Matt Fraction Talks Fear Itself

[From Bleeding Cool]

Well, the series will centre on Thor and Captain America, an Eden-like myth in Norse history revolving around the God Of Fear, the serpent cast out by Odin, killed his followers and churches and has hidden his existence. And Sin, the daughter of Red Skull, and now the new Red Skull, finds him.

A god that thrives on fear itself. And the more you fear him, the stronger he becomes, and he launches a war on earth, scaring everyone and turning each person into a weapon feeding Fear.

It’s designed to be modular. Like Civil War, you can just read the series and that’s fine, but you can spin off on tangents in other books if you wish.

[Listen to the interview at Word Balloon]

MONDAY TELEMETRY For December 27th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

ITEM! Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday! We'll be open our regular hours on New Year's Eve and closed on New Year's Day.

ITEM! We're extending our Trade Paperback sale to New Year's Eve!

ITEM! DC Heroclix 75th Anniversary boosters will be back in stock this Wednesday! We're getting a bunch so if you want to lay your hands on another brick let us know.

ITEM! The rollbacks continue... This week we have Carnage #2 rolledback to $2.99!

BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1
Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best - Scott Williams - on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone's must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne's childhood friends...and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman's life! 

SHIELD #5
"The Forgotten Machines of XXXXXX XXXXX"
The story that has taken the comic book world by storm marches on with an issue so secretive that we can't even reveal the full title! WHO IS THE NIGHT MACHINE?! Find your answer here from Jonathan Hickman (FANTASTIC FOUR) and Dustin Weaver (X-MEN). Every issue has sold out and gone into multiple printings. IT'S GOOD! WE PROMISE! Don't miss the sleeper hit of 2010!

TRUE BLOOD #6 (OF 6)
Sookie and Eric, Tara and Sam, Jason and Lafayette-they've all spilled their guts, revealing their deepest, darkest secrets-feeding the trickster spirit's need for shame; hoping he'll release them when they're finished. Now it's Bill's turn, and the 184-year old vampire's story of personal regret in post-civil war Louisiana is the most shameful of all!  But the sun is coming up, and it's up to Sookie to uncover the spirit's true intentions. Will she discover the monster's secret in time?  

WIDOWMAKER #2 (OF 4)
Who is hunting Marvel's super spies? Espionage agents around the world are being assassinated, their covers blown, and governments' intelligence & security capabilities devastated!  The person behind it: an all-new Ronin! The next two super-spies targeted for death: Black Widow and Mockingbird!  The wildcard determined to unmask the killer: Hawkeye! Let the game begin as Marvel's spy community collides with it's superhuman agents!

David Aja's covers for Marvel's 5 Ronin

 

This looks great! Check out the other covers here.

Marvel's Fear Itself

Coming in April 2011, mounting paranoia and anger will force the Marvel Universe to face its biggest foe yet: Fear Itself.

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada along with VP – Executive Editors Tom Brevoort and Axel Alonso gathered at Midtown Comics on December 21 to address fans about their upcoming plans for 2011. After a week’s worth of teasers and speculation, the trio announced Fear Itself, a brand new mega comics event.
“It's undeniable that there's a certain something in the air right now,” said Quesada. “Tapping into that is what we do at Marvel and it brings out the best in our creators. But it's all through the eyes and stories of our heroes.”

Anchored by a seven-issue limited series, Fear Itself will involve the entire Marvel Universe—but who will be the eight most worthy?

Weaving this web of anguish and trepidation wills a superstar line-up of Marvel creators headlined by writer Matt Fraction and artist Stuart Immonen along with inker Wade Von Grawbadger and colorist Laura Martin on the core series.

“Like the best of all Marvel stuff, it’s something that speaks to the world we live in,” said Fraction of the story. “Everyone is afraid of something right now.”

In addition to the central limited series, Fear Itself will be supplemented by other event-specific limited series and specials as well as ancillary tie-ins in ongoing titles that will exist as their own standalone stories.

The action starts up in March 2011 with a prologue written by Ed Brubaker with art by Scot Eaton. Set during World War II, the story revolves around Captain America and the Invaders doing battle with the Red Skull. Deep in the history of the Marvel Universe, a secret lurks that unlocks the first key to Fear Itself.
“Fear, above all else, is a great motivator,” said Quesada. “There's no shortage of charlatans, tyrants or despots ready to stoke the flames. All they need is a spark.”

