Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Former #Maxim #HometownHottie named Ms. Michigan


It was a small intimate ceremony, not a grand stage, when the 2015 Ms. Michigan title was officially bestowed upon Lincoln Park resident Rachael Adams.
The Dec. 28 ceremony was held at Cariera's Cucina Italiana, 6565 North Telegraph Rd. in Dearborn Heights, with only family and close friends invited.
SLIDESHOW: Photos from Ms. Michigan crowning ceremony.
She will now go on to compete in the Ms. America contest, representing Michigan. The pageant is open to women 26 years of age and up who are single, divorced or married.
Unlike what would be expected, there was no pageantry, only a speech that lasted about a minute from Adams, before her son and daughter placed the sash and crown on her.
“Most people have a dignitary like the mayor crown them,” Adams said. “I couldn’t think of anything better than having my kids do it.”
The selection process included an application and phone interview since there is no official Ms. Michigan contest.
“Rachael Adams really left a positive impression on our judges and we are thrilled to have her representing Michigan at the 2015 Ms. America Pageant finals this August in Brea, California,” said Susan Jeske, Pageant CEO.

The national pageant will consist of four rounds, Interview, Sportswear, Evening Gown and On-Stage Interview, which will have each contestant scored with an eventual winner being crowned.
“I’m excited to be awarded the title of Ms. Michigan,” Adams said, “not only will I be able to inspire others to join me in creating a difference in our community, but it gives me the opportunity to be a role model for young girls and to promote inner beauty which is what is most important!”
Adams, who grew up in Dearborn Heights, is a University of Michigan-Dearborn graduate and the current ambassador for the Ride for Autism.
In addition to earning her marketing degree from UM-D, she also played on the varsity basketball team and was in the Emerging Leaders Program at the school.
When not volunteering, Adams is a model, actress and entrepreneur, who opened her own commercial painting company upon graduating high school.
She promotes “Creating a Difference” and is involved in many charities.  However, what is most important to Adams, is family.  The mother of four, makes time to be a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, a basketball coach and cheerleading coach.
The pageant will award over $40,000 in gifts and prizes during the national finals. The pageant will take place in Aug. at the Curtis Theater in Brea, California.
For further information about the pageant visit the website MsAmericaPageant.com.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Lincoln Park man co-produces Detroit’s NYE Midnight Spectacular, airing on Compuware Building

It was just two years ago when aspiring filmmaker Jake Webb graduated from Lincoln Park High School.

Now, as a professional videographer, he’s working with local celebrities for his biggest role yet: co-producer of “The Midnight Spectacular” for Hard Rock Cafe’s New Year’s Eve Rockin in the D. The video will air on the side of the Compuware Building at the downtown celebration.

“We organized all of the interviews with local celebrities; They are busy people so I’m thankful they gave us their time,” Webb, who works with co-producer Abby Cook, said. “We film it all, get the video and audio, and created a 5-minute video montage of them telling their favorite memories of from 2014.”

Webb and Cook are both graduates from the Spec’s Howard digital media arts program and video production specialists for the Spec’s Howard marketing team.

Aimee Spencer, public relations manager for the event, said The Hard Rock Cafe Detroit hosts the big NYE event each year, but wanted to make this countdown to the new year even more memorable.

“This year they recruited two of Detroit’s most emerging digital artists to create a Midnight Spectacular 3-D animation system,” Spencer said, explaining that the gala guests will see the production unfold on two stories of the Compuware Building facing Woodward Avenue. “How cool is it this that just two years later (Webb) is working with all these high-profile celebrities to create something that will be so impactful on Detroit this New Year’s Eve.”

The list of local celebrities includes Dave Dombrowski, general manager of the Detroit Tigers; Mitch Albom, best-selling author, columnist, radio and television broadcaster; Joique Bell, Detroit Lions star running back; Phredley Brown, music Director and lead guitarist for Bruno Mars and the Hooligans; as well as Les, Seth and Ashley Gold, stars of TruTV’s hit reality show Hard Core Pawn.

Les Gold said his family was honored to be a part of the project with Webb and the rest of the team.

“Our family's story is a Detroit story. Any time that we can share it with others, we're happy to do so,” he said.

Webb said heard stories of special game day victories, Detroit emerging from Bankruptcy, and other defining moments from the past 12 months. He said meeting Bruno Mars’ guitarist and hearing Bell’s story of signing his contract were among his favorite parts of the project.

He hopes for more work like this -- not just for the experience behind the camera, but for the chance to be up-close-and-personal with interesting people.

“Doing projects like this, you learn that these well-known people are just like us,” he said. “Their memories are very relatable and everyone is so down to earth. I hope to keep doing great projects like this and meeting new people.”

Tim Peterson, digital media arts instructor at Spec’s Howard, said Webb has always stood out for his motivation and creativity.

“He’s definitely passionate about what he does,” Peterson said. “But more than that, he’s able to execute his ideas and that sets him apart from his classmates.”

The video montage will begin at 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets for the gala portion of the event (for ages 21 and up) start at $85 and can be found at www.nyerockinthed.com. The Hard Rock Cafe Detroit is located at 45 Monroe St., Detroit.

Republished with permission from Digital First Media.

