Articles by robert-greenberger
Thu Sep 4, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Kevin Eastman Promises New Origin for 'TMNT'
New Film Back to the Beginning
Kevin Eastman told Heavy Metal that there will be one more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and this will be a fresh look at their origin story.
“Yes, it is true,” Eastman told the site, which he owns. “Although the CGI film did well enough to warrant a sequel, there has been much talk between Imagi and Warners to do a better ‘re-invention’ (newest Hollywood buzzword) of the TMNT's, in a live action film — like what was done with Batman. Back to basics, back to the origin and the intro of the Shredder, etc...there have been talks, trips to Northampton to talk to Mr. Laird, and discussions with the original ‘first’ TMNT film director Steve Barron to come back and do it right — but no official word yet...will keep you posted.”
Barron directed that first film back in 1990. It was followed in 1991 with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. Then 1993’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. The film series took a break and was brought back, using CGI in 2007’s TMNT.
Additionally, the comic book spawned three television series and countless merchandise items.
Wed Sep 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Mark Millar Wants to Write Superman Movie
Claims He's Been Approached By A Director
Mark Millar is heating up in the eyes of Hollywood in the wake of Wanted's success so it’s no surprise to see him interviewed all over the place, including, most recently, G4. Mark is also given to shameless self-promotion and has discussed his business dealings so the news media has repeatedly pick up on his claims and treat them us news. As is often the case, it's Mark shilling for himself and making noise. Such may be the case with his latest interview where he spitballed his ideas for a Superman film.
Now, Mark has clearly indicated his desire to write a Superman movie for several years now and he’s trying to stake his claim now that Warner Bros. has essentially apologized for Superman Returns by going in a different direction, without Bryan Singer attached.
He told Blair Butler, "I've had this plan for like 10 years for a big three-picture Superman thing, like a Lord of the Rings epic, starting over from scratch again with a seven-hour Superman story. One to be released each year."
Until Warner Bros. issues a confirming press release, take Mark’s comments with a grain of salt.
Wed Sep 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Clone Wars' Debuts on Cable October 3
100 New Episodes Promised by Lucasfilm
The Cartoon Network has announced that the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars will debut on Friday, October 3 at 9 p.m. The first night will feature a one-hour special, kicking off the cable network’s Friday night block of new programming. The first hour that night will be offering a sneak peek at their new Secret Saturdays. The following week will be the new schedule with The Secret Saturdays (premiere episodes); Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars: The Clone Wars (premiere episodes); Ben 10: Alien Force (premiere episodes).
Lucasfilm kicked off audience anticipation for the new television series by releasing a feature film version in August. As of September 1, the film has earned a disappointing $30,672,432 along with lackluster reviews from professionals and kids alike. The movie hasn’t wowed them overseas either, taking in just $22,500,000.
Set during the Clone Wars between Episode II and Episode III, Lucas guarantees at least 100 thirty-minute episodes will be produced. Anakin and Obi-Wan will be featured prominently in the series, and Yoda, Count Dooku, Mace Windu, Palpatine, Padme, and General Grievous are also expected to appear. An entirely different voice cast came on board since the movie stars couldn’t necessarily commit to 100 episodes each. The series exposes the front lines of the intergalactic struggle between good and evil, The Grand Army of the Republic led by Yoda and the New Droid Army of the Separatists, respectively.
Wed Sep 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Top Shelf Holds Major Sale
Bi-Annual Event Slashes Prices on Must Have Reading
Chris Staros at Top Shelf sent out the follow news regarding a sale worth sharing:
To celebrate The Surrogates movie wrapping principal photography, surviving San Diego, and all the cool new summer and fall releases, for the next ten days -- thru Friday September 12th -- Top Shelf is having a giant $3 graphic novel web sale. When you visit the site, you'll find over 125 graphic novels and comics on sale -- with 90 titles marked down to just $3 (!) and a slew of other key titles just slashed!
To go directly to the list of items on sale, just click here:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals
But here are a few sample sale items:
-- $3 Books: Comic Book Artist, I Am Going To Be Small, Lower Regions, Regards from Serbia, That Salty Air, Alec - After the Snooter, The Mirror of Love, The King, Fox Bunny Funny, plus 90 more!
