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Fri Nov 7, 2008 — by Andrew Wheeler
Manga Friday: High School Hijinks
Magical dogs, vampires, and sword-fighters in the hallowed halls
I warned you that we’d be back to high school before we knew it, but did you listen to me? (OK, maybe you did. I don’t really know, to be honest.) It’s that time again: to cavort with sword-swinging, vampire-snogging, dog-spirit-cavorting high school students! To see lots of stylized tears, food-gobbling binges, and unexpected nudity! To dive completely into fantasy worlds in between soul-crushing exams of our own! (The last may only apply to actual Japanese high school students.)
Inukami!, Vol. 1
Art by Mari Matsuzawa; Story by Mamizu Arisawa
Tor/Seven Seas, November 2008, $9.99
Take one boy, the surly, horny, self-important scion of a family that has been training Inukami dog-spirits, and using them to protect the world from evil spirits, for a long, long time. Add a spunky young Inukami, almost completely innocent about the outside world but utterly unwilling to follow that boy’s orders in anything. Mix together with gratuitous near-nudity and plenty of unresolved sexual tension (but surprisingly few panty shots). Warm to room temperature, and serve on a shelf with dozens of very similar works.
He’s Keita. She’s Yoko. Together they…well, they don’t really fight crime, and they don’t even do much battling of demons. What they mostly do is squabble with each other. Keita demands that she obey him, totally and completely, and Yoko refuses. Actually, she doesn’t so much refuse as utterly ignore his every order, and push him around herself, with judicious uses of her power to teleport other items around. (Such as Keita’s clothes away from him, as happens several times.) She also gets him to wait on her hand and foot, even though he’s sure it’s supposed to be the other way around.
Fri Nov 7, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Inside Fangoria Graphix
Troy Brownfield Updates us on the Revival
The announcement that Fangoria was returning to comic books came as a bit of a surprise so we decided to go right to the source. Associate Editor Troy Brownfield chatted with us this week on the whys and wherefores.
ComicMix: Hey Troy, welcome to ComicMix.
Troy Brownfield: Thanks, Bob. It’s great of you to have us.
CMix: Fangoria Graphix failed last year and Scott blamed the lack of support from the magazine and website. Since it was all owned by Tom DeFeo, how’d that happen?
TB: Love the easy questions first, Bob. Let me first clarify a few things for everyone. Fangoria Comics never failed; Fangoria Comics was ended. How is that different? Well, Fangoria Comics was performing at a sustainable level in the Direct Market, at a terrific level in mass market bookstore chains, and very well at conventions. However, as anyone in comics knows, there is a certain cost associated with paying talent, printing, producing books, etc. While we would have been doing fine as our own entity, by the end of summer 2007, it was apparent to all that the larger Fangoria Entertaiment was in financial trouble.
Tom DeFeo, who was merely a co-owner at the time (via Creative Group), tried his best to keep us going. In fact, it was Tom, with our Executive Editor Scott Licina, who put together the comics line in the first place. It essentially came down to a vote, and Fangoria Comics, along with other facets of the group’s operations, was simply shut down. By March 2008, the entire conglomerate of interests (Creative Group, etc.) entered bankruptcy proceedings. What came from that is that Tom DeFeo’s new company, The Brooklyn Company, emerged as the sole owner of Fangoria Entertainment. Creative Group is no longer involved.
One of Tom’s first orders of business was to call Scott and get things back on track. Since we’ll be doing more than just straight comics, it was decided to rename the segment Fangoria Graphix.
As to Scott’s remarks citing lack of support, that goes back to things that existed in the previous configuration. The important thing now is that there is direct, daily communication between Scott, Tom, and Fangoria Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Tony Timpone. Managing Editor Mike Gingold, myself, and James Zahn from our New Media Development segment are involved with things as needed. Scott, James and I talk frequently about what needs to be done with the comics, etc., and we’re all working on various ends of that.
Fri Nov 7, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
John Boorman to Direct CGI 'Oz'
Director's First Animated Foray Tackles Classic
After visiting Camelot, director John Boorman (Excalibur) has decided to take a trip to see the Wizard. He has signed to direct a CGI-animated adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The film is budgeted at $25 million, according to Variety, and marks Boorman’s first animated project. The script will be a collaboration between Boorman, Rom Mita and Jim McClain. The project is already in development and they anticipate inviting audiences along for the ride during the summer of 2010.
Adaptations of the children’s book series have been around since the first motion pictures, best known for the 1939 musical starring Judy Garland. The adventures of Dorothy Gale and her companions have been continued in countless novels, comic books, movies, and television. The most recent incarnation was Sci Fi’s celebrated Tinman miniseries last December.
A new comic book adaptation is coming in December from Marvel, written by Eric Shanower, who has previously adapted the material, and illustrated by Skottie Young.
