Articles by rick-marshall
Wed Jul 9, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Comic Shop Therapy and 'The Dark Knight'
Kyle Piccolo, Midtown Comics and The Dark Knight team up for... therapy?
I've been telling friends of mine for years that the answers to all of life's dilemmas can be found in the pages of comic books -- you just need to know which books to look inside.
Well, it looks like I'm not alone. In fact, anyone looking for answers might want to cruise over to the online home of Kyle Piccolo, Comic Shop Therapist, for a helpful diagnosis.
Problems with women?
Frustrated at work?
Suspect you have a mutant power?
Just head down to your local comic book shop and have a chat with the man behind the counter — Kyle Piccolo, the always sardonic, sometimes empathetic, and not quite all-knowing Comic Shop Therapist. Kyle possesses the uncanny ability to find the answer to your problem in the pages of a comic book and you can bet he’ll do it in a smart, entertaining and, more often than not, hilarious way.
While much of the website looks to be a massive billboard for The Dark Knight, the videos of Piccolo dispensing comic shop wisdom to the masses are actually pretty well put-together and likely to bring a laugh or two. If the whole thing is just more Dark Knight viral marketing, consider me successfully marketed to... or whatever the applicable term might be. The Heath Ledger-centric Dark Knight trailer on the site is pretty impressive.
Oh, and kudos to the crew at Manhattan's Midtown Comics for providing a set for the videos.
Mon Jul 7, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Audio: Webcomics Panel at Heroes Con '08
Sort of like being there... and closing your eyes
The good folks over at The Dollar Bin recently posted a recording of the Webcomics Roundtable from this year's Heroes Con. The panel features webcomic creators Nicholas Gurewitch of Perry Bible Fellowship (the subject of this April interview), David Malki of Wondermark, Julia Wertz of The Fart Party, Chris Harding of We the Robots and Danielle Corsetto of Girls With Slingshots discussing a variety of webcomics-related topics. The chat was moderated by The Comics Reporter himself, Tom Spurgeon.
It's a great listen for anyone interested in various facets of the webcomic scene, including the pros and cons of instant reader reaction and the economics of making webcomics a full-time gig. Many thanks to the Dollar Bin crew for making it available.
(via Fleen)
Mon Jul 7, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Interview: Brian Bendis on 'Secret Invasion,' TV and Marvel's MMO
Marvel's main man provides some thoughts on Dire Wraiths, Skrulls and Spider-Woman
Among comic book fans, Brian Bendis has become a household name as the architect of Marvel Comics' "Ultimate" universe, the writer of countless stories involving just about every character in the publisher's stable and the author of a long list of well-regarded, creator-owned projects such as Powers, Torso and Jinx.
Credited with making a host of third-tier characters relevant and merging the many worlds of the Marvel Universe into a more manageable landscape, Bendis is currently scripting Secret Invasion, Marvel's latest, massively marketed crossover event that has readers guessing which of their favorite characters are actually shape-changing Skrulls in disguise.
I spoke with Bendis during a signing event at the recent Wizard World Chicago convention. The long line of fans that curled around the Marvel booth, through the aisles and around several other booths was a testament to both the massive list of projects Bendis has authored, as well as his genre-spanning appeal among fans. Those in line offered up everything from issues of Bendis' long-running, creator-owned series Powers to issues of Daredevil and Secret Invasion, and many identified themselves as members of Bendis' popular message board community, Jinxworld.
COMICMIX: It's been a while since we've talked, Brian... I'm glad I could catch you for a few minutes.
BRIAN BENDIS: Yeah, this is our inaugural ComicMix interview. I've never been on the site before.
CMix: Well, let's get right to it, then, as I don't want to take up too much of your time with everyone in line here. First off, with the recent Secret Invasion reveal of Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew, as a Skrull, how does that reflect on all of the Spider-Woman stories you've been telling for the last few years? You've been building a fairly complicated history for the character, after all...
BB: It reflects perfectly, because I was writing her knowing this. It wasn't like someone surprised me with it. I knew from the first issue of New Avengers that she was a Skrull. But the reveal and the reaction to the reveal, it was so genuine and it was a real relief. I did feel bad, though. There were a few Spider-Woman fans on my boards, one of whom had spent thousands of dollars on original art from the issues I had written. They showed me the art, and they were amazing, but the whole time I was like... Oh, no...
But the whole point is surprising people. You can't start whispering to one person or another. Only about four people in Marvel knew that was the way things were going to play out.