Fear Itself Press Conference | Marvel Heroes | Videos | Marvel.com

MONDAY TELEMETRY For December 20th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

GREEN LANTERN LARFLEEZE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #1
It's BRIGHTEST (CHRISTMAS) DAY! What do you want for Christmas? Orange Lantern Larfleeze wants everything - including Santa Claus himself! And nothing, not even the heroes of the DC Universe can to stop the Orange Lantern from getting what he wants! Plus, you won't want to miss the strange holiday season shenanigans starring the rest of the Orange Lantern Corps! Superstar writer Geoff Johns and artist Brett Booth team up for an unbelievable sleigh ride adventure!

HAUNT #12
THE SENSES-SHATTERING SECOND STORY-ARC CONCLUDES!
Hurg and his secret organization have been dragged into the open and exposed.  Now is the time to strike! Haunt and the agency must act now - before he moves deeper underground.  He had Kurt killed, he set these events leading to the birth of Haunt into motion - and now it's time to pay for what he's done!

MICE TEMPLAR VOL 3 #1
THE AWARD WINNING SERIES CONTINUES! Karic has accomplished his goal - the rescue of his family from captivity-but their freedom has come with a terrible price. Karic now lies comatose, his spirit lost to a realm of nightmare, a portal to the Outer Darkness where ancient demons have been cursed. Yet Cassius risks all for the young mouse who restored his faith, even death at the blade of his old Templar rival Ronan. Meanwhile, the druids and the rat army unleash a new wave of tyranny in retaliation for Karic's audacious attack. Only the heroic Maeven archers can stand against the MORTAIR, the deadly sisterhood of rat assassins!A perfect starting point for new readers!

TANK GIRL BAD WIND RISING #1 Of (4)
A holiday. A hold-up. A murder. A car chase. A mound of dog poo. A very large vodka. A fistfight. A kick in the groin. An earthquake. A mutant surfer. A lorry heist. A thousand pairs of panties. A tiny moped. And a gang of killer kangeroos after Tank Girl's scalp. Don't miss this twisted action adventure!

Godzilla: Monster World from IDW in March

San Diego, CA (December 15, 2010) –IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd. are excited to announce the return to comics for the biggest star in motion pictures! Kicking off in March, Godzilla®: Monster World offers fans the world over the first ongoing comic series in years. GODZILLA® will be joined by many other monsters throughout the series, including Mothra™, King Ghidorah™, Rodan™ and more that have never before been featured in an American comic book series alongside King of the Monsters™.

“Godzilla has been gone from comics for too long” said Yukio Kotaki of Toho. “And to have it return with other monsters is simply very exciting.”

Bringing these fearsome creatures back to comics is a larger-than-life creative team, led by co-writers Eric Powell (The Goon) and Tracy Marsh. Artist Phil Hester (Kevin Smith’s The Green Hornet) will capture every monster moment. The series will feature not one but two painted covers, offered on a 50/50 basis: Eric Powell will provide a gatefold wraparound cover featuring many beloved Toho monsters, and fan-favorite artist Alex Ross contributed an imposing image of Godzilla®. Powell has also painted a separate incentive cover to herald the debut issue’s launch.

“To be able to launch a Godzilla series that features many fan-favorite Toho monsters never before seen in comics is gratifying enough,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer. “But to do it with the guiding hand and brush of Eric Powell -- as perfectly suited a creator as I could’ve hoped to come aboard here – along with Hester, Marsh, and Ross, is about as monstrous a line-up as I could’ve ever hoped for. What’s more, this is just the first series to come in the line. The next one out of the gates features multiple Eisner-nominees and winners handling the creative, so we’re well and truly just getting started here.”

In Godzilla®: Monster World, a full-scale apocalypse is brewing. The monsters are a force of nature whose attacks can be no more predicted or rationalized than a lightning strike. There will be no clean-cut heroes with perfectly chiseled chins and capes billowing in the wind; only ordinary human beings struggling desperately to survive in a world gone mad.

With an impressive cast of monsters both old and new, IDW’s series will treat fans to both familiar themes and original takes on the pop culture legends that have stomped, smashed, and fought their way across movie screens for over four decades.

