Gazillion Entertainment, publisher of the highly-anticipated massive online action RPG, Marvel Heroes, took the recent New York Comic Con by storm, unveiling three all-new playable heroes from the legendary Marvel Universe: Jean Grey, Nova and Luke Cage.
These iconic Super Heroes join the roster of over 25 announced playable Marvel characters that gamers collect and deploy, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Wolverine (but not, as yet, Captain Britain... come on guys!) Marvel Heroes also showed over 40 minutes of never-before-seen gameplay at New York Comic Con, giving press and consumers an action-packed hands-on experience as they battled villains like the Green Goblin, Electro and the Shocker.
Marvel Heroes, which features an original story crafted by Brian Michael Bendis, is a free-to-play, action MMORPG game created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo 2. Set in the heralded Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes combines the core gameplay style of action RPGs and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe.
In the game, players can collect and play as their favourite Marvel Super Heroes as they team up with friends to try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube.
While British comic publishers may be feeling the future is rather bleak, with rumours of The Dandy's impending closure providing a major news story for media outlets as diverse as Radio 4, ITN News and Al Jazera this week, comic characters are enjoying incredible success in other spheres.
A case in point is the new animated series, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, which has stormed to record ratings on Disney XD UK - and its success is about to usher in even more superhero action on the channel.
The show is currently the top rated animated title on the boy-focused, girl-inclusive channel launched in August 2009, reaching a huge 1.2 million individuals 4+ including 683,000 kids 4-15 and 265,000 boys 8-12 in its first six weeks on air.
Disney XD tell us the premiere episode of Ultimate Spider-Man was the best performing show in its timeslot with boys 8–12 on any kids TV channel in the UK, including those available in twice as many homes. Over the first six weeks, the series also boosted year on year Disney XD ratings for its timeslot by 77%.
“The success of Ultimate Spider-Man demonstrates the demand for Marvel content from a new generation” comments Boel Ferguson, General Manager, Disney Channels UK & Ireland. “Following the incredible success of Marvel’s Avengers Assemble in cinemas across the UK we wanted to give our viewers a go-to TV destination for more excitement and energy of the latest Marvel series like Ultimate Spider-Man. Beginning 17th August, Marvel Universe will become the TV home for everyone’s favorite Super Heroes.”
Marvel Universe, a dedicated programming block airing every Friday at 3.30pm on Disney XD, will feature some of the most popular Super Heroes in the world - Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk and Spider-Man. The Disney XD block will be home to all of Marvel’s action-packed animated series including hit programmes Ultimate Spider-Man, The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Iron Man: Armored Adventures.
The television success of Marvel’s Super Heroes is being mirrored at retail, with Argos reporting last week that six out of their top 10 toy lines were Spider-Man products and that the web shooting Spider-Man action figure tops retailers’ Christmas recommendation lists.
Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man is written and guided by the most star-studded creative team in Super Hero television history, including Marvel's Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, and Marvel's EVP – Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, Supervising Producer Man of Action Studios (Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle & Duncan Rouleau), Creative Consultant/Writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Lost), and Consulting Producer/Writer Brian Michael Bendis (Marvel's Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series).
Ultimate Spider-Man is a series of many firsts, extraordinary given the enduring popularity of the character within the Marvel Universe. In the series storyline, a teenage Peter Parker (voiced by actor Drake Bell) juggles the relatable challenges of high school with the extraordinary challenges of being a Super Hero. Nick Fury (voiced by actor Chi McBride) invites Parker to train with his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, where Peter's alter-ego, Spider-Man, will join forces with four other teenage Super Heroes - Nova, White Tiger, Power Man and Iron Fist, on the greatest action and adventure ever as they work to become Ultimate Super Heroes.
Marvel licensee Colantotte are giving UK comic fans the chance to win six of their limited edition Neo Legend wristbands, as featured in the new Avengers Assemble film.
Colantotte created the exclusive limited edition MagTitan Neo Legend bracelet as worn by Tony Stark (Iron Man) played by Robert Downey Jr. in Marvel’s Avengers Assemble movie, which opens in the UK today (26th April 2012).