-- Slashed Prices: From Hell Hardcover, Lost Girls, Blankets, Too Cool To Be Forgotten, Owly, Korgi, Super Spy, Essex County Trilogy, Incredible Change-Bots, The Surrogates, and more!
-- Freebies with every order: Yearbook Stories, The 2008 Top Shelf Sampler, and Owly & Friends!
Please note that Top Shelf now accepts PayPal (as well as Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover -- all secure), and that this sale is good for "direct market" retailers as well (and comic book shops will get their wholesale discount on top of these sale prices).
Wed Sep 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Tarzan Returns to the Big Screen
Warner Bros. Brings Back Burroughs' Character
Tarzan is returning to the Big Screen but not as an animated musical sequel from Disney but a played-for-straight adventure from Warner Bros, and director Stephen Sommers (The Mummy). Variety reports this morning that Sommers and Stuart Beattie will be co-writing the screenplay. The duo last worked together on 2009’s G.I. Joe film for Paramount, which recently completed lensing.
Producer Jerry Weintraub has been trying to mount a new live-action version of Tarzan since 2003, working from a screenplay by John August (Shazam!) and at one point Guillermo del Toro was in talks to direct the film.
Ever since Edgar Rice Burroughs first wrote about his man raised by the apes in 1912, it has been repeatedly interpreted for serials, movies, radio, television and comic books. Burroughs penned some 23 books featuring his character in addition to creating other fantastic realms and characters including John carter, Warlord of Mars and Pellucidar. While Johnny Weismuller’s performance informed the image in the minds of a generation or two of moviegoers, today more people probably know him from the 1999 Disney animated feature.
This will be Warner’s second go-round with the Lord of the Jungle after 1984’s underrated Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes from Hugh Hudson. The film introduced us to actor Christopher Lambert later known for Highlander. Warner’s television network, the CW, had a disastrous version of Tarzan in 2003.
Wed Sep 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
MoCCA Celebrates Kim Deitch's Career
Underground Artist Receives Retrospective
We just received word that The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is opening a retrospective in honor of Kim Deitch’s distinguished career. The exhibition will run from September 9 through December 5 at MoCCA in Manhattan.
According to a press release:
“Kim Deitch: A Retrospective will display original comics pages and other work covering the artist's entire career to date, beginning with full-page comic strips drawn for the East Village Other in the sixties up to recent graphic novels including The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Alias the Cat, Shadowland, and Deitch’s Pictorama. The exhibit will also feature rarely seen work including elaborate preparatory drawings, hand-colored originals, animation cel set-ups and lithographs.
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
SPACE Award Finalists Announced
2009 Small Press Award to be Presented in Canada
Small press efforts are being recognized in 2009 at Canada’s SPACE show. Previously, there had been the Day Awayrd, selected and presented by Dave Sim in recognition of the work done by the late artist Gene Day. Sim withdrew the Award for 2009 and it has been replaced with the SPACE award, with the 2007 winning team of Matt and Carol Dembicki and Tim Corrigan selecting the winner.
The finalists were just announced:
Birth by Michael S. Bracco
Blink: Barefoot in America by ONWARDStudio
Breathers 1 by Justin Madson
Clockwork Creature: Chapter One by Kyle Strahm and Wesley Craig Green
Concepcion by Rickey Gonzales
The Secret History of the Ineffables Part 1 by Craig Bogart
Lackluster World 5 by Eric Adams
The Serial Squad! by Paul E. Schultz and Jon Hodges
A Thorn in the Side by Bill Knapp
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Kick-Ass' Starts Shooting Shortly
Marvel Max Comic to Film in Canada
One of the surprise hits for Marvel this year was Kick-Ass, the series from Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. In addition to sell outs and multiple printings, it was optioned for a film prior to the first issue hitting the stands this past winter.
The movie, to be directed by Stardust’s Matthew Vaughn, stars Nicholas Cage and as the would-be hero, 18-year-old Aaron Johnson (Angus, Thongs & Snogging). While in Australia promoting Angus, he told Moviehole he goes from Down Under to Canada to begin shooting in a few weeks.
