Movie Review: SPY X FAMILY: Code White (Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures)
Brian Isaacs - Executive Editor / Publisher (more…)
VALIANT FRANCHISE “ARCHER & ARMSTRONG” HEADED TO BIG SCREEN
Newsdesk Award-winning, multi-million selling comic coming to film from Valiant developed and financed script
As revealed exclusively at the Hollywood Reporter, New York-based comic book publisher Valiant Entertainment today announced that they are adapting their award-winning comic book series, ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, into a feature film. Valiant has partnered with the Sean Daniel Company (THE MUMMY, BEST MAN HOLIDAY, MGM’s upcoming BEN-HUR) for the production and has funded a script from writer BenDavid Grabinski. The film will be produced by Sean Daniel, Jason Brown, and Dinesh Shamdasani.
ARCHER & ARMSTRONG is an action-adventure/buddy comedy colliding a drunk, delinquent immortal who has given up on saving the world and the idealistic young man who needs him for a globetrotting quest to stop history’s oldest conspiracy from toppling modern civilization.
Co-created by former Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter (AVENGERS), and legendary comics creators Barry Windsor-Smith (CONAN) and Bob Layton (IRON MAN), Archer & Armstrong first appeared in 1992 and quickly became one of the most successful comic book franchises in history, selling more than 4.5 million copies worldwide. With a devoted following that stretches around the globe, Ain’t It Cool News has called Archer & Armstrong “the best buddy team book of all time,” adding that “not since Batman & Robin has a more important duo hit the comic world.”
Most recently, Valiant re-launched the property with a new series in 2012 to an immediate worldwide sell-out and rave reviews. The series’ debut issue garnered three printings; earned numerous awards and accolades; and was named as one of the Best Comics of 2012 by Crave Online and Bloody Disgusting, as one of the Best Comics of 2013 by Comic Book Resources, and was nominated for Best New Comic Series of 2012 by IGN.
“ARCHER & ARMSTRONG is one of the greatest untapped franchises in comics, and BenDavid’s script is delivering a vision for these characters that has made us all very, very excited,” said Sean Daniel. “The movie is about the relationship between these two amazing characters, the comic clash between optimism and pessimism, and how family is the most important unifier. It combines globe-spanning action with BenDavid’s singular sense of humor, and is rooted in resonant themes that give it a powerful emotional core.”
Founded in 1989, Valiant experienced a meteoric rise in the 1990s, selling 80 million comic books and quickly becoming the number three publisher in the comic book industry. One of the few companies to ever rival Marvel and DC in popularity and market share, Valiant re-launched its universe of characters to tremendous commercial and critical success in 2012. The company previously announced that SHADOWMAN, another award-winning franchise from Valiant’s library of more than 1,750 comic book characters, was being adapted into a feature film. Screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski (THOR, WORLD WAR Z, and the upcoming SENSE8 for Netflix) has been hired to adapt SHADOWMAN with Valiant funding and producing alongside the Sean Daniel Company. Additionally, BLOODSHOT – another Valiant property with sales in excess of 7 million copies to date – has been optioned by Sony Pictures with Matthew Vaughn (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS) attached and a script by Jeff Wadlow (KICK-ASS 2). Valiant has partnered with Original Film for the project. Neal Moritz, Toby Jaffe and Dinesh Shamdasani are producing.
BenDavid Grabinski, writer of SKIPTRACE with Jackie Chan and Seann William Scott starring, also previously wrote an untitled project for Peter Berg (LONE SURVIVOR), as well as CON ED for Alcon Entertainment; SWIFT for Sony Pictures; and THE HOW-TO GUIDE FOR SAVING THE WORLD for MGM with Barry Sonnenfeld (MEN IN BLACK) directing, which was featured on the Black List.
ARCHER & ARMSTRONG joins a highly anticipated slate of upcoming feature film and television projects at the Sean Daniel Company, including THE MUMMY reboot for Universal in 2016, BEN-HUR for Paramount/MGM with director Timur Bekmambetov (WANTED) also in 2016, and THE EXPANSE, which received a straight-to-series commitment from the Syfy channel and is based on the New York Times bestselling series of novels by James S.A. Corey.