Adding to great creators and a monster story, IDW is also offering killer retailer specials for Godzilla®: Monster World #1, including a one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn Eric Powell sketch cover. Plus, retailers will be eligible for their very own cover – featuring Godzilla stomping their comic store.

Godzilla®: Monster World #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in comic stores in March 2011.

X-Men: Age of X Checklist

Here's a breakdown of the upcoming Age of X crossover.

The X-Men never existed. Mutants are on the verge of extinction. And a conspiracy threatens their brotherhood. Mutantkind makes their last stand. But who will survive...?

• AGE OF X ALPHA #1 
• X-MEN LEGACY #245 - PART ONE
• NEW MUTANTS #22 - PART TWO
• X-MEN LEGACY #246 - PART THREE
• NEW MUTANTS #23 - PART FOUR
• AGE OF X UNIVERSE #1
• X-MEN LEGACY #247 - PART FIVE
• NEW MUTANTS #24 - PART SIX
• AGE OF X UNIVERSE #2

Look for a Launchpad package deal on this crossover to be announced soon...!

Batman Europa #3 Cover

[From The Source]

OH SNAP!

T.J pulled Bane!
wonderful sculpt...

MONDAY TELEMETRY For December 13th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

ITEM! This Saturday, the 18th, we'll be having our fourth annual Christmas Party. Come on down @ 7 for some junk food, video games, and general nerdery!

ITEM! The rollbacks continue this week with Black Panther Man Without Fear #513, which is rolledback to $1.99!

BIRDS OF PREY #7
One of Oracle's fiercest enemies finds her alone and far from her allies and safe houses - and that's just the tip of the iceberg as Batman returns! Rising star artist Ardian Syaf (BRIGHEST DAY) makes his BIRDS OF PREY debut in a story you must not miss, which we're calling "The Death of Oracle"!

MOUSE GUARD BLACK GUARD #1
The Eisner Award-winning Mouse Guard returns with The Black Axe, a third volume to be told in six bi-monthly issues. Set in 1115, this prequel to Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to Lieam the day his paw first touched the Black Axe: to tell the young warrior about the mouse who first wielded the deadly weapon. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands, all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic Black Axe.

NIGHTMARES & FAIRY TALES ANNABELLES STORY #1 Of (4)
Nightmares & Fairy Tales returns for a four issue series featuring the original creative team of Serena Valentino and FSc. Gwen and Annabelle venture off to find Morgan, a young woman who has been locked away in an asylum for many years for murders she did not commit. Soon, they find themselves in an abandoned town haunted by its own bloody past!

UNCANNY X-FORCE #3
"THE APOCAYLPSE SOLUTION," PART 3
Uncanny X-Force versus Apocalypse's Last Horsemen to the death!  With their target within striking distance the team separate in hopes that one of them might infiltrate the Akkaba stronghold and assassinate Apocalypse. However, breaking apart has left them vulnerable, and one member pays a heavy toll for the strategy. Will a member of the team die to stop Apocalypse? Or will the price be heavier still?

X-men Destiny Teaser Trailer

[From GT]

You've Got One Chance

It's always nice to see something new and different in video games, something that doesn't fall neatly into an established genre. As the industry balloons to the size of Hollywood, and only "safe bets" are backed, indie and homebrew games have become the outlet for innovation.

Which brings us to One Chance by AwkwardSilenceGames. In One Chance you play a cancer researcher who has unwittingly insured the destruction of the human race. You are faced with various choices about how you deal with humanity's final days and as the game states, you only have one chance... There are no saves, no retries. You live with the consequences of your actions which makes for a surprisingly compelling experience.

Check it out at newgrounds.

Dirk Gently Trailer

The first trailer for the upcoming British series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Check it.

DC Heroclix 75th Map Previews

Wizkids has previews up of the maps that will be shipping in the Organized Play kits for next week's DC 75th Anniversary set. Check them out here.

Stalking Arkham City

Why does anyone ever try to get the jump on Batman? A Teaser from next year's Arkham City video game.

100+ Pages of an Unpublished Comic

[From Robot 6]

James Stokoe, creator of Orc Stain has released on his blog 102 pages of his (NSFW) unpublished Murder Bullets comic.

If you like what Stokoe has on offer here, you might wanna check out Orc Stain and his upcoming Sullivan's Sluggers GN (both from Image).

