Central City Comics Blog: Comics Talk

Batman-Year One Blu-Ray

Batman Year One:

64 min  -  Animation   -  18 October 2011 (USA)
Blu-Ray and DVD Release

Batman: Year One is a 2011 animated superhero film based on the four-issue story arc Batman: Year One printed in 1987. It premiered at Comic-Con on July 22 and was officially released October 18, 2011. The film was directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu. It is the 12th film released under the DC Universe Animated Original Movies banner and was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital copy.

It really caught the feeling of the Frank Miller Batman story.  Bruce Wayne returns home to Gotham City from training abroad in martial arts, man-hunting, and science for the past 12 years, and James Gordon moves to Gotham with his wife, Barbara, after a transfer from Chicago. Both are swiftly acquainted with the corruption and violence of Gotham City, with Gordon witnessing his partner Detective Flass assaulting a teen for fun. The film is about their relationship and how it developed in the first year of Batman and James Gordon as Lieutenant in in the corrupt Gotham Police Department. It shows the human side of both Bruce Wayne and James Gordon and how they deal with the crisis’s in their life that made them what they are in the Batman legacy. How they deal with sins of the past and the honor of making the right decision. Both tough men in a tough world of crime and hypocrisy in high areas of Gotham City.

For the Batman fan is a must see setting the ground work of the Dark Knight of Gotham City. Well done DC Universe Animated Original Movie. Still around for you viewing pleasure. Check out the trailer below and buy your copy. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

The Twelve Marvel Comics

The Twelve is an American comic book limited series from Marvel Comics, which the company announced in July 2007 would run twelve issues beginning spring 2008, with the creative team of writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Chris Weston. The series stars 12 obscure characters from Marvel’s earliest incarnation as Timely Comics from the 1940s period historians and fans call the Golden Age of Comic Books.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski said in July 2007 that the story concerns 12 superhumans randomly kidnapped by the Nazis during World War II in order to study their powers for the Nazis’ “Master Race” efforts. The superhumans were put in cryonic suspended-animation until the present day, when a construction project in Berlin, Germany inadvertently uncovers them. The series explores the culture shock of people from the 1940s being revived in the present day. “I wanted to explore their reactions to us, and our reactions to them … what was good about the World War II period that we lost, and what was not so good about it that we’ve eliminated in all but them”.

The Twelve 1

In early 2009, Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada said the series was put “on hold” after issue #8 (Nov. 2008) because of Straczynski’s increased demand as a screenwriter after the success of Changeling, and artist Weston’s having taken on conceptual art and storyboarding on a separate film project.  Recently Marvel has announced that the series will be completed in 2012, many fans of the project will be happy about that. Marvel has released schedule and cover art info for THE TWELVE, the 12 issue miniseries. In order for newcomers to catch up, they’ll be offering a colelction of the first 6 issues, a must have of issues 7 and 8 and then the rest of the series twice monthly starting in February.

Media Release: The Twelve, one of the most critically-acclaimed comic series in years, makes its dramatic return this January, taking comic shops everywhere by storm once more! Superstar creators J Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston kick the new year off in style as the two conclude their pulse-pounding story of World War IIs super heroes awakened in the modern day and struggle to adapt. Except they’ll have to work fast as a threat hurdles their way that could destroy them all!

“It’s taken a long while, but finally, FINALLY, the balance of The Twelve has been completed and we’re ready to ship it all to our long-suffering fans,” said Tom Brevoort, SVP/Executive Editor. “We appreciate everybody’s patience, and both hope and expect that the conclusion will live up to the wait. And for folks who missed out the first time, we’re making it easy to get back on board no matter how much or how little of the previous 8 issues you may have already read, though the release of the softcover TPB of the first six issues, and a Marvel Must-Have containing #7 & 8. So you’ve got no excuse not to experience one of the best reviewed, best beloved and long-awaited series Marvel has ever produced as it reaches its ultimate climax.”  No fan can miss any of Marvel’s Twelve in 2012, including these releases:

• The Twelve Vol.1 TPB—on-sale in January 2012
• The Twelve: Marvel Must Have #1—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #9—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #10—on-sale in February 2012
• The Twelve #11- March 2012
• The Twelve #12—April 2012

Twelve Cover TPB

Twelve 10 Cover

Twelve 9 Cover

Now, the Twelve must survive the greatest enemy they’ve ever faced—one of their own. But how—and why—has this happened? Don’t miss the return of The Twelve, beginning in January 2012.

