G4 TV - TheFeed - Comics

Fresh Ink Online: Secret Six, Lobo, Stumptown

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:43:00 -0800

Fresh Ink Online host Blair Butler gives the rundown on this week’s latest and greatest comics, including Secret Six, Age of Reptiles, Stumptown, Cinderella, Lobo: Highway to Hell, and others. Which one will take Pick of the Week? Tune in and find out.

Plus, make sure to check out Blair’s gore-tastic and hilarious animated short series Slasher School at www.g4tv.com/slasherschool. You shall not be disappointed. We promise.

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J.J. Abrams To Produce Micronauts Movie?

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:59:00 -0800

Will Lost and new Star Trek mastermind, J.J. Abrams be trying his hand at reviving an old-school toy line with an updated movie? Possibly. It is being reported that Abrams is in talks to produce a film adaptation of late 70's, early 80's toy line, turned Marvel Comics title, Micronauts.

While one does not typically think of The Wall Street Journal as a regular source for breaking news in the entertainment biz, they may have (and I'll stress "may have") done just that. The Journal ran a piece today about the continuing trend of toy franchises being transformed into major blockbuster films. However, in an almost passive way, they briefly drop the bombshell:

"J.J. Abrams, who created the TV show 'Lost' and directed this summer's 'Star Trek' film, is in discussions to produce a movie about Japanese toy line Micronauts, which Hasbro just acquired."

Unless this tidbit is some kind of serious typo that will be retracted at the bottom of tomorrow's edition, this will be a major project. Abrams would actually have quite a bit of raw material to work with. Micronauts was, ironically enough, a rather deep comic title for something that was essentially a monthly commercial for a toy line. (Although the same could be said of Larry Hama's tenure on G.I. Joe.) However, other than Gen-X'ers, I'm sure there are quite a few other generations of people thinking of a rather obvious question: What the hell is Micronauts?

It's time for a Cliff Notes-like history lesson:

It began as a toy line in 1972 from Japanese company, Takara called Henshin Cyborg. It was essentially an 8"-12" humanoid figure like the old stand-alone G.I. Joe, except with an added Japanese touch of a transparent body with visible "circuits" inside the figure. Eventually, Takara decided to continue the line in a miniaturized 3.75" scale, and thus, the birth of the standard scale of action figures, which would eventually be adopted by future legendary lines like Star Wars and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was born.

Takara's miniaturized Henshin Cyborg line (redubbed Microman) maintained (and in many ways surpassed) the articulation and movement of the original larger counterparts, and began to feature interchangeable parts which allowed you to transform the figures into different vehicles. In 1976, the Mego Corporation (famous for its legendary line of figures of various TV and comic characters from the 70's and 80's,) released Microman in the United States as Micronauts. The line ran for 4 years, and inspired a Marvel Comics title that continued after the toy line's demise.

After the Micronauts toy line ended in 1980, its remaining ideas and development went towards the creation of a new franchise called -- Transformers. In fact, some of the early releases of Transformers were simply developmental leftovers from Micronauts.

That brings us back to now. Since the initial series ended, Micronauts has experienced a few sporadic relaunch comic titles, however, despite a small, but committed cult fanbase, the franchise has remained rather dormant. While the original toy lines themselves did not carry any sort of context-setting story, the Marvel Comics title depicted a microscopic world called the "Microverse" that was in danger of being exploited and conquered by the evil Baron Karza. Only the Micronauts, consisting of Arcturus Rann, Acroyear, Biotron, Microtron, and Marionette could stand up to his power and stop him.

Could we be in store for a giant (yet shrunk-down,) effects-laden opus of awesomeness? While Micronauts sounds like a directorial project that Michael Bay or Stephen Sommers might be offered, Abrams (if he decides to helm the film) may be able to carry-over much of the Marvel title's depth into the adaptation, while providing plenty of mind-blowing action and scenery.

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Sheldon Dorf, Comic-Con Founder, Dies

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:33:00 -0800

Let's have a moment of silence and pour some off the top for Sheldon Dorf. Dorf founded the Comic-Con International comic book convention. He died at 76 of complications related to diabetes.

Dorf was a freelance artist and comic strip letterer, and founded Comic-Con in San Diego in 1970. In the ensuing years, he saw the gathering grow from a small collection of comic book hobbyists to one of the biggest public relations events of the year for movies, TV shows, comic books, video games and other forms of entertainment. Nowadays, Comic-Con draws over 125,000 a year. Although Mr. Dorf ended his involvement with the Con in the mid-1980s, the current owners of San Diego Comic-Con have added a black-bordered tribute of Dorf on the official website.

In memorial of Dorf, please enjoy G4's Comic-Con coverage. R.I.P. Mr. Dorf!