Avengers NOW relaunches 'Earth's MIghtiest Heroes'

Check out this video released by Marvel this morning to promote the new Avengers and Avengers related books.
 The Avengers are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, but these Avengers are something new! Witness the Avengers like you’ve never seen them before as the industry’s top creators and brightest rising starts deliver can’t miss new ongoing series like Thor, All-New Captain America, Superior Iron Man and more.

Friday, December 26, 2014

As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced, Detroit Fanfare is no more

The annual Detroit Fanfare comic convention is no more.
The show which was held in Dearborn for the last several years had been slated to move to Sterling Heights after the Adoba Hotel changed hands earlier this year.
The hotel in Sterling Heights also recently changed hands, causing turmoil for show organizers.
The organizers include Wonderwold Comics co-owner Dennis Barger, local artist Tony Miello and comic creator Gary Reed.
Barger announced the cancellation on his own, and the Fanfare official Facebook page Dec. 26.
"Detroit Fanfare has prided itself on being a convention for artists and fans of comic books over celebrities,” he wrote, “but in evaluating support and attendance, a large convention cannot remain centered on comics as the primary focus.
"Due to the enormous work and costs involved be the principles to put on the convention and the obvious fan preference for the larger, pop culture shows, it was determined that the role of a convention such as Fanfare had a diminished appeal especially in light of all the recent additions to the convention circuit."
Barger and his partners had been planning to bring comic book writing legend Denny O’Neil to the 2015 show as the keynote celebrity. Unfortunately his draw as the top star didn’t seem to be enough to drive ticket sales.
The promoters were unwilling to to move the convention away from the focus on comics.
“We keep prices down, and we focus on comics,” Barger said in Nov. “Even when we’ve brought media guests in, we make sure they are one degree of separation from a comic book.”
It was that mantra that keep the show pure to many fans, but unfortunately stopped others from flocking to the show.
"Although the show had some problems, as they all do, overall the response to Fanfare was extremely positive and I have to say it was probably the most enjoyable show to go to as a creator and/or fan,” Reed wrote in his personal blog.
It was structured primarily around comics and artists as even the celebrities were tied into comics in some way...So, why is it ending? Well, it started off as something that might be able to continue even with lowered expectations but frankly, it just became too much work."

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

WWE wrestling excursion more fun than expected

I’ve long been a fan of wrestling. No not the type that you see on national, or even international television, but the kind that is real, competitive and not full of writers, actors and scripts.

That won’t ever change, that said though, my step-sister and neighbor are both big fans of the World Wrestling Entertainment, style of wrestling, so when the WWE Monday Night Raw show came to Detroit a few weeks ago, I had to take them.

They both celebrated birthdays within weeks of the show, and the tickets were the right price. Neither of them drive though, and both live in Ohio, so I had to take them. Making the best of it, i got my mother a ticket too, if I had to live through it, so should she.

We had really good seats, row eight, and in an aisle to boot.

Arriving at Joe Louis Arena more than an hour before showtime to avoid the traffic disaster, we went in the back way that is normally reserved for handicapped, VIP’s and other special guests. For us it was the closest door to the lot we parked in, and they didn’t question us coming in there.

While waiting for the elevator, I ran into Wayne County Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak who was there with his family. Since county politics are among my beat at work, I had to take a moment to say hello and chat with him about the show.

Turns out he is a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, and he assured me that I’d leave a fan too. He said the electricity of seeing it live would have anyone enjoying the show.

Skeptically I agreed, and boarded the elevator.

Prior to the show, I observed thousands of fans that apparently didn’t realize the show was make believe. They were rabidly talking and yelling, about their favorite wrestlers.

The show was ok, but a bit hard to follow at times, unlike the few times I’ve skimmed past it at home on TV, there are no announcers for the show live, so things were a bit tough to keep up with.

Overall the show was ok, but you could easily tell it was make believe, in case there were any out there still wondering. Unlike on TV, you can actually see them pull their punches, completely miss hitting each other and the like.

But that’s ok, as long as it’s the type of thing you enjoy. The show was ok, but nothing I’ll rush back out to see anytime soon.

The highlight of the night for me was tweeting about the show, and having one of the WWE “Superstars” retweet and respond back. Sadly when I checked his account, which turned out to be fake, it only had 12 followers.

WWE wrestler, TMNT movie actor, arrested for attacking teen

Aquinas High School graduate, turned World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Kevin Nash, 55, was arrested at his house in Volusia County Florida.
According to police reports acquired by TMZ, Nash was arrested after a bloody altercation with his teenage son.
According to the report, Nash told officers that his son, Tristan, came to the house drunk and belligerent. Tristan Nash allegedly attacked his father and step-mother, at which time Kevin Nash pinned his son to the ground.
During the altercation, Kevin Nash’s face was scratched badly enough to cause blood stains on his face in a mugshot photo.
When officers arrived, Tristan Nash told them that his dad slammed him violently to the ground, causing him to black out. Kevin Nash was then arrested for the assault.
Just a few hours later Tristan Nash was arrested for allegedly attacking his mother in her home in a separate incident.
Both Nash’s were held at the jail overnight Chirstmas Eve with no bond.
Kevin Nash was born in Detroit and graduated from the now-defunct Aquinas High School in Southgate.
After High School, he attended the University of Tennessee to play basketball.
Eventually after a professional basketball career in Europe was cut short by injury, he returned to the Detroit area and worked at Ford Motor Co. before becoming a professional wrestler.
Kevin Nash has also had a mildly successful movie career, with parts in several big-budget films including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze,” “Magic Mike,” “John Wick,” “The Longest Yard,” “Rock of Ages,” and other smaller film and TV roles.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Mad Titan’s Quest Continues in THANOS: THE INFINITY RELATIVITY OGN!