Marvel HeroClix: Giant-Sized X-Men

[Click the "heroclix" tag at the end of this post for more Heroclix news and previews!]

We've got the solicitations for the next Heroclix set and it's street date is currently set for 3.16.2011!

Marvel HeroClix: Giant-Sized X-Men features 67 new collectible HeroClix figures, with subthemes that include The Astonishing X-Men, The Brotherhood of Mutants, Nextwave, and the Hellions, plus larger-than-life Super Boosters containing iconic X-Men duo figures, the Horseman of the Apocalypse, and huge figures such as Nemesis, Onslaught, and the Sentinels! Each Brick of Marvel HeroClix: Giant-Sized X-Men contains eight traditional 5-figure booster packs and one Super Booster.

The Marvel HeroClix: Giant-Sized X-Men is too big to contain in a normal booster, so WizKids introduces the "Super Booster", containing figures unlike any done before for HeroClix! This new series consists of 67 new collectible HeroClix figures (55 in the regular booster, plus 12 in the Super Booster). Subthemes include: The Astonishing X-Men, The Brotherhood of Mutants, NextWave and Hellions. The Super Booster contains iconic X-Men duo figures, the Horseman of the Apocalypse, and huge figures such as Nemesis, Onslaught, and the Sentinels!

Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark

Here's a look at Julie Taymor's upcoming Broadway rock musical Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. I still don't know what to make of this. (Mike)

Godzilla: Kaiju World Wars

Reposted from ICv2:

Toy Vault has released new details about the upcoming Godzilla:  Kaiju World Wars, its new  boardgame designed by veteran game creator Richard H. Berg.

The game will feature four of the films’ most popular monsters:  Rodan, Gigan, King Ghidorah, and Godzilla in a last-monster-standing brawl.  Multiple scenarios are included, inviting monsters to battle over variable terrain while they destroy buildings and more in their path. The monsters must also deal with aggressive military units, bombs, and traps.

Godzilla:  Kaiju World War will include four fully-painted 2-3/8” plastic figures of the monsters, 90 stackable plastic tiles for creating skyscrapers, individual monster playmates, as well as terrain and power tokens.  It is designed to play in an hour or less.

The Green Lantern Movie Trailer

Here it is!

MONDAY TELEMETRY For November 15th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

AVENGERS #7
I AM AN AVENGER! Plus: another chapter in the oral history of the Avengers!

BATMAN INCORPORATED #1
Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring; Art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can't-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don't miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!

FLASH #6
BRIGHTEST DAY dashes on with the stunning conclusion of "The Dastardly Deaths of the Rogues!" With Barry caught between the Rogues and the Renegades, the resurrected Captain Boomerang's role in the adventure is revealed! You won't believe how this leads to the upcoming FLASHPOINT…

OSBORN #1
BIG TIME HITS SPIDER-MAN'S GREATEST ENEMY! The world's most dangerous felon is in the world's top supermax-security prison -- an institution so secret even the vice president doesn't know it exists. But can any cell contain Norman Osborn? After the events of SIEGE, the former Green Goblin, Iron Patriot and power-mad director of worldwide security isn't allowed to have a toothbrush...and he's surrounded by the deadliest criminals in the world. Lucky for Osborn, they're fans. Rising stars Kelly Sue DeConnick (SIF) and Emma Rios (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) throw Osborn in the darkest hole the public's never seen! Featuring an all-new bonus story written by Warren Ellis (THUNDERBOLTS)!

Preview of Heroes For Hire #1

Comics Alliance has posted an exclusive preview of Marvel's upcoming street heroes book Heroes For Hire #1! Check it out here.

In the aftermath of Shadowland, Marvel's greatest street heroes - Punisher, Moon Knight, Shroud, Elektra, Paladin, Silver Sable, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, Falcon, Misty Knight and more - leap into one all-new series! Who has brought these dangerous loners into one fighting force? How is this network different from all other teams? Who is their first target, and what mysteries wait for them? Discover the answers and enter the action on Marvel's mean streets, courtesy of fan-favorite writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (THE THANOS IMPERATIVE, PUNISHER: YEAR ONE) and artist Brad Walker (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY)!

First Footage of Green Lantern courtesy of ET

Hopefully this means a trailer will be forthcoming.