The wristband, which you have the chance to win over on Facebook, is top secret gear Marvel's heroes used to maintain their edge while fighting off arch rivals on a new interactive website, introduces the Earth’s mightiest heroes.
In Avengers Assemble, as with the comic that inspired it, iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow join forces when an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security. Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.
Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.
The film stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and is directed by Joss Whedon.
The Colantotte/Marvel’s Avengers Assemble microsite enables fans old and new to meet the entire superhero team and learn about each of their unique powers through their in-depth profiles. It includes exclusive interactive comics, andthe chance to follow all the Marvel’s Avengers Assemble content from across the web via the Super Social Link List.
Colantotte’s MagTitan Neo Legend bracelet combines a polished pure titanium core with an embellished, sleek, carbon fibre design, to deliver a stylised element of comfort and functionality. This striking bracelet epitomises the essence of fashion and craftsmanship which makes it the ideal accessory for casual, business, and superhero attire alike.
The MagTitan Neo Legend is approved as a medical device by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and features a unique Alternating North-South Polarity Orientation (ANSPO) technology to create a larger magnetic field flow.
Colantotte International, Inc is Japan’s leading manufacturer of medically certified devices, Arc Quest Co. Ltd. Colantotte & Trion:Z launched its award-winning range of products in 1997 and is now a leader in providing magnetic ionic gear to the global health and fitness arena, with a presence in over 60 countries worldwide.
Their products are worn by hundreds of professional athletes including those in Triathlon Sports, Cycling, Cricket, Football and Tennis. “We founded Colantotte in 1997 with the goal of providing the highest quality products to help restore the negative impact today’s lifestyle imposes,” said Katsumi Komatsu, President, Colantotte International Inc.
"After 15 years of doing just that, we are grateful to have been selected by Marvel to be involved in this Hollywood movie. We appreciate the support of our customers over the years and we hope they enjoy seeing the MagTitan Neo Legend in Marvel’s Avengers Assemble film and interacting with the Super Heroes on the website. • To win a Neo Legend Wristband Competition, go to www.facebook.com/ILoveTrionZ, click on the competition app, then submit your details and you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive 15% off all Colantotte and Trion:Z products, and have your name added to a prize draw to win one of six stunning Neo Legend wristbands, the same worn by Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man) in the new Avengers movie.
2000AD editor Matt Smith, photographed at
Bristol UK Comics Festival, 2004,
holding a copy of small press
comic FutureQuake
Add a Caption
This summer, a unique event takes place at The Studio, Birmingham, bringing together seasoned professionals and aspiring creators from around the world with one thing in common: a passion for comics.
The first event of its kind, Launch Pad, taking place 18th June and organised by the team behind the International Comic Show, includes a full programme of workshops and seminars designed to inform and inspire budding writers and artists, along with opportunities for portfolio reviews and face-to-face feedback.
Speakers at the one day conference include legendary US comic creator Klaus Janson, DC Comics Senior Editor Joey Cavalieri and 2000AD Editor Matt Smith, and the event is officially supported by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Rebellion Entertainment, Diamond Distribution and a host of other major publishing companies worldwide.
The Conference is limited to 300 delegates and includes an option to attend the exclusive after event roof garden party with complimentary food and drink.
(updated 21/3/11, with thanks to Mark Stafford and David Lloyd) On Friday 8th April (the day before the London Kapow comic convention) London's Cartoon Museum will be hosting portfolio review sessions with Marvel Comics talent scout CB Cebulski, so anybody who thinks they've got what it takes should take along a selection of their work for an honest appraisal.
V for Vendetta artist David Lloyd and Cartoon Classroom guru Steve Marchant will also be in attendance.
Sessions are 12.30-2pm, 3-5.30pm, and 6-7pm. People will be seen on a first come first served basis. Entry is open to everyone at regular museum admission prices : £5.50 ( £3.00 for students.
