Posts Tagged ‘DC’

Have you gotten a chance to hit your comic shop today?  If you’ve read the most recent Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne, you’d see that he’s resurfaced with ominous implications.  In DC’s normal style(R.I.P., Final Crisis), they are running two titles (involving the same character) slightly out of alignment/continuity.  Because of that, in this case, you know ahead of time that all will be well.  The other read of which I speak is a group of one-shots spanning this month (and all related books) called Bruce Wayne: The Road Home.  In this series he stealthily shadows all his old allies to see how they’ve progressed (or the opposite) in his absence, and how they will be able to play into his new worldwide battle plan.  He starts up a new ‘White Casebook”, that works as a narrative, to carefully catalog all the field data he is collecting.  As of now, Tim (Red Robin) is his confidant in this most present venture.  It is definitely fitting; after all, he was the biggest advocate of Bruce’s proof-of-life.   That does not leave him out of Bruce’s watchful eye and research, however.   Whereas I have found a good deal of “Return” convoluted and confusing, I think “Road Home” gains from it’s simplicity.  I do like it, but I am by no means claiming it’s great yet, because I would like to see how it pans out after the dust settles.  Here’s a glimpse of Bruce unveiling himself at the end of the Batman and Robin one-shot in the new miniseries.

—ExSleepyInk

After a long, exciting, and exhausting weekend, it is an equally big week at the comic shop.  The main draw? Bruce is on his way home! Changes will continue to happen in Batman’s world.  Yes, it is a bit much to pay for all of these titles in order to stay in the loop, but at least they have announced that a price cut is coming.  It’s only fair, with all these big events and whatnot.  Kind of like a stimulus for hardcore comic fans.  Cheers!

Vertigo

WildStorm

…And as for Dark Horse Comics…

B.P.R.D.: Hell of Earth—New World #3

Sadly this panel filled up before I was able to get into it (so much for a NYCC press pass, huh?).  Bruce Timm anounced and previewed what should be a great show.  Like Batman: The Animated Series from the early nineties, this will premiere after the Green Lantern movie release; maybe as early as November 2011.  It will feature Atrocitus and the Red Lanterns as the main antagonists.  So far the first season will consist of over 20 episodes, and they aren’t doing a Sinestro reveal until about half-way through.  Mostly space based, don’t expect to see many other DC superheroes…at least not in the beginning.  Bruce Timm was on hand at the DC booth signing copies of this poster.  Very ashamed I missed it.

–ExSleepyInk

So far the event is crazy.  I have been running around non-stop and still feel like I’ve got nothing accomplished.  I do feel, however, like i’ve gotten hit by an MTA bus.  I was able too meet tons of amazing talent in the industry.  Loeb, Lee, and Finch(who spoke candidly about the dream of being handed his own Batman title, how he feels this is a pinnacle for him, and how he wants to try hard to balance Bruce’s humanity with the supernatural forces he will stand against) were some of the big names I was able to talk with.  Turns out that even though my friend could have gotten me a contact with Stan Lee, it was still like entering a madhouse of raised arms and flashing bulbs to get near him.
  James Robinson and Darwyn Cooke were some personal favorites. 
When I asked Jeph Loeb why they haven’t already made Hush into a DC Animated straight to DVD/Bluray feature, he joked (and I’m paraphrasing) that if he had his way it would be a full-on live action CGI movie.  That’s what I like to hear!  But, when I went to ask Bruce Timm in the All Star Superman preview panel, someone beat me to the punch.  Long story short…they have thought about it.  However, the next animated project the studio is working on is Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One.  No complaints here (and, sadly, also no casting news from Timm).  In case you’re wondering, by the way, the footage from ‘All Star…‘ was great.
Bruce did talk about how they were once trying to make an R rated feature.  We can always dream!
I’ll leave you on that.  Tomorrow I should have access to a laptop to drop some video and pictures (I didn’t just want to drop a cluster bomb from my phone).  Good night boys and girls.  I’ve been a bad ExSleepyInk and have partied too hard.  Wish me luck in rising tomorrow.
–Me
P.S. Check out David V. Mammina‘s table in the 700 aisle.  The are adjacent to the professional gaming challenges, and near artist alley.

Green Lantern’s official movie website has launched at GreenLantern.com. 
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries.  Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps.  A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers.  But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the universe, their fate and the fate of the Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.
The film, which Recently wrapped shooting in New Orleans and is set for a June 17 release, is directed by Martin Campbell and stars Ryan Reynolds(Hal Jordan/Green Lantern), Blake Lively(Carol Ferris), Mark Strong(Sinestro), Peter Sarsgaard(Hector Hammond), Angela Bassett(Amanda Waller), and Temuera Morrison(Abin Sur).  Tim Robbins, Taika Waititi, Jay O. Sanders, and Jon Tenney are also featured.
Speaking of location, Warner Bros. Pictures is also thinking of shooting Christopher Nolan’s third Batman movie in New Orleans come April.  What happened to Chicago?  Well…Louisianna sure could use the money and morale after the last few years, so good for them! What are your thoughts on these developments?

