Saturday, November 30, 2013
The X-Men vs. the Purifiers – Your First Look at All-New X-Men 19!
Friday, November 29, 2013
MARVEL COMICS TO LAUNCH THE ALL-NEW MS. MARVEL
New Super Hero to Be Introduced This January in All-New Marvel NOW! Point One Comic, With Monthly
Ms. Marvel Series to Debut in February
New York, NY (November 6, 2013) -- This coming January, Marvel Comics will continue to break new ground in its rich storytelling history as it launches the new monthly Ms. Marvel debuting as part of the Company’s popular All-New Marvel NOW! initiative. The All-New Marvel NOW! Launch provides readers and fans with accessible stories of their favorite characters, and in the case of Ms. Marvel, stunning new characters to delve into and explore. The All-New Ms. Marvel will be introduced in January in a special All-New Marvel NOW! Point One Comic Book in advance of the Marvel NOW! Ms. Marvel dedicated series in February 2014.
Ms. Marvel will center on 16-year-old Kamala Khan, a Muslim-American teenager living in Jersey City, New Jersey. Like any teenager, all of her opportunities are in front her and she is full of potential, but her parents’ high expectations come with tons of pressure and has led Kamala to carve out a future that she has little interest in.
"At her core, Kamala is just a 16-year-old girl, exploring the many facets of her identity when she is suddenly bestowed with super-human powers that send her on the adventure of a lifetime,” says Marvel Comics Editor In Chief Axel Alonso.
The series, and its central character, are brought to life by an all-star creative team, led by acclaimed novelist and multi-Eisner nominee, G. Willow Wilson (Air, Mystic, Alif The Unseen). Her writings about modern religion have appeared in such outlets as New York Times’ Magazine and The Atlantic. Critically-acclaimed artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways, Uncanny X-Force) brings his vivid artistry to the project capturing the vibrantly rich and kinetic world in which Kamala lives.
Series editor, Sana Amanat, states, “The inspiration for the new Ms. Marvel series stemmed out of a desire to explore the Muslim-American diaspora from an authentic perspective and yet, this story isn’t about what it means to be a Muslim, Pakistani or American. Those are just cultural touchstones that reflect the ever changing world we live in today. This is ultimately a tale about what it means to be young, lost amidst the expectations bestowed upon you, and what happens when you get to choose.”
Writer, G. Willow Wilson, “I wanted Ms. Marvel to be true-to-life, something real people could relate to, particularly young women. High school was a very vivid time in my life, so I drew heavily on those experiences--impending adulthood, dealing with school, emotionally charged friendships that are such a huge part of being a teenager.” Willow continues, “It's for all the geek girls out there, and everybody else who's ever looked at life from the fringe.”
Every FIRST ISSUE bearing the All New Marvel NOW! branding includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.
Once again, the biggest creators bring you the biggest characters in the biggest stories…and it’s happening NOW!
Ms. Marvel #1 blasts off this February! For more on Ms. Marvel & All-New Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join in the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #MsMarvel.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Marvel and Siemens Recognize Heroes
The team-up paid off, as this year the Diagnostic Marketing Association—DxMA—awarded Siemens their Marketer of the Year award for HEROES UNITE, in turn celebrating the work of the laboratory professionals highlighted in the comic.
“[We wanted to] include the Marvel team in our recognition of the collaboration,” explained DxMA President Bob Speziale when he visited the Marvel offices in late October. “The campaign was nominated within [DxMA], vetted and voted on. The nominees all reflected execution and innovation on a continuing basis. Siemens won nine awards, three for HEROES UNITE.”
Speziale went on to express appreciation for Siemens looking outside the box in an important field where appealing to a diverse client base can be difficult.
“Marketing is challenging [because] there are so many customers and it’s hard to find one theme,” he said. “Siemens addressed broader reaches like customer care. It was spectacular and the spectacle caught my attention. [This campaign] related to individuals who are not always recognized.”
Siemens made it a priority to make sure the backbone of the diagnostics community received their spotlight in IRON MAN: HEROES UNITE, with Pearl Powers, a laboratory technologist, working alongside the Armored Avenger to save the day.
“All healthcare professionals are heroes,” emphasized Dave Hickey, CEO Chemistry, Immunoassay, Automation & IT Business Unit at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “Laboratory professionals deliver results needed to support clinical decisions. They’re not well-known, [but] they are pivotal. Everybody has had a blood or urine test. There is a critical shortage of laboratory technologists in the United States.”