Continue reading Interview: Brian Bendis on 'Secret Invasion,' TV and Marvel's MMO ›
Sat Jul 5, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Warren Ellis on 'G.I. Joe' Cartoon
Veteran writer scripts upcoming 'G.I. Joe' animated series
Warren Ellis seems to have been everywhere in this week's news, with a barrage of headlines related to his appearance at last weekend's Wizard World Chicago as the Guest of Honor and, of course, my recent interview with Ellis about his FreakAngels webcomic. Well, chalk up another one for "Internet Jesus," as news broke recently about a series of five, 10-minute "Webisodes" the British author scripted starring the cast of the "G.I. Joe" toy line and collectively titled G.I. Joe: Resolute.
According to ICv2:
Each episode is self-contained, but there is also an overall story arc. These short cartoons, which are targeted at adults, have a distinctly Vertigo flavor since they were written by veteran comic writer Warren Ellis and based on character designs by 100 Bullets cover artist Dave Johnson. In this series, which is rated "PG-13," the guns shoot bullets, not lasers and there are real consequences. Although there isn’t a lot of blood there is lots violence and a hint that major “characters may die.”
Hasbro plans to debut the Webisodes on its website early next year, wit the hope that Cartoon Network will broadcast the series at some point. Of course, there's also a toy line based on the Webisodes in the works, too.
You can find more info at G.I. Joe fansite, HISSTank.com.
Sat Jul 5, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Seth Rogen and the 'Green Hornet' Interview
Where does one get a 'manservant' these days, anyways?
When rumors of a Green Hornet film co-written by and starring Seth Rogen (Superbad, Knocked Up) first surfaced, I'll admit being a bit skeptical. However, Sony recently announced a June 25, 2010, release date for the film, so things seem to be moving forward.
For those not in the know, The Green Hornet tales follow millionaire Britt Reid, who runs a newspaper by day and fights crime alongside his Asian manservant Kato at night. The adventures of the character were chronicled in both a radio series and comics, as well as a short-lived television series most noted for introducing the American audience to Bruce Lee.
The SuperHeroHype crew recently spoke to Rogen about the film:
When asked about Stephen Chow being involved in the project, Rogen confirmed that his name has come up and said, "Until you get an official green light, the studio won't spend any money and you can't get an actor without any money. We would love to have him. The version of the script is ultimately written as a very intense action movie."
"It's a very intense action movie and the relationship between Green Hornet and Kato, a lot of comedy comes from that. At first actually, we weren't even sure going in we could be more of a Jet Li type guy who maybe isn't the funniest guy in the world, but he's physically very impressive, or whether it would be more of a Stephen Chow type guy who can do martial arts, but clearly has a sense of humor. In the version that we've made it seems like a Stephen Chow type guy would be more suitable for the role. Again, until they officially greenlight it, it's hard to make any of those decisions," Rogen continued.
Rogen is writing the film with his frequent collaborator, Evan Goldberg, who co-wrote Superbad with him.
Fri Jul 4, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Matt Wagner on Magic and 'Madame Xanadu'
Sex, magic and mysticism... oh my!
Maybe it's just the swanky fedora and cloak, but The Phantom Stranger has always been a favorite character of mine. I mention this only because it was one of the primary reasons I was excited about last week's release of Madame Xanadu #1, the first issue of new Vertigo miniseries that promises to look at the title character's relationship with the Stranger.
Over at Famous Monsters, ComicMix contributor Bob Greenberger chats with Madame Xanadu writer Matt Wagner about the character's complicated romantic history:
FM: Xanadu has been previously linked romantically with an incarnation of the Spectre, back when I edited the book. So, what does she see in the Phantom Stranger?
Matt: We actually add a new element to her eventual relationship with the Spectre near the end of the opening story arc. The whole deal with including the Phantom Stranger and weaving their continually troubled relationship through this first story line stemmed from a bit of the current continuity with which I was initially unfamiliar–the fact that she holds a certain distrust and even outright animosity for the Stranger. I thought that was a great opportunity to explore and define an emotional conflict that hadn’t yet been revealed; how did they come to stand at such opposite ends from each other. What led to that eventual rift?
Head over to Famous Monsters for the rest of the interview.
Fri Jul 4, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Moonstone and Dynamite Both Publishing 'The Phantom'
A tale of two publishers... and one phantom
While last weekend's Wizard World Chicago convention didn't feature much in the way of news, there were a few announcements that had people talking. Among them was Saturday's announcement by Dynamite Entertainment that the publisher had acquired the rights to Lee Falk's The Phantom comic strips. The announcement created quite a buzz, as publisher Moonstone Books was under the impression that they still had the license to The Phantom.