Garth Ennis to pen Jennifer Blood

From the official press release:

Continuing writer Garth Ennis' successful longstanding working relationship with Dynamite Entertainment, we are proud to announce the newest hard-hitting series from Garth entitled Jennifer Blood!

Jennifer Blood is a suburban wife and mom by day, and a ruthless vigilante by night!  Every day she makes breakfast, takes the kids to school, cleans the house, naps for an hour or two, makes dinner, puts the kids to bed, and kisses her husband goodnight.  At night she goes down to the secret compartment in the basement, tools up with all manner of high-powered weaponry, goes downtown and kills bad guys by the dozen- then comes home to her family.

The story is told in the form of her diary, a little pink one with a rabbit on the front. This suburban punisher is ready to be unleashed in a story that can only be told by the legendary Garth Ennis.  With incredibly compelling covers by Tim Bradstreet, look for Jennifer Blood #1 February from Dynamite Entertainment!

"I've been writing such grim, serious stuff for so long now that I fancied having some fun again," says writer Garth Ennis.  "Pitch-black fun, yes, but fun all the same. Hence Jennifer Blood."

"Garth has an uncanny ability to create compelling characters from scratch," adds Dynamite President Nick Barrucci.  "From The Boys to Preacher - as well as re-defining an iconic character like The Punisher - we're proud to be working with Garth on Jennifer Blood!  Tim Bradstreet painting the main covers is icing on the cake!"

Jennifer Blood #1 will also have a preview in The Boys #49, The Boys #50 and additional Dynamite titles!

More information including the entire creative team to be revealed in the coming weeks.

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

For art and more information, please visit: www.dynamiteentertainment.com

Bleeding Cool is reporting Adriano Batista will be providing art on the book.

Final Age of X Lineup

The team lineup for the upcoming Age of X comic from Marvel has been announced. Early details on the title are sketchy, the solicitation text reveals this: "Mutantkind's final war starts here. If you don't know which side you're on, check  your DNA." Age of X Alpha #1 is slated to be released late January and will be scripted by MIKE CAREY with pencils by "PAUL DAVIDSON & MORE".

The Lineup:

Basilisk
Frenzy
Gambit
Hellion
Berzerker
Nightmare
Cannonball
Magneto
Revenant
Reaper

Not sure about all these links, especially since two of the characters look a lot like Rogue and Phoenix.

MONDAY TELEMETRY For November 8th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

ITEM! Our DC Universe Mega Deal has gone live! Check it out here on our blog, do the math, and see if this is total immersion in the DCU will work for you!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #648
BIG TIME BEGINS! 
Buy This Comic, get a free Green Goblin Tattoo!
Big changes are happening for the Amazing Spider-Man: Bigger threats, bigger guest-stars, and a big opportunity that could turn Peter Parker's life around! Which cast members are staying and who�s saying goodbye? Find out as we're introduced to new characters and reintroduced to a number of Spidey villains as they make the triumphant return to the book! Plus: New developments for Mayor J. Jonah Jameson, the staff at Front Line, and The Sinister Six! The next chapter in Spider-Man history starts here! Guest starring THE AVENGERS and THE FANTASTIC FOUR in a giant-sized, 39 page lead feature! PLUS! An All-New Adventure featuring the All-New SPIDER-GIRL! PAUL TOBIN & CLAYTON HENRY bring a tale of action & intrigue, and make a strong argument for why you can sometimes send a Spider-GIRL to do a Spider-MAN's job!

KNIGHT AND SQUIRE #2 (OF 6)
In this second issue, our trusty heroes venture into rural England – or as they know it, home. But when someone starts using dangerous dark magic, they spring into action only to face a surprising and unassuming enemy. Can they take down a powerful magical enemy and still make it home for supper?
 

SHE-HULKS #1
SPINNING OUT OF WORLD WAR HULKS! THE SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK RETURNS! Jen Walters teams up with LYRA, the all-new SAVAGE SHE-HULK, to bring the hurt down on the fugitive members of THE INTELLIGENCIA. Klaw, Mad Thinker, Red Ghost, Trapster, and Wizard tried to take over the world and now must pay for what they've done. Guest starring THE INCREDIBLE HULK in this all-new story of She-Hulk smackdown! 

