It's the Same

Origin

Before you check out the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie, get a better idea of where it all came from. Simply titled Origin, the six part miniseries follows the story of young James Howlett. A sickly young boy born in Canada during the 19th century, James was often sheltered by his rich parents for his weak health. A young girl is brought in to be his playmate and take care of him. The two quickly become friends, along with the son of the groundskeeper. The mini series the three children into adulthood and how ultimately they all become an integral part of the man Wolverine is today. Written by Paul Jenkins, Joe Quesada, and Bill Jemas and illustrated by Andy Kubert, Origin is a tragic tale of adolescence, love, and self discovery.

McCafe Meeting

I had to sit through a 4-hour training session yesterdat on how to make the new McCafe's. The only thing I got from it was that in November, the McRibwich is making a comeback!

Mayan Tacos

I was driving home after an 8 hour day of work and headed to get a 5 dollar foot-long at Subway. As I was about to open the door, this old woman suggested I eat at the taco shop called Mayan Tacos next door. The space had formerly been empty and for rent. I decided "what the heck" and went in. I was greeted very warmly as I came up to the register. I ordered a Chorizo and Eggs burrito and after I payed, the cashier told me to help myself to the chip bar. The chips and salsa tasted so fresh! Finally when my food came, I couldn't believe how great it tasted. The burrito was huge and didn't cost much at all! I highly recommend visiting Mayan Tacos. It's at 20265 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Right next to the Subway.

Villians Announced!

The villians for the SpiderMan musical, Spider-Man, Turn off the Dark, have been announced by the New York Post. The hero will have to battle the likes of the Green Goblin, Electro, the Lizard, Carnage, Rhino, Swarm, and new villian Swiss Miss. All while singing.

Return of the King

A six part Daredevil story arc beginning with issue #116. It is written by Ed Brubaker and penciled by David Aja and Michael Lark.

Two years ago, Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin of Crime) lost everything and left the country finding something he thought he could never find again. Happiness. Love. Family. But when his new life is tragically taken away from him, The Kingpin will stop at nothing to get his revenge. The first step of the plan is to coming home...

Parts 1 and 2 are in stores now. (Really worth checking out!)

Reporter Man

Hal Jordan?

Chris Pine, star of the upcoming J.J. Abrams blockbuster Star Trek could possible in talks to play Hal Jordan in the 2010 Green Lantern movie. Pine plays Captain James T. Kirk in what will probably be called the two hour Apple commercial in space. It won't be much of a transition as Hal Jordan is also a captain in the Air Force and Green Lantern will also be set in space.

Artist Spotlight: Ed McGuinness

Born in Maine, Ed McGuinness graduated high school in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Shortly after high school, he decided to live his dream and become a comic book artist. His early works include Deadpool, Vampirella, Mr. Majestic, and Wildcats. He would eventually land larger titles such as Superman, Superman/Batman, and Hulk. McGuinness' style is a sort of amalgam between western and eastern art. The incredibly muscular anatomies of his protagonists compliment the simplistic animesque faces that he gives them. He is currently working on Hulk with long time collaborators Jeph Loeb (Writer) and Dexter Vines (Inker) as well as the occasional guest art in other books.

Old Man Logan

What happens when you cross Wolverine with Mad Max? You get Old Man Logan. It's been over 50 years and the man once known as Wolverine has now settled into family life. Desperate to make ends meet for his family, Logan accepts an offer from his old ally Hawkeye, to guide the now blind archer across a now villain ruled nation. Through their journey, we discover that the United States has been divided amongst a handful of villains. In this dystopian society, superheroes have not been seen for 50 years. Logan himself hasn't so much as lifted a finger towards violence, much less popped his claws. Through this story arc, we find out what could be so horrible as to make one of the world's most dangerous mutants vow to never fight again. 

Old Man Logan is an eight issue story arc written by Mark Millar and pencilled by Steve McNiven lasting from Wolverine #66-73. As to March, the last two issues have yet to be released. Millar is a master of his craft as he gives this new reality a dark and grimy feel. Though the world is initially a mystery, the reader is quickly able to pick up hints and clues as to what has been going on in the Marvel Universe in the last five decades. I won't ruin it for you, but what happened to Wolverine that night 50 years ago is pretty shocking. I have been a big fan of Steve McNiven every since he did his run on Civil War and Amazing Spiderman. His art is so clean and beautiful that one can't help but feel he's the only man worthy to tackle this story arc. From the desperation in Logan's eyes as he tries to support his family, to the vast wastelands of the post-apocalyptic Marvel world, McNiven really delivers the quality. Every Wolverine fan should check out Old Man Logan. 