The 21st century will never be the same with these characters loose. Catch up on what you missed in this great series and enjoy comics at there best. Just maybe it was worth the wait. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Star Trek 2

From Albert Ching media release: Variety reported on Friday that Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro is director J.J. Abrams’ choice for the villain of the much-anticipated Star Trek sequel. The trade magazine says that Del Toro has met with Abrams about the part, which is currently being kept a secret — perhaps, even to Del Toro. Now, the natural speculation is that the role wouldn’t be kept a secret unless it was someone that fans would identify — with the obvious implication being Khan Noonien Singh, previously portrayed by the late Ricardo Montalban and one of the most recognizable Star Trek foes thanks to 1982′s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (the second film in that franchise). If true, this would make good on our two-and-a-half-year-old request to make Khan the villain of the Abrams-helmed sequel. Of course, there’s every chance that Del Toro is being targeted to play someone else from the Star Trek mythos or an entirely new character, so feel free to speculate as wildly as you feel is apt. Odds are the details of this situation will shake out sooner rather than later — the sequel is expected to start production early next year.

Paramount has yet to pick a new release date for the Star Trek sequel which should start shooting in January 2012. TrekMovie sources indicate that a decision has not been made and that it is in the hands of Paramount. The Star Trek team are ready for either of the choices on the table: holiday 2012 or summer 2013. I am sure that they will pick a date that gives the most bang for their buck. Look forward to seeing this re adaptation of the early Star Trek stories. We get to relive the adventures again for those who were there and for those who were not it will be a wonderful first time experience.  See you at the movies, stay tuned movie faithful for more. Walt

Continuing what appears to be a week-long line of Fantastic Four/FF-related teasers, Marvel follows the release of yesterday’s Black Bolt image with a shot of Negative Zone tyrant Annihilus as illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Emblazoned above the world conqueror and his insectoid minions is the phrase “I don’t think we can kill Annihilus.”

What does Hickman have planned for this milestone issue? We have the teaser covers to go on at this point. All the players are there to make it a great story. However, early speculation in the comic community is that Johnny Storm may just return from the dead and return Marvel’s first family to it’s traditional lineup. Of course, this is all assumption and theory at this point. We’ll have to wait until November to find out if the issue is ‘FF’ #12 or ‘Fantastic Four’ #600.

FANTASTIC FOUR #600
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by STEVE EPTING, LEINIL YU, CARMINE DIGIANDOMENICO, FAREL DALRYMPLE & MING DOYLE
Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
ON SALE 11/22/11

FF #12
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Art by JUAN BOBILLO
Cover by STEVE EPTING
ON SALE – 11/30/11

Annihilus

Galactus

Black Bolt

Action Comics #1

As said by Matt Fraction this is “the most important $412 dollars in comics history,” the check written to a young Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, in part, for the rights to Superman, has surfaced among the items for an upcoming auction.This check, written March 1, 1938, by Detective Comics Publisher Jack Liebowitz, has been key to several legal and moral disputes, the first beginning barely a year after its signing. (Bleeding Cool notes an April 6, 1939, stamp on the back for the U.S. District Court of New York, suggesting it was entered as evidence in DC’s copyright-infringement lawsuit against Bruns Publications over the Will Eisner-created Wonder Man.)

Of the $412, $130 was for the rights to Superman; the remaining $282 was in payment for stories contributed to Detective Comics, Adventure Comics and More Fun Comics. It’s worth pointing out that Liebowitz managed to misspell the last names of both Siegel and Shuster, leading them to sign twice on the back. The check will be among the items from Siegel’s personal collection auctioned Nov. 14-30 by Comic Connect. Other memorabilia include Siegel’s favorite suit and tie, clumps of his hair, his personal typewriter and a Superman script.

“Much has been made of the original 1938 $130 payment to Jerome Siegel and Joe Shuster,” Comic Connect said in a statement. “Did DC Comics take advantage of two eager young men looking for their big break in the comic business or was this unequivocally fair business practice between comic book writers and publishers in a 1938 America? Whatever you believe, the $130 check is the symbol of this debate for the ages.” Information from the CBR Website.