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS #1
Would you rather burn out or fade away? That's the question at the heart of this bold new series about a group of people who, for one reason or another, are at their wits' end until they're offered a chance to become superheroes. The catch? Their powers will kill them.

Writer Nick Spencer (Morning Glories) and artist CAFU (WAR OF THE SUPERMEN) present a fresh take on the classic comics property, starring a new batch of recruits brought in to take over the original agents' mantles and make some difficult choices of their own – all while dealing with global threats the rest of the DCU doesn't even know exist!

DC Heroclix 75th Anniversary Delayed

If you haven't heard yet... DC 75th Anniversary, the new set for Wizkid's Heroclix, has been delayed by a coupla weeks. From Heroclix.com:

I’d like to give everyone an update.  The DC 75th shipment from China is on the water and should be landing in stores on December 15th, 2010.  Retailers and distributors are being notified of the new release date today. We appreciate you patience and understanding.

The latest street date was 12.1.10, so it looks like we'll be waiting a little longer now. Judging by all the previews this will be worth the wait, just hope everyone has room in their holiday budget for a brick. Let us know if you want one reserved for you!

Welcome to... Marvel Brothel?

This is one of the oddest things I've seen in a while.

Reposted from Rock Paper Shotgun:

Imagine if Professor Xavier decided that fighting battles so that the battles might stop was stupid. Imagine if he gave up fighting evil mutants. Imagine if, instead, he decided to bring about the acceptance of mutants with the power of love. Imagine a Brazilian man made a sim game of this for his brother’s Birthday using RPG Maker 2003. That is Marvel Brothel.

I suppose if the world can be saved through a judicious application of violence it can be saved by a massive superhero orgy too. Alan Moore would probably approve anyway. (Mike)

Bangkok Knockout Trailer

The latest crazy Thai action film from Panna Rittkrai is Bangkok Knockout. It's already been picked up for American distribution... Check out the trailer below.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS Preview

Check out The Source for a preview of DC's upcoming T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS #1!

You gotta get it just for NoMan.

Watch "The Walking Dead" Premiere episode here

If you missed it or just wanna watch it again, below is the entire Walking Dead premiere from Halloween night. AMC is streaming the entire episode and have made it emdeddable, so we got it too. Check it.

Captain America pics from EW

Reposted from Live for Films, click here for more.

Lookin' pretty cool!

IDW launches Godzilla comic

From IDW:

The biggest star in motion pictures prepares to wreak havoc once again! IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce a partnership with Toho Co., Ltd. to create all-new GODZILLA comics. Starting in 2011, Godzilla will smash his way back onto the scene with a cast of characters from his films never before seen in comics.

"This new series will be monsters and mayhem, but most importantly, it's going to be a lot of fun," said Yukio Kotaki of Toho. "Godzilla has been gone from comics for too long and we feel that IDW is the perfect company to welcome him back in 2011."

In addition to the King of the Monsters himself, the new comics from IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd. will feature many of Godzilla's friends and foes, including MOTHRA^TM, KING GHIDORAH^TM, RODAN^TM and more that have never before been featured in an American comic book series alongside Godzilla. With an impressive cast of monsters both old and new, IDW's series will treat fans to both familiar themes and original takes on the pop culture legends that have stomped, smashed, and fought their way across movie screens for over five decades.


"Not only is Godzilla known worldwide, he's loved worldwide, too. Having a film career with more than 25 movies and going on a 56-year span pretty much solidifies you as a legend, and IDW is really looking forward to contributing to that legacy," said Chris Ryall, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in Chief for IDW Publishing. "We wanted Godzilla to return to comics, but this time we wanted him to have some company. I think fans will be pleased with the monster guest appearances, which will really offer something for every fan of these films. There are the classic characters, but there are also a few surprises, too."

Debuting in February 2011, fans can expect to see a number of unique storylines from some of the industry's top creators.

Marvel: Point One

From Marvel.com:

Geared for new and long-time readers alike, the all-new Marvel: Point One initiative delivers the perfect jumping on points for the biggest super hero series in the world! Beginning in February 2011, select Marvel comic series marked with a ".1" after the issue number feature full-length, self-contained stories by Marvel's top creators, laying the groundwork for the next year of storylines. From INVINCIBLE IRON MAN to AVENGERS to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, each Marvel: Point One issue of the associated series not only begin major new storylines, but also seamlessly introduces new readers into the dynamic Marvel Universe and its popular super heroes.