The Ghost Who Walks #0

Remember that 1996 movie where Billy Zane put on a skin tight purple costume and fought crime on horseback? If you're thinking about The Phantom, you're right! CBR has released issue #0 of The Ghost Who Walks which can be viewed here. Issue #0 retells the origin of the hero in a way that has never been seen before. SLAM EVIL!

 

Ben Franklin

Superman and Batman Movie

The Superman and Batman crossover movie is expected to be released late 2009. This animated feature will draw from the story line from Superman/Batman #1-6. The details of the plot has been leaked by aintitcool.com: 

United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his "partner in crime" Batman. Super heroes and super villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite - and recruit super help - to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover Luthor's devious plot to take command of far more than North America.

The animate movie will follow its predecessors (Superman: Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier, Wonder Woman, and Batman: Gotham Knight) and be rated PG-13. It will follow DC's next upcoming animated feature, Green Lantern: First Flight.

Obama vs. Osama

Newly elected President Barack Obama has been making his rounds on the covers of popular comic books for the last few months now. Appearing on the cover to Youngbloods and Amazing Spiderman, President Obama is set to grace the cover of Savage Dragon #145. A few months back, Image produced an issue of Savage Dragon (#137), in which the hero endorsed Obama for President. Now Obama once again graces the cover of the series, this time paying homage to an older version of a Captain America comic. On the cover of Savage Dragon #145, President Obama is depicted punching terrorist Osama bin Landen in the face. This variant cover is exepected to sell up to $100 a pop and made its debut at the San Fransico Wonder Con, which lasted from February 27-March 1. The issue is currently selling for over $150 on eBay. 

I Am Batman

The battle for the cowl begins as the first issue of Batman: Battle for the Cowl hit stores yesterday. The series takes place after the crossover events Batman: RIP and Final Crisis.

With Batman missing and presumed dead, Gotham City's criminal population is in an all out war for the city and everything is in chaos. Allies of the Dark Knight are working around the clock to maintain order and balance, yet things have never been this bad. The city needs a Batman even if it takes one of his allies to fill the role. To make matters worse, a new vigilante has entered the fray. This masked mystery man is highly trained and lethal. He claims "I am Batman." 

 

The focal points of the series are Batman's two proteges: Nightwing and Robin. The latter of the two insists that the city needs a Batman, even if it isn't Bruce Wayne. While the former

 has trouble accepting that someone has to replace his mentor. The story explores the fraternal relationship of the two young men, as well as focuses on the criminal elements in the city. There are appearances from many characters in the DC Comics universe, both heroes and villains alike. Tony Daniel, who helms the story and the pencils, delivers a captivating story along with breathtaking art. Look for Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2 in stores April 8, 2009!

Rourke joins Iron Man 2

With much debate on whether or not Mickey Rourke would star in the much anticipated sequel to Iron Man, it has been announced today that Rourke has officially joined the cast. Rourke is slated to play a Russian villain, which could mean we will see him as the Crimson Dynamo, the Soviet analogous to our hero. Although, other sources say that he will play a character named Whiplash. Rourke had been choice for the role after his award-winning performance in The Wrestler, however, Marvel only offered Rourke a mere $250,000 for the part. It appears that Rourke's agent, David Unger, has gotten the offer for the actor to increase significantly. Iron Man 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2010.

UPDATE: Rourke will be playing Whiplash, who will be an amalgam of the comic book character and the Crimson Dynamo.

Green Lantern gets the Green Light!

The new Green Lantern movie has been green lighted and scheduled for a release on December 17th, 2010. The story will follow bold and fearless test pilot Hal Jordan as he is chosen by a dying alien to be his successor in an intergalactic peace keeping force known as the Green Lantern Corps. Jordan is given a ring that can make his every thought come to life in order to help him defend the galaxy. Martin Campbell, director of James Bond movies Goldeneye and the more recent Casino Royale, is in negotiations to direct the sci-fi fantasy. Let's hope it's half as good as The Dark Knight!

Then and Now

Sneeze

Free Running

Sorry for the delay.