"Next week I'll be in Toronto. I'm still trying to get my head around it. I just came back from New York actually where I was doing an independent film. I've gone from one side of the world to the other. My head is going crazy. I woke up this morning and said ‘Where am I?' I looked out the window and saw the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and I'm like ‘Wow! How did I end up in Australia?'. Have you ever seen that film Jumper? It's like I'm in Jumper."
As the teen turned costumed crimefighter, he won’t be required to do a lot of stunt work compared with the other members of the cast. "There's a younger girl in it. [Chloe Moretz, Dirty Sexy Money] and Nicolas Cage do a lot of the fighting. I don't do much fighting - I get my faced kicked in a lot though. She goes around with a samurai sword cutting people's heads off. It's very violent obviously. It's going to be quite a crazy one. I play an American comic book nerd so it's very different from the sex god roles".
The movie has been adapted by Jane Goldman who previously worked with Vaughn on adapting Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess’s graphic novel to the screen. The film will also star Lyndsy Fonseca (Desperate Housewives) and Omari Hardwick (Saved). A 2009 release date is anticipated.
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Actors Want Odd Parts
Watson and Robin Cause Head Scratching Among Fans
Competing Sherlock Holmes movies will be racing to see who can get before the cameras faster. Guy Ritchie (Rocknrolla)’s version already has Robert Downey, Jr. on board as Holmes but now Russell Crowe says he wants to play Watson. He was quoted in Australia’s Daily Herald as indicating this desire although an anonymous source was cited.
Crowe is looking for a project now that his Robin Hood film with Ridley Scott is on hold for at least a year.
Meantime, also in Australia, Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia was quoted by Showbiz Spy indicating his desire to play a decided adult Boy Wonder. "I always thought I would make a great Robin. I would love to be Christian Bale's sidekick in Batman," he told the reporter. "Even when I was younger I never wanted to be Batman." Of course, director Christopher Nolan has already said for years now that his film version of the Caped Crusader will never feature a Wonder – boy, teen or adult.
This, on the heels of the absurd notion of Cher as Catwoman, means we have years of casting rumors to endure before Nolan mounts the third film in the franchise.
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Meltzer Begins Effort to Save Siegel Home
Charity Auction Begins Today
As reported across the web and in today’s New York Times, Brad Meltzer has launched a campaign to raise funds to renovate and preserve the boyhood home of Jerome Siegel, co-creator of Superman. Starting today, a four week auction of items will begin with winners gaining original artwork, VIP seats to the Colbert Report, walk ons in comic books, novels and even an episode of NBC’s Heroes.
Meltzer’s The Siegel & Shuster Society has launched and can be accessed at Ordinary People Change the World, a charitable website Meltzer founded. In addition to the auction, other items such as an Chip Kidd-designed t-shirt can be purchased or cash donations made.
The goal is to raise at least $50,000 for the necessary work on the exterior of the home, still occupied by an older couple. The website says, "It's the right thing to do. In return, The Siegel & Shuster Society has the right to buy the house when it eventually goes up for sale.”
His latest novel, The Book of Lies, in a nice bit of synchronicity, goes on sale today. Based on the robbery that led to Murray Siegel’s death, Meltzer’s book explores a thrilling What If? scenario that may have had more to do with Jerry Siegel conceiving Superman than the pulps he read as a child.
Continue reading Meltzer Begins Effort to Save Siegel Home ›
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Scott McCloud Explains Google Chrome
Cartoonist helps introduce new browser
Today, Google will be launching their version of a web browser. Dubbed Chrome, it is said to be an open Source construct which began with the needs of today’s web users being taken into consideration. To make certain we understand why this is different than IE, Opera, Safari and Firefox, they hired Scott McCloud to produce a 35-page comic story to walk us through the browser.
It is said to be stronger for visuals, more secure, faster and has a neat tab that will provide you thumbnails of your nine most visited sites for easy access. The privacy factor will allow you to use a site and have its cookie deleted and the page won’t show up on your history. They sell it as a way to order surprise gifts, but more likely it’ll hide you surfing for porn.
The browser will be available only to PC users with Macintosh and Linux versions forthcoming.
ComicMix will be evaluating the browser before including it in our supported browser list.