Well, according to ICv2, both parties are correct, as neither publisher owns the exclusive rights to the character, and both plan to publish Phantom stories down the road... which should be interesting.
When Dynamite Comics announced that it was publishing a Phantom comic book at Wizard World Chicago, a Moonstone representative contacted by ICv2 was unaware of the changes in the Phantom publishing program. But after the show, Moonstone contacted King Features and discovered that neither Moonstone or Dynamite had an exclusive license, so Moonstone could continue with its publishing program.
Fri Jul 4, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Webcomic News Roundup: Google Gets A Talking-To, Zero Punctuation Rages
It's interactive!
It's a light one this week, as many of us on this side of the pond are enjoying a day off and trying to stay as far away from a computer as possible.
Attentive Twitter-stalkers already know that Diesel Sweeties
The video is posted below, and once you get past the somewhat timid introduction, it's a really enjoyable presentation that features some great behind-the-scenes elements of both webcomics.
On a semi-related note, Gary Tyrrell of Fleen is still waiting for any questions about Rich Stevens' decision to opt out of his Diesel Sweeties print syndication deal.
Continue reading Webcomic News Roundup: Google Gets A Talking-To, Zero Punctuation Rages ›
Thu Jul 3, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Interview: Warren Ellis on FreakAngels, Webcomics and Doctor Who
The 'Transmetropolitan' and 'Black Summer' author discusses his grand experiment in the world of online comics
For anyone familiar with the online presence of award-winning writer Warren Ellis, it came as no surprise when the author announced at last year's San Diego Comic-Con that he would be scripting an original, ongoing webcomic hosted by Avatar Press and titled FreakAngels. The concept, the preview art and even the name of the series all seemed quite, well... Warren Ellis.
What has been surprising, however, is the ease at which the longtime print author has adapted to the online medium and managed to create a compelling, unique series with very few blips in the weekly schedule he set for himself and FreakAngels artist Paul Duffield. At a time when top-tier print titles are failing to meet monthly schedules time and time again, Ellis and Duffield have managed to create a consistently compelling, unique series worthy of mentioning in the same breath as many of the more established webcomics out there. The fact that the series also has Ellis' considerable online savvy and the resources of an up-and-coming publisher like Avatar behind it only makes the entire package even more intriguing to anyone with an interest in the digital evolution of the medium.
Avatar afforded me a few minutes to speak with Ellis during the recent Wizard World Chicago convention (where he was the event's Guest of Honor), and I was glad to have the opportunity to ask him about FreakAngels, his thoughts on the online publishing scene, and how it all relates to traditional British storytelling.
COMICMIX: Coming from the print side of the industry, did your creative process change much for FreakAngels, Warren? How did the new medium affect your routine?
WARREN ELLIS: The only thing that has really been affected is the length of the episode. But even then, I'm not really writing with six pages in mind so much as I'm writing with 144 pages in mind. I'm writing FreakAngels in 144-page blocks, so I'm really keeping my eye on the bigger picture as opposed to keeping an eye on the ending of page six. So really there's been no change at all.
I've kind of refused to change. [Laughs]
Continue reading Interview: Warren Ellis on FreakAngels, Webcomics and Doctor Who ›
Wed Jul 2, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Random Video: Not 'Iron Man' But 'Irod Bad'
Kaplow-a-wow!
Want to relive the fun of Iron Man without those pesky computer-generated effects, impressive performances by actors, adherence to known story or, better yet, running time?
I give you the Oscar-worthy animated opus Irod Bad (and then make my escape before you start watching it):
Wed Jul 2, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
'My Name Is Bruce' Gets Release Date... and Sequel!
Highly anticipated film to hit theaters in October
While it's not exactly comics-related (though Dark Horse Entertainment will serve as distributor), it's still big news for just about every comics fan I know: Yes, Bruce Campbell's next film, My Name Is Bruce, finally has a release date!
ShockTillYouDrop.com, who spoke with Dark Horse president Mike Richardson during the Saturn Awards last week, has reported the film is due out in October. Directed by Campbell himself, and featuring a script by Mark Verheiden, the film's plot involves the real-life Bruce Campbell being mistaken for the character he played in his Evil Dead films and forced to fight a demon in order to save a town.
The film was first screened almost a year ago, but a string of delays caused many to doubt whether it would ever be seen in theaters.
