Articles by chris-ullrich
Wed Mar 5, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
New 'Wolverine' Set Photos Appear Online
See Wolverine and Sabretooth in their natural habitat!
Another day, another photo (or 10) from the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. Previously, there's been the first official photo from the movie, a few set photos and a cool Wolverine pic for you to enjoy. Now, thanks to celeb photographer Just Jared, there's a lot more behind-the-scene from the film photos to bring you today.
Over at the site you can see some of the fist pics of a bulked-up Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth and, of course, some more shots of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine -- all taken during what appears to be a break in filming at the Sydney, Australia set of the movie. There's also a few pics showing the make-up department touching-up Schreiber's Sabretooth claws and a close-up of the claws as well.
Seeing these latest pics had me asking some of the same questions as a few of the commentors at the site. For example, how will the movie explain the size difference between Schreiber as Sabretooth in this film and Tyler Mane in X-Men? Also, what's up with Schreiber's hair? Isn't Sabretooth a blonde?
I'm sure these questions will all get answered once the film hits theaters May 1, 2009.
Tue Mar 4, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Video: Matt Kindt on How to Make a Comic Book
Find the inner artist in you
It stands to reason that if you're interested in comic books and are here reading this site, you may have some interest in actually making a comic book yourself. If so, Matt Kindt, creator of various comics and graphic novels including Superspy, 2 Sisters and Pistolwhip, has made a video just for you.
The video shows Matt and the various steps he goes through to create a page of his Superspy comic. From the rough sketches, to pencils, to inking and then coloring in Photoshop you can see the transformation from a somewhat indimidating blank white page to a fully-formed comic book page. Who knows, this video might just be the inspiration you need to start creating your own comic.
If it is, be sure to let him know.
Tue Mar 4, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Revised Diamond Sales Figures for January Released
Newsflash: Joss Whedon rules
Computers are one of the greatest inventions of all time. I love 'em. They make so many things possible and help us get things done more easily and efficiently. In fact, if it wasn't for computers, you woudn't be able to enjoy all the great content right here at ComicMix.
Unfortunately, computers can also occassionally make mistakes. Case in point the most recent sales figures for comic books, graphic novels and other periodicals for January. Apparently, there was a technical glitch in the Diamond Comics Distributors' computer system which resulted in elevated sales figures for comics, graphics novels and other periodicals.
According to ICv2, this glitch has now been corrected and the sales figures adjusted. The new figures reveal a much different picture of sales for January. Some of the biggest differences were that instead of the previously reported 7% gain in comic book sales, it was only 1%. Graphic novels had an even bigger discrepency, with actual gains of only 3% instead of the relatively unrealistic 17% previously reported.
Even with the corrected figures, the news wasn't all bad. Nine comic book titles, including Hulk #1, Captain America #34 and Astonishing X-Men #24, sold over 100,000 copies in January, which was up three from December's total of six. And, periodical sales were slightly higher than the previously strong figures from January of 2007, which was considered a very successful month at the time.
If you're curious about how well your favorite comic books and graphic novels actually sold and what the top ones in each category were, check these out:
The "Top 300 comic books in January 2008."
The "Top 100 graphic novels in January 2008."
The "Top 300 comic books in December 2007."
The "Top 100 graphic novels in December 2007."
Looking over these lists, a couple things stood out for me. I find it interesting that Hulk #1 is at the top spot on the comics list for January (I guess red is a good color on him), two titles in the top 20, Astonishing X-Men and Buffy: Season Eight, involve Joss Whedon and a third title in the top 40, Angel: After the Fall, does as well.
Plus, the number three spot on the graphic novel list is also a Whedon creation: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 3. I guess you should never underestimate the power of a great TV show, even one that ended its TV run five years ago -- especially if Joss Whedon had anything to do with it.
Tue Mar 4, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
D&D Co-Creator E. Gary Gygax: 1938 - 2008
The 'Father of Role-Playing Games' passes away
Chances are if you love comic books, sci-fi, fantasy and other great things like these, you've probably also played Dungeons & Dragons at one time or another as well. I'm not embarrassed to admit I used to play it quite a lot and before the days of the sophisticated computer and console games we have now, it was a great way to get together with a bunch of friends, roll the 20-sided-dice and kick some Beholder butt.
So, it's sad news today to report that Gary Gygax, co-creator of D&D, co-founder of Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) and generally regarded as the "Father of the Role-Playing Game" has passed away. The news was first reported on the Troll Lord Games Forums but now has spread across the Internets with postings at various other sites. Plus, his Wikipedia page has also already been updated.