Fresh Ink Online: Punisher, Wolverine, Batwoman

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:42:00 -0700

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In this banzai episode, Fresh Ink Online host Blair Butler blasts through reviews of Detective Comics: Batwoman, Days Missing, The Web, Fantastic Four, and more. But it’s a battle between two Dark Reign The Lists over Pick of the Week that’ll really have you on the edge of your seat. Will Wolverine or Punisher take the crown? Watch and find out.

Make sure to check out Blair's animated frightfest comedy Slasher School too, as it will properly prep you for Halloween scariness. And make you laugh. Enjoy.

Make sure to visit us on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

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Anthony Hopkins To Play Odin In Thor?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:55:00 -0700

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the one and only Sir Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to join the cast of Thor to play Odin, Thunder God and Thor's regal father. While very few details have emerged from this report, it raises questions about the role itself, which was long-rumored to be filled by Shakespearean actor Brian Blessed.

When the rumor (which was ultimately proven false) about Robert De Niro and Jude Law joining the cast initially hit, I took it as a sign that there was some casting scrambling occurring for a film, that while stacked with a solid cast, was without any box-office drawing stars. (Which, while the rumor was false, remains a valid issue.) Whether Brian Blessed's role as Odin was ever actually set, is something that remains to be revealed, although his name was deleted from the cast list on imdb weeks ago. However, IF Blessed was at any point, actually in consideration, only to be edged-out by a more bankable name, it may speak volumes about the obstacles that this film faces.

Unless Thor's Chris Hemsworth becomes a huge star sometime in the next year, either through his work or some other notorious reason, the Thor brand itself is not going to draw masses of people to the theaters. This one's hopes will seemingly rest on the possibility that Iron Man 2 will be AMAZING and that its Avengers lead-in will be so strong that it will drive people towards the Norse God's profile film. It's surely possible, but even if the IM2 is good, it doesn't necessarily guarantee it will happen.

The other glimmer of hope is the possibility of it being the artistic success that some have been speculating it will become. Kenneth Branagh has reportedly boned-up on the source material, and with his vast experience and knowledge in Shakespearean tragedy, that may be the more likely scenario. The film is to take place mostly in the mystical land of Asgard, and will be a tale of Thor, a once spoiled and arrogant prince, who is thrust into a rivalry with an evil half-brother that ultimately results in his being exiled to Earth in human form by his own father, Odin. With Anthony Hopkins (possibly) on board, this one might be the big the sleeper among the slew of Avenger-related films coming in the 2011-2012 era.

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Sin City 2 To Begin Filming In 2010

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:59:00 -0700

It seems that Frank Miller is finally moving forward with a film sequel to Sin City. Anyone remember Sin City? Huge Frank Miller graphic novel -- reproduced nearly frame-by-frame by Robert Rodriguez -- Frodo as a spectacled cannibal serial killer -- Jessica Alba in the "cowgirl stripper" outfit that was everyone's desktop wallpaper. That was ages ago (2005!) and the rumors about a sequel were already churning even before the first one hit the theaters. In an interview with Mania, producer, Stephen L'Heureux of Solipsist Films revealed the news that those rumors will finally come to fruition when the project will begin to film sometime in the second half of 2010.

Miller was working on the screenplay for another of his graphic novel film adaptations, Hard Boiled. The future-set film was (and I suppose still is) rumored to star Nicolas Cage as a cyborg tax collector who, despite his homicidal tendencies, finds himself a hero who fights to preserve the robot race when he turns on the monolithic organization he once served. (Brazil meets Robocop?) However, to get things moving on Sin City 2, it looks like Hard Boiled will be put on the back-burner. (Take the pun if you wish.)

What will Sin City 2 portray? Ironically enough, while the original was the perfect companion piece to certain volumes of the Sin City graphic novels, don't look for the sequel to do the same. While Robert Rodriguez is expected to return to co-direct with Miller (as he did in the first film,) an original script by Miller will actually be the basis for this film. However, it's difficult to predict what that formula will produce. As anyone familiar with the Sin City graphic novels knows, the first film only covered a few of the story arcs from the Sin City mythos, leaving plenty of room for more chapters to be explored, each of which had ties and cameos to the ones that were depicted in the first film. With the vast majority of the cast quoted as being willing to return to the film, those cameos would be a definite possibility.

However, while a lot of fans would like to see Sin City volumes like A Dame To Kill For represented in the film, it is more likely that an option more suitable for casual movie-goers may be implemented. Perhaps, those viewers may be left befuddled by the concept of new characters and situations coming into focus, while characters believed to be dead are featured without explanation. Such an option will probably be more of a direct follow-up to the characters chronicled in the first film with Clive Owen's Dwight and his "hooker army" possibly taking center stage. (Pure speculation on my part.)

