1995. Presented here for the first time in the United States, these supernatural shockers feature malevolent spirits, a brutal serial killer, and a haunted house set in contemporary England.

Starring many of Britain’s leading actors like Nigel Havers, Martin Clunes, Sophie Ward, and Kevin McNally, this compelling collection will leave you chilled to the bone!

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Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD

Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD
From Funimation!

Short films include: God of Love, The New Tenants, Toyland, West Bank Story, The Lost Thing, The Danish Poet, Ryan, and Harvey Krumpet.
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Buck Rogers Asterite Space Ship Desk Model

Cool Rockets launches their line of Buck Rogers models, recreating the spaceships from the 1930s and 1940s, with the Asterite. Made of resin, taken from a master by Jeff Brewer, the Asterite features the clasic retro spaceship style.

The Asterite model measures 12″ long and is limited to 500 pieces.
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Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6

Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6
By: Corinna Bechko, Damian Couceiro, Charles Paul Wilson III
Eight years before Astronaut George Taylor fell from the stars…the stars fell on the PLANET OF THE APES! As Ape City struggles to build itself back together, tensions between the ape races are reaching a boiling point as aid quickly runs out. Zira and Lucius struggle to find help before chaos descends, once again, on the planet of the apes!
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Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD

Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD
Starring Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor. The TARDIS brings the Doctor, Ben, and Polly to Culloden in 1746, during the famous battle between the Scots and the English. There they become embroiled in events and meet a new friend: Jamie McCrimmon. This is an unabridged reading of the novelization by Gerry Davis, read by Anneke Wills.
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Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain

Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain
By: Lester Dent, Joe Devito
Doc Savage races to stop a Balkan war fueled by weapons stolen from his Fortress of Solitude-a war in which gigantic vampire bats play a deadly role!
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Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk

Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk
A Diamond Select Release! Designed by Art Asylum! Do you own a red shirt? Do you like adventure? Do you have no plans past tomorrow? Then pick up a set of realistic Star Trek role-play items and join the away team! Even if it’s just pretend, the realistic lights and sounds on this show-accurate phaser, tricorder and communicator will make your backyard feel like a strange new world, where new life forms and suden death wait around every corner! Sold in a window box with ‘Try-Me’ packaging.
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Animal Man #17

Animal Man #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Steve Pugh
The epic climax of ‘ROTWORLD’ starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17! All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world?

Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family.
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Avengers #5

Avengers #5
By: Jonathan Hickman, Adam Kubert, Dustin Weaver
‘SUPERGUARDIAN’

Meet Smasher, the first human member of the IMPERIAL GUARD and an Avenger.

Watch as the Avengers travel across the galaxy to fight off an invading force.

Watch as the Imperial Guard are broken on a dead moon.
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Detective Comics #17

Detective Comics #17
By: John Layman, Jason Fabok
The repercussions of ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’ spread as Batman tracks down the League of Smiles, a criminal group of psychotic killers that worship The Joker!

Deadly new villains are introduced-and you won’t believe their horrific ties to Arkham Asylum! Plus: In the backup story, learn the secrets behind The League of Smiles’ beginnings!
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Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt

Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt
Be careful when you wear this red shirt on your next landing party!
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New Avengers #3

New Avengers #3
By: Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Jock
The Illuminati experience their first incursion since reforming. Can the loose brotherhood of end times trust each other enough to use the Infinity Gems in unison? And a new member joins the Illuminati!
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Green Arrow #17

Green Arrow #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
Welcome the new team of writer JEFF LEMIRE and artist ANDREA SORRENTINO!

As Ollie struggles to come to terms with the loss of his fortune, his company and his heritage, he discovers a shocking truth about his father that ties to his time stranded on an island before he became Green Arrow.

Plus: Green Arrow battles the deadly archer known as Komodo!
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Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt

Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt
The legendary logo of the long-running graphic magazine is sprawled across this Previews Exclusive t-shirt!
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Phantom Stranger #5

Phantom Stranger #5
By: Dan DiDio, Brent Anderson, Jae Lee
The Phantom Stranger’s family has gone missing! He’ll stop at nothing to find them, even if it means going up against Pandora and the vengeful wrath of The Spectre!
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Red She-hulk #62

Red She-hulk #62
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Jana Schirmer
CAPTAIN AMERICA is forced to make a grave decision! Betty Ross loses what’s most precious to her! RED SHE-HULK reacts BADLY!!!
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Swamp Thing #17

Swamp Thing #17
By: Scott Snyder, Marco Rudy, Yanick Paquette
The epic finale of ‘ROTWORLD’ continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17!

What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your freaking mind.
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New Deadwardians TPB

New Deadwardians TPB
By: Dan Abnett, I. N. J. Culbard
In this collection of the 8-issue miniseries, nearly every member of upper class, post-Victorian England has voluntarily become a vampire in order to escape the lower classes – who are all zombies!Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!
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Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure

Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure
Explore the history of Batman with Mattel’s Batman Unlimited Action Figures which feature a variety of characters in their different incarnations from the Golden Age through film and video games to the present day!

Each figure is highly detailed, stands 6″ tall, and includes a display stand and mini-collector poster. In this wave, fans can choose from the “New 52″ Batgirl, the “New 52″ Batman, and the Penguin. These are the Batman figures pop culture fans and Batman collectors have been looking for!