The Cartoon Classroom, a non-profit making venture, aims provide information for all officially recognised organisations who seek professional cartoonists to lecture and teach. It was also established to provide basic advice and information to any member of the public wanting to study cartoon art, graphic novels, strip illustration and/or the specialised writing skills linked to such work.
"This event is the first physical manifestation of Cartoon Classroom's existence since its launch," David Lloyd told downthetubes, "and, because of that, it's of as much value to us as it is to those who might benefit from the event.
"This event is obviously a plus for folks who won't have a chance to see CB at Kapow," he continues, "and they can get help from me and Steve if they want it, too."
The event came about after David suggested it to CB in his role as Cartoon Classroom ambassador, to do as a one-off standalone for anyone within reach of London, which was planned for long before Kapow.
• The Cartoon Museum is at 35, Little Russell St, London, WC1. Call them on 0207 580 8155 for any other details.
• To confirm attendance mail infoATcartoonmuseum.org or contact cartoonclassroomATyahoo.co.uk
Top British comic artist Bryan Hitch will be signing his Ultimate Comic Studio at the Forbidden Planet Megastore London, on Saturday 23rd October 1 - 2.00pm.
Bryan explores his inspirations, approaches and techniques through a stunning collection of his finest pieces from Marvel, as well as brand new pieces commissioned especially for this book. Packed with information, practical tips on panel composition, storytelling, tools and materials, inspiration and references, how to break into the industry and much more, this is the long awaited guide and a must-have for Bryan Hitch fans all over the world.
Including a foreword by writer, director and producer of TV"s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon, this is a veritable visual feast of dynamic, impactful art for comic fans all over the world.
Listing the all comics credits to Bryan Hitch’s name would be impossible: from his early work at Marvel UK, his career spans titles for both Marvel and DC, working with some of the genre’s foremost writers – including Mark Millar (for The Ultimates, The Ultimates 2 and Fantastic Four) and Warren Ellis (for Stormwatch and launching The Authority). The BBC also hired Bryan as the concept artist for the 2005 relaunch of Doctor Who and he has had particular input into the redesign of the TARDIS.
• Bryan Hitch will be signing his Ultimate Comic Studio at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JR on Saturday 23rd October 1 - 2pm. For the latest info visit Forbidden Planet: Latest Events
As part of a fund raising night to support London radio station Resonance FM, themed around the subject of silver, Alex Fitch will be talking to comic book writer and novelist Simon Spurrier about the Marvel comics character the Silver Surfer, who he penned in a recent mini-series called 'In Thy Name'.
Alex and Simon will be discussing the character's origins at London's Vortex Club, on and off the page and aspects of space opera and eschatology in his appearances.
Simon is a regular contributor to 2000AD and has written several licensed works for the Black Library and Abaddon Press. More recently he's written scripts for both Marvel and DC Comics and has launched Gutsville through Image. His first non-licensed prose work, Contract, was published by Hodder's Headline Review in 2007.
Other guests on the night will include representatives of the V&A's silver collection on the socio-economic and historical role silver played in British Imperialism; the BBC's central Asia correspondent on the geo-politics of silver; London's Pétanque society; a panel of art critics discussing Belgian surrealist René Magritte's portrayal of silver and Mark Pilkinson on silver in relation to contemporary mythology and sci-fi.
• Panel Borders Live: Gleaming the Silver Surfer - 8.30pm Tuesday 7th September, The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ (London Overground Dalston stations). Web Link: www.vortexjazz.co.uk
In the week that the USA sent back ten Russian agents who had been living undercover in the USA, two British comics that operate under the cover of American publishers have arrived on our shores.
First is Paul Grist's The Weird World of Jack Staff and this third issue of the third generation of Grist's tribute to old British anthology comics and their characters even comes with three staples. Tom Tom The Robot Man, who is really a little girl called Trisha, appears to save builder John Smith, who has forgotten that he is Jack Staff, from the Skull whilst Professor Fate looks on before he goes to visit Morlan The Mystic. Grist's Jack Staff can take a little getting used to, between the stylised art and the anthology style storyline, but it definitely rewards those who stick with it.