It is still to be determined as to when the film will actually hit theaters. According to L'Heureux:

"With 'Sin City' just on the horizon I don't think we'd be able to do it with Frank right away. As simple as 'Sin City' seems, it's a very complex scheduling with all these actors and it's a very demanding shoot to be on a sound stage all day long," L'Heureux told us. "We have to space it for Frank. There's also talk, of course, of 'Sin City 3'."

What do you think? Should the film(s) focus on an all-new story with the characters from the first film? OR would expanding on the other chapters of the graphic novels be the better move?

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Has Guy Ritchie Found His Lobo?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:09:00 -0700

A rumor about the upcoming Guy Ritchie-directed film adaptation of comics' "Main Man," Lobo, has really been making the rounds. According to a recent report by Mania, their "source on the inside" is saying that meetings regarding casting keep pointing to actor Clancy Brown.

WHO is that, you ask? He's been around for a long time, and among his numerous roles over the years, is the main adversary in the original Highlander, The Kurgan, on Lost as Kelvin Inman, the man who shared the Swan hatch with Desmond before trying to steal his boat and leave the island, and perhaps opposite Edward Furlong as the evil zombified dog-killing Sheriff in Pet Sematary 2. However, it is his voice work that may have you even more starstruck in his roles as Mr. Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants, as Lex Luthor in just about every animated adaptation of Superman in the last few decades (including the recent Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,) and as Mr. Sinister in Wolverine and the X-Men.

Ever since the project was announced, the immediate question of who would be playing the genocidal albino intergalactic bounty hunter undoubtedly was raised. Clancy Brown is surely not a name that would typically surface. Why then, is his name suddenly in the mix? Wouldn't they go for someone who had the large build and experience with action genre films like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Gerard Butler, or Vin Diesel? According to Mania's talk with their source:

"Lobo has to look like that, but the person being Lobo doesn't necessarily," our source told us. "I'm not saying that's how they're gonna do it because they're still trying to work that out, but for example Andy Serkis doesn't particularly look like Gollum, you know? It's all about performance."

This comment would spawn the speculation that Lobo might go the direction of the Hellboy movies, which put an actor the caliber of Ron Pearlman into a giant, muscled-up red latex suit, to pull off the look of his character. With the reference to Andy Serkis' groundbreaking performance as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was done completely in CGI, aided with Serkis' own motion capture performance, you might think at first, that something as dark, gritty, and as Lobo might not mesh well with such a concept. However, it should also be kept in mind that Lobo is tentatively planned to be a PG-13 film. While I have laid out my thoughts in-depth about that revelation, it does make the CGI route a little more feasible. As Mania's source continues:

"Ultimately regardless of whether you do it all CG or its a guy in a suit, with CG, you'll still end up doing a lot of CG animation. So do you need a celebrity? Do you need a name or do you just get someone who is good and who's gonna nail it?"

The source does make a good point, in that the performance should trump all. Whether that will be more effectively expressed through the filter of a latex suit or a myriad of computer pixels, remains to be seen.

It's worth mentioning that there's a lot of bad info out there, especially this week with the Star Wars Trilogy hoax. At this point, nothing is even close to being confirmed regarding the casting of this film, so please do take this (as with any Internet rumor) with a grain of salt.

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Premiere of Slasher School on AOTS

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:31:00 -0700

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Being a slasher takes a lot of work. There's more than just killing, hacking and scaring multiple victims to fulfill some form of weird personal vengeance--especially when you have to do all of this in a single night!

That's why we have Slasher School, the new animated series premiering tonight, October 26th, on Attack of the Show. Slasher School follows an inept group attending an academy of higher education for the murderous, undead and possessed, featuring the voices of AOTS hosts like Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn and Blair Butler.

The first episode premieres at 7:00pm EST tonight on Attack of the Show, with new episodes all week long. So tune in to check out Halloween horror's finest!

Fresh Ink Online: Resurrection, Underground, FVZA

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:54:00 -0700

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On this week’s Fresh Ink Online, host Blair Butler barrels through a slew of comics, including The Brave and the Bold, Dark Reign: The Invincible Iron Man, and Resurrection. Plus she investigates newer floppies such as FVZA, Underground and The Eternal Conflicts of the Cosmic Warrior. Yes, it’s the newbies versus the vets, so tune in or get left in the dust!

Make sure to tune into Blair’s new animated short Slasher School on Attack of the Show all next week, starting on Monday. You will not be disappointed… and you might even get a little bloody! Yikes!