Additionally, each issue bearing the Marvel: Point One branding will be followed in the same month by another issue of that series, delivering new fans another exciting installment of the series they enjoy.

Below is a full list of Marvel: Point One titles:

FEBRUARY 2011
• AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1
• INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #500.1
• WOLVERINE #5.1

MARCH 2011
• CAPTAIN AMERICA #615.1
• DEADPOOL #32.1
• HULK #30.1
• THOR #620.1
• UNCANNY X-FORCE #5.1

APRIL 2011
• AVENGERS #12.1
• SECRET AVENGERS #11.1
• UNCANNY X-MEN #534.1

"Marvel is absolutely committed to providing new readers with easy entry points into all our comic book series and Marvel: Point One is the next step in our new reader initiatives," explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Circulation, Marvel Entertainment. "And to make sure readers can sample all of Marvel's top series, we've priced every Marvel: Point One issue at $2.99. Utilizing our top characters, top creators and employing a huge marketing push, we expect a lot of new faces in comic stores nationwide to check out Marvel: Point One. Retailers should stock up on these titles and the subsequent issues."

The biggest super heroes in the universe. The biggest creators in comics. And now, it's time to jump onboard the biggest comic book series with Marvel: Point One, beginning in February 2011!

The Dunwich Horror

"Yog-Sothoth knows the gate. Yog-Sothoth is the gate. Yog-Sothoth is the key and guardian of the gate. Past, present, future, all are one in Yog-Sothoth. He knows where the Old Ones broke through of old, and where They shall break through again. He knows where They have trod earth's fields, and where They still tread them, and why no one can behold Them as They tread."

To the left is Wilbur Whateley from H.P. Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror as illustrated by Tatsuya Morino. Check out more art at Pink Tentacle.

Read the complete text of The Dunwich Horror here.

Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne Action Figures

Schedule to ship in June 2011 is the first series of Batman Return of Bruce Wayne action figures!

Take a trip through the time stream with the Dark Knight! After being dropped in the prehistoric past by Darkseid, an amnesiac Bruce Wayne must fight his way back to present-day Gotham City. 

BATMAN: HIGH SEAS - 7" h BATMAN: WITCH HUNTER - 6.75" h BATMAN: PREHISTORIC - 5.5" h BATMAN: WILD WEST - 7" h

All four figures feature multiple points of articulation and include a display base.
4-color clamshell blister card packaging.

Preview of BOOM!'s The Traveler

Newsarama has an extended preview of the upcoming Stan Lee/BOOM! title The Traveler. Check it out here.

Grimm Fairy Tales: Myths & Legends

From ICv2:

Zenescope Entertainment has announced a new ongoing series, Grimm Fairy Tales Myths & Legends, which spins out of events in Grimm Fairy Tales #50.  As with the original title, Grimm Fairy Tales Myths & Legends will offer updated versions of fairy tales that come with a horror twist.

Stories will be constructed in four and five issue story arcs.  The first story arc, “Red Riding Hood”, is written by Raven Gregory and drawn by David Miller and will feature cover art by J. Scott Campbell, Eric Basaldua and Mike DeBalfo.

The series was created by Zenescope co-founders Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco.  “It’s going to be dark and twisted on a whole new level,” said Tedesco of the new series.

Rarities From The Apocalypse

With Gamma World on everyone's mind I've been thinking a lot about PA (Post Apocalyptic) films. While I can't think of any that capture the frenetic and unpredictable nature of Gamma World there are many that capture the desperation and strangeness of the post-apocalyptic world.

After the jump you'll find the entirety of Chris Marker's sublime "cine-roman" experimental film La jetée which was the inspiration for Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys.

Also, you'll find the trailer from Luc Besson's first film, a largely dialogue-less PA film called Le dernier combat.

Maybe you can draw some inspiration from these for your own PA gaming experience. Whatever the case, they're worth seeing. (Mike)

Content Changes For Batman & Robin #17 - 19

The new cover for Batman & Robin #17.

Paul Cornell, writer of the red-hot "Black Ring" storyline in Action Comics and the new Knight and Squire miniseries, teams up with veteran Batman artist Scott McDaniel for a three-part story beginning in Batman & Robin #17! (The previously solicited stories for Batman & Robin #17-20, written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Patrick Gleason, now will begin in issue #20.)