Also available is the first of Marvel's use of the old L Miller and Sons character of Marvelman. The first part of a six issue limited series entitled Marvelman Family's Finest, the 44 page comic reprints four individual stories, one from each of the Marvelman characters and a combined one, plus the start of a serial featuring just Marvelman. All the stories are in their original black and white and, other than the glossy cover, the comic is printed on newsprint paper. With all the stories credited to Mick Anglo, the artists are Trigan Empire's Don Lawrence as well as Norman Light, George Parlett and Mick Anglo himself. Art-wise Lawrence's two strips are nice but the best must be Norman Light's 1957 Marvelman And The Acid Vapour despite its ridiculous plotline - and perhaps that is the main problem with these old Marvelmans.
Much had been said on the subject of Marvel reprinting Marvelman. The vast majority of fans want the Warrior/ Miracleman version of the character and are going to have little interest in childish storylines and variable artwork from the mid 1950s which is what is available here. It will be interesting to watch the sale figures for this six issue limited series as I suspect that while the first will be purchased out of curiosity, there will be little here to draw many readers back for the next five issues.
• The Weird World Of Jack Staff is published by Image with a cover price of $3.50.
• Marvelman Family's Finest is published by Marvel with a cover price of $3.99
Over at the Forbidden Planet International blog, downthetubes contributor Matt Badham (that's me) talks to cartoonist Dan McDaid about his work on the comic strip in Doctor Who Magazine and Image Comics' Jersey Gods. In the interview, Dan reveals what finally made him pursue his dream of working as a comics writer and artist.
"I lost my job," he says, "and there was pretty much nowhere else to go. I’d been itching to write or draw something Who-shaped for a long, long time. Since I was a boy, in fact. And losing my job with... Scots publisher DC Thomson gave me the kick up the arse necessary to send out some samples." (Above: A page from Dan McDaid's Hotel Historia strip from Doctor Who Magazine)
"I’m optimistic about comics as a medium – I think graphic novels do well in bookshops now and kids really do like reading them – but I don’t know whether there is an ‘industry’ anymore."
One part of the industry that is thriving is the self-publishing scene, which will no doubt receive some representation at the forthcoming Bradford Zine Fayre. The Forbidden Planet International blog has details:
"The event is scheduled for Sunday the 20th of June at the Impressions Gallery on Centenary Square, with evening shenanigans to follow at the 1 in 12 Club on Bradford’s Albion Street afterwards; check the sites or contact them at bradfordzines (at) hotmail dot co dot uk for more details or to take part."
Meanwhile, those comics fans whose tastes are for super hero slugfests and in particular the four-colour antics of Marvel heroes such as Captain America, Spider Man and the Hulk, could do worse than check out the new Madame Tussauds’ Marvel Superheroes 4D Exhibition, which we've already mentioned here and is, according to a review at Rich Johnston's Bleeding Cool, worth a look:
"...overall: its fun," writes Hannah Brown for Bleeding Cool. "Hands up who doesn’t want their picture taken hanging off the ceiling with Spiderman, who hasn’t idly wondered what it would be like to have those claws or join in an epic superhero battle. Anyone? Didn’t think so. Well worth a visit." (Look out for a competition to win tickets here later in the week)
"The thing with British shows is that there's very few that I actually want to attend nowadays. Previous trips to Bristol and Birmingham have been expensive and without much reward as they're catering for a mainstream, diehard comic audience who are very happy to pay £12 a day just to get into the venue."
The whole report is definitely worth reading, even if you don't entirely agree with what this promising cartoonist is saying...
Two of the world's leading entertainment brands - Madame Tussauds, part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, and Marvel Entertainment - have joined forces to create a unique new visitor experience at the leading London attraction, scheduled to open in early summer 2010.
Marvel Super Heroes 4D, due to open next month, will feature a mix of 4D animation, interactive themed areas and startlingly realistic Madame Tussauds wax figures over three floors of the attraction.
From the moment you enter a lovingly-created S.H.I.E.L.D (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division) HQ, you'll be immersed in the Marvel superhero world. Hulk’s gigantic legs can be seen standing astride a massive plinth, his torso disappearing through a gaping hole in the ceiling, the green-skinned behemoth free from his Gamma Chamber, triggering warning lights and emergency alarms.
