The Fellowship of the Geeks: 8/1/11

Avengers Event in December Revealed Involves the X-Men and ... ?

Well, the announcement has been made regarding the teaser image (above) that was released yesterday. It is indeed involving the X-Men as well as the Avengers, but it ties in to a news item reported back during the San Diego Comic Con... the return of Cable. The four issue mini-series is called Avengers: X-Sanction written by Jeph Loeb with art by Ed McGuiness. Below is the teaser image released today. Thoughts?

Sneak Peak at Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

USA Today has a sneak peak of the upcoming comic Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. From the preview, it looks similar to Dark Horse's Hellboy and B.R.P.D., but writer Jeff Lemire says that the series is more based off of Grant Morrison's Seven Soliders project and "old Creature Commando scripts." Creature Commandos first appeared in Weird War Tales # 90 back in 1980. This looks interesting damn it. Another one that might go on my pull list. Enjoy!

Trailer for Justice League Dark #1

A trailer has appeared on You Tube to promote the upcoming supernatural superhero book Justice League Dark. The team consists of: Zatanna, John Constantine, Deadman, Madame Xanadu, and Shade, the Changing Man.

The book is written by Peter Milligan (Shade The Changing Man, Flashpoint: Secret Seven) with art by newcomer Mikel Janin (who owns the You Tube channel the trailer appeared). Frankly, this is one of the books I'm really looking forward to and have high hopes about it. Enjoy the trailer and feel free to comment!

DC a Perfect 27 for 27?

According the DC's Blog - The Source, all of the books from last week and the ones yet to be released this week have sold out at Diamond Comics Distributors, prompting additional printings. I have already reported the Justice League was going on it's third printing, while others were are on second prints.

The site is also reporting that Justice League #1 is the biggest selling comic of 2011. To be quite honest, it's the biggest ordered book of the year, but we'll see about selling. Over 200,000 copies have been ordered, but not all of them have been sold. There are a few stores out there that still have copies. They may be hard to find, but not impossible. My local store was out, but found another one that had some.

But all in all, this is good news for DC, but was it unexpected? The "experts" felt that September would be owned by DC, the question is what happens in October and beyond? We shall see. Stay tuned...

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A New Avengers Event in December?

Marvel has released an image of an Avengers story arc in December. We're not sure if it's just a story arc for the regular books or an actual event. The details (including the creative team behind this) will be revealed Tuesday, September 13 at 2pm central time.

Speculation is that it may have something to do with the X-Men as well since the target sight doesn't make a cross but rather an X. Plus it's on record that 2012 is the year of the X-Men. Hmmm... we shall see.

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R.I.P. Cliff Robertson

Cliff Robertson 1923 - 2011

The Fellowship is saddened to hear of the passing of actor Cliff Robertson. He was 88 years old. Media reports state that he died of natural causes, but nothing has been confirmed by his family. His most recent role was playing Uncle Ben in the Spider-Man films. He was also a Batman villain Shame in the 60's TV series.

Mr. Robertson won an Academy Award in 1969 for his role in the film Charly. Other films include: The Devil's Brigade, Three Days of the Condor, Midway, Star 80, Class, Brainstorm, Escape from L.A., and several TV appearances in his 64 year career. He will be missed.

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The Post-Schism X-Teams Fully Revealed

Marvel, over a period of a couple of weeks, has been revealing the members for all the X-teams beginning late October/early November. Without further ado: X-Men Regenesis! Images courtesy of Newsarama.

X-Men Blue Teams

X-Men Gold Teams

Sneak Peak at Batman and Robin #1

Comic Book Resources has a sneak peak at next week's #1 issue of Batman and Robin. The book is written by Peter Tomasi with art by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray.

Sneak Peak at Legion Lost and Superboy

Blastr and Science Fiction.com have sneak peaks from DC's new books: Superboy and Legion Lost. Both books will come out next week (September 14). Superboy is by the creative team of Scott Lobdell and R.B. Silva, while Legion Lost is by Fabian Nicieza and Pete Woods.