This coming June, the Mad Titan continues his crusade for untold power as legendary creator Jim Starlin returns for THANOS: THE INFINITY RELATIVITY OGN, a brand-new, full-length original graphic novel! Following up 2014’s New York Times Bestselling Thanos: The Infinity Revelation, this new original graphic novel marks another stellar offering from Marvel’s all-new OGN line, featuring the world’s most popular super heroes brought to life by the industry’s most popular creators and debuting in a high-end, oversized format featuring sophisticated packaging and design.

Annihilus, lord of the Negative Zone has re-ascended to power, more dangerous and more deadly than ever before. When he and his Negative Zone armies make another, renewed assault on our universe in search of a source of infinite power, a fragile alliance of the universe’s most unlikely protectors will form to stop him.

Now the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gladiator the Majestor of the Shi’ar Empire, and Adam Warlock  and more must unite like never before! Only Adam Warlock’s complex cycle of death and rebirth has left him more confused than ever before. What is his purpose in the universe? Why is he here? With his Infinity Watch reunited alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy, between them they may hold the key to ending the threat of Annihilus once and for all – but to do so they’ll need to enlist the help of another.

Could it be that the fate of everything lies in the hands…of Thanos?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Find out when comic legend Jim Starlin returns for his next cosmic epic this coming June for THANOS: THE INFINITY RELATIVITY OGN

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Dearborn Library to sell 1,000's of comics at Dec. 3

Hey everyone. Check out what the Dearborn Public Library has for sale tomorrow at their Friends of the Library sale tomorrow. They have over 2,000 modern comics from $.25-$1.00 from Image Comics,Marvel ComicsDC ComicsZenescope Entertainment AND MANY MORE. Share this and tag your local friends, let show them how much we love comics and love libraries and load them up with money for their events. 
Spread the word and help our friends over at the Dearborn Public Library.
Friends of the Library-Dearborn
Date: Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Start Time: 9:30 AM-6:00 pm
Library: Henry Ford Centennial

Comic shop owner, show promoter celebrates birthday

Not all is right in the comic book world, something is amiss.
Normally characters from the pages of comics near and far don't age (unless it's in a splinter universe, or advances the plot.), however on this day, the second of December, year of our lord 2014, one such character has aged by an entire year.
That's right lads and lasses, Dennis L. Barger, Jr., co-owner of WonderWorld Comics and promoter of the annual Detroit Fanfare admitted via a Facebook notification that he was in fact born, and continues to age.
Make no mistake, the self-anointed "King of all the geeks" is definitely a character of epic proportions, but he continues to break all the rules and not follow the well-known tropes of his genre of pop-culture.
Anyone that knows the man, knows its mostly myth and legend, but on this day hundreds of friends, coworkers, acquaintances and other people he vaguely knows reached out and told him "Happy Birthday," in one way or another. Some simply with the words, others with topless photos of Bea Arthur (who ironically enough is having a career resurgence because of it. Moments after her message was posted, it was announced the complete series of Maude would be released on DVD in early 2015.). It's unclear if those are related.
Barger had an outpouring of support not seen since any other person with a similar number of Facebook friends also celebrated their own birthday.
Seriously though, anyone that really wants to wish him a Happy Birthday, should stop by Kickstarter and pledge to the Detroit FanFare Kickstarter for the 2015 show coming up in February. Check out the Kickstarter here: http://goo.gl/eH9ovc

*Note, most of this story is tongue-in-cheek, but the Kickstarter is very real, donate if you can so we can all have a good time.

COMIC LOVERS ASSEMBLE! – MARVEL TITLES TOUCH DOWN IN THE KOBO UNIVERSE

Dozens of beloved Marvel comic book series are now available on Kobo’s digital reading platform. Blockbuster titles such as Captain America: Winter Soldier Vol. 1 and The Infinity Gauntlet are available for purchase at Kobo.com, giving fangirls and fanboys a universe worth of exciting Marvel Comics.
Super Hero fanatics young and old can enjoy these illustrated eBooks on Kobo devices, such as the full-color Kobo Arc 10HD Android tablet, or via free reading apps available for most popular tablets and smartphones.

“For more than 75 years, Marvel has been transporting comic fans to exciting new galaxies,” says Santiago Melo, Merchandiser, Kobo. “Tackling big issues with larger than life characters, these stories continue to be a constant source of enrichment in our popular culture and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the Kobo family.”
“Marvel is excited about our partnership with Kobo and happy to have the opportunity to provide fans, new and existing, another great way to experience our legendary content,” says David Gabriel, SVP Sales and Marketing for Marvel Entertainment.