Early design work for the Hulk
as he appears in Marvel Super
Heroes 4D
Next stop is The Hall of Heroes, for some close up and interactive Super Hero action: a very angry Hulk bursts up through the floor with muscles rippling across his huge chest, face contorted in rage. There, you'll be able to measure up to his outsized vital statistics, stand inside his huge outstretched hand and even “turn Hulk” yourself courtesy of a special interactive that will make you appear very, very big and very, very green. Nearby, showing off his amazing arachnid powers, is Spider-Man and a cleverly inverted office scene means you can literally “hang out” with him on the ceiling.
The figure of Wolverine (as portrayed by Hugh Jackman) shows off his awesome foot long Adamantium claws to full effect and you can try them out for size with some special replica versions. No stranger to danger, The Invisible Woman can melt away into the ether and an ingenious graphic effect will allow fans to become semi transparent as you stand alongside her figure (as portrayed by Jessica Alba). You can also find out much more about the featured Super Heroes via graphic light boxes and interactive displays.
Early design work for Doctor Doom
as he appears in Marvel Super Heroes 4D
Linking the Hall of Heroes to the final level is the Heroes Gallery – a futuristic gallery space with Super Hero artwork and a mutant mirror wall that will show some very alternative images.
Also on display is the Super Hero Test Area, full of high tech equipment, where you'll find Iron Man and S.H.I.E.L.D boss, Nick Fury (as portrayed by Samuel L Jackson), keeping a watchful eye on proceedings as you prepare to enter the final phase of their Super Hero adventure – the Marvel Super Hero 4D auditorium.
The climax of the experience is a new 360º nine minute animated 4D cinema attraction, complete with high impact special effects. Screened in Madame Tussauds famous domed auditorium, the story unites a crack team of Super Heroes including Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man in a battle against one of Marvel’s most villainous baddies in an all new adventure set in the UK.
The Super Heroes arrive in London to receive special bravery awards from the Queen only to find The Capital under threat from evil genius, Doctor Doom. The deadly Doctor is intent on destroying the Super Heroes and their secret command centre and has created an army of lethal robotic accomplices to help him.
Utilising the entire 70 metre circumference of the dome, Marvels Super Heroes 4D unites amazingly realistic 3D animation with state of the art digi-star projection and then adds in an extra-sensory fourth dimension. The action will spill out of the screen over the audience and thrill-enhancing special effects - from water and smoke to tremors beneath the feet - will touch every sense, drawing you right into the heart of the adventure. As the story unfolds the London skyline is vividly brought to life and you will literally feel the impact of the villain’s invasion and the force of the Super Heroes’ strength as they do battle.
The film has been created by one of the world leaders in CGI feature films and 4D attractions, Threshold Animation Studios, working in close collaboration with Marvel. The figures and themed experience have been brought to life by Madame Tussauds’ creative team and unrivalled sculptors.
• Tickets for Marvel Super Heroes 4D go on sale very soon. Sign up here to receive the latest news and exclusive special offers from Madame Tussauds. Official web site: www.madame-tussauds.co.uk/4d
The prices and release date details for the most hyped and anticipated gadget this year, the Apple iPad, which features a number of digital comic products were announced for the UK this week. The device has been much touted as an ideal comic reader and, indeed, Apple itself is promoting the device as a comics reader in its promotional pages for the UK launch.
The iPad will be sold through the Apple Online Store, Apple retail outlets and via approved resellers from Friday 28th May 2010.
Pre-ordering began this week from the Apple online store where, you can order all the iPad Wi-Fi models, together with all the iPad WiFi + 3G models, in time for delivery on the 28th May.
Compared to the US, where the iPad is already on general release and selling in huge numbers, as usual for Britian, the prices do appear rather high. A basic model will set yo u back £429 (for the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad model), with a top of the range product priced at £699 (64GB Wi-Fi + 3G iPad).
