Oct Star Wars Comic Cover Art

Had to spotlight some sweet upcoming cover art for various SW comics in Oct.

First off, we have the cover to Invasion #0- which is the first comic cover art done by the great Dave Dorman in a very long time. Dorman's past work includes some of the legendary Dark Empire, Tales of the Jedi and X-Wing Rogue Squadron cover art.

After that we have a creepy-as-hell Caamasi (nothing like a psycho portrayal of a species of pacifists) on the cover to Knights of the Old Republic #46, and our first glimpse of the Mandalorian helmet designs of the Legacy era in Legacy #41.

First Pics of Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow

The first pics, via Entertainment Weekly, of Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow in the upcoming Iron Man 2, have made their way online:

Much better than the Hilary Swank rumor that floated around back for Iron Man 1.



And, since she's married to Ryan Reynolds, that means now both Green Lantern and Deadpool are banging the Black Widow. Hannibal King just watches.

Comic Pulls: 7/15/09

My comic pulls this week:

Deadpool #12: The third part of the "Bullseye" story doesn't disappoint. I didn't think they could top the "meat hooks" of the last issue, and while it doesn't get quite that bizarrely strange this time around, everything with "Truck Foot" and Deadpool was gold, especially Bullseye's reactions to it. And the "Poolvision" of Bullseye and Wade as kids in school was perfectly timed.

Great issue, and seemingly wraps up at least part of the lingering Norman Osbourne plot threads that have been running through the series since the first story arc during Secret Invasion. Not to mention the first Dark Reign story I've read (outside of Norman's occasiona mental breakdowns) where they've revealed there are cracks in Osbourne's grip over everything.

The Sword #18: Concluding the "Earth" storyline and kicking this fantastic limited series into it's final story arc (the series will finish it's story in issue #24- but then by time you hit this issue you really get the feeling that the end is near), we have Dara kicking ass with the sword, getting torn up and concluding her epic battle with the mountain.

If you haven't been reading this series- definitely do yourself a favor and check it out- it's easily the best Image comic currently. The first two story arcs, "Fire" and "Water" are in trade already, and I'm sure this one won't be far behind.

(and, yes, this actually came out a couple weeks ago, but I only managed to get my copy this week)

Star Wars: Knights of the old Republic #43: The series dives into it's new story arc as Zayne and Jarael begin their efforts to take down the Crucible slaver syndicate. Really looks to be setting up an interesting arc. John Jackson Miller has rarely, if ever, steered us wrong with KOTOR since it launched 3.5 years ago. I prefer Legacy as a series and Invasion as a concept more, but KOTOR is still a flagship title.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars #7: Continuing their series of stories inspired by the current 3D animated Clone Wars TV series, this kicks off a new storyline focusing on Plo Koon, Kit Fisto and a young Ozzel as they attempt to retake a planet with vital resources to the war effort.

Outside of the somewhat cliche'd portrayal of Ozzel always being wrong, this issue was a huge improvement over the last storyline, which was kinda spotty and only had 1 or 2 really good issues out of the 6 issue arc. So that bodes well for this arc.

It's still the weakest of the Star Wars line, but it's obviously aimed at a younger segment of the fanbase/market than the mainstream SW titles like KOTOR & Legacy.

Farscape: D'Argo's Lament #4: I picked this one up this week, but I'm an issue or two behind on the Farscape comics, so I'll get back to commenting on this one later. I do expect good things from it, as the first few issues of the Farscape series have been solid.

Chicago Comic-Con Benefit Auction for John Ostrander

Ostrander is one of my favorite comic authors, having authored the highly acclaimed Quinlan Vos arc of Dark Horse's Clone Wars run of the Star Wars: Republic series, as well as creating the radical Star Wars: Legacy series.

He's also known for writing other titles such as Grimjack, Suicide Squad & The Spectre, as well as turning Barbara Gordon from Batgirl into Oracle.