About Kobo Inc.
Kobo Inc. is one of the world’s fastest-growing eReading services offering more than 4-million eBooks and magazines to millions of customers in 190 countries.  Believing that consumers should have the freedom to read any book on any device, Kobo provides consumers with a choice when reading. Kobo offers an eReader for everyone with a wide variety of E Ink eReaders and Google-Certified Android tablets to suit any Reader’s style including the award-winning Kobo Touch™, Kobo Mini, Kobo Glo, Kobo Aura, Kobo Aura HD, Kobo Arc, Kobo Arc 7, Kobo Arc 7HD, Kobo Arc 10HD – and the newly launched Kobo Aura H2O. Along with the company’s free top-ranking eReading apps for Apple®, BlackBerry®, Android®, and Windows®, Kobo ensures the next great read is just a page-turn away. Headquartered in Toronto and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten, Kobo eReaders can be found in major retail chains around the world. For more information, visit www.kobo.com.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Small in Stature. Large in Word Count. Get Ready for the Ant-Man Original Prose Novel!

Just in time for his silver-screen debut, the Astonishing Ant-Man is making the leap to prose fiction! Prepare for Marvel’s smallest hero in his biggest story yet as he breaks new ground and charts new territory in ANT-MAN: NATURAL ENEMY – an all-new, full length prose novel! Debuting in 2015 from critically acclaimed crime writer Jason Starr (Twisted CityWolverine MAX), ANT-MAN: NATURAL ENEMY brings all the action of Marvel Comics to the exciting new world of prose fiction!

Meet Scott Lang: ex con, single parent and part-time super hero. Settling in to a new city with his teenage daughter, Cassie, can be hard enough. Yet when a criminal from Scott’s past comes gunning for them, his new beginning is in serious jeopardy. But is the killer after Scott — or the secrets of the Ant-Man technology?

“Marvel’s exciting line of prose novels offer a completely new window into the Marvel Universe,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Whether you’re an Ant-Man fan, or looking to experience a new story featuring the breakout character of 2015, this novel is going to be an exciting thrill ride from cover to cover.”

Pushed to the brink, how far would Scott Lang go to protect his only child? Strap in as the Astonishing Ant-Man embarks on a twisted journey of desperation, secrets and adventure at a microscopic level in ANT-MAN: NATURAL ENEMY – coming in 2015!

Welcome Home Star Wars! Jaxxon is Back!

This January, the iconic Star Wars franchise returns to the House of Ideas in grand fashion with the first can’t-miss ongoing series kicking off in STAR WARS #1! Today, Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. are extremely proud to unveil artist John Tyler Christopher’s STAR WARS #1 Party Variant – featuring none other than the return of Jaxxon! Only available at Star Wars #1 Launch Parties, don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this one-of-a-kind variant cover to one of the biggest issues of the year!

“We couldn’t be happier to have Star Wars comics back at Marvel,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Star Wars has always been an important part of Marvel’s history and we knew we wanted to honor that legacy with a callback to the original Marvel Comics Star Wars series. We think old and new fans alike will be just as excited as we are to see Jaxxon, even if it’s only for this fun variant cover.”

From the star studded creative team of writer Jason Aaron, artist John Cassaday and colorist Laura Martin comes a brand-new series spotlighting beloved characters from the original trilogy. Taking place immediately after the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, follow the continued adventures of Luke, Han, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Darth Vader and more as the growing Rebel Alliance battles for freedom against the Imperial Forces of the Galactic Empire!

Retailers: Please check upcoming Marvel Mailers for more information about how you can participate in STAR WARS #1 Launch Parties. Retailers are strongly urged to check their orders on this highly anticipated first issue.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Submit to the Black Vortex – Presenting Your First Look at the Cover to GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY & X-MEN: THE BLACK VORTEX ALPHA #1

This February, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the All-New X-Men, Nova, Captain Marvel, Cyclops and more team up for a cosmic throwdown the likes of which have never been seen in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY & X-MEN: THE BLACK VORTEX! Today, Marvel is proud to present your very first look at the cover to GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY & X-MEN: THE BLACK VORTEX ALPHA #1, the highly anticipated first issue in the upcoming crossover from fan-favorite writer Sam Humphries and blockbuster artist Ed McGuinness!
The Black Vortex, an ancient artifact of immense and immeasurable power has resurfaced on the far side of the galaxy. With the power to unlock it’s users true cosmic potential, in the wrong hands, the Black Vortex’s power could be a force of unparalleled destruction. Imagine the power that transformed Jean Grey into the Phoenix or Norin Radd into the Silver Surfer available to anyone, and in the hands of those who would use it for evil!
“What happens when one person submits to the Black Vortex and becomes a titan of the cosmos?” asks Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha writer Sam Humphries in an interview with Marvel.com. “What happens when a whole team does it. Or a whole planet? But against the epic scale, we’re grounding the story in the deeply personal conflict each character will go through just by encountering the Black Vortex.”
The Black Vortex has been claimed by the villainous gangster Mr. Knife and Thane, the wayward son of Thanos. With billions of lives across the universe at stake, it will take the combined might of the Guardians of the Galaxy, the X-Men and more to stem the coming darkness.

Kicking off in this special Alpha issue and continuing through some of your favorite Marvel titles including Guardians of the Galaxy, Legendary Star-Lord, All-New X-Men, Captain Marvel, Nova, Cyclops and more, be there for the beginning of the next great out-of-this-world crossover when GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY & X-MEN: THE BLACK VORTEX ALPHA #1 hits comic shops and digital devices this February!

Marvel and Disney Kingdoms Take You for a Ride with BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD #1!