“Iron Man is a global character. Lab professionals are new grads to tenured professors. Iron Man reaches out to the right audience. How Tony Stark approaches a problem is how we do. We never give up.”
Siemens’ Connie Mardis, Director, Marketing Communication Programs, noted that Iron Man accompanied them to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry—AACC— tradeshow and proved a huge hit:
“Iron Man brought hundreds to the Siemens booth. The presence was so big. He told them, ‘It’s great to welcome a fellow hero.’ Lab professionals deserve to be recognized as heroes.”
Marvel editor Bill Rosemann credits Mardis and Siemens colleague Steve Flynn with providing all direction for HEROES UNITE and for providing the full background on Pearl Powers.
“It was risky for Siemens to do this,” concluded Speziale of the campaign. “The execution was spectacular.”
Post written by Ben Morse, courtesy of Marvel.com.
All-New Marvel NOW! Brings Epic Avengers 50th Anniversary Poster to AVENGERS #24.NOW!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Earth’s Mightiest – Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the Avengers 50th Anniversary Mega Fold-Out Poster by superstar Avengers artist Daniel Acuña! Measuring over 6 feet in width, this massive fold-out poster features dozens of Avengers – past and present – gorgeously rendered in Acuña’s unique style!
Fans can get their hands on this epic piece of Avengers history at comic shops nationwide when All-New Marvel NOW! begins this December! The Avengers 50th Anniversary Poster comes polybagged with special copies of Avengers #24.NOW! Reserve your copy at your local comic shop today!*
Happy Batsgiving
BATMAN ETERNAL showrunner and #1 New York Times bestselling writer Scott Snyder revealed via his Twitter a new promo image by Jason Fabok for the upcoming 2014 weekly series.
Yeah I know, not a lot of meat to this post, but it's a holiday, so sue me. Happy Thanksgiving readers. I'm looking forward to the new book.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Marvel comics 2013 gift guide
With an awesome array of movies and games, comics, toys, gear and more, we've made shopping for the Marvelites in your life easier than picking up a pair of purple pants for Bruce Banner—and no risk of a Hulk Smash moment.
Take a look at Marvel's picks and recommendations for the gifts you want—and what you'll want to give your friends and family this year! Head over to http://marvel.com/giftguide
BUCKY BARNES RETURNS IN WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1!
.jpg)
A tortured and broken soul, Bucky Barnes spent most of his life in service to the enemy. Programmed to be ruthless and efficient killing machine, The Winter Soldier conducted countless assassinations and wetwork missions for the Soviet Union.
Set during the Cold War, Winter Soldier: The Bitter March follows Bucky on one of his most dangerous missions yet – one that pits him directly against S.H.I.E.L.D., HYDRA, and more! With Nick Fury missing and presumed dead, S.H.I.E.L.D. sends its top agent Ran Shen to retrieve two Nazi scientists who hold the key to winning the Cold War! But the Americans aren’t the only ones who want their secrets. The Soviets have dispatched their own deadly operative – The Winter Soldier!
His mission: acquire the scientists by any means neccessary – and kill them if they fall into the wrong hands!
Intrigue, adventure, romance, and murder are everywhere in this high-octane, pulse pounding, spy pulp thriller! And don’t miss the shocking conclusion that will shatter everything you knew about the life of modern-day Captain America! It all starts this February in Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #1!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Superstar Storytellers MARK WAID & CHRIS SAMNEE Re-Team for DAREDEVIL #1
You just can’t keep the Man Without Fear down! Matt Murdock makes his All-New Marvel NOW! debut with an exciting new monthly series starting with Daredevil #1 this March!
Beloved by critics and fans alike, Eisner-Award winning storytellers Mark Waid (Captain America, The Amazing Spider-Man) and Chris Samnee (Thor: The Mighty Avenger) re-team to take Marvel’s fearless hero in a bold new direction – starting with a move to The City by the Bay!
Spinning out of the groundbreaking new Infinite Comic series Daredevil: Road Warrior, Daredevil #1 marks a new start for Matt Murdock. Armed with an imperceptible radar sense and a passion for justice – the blind lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen is ready to make his mark on the Golden City’s streets. But, San Francisco local vigilante, The Shroud is already keeping the street safe – and he’s not ready to share the spotlight!