Sneak Peak at Mister Terrific #1

Here are a few pages from the first issue of the new DC Comic series Mister Terrific. The issue comes out September 14. Prior to the relaunch, Mister Terrific was a member of the Justice Society, held five black belts, and was one of the smartest men on Earth. Well, he's still smart, but the JSA will be located on Earth 2. However, Karen Starr will be in issue one, but not sure if she will be a series regular. That might make the Power Girl fans happy. MIGHT. The series is written by Eric Wallace with art by Gianluca Gugliotta. The cover is by fan-favorite J.G. Jones. Thanks to CNET for the images.

"The Captains" Coming to DVD in October

William Shatner's documentary, The Captains, will be available on DVD October 4. There is no mention of any extras, but it is a single disc set. The two hour documentary chronicles Mr. Shatner and his chats with the fellow captains of Star Trek - including new Captain Kirk, Chris Pine. Here's the official description...

Since first soaring onto television screens in the mid 1960s, Star Trek has become one of the most beloved franchises of all time. The original Captain Kirk, William Shatner, travels around the globe to interview the elite group of actors who have portrayed the role of Enterprise Captain, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the pop culture phenomenon. Featuring in-depth interviews and vintage Star Trek footage with William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Scott Bakula, Chris Pine, Avery Brooks and more.

Word of advice - watch it. I saw it's premiere on Epix back in June and it's great. It's funny and informative. A real look at each actor and the affect the show (and the phenomenon) had on each one - including Shatner. Good stuff. Here's the trailer...

Ron Howard to Direct a Superhero Movie?

Universal has acquired 364, and Ron Howard has been attached to direct according to Deadline. Howard's production company, Imagine Entertainment, will produce. The story revolves around a man who has superpowers one day each year and spends the other 364 (get it?) what deeds he will do on that day. The script was written by David Guggenheim, who's prior works Safe House and Medallion are in post production with a 2012 release.

This is an interesting premise and it will more than likely be good with Ron Howard behind it.

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Holy Cats! Bluewater Gives Julie Newmar Her Own Comic!

Issue #1 Cover B

Based on the success of their "The Misadventures of Adam West," Bluewater Productions has decided to do a spin off staring the original Catwoman herself, Julie Newmar. Titled "The Secret Adventures of Julie Newmar" the book has her traveling through time to stop a renegade scientist Dr. Vertigo and bring him to the present before time is altered.

"I think comic book fans will have fun as we travel through time and space," said Newmar. "We'll visit some of my favorite memories of my life and visit some amazing moments in history."

The book is written by Marc Shapiro with art by Cindy Mehrlich. It's scheduled for a February 2012 release. We're only one issue into Adam West's book and it's been fun. I have high hopes for this book.

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Wolverine and Deadpool Updates From Lauren Shuler Donner

X-Men: First Class Producer Lauren Shuler Donner sat with Hitflix to promote the DVD release (which is this Friday). She gave updates regarding other mutant-related films...

Wolverine - "Maybe summer 2012 we'll start shooting. It's based on Hugh's [Jackman] schedule, frankly. When he's available, we'll film. ...He's doing 'Les Miserables', and then he has to come and train for us. So it's all dependent on him." Regarding the film being a sequel, "[We want] to distinguish it from the other one. It's much more of a standalone."

Deadpool - "We're working on getting it ready, and presenting some things to the studio, cause we're gonna give it a little bit of a different look. It's a different kind of movie. If you know Deadpool...it's true to Deadpool. So you know it'll be violent, and outrageous, and funny and all that." On if Ryan Reynolds will come back to play Deadpool, "I can't imagine...who else could play Wade Wilson?"

Well, it doesn't sound like either film will be coming anytime soon. As long as they do a good job, I don't care how long it takes.

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A New Life for Locke & Key?

There might still be some hope for seeing the IDW comic Locke & Key on the small screen. Last month, the trailer for the pilot was leaked. Fox (and other networks) turned it down the series. However, there's new hope coming from.... MTV. That's right, the one time Music Television might have interest. Deadline is reporting that MTV programming chief David Janollari received a DVD of the pilot and liked it enough to set up meetings with the producers. Faint hope I grant you, but still a chance. The only thing that might be a concern according to the Deadline report is the budget. That is apparently the reason why Syfy passed on it (also explains the crappy "original" movies).