Coming in spring 2015, the world famous, thrill-packed Disney attraction – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – roars to life as an all-new Marvel and Disney Kingdoms comic book bursting with action, romance, mystery and adventure. The new series, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, continues the unique collaboration between Marvel Comics, Disney Kingdoms, and Walt Disney Imagineering. This five-issue series, created by rising star writer Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman, Avengers Arena), fan-favorite artist Tigh Walker (Avengers Undercover), invite readers all aboard an all-new adventure that reveals the never-before-told saga of how the gold mine in Big Thunder Mountain became the haunted legend it is today!

A mainstay of Disney Parks since 1979, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has entertained countless guests on this classic attraction in four Disney theme parks around the world. Now, Disney Kingdoms is proud to add 'the wildest ride in the wilderness' with an all-new tale of mystery and adventure set in the wild Frontier!

“Building on the momentum of the sold out Figment series, we are excited to embark upon what may be our wildest adventure yet,” says editor and Creative Director Bill Rosemann. “As one of the most famous Disney attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is packed with a combustible combo of drama, humor, and thrills that will explode across the page and deliver all the action and surprises that the Disney Kingdoms imprint has quickly become known for.”

Series writer Dennis Hopeless continues, "Everybody knows Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as a rumbling, tumbling runaway train car attraction through an exploding gold mine. But it’s always been more than that. It’s a trip back in time to a Gold Rush town where daring men and women risked their lives in the daily battle between man and mountain. And let’s be honest, it’s the perfect setting for an adventure comic.”
  
Earthquakes! Floods! Dynamite-chewing goats! Can the denizens of Rainbow Ridge survive the clash between mankind’s greed and nature’s fury? And what is the protective power that dwells deep within the mysterious mountain? Surprises await you in the latest Disney Kingdoms saga coming in spring 2015.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

JAMES PATTERSON AND MARVEL ANNOUNCE MAX RIDE: FIRST FLIGHT

James Patterson’s Max Ride: First Flight will feature the talents of writer Marguerite Bennett (AngelaAsgard's Assassin, Amazing X-Men) and artist Alex Sanchez (Elektra) and will follow the fast paced adventures of Max, a teenage girl who, due to genetic tampering, is part human and part avian and Marvel Comics is set to elevate Max and her “flock” into an even bigger pop-culture property.

Series editor, Sana Amanat, says, “At Marvel we’re always looking to create bold stories that push expectations and attract new audiences into the world of comics—and that’s what we plan to do with Max Ride. It’s the familiar world of Maximum Ride told through the thrilling Marvel narrative. We’re taking a heart-pounding adventure and giving it an extra shot of adrenaline.”

Speaking with The Wall Street Journal, Patterson says that he is excited to see Marvel’s fresh new take of his young adult series, “I’ve given Marvel license. In fact, I’ve encouraged them to make this Marvel’s ‘Maximum Ride,’ so I expect some changes in the story.”

Coming in spring 2015, the 5-part Marvel Comics mini-series, James Patterson’s Max Ride: First Flight, will follow the soaring adventures of Max and the "flock" – Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel – a group of ordinary teenage kids – only they are the product of genetic tampering that has given them extraordinary abilities, but their lives quickly morph into a living nightmare as they try to escape their creators and defend themselves from half-human, half-wolf "Erasers". Along the way Max discovers her purpose – saving the world – but can she? Find out next year!

Friday, November 28, 2014

From His End Comes a New Beginning in WOLVERINES #1!

His death was only the start! Wolverine may be dead, but his legacy lives on. Spinning directly out of Death of Wolverine, The Weapon X Program and The Logan Legacy comes WOLVERINES #1, a brand new weekly series beginning this January! The friends and foes he left behind unite as they seek to uncover the secrets behind Logan’s death and issue a healthy dose of revenge on those involved in his demise. Announced at NYCC, blockbuster writers Charles Soule and Ray Fawkes team with Marvel All-New Young Gun artist Nick Bradshaw for the weekly journeys of X-23, Daken, Sabretooth, Mystque, Lady Deathstrike and more!
“In a way, most of the characters featured in [Wolverines] are incomplete reflections of Wolverine,” says co-writer Ray Fawkes in an interview with Marvel.com “Perhaps now that he’s gone, they are free to fully realize themselves? Or maybe they’ll be annihilated by the void that he’s left behind?”
The true enemy is still out there. With Logan dead and buried, they pose a greater threat than ever before. An unlikely team of his closest friends and deadliest foes will need to work together if they have any hope of avenging his death – but how can they? As personalities clash and tempers flare, the claws are going to come out!
“The group here is not a set of people who are particularly interested in doing anything together unless they absolutely have to,” says Charles Soule.
Logan’s end was just the beginning. As those who called him friend mourn his passing, those who called him foe are free to pursue their sinister aims. Now, those with close ties to him will forge an uneasy alliance to uncover the secrets behind  the death of one of the world’s greatest heroes, and uncover shocking new revelations concerning the life he led! Be there when a new team is born, and the new year kicks off with a “SNIKT” that shouldn’t be missed in WOLVERINES #1!   