Make sure to visit us on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

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Rumor Killer: De Niro & Law NOT Cast In Thor

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:35:00 -0700

Earlier in the week, you may have heard the rumor of the supposed involvement of Robert De Niro and Jude Law for the upcoming feature film adaptation of Marvel’s Avengers-themed vehicle, Thor. It now appears that the rumor was WRONG. As of now, it appears that the rumor has been definitively shot down.

The rumor was initially started with an interview in Germany’s version of GQ Magazine, when actor, Matthias Schweighöfer was discussing his own desire to land a role in the aforementioned film. The discussion seemed to take a turn when Schweighöfer seemingly casually mentions that Robert De Niro and Jude Law was to be part of the cast. In fact, in the translation, the tidbit was mentioned in such a nonchalant way, it sort of begged the incredulity it received. (Including from myself.)

After representatives for both De Niro and Law have come out to shoot the rumor down, it seems now, that the rumor was stirred, not due to any purposeful deception, but rather, was the result of some bad translation. I suppose that’s what happens when the movie blogosphere has a severe shortage of German scholars.

This revelation definitely leans more towards the realm of reason. The fact remains that the Thor cast is FULL. If, in fact, they had brought those two stars on board, it would have been a sign that the film was in the middle of a major re-casting initiative. (While being a somewhat reasonable scenario, remains not very likely.)

Until then, our German brethren can only dream of a version of Thor catered to their sensibilities. One that, let’s say, is “looking for freedom?”

He's done with Nick Fury, now it's the Norse God's turn!

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Joe Quesada: Captain America Will "Rock Everyone's Socks Off"

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:35:00 -0700

At a Q&A session at this past weekend's Big Apple Comic Con, Marvel Comic editor-in-chief Joe Quesada was able to field a number of questions from fans, some of which involved the plethora of upcoming Avengers-related film adaptation, specifically, The First Avenger: Captain America. When asked about the state of the project, Quesada responded:

"I've seen a couple of outlines and an initial screenplay, and it's going to rock everyone's socks off," he said. "It's very unexpected, the kind of movie it is." Quesada added that "Captain America" sets up "The Avengers" in "a fantastic way."

Perhaps the most pressing question in regards to the films is their speculated continuity with one another. The idea of different comic book films having a single, cohesive universe within one another is unprecedented. (That is if you don't give any credence to George Clooney's Batman saying "This is why Superman works alone" in the 1997 Batman film that is too horrible to address by name.) When asked about whether this continuity could truly be established, Quesada cited upcoming project The Avengers as proof that it's possible. He said: "It won't be the same exact continuity from the comics, but it'll feel very much like the Marvel continuity."

Frankly, that's all we could ask for. Obviously, there are aspects of comics that are just plain unfeasible to put in film. However, I think that connecting the films gives fans something they have always wanted to see, and increases the overall value of their other potential film franchises. There used to be a time when people would juxtapaose comic films together. It was a symbiotic relationship, as the mediocre comic book films would still share a common genre identity with "good" comic films. However, we are in a time when people have been exposed to one too many stinkers, and comic book films are a dime a dozen. You can't just slap a comic character's name in the title and expect the money to automatically flow. Fans, and even casual moviegoers, need some assurance that these films aren't just disposable projects, overly-laden with CGI and blue-screen acting, but are actually tied into something special.

We then come to another long-discussed topic: WHO will actually play Captain America?

Quesada mentions an "undisclosed wish list of actors" to play the lead in the film. Indeed, the question of who should play the shield-wielding, Nazi-raping titan is a tough one. At first, I'm sure names that are currently in the atmosphere like Chris Pine and Charlie Hunnam are going to come up. (Although I'm not too sure about the former and I can't say that the latter is proven enough.)

Remember: Captain America is from the 40s. During World War II, he was THE S***. Admired by all, created for a specific purpose, and living in a world that is enflamed in a horrible global conflict, but still buttressed by moral and cultural certainties. He is put away in hibernation (how this will be done in the film is obviously still a mystery,) and he awakes in the modern world as a living anachronism. He is forced to adjust to a new world where everything has been redefined, even in regards to the very context of his own existence. THIS is the story of Captain America -- make no mistake about it. He's like Hamlet in blue spandex. (Although, in Hamlet's case, it is he that dies, while the sidekick lives.) Therefore, I hope this "list" of actors contain names of men who not only meet the physical qualifications, but can actually ACT.

Time is quickly ticking away towards The First Avenger: Captain America's projected July 22, 2011 release date.

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Smallville's Justice Society Gets Cast

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:17:00 -0700

It seems that DC's famed Justice Society may be coming to Smallville in the near future. IGN has broken news that roles for Hawkman, Stargirl, and Dr. Fate have been cast. That's right, it's a day of DC "Justice" team-up news! We've already heard rumors regarding The Green Lantern film's possible lead-in towards a Justice League movie. Now, it seems that the long-time CW workhorse, is looking to put together an incarnation of the iconic superhero team for itself to debut around January. (Albeit an incarnation of a post-Crisis, Earth 2 retconned precursor to the Justice League. Bah...whatever, the DC canon is too far gone to even try and justify.)