But that's not all, according to the movie website:
Richardson said that a sequel, titled My Name is Still Bruce, is in the works as well. Dark Horse Entertainment and Image Entertainment will distribute both films.
Groovy.
(Sorry, I couldn't help it.)
(via Cinematical)
Tue Jul 1, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Doctor Who in Review: Season Four, Episode #9 - Forest of the Dead
What's in a name? Quite a bit, apparently...
[EDITOR'S NOTE: My apologies for the late arrival of this week's "Doctor Who in Review." We've been catching up after all of the Wizard World Chicago chaos! It's times like these that I could really use a TARDIS. - RM]
The hit BBC series Doctor Who
Every week, I'll do my best to go through the most recent episode with a fine-tooth comb (or whatever the "sonic screwdriver" equivalent might be) and call out the highlights, low points, continuity checks and storyline hints I can find to keep in mind for future episodes. I'll post the review each Monday, so you have ample time to check out the episode once it airs each Friday at 9 PM EST on Sci-Fi Channel before I spoil anything.
Missed a week? Check out the "Doctor Who in Review" archive or check out any of the past editions of this column via the links at the end of this article.
Keep in mind, I'm going to assume readers have already watched the episode when I put fingers to keyboard and come up with the roundup of important plot points. In other words, SPOILER ALERT!
Let's begin now, shall we?
Season Four, Episode #9: "Forest of the Dead"
Continue reading Doctor Who in Review: Season Four, Episode #9 - Forest of the Dead ›
Mon Jun 30, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Wizard World Chicago 2008: Photo Gallery Wrap-Up
All the images we couldn't stand deleting...
Sure, we already posted several sets of photos from the weekend (WWC Gallery 1, WWC Gallery 2, WWC Gallery 3), but after unpacking our gear and beginning to unwind from the show, we discovered a few more photos on the cameras of various members of the ComicMix crew. My favorite of the bunch (and the one that convinced me another gallery was necessary) is posted here, and the rest can be found after the jump.Oh, and please pardon the shakey, blurred photos -- these are just the images we pulled off our various camera phones over the course of the weekend.
Yes, that's Blade reading a copy of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer omnibus. Seriously, we couldn't have planned a better image than this one...
Continue reading Wizard World Chicago 2008: Photo Gallery Wrap-Up ›
Mon Jun 30, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Wizard World Chicago 2008: Day Three Report
That's it... I'm out!
The booths are broken down and all that's left of this year's Wizard World Chicago convention are empty mylar bags blowing in the wind and streets littered with Marvel Comics promo cards.
Sunday was another slow one on the show floor, with many creators (and a few retailers) packing up and bailing out well before the 5 PM close of the show.
So what were the highlights of the last day?
First on the list would certainly be Guest of Honor Warren Ellis completing a grueling schedule of signings that seemed to have him in action for a significant chunk of each day -- with far more signings than any other creator in attendance, as far as I could tell. As I mentioned in my Day One Report, this was Avatar's show, and that was no less the case on Day Three than it was on Day One.
Continue reading Wizard World Chicago 2008: Day Three Report ›
Sun Jun 29, 2008 — by Rick Marshall
Wizard World Chicago 2008: Day Two Report
Heartbreak, horror and hollers...
Day Two of the show began on a somber note, as the passing of creator Michael Turner late the previous night was confirmed and marked by memories and moments of silence throughout the day. CBR has posted a touching message from Aspen Comics Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez on the death of his good friend and associate.
On a lighter note, I started my day sharing an elevator with Angus Scrimm, the "Tall Man" from the Phantasm horror films. Apparently, Wizard World wasn't the only game in town this weekend, as the Flashback Weekend horror film convention was also in town for its annual get-together of fans and celebrities of the fright-film scene. This made for a particularly surreal moment later in the day when the beginning of the horror festival overlapped with the end of both a senior-age Christian meet-up and a young couple's wedding. At one point during the day, the line that had developed for the elevators included the bridal party, a buxom, blood-covered nurse, a massive, costumed Jason Voorhees (complete with machete and severed, bloody head of Freddy Krueger) and a trio of seniors who seemed very concerned that no one else in the hallway was making a big deal about the nurse and her companion.
On the show floor, one of the fastest sellers was an Alex Ross-designed t-shirt modeled after his iconic image of Clark Kent ripping open his shirt to reveal the Superman costume underneath it. The popular graphic replaced Clark Kent with Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, who was ripping open his shirt to reveal the familiar "O" campaign symbol.
Continue reading Wizard World Chicago 2008: Day Two Report ›