Born on July 27, 1938, Ernest Gary Gygax took his love of Avalon Hill wargames and his passion for the works of Robert E. Howard, J.R.R. Tolkien, Fritz Leiber, and other great sword and sorcery authors and created D&D. He also co-founded Tactical Studies Rules, the company that published the game.
After D&D, Gygax went on to create the Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventure RPGs, as well as a number of board games. He also wrote several fantasy novels. Over the years, Gygax became an icon to gamers and developed a huge following of fans, even appearing as himself in an episode of the show Futurama.
ComicMix's own Glenn Hauman had a personal connection to Gygax.
"I met Gary a few years back, and he was a complete gentleman," said Hauman. "Ironically, he died on GM's Day, a day created by various role-playing aficionados to pay tribute to the one who holds your character's life in your hands. Gary's influence on the gaming industry is immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed."
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Mon Mar 3, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Interview: Fabian Nicieza Talks New 'Captain Action' Comic
The Captain is back and ready for action
Writer Fabian Nicieza’s career spans over twenty years with stints at Marvel, DC and Darkhorse Comics. During that time he’s plotted, edited and written some of the most popular comic books around including Thunderbolts, Cable and Deadpool and Uncanny X-Men.
Recently, Nicieza competed against many other accomplished writers for the chance to bring one of the most beloved heroes from the ‘60s, Captain Action, back to the pages of a brand-new comic book series set to hit stores later this year. His pitch was selected and he’s now hard at work bringing Captain Action back to life.
ComicMix caught up with Nicieza to ask him a few questions about the Captain Action comic, his earlier work, his future and if a hero created and deeply-rooted in the ‘60s has a place in today’s comics culture.
COMICMIX: For people who might not know, can you give us a bit of info on your background? How did you get started writing comics? What were your favorites growing up?
FABIAN NICIEZA: I grew up reading comics. Out of college, I interviewed at both Marvel and DC, eventually landing a job at Marvel in 1985. After a couple years of learning the ropes, I started selling some stories to editors. I kept writing and working on staff, eventually, reluctantly, becoming a full-time writer.
I grew up reading Batman and Superman, then gravitated towards Marvel -- Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Avengers. Then "offbeat" series like Conan and Captain Marvel. Offbeat for an 11 year old, I guess.
I also got lots of Superman, Justice League, the Engelhart/Rogers Detective run. I bought both Marvel and DC through the early '80s, until I got the job at Marvel, then I got everything for free for a while.
CMix: Free is nice. How much did you know about Captain Action before you started
writing the comic? Did you ever read the original?
FN: I read the original DC comic, but only because the toy was my favorite as a kid. I had the figures and lots of the costumes.
Continue reading Interview: Fabian Nicieza Talks New 'Captain Action' Comic ›
Fri Feb 29, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
The 100 Best Reviewed Comics of 2007
There can be only . . . 100!
I like lists. Lists often make things easier to understand and easier to digest. Which is why, in a previous post, I brought you the list of Eight Comic Books to Read Before You Die. Apparently, writer Dick Hyacinth also like lists because over at his site, he's done a lot of research and compiled a list of the '100 Best Reviewed Comics of 2007.'
His list, which he referrs to as a "meta-list compiling critical reactions from the Internet and print publications" covers a huge cross-section of comics, manga and other writings and highlights some very popular work and some other work perhaps more unknown to mainstream comics fans.
When compiling the list, Hyacinth discovered several interesting bits of information he wasn't aware of including that he "vastly underestimated the popularity of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Here's the Top 10 "Best Reviewed Comics" and their popularity rankings, according to Hyacinth. For the rest of the list, check out his site.
(1085)2. Shortcomings
(941)3. All Star Superman
(908)4. I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets
(850)5. Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together
(660)6. Criminal
(640)7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8
(541)8. Alias the Cat
(452)9. Perry Bible Fellowship: The Trial of Colonel Sweeto
(444)10. Powr Mastrs
(439)Fri Feb 29, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Dark Horse Posts Drew Goddard's 'Buffy' Story Online
More Buffy than you can shake a stake at
In order to entice readers and get them excited for Drew Goddard's upcoming four-issue arc on Dark Horse Comics' Buffy: Season Eight (as previously mentioned here), the publisher has now put another of Goddard's Buffy stories, "Antique", online for your no-cost reading pleasure. The story, which has been posted in its entirety at the site, is part of the Tales of the Vampires anthology released a few years ago written by various former Buffy: The Vampire Slayer writers including Goddard, Ben Edlund and creator Joss Whedon.