According to IGN, the castings (shown in the above pic, left to right) are as follows:

Michael Shanks best known from Stargate SG-1, will play Hawkman. According to comic book writer, Geoff Johns via Tweet: "Yes, Hawkman will have wings. And a big mace. Oh. And he and Green Arrow don't get along. At all."

Brent Stait known from Andromeda and various appearances on the Stargate shows, will play the golden-masked mystic, Dr. Fate.

Britt Irvin from the short-lived show, Aliens in America, after some veiled statements from Geoff Johns, was indeed confirmed by Fancast for the role of patriotic superhero royalty, Stargirl.

I'll be perfectly candid in my admission that I, in fact, do not watch Smallville, nor have I (outside of catching an occasional episode) ever really gotten into the show. Therefore, my analysis on the subject itself, is limited, at best. However, what I can observe, is that this show is undoubtedly in its twilight, running on borrowed time for sure. How it all looks from the outside is a valid point of view, if they are still trying to wrangle in new viewers. Exactly how the show is looking to wrap-up in complete and proper fashion, as Clark Kent officially becomes the Superman that we all know, is uncertain. Moves like bringing Callum Blue on board as (the "real") General Zod and Brian Austin Green as Metallo, does not (at least, from the perspective of someone like me) seem to be signs of a show wrapping things up, but rather, one that is clinging to life, looking for rejuvenation.

Now, we have this grand superhero team-up (which one might think would have been a fanboy dream) set to take place, and it just seems like the show is trying too hard to say: "There you go, guys! You got your Justice Society? You see? The show's getting good again! Please come back.) Will Clark Kent's role on the show be redefined as a member/leader of a team? He certainly has been "coming of age" since 2001. I'd say that's long enough.

That leaves me with my question to you: Will this move bring you back (or in some cases, TO) the show? Or would a proper solo "coming of age" series wrap-up persuade you to tune-in?

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Green Lantern To Kick Off Justice League Movies?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:39:00 -0700

Could the upcoming Green Lantern film be to DC what Iron Man was to Marvel? Possibly. Just as Tony Stark's big screen adventure set the stage for an unprecedented movie team-up with The Avengers and its related films, The Green Lantern could be looking to serve as the kick-off to a grander DC movie universe in The Justice League.

According to New Orleans newspaper, The Times-Pacayune:

"Green Lantern" is expected to be the first in a trilogy of films focusing on D.C.'s Justice League heroes -- the others being "The Flash" and "Wonder Woman" -- before uniting all three with fellow League members Batman, Superman and Aquaman for a Justice League movie."

That's kind of a bombshell, yet the news is dropped in a way that seemingly suggests that this was already known. (Which it obviously was not.) However, if this turns out to be true, expect this franchise to experience an extremely large gain in value. With names like Superman (who we now know will be rebooted much further down the line,) Aquaman, Flash, and Wonder Woman mentioned as possible members, it is actually surprising that Batman came up. Would they actually try to get Christian Bale in on this one? Would Warner/DC simply not acknowledge the Batman universe of their mega-cashcow Batman franchise? Or would they have the unmitigated gall to hire a glorified stand-in to put on the Bale-Batman costume and pretend to be him? (Comically gravelly voice and all.) Regardless, it's rather problematic.

That, however, is not the only major bit of news about this upcoming film.

Besides the creative news, it also seems this financially beleaguered production, upon having to leave its Australian set, may be rebounding quickly. The Times-Pacayune also claims in its article, that there seem to be rumblings that confirm earlier rumors that the production will be setting up shop in The Big Easy. According to them, the struggling Second Line Stages has claimed to be in contact with Green Lantern production offices, and could set up in town "as early as next week." Now that's what I call quickly getting back on your feet.

It would be nice if they brought the film back to the States, especially to a still recovering New Orleans. I suppose the simple solution to foreign currency disparities, is to keep it in the good 'ole U.S. of A. Also, with production looking more optimistic (assuming New Orleans is the plan,) and a broader scope set for the film itself, it's looking like director Martin Campbell and star Ryan Reynolds may have something on their hands that is bigger than even its $150+ million budget would have led one to believe.

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Robert De Niro And Jude Law To Join 'Thor' Cast?

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:03:00 -0700

Over the weekend, you may have heard the rumor that stars Robert De Niro and Jude Law would be joining the cast of upcoming Marvel adaptation Thor. The info, scooped by Ain't It Cool News, came about when actor Matthias Schweighöfer (Valkryie, Red Baron) talked to the German edition of GQ (Gentleman's Quarterly) about his own possible role in the film (which is still up in the air.) During the interview, he casually mentioned that Robert De Niro and Jude Law would be part of the cast. (Wait, wait, wait...whaaaa?)