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 6' Coming in October
World War II and Bosko Each get a Disc
Warner Home Video has announced a sixth DVD box set in their Looney Tunes Golden Collection series. The new set will be released on October 21 with 60 classic, fully re-mastered and restored cartoons, presented in their original un-edited format. Most of the shorts in the collection have never been available on DVD before.
Retailing for $64.92, the set will feature a disc dedicated to Bosko, Buddy and Merrie Melodies while the bonus features includes a never-before-seen documentary on voice genius Mel Blanc.
A smaller Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection Volume Six will also be released that day with material drawn from both Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Six and Volume Two for $26.99.
Continue reading 'Looney Tunes Golden Collection Vol. 6' Coming in October ›
Tue Sep 2, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Alaska Names Cartoon Laureate
'Tundra' Creator Recognized Twice This Year
Suddenly, there’s a lot of news coming out of Alaska. In addition to the state's governor being nominated as the Republican candidate for Vice President, cartoonist Chad Carpenter was named Alaska’s Cartoon Laureate last week. State representative Wes Keller began campaigning for the designation back in February, according to the Daily Cartoonist.
Carpenter has been drawing Tundra for a dozen years now and as a thirty year resident of Alaska, knows something about the environment. He was encouraged to get into comic strips by Dik Browne and Mike Peters and has managed to grow his strip into a mini-empire with not only the strip but four strip collections, t-shirt designs, note cards, mouse pads, bumper stickers, and an interactive CD-ROM.
Keller said at the time, “Chad is one of my most famous constituents. I love his humor and success, and I was happy to ask my fellow legislators to support and co-sponsor this citation recognizing and honoring the work and goodwill he has accomplished for Alaska during his successful run of Tundra. His ability to export Alaska grown is a true example of what you can do when you put your mind to it.”
On May 24, Carpenter was given the Reuben Award for Best Newspaper Panel, crediting Carpenter’s success as a self-syndicated cartoonist with over 200 newspapers carrying Tundra.
Mon Sep 1, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
John Cassaday Named GOH at WizardWorld Texas
Academic Track Added to this Year's Con
WizardWorld Texas, to be held at the Arlington Convention Center November 7-9, has named John Cassady its Guest of Honor. Cassady, currently drawing The Lone Ranger for Dynamite Entertainment, has made his name on titles including Astonishing X-Men and Planetary.
Additional guests named include Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets), Christos Gage (Avengers: The Initiative), Marc Guggenheim (Amazing Spider-Man), Phil Hester (Broken Trinity: The Darkness), Max Brooks (World War Z), Lee Bermejo (Hellblazer), Mitch Breitweiser (Captain America: The Chosen), Jacen Burrows (Crossed), Frank Cho (Jungle Girl), Shane Davis (Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns), Paul Duffield (FreakAngels), Marko Djurdjevic (Mighty Avengers) and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night).
The convention has also announced the formation of Wizard World University, an academic track of programming was created alongside the Institute for Comics Studies (ICS). Wizard has announced the Institute for Comics Studies is currently accepting proposals through September 22 for presentations, book talks, side talks, roundtables, professional-focus discussion panels, workshops and other panels.
The academics behind this new track include Dr. Travis Langley from Henderson State University and Dr. Peter Coogan, Director, Institute for Comics Studies.
Mon Sep 1, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Jonah Hex' Begins Shooting in March
DC Comics' Western star due in 2010
Warner Bros. has given a green light to a Jonah Hex script from Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank). "Pre-production will begin January 2009 before principal photography gets underway in March 2009 in either Louisiana, Georgia or Arizona,” the producers told Movie Blog.
Actor Thomas Jane had himself done up to show what the Hex makeup could look like and essentially was begging to be cast in the title role. The directors have rejected Jane, despite being impressed by his efforts. No casting has been announced for any of the roles nor has a story synopsis been revealed. The movie, though, is pencilled in by Warner Bros. for a 2010 release.
The antihero, created back in 1972 by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga, is one of the best characters published by DC Comics. Hex reached his creative heyday under writer Michael Fleisher during a long run from the 1970s through the 1980s. Currently he is enjoyed renewed popularity through the monthly now written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, working with a variety of noteworthy artists.