Centered around Whedon's story about a group of young Slayers in training, the anthology explores the history of vampires and the world of the Slayer, taking place at various points in history including medieval times, the great Depression and today. Goddard's particular story concerns Buffy's rematch with the evil Dracula and her attempt to free her pal Xander from the vampire's hypnotic spell.
Reading "Antique" reminded me why I like Goddard's writing in the first place. It's dark, it moves and its funny. Three qualities I look for in a story.
Not that I really need another reason to read Buffy: Season Eight, though.
Goddard's arc, "Wolves at the Gate", has its first issue drop on March 8th.
Fri Feb 29, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
New 'Iron Man' Trailer Premieres
You will believe an armor-clad man can fly
Earlier in the week I told you that a brand new trailer for Iron Man would premiere during ABC's Lost this week. In case you missed it or, for some reason don't happen to watch Lost, here you go:
This latest trailer provided a first look at many elements of Iron Man, including Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, much more of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark and some new armor test sequences as Stark is trying out his jet boots and learning to fly.
Since seeing the first footage of Iron Man at Comic-Con last July, I've always been pretty sure Robert Downey, Jr. was going to be a great Tony Stark. Now, after watching this new trailer where we get to see a lot more of him in action, I'm convinced. Robert Downey, Jr. is Tony Stark.
Thu Feb 28, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Frank Miller on 'The Spirit', Actors and Movies
Making movies is hard... damn hard
Over at the official site for Frank Miller's upcoming film The Spirit, the director has posted a new entry on the site's production blog. Among the topics Miller discusses in the entry are more details about the film itself, the filmmaking process and his feelings towards actors.
At the blog, Miller describes the filmmaking process as "fun, thrilling and glamours as all hell. It's also as hard a line of work as you can find." He also counts himself lucky to be working on the film and with so many talented actors, referring to himself as "one lucky S.O.B." He also goes on to thank "all the people who dragged me into this crazy business."
Having worked on a few film sets in my time as well I can tell you Miller's observations about the process are pretty much spot-on. Making movies is often grueling, arduous, time-consuming, soul-sucking work that demands more of you than you ever thought you could give. Still, it can sure be fun much of the time.
There's a saying in Hollywood that i've alway thought was appropriate: "The worst day on a movie set is still better than the best day working at a bank." I'm sure Miller would agree.
The Spirit hits theaters January 19th, 2009.
Thu Feb 28, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Spielberg Says 'No' to 'Indy 4' Digital Projection?
Digital? No. Film? Yes.
I don't always believe many of the "rumors" circulating around the Internets. The web is a big place and people sometimes exaggerate, or perhaps even fabricate, in order to get some kind of "scoop" or exclusive "insight" for their websites.
That said, I am inclined to believe the following rumor which has recently surfaced, courtesy of tipster 'Ohio Munson' at JoBlo: Steven Spielberg won't be allowing any theaters to show Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull using digital projection. It will only be available on film.
Think about that for a minute and then I'll tell you why I'm inclined to believe this one. Spielberg is an old-school kind of filmmaker and has never really embraced his buddy George Lucas' love for all-things digital. In fact, he vehemently resisted Lucas' attempts to persuade him to shoot Indy 4 digitally.
Since he's Steven Spielberg and is working with Lucas, a devout technophile, the director could have had the most advanced digital camera system in the world at his disposal for Indy 4 and yet, he still went with film.
He's also, by his own admission, one of the few directors out there still cutting negative during post-production -- something that, with digital post and non-linear editing systems like AVID and Final Cut Pro being the "standard' these days, is almost never done.
Given his feelings regarding digital and his prior decisions, I feel he will stick with film for the theatrical release of Indy 4. Film is an aesthetic and creative choice he believes in, likes to works with, and, when playing at your local theater, will want his movie to be shown on. It's really that simple.
If true, is this a bad decision on Spielberg's part?
Wed Feb 27, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Top Cow and Virgin Comics Announce First Crossover
When Sara met Tara
Top Cow Productions and Virgin Comics today anounced the first-ever crossover comic book featuring the top female characters from both companies. Sara Pezzini, the main character of Top Cow's Witchblade and wielder of the mystical weapon, will cross paths with Tara Mehta, the supernatural force created by the Gods in the Virgin series Devi.