FanFare moves from Dearborn to Sterling Heights in 2015

The Detroit FanFare Comic Convention is back, but it won’t be in Dearborn like it has been for the last four years.
After missing 2014, the convention will move from October to February in 2015 for its fifth incarnation.
For the last three shows the convention was held at the Hyatt or Adoba Hotel in Dearborn, this year the show is moving to the Best Western Sterling Inn Convention center and Indoor Waterpark. The show will be Feb. 6-8.
According to co-promoter Dennis Barger--who also co-owns Wonderworld Comics in Taylor--FanFare is a throwback to the Detroit Triple Fan Fair which was the nation’s first ever annual comic convention beginning in 1965 running through 1978.
“2015 is the 50th anniversary of the comic convention,” Barger said. “And it was originally founded right here in Detroit.”
According to Barger, it’s unclear exactly who had the idea first, but the first two conventions were both held in 1965, one in Detroit and another in New York. The New York show happened first, but there is murky history as to who was promoting their show first.
The big guest at this year’s FanFare will be comics legend Denny O’Neil, who famously worked on Batman, and The Green Arrow along with Neil Adams for DC Comics.
O’Neil also had runs on Spider-Man and Daredevil while working at Marvel Comics, and oversaw Daredevil and G.I. Joe as an editor.
He has created characters of note such as Ra’s al Ghul, Talia al Ghul, Killraven, Hydroman, John Stewart, and the Earth 2 versions of Batman and Superman. Not only is he known for adding more depth to Batman/Bruce Wayne, he also became known for creating deep and complex stories for characters such as The Shadow and The Question. He also came up with the name for Optimus Prime when the Transformers line first launched.
Now retired, O’Neil has not left the comic book industry behind him. He sits on the Disbursement Board for the Hero Initiative, a non-profit organization which helps comic book creators in need.
New for Fanfare this year is a Kickstarter campaign to allow people to earn special perks while at the show, or to buy some perks even if they can’t make it to the show.
“It’s not about raising money,” Barger said. “It’s about letting people have a unique experience at the show.”
Barger said what makes his show special is that it’s still primarily focused on comics, not being dominated by media guests like most bigger shows.
“We keep prices down, and we focus on comics,” he said. “Even when we’ve brought media guests in, we make sure they are one degree of separation from a comic book.”
The Kickstarter can be found at http://goo.gl/DwSYb3.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Archie Meets Predator: Dark Horse Comics and Archie Comics team up for a bloodbath in Riverdale!

America’s favorite teen meets the galaxy’s fiercest hunter! Archie Comics and Dark Horse Comics are proud to bring you spring 2015’s hottest crossover: ARCHIE MEETS PREDATOR.

With writer Alex de Campi (Grindhouse, Lady Zorro, Smoke/Ashes) at the helm, and artist Fernando Ruiz, things are going to get wild quickly.

“In the grand tradition of ARCHIE MEETS THE PUNISHER and ARCHIE MEETS KISS, we’re unbelievably excited to partner with Dark Horse to show what happens when the Predator comes to Riverdale,” said Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “It’s going to be a surprising, energetic, and must-read series, and we’re so glad Alex de Campi and Fernando Ruiz are joining forces to tell this off-the-wall story.”

Archie and friends hit Costa Rica for spring break, where party and beach games soon get replaced by the most dangerous game! What mysterious attraction does the gang hold for the trophy-collecting Predator, and will the kids even realize they’re in danger before it claims them all?

UNSTOPPABLE EVIL ENTERS THE PAGES OF AMAZING X-MEN

The fledgling team of the Amazing X-Men have already faced off against demon arms from Hell and ravenous hordes of Wendigos and there is no rest in sight for our band of heroic mutants as one of the X-Men’s most notorious villains charges back into their world. This January marks the return of The Unstoppable Juggernaut within Amazing X-Men #15 by series writer, Chris Yost and interior artist Jorge Fornes.
The story, called “The Once and Future Juggernaut” finds former wielders of the Gem of Cyttorak, Cain Marko and X-Man Peter “Colossus” Rasputin, getting the call to become the inter-dimensional power’s external force once again, but they’re not the only ones invited to the party.
While Yost remains tight-lipped about who those other characters might be he does give a few hints about what kinds of folks are being called. “A few of the strongest characters in the Marvel Universe get the call,” Yost tells Marvel.com. “But Cyttorak needs a specific kind of person… someone they can manipulate. Someone who craves the power.”
“Cyttorak wants an avatar,” Yost continues. “It’s a status thing among the other mystical entities/gods. All the cool other-dimensional powers have one. The return of the gem is part of the mystery, but the X-Men know that whatever Cyttorak wants, it’s probably not good."
Next year, Amazing X-Men #15 charges into comic book retailers and ushers in a new era for the X-Men as we bear witness to the rebirth of one of the most well-known X-Men villains of all time – The Unstoppable Juggernaut!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Grand Rapids Comic Con fills DeltaPlex to capacity

Last weekend's Grand Rapids Comic Con was my first time heading out to the show, which is about a 4 hour drive each way.
At first I wasn't going to go, then when they announced that a pair of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers would be in attendance as well as a few other guests, I couldn't resist.
So I packed up the car and drove out farther west into Michigan than I had ever ventured before.
While the convention guests were great for a show of that size, moving inside the DeltaPlex convention center was tough. Aisles were not as wide as they could have been, and there was a massive amount of people in the building.
From friends that went to the show on Sunday, I heard things went much better. Hopefully I was just a victim of circumstance. Either way, I got a few good photos, and picked up some sweet Ninja Turtle toys.
Also I got to find out that Karan Ashley (second MMPR Yellow Ranger) is a TMNT fan, that in itself was worth the drive out to the convention.
I'll check it out again next year.
Enjoy the photos!