“We couldn’t have more apt partners than Sean Daniel – who, as an executive at Universal, shepherded the seminal movies in the genre in BLUES BROTHERS, MIDNIGHT RUN, and ANIMAL HOUSE – and BenDavid Grabinski, who just turned in a truly awesome adaptation,” said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. “We’re bringing the same quality and creativity that established our success in comics to our film and television adaptations. SHADOWMAN, BLOODSHOT, and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG are just the beginning.”
Hasbro’s Star Wars Hero Series Millennium Falcon Vehicle–Walmart Exclusive!
Hasbro’s Star Wars Hero Series Millennium Falcon will be available later this Fall, exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.
STAR WARS® HERO SERIES MILLENNIUM FALCON Vehicle
(Ages: 4 & up/ Approximate retail price: $59.99/ Available: November 2014)
One of the most iconic STAR WARS vehicles of all time, in a scale that has to be seen to be believed! The massive STAR WARS HERO SERIES MILLENNIUM FALCON is ready for even bigger battles, and is sure to become a collection centerpiece for kids. The massive ship is over 2 feet long and features a rotating radar dish and a cannon that turns and elevates! Available exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.
Clay Mann Goes Valiant Exclusive for X-O MANOWAR #0 – A New Milestone Coming in October!
Plus: UNITY #0 by Matt Kindt & Cary Nord!
In the wake of the sold-out success of Valiant’s blockbuster crossover event, ARMOR HUNTERS, Valiant is proud to announce that superstar artist Clay Mann has signed on as the publisher’s next exclusive artist for X-O MANOWAR #0 – the first of two fan-demanded, must-read zero issues that will serve as all-new introductions to Valiant’s biggest ongoing series this fall!
Also joining X-O MANOWAR #0 on store shelves, look for UNITY #0 – a brand new tale revealing the top secret origins of Valiant’s elite superteam from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (THE VALIANT, RAI) and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR)!
First, on October 8th, the true story of Aric of Dacia – aka the unstoppable X-O Manowar – will stand revealed in X-O MANOWAR #0, an essential new jumping-on point for Valiant’s flagship hero from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (ARMOR HUNTERS, Green Lantern) and Valiant’s newest exclusive superstar Clay Mann (X-Men: Age of X)!
Known for his action-packed and kinetic work on titles including X-Men, X-Men: Legacy, Indestructible Hulk, and Gambit, X-O MANOWAR #0 will mark Mann’s first work for Valiant. Mann is the latest in a recent string of high-profile additions to the publisher’s roster of creators, including Jeff Lemire (THE VALIANT), Paolo Rivera (THE VALIANT), and Rafa Sandoval (HARBINGER: OMEGAS), and joins a stable of other acclaimed, Valiant-exclusive writers and artists that includes Doug Braithwaite (ARMOR HUNTERS), CAFU (UNITY), Joshua Dysart (ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER, HARBINGER: OMEGAS), Clayton Henry (HARBINGER, ARCHER & ARMSTRONG), Trevor Hairsine (ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT), Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR), and Brian Reber (UNITY, X-O MANOWAR).
After narrowly surviving the events of ARMOR HUNTERS, X-O Manowar – or what is left of him – must look to the future, but, to do so, Aric must first learn the startling secret of his past. Be here on October 8th to learn the violent, never-before-told origin of Visigoth life under the brutality of the Roman Empire, and how the modern day’s most feared armored hero began his journey to the stars nearly two millennia ago. Don’t miss the most demanded Valiant story of the year as Robert Venditti and Clay Mann usher in a brand new beginning for one of the most acclaimed series in comics today, only in X-O MANOWAR #0!
Then, on October 15th, Valiant all-stars Matt Kindt and Cary Nord come together to reveal the classified history of Valiant’s biggest heroes – then…now..and forever – in UNITY #0!
The unbreakable all-star superteam known as UNITY has saved the planet, and the world is in its debt…but is this the first time a band of exceptional heroes and soldiers has rescued humanity from a doomsday threat? The Eternal Warrior remembers…and, one hundred years ago, he led another team of valiant champions on a life-or-death mission that changed the very course of history. Now, for the first time, find out why the world needs UNITY…and there has always been one to stand against the threats no ordinary team could match!