Big changes are in store for the Man Without Fear – as old haunts and familiar faces emerge ready to give the devil his due!
“Mark and Chris (along with Javier Rodriguez and Joe Caramagna) have made history on Daredevil over the past couple years,” said Senior Editor Stephen Wacker. “But their new plans for the Man Without Fear are their most exciting yet. This is a perfect place to jump on see what everyone is talking about.”
Every FIRST ISSUE bearing the All New Marvel NOW! branding includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices.
Review: Nintendo's 'Super Mario 3D World,'
After watching gameplay videos, though, my skepticism slowly went away. Then I got my hands on it, and after playing through the first world, I had to keep going.
"3D World" starts off typically like other Mario games. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad are strolling along joyfully when they notice a clear pipe sticking out of the ground. Out pops the Sprixie Princess begging for help, but then Bowser pops out to capture her in a bottle. Mario and company dive down the pipe and into the Sprixie Kingdom where our heroes travel through dozens of levels across multiple worlds.
Reminiscent of the classic NES title "Super Mario Bros. 2," players can select between Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad in any level, and each have their unique abilities. While Mario is an all-around type character, Luigi jumps higher but has poor traction, Peach hovers in mid-air but is slow, and Toad is a speedster but can't jump high.
Messing around with all the characters, I found all four to be acceptable in pretty much every level. This is important since multiplayer is a major focus. Players have the option of selecting their character before the level begins, or it can be randomized in case someone wants to hog a specific one. Players can also hop in during a level as well, so no waiting around until it's finished.
Unlike "New Super Mario Bros." where having several on screen at once can become very hectic in a hurry, I didn't notice that too much in "3D World." Since it's on a 3D playing field with more open space to run around in, there's a lot less bumping into each other to create havoc (on accident anyway). Players are mostly free to run around and get as many points as they can before reaching the flagpole. Sometimes, though, the camera during multiplayer can become disorienting at times.
The game features some of the best level design to date from Nintendo, and the fact it's in glorious HD makes it even better. Levels have a uniqueness about them that stand out from others. Part of the fun is seeing what comes up next, so I won't spoil all the details. One level that plays with shadows has superb lighting effects while another is a tribute to Mario Kart that I wanted to play again and again. The new cat power-up will have you climbing up every wall to find secrets. Nabbing cherries to control multiple Marios or others at once leads to some very strategic situations.
The difficulty of "3D World" comes from finding three hidden stars in each level, as well as collecting dozens of stamps to complete your collection. The game can be breezed through in a day tops if one decides to just rush to the end of every level, but that's no fun. Collecting these stars will test one's platforming skills -- even some spots in World 1 which is typically the easiest. It's encouraged to attempt to get them all, too, since they help unlock more levels.
From a console standpoint, the PS4 and Xbox One will get all the attention this holiday season. The Wii U desperately needs software to stay relevant into 2014, and "Super Mario 3D World" is the best game to give the console a chance at turning it around.
4 stars out of 4
Written by Jeff Hoard for Digital First Media, reprinted with permission.
Spider-Girl vs. INHUMANITY! Your First Look at AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #21!
“While no stranger to the hero game, Spider-Girl is about to enter a whole new league of super antics, the likes of which include (but are not limited to!) Iron Man, the Hulk, and Spider-Woman,” says Editor Lauren Sankovitch. “When a team of *personalities* like the Avengers take it upon themselves to ‘mentor’ Spider-Girl, what could *possibly* go wrong?”
As her quest for answers takes her right to the seedy underbelly of the Marvel Universe – can she stop an all-out gang war before it happens? Or did this rookie hero bite off more than she can chew this time? Find out this November – as INHUMANITY begins in Avengers Assemble #21!
Monday, November 25, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW: Jennifer Lawrence hits target in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
 |
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence),
Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)
and Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson)
in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.'
Murray Close/Lionsgate
|
With Francis Lawrence stepping in as director and a fresh round of richly developed secondary characters, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” averts the curse that plagues most sequels.
In many ways, “Catching Fire” is a better film than its impressive 2012 predecessor. The rough edges have been smoothed out — gone are those confusing fast edits — while the acting, directing and writing is sharper.
The only advantage the first film had over this one is that it got to introduce the audience to the Games. The sequel replays them. So while the second installment in Suzanne Collins’ best-selling dystopian trilogy may be thrilling and sets the stage for even more rebellious mischief afoot, it can’t help but seem a bit like a rehash.