—ExSleepyInk

With only a few days away, we all better be getting our proverbial houses in order.  Gather up all the comics and memorabilia you want signed.  Print out a personalized show schedule and map out your experience so the event doesn’t overstimulate your mind to the point of forgetting what it is you wanted to see and accomplish in the first place.  There will be a program available at the door, but it helps to be prepared because it is very easy to get side-tracked by all the visual candy.  Before you know it you realize you’ve missed a few things after the fact.  Bringing rubberbands for all the posters and prints is a must.  Being that a lot of artists will gladly do a sketch for you, especially when you’re buying something, having an extra pencil and sharpie with you is a great idea.  These guys (artists) are doodling all day, and there’s only so much ink in a pen/marker.  God forbid they go dry with a line waiting for them, you’ll be saving yourself and you won’t miss out on such a personalized collector’s item.  Remember:  Try to have whatever you want signed out and ready to keep everything moving smoothly.  Traffic jams suck and, even though they are mostly there for you, all the guests have long days ahead of them. 

 Be sure to check out all of the tables for exclusives (These are limited edish items you will find only here).  Also, be smart, bring your fill-in list and check out all the comic vendors.  They have back issues for as cheap as a dollar or less, and trades and graphic novels for half off (give or take).  This is a great way to cement the gaps in the runs of your collection while saving yourself a pretty penny at the same time.  The same goes for figures, statues and clothing.  Your back will be the only one complaining.  Believe me, I’ve gotten overzealous and learned the hard way. There were times I’ve felt the straps of an over encumbered knapsack digging into my shoulders days after I took it off. (Small price to pay for all the goodies you’ll bring home)

Be prepared to either purchase a ticket online or at the NYCC for a celebrity’s autograph, and be waiting early  to get a ticket into certain events, screenings, or panels.  Some have a limited admittance and are first come first served.  Don’t miss out!  Don’t worry though…most panels and such will run each day.  If you are there for the long haul, and miss it the first time, plan on clearing some time in the latter days to get to whatever room it is in before the line gets too long.   Don’t forget to support indie artists if you have any extra cash.  They paid a lot to get a table and will most assuredly appreciate it (plus, think of how much that stuff will be worth once they’ve made it!).

Telling you to bring a fully charged camera might be moot, since everyone has got crazy-futuristic multitasking phones, but none the less…most artists would be happy to get in a shot with you.

So in closing, have a blast, meet as many people as you can, find that rare comic you’ve been looking for, and come away with some great stories.  As long as you’ve worn comfortable shoes, you’ll be golden.  Don’t stress out.  Enjoy it.  (I’m partly talking to myself here).  And, lastly, be sure to either have some cash set aside for food and drink, or smuggle some in (it can be pretty expensive at any big event).

We will be trying to cover it as much as we can during the event, but whatever you don’t see up on the site during the weekend, we will be sure to get up after we are home and rested.

—ExSleepyInk

The week is finally upon us!  Come friday the geeky madness and splendor of the New York Comic Con goes into full swing at the Jacob Javits Center!  We hope to see all of you there.  This thing looks to be the best yet.  There will be plenty of panels and screenings to immerse yourself in, all the artists, writers and creators you could possibly ever want to meet, and endless scantily clad girls in super heroine costumes (or guys if that’s your thing)!  Oh yeah, I almost forgot BRUCE CAMPBELL!!  Better buckle down and get started on some last minute comic reading so you’re in the know on the latest storylines, and don’t sound like a bumbling idiot trying to talk through troves of nerds and the insuing nerdage they bathe in.  Or, if you’re not going and you just need a respite from your work week.  After all, tomorrow ist Mittwoch (that’s wednesday in German…who said we’re not worldly here at FHTI?), the highlight of a geek’s week.  All of those who will be at the Con, be sure to check out my good pal and cowriter David V. Mammina‘s table.  You can find him on the show exclusives list and locate his table number in the program(be aware that they sometimes change).  He will be displaying and selling his books, doing free signings, and have concept art available(for a small donation).  If you see me through all the mayhem, I would be glad to sign his book Paltronis.  I did the illustrations.  Have a great one boys and girls!!

Vertigo

WildStorm

Per usual, be sure to check out my Dark Horse selection (Mignola of course).

Baltimore: The Plague Ships #3

Happy reading!

P.S. If you see this goofy mug, come up and say hi!—ExSleepyInk

I figured I’d just condense it to the main DC titles again this week.  My picks are ‘TEC#869 (still wanna know how the Joker-venomed leader of the impostors’ skin is white when he never fell into acid), First Wave#4(Batman with guns, and The Spirit with his sharp tongue), Gotham City Sirens#16(are the girls gonna play nice now?), Green Arrow#4(things have been getting crazy in “Star”wood forest), Time Master’s: Vanishing Point#3(you’d never think something like this would ever connect to Batman…just do it), and Wonder Woman#603(if you need to get to the bottom of Diana’s new reality like I do!).

It’s a nice light week.  Happy reading, kiddies!

—ExSleepyInk

Vertigo

FABLES #98

WildStorm

Let me know of any good stuff you guys are reading.  I suffer from comic tunnel vision sometimes.

–ExSleepyInk