This October, start at the beginning to discover two of the most incredible series on the stands today in X-O MANOWAR #0 and UNITY #0 – two perfect introductions to the mind-blowing world of Valiant’s heroes and villains!
For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.
For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.
X-O MANOWAR #0
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CLAY MANN
Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Cover B by CLAY MANN
Variant Cover by JEFF LEMIRE
Variant Cover by BRYAN HITCH
$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
COMING IN OCTOBER!
UNITY #0
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by RAUL ALLEN
Variant Cover by CHRISCROSS
Variant Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
COMING IN OCTOBER!
Marvel Comics ‘Guardians of the Galaxy #17’ Variant Comic At Chicago Comic Con
VIP Attendees Receive Free Copy At Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, August 21-24; Continues Year-long Series In Which Marvel Offers Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows
Wizard World fans have been anticipating the August release of the feature film Guardians of the Galaxy for months. Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today revealed the latest edition of its 2014 series of exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles with the unveiling of Guardians of the Galaxy #17, drawn by Spanish native Alvaro Martinez. Just in time to celebrate the blockbuster movie, VIP attendees at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 21-24 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration.
Martinez is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.
The exclusive version of Guardians of the Galaxy #17 will be limited to 4,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World Chicago Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages.
The cover features several Guardians characters, including Drax the Destroyer, portrayed by Dave Bautista, who will be a guest at the event on Saturday, August 23, and available to autograph copies of the comic. Castmates Karen Gillan (“Nebula”) and Michael Rooker (“Yondu”) are also scheduled to attend the show.
“I love how the Guardians of the Galaxy #17 Chicago Comic Con Exclusive came out,” said Bautista. “It’s an honor to see Drax on the cover and I look forward to signing for the fans in Chicago.”
Martinez’s work follows the first eight entries in the Wizard World variant cover series: Miracleman #1 and Miracleman #2, both drawn by Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams for Wizard World Portland Comic Con (Jan. 24-26) and New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9), respectively; Wolverine #1, illustrated by noted cover artist Greg Horn, for Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con (March 7-9); Daredevil #1 by Michael Golden for Wizard World Louisville Comic Con (March 28-30); Wolverine & The X-Men #1 by David Mack for Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con (April 4-6); Hulk #1 by Mike Grell for Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con (May 2-4); Amazing Spider-Man #1 by John Tyler Christopher for Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con (May 30 – June 1) and Amazing Spider-Man #1.2 by J.G. Jones for Philadelphia Comic Con (June 19-22). Jorge Molina has completed a cover of 100th Anniversary X-Men Special #1 scheduled for San Antonio Comic Con (Aug. 1-3).
“Just in time for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy comes this stunning cover from Alvaro Martinez,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “We’re excited to bring this cover exclusively to attendees of the show & give them something special they can get signed by some of the stars of the upcoming film!”
Martinez has worked on numerous Marvel titles, including Cataclysm: Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Comics X-Men and Iron Man Annual Vol. 5. The native of northern Spain (Cantabria) previously drew Harbinger #10 and Archer & Armstrong #9, gaining the attention of Marvel.
“We are pleased to welcome Alvaro Martinez to the Wizard World family and are particularly excited that his excellent Guardians cover is timed so well with the release of the film,” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “Having Drax, Dave Bautista’s character, on the cover with him attending our event is an extra special treat for VIP attendees.”
With some new faces on the team, it might be time for the Guardians to have a little team-building vacation. Or, you know, they could keep fighting alien warlords and galactic empires. Guess they’ll have to plan that team-building retreat for next month. Writer: Brian Michael Bendis; Artist: Ed McGuinness.
In addition to Bautista (WWE Superstar Batista), Gillan (“Doctor Who”) and Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), David Boreanaz (“Bones,” “Angel”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” Boondock Saints), Matt Smith (“Doctor Who,”), Katie Cassidy (“Arrow”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker”), WWE® Superstar John Cena® and comics legend Stan Lee are among the celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, the Midwest’s largest pop culture event. It is the 10th of 16 events in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.
For more on the 2014 Wizard Chicago Comic Con, go to http://www.wizd.me/ChicagoPR.
MARVEL PROUDLY PRESENTS “THOR”
Marvel is excited to announce an all-new era for the God of Thunder in brand new series, THOR, written by Jason Aaron (Thor: God of Thunder, Original Sin) complimented with art from Russell Dauterman (Cyclops).