Blister card packaging.
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All New X-Men #7

All New X-Men #7
By: Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez, Stuart Immonen
Mystique targets our young time-travelers, starting with Cyclops.
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Judge Dredd Megazine #332

Judge Dredd Megazine #332
More action and adventure in the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd! Dredd and Anderson investigate the body-pits outside the city; Hondo-City Justice returns, as Judge Inspector Inaba faces the ‘Revenge of the 47 Ronin’; and in the bonus Dredd story the lawman is trapped in a psychic maze in ‘Inversion.’

Plus, there’s more I.D. theft in ‘American Reaper.’ In addition, there’s the usual articles, stories, and more, and in the bagged graphic novel, the conclusion to the retro thriller ‘Disaster 1990.’
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Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)

Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)
By: Jason Latour, Nic Klein
All new mission! All New creative team! All new status quo!

Join writer Jason Latour (Loose Ends, Wolverine) and artist Nic Klein (Dancer, Viking, Doc Savage) as they take the reins to the critically acclaimed series!

In the wake of the hunt for the Black Widow, a broken and beaten Winter Soldier begins perhaps his most personal mission yet: a quest for redemption.

But as Bucky looks to make peace with his deadly past, a new villain from his future is out for war and blood.
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Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure

Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure
Celebrate the 25th-anniversary of the original Robocop with this brand new Robocop figure featuring a Spring Loaded Holster.

A screen accurate version of Robocop as he appears in the classic 1987 film but upgraded featuring a a hidden lever on the back of his right thigh that allows the leg to spring open in 2 different sections just like in the movie revealing his Auto-9 pistol inside. A marvel in toy engineering in this scale.

Figure stands 7″ tall and comes with interchangeable right hand and Auto-9 pistol accessory.
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Fearless Defenders #1

Fearless Defenders #1
By: Cullen Bunn, Will Sliney, Mark Brooks
NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW CREATORS!

Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much-well, you know.

Writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book everyone is going to be talking about on Thursday morning.
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Superman: The Man of Steel full trailer

The last son of a doomed planet, sent to Earth by his parents hoping that he could escape their fate, Superman possesses powers far beyond mortal humans and has vowed to use them to protect the innocent, right that which is wrong and uphold a high moral code. Superman is the dream of the depression era, a hero who can stand up for the little guy in the face of adversity. Over the decades since his creation, his abilities and background have become more influenced by fantasy and science fiction. He can emit heat rays from his eyes, freeze the very air with his breath, see through any barrier (except for lead), bend time as easily as steel and fly faster than any man made craft into unknown dimensions.

After being adapted as a highly successful radio show, animated feature and TV program, Warner Bros. has attempted to adapt Superman for the big screen several times. Next year Superman will be making his biggest leap of all into a realm that he should dominate, the modern motion picture. Movie goers adore Batman, are excited over Spider-Man, wait with baited breath for the next Iron Man, Thor and Captain America flick… but Superman is the biggest and the best of them all.

But will Chris Nolan and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel movie place Superman atop the pile of superheroic icons that crowd the screen?

Of course most fans of superheroes in film are familiar with the Richard Donner Superman film. His movie in many ways introduced the character to audiences who thought of him as a childhood novelty. Over the course of the three sequels that followed Donner’s movie, the reputation of Superman faded into unintentional comedy. Not long ago, Bryan Singer directed his homage to Donner’s film (and a special Superman II director’s cut that was closer to Donner’s vision was released on DVD). Singer’s film had plenty of skill and heart, but brought nothing new to the table aside from the idea that Superman was a a deadbeat father (awkward). Even so, it’s a good film, but it could have been a GREAT one. Work on a sequel which would introduce Brainiac fell through as a legal battle with the heirs of Superman creator Jerry Seigel got heated.

Comic book creators Mark Waid, Grant Morrison and Mark Millar (and thankfully not Kevin Smith) were brought in to pitch ideas about how to properly revamp Superman, but the studio was handed an ultimatum from the courts in 2009 to go into production by 2011 or pay the Seigel estate.

Desperate to make up for lost time, Warner Bros. contacted Chris Nolan and David Goyer to spearhead a new approach to Superman. The notion was that Nolan would prep the film for the as-yet undecided director. Zack Snyder was drafted for the director’s chair in 2010. Snyder has two visually compelling comic book movies to his service, Frank Miller’s 300 and Watchmen. Composer Hans Zimmer, who was responsible for scoring the Chris Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy will be lending his services to Man of Steel.

The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman and Michael Shannon as the evil General Zod (from the highly popular Superman II) who no doubt leads an armada of spacecraft in an attack on the Earth (seen in the trailer). The theme of the film seems to be to find the humanity in the hero, as emphasized by the emotional scenes where a young Clark Kent wrestles over helping others or remaining a recluse.

To date, the publicity material has given a dark and moody feel to the Superman franchise that fans are unfamiliar with. In fact, this is precisely what many (myself included) were worried about when Nolan, Goyer and Snyder were announced as the architects of this 21st Century version of Superman. The character has been around since 1938 and is viewed by most (if not all) as the epitome of the superhero. However, that concept has gone through many revisions in the past 20 odd years and continues to change with the times. Compare the Richard Donner Superman of 1978 to the X-Men of 2000 and you can witness the studio’s dedication to sell the legitimacy and realism of the superhero to a sophisticated audience. Then you have projects like Blade and the Punisher which hammer the character into an accepted genre. Most recently, Marvel’s Avengers has shown that the superhero film is actually its own genre (at last), so the trepidation to create such a movie should be a thing of the past.

So… why are we seeing a version of Superman who looks more like Batman? Perhaps these are just early glimpses and the finished product will embrace the fantastic origins of Superman. We can but hope.

Superman: The Man of Steel has a 14th of June 2013 premiere date.