The argument is on going. Did the check pay for the rights to the character himself or was it a payment for story material and the rights to use Superman in future stories. Did Jerome Siegel and Joe Shuster still retain the rights Superman or did they sell it outright. The courts are still arguing that. The deal was more lucrative than the people buying Manhattan Island from the American Indians. However you feel about the deal it is very interesting that the items are going for auction when the fate of Superman is in the air. If the families involved get the full rights the next check for the rights to Superman could boggle the mind. DC has already lost some rights to Superman. Where will it end. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Siegel-Shuster side2

Siegel-Shuster Side1

Point One #1 Cover Kubert

Media Release — The foundation of 2012 is here! Kicking off in Point One #1, by the biggest names in the industry, fans can get the inside track to the hottest new series, the return of fan-demanded characters and a teaser that will leave jaws on the floor…demanding more! With legendary artist Adam Kubert and rising star artist Nick Bradshaw providing awe inspiring covers, no fan can miss Point One #1 – this November!

“Point One is a massive one-shot of 64 all-new pages of story by the top creators in the business, setting the stage for the biggest stories coming in 2012. It is the starting point to what’s in store for the world’s most iconic characters and startling events. Point One serves as the launch pad for dynamic new series, the return of fan-demanded characters, and a shocking teaser that will have everyone talking. See how all it comes together in one gigantic epic!” – Tom Brevoort, Senior Vice President, Executive Editor

POINT ONE #1
Written by JEPH LOEB, BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS, MATT FRACTION, ED BRUBAKER, FRED VAN LENTE, CHRIS YOST, DAVID LAPHAM & MORE
Art by ED MCGUINNESS, BRYAN HITCH, TERRY DODSON, SALVADOR LARROCA, RYAN STEGMAN, JAVIER PULIDO, ROBERTO DE LA TORRE & MORE
Cover by ADAM KUBERT (NOT FINAL COVER ART SHOWN)
Variant Cover by NICK BRADSHAW
ON SALE – 11/2/11

Here it is the new major series from Marvel. They are still cleaning up the the Fear Itself story and now the lead into 2012 with Point One the series involving the Watcher and what looks like the Phoenix entity. Another world changer for Marvel. But that how it is in the Superhero Marvel Universe, never a dull moment.  Just when you thought you could get a breather another threat to the universe. This one has all the talent and fire power that Marvel can dish out. Make sure you put your $4 or $5 away for this one if you are a Marvel go getter. Stay tuned Comic faithful for more. Walt

Point One #1 Cover Bradshaw

ITS COMING

Green Lantern Animated Series

Since the original DC Animated Universe, which began with “Batman: The Animated Series,” ended with “Justice League Unlimited” in 2006, executive producer Bruce Timm has continued to tell stories with DC Comics characters by way of the DC Universe Animated line of direct-to-video titles. In that time, series including “Batman: The Brave and The Bold” and “Young Justice” kept the DC heroes on TV screens, but next year marks Timm’s return to series television with “Green Lantern: The Animated Series.”

Green Lantern, a DC Comics mainstay for more than 70 years, will be seen in an entirely new way when Warner Bros. Animation’s Green Lantern: The Animated Series — from world-renowned producer, artist and animator Bruce Timm comes to Cartoon Network in a one-hour special event. With stunning, stylized CG animation, Green Lantern: The Animated Series takes viewers on a journey of cosmic proportions as Hal Jordan and his band of heroes fight to save the universe. The special premieres Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. (ET, PT) as a precursor to the series debuting on Cartoon Network next year as part of the new DC Nation programming block.

This is one for the Green Lantern fans to check out DC and Bruce Timm at their best. It is great to see the DC Animated series come back to Television and bring us the inter galactic stories about Green Lantern. Set your TV DVR, made this for all ages. Looks like classic Hal Jordan cocky and taking chances to save the universe from the bad guys. This looks great please check out the video in this article. Let us know what you think. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Fear Itself #7

This is it! This year’s blockbuster comics event from Marvel Architects Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen, comes to its cataclysmic finale in FEAR ITSELF #7! Left defenseless and on their own, Earth’s Mightiest must dig deep for one last assault on The Serpent and the Worthy! Luckily, from the depths of Asgard, Iron Man returns with a last-chance arsenal that will transform the Avengers into the Mighty! Earth’s last hope has arrived – but not everyone will make it out alive. Catch the action packed, double-sized conclusion of Fear Itself this October – filled with extras that no fan can miss!

Tony Stark return from the depths with a last-chance arsenal will transform the Avengers from Earth’s Mightiest Heroes…into Earth’s Last Hope! It’s THOR’S DAY– the day that everything ends! Double sized Finale with a little something extra for keen eye. 56 PGS.

Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by STUART IMMONEN
Cover by STEVE McNIVEN
Variant Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Variant Cover by BILLY TAN

This is the end of Marvel’s Big Event for 2011 coming this week. A gigantic story written by Matt Fraction. If nothing else it really keeps you guessing. With the return of Odin as the “All Father” and head of Asgard things have changed dramatically for the Marvel Universe. Thor’s fate is in doubt along with humanity and Asgard. One last battle with the Worthy Against the Mighty, Thor against the Serpent, it doesn’t get any better than this. A must read for all Marvel fans to see if the universe will survive Fear Itself or be changed forever. Look at the preview provided here for my readers (Click Image For Full Size). Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

The Mighty

pg2

pg3

pg4

pg5

pg6

pg7

Justice League The New 52

Media Release — DC Comics – the home of Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman – is experiencing its best comic books sales in more than 20 years, following a historic renumbering of all DC Comics titles with 52 all-new first issues. With sales of more than 5 million copies in only six weeks, the first issues of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 are generating international headlines and bringing fans back into comic book stores across the country.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response from retailers, fans and the creative community to DC Comics — The New 52,” said DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson. “This was a bold publishing initiative that is reinvigorating and growing the industry and medium we love.”

“We did more than just change Superman’s costume and renumber the entire line. We took a huge risk and it’s paying off,” said Jim Lee, DC Entertainment co-publisher and artist of JUSTICE LEAGUE. “Comic book retailers are seeing returning fans as well as new readers flock to their stores.”

Earlier this year, and before DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 launched on August 31, the industry’s bestselling comic book title typically sold about 100,000 copies. In contrast:

* JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 has sold more than 250,000 copies.
* ACTION COMICS #1 and BATMAN #1 have both sold more than 200,000 copies.
* DETECTIVE COMICS #1, THE FLASH #1, GREEN LANTERN #1 and SUPERMAN #1 have all sold more than 150,000 copies.
* AQUAMAN #1, BATGIRL #1, BATMAN AND ROBIN #1, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1, GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS #1 and WONDER WOMAN #1 have all sold more than 100,000 copies.

So, just how many comic books are we talking about? With New York Comic Con kicking off this week, let’s look to some of New York’s famous landmarks for some visual context. It takes (approximately):

* 2,090,880 comic books laid end to end to stretch from one end of New York State to the other. We’ve sold enough DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 first issues to span New York State in its entirety two times over.
* 174,480 comic books stacked on top of each other to reach the top of the Empire State Building. That’s every copy of GREEN LANTERN #1—with issues to spare.
* 36,600 comic books stacked in a pile to reach the top of the Statue of Liberty. That means copies of WONDER WOMAN #1 could reach the top of Lady Liberty almost three times.

Oh, and 5 million copies sold? That’s enough copies of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 to lay out and span the distance from New York to Chicago – with some left over.

“People are buying, reading and talking about a line of comic books in a way they haven’t in years,” said Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment co-publisher. “We’re thrilled to see the passionate response fans have had, but this is just Step One for us. Now our plan is to keep the momentum and enthusiasm going.”

“When DC Entertainment was created almost two years ago, we committed to an environment of ‘no fear’ when it came to creative and business risks,” said Nelson. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Publishing team for embracing this mantra and delivering in a way that is growing the genre, our partners’ businesses and our fan base, while helping to fuel the creative engine that drives so many Warner Bros.’ content businesses.”

In addition to debuting all-new first issues in comic shops, DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 launched same-day digital publishing, with DC Entertainment becoming the first major comic book publisher to release their entire line of ongoing titles same-day digital.

“Our digital sales have been better than we could have imagined and we are pleased that these sales are additive to traditional publishing sales in the comic book stores,” said John Rood, executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. “We’re not migrating readers from print to digital. We’re adding more new readers into the mix.”

This media release tells the story DC Comics outsells Marvel. This is quite an accomplishment considering Marvel marketed about 100 titles at this time and DC about 66 titles. Does it mean that it will last? That remains to be seen because Marvel is a serious competitor don’t count them out. Although I think they could cut down the number of titles and improve the quality and art work on fewer comics.

I don’t see Marvel restarting there titles with a new universe but I have been wrong before. The Comic Wars have been going on for years and a shake up was needed. The big publishers must put out new interesting products or they will fail just like all other publishers. I like DC because there is no Mega Series that will change everything right now, they are just writing good stories and producing good art work and re familiarizing us with the characters we love in a new fresh way. I am pleased because I think it will make the whole Comic Producing Industry better in the long run.