If this rumor is indeed true, then we have a bit of news that, while good on paper, may be reinforcing signs that we've already seen in the film regarding the issue of "over-casting." Upon the last bit of casting news dropping with Stellan Skarsgård's rumored involvement, I've already discussed this aspect of the film. However with these two (especially De Niro, who is a huge, huge star,) it does somewhat re-energize the discussion. This film's primary roles are generally filled. Anyone joining the cast at this point is not likely to be an integral part of the actual story. It begs the question: What role could there be left that is good enough to justify bringing Robert De Niro and Jude Law into the mix?

I can only come up with a theory (again, assuming this news is true,) that perhaps some of the early casting may have been re-shuffled to accommodate some name stars. If this film is as grandiose as we've heard, then perhaps the studio may have taken a look at the grand scheme of this film and decided that, while it is undoubtedly stacked, that it needed more "stars" in the conventional sense. It's a great cast, but realistically, title character, Chris Hemsworth is still best known as "Kirk's Dad" in Star Trek, and Tom Hiddleston, who plays main antagonist, Loki, is not exactly a household name, either. The fact remains, Natalie Portman, who plays romantic lead Jane Foster, is the biggest star on the bill. (And seeing as her character is probably not central, she's probably going to phone this one in.) In the words of Cloris Leachman: "Somebody punch me in the face so I can see some stars! "

Getting back to my point, looking at someone like Shakespearean mainstay Brian Blessed, (who played Boss Nass in the Star Wars prequels,) who was rumored to be on board to play Thor's father, Odin (a key character for sure,) and you get the sense that despite his commanding screen presence, he is someone who could be expendable in an initiative like this. Who are people going to pay money to see? Brian Blessed as Odin? Or Robert f*****g De Niro as Odin? I'm by no means a proponent of "stars for the sake of stars" casting, but I do think that there may be a bit of panic to get some stars in this picture. (Especially seeing how competitive the field of comic-related films will be by the time this is released on May 20, 2011.)

It would not be the first time that director, Kenneth Branagh has worked with either of these stars. De Niro, of course, starred in Branagh's 1994 film adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which was generally believed to have suffered from focusing too much on nuances. Law, on the other hand, worked under Branagh on his 2007 film, Sleuth, also working under his direction on the stage for Hamlet. These associations put this rumor within the realm of possibility. (Which also happens to make it effective hoax fodder.)

We'll just have to see with time if this rumor has any staying power.

Update: NOT TRUE.

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Fresh Ink Online: Punisher Max, Secret Six, Booster Gold

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:18:00 -0700

Host Blair Butler rockets through a cavalcade of comics, including Booster Gold, Punisher: Max, Anna Mercury 2, Liberty Comics, The Marvel Project, Wet Moon, and B.P.R.P. 1947. Which one will nab Pick of the Week? Well, there’s only one way to find out, kiddies…WATCH!!!

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Fresh Ink Online

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'Green Lantern' Officially OUT Of Australia

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:32:00 -0700

It seems that the financial drama surrounding the upcoming Green Lantern film has finally come to fruition. It is being reported that the film will indeed be forced to leave the country of Australia, where it was initially set to film.

The possibility had been long-discussed regarding the dilemma surrounding US Dollar inflation and the potentially $25 million money pit that would have been incurred due to currency disparities. However, there was an attempt to work things through with the local New South Wales government. Things, however, were not very optimistic from the outset, and now, it is evident that there was nothing that could be done. A potential economic boom that a $150+ million Hollywood mega production could have brought to their country has now slipped through The Australians' fingers due to uncontrollable circumstances. While enjoying some recent national surges with films like current weekend release, Where The Wild Things Are and the upcoming Narnia series film, Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, among others being filmed there, this will nonetheless be considered a blow against the industry. As The Hollywood Reporter points out:

"On Friday the Australian dollar hit a 27-year high against the U.S. dollar, closing at 95 cents, a 30% decrease in value for the greenback since the shoot was announced six months ago, and which would reportedly add over $20 million in cost to the production. The Aussie dollar is being tipped by analysts to reach parity with the U.S. dollar in the coming weeks and could go as high as AUS$1.10 next year."

Where, then, does that leave the future Martin Campbell-directed Ryan Reynolds vehicle? Rumors have pointed to Mexico and Canada. Exactly what kind of terrain the film script demands remains a mystery. However, one could deduce that if the ideal location was Australia, which would have a provided lots of untamed, dry, rocky desert terrain, Mexico might meet Green Lantern's exterior shooting needs. However, the Australia shoot may have simply been financially-motivated, due to potential tax-breaks, in which case, Canada (where many-a-TV show film) may be the more economical choice. (At the end of the day, it's all blue-screen and CGI, anyway, right?)