That’s because Collins basically yet effectively hits the restart button and sends Katniss, the upstart co-winner of the 74th Hunger Games, into a new survival-of-the-fittest showdown, this time going mano-to-arrow against previous Games victors. These Tributes hail from the 12 districts of the post-apocalyptic Panem nation.
The future Collins has created is grim, ruled with bloody fist by a totalitarian government that orchestrates a reality-TV-like annual duel that pits teens against teens who fight to the death. Why? So the government can brainwash and inspire fear and subservience in its downtrodden minions.
Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), her fellow District 12 Tribute — the rules call for a boy and a girl to be selected by lottery from each area — were co-victors from the previous year and eventually both won by craftily pretending to be lovers. As “Catching Fire” opens, both are prepping for their Victors Tour, with Katniss saying goodbye to her best friend and minor love interest Gale (Liam Hemsworth, who has a little more to do this time).
While on tour, Katniss and Peeta further rankle the evil President Snow (Donald Sutherland, so conniving) as they go way off script and start fanning the fires of rebellion. Their behavior unwittingly puts the district population in danger.
Snow realizes he must quash Katniss so he’s tapped a new gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman, heavensent in the part). And since this is a sequel after all — and everything needs to be bigger and more threatening — Snow demands a more dangerous version of the game for the Quarter Quell, which marks the death match’s 75th anniversary. Plutarch delivers.
Up to that point, “Catching Fire” is refreshingly different, with director Lawrence (“I Am Legend”) and production designer Philip Messina and costume designer Trish Summerville further enhancing the look and feel of Panem. The Capitol sequences in particular add more texture and depth, mirroring the Third Reich and gladiator competitions with flourishes of Oz, that last one in the form of commentators, including the toothy TV host Stanley Tucci as Caesar.
Even when the script reboots itself and sends us back into the Games’ familiar structure, there’s more refinement and detail not just to the obstacles but the former Games winners who Collins and screenwriters Michael Arndt and Simon Beaufoy have created. Each Tribute comes into sharper focus, a more developed character. They’re all well cast too, particularly Jena Malone who’s outstanding as the feisty and flirty Johanna Mason and Sam Claflin as the pretty boy with a soft side Finnick.
The cast of supporting actors from the first film are a hoot again, from Woody Harrelson as the drunken but surprisingly sharp Haymitch to Elizabeth Banks as the flashy Effie.
The cast never misses a beat, including Hutcherson who gets to be more bold. But the reason “Catching Fire” works so well can once again be attributed to its strong central female character and talents of Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, the perfect actor to play her.
“Catching Fire” plays on that fact, with the camera locking on Lawrence’s face as she conveys tidal waves of conflicting emotions.
She sets the screen on fire, and so does “Catching Fire,” one of this year’s best and most thought-provoking blockbusters.
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
* * * ½
This post was written by Randy Myers for Digital First Media, reprinted with permission.
It's official, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver set for Age of Ultron
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen have officially joined the Avengers family as the brother-sister duo of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," the highly-anticipated sequel to 2012's smash-hit "Marvel's The Avengers"! "Avengers: Age of Ultron" arrives in theaters May 1, 2015.
Taylor-Johnson broke out with his roles as Dave Lizewski in the "Kick-Ass" franchise and with his portrayal of a young John Lennon in "Nowhere Boy," for which he won an Empire Award for Best Newcomer. Since then, Taylor Johnson has starred in 2012's critically-acclaimed "Anna Karenina" and director Oliver Stone's "Savages."
Since making her big screen debut in 2011 with "Silent House" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene," for which the actress garnered a number of awards and nominations, Olsen has gone on to star alongside the likes of Robert DeNiro and Sigourney Weaver in "Red Lights," Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson in director Spike Lee's "Oldboy."
Taylor-Johnson and Olsen will share the screen as leads in the highly anticipated "Godzilla" remake scheduled for a May 2014 release.
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" will bring the Marvel Universe's biggest heroes together again to face one of their biggest villains, with "Marvel's The Avengers" director Joss Whedon returning to write and direct the sequel. "Marvel's The Avengers" was released in 2012 and went on to earn $1.5 billion worldwide, making it the third-largest grossing movie of all time.