This October, Marvel Comics evolves once again in one of the most shocking and exciting changes ever to shake one of Marvel’s “big three” – Captain America, Iron Man and Thor – Marvel Comics will be introducing an all-new THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. No longer is the classic male hero able to hold the mighty hammer, Mjölnir, a brand new female hero will emerge will who will be worthy of the name THOR. Who is she? Where did she come from and what is her connection to Asgard and the Marvel Universe?
“The inscription on Thor’s hammer reads ‘Whosoever holds this hammer, if HE be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.’ Well it’s time to update that inscription,” says Marvel editor Wil Moss. “The new Thor continues Marvel’s proud tradition of strong female characters like Captain Marvel, Storm, Black Widow and more. And this new Thor isn’t a temporary female substitute – she’s now the one and only Thor, and she is worthy!”
Series writer Jason Aaron emphasizes, “This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before.”
THOR is the latest in the ever-growing and long list of female-centric titles that continues to invite new readers into the Marvel Universe. This female THOR is the 8th title to feature a lead female protagonist and aims to speak directly to an audience that long was not the target for Super Hero comic books in America: women and girls.
For more on all things Marvel, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marvel and be sure to stop back continuously to see what everyone is saying about Marvel’s latest news.
Also, join Marvel this year at San Diego Comic-Con and for more on Marvel’s latest announcements please visit Marvel.com. Join the conversation on Twitter with #MarvelSDCC and don’t forget to follow us at @Marvel.
THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES TEAM UP WITH THE GHOSTBUSTERS TO SAVE THE (UN)KNOWN UNIVERSE!
The Crossover 30 Years In The Making Comes To IDW
Two teams of legendary heroes will join forces this fall to save New York City and the world from the paranormal and the monstrous when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cross paths with the Ghostbusters! With both franchises celebrating their 30th anniversaries this year, it’s never been better time to team up Proton Packs with Ninjutsu!
Transported to a different universe by a faulty invention, the TMNT find themselves in a New York City much like their own, but with one major exception: a rampant ghost problem! If that weren’t enough, the Turtles and their reluctant new hosts, the Ghostbusters, soon find that the Turtles didn’t come alone…
The crossover is written by two talented creators who couldn’t be better acquainted with these unique franchises — Tom Waltz and Erik Burnham. In addition to writing the ongoing Turtles series at IDW, Waltz has also served as editor for the ongoing Ghostbusters series, written by Burnham who, in turn, co-wrote the critically acclaimed series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret History of The Foot Clan.
“A couple of years ago, Tom Waltz and I chatted like the fans we are about how insanely fun this crossover would be if we ever got the chance to write it,” said series co-writer Erik Burnham. “As I sit here today, my excitement level is at eleven.”
“This is an idea that Erik, series editor Bobby Curnow, and I have bounced off each other for quite a while,” said series co-writer Tom Waltz. “And being as deeply entrenched in both properties as the three of us are gives us a unique perspective on how to bring them together. And what better time to do it than during the combined 30th year anniversary celebration?”
“Both Ghostbusters and Turtles are fun, funny and just a little bit weird,” said Curnow. “So putting the two together is a natural choice, especially when you consider the fact that Tom and Erik have worked on both properties for years. This one should be an absolute blast!”
Long-time Ghostbusters artist Dan Schoening will take on cover and interior art duties. Currently showing off the immensity of his talents in the Ghostbusters arc “Mass Hysteria,” Schoening has proven his ability to give this special mini-series the epic scale it deserves. Issue #1 will sport a variant cover by T-Rex Jones, who has provided covers to both series at IDW.
Actively hoped for by fans for years, this epic four-issue event kicks off this October!
Archaia and David Petersen Announce New ‘Mouse Guard’ Collection
Archaia, an award-winning imprint of publisher BOOM! Studios, and Eisner Award-winning writer and artist David Petersen are excited to announce MOUSE GUARD: BALDWIN THE BRAVE AND OTHER TALES, a new MOUSE GUARD hardcover collection coming to shops in November.