Fri Nov 7, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Die Bad' to be Remade in English
Marc Foster to Direct for Universal
The suddenly in demand Brad Ingelsby is scripting Die Bad, the English-language remake of a Korean action film with Marc Foster (Quantum of Solace) negotiating with Universal to direct.
The 2000 original production was written and directed by Seung-wan Ryoo and, according to Variety, was comprised of “four short films that told the story of the rise and fall of a gangster.” The remake will turn this into a single seamless tale set in New York.
Ingelsby has quickly become the Go To screenwriter after selling his spec script, The Low Dweller, to Relativity Media and gained attention as director Ridley Scott and star Leonardo DiCaprio decided to work on the film. Since selling the script in March, he has been hired to write Buried for Paramount and adapt WildStorm’s Sleeper for Warner Bros.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Glenn Hauman
Neil Gaiman NYC reading 11/8 to benefit CBLDF
So I was waiting for a subway yesterday after visiting my local comics store, and I heard a voice behind me say "Glenn!"
I turned around and didn't see anybody. Then I looked down. Lo and behold, there was Jill Friedman, fundraising director for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
"Glenn, let me ask you, as a member of the press, how come you aren't covering the Neil Gaiman benefit in town this weekend?" I kinda answered a bit non-commitally. Jill got that determined/slightly crazed look in her eye that suggested that if I didn't write up a piece about cousin Neil, I would be beaten around the head with a stapler.
So here you are, Jill. Please don't hurt me...
Veteran voice actor Tom Wayland and others, will read from some of the most politically charged excerpts of THE SANDMAN written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, in honor of the 20th Anniversary of THE SANDMAN.
Presented by the CBLDF and Vertigo, Neil Gaiman will be on hand to host this dramatic reading which will be held at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for a $50 donation to the CBLDF. Only 100 tickets are available to this special reading event. Reserve your tickets now!
THE SANDMAN is a series that is often hailed as one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling and which Norman Mailer famously praised as, "a comic strip for intellectuals." This very special evening will bring two of the series most beloved stories to life with a multimedia presentation that marries comics and live theater.
About the stories being performed:
Three Septembers & A January, originally published in THE SANDMAN #31 / Trade #6
The story of Joshua Abraham Norton the first, last and only Emperor of the United States of America that incorporates an explanation for his strange career centering on a challenge between Morpheus and Despair.
The Golden Boy, originally published in THE SANDMAN #51-56 / Trade #8
A revival of a 1970s DC character named Prez, it's the story of the US's first teenage president that considers how we view our leaders—while they're in office... and once they're gone.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Jack Black to Travel as Gulliver
Star to Remake Classic Satire
Jack Black will tower over his co-stars in the remake of Gulliver’s Travels. The 20th-Century Fox film, according to Variety, will be directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale) with a screenplay from Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Joe Stillman (Shrek).
Lemuel Gulliver, a free-spirited travel writer who, on an assignment to the Bermuda Triangle, suddenly finds himself a giant among men when he washes ashore on the hidden island of Lilliput, home to a population of industrious, yet tiny, people.
Jonathan Swift’s 1726 satirical tale is formally known as Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World, in Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of several Ships and was modified by the author in 1735.
The classic has been adapted previously, most notably by the Fleischer Bros. Studios in 1939. The most recent version was a 1996 miniseries which starred Ted Danson. Ross Martin and Richard Harris have also played the character. He was played by Bernard Horsfall in the 1968 serial, “The Mind Robber” on Doctor Who.
Shooting will begin in March with the studio planning a 2010 release date.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Bryan Fuller to Rescue 'Heroes'?
Producer may be Lured Back
E!’s Kristin dos Santos writes, “I've just been told by reliable insiders at NBC that Heroes most likely will replace Jeph Loeb and Jesse Alexander with at least one new writer-producer, and one of the names being tossed around is Bryan Fuller, the creative genius who served as a consulting producer for the first half of the first season.
“The upside? This would be nothing short of awesome, as Fuller's Heroes episodes were some of the strongest ever. If anyone can save this show, he can.
“The downside? One would assume this could only happen if Fuller's current obligation, Pushing Daisies (which he created), does not get picked up, which would be a heart-breaking TV tragedy. Though perhaps he could do both Heroes and Daisies and double the awesomeness in our living rooms? A girl can dream...”
Fuller is known for his inventive shows Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, and now, Pushing Daisies. Having started writing for Star Trek: Deep Space 9, he has also publically discussed his desire to produce a new Trek the television series.
Meantime, Entertainent Weekly is reporting that Justin Baldoni (Everwood) will play Alex, a Southern California surfer dude who works at a comic book store for at least two episodes during the Fourth Act, "Fugitives".