In addition to "Avengers: Age of Ultron," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" on April 4, 2014; "Guardians of the Galaxy" on August 1, 2014; and "Ant-Man" on July 31, 2015.
Cornell & Stegman Tear Into WOLVERINE #1 For All-New Marvel NOW!
Beaten, bloodied, and left for dead by Sabretooth, Logan is out for revenge! And he’s going to get it by any means necessary! But before he can take on Sabretooth again – he’ll have to get better, stronger, and smarter than ever before! But that’s not as easy as he may have thought
And soon he’ll find himself turning to darker, more sinister means of getting what he wants – all in the name of retribution! Even if that means operating on the wrong side of the law to do it!
“The first arc is called ‘Payback’ and that’s where we find him: working for a crime boss called The Offer, alongside a “family” of low-rent super-villains,” said series writer Paul Cornell in an interview with Marvel.com.
“Paul and Ryan’s take on Wolverine is bold, modern, and dark as hell,” says Editor Jeanine Schaefer. “In the aftermath of KILLABLE, Logan is a changed man, and readers will be getting to know him all over again. And wait until you see Ryan’s art – he’s never looked better!”
Can Logan fight back his demons and find the hero within? Or is this the beginning of a Wolverine who’s gone over to the dark side? A bold new direction for the Marvel’s most dangerous mutant begins this February in WOLVERINE #1!
ORIGIN II #1 - Your New Look!
Set a few years after the events of Origin, ORIGIN II finds James Howlett running with the wolves…until something unexpected brings him back into the world he left behind. Follow the first X-Man as he finds his way back to civilization and runs afoul of someone Sinister. Someone who has just discovered mutantkind for the first time. Plus, discover the shocking secret behind James’ greatest foe! Now he must choose: is he man or is he beast?
Plus, don’t miss out on Marvel’s most ambitious cover treatment yet! In celebration of this landmark series, Marvel is giving ORIGIN II #1 the red carpet treatment with a special acetate cover! Gorgeously rendered by superstar artist Adam Kubert, this unique cover features an ominous base layer underneath a second acetate layer of the clawed mutant entering the fray! Click here to see the cover in action on Marvel.com. A special sneak peek of the acetate cover was sent to retailers for preview and features a Sinister surprise underneath the ominous base layer.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
It’s Game Over in AVENGERS ARENA #18! Your First Look at the FINAL ISSUE!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Lady Deathstrike Returns In Your First Look at X-MEN #7!
Friday, November 22, 2013
A World On The Brink – Your First Look At INFINITY #6!
It’s all come down to this! Marvel is proud to present your first look at Infinity #6 – the final epic chapter in the blockbuster comic event of the year, brought to you by the star studded creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Jim Cheung! Earth isn’t the only “Avengers World” anymore! Races from all across the galaxy now stand united in an Avengers Universe! Only with their combined might can Earth’s Mightiest Heroes make their final stand against the destructive alien race known as the Builders.
Now, as the Avengers’ astronomic altercation to save an entire universe draws to its epic conclusion, the greatest threat has arrived at their own front door! Earth has been laid siege by Thanos, the galaxy’s most ruthless marauder. The Avengers have returned home to their foremost fear – a broken and destroyed planet. Attilan lays in ruins as Thanos makes his final play to capture his wayward son Thane. But what will remain of Earth once he catches his prey?
"Will the Avengers cavalry arrive in time to save Earth? And indeed, what will be left on Earth to save?" says Marvel Comics Editor In Chief Axel Alonso. "We promised an epic ending, and we're going to deliver one — along with an eye-popping epilogue that'll have readers buzzing about the future of the Marvel Universe."
This is the one you’ve been waiting for! All-out war between the heroes of Earth and the forces of Thanos – and the results will send shockwaves through the Marvel Universe for years to come! Don’t miss the cataclysmic conclusion to what’s been called “Marvel’s strongest event series in years” when Infinity #6 hits this November!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Man Without Fear Meets The Legion of Monsters! Your First Look At DAREDEVIL 33!
DAREDEVIL #33 (SEP130728)
MARK WAID & CHRIS SAMNEE – Storytellers
PENCILS & INK by JASON COPLAND
Cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
FOC – 10/28/2013, On-Sale – 11/20/2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
NOTHING LASTS FOREVER – Your First Look At AVENGERS #23!
Every issue of Avengers #23 includes a code for a free digital copy of that same comic on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Avengers #23 features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)