These issues will feature covers by Guillem March (Gotham City Sirens). Here's a look at what happens in each chapter:

BATMAN AND ROBIN #17
Dick and Damian head into the murky depths of Bruce Wayne's past to protect him from whoever has stolen the corpse of his old girlfriend, Una Nemo. Join them as they move from an empty grave to the flaming fingers to the Night Wedding - and meet a mad, gory new villain known as The Absence!

BATMAN AND ROBIN #18
The Absence has come for Batman and Robin, and, as they hear the tale in a burning church, our heroes start to realize the scale of the horror they're protecting Bruce Wayne from. The Absence is on a mission, and it can only end in fire and destruction.  

BATMAN AND ROBIN #19
Batman and Robin have found The Absence, but a deathtrap awaits them. How do you prove a negative? How do you escape nothing? When there's nothing at the center of a life, madness can stick its claws in!

Brightest Day Action Pack releasing this week

It's all about Aquaman!

We'll have the new Heroclix Brightest Day Action Pack this week! You want to reserve one, let us know!

After Blackest Night comes the Brightest Day! Heroes thought long dead are resurrected by the power of the White Lantern to fight evil anew. Why these heroes? What is their connection? Find out with the DC HeroClix Brightest Day Action Pack! This action pack includes seven highly-detailed, 3D miniatures, each with a character card (Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkgirl, Captain Boomerang, Osiris, Firestorm, Deadman, each in their new, Brightest Day costumes) and two Brightest Day-themed maps.

MONDAY TELEMETRY For October 25th, 2010

Welcome to another installment of Monday Telemetry, a weekly blog from The Launchpad that covers some of the more interesting releases or events that are coming to the store this week.

ITEM! Free Halloween Comic Day is this Saturday! Come on down for a free Halloween mini-comic!

ABATTOIR #1 (OF 3)
From director Darren Lynn Bousman (the SAW franchise, Mother's Day, Repo! The Genetic Opera) comes a chilling, supernatural tale set in the cold beauty of Middle America in the late '80s! After a brutal massacre takes place in a gorgeous house, real estate agent and family man Richard Ashwalt is assigned the impossible task of picking up the pieces and selling the property. As Richard inspects the blood-soaked grounds a twisted old man journeys to the house with a sinister and terrifying purpose. Richard is about to be drawn into a web of shadows, murders and massacres that will shatter him to his very core!

DOCTOR WHO THE COMING OF THE TERRAPHILES HC
A Doctor Who event, forty-five years in the making! Science-fiction and fantasy giant Michael Moorcock, the influential and award-winning writer of the Elric Saga and Mother London, pens BBC Book's first epic Doctor Who adventure.

Miggea - a star on the very edge of reality. The cusp between this universe and the next. A point where space-time has worn thin, and is in danger of colapsing... And the venue for the grand finals of the competition to win the fabled Arrow of Law. The Doctor and Amy have joined the Terraphiles - a group obsessed with all aspects of Earth's history, and dedicated to re-enacting ancient sporting events. They are determined to win the Arrow. But just getting to Miggea proves tricky. Reality is collapsing, ships are disappearing, and Captain Cornelius and his pirates are looking for easy pickings. Even when they arrive, the Doctor and Amy's troubles won't be over. They have to find out who is so desperate to get the Arrow of Law that they will kill for it. And uncover the traior on their own team. And win the contest fair and sqaure. And, of course, they need to save the universe from total destruction. A thrilling, all-new adventure featuring the Doctor and Amy, as played by Matt Smith and Karen Gilan in the spectacular hit series from BBC Television.

JLA THE 99 #1 (OF 6)
A threat from beyond the stars brings the World's Greatest Heroes together with the World's Newest Heroes to stop a globe-spanning invasion of Earth in this 6-issue miniseries! DC Comics' JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA joins forces with Teshkeel Comics' THE 99 to create an unstoppable army of super-powered beings the likes of which the world - and comic shops - have never seen before!

SECRET AVENGERS #6
Everybody is Kung Fu fighting... as the Secret Avengers descend into the depths of Marvel's darkest corners on a new case that brings them face to face with a Master of Kung Fu and many forces of evil. Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato bring you another twisted tale of Marvel's most popular new Avengers team.