Photos: Pictures from the Grand Rapids Comic Con

'Comic Nurse' explains why graphic novels are the future of medicine

At one time Congress held hearings to decide if comic books were contributing to the delinquency of the nation’s youth. Now comic books and graphic novels are being used as a treatment for some patients with terminal illnesses.
SLIDESHOW: Photos from Graphic Medicine presentation.
Over the last 30 years comic books have went from being perceived as “kids stories” and have become a staple of popular culture. It’s nearly impossible to go somewhere without seeing merchandise for one comic book property or another, doctors offices and hospitals were one of the last holdouts until recent years.
Last month the Ypsilanti Public LIbrary teamed with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital to present the “Comic Nurse,” with guest speaker MK Czerwiec.
Czerwiec is a nurse by training who began writing comics as a way to relieve the stress of her job and better empathize with patients. She blogs as Comic Nurse  and teaches courses including a seminar called “Drawing Medicine” at Northwestern’s Feinburg Medical School.
She is also a member of the international Graphic Medicine group which is a web-based group of health care practitioners, patients, scholars and comic fans who are popularizing the use of graphic novels in health care and who recommend and review relevant graphic novels.
While not used as a method to treat physical symptoms of any ailments, graphic novels and comics are being used to teach doctors and patients alike what it’s like to have these diseases. Many of the recommended materials were written or drawn by authors and illustrators that had the disease, or at least had family members deal with them first hand.
“Many people who are dealing with something like Cancer would never think of picking up a

graphic novel, but reading and seeing the experience of someone who has been through what you are going through can be exactly what you need.” said Gillian Ream Gainsley, Communications Coordinator the library. “Graphic novels lend themselves to memoirs and many of the stories are incredibly personal, plus they are visual, which makes them that much more powerful.”
Czerwiec said she uses comics to help contemplate the complexities of illness and caregiving. She started out keeping her own journal with drawings to help her unwind after a day at the hospital, and eventually discovered that if it helped her, it might help patients as well.
“When a patient is admitted to the hospital, orders often call for me to draw blood,” Czerwiec said. “(pause) The doctors never thought that was very funny.
“In nursing school pathogens made sense to me as characters and I always explain things to my patients this way.”
She said she tells patients that tests show a “bug” in their blood that can be treated with medicine.
Czerwiec said serious stuff can be in comics too, hence the growing number of autobiographical books about what it’s like to have a terminal illness.
It wasn’t until Czerwiec stumbled upon a book called “Mom’s Cancer,” by Brian Fies, that she fully considered the power comics could have in health care. The book is the true tale of Fies’ mother's battle with metastatic lung cancer. The story describes how a serious illness affects patient and family, both practically and emotionally.
That was in 2009, since then Czerwiec and others like her have been working to integrate books like Fies’ and others on similar topics into curriculum for medical students and also to get them into the hands of patients that could benefit from the perspective offered in the books.
Since 2010 when the Graphic Medicine group launched in earnest, there have been five different Comics and Medicine Conferences where the group has worked to educate physicians on the benefits of graphic novels in patients emotional well being.
Locally in Michigan the Ypsilanti Library has become the first library in the country with a Graphic Medicine section. The library has more than 75 different graphic novels that topics as cancer, STDs, depression, mental health, aging, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and alcoholism.
The library also offers selected titles as book group sets aimed at support groups, seminars, or even families that may be interested in this unique way to explore a difficult topic.
Graphic Medicine was funded through the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Award. YDL was one of two libraries in the country to receive the grant, valued at $7,000, in July of this year to expand graphic novel offerings in each library. Grant funds could be used in any way the library saw fit, as long as it was to promote graphic novels.
“Graphic novels really lend themselves to memoirs, so there are some really personal accounts of what it is like to deal with illness and addiction,” said Susan Brown, the librarian who manages the adult graphic novel collection at the library’s Whittaker road location. “The medical collection is an interesting project. I’ve been following the Graphic Medicine group for several years and I’m glad we’re going to be able to expand this collection.”
Eisner was a cartoonist, writer, and entrepreneur. He was one of the earliest cartoonists to work in the American comic book industry. His series “The Spirit,” was among the earliest continuing series in the industry. In 1978, he helped to popularized the term graphic novel with the publication of his book “A Contract with God.”