MOUSE GUARD is the much-celebrated series of 8″ x 8″ comics created by Petersen and first published by Archaia in early 2006. Since then, the series has earned several Eisner Award and Harvey Award nominations and wins, and three of the collected MOUSE GUARD collections placed on The New York Times best-sellers list for hardcover graphic books.
In MOUSE GUARD, mice struggle to live safely and prosper among all of the world’s harsh conditions and predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed. They are not simply soldiers that fight off intruders; rather, they are guides for commonmice looking to journey without confrontation from one hidden mouse village to another. The Guard patrol borders, find safeways and paths through dangerous territories and treacherous terrain, watch weather patterns, and keep the mouse territories free of predatory infestation. They do so with fearless dedication so that they might not just exist, but truly live.
MOUSE GUARD: BALDWIN THE BRAVE AND OTHER TALES collects the four Free Comic Book Day MOUSE GUARD short stories that have been published thus far (2011-2014), plus two, new stories.
MARVEL ANNOUNCES STAR WARS™ OMNIBUS: “STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS”
In 1977 a phenomenon dawned. Marvel Comics published the very first STAR WARS comic-book series. Now, the House of Ideas is re-presenting those original adventures in its over-sized Omnibus format – STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS collecting STAR WARS (1977) #1-44 and ANNUAL #1.
It’s the return of the Jedi to Marvel in an opening volume that begins with Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and ends with Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. In between, the rebels face a wealth of new perils — from space pirate Crimson Jack to the bounty hunter Beilert Valance, as well as a surprisingly svelte Jabba the Hut (one “t”). Luke goes back to Tatooine, Leia battles alone, Han and Chewie play the deadly Big Game, and Darth Vader hunts for answers! Revisit all your old favorites and discover some new ones!
There’s no doubt, the Force is strong with this collection!
“With Star Wars poised to return to its comic book home, what better time to revisit the first adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and, of course, Darth Vader?” says Marvel Editor In Chief, Axel Alonso. “I am extremely proud to present these original Star Wars stories, told as only Marvel can, in the first in a massive and glorious Omnibus series.”
STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS comes out of lightspeed in January 2015 and is written by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Archie Goodwin, Jo Duffy & Chris Claremont, with pencils by Howard Chaykin, Carmine Infantino, Walter Simonson, Herb Trimpe, Michael Golden, Al Williamson and Mike Vosburg. Each copy of STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS will also be wrapped in a glorious covers by Howard Chaykin and Greg Hilderbrandt.
For more on Star Wars please visit marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with #starwars. To experience Star Wars online, visit StarWars.com or follow Star Wars on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.
STAR WARS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC CHAYKIN COVER
WRITTEN BY ROY THOMAS, HOWARD CHAYKIN, ARCHIE GOODWIN, JO DUFFY & CHRIS CLAREMONT
PENCILED BY HOWARD CHAYKIN, CARMINE INFANTINO, WALTER SIMONSON, HERB TRIMPE,
MICHAEL GOLDEN, AL WILLIAMSON & MIKE VOSBURG
COVERS BY HOWARD CHAYKIN & GREG HILDEBRANDT
880 PGS./Rated T …$125.00
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9106-3
STAR WARS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC HILDEBRANDT COVER (DM ONLY)
880 PGS./Rated T …$125
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9318-0
© 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. Used under authorization. All rights reserved.
JG Jones Goes BOOM!
BOOM! Studios is proud to announce they will work with superstar artist JG Jones on a new project, coming in 2015. In a career spanning 20 years, the illustrator has been a perennial favorite of fans, having worked with some of the best writers in the business, including Mark Millar, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Brian Azzarello on such celebrated titles like Wanted, Y: The Last Man, and Avengers. BOOM! is excited to welcome JG to the family!
Batman: Assault on Arkham – Opening Scene
Warner Home Entertainment has released the opening scene from the upcoming Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham will have its World Premiere on Friday, July 25 at Comic-Con International. Produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the next entry in the DC Universe Original Movie series will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital HD on July 29, and on Blu-ray Combo Park on August 12.
Check out the first 98 seconds of the film! It features the voices of Matthew Gray Gubler (Criminal Minds) as the Riddler, and CCH Pounder (E.R., The Shield, Warehouse 13) as Amanda Waller.