“The crossover seemed like a perfect connection,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. “It was a natural fit to have the Witchblade and Devi meet each other. And to have writer Ron Marz at the helm for us was by far the logical choice.”
Virgin Comics Gotham Chopra was equally as enthusiastic about the new venture.
“Simply put, this was a no-brainer for us to do,” said Chopra, "Not only are we at Virgin huge fans of Witchblade, but the whole team behind it at Top Cow. I know our guys—Samit Basu and Mukesh Singh—are both going to bring their A game to make sure that Devi holds her own against Sara.”
Top Cow will publish part one of the story, called Witchblade/Devi #1, in April. Virgin Comics will then follow up with part two, called Devi/Witchblade #1, in May.
Wed Feb 27, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Marko Djurdjevic Joins Marvel's 'Thor' as Guest Artist
Have hammer, will travel
According to Marvel Comics, acclaimed cover artist Marko Djurdjevic is joining the hit-comic series Thor as a "special guest artist' for a two-issue arc that promises to, as Marvel puts it: "turn the God of Thunder’s world on its head!"
And as if that were't enough, Djurdjevic and regular series artist Olivier Coipel have also teamed-up to create a special variant cover for the issue which, according to Marvel, "you need to see the results of this superstar jam to believe it!" The team-up cover is also available as a poster.
Here's some more info on the Thor comic, and Djurdjevic's involvement, from the official press release:
Thor’s world has been rocked by the machinations of others, but will the return of his father set him on a path of no return? And what of Loki’s machinations with the deadly Dr. Doom? If you haven’t checked out one of 2007’s most critically-acclaimed new series, then don’t miss Thor #7, kicking off a series of events that promise to shatter the status quo!
THOR #7 (DEC072216)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
50/50 Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL & MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+…$2.99
FOC—2/28/08, On-Sale—3/19/08
THOR BY COIPEL & DJURDJEVIC POSTER (DEC072283)
24x36 Color Poster…$7.99
IN STORES NOW!
Wed Feb 27, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
New 'Starship Troopers 3' Trailer Hits the Net
Come on you apes, you wanna third movie?
Whatever your feelings about the first two Starship Troopers movies, the powers-that-be have decided you really want a third one. So, they've gone ahead and made it. And now, thanks to the power of the Internets, I can show you the new trailer for the third film right here:
This direct-to-DVD sequel known as Starship Troopers 3: Marauder, brings back Casper Van Dien from the first film as Johnny Rico and features the super-hot Jolene Blaylock as pilot Lola Beck and Boris Kodjoe as Dix Hauzer. The story centers around Johnny Rico, now a General and even more of a take-charge badass, who must go back into the field for one last fight agains the evil Bugs.
Look for the film on the shelves of your local DVD store later this year.
Wed Feb 27, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
New 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' Pic Surfaces
New image, bub!
Previously, I brought you some cool set photos and the first pic from the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. With that first pic we got a look at Wolverine himself showing off some extra-cool six-taloned action. He looked a bit angry and ready to strike at the people responsible for putting him in what appeared to be a very small cage.
Big mistake on their part. You don't try to cage Wolverine. Jeez people, didn't you get the memo?
This latest pic, featured over at Empire Online, carries on the tradition and provides yet-another look at our hero and his famous talons. This time, though, we see in a cool low-angle shot, talons at the ready, about to take care of business.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine concerns, of course, the origin of Wolverine and how he came to be the cigar-chomping, talon-weilding, reluctant hero he is today. The film features Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds and Dominic Monaghan and hits theaters next Summer.
Wed Feb 27, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Director Mostow to Bring 'The Megas' Comic to Big Screen
Mostow's Mega Comic
According to the Hollywood Reporter, one of Terminator 3 Director Jonathan Mostow's next feature film projects will be based on his own comic book, The Megas, which hits stands this Wednesday. The comic, published by Virgin Comics, is set in a future where the American Revolution resulted in the continuation of the monarchy and not a democracy.
The story, co-written by Mostow and John Harrison, centers on Royal Investigator James Madison who is forced to make a choice between covering up a murder-suicide that could rock the establishment or doing the right thing and exposing the crimes, and the monarchy, for all of its evil deeds.
According to Mostow, he had the story in his head for many years but was just looking for a way to do it, finally finding that way with comics. "I thought it had potential as a movie or a TV series, but I wanted to explore it creatively first," Mostow said in the article. "This seemed like the best way to explore it."
Issue #1 of The Megas is at your local comics shop this week.