Presenting Your First Look at the Cover to AVENGERS: RAGE OF ULTRON

This Spring, from the star-studded creative team of Rick Remender (Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, Uncanny X-Force), Jerome Opeña (Avengers, Uncanny X-Force) and Dean White (Avengers, Uncanny X-Force) comes an original graphic novel that will take Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to the brink and beyond. Today, Marvel is proud to present your very first look at the cover to AVENGERS: RAGE OF ULTRON OGN!
Gorgeously rendered by Opeña & White, this full length original graphic novel marks another stellar offering from Marvel’s all new OGN line, featuring the world’s most popular super heroes brought to life by the best creators in a high-end, oversized format.
“This cover holds a ton of secrets,” says Avengers: Rage of Ultron writer Rick Remender speaking with Marvel.com. “There are Avengers from two different eras, and the story takes place in both of those eras. This is some of Jerome and Dean’s best work and the story promises to be nothing short of Earth shattering for the Avengers.”
“When you release a cutting-edge graphic novel featuring some of the greatest pop-culture icons in the world just in time for their next summer blockbuster, you go big,” says Tom Brevoort, Executive Editor. “That’s why we brought out some of the industry’s top flight talent, Rick Remender, Jerome Opeña and Dean White for an unforgettable adventure that will redefine Ultron, one of the Avengers’ baddest villains for old and new fans alike.”
Time and again, Ultron has reformed. Each time more powerful and more deadly than the last. Now, with complete control over the central computer core of Saturn’s moon Titan, only the Avengers stand in the way of total annihilation at the hands of Planet Ultron! Home of the Eternals and birthplace of Thanos, Saturn’s moon Titan now bends to Ultron’s will. Only Ultron’s inventor, Hank Pym holds the key to defeating his own creation – but at what cost?

Peggy Carter & Howard Stark Unite in OPERATION S.I.N. #1!

This January, journey to the Marvel Universe of the 1950s for an all-new globetrotting adventure in OPERATION S.I.N. #1, the blockbuster new limited series from fan-favorite writer Kathryn Immonen and artist Rich Ellis! Tying in to the explosive events of Original Sin,OPERATON S.I.N. tells an untold story of the origins of the Marvel Universe starring Peggy Carter, Howard Star and Woodrow McCord!  
At the height of the Cold War, a supremely powerful alien energy source is discovered on Russian soil. In an effort to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, secret agent Peggy Carter and Howard Stark must intercept it before it’s too late. Only they’re not the only interested parties…
A new terrorist splinter group named Hydra is on the hunt, seeking the alien technology for their own sinister purposes. It’s only when a mysterious operative named Woodrow McCord enters the picture that Peggy and Howard will see just how far some people will go to keep Earth safe from harm. But is he there to aid Peggy and Howard? Or to stop them?
“To me, there was no one else that could handle this story with as much finesse and style as Kathryn and Rich,” says series editor Jon Moisan, in an interview with Marvel.com. “There was no one else in my mind that would write it as well as Kathryn.”
Explore Marvel history like you’ve never seen it before as Peggy Carter, Howard Stark and Woodrow McCord do battle against the rising forces of Hydra. The Cold War spy espionage adventure kicks off this when OPERATION S.I.N. #1 explodes into comic shops and digital devices this January! 

Marvel Welcomes You to Level 8 For The S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 Launch Party!

End the calendar year with a bang this New Year’s Eve as high-tech weapons, high-stakes missions and high-octane adventure come to a comic shop near you with S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 – the debut issue of one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year! In addition to being among the first to purchase and read this exciting first issue, fans will also be able to receive special items exclusive to these launch parties.

Along with All-New Miracleman Annual #1S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 stands as one of only two Marvel comics being released on 12/31 and Marvel making sure comic book stores nationwide are armed and ready to close out 2014 with a bang when these two books explode onto stands!

Written by Eisner-award winning writer Mark Waid and drawn by a rotating crew of top-flight including Carlos Pacheco, Humberto Ramos, Alan Davis and more – each issue of S.H.I.E.L.D. teams Special Agent Phil Coulson and his team with the best and brightest the Marvel Universe has to offer. From Thor to Ms. Marvel to Captain America to Howard the Duck. If you’ve got the skills – S.H.I.E.L.D. has a mission for you!  
                                                                                            
To ensure these parties are a success, each retailer opting in to the event will receive a S.H.I.E.L.D. Party Kit from Marvel, containing exclusive promotional materials. Check your Marvel Mailer for more information on how to opt-in to ensure your store has these exclusive promotional items including two-sided S.H.I.E.L.D. trading cards and Skottie Young lithographs.

But that’s not all! Don’t miss out on your chance to snag some exciting variant covers to S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 featuring your favorite Marvel characters! S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 Launch Parties are the best place to get your hands on one-of-a kind variant covers including John Tyler Christopher’s highly collectible Deadpool Party Variant, a photo variant featuring Agent Coulson and Agent May from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a set of 6 variant covers from Marvel’s rising star artists, the All-New Young Guns!  

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Special Unannounced Final ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT VARIANT of 2014 is Coming!

They’re already invading your favorite comic book titles this November, bringing with them the best and brightest talent in the comic industry. Today, Marvel is proud to announce that the breakout comic book characters of the year – Rocket Raccoon & Groot are coming to one additional, previously unannounced cover in December! That’s right, December’s SPIDER-WOMAN #2 will get the last Rocket Raccoon & Groot variant of the year, courtesy of legendary artist Simone Bianchi!

“We were totally overwhelmed by the response to the Rocket Raccoon & Groot variants when we released them last month,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “When Simone Bianchi said he wanted to do one too, we couldn’t resist! We couldn’t be happier with the stunning cover he turned in.”

Rendered in Simone Bianchi’s unique style, this previously unannounced variant provides a classic homage to the iconic cover to Amazing Spider-Man #129 – starring everyone’s favorite Guardians of the Galaxy! Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on the final Rocket Raccoon & Groot variant of the year when SPIDER-WOMAN #2hits comic shops in December!