LUCIDMEDIA

Lucid Comics – March 25th

Written by Adam A. Donaldson Wednesday, 25 March 2009 10:50

Wolverine gets art appreciated

In honour of Wolverine’s 35th birthday, and presumably also the forthcoming live-action movie based on the character, Marvel is unleashing special variant covers on a number of its books, but with a twist. “Inspired by some of the world's greatest artists, these variant covers depict Wolverine like you've never seen him before, in styles reminiscent of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and more!” said a Marvel press release. Examples of the art can be seen at Marvel’s website (http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7254) and the Washington Post website (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/03/18/GA2009031801486.html)

“This is a huge year for Wolverine as he proves why he's arguably one of the most popular characters in the world,” explained Joe Quesada, Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief. “He's not just popular with fans but also with artists, as evidenced by how many of today's top comic artists jockey for a chance to draw him. This got us thinking: what if Wolverine had been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years? What great, classic artists would want a crack at drawing a Wolverine cover?”

Top Cow makes deal to partner with Mayhem

Top Cow Productions is offering a new subscription service through the Iowa-based Mayhem Comics and Games to better get its entire line of projects directly to readers. Mayhem, which owns a couple of brick-and-mortar locations while managing a vast online delivery service, will now provide subscribers with home delivery of their favourite Top Cow titles the week each comic is released. Each issue will also be packed in a free comic bag and board for its protection.

“We are incredibly thrilled to finally be able to offer a subscription service to our fans that don’t have a local comic shop near them,” said Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow Productions, “Mayhem Comics and Collectibles has a fantastic reputation for taking care of their customers and we can’t think of a better partner.”

“It’s a great way for those customers who don’t have a local shop or are unable to get to one to read these great stories.” said Chris Pellack, Mayhem’s Mail Order Manager. “The way the economy is right now, it is very practical for consumers to have their books delivered, especially with Top Cow’s pledge to keep their books at $2.99 through 2009.” Pellack added.

DC gives you reading for consideration

Many consider Watchmen to be the greatest graphic novel ever made, but if you’re new to the world of GNs, where else can you go for a good read? Well, DC Comics seeks to answer that question with a new website called ‘After Watchmen’ (http://www.afterwatchmen.com/). The downloadable pamphlet separates novels into one of five categories: More Books By Alan Moore, Science Fiction, Best-Selling Authors, Redefining Modern Superheroes and books for Mature Readers. Or if you’re not one for labels, you can simply consult the complete checklist and start reading. Obvious choices include Moore’s own The Killing Joke and V For Vendetta, Vertigo’s Y The Last Man and Preacher, as well as superhero titles like All Star Superman and Kingdom Come.

Comic 2 Film Report

Captain Kirk is Green Lantern, maybe?

Rumours were circling this week that Chris Pine, who plays Capt. James T. Kirk in the forthcoming Star Trek film, will soon don the power ring in Martin Campbell’s Green Lantern movie. IESB was the first with the news saying that Pine was the lead on the short list to play Hal Jordan, but Latino Review upped the stakes by saying that the offer had been made, and the role was Pine’s to turn down. This was exciting news because Latino Review has previously had scoops on the casting of Brandon Routh for Superman Returns and Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight. Meanwhile, Collider’s Steve Weintraub says not so fast because his sources say it isn’t so. Also in the running, at least according to the IESB story is Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Nathan Fillion (Firefly). Shooting on Green Lantern begins this fall in Australia.

Marvel slate pushed back

Fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see their favourite Avengers on film as Marvel has pushed back the release dates on a number of projects. Basically, almost everything will be pushed back by at least a year, beginning with Thor opening June 17, 2011 rather than July 2010. The First Avenger: Captain America meanwhile will only move a couple of months, from May 2011 to July 2011; Spider-Man 4 will now lead off the 2011 summer box office season on May 6. Finally, The Avengers film will now premiere as the first film of the 2012 summer box office on May 4, after being moved from July 2011. The release date of Iron Man 2 on May 7, 2010 remains unchanged.

Hoff Offers Fury Advise to Jackson

Signing certified bad ass Samuel L. Jackson as SHIELD commander Nick Fury was a genuine feather in the cap of Iron Man director Jon Favreau, fortunately the previous actor to play Fury has given his blessing to Jackson: David Hasselhoff. “I know Nick Fury inside and out now, but I’ve already got my validation,” said the German music idol to MTV News. “The greatest compliment I ever received was when Stan Lee was on the set and said, ‘You are Nick Fury. You are exactly what I imagined him to be.’” The man somewhat known as “The Hoff” added that he wanted to turn his 1998 TV movie role into something more feature-ish, but he says there’s no hard feelings. “I love Samuel Jackson. He’s a friend, and he was actually a neighbour of mine. He’s a terrific choice for Nick Fury and he’ll be so frickin’ cool because he’s got an attitude. The Nick Fury I played was written by David Goyer, who did some of the ‘Batman’ movies, and it was more tongue-in-cheek and fun than dark. I actually can’t wait to see Nick Fury.”