The story of Locke & Key is about three youths who become caretakers of a New England mansion called the Keyhouse. The mansion is full of doors that lead you to different worlds - full of magic and horror. The comic is written by Joe Hill with art by Gabriel Rodriguez.

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Alphas Renewed for Second Season

TVLine is reporting that the Syfy has ordered a second season (13 episodes) of the new show Alphas. Syfy's president of original content Mark Stern had this to say...

"Alphas' smart, innovative approach to a superhero franchise has clearly caught on with our audience. From the firstprate writing to the outstanding cast lead by David Strathairn, we're very proud of what was achieved in its first season and look forward to seeing this series fulfill even more of its creative potential in a second season."

The show has been averaging 3.3 million weekly viewers (with Live+7 DVR factored in). The season finale is September 26. Congrats to all involved, it's been a good show.

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Bluewater Comics Announce A Superhero Line Titled "Wave"

Official Press Release

Starting November 9th, 2011, Bluewater brings you the next wave of comic book awesomeness with Twilight of the Gods #0. Written by indy vet, AE Stueve, and drawn by Oscar Bazaldua, President Nelson, Joel Rasmuessen, and Gregg Paulson, Twilight of the Gods #0 introduces readers to a new and exciting shared universe of superhero action and gives readers a glimpse of four new comics from Bluewater: Artemis, Heracles, Orion, and Trident: The Power of Poseidon!

The story begins as the Greek Gods of old are on their deathbed and continues with ramifications that will have world shattering consequences.

This is the birth of something big and exciting and it is only $1.00. Why don't you give it a shot? It just might surprise you.

Attached are some exciting glimpses at the upcoming comic books from Bluewater's The Wave. To order the $1.00 issue thru Diamond - please use the order code: SEP110832 F

About Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com

A Possible Sequel to Beetlejuice Coming?

It may be possible. Deadline is reporting that David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith have signed a deal with Warner Brothers. Their production company, KatzSmith have agreed to a two-year first-look deal. That means they must allow Warner Brothers the right of first refusal in relation to developing and/or producing a project. First up is an apparent sequel to the 1988 Beetlejuice. The deal came about from Grahame-Smith's screenwriting work on the Dark Shadows film that is being directed by...Tim Burton, the director of Beetlejuice.

There was talk A LONG TIME AGO about a sequel titled Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian. UGH. This doesn't mean that there will be a sequel, but there is movement once again. There's no indication whether or not Burton or Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice himself) are interested.

I don't know...a sequel to Ghostbusters and now this. Hmmm....At least they aren't remakes!

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A Possible Villain for Hulk in New TV Series? (Rumor)

Started scouting stuff this morning and found this (thanks to ComicBookMovie.com). Take this with a grain of salt, but Comic Vine received an email last week regarding... well, read it for yourself...

"David Eick and Guillermo del Toro submitted a treatment that includes the development of the Red Hulk as a villain. Thought you might like to know."

If this is true, then...WOW. The question is how will the pull it off? Will both be created by the same terrible accident? Or do something more closely to the comics, which is what del Toro has said he wants to do. Del Toro is also a big fan of Jeph Loeb, who created the Red Hulk (or Rulk as it is sometimes called) and the character seems to have a big following, possibly as big as the original green one. The character who becomes the Red Hulk is more than likely in the series already because he's...well, (spoiler ahead) General Thunderbolt Ross, Betty's dad. The character was portrayed by Sam Elliot in Hulk and by William Hurt in The Incredible Hulk.

Could we see this? I hope so.

Some DCnU Books Getting Second Prints; Justice League Getting Third

It's hard to believe but a few of the new DC titles are already going to second printing, and they haven't been released yet. The orders have been staggering.

Action Comics and Batgirl have been confirmed getting second prints, and Bleeding Cool is reporting that Batman and Robin, Hawk and Dove and Justice League International have been backordered at Diamond Distributors - meaning that there needs to be a second printing of the books.

Justice League, which came out last Wednesday, is going into it's third printing. The cover will be the same one used for this year's San Diego Comic Con souvenir guide (see image).

This is means that the retailers are buying the books, with the hope that the readers will as well. Great start, but let's see what happens in month six.