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'Spider-Man 4': Sam Raimi Talks Villains And Story

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:38:00 -0700

No one can ever accuse director, Sam Raimi of shying away from fragile franchises attached to legions of hard-to-please, unforgiving fans. As most are aware, Raimi will begin shooting the fourth Spider-Man film this March. Additionally, (besides the 22 other movies he has in developmental stages,) he's taking on another whopper of a franchise in the World of Warcraft. Raimi recently had some words with MTV regarding the his mega-franchise with the wall crawler, as he loosely discusses ideas and directions. While we're far away from specifics, Raimi does seem to have a general idea regarding how he wants to approach the proverbial minefield that this franchise has somewhat become.

The film is a mere 5 months away from shooting, and it does seem that the spot for the villain(s) have been filled. By whom however, remains a mystery. On board creatively, is Gary Ross, who is working on the much-discussed re-write of the script. (Ross will eventually move on to the Venom film after completing a spy thriller based on Donald Hamilton's series of books with character, Matt Helm, with Bradley Cooper rumored to star.) Raimi is looking to rebound after the critical disaster of the third Spider-Man film.

When MTV conducted a poll, asking which villains fans would like to see in the upcoming sequel, the results were closely in favor of The Lizard with 29% with Carnage coming in second at 26%. With these number brought to Raimi's attention, he responded that he did "love" the Lizard, but was "less familiar" with Carnage. While obviously unable to outright reveal who the identity of the villain, one could judge by his reaction that it is likely one of the two. Raimi further elaborated on the selection process :

"What we're trying to do right now is really understand the journey Peter is going to go on this time and have the villain maybe be a counter to that growth, something that he has to overcome," Raimi said. "Or maybe he has to grow in a way to overcome the villain, because there always seem to be stories of coming of age, of a young man growing up and learning things about life, so once we are identifying the exact movement that Peter has to grow to, I think the villain—and we're trying this right now; we're trying to choose a villain based on who would be the proper counter to that growth, so we really have dramatic conflict."

Are we left with any clues? If Spider-Man 3 had never existed on the earth, I would have sworn that this would mean Venom was our guy. While there are plenty of storylines from the Spider-Man lore that are not yet covered in the films, which have forced Spidey to grow in the way Raimi described (the death of Gwen Stacy, buried alive by Kraven, marriage, being cloned, etc.,) at this point, the universe of the Spider-Man movies is so jumbled, that it could conceivably be anyone. Did we learn anything? I think we did get a new perspective on how overall theme of the film.

I personally think that the villain should be the Lizard, based on the fact that he is an iconic Spidey villain and the fact that the Curt Connors character is already set in place from the previous films and ready to go. Also, in regards to Carnage...no disrespect intended towards those who voted for him, but I can't image how, given the general consensus that Venom was handled so very poorly in Spider-Man 3, that the vote ended up being this closely split on seeing Carnage get a treatment in the same series. (Really?? You want to see Carnage after all of THAT? Really??)

However, this may be Raimi's last go with the wall-crawler, and he could be looking to properly close out the franchise (at least, his version of it) before it gets rebooted by whoever Sony hires next. Therefore, what seems logical may not necessarily play a role, here. At the end of the day, Raimi is a genuine legend, and we should be hoping that he knocks this one out of the park. We know that he has the talent necessary.

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Bryan Singer Wants The 'X-Men' Franchise Back?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:47:00 -0700

It seems that director Bryan Singer is missing the X-Men franchise that he once helmed. Singer started to discuss his former franchise at the Pusan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea yesterday.

"I'm still looking to possibly returning to the 'X-Men' franchise. I've been talking to Fox about it," Adding: "I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast," he said, referring to the Australian actor who plays Wolverine.

A 20th Century Fox property, the X-Men film franchise is in a kind of awkward transition period. While there are clearly efforts to put the X-Men series, which Singer started (and Brett Ratner finished) behind them, the recent X-Men Origins: Wolverine seems to have cherry-picked aspects of that rendition and placed them into what is generally being perceived as a reboot.

Which leaves us to wonder what Singer could do, if once again handed the keys to this franchise. In a way, he would essentially be rebooting HIS OWN WORK. I'm not sure if that's unprecedented or not, but it sure seems like it. This would be like bringing Tim Burton back to reboot Batman -- again. That is not to say that Singer is incapable of bringing a new vision, but it still could leave the audience thinking "uh...okay, we've seen your take on X-Men, that's enough, already."