But is it any good for reading comics? (Assuming, of course, you're a fan of digital comics - I'm fully expecting the usual comments from folk who prefer paper, which they're entitled to have).
Reaction has been mixed but fairly positive.
"If the screen were about 20% bigger, this would be the best comic book reader yet, feels Gizmodo's Jason Chen of the iPad. "You wouldn't need to pan, to zoom, to scroll or to pinch. You could just read."
How many comics are available? Well, there are plenty of companies vying for your App loyalty, including PanelFly, Comixology and Marvel's reader, the latter of which is just Comixology, but only delivers Marvel Comics.
Earlier this month, technology site BoingBoing reported the Marvel Comics app would launch offering more than 500 titles through the application, including all the Marvel classics are here: Avengers, X-Men, Hulk, Spider Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and a number of newer titles. To navigate, you simply 'finger swipe' the page to get to the next one, or single click on the left or right edge to go back or forward. You can also scroll through the thumbnail bar at the bottom for faster, jump navigation. The app also enables you to 'zoom in' on the artwork using a double-click or two-finger 'pinching', which iPhone users will be used to
When you've zoomed in on a single frame, finger swipes or single clicks also navigate frame to frame rather than page to page.
"Scrolling is intuitive, brisk, and elegant," enthuses BoingBoing's Xeni Jardin. "I'm amazed at how smooth. The store interface makes sense to anyone familiar with iTunes and App store. Flipping and reading, one luminous full-colour page at a time, I do not miss paper." You can view a video review from BoingBoing below.
"You'd be a fool not to run screaming to the App Store and download this comic reader," feels EnGadgets' Joshua Topolsky. "Not only is the app built in a clear and cleanly laid-out manner, but you get access to tons of great Marvel titles to purchase and lots of free books to download off the bat, but it features a guided view which is about as close as you can get to a motion comic without... reading a motion comic. Our only complaint here is that they don't offer more of the Marvel catalogue."
Of course, given that this is a British comics blog, you might be interested in supporting a British comic app - albeit one with significant overseas investment. Graphic.ly recently launched it AIR app for desktops which includes a digital comic reader, store, and social activity feed and Apps for the iPad, iPhone, Android, and Windows 7 are coming soon. It will also be delivered as native Web app.
With an emphasis on material from independent publishers - although mainstream ones are on board - Grpahic.ly has taken a 'social' approach to digital comics reading, launching with an activity feed showing all the comics your friends are reading and their comments. This serves as a discovery mechanism.
If you get your comics elsewhere and then import them to your iPad, then you need Comic Zeal or Comic Reader. (The Comic Reader app itself went through a painful gestation period for the developer, which is documented here on the ComicReader forum).
There's also a iPad version of iVerse, and iVerse Comics founder Michael Murphey is enthusiastic about the device's potential to attract new comic readers. The latest version of their app, demo'd here, adds much requested features like ZOOM for both iPad and iPhone in this update, but overall iVerse hope that the application fades into the background and you can just enjoy reading your comics.
"The things the iPad does it does so very well that it's going to be like the iPhone – once people have their hands on it, they're not going to want to not have that device," he told Comic Book Resources back in January. "It's very slick and very well made, and it's going to allow us to be able to present comics in the best possible way on one of the best devices to do this on."
Most importantly, will comics on the iPad - as well as other digital devices - increase comics readership? Many think so. Making strips available for consumers to download on a tablet could change "the mentality that comics are just meant to be collected," artist Dave Dorman, who has drawn for issues of Batman, Star Wars, and numerous additional comics told Bloomberg Business Week last month.
"Forty years from when I grew up, comics could potentially make a big breakthrough to a new generation," he feels.
Back when Disney bought out Marvel Comics, here at downthetubes we speculated Panini, which reprints Marvel titles across Europe, may find their titles under threat.
Panini license Marvel extensively outside of the US, across South America and Europe, with a range of titles on sale on the UK news stand. But the problem with licensed titles is that the majority of fans of a license, assuming the quality of product is maintained, simply would never notice the company publishing their comic has changed.
If Disney now decides