It is a great time to see read comics. keep it right here and we will keep you up on what is happening, stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

FearItself Teaser

Media Release — Kick off Shattered Heroes in style as you catch your first look at the all new variants for Fear Itself #7.1, #7.2 & #7.3! Following the catastrophic events of Fear Itself, superstar artists Lee Bermejo, Salvador Larroca, & Ariel Olivetti provide these must have covers for the issues launching readers into the next big story arcs for each member of Earth’s Mightiest! No fan can miss these emotionally charged issues that will change these heroes forever.

FEAR ITSELF #7.1
FEAR ITSELF #7.1 BERMEJO VARIANT
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils by BUTCH GUICE
Colors by ELIZABETH BREITWEISER
Variant Cover by LEE BERMEJO
ON SALE – 11/2/11

FEAR ITSELF #7.2
FEAR ITSELF #7.2 LARROCA VARIANT
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils by ADAM KUBERT
Variant Cover by SALVADOR LARROC
ON SALE – 11/9/11

FEAR ITSELF #7.3 (SEP110501)
FEAR ITSELF #7.3 OLIVETTI VARIANT
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils by SALVADOR LARROCA
Colors by FRANK D’ARMATA
Variant Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
ON SALE – 11/16/11

Fear Itself comes to an end but not with out scars and consequences. Marvel pulled out all the stops in this epic event. Check this blockbuster series conclusion. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Avengers X Sanction 1 Cover Hitch

Media Release — Marvel is proud to unveil the highly anticipated comic shop variant covers to Avengers: X-Sanction #1! As all-out war breaks out between Cable and the Avengers, your comic shop will get caught in the crossfire and be immortalized in one of two all new covers! In the Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Wanted Variant by Bryan Hitch, see the bounty on your comic shop with an actual photograph of your store right on the cover! Then, in the Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Battle Variant by Carlo Pagulayan, Captain America goes toe to toe with Cable defending your favorite comic shop, complete with store name and logo prominently featured! Leading into the biggest event in Marvel history, Cable has just 24 hours to destroy the Avengers to save the future and the battle is being brought to YOUR front yards!

Avengers X Sanction 1 Cover_Pagulayan

Be sure to head on over to your local shop immediately and tell your retailers which one you want because both of these commemorative Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Comic Shop Variants can’t be ordered together. Here’s your chance to show your comic shop some support as these personalized variants are a one of a kind, must-have item! Can Cable take on the heaviest hitters of the Marvel Universe to save his future – or will the combined might of Earth’s Mightiest prove to be too much? Find out this December as superstar creators Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness begin their epic and you show store spirit with the Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Comic Shop Variants!!

Avengers: X-Sanction #1!

Written by JEPH LOEB
Art by ED MCGUINNESS
Variant Covers by BRYAN HITCH & CARLO PAGULA
ON SALE – 12/14/11

You have to hand it to Marvel they really know how to market things, the return of Cable mix in the Avengers with special comic shop variants and what looks like a great story by Jeph Loeb and popular artist Ed Mc Guinness. This should be a good one. Recommend my readers pick this up this December. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

X-Men Schism

The X-Men’s world changes forever! With mutant numbers at their lowest and trust dwindling, an international incident demands the Children of the Atom come together…but instead splits them apart! Writer Jason Aaron and an all-star team of artists present the next evolution of Marvel’s mutant heroes in X-Men: Schism!

This 5 part series has set the table for the separation of teams and leadership of the mutant kind in the Marvel universe. Jason Aaron writer for the series is usually a good story teller, but this one baffles me centered around the always violable relationship between Wolverine and Cyclops. The fight is to bring the younger members of the mutants into the fight as cyclops wants or ease them into more responsibility after they are trained and understand what they are doing this is Wolverines wishes for them. Wolverine is protecting them from the horrors of battle and possible death.

It came to a head with a giant Sentinel wading towards Utopia, and Cyclops wanting to fight with the young mutants from “Generation Hope” at his side while Wolverine wanted to evacuate Utopia.  The two eventually came to blows right in the middle of the Sentinel’s attack. The young mutants finally help the destruction of the Giant Sentinel and the dialog between Wolverine and Cyclops really does not justify the break up in teams there is no compelling argument for the split, but it does happen.

However you look at Schism there are going to be new direction titles and new leadership of mutant kind. Regenesis has begun with the titles Uncanny X-Force #19 in December, Wolverine and the X-Men in October, Uncanny Legacy #259 in November, X-factor #230 in January, Generation Hope #13 in November, X-Men #20 in November, and New Mutants #33 in November, and the first restart of  Uncanny X-Men with #1 in November. The banners are below to check out. More to come on this change in titles of X-Men and related books. Stay tuned comic faithful For more. Walt

X-Men Regenesis Panel #1