With the film chronicling the early days of the team, X-Men: First Class moving along (albeit more slowly than we initially thought,) and rumors that an adaptation based on X-Men comic spinoff The New Mutants is in the works, and Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool a certainty, one might wonder where Singer can be placed. However, from a practical standpoint, it could make sense to place him on the long-rumored X-Men Origins: Magneto.* (Purely my personal opinion.) It would reunite Singer with Ian McKellen, who will likely have a "flashback narrator" role as the older Magneto in the film's wraparound story. While the franchise is in an ambiguous place, having Singer return to tell the story of Magneto, an effort that he himself began with the first X-Men movie, would be fitting. However, more importantly, it would be the safest approach from the standpoint of the integrity of the "new" X-Men canon that Fox seems to want to get off the ground. (Whatever that may become.)

Therefore, I say giving Singer the Magneto movie wouldn't be such a bad move. Say what you will about how the X-Men movies ended, Singer did churn out a few decent films that, for what they were, captured the spirit of the X-Men story pretty well.

*David Goyer and James McTeigue are tentatively attached to Magneto. However, much can quickly change.

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Fresh Ink Online: Planetary, War Heroes, Daredevil

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Fresh Ink Online host Blair Butler, in all her crazy hair glory, charges through a slew of comic book reviews, including Irredeemable, War Heroes, Planetary, G.I. Joe, Hector Plasm, Daredevil, Criminal and Doctor Voodoo. Plus we catch up with last week’s reviews as well, since instead of a new podcast you got our awesome 2-part Brian Michael Bendis interview. Hey, ya can’t say we don’t aim to please. Well, maybe you can, but you’d be wrong. Enjoy!

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'Venom' Set To Be A "Good Guy" In Solo Film

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 11:28:00 -0700

Are you ready to see Venom turn over a new leaf? Apparently the folks over at Columbia/Sony feel that way. However, don't look for Venom's new self-help initiative to involve a 12 step program to wean himself off human brains. Among other details about the long-rumored solo project for Spider-Man's evil symbiote-clad nemesis, the biggest bombshell dropped about the film so far, is that Venom will in fact be a GOOD GUY in the film.

What a difference a week can make in the development of a film. Just last week, we were told that the scribes behind the recently-successful Zombieland, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick would be working this script. Now, it seems that the job will go to Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit,) who will also likely have a director's chair waiting, as well. Ross, who is also currently re-writing the script for Sam Raimi's upcoming Spider-Man 4 after James Vanderbilt and David Lindsay-Abaire were initially tapped for the job, seems to be Team Columbia's favorite relief pitcher as of late. Additionally, Ross will be serving as a producer, alongside penultimate Marvel god, Avi Arad. The upcoming film will apparently attempt to portray the character of Venom in a new light. According to Variety:

"The Venom, an arch enemy of the web-slinger in the Marvel Comics series, will be transformed into an anti-hero who becomes a defender of the innocent."

Of course, the concept of Venom as a pseudo-vigilante is not new in the world of comics. For a time in the 90's, Eddie Brock's alter-ego, Venom, was known as "The Lethal Protector." In perhaps the most prominent storyline of that era, Venom turned up in San Francisco, where he ended up taking the cause of protecting a group of homeless people from criminals. This resulted in finally finding acceptance among other people as he joined the group, who turned out to be an underground society descended from the great 1906 earthquake. (And yes, you read that correctly; Marvel retconned San Francisco's homeless issues.) However, that happiness would be short-lived as an evil foundation kidnaps him in an attempt to spawn more symbiotes for their own sinister uses. He eventually would count on the help of his old nemesis, Spider-Man to be rescued from their clutches.

Whether the film will be a variation of that particular storyline (minus Spidey's involvement,) remains to be seen. However, Variety did make the point in regards to its connection with the existing Spider-Man film franchise, that "the spinoff will start from the drawing board." ("PR to Fanboy" Translation: Reboot.) Therefore, the involvement of Spider-Man 3's Eddie Brock/Venom played by Topher Grace (who just now signed to be in another franchise update, Predators) seems more unlikely as each day passes.

Is this good OR bad news? Personally, I can only publish how much of a trainwreck I thought Spider-Man 3 became so many times before I wear myself out. Any change is good, I suppose. However, the fact remains, that Sony/Columbia holds the film rights to Spider-Man in perpetuity. (Which is kind of a long time. Well, technically, it means "forever.") What they do with the franchise IS going to happen whether we like it or not. Right now, we have the fourth (and likely final) Raimi Spider-Man film on the horizon, and now, this "solo reboot" film of the character who was just unceremoniously dispatched in THAT film's previous installment.

Oh, what a tangled web (pun intended) Columbia/Sony has weaved.

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