He's also been great with fan interaction, posting frequently on the JC and Dark Horse messageboards, amongst others. So I wanted to return the favor by making note of this news piece.

Even though only a few people I know are even reading this blog at this early stage, and probably even fewer care (and if you don't, don't feel bad- I'm not trying to guilt-trip anyone, just passing on the info to those who might want to know), I figured for those of you who are familiar with (or might have heard of) his work might be inclined to assist.

An auction will be held at the Chicago Comic-Con (nee Wizard World Chicago) the evening of Saturday, August 8, 2009 to raise funds for comics veteran John Ostrander, who is undergoing a series of operations and medical treatments to fight off blindness.

A 27-year veteran of the comics field, Ostrander, has long been suffering from glaucoma. Recently, John underwent a series of operations that might have saved his remaining eyesight. Progress has been made but he faces considerably more treatment in the months ahead.

To help Ostrander cover his costs, a committee has been organized called Comix4Sight. Solicitations for the benefit auction have gone out, and the response from the comics community has been overwhelming.

Original art, signed scripts, comics memorabilia, autographed books and similar items are being donated to the auction. “Within the first 24 hours we’ve received pledges of contributions including original art and signed books by Howard Chaykin, David Lloyd, Dave Sim, Norm Breyfogle, Dick Giordano, Dennis O’Neil, Hilary Barta, Kevin Van Hook, Mark Badger, Michael Davis, Rick Stasi, Paul Gulacy, Joe Landsdale, and, of course, John’s GrimJack collaborator Timothy Truman. We’re getting commitments every day,” committee co-chairperson Adriane Nash stated.

Contributions can be made through PayPal at www.comix4sight.com or by sending a check to:
Mike Gold and Adriane Nash
arrogantMGMS
304 Main Avenue, #194
Norwalk, CT 06851

Full Article

Natalie Portman cast as Jane Foster in Thor

Natalie Portman will be playing Jane Foster in the upcoming Thor movie. Jane was a nurse who was an early love interest for Thor in the comics, but who will be updated in some manner for the film adaptation.

Marvel's press release describes the film's plot:
Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of superhero: THOR. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film (due out May 20, 2011) will feature Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and will be part of the ongoing Marvel film universe alongside Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Captain America s they build towards an Avengers film.

It'll be interesting to see how she plays into things, since word has it they're seemingly taking the Ultimate Thor approach of not using Dr. Donald Blake as an alter-ego for Thor- at least not until towards the end of the movie, as a means to connect it to the Avengers movie.

It's an interesting choice. Portman can certainly act, but she tends to do better in more grounded or deeply dramatic material that she, presumably, can better relate to (Garden State or V For Vendetta, for example), while her track record with more fantastical material has been a little spotty (the Star Wars prequels, though granted she had to deal with some horrific dialogue there). Kenneth should be a good directing match for her, though, so i think she'll do a good job.

Ryan Reynolds is also the Green Lantern?

Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan, The Green Lantern.

Well, that's something no one saw coming.

So, not only will Ryan be playing the Marvel character he was destined to play (see him in the otherwise-awful Blade Trinity for proof), Deadpool (which he originated, albeit in a massively bastardized form, in this summer's X-Men Origins: Wolverine), he'll also be playing the DC's Green Lantern (easily the most accessible character outside of Batman in the DC universe) in the upcoming film adaptation.

Advanced word on the script has been very positive, and Ryan's been one of those actors on the verge of breaking out for years- he's just needed the right vehicle (and, to quote "Soontir-Fel" (addressing the world in general), " Not only is he Hal Jordan, he also has abs you could cut diamonds on, and has sex with Scarlett Johansson! He is pretty much better than you in every way!")

So, as long as this doesn't interfere with him playing Deadpool in the Deadpool movie (which is only just announced in development, so with GL commencing filming within the next 6 months, it shouldn't), this bodes well. But he's gotta play the 'pool!