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Henry Cavill, Sam Worthington to don Competing Togas
'Clash of the Titans' and 'War of the Gods' Build Casts
War of the Gods has cast Henry Cavill (The Tudors) to headline the cast. According to Variety, he will portray Theseus. Tarsem Singh (The Cell) is directing the film from a script by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides for Relativity Media.
Meantime, the competing Warner Bros. remake of Clash of the Titans, with a script from Lawrence Kasdan, is said to be negotiating with Terminator Salvation-star Sam Worthington for the part of Perseus. The remake of the 1981 Ray Harryhausen film is to be directed by Louis Leterrier (Incredible Hulk).
Both movies are expected to begin production within the next four months and both announced intentions to follow the 300 model with principal photography relying heavily on the green screen process to allow sets to be digitally created. As a result, both movies are said to be budgeted below $100 million.
All that Greek mythology you read in school will come in handy as you sit through not one, but two feature films using the Olympian Gods and Goddesses. On June 26, both films were annoucned in the trades with one porject suddenyl split asunder. Warner Bros. was initially interested in something god-like and at one point was tempted by Relativity's War of the Gods. Instead, Warners proved fickle and instead partnered with Legendary Pictures for the Clash remake. The script from Lawrence Kasdan has been done for a while. They finally gave the project a green light when Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier signed on.
Continue reading Henry Cavill, Sam Worthington to don Competing Togas ›
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Mike Raub
ComicMix Radio: Don't Fear This Reaper
Episode #283: We Go Straight To Hell
The CW's Reaper gained a lot of fan press when last season's pilot was directed by Kevin Smith. Now, after a bout with the Writer's Strike, the show is on its way back for Season Two and we get the inside story from Satan himself, series regular Ray Wise, plus:
- The Simpsons anger a gay rights group
- TinTin struggles to the big screen
- JMS takes on Forbidden Planet
While the Comicmix Exclusive Interview with Ray Wise continues here on the site in a few days, but for a sneak peek just Press the Button!
And remember, you can always subscribe to ComicMix Radio podcasts via 
or RSS!
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
New 'Forbidden Planet' Continuation not Remake
Robby the Robot Left Untouched
Harry Knowles at Ain’t it Cool News provided his site with additional information regarding the just-announced remake of Forbidden Planet.
The movie, to be written by J. Michael Straczynski and produced by Joel Silver will be more a sequel than remake. The presumption is that Altair 4 did not blow up at the end of the Fred M. Wilcox/Cyril Hume classic.
The report goes on to say that the look will be that of an "enormous, giant, retro sci-fi movie"; likely retaining the original designs. All concerned have confirmed that the beloved Robby the Robot will return with his design unaltered.
Meantime, Straczynski confirmed that he has just finished a rewrite to the Thor script for director Kenneth Branagh.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Smallville' Gains its Saturn Girl
Canadian Pop Star to Play Imra Ardeen
Stephen Stohn reveals on his Alexz Johnson fansite that she will portray Saturn Girl on Smallville. The eleventh episode this season, written by Geoff Johns, will introduce Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, and Cosmic Boy as visiting Clark Kent from their thirtieth century home. This is a direct adaptation of their legendary first appearance in 1958’s Adventure Comics #247.
Sohn wrote, “Yes, to answer questions that people keep asking me about: the rumors that Alexz is guest-starring in the long-awaited ‘Legion’ episode of Smallville are true… she is filming this episode as she awaits the final mix of what may be the final song for her album…"
The episode will most likely run in December but has not been officially announced nor has the casting for the other Legionnaires. Over at IGN, Johns this week said the flight rings will be in evidence but not their traditional comic book togs. It also happens to be one of the few episodes to feature Kristin Kreuk’s Lana Lang, taking place one show after the Chloe Sullivan /Jimmy Olsen wedding, airing November 20. Johns described one of her scenes as "powerful" and "heartfelt".
"I love who they have playing the Legion,” Johns said without naming name. “They look great. I'll talk more about them when they're announced. But they freaking rock. Legion rings, the villain's weapon -- holy shit, wait until you see him — ‘Grife!, they are the Legion."
And who is Alexz Johnson? She’s a singer/songwriter who has been nominated for Canada’s Gemini acting awards, winning for the first time in October. She has been seen in Final Destination 3 and So Weird plus was the lead in Canada’s teen drama Instant Star.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Neil Gaiman Returns to Non-Fiction
Signs 3-book Deal with Morrow
Publisher's Weekly reports that Neil Gaiman has signed with Morrow to write three non-fiction titles.
Monkey and Me: China and the Journey to the West will be the first tile and is described as "inspired by Journey to the West, a classical Chinese text by Wu Cheng’en, who lived in the 16th century."
The author has previously written non-fiction, breaking into writing as a British journalist. His last non-fiction book was 1998's Don’t Panic: The Official Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion. His most recent novel, The Graveyard Book, was published last month.
The first of the three new books will see print in 2009 according to Morrow. All three were acquired from Gaiman's agent Merrilee Heifetz by senior v-p and director of editorial development Jennifer Brehl. After Moneky and Me, the remaining two books will cover subjects regular readers of his blog will be familiar with.
Gaiman will also be returning to comics with a two-part Batman story to see print in early 2009.
Away from print, he is involved as producer or director on several of his projects including Death: The High Cost of Living. He recently announced The Graveyard Book will also see life as a live-action film. The next film based on his works will be February's Coraline, a CGI-animated proejct from director Henry Sellick.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
Batman to Sue Warner Bros.
Turkish Province Wasn't Asked Permission
Batman, the small subdistrict of Ankara, Turkey announced on Wednesday their attention to sue Warner Bros. for its Batman movie franchise. According to the story at India’s Top News, Batman mayor Huseyin Kalkan feels permission should have been obtained prior to filming. The very first filmed Batman was the 1943 serial with the first full-length feature being the 1966 movie with the television cast. More recently, The Dark Knight amassed $992,764,009 in global box office receipts according to Box Office Mojo.
Batman became a distinct subdistrict in 1937, two years before the character’s debut in Detective Comics #27. The name comes from the Batman River and as it prospered it first became a town of Siirt in 1957, and in 1990 was made its own province.
"There is only one Batman in this world," said Kalkan. "Without telling us, the US makers of the films have taken the name of our region."
The mayor confirmed for the press that he would file suit in the United States if it came to that.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Wanted 2' on the Boards
Chris Morgan to Pen Original Story
Chris Morgan confirmed he will be writing the sequel to Wanted for Universal. He spoke with MTV and said, “Yes, I will be writing it. I’m actually leaving this conversation with you to go to a meeting with the director, Timur [Bekmambetov], and we’re talking about the story.”
Despite confirming interest in a sequel to June’s action thriller starring Angelina Jolie, Universal continues to negotiate with writer Mark Millar who wrote the original comic miniseries, with artist J.G. Jones. A deal is said to be imminent.
“As far as I know, the studio is finishing their deal with Mark [Millar], and then we’re all going to get together and collaborate,” said Morgan, a longtime comics fan. “And that’s something I’m very excited about.”
After all, the movie deviated from the comic, creating its own mythology and now has to explore new facets of that world. Terence Stamp has already hinted to the press his Pekwarsky will return in the sequel which may be wishful thinking.
“That is the challenge here,” laughed Morgan, “but the point is to continue the journey that Wes started in the first film. Wherever he ended up at the end of the film, now it’s time to move him forward.”
The $75 million movie went on to earn good reviews and more importantly, scored $134,327,125 domestically plus an additional $203,210,478 in foreign box office. The
$337,537,603 global total before licensing and home video revenue more than justified Universal wanting a sequel.
The DVD version will be released on December 2 in multiple versions: single-disc widescreen and full frame DVD editions, 2-disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def versions, and deluxe collector's sets. The limited edition 2-disc versions and collector's sets include a digital copy of the film.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger
'Doctor Who' Speculation Grips England
David Tennant Talks Replacement
The British media has been in overdrive since David Tennant announced last week that the four specials in 2009 will be his final year as The Doctor. He appeared this week on BBC Breakfast and said, "Who knows what might happen in the future? The door isn't necessarily closed forever.
"I actually think it's one of those parts that any actor could bring something very valid to, because he can be anything and because it's a sort of blank canvas every time.
"In fact, the difference is the virtue with each doctor, it's not like recasting Tarzan, where you have to got someone who looks good in a loin cloth. It can sort of be anything."
After all, his predecessors have managed to reprise their incarnation of the Time Lord for the annual Children in Need charity special and audio books.
When pressed, he refused to join in the speculation for a successor, saying, "It's not down to me. I've got nothing to do with it." Then he lightly suggested if they wanted to go with a female doctor, Billie Piper, who played the beloved Rose Tyler, would get his nod.
He also mentioned that when incoming producer Steven Moffat outlined his thoughts on the doctor, Tennant was tempted to reconsider his decision which he apparently made some time back with current producer Russell T. Davies.
The odds continue to favor James Nesbitt (Cold Feet)as receiving the key to the TARDIS. When asked, Nesbitt said it would be career suicide to follow Tennant and said his competition, Paterson Joseph, "would be great".
Reuters notes that “Bookmaker William Hill has made 44-year-old David Morrissey, who starred in BBC dramas State of Play and Blackpool its favorite to get the job, while the Daily Mirror is tipping former Eastenders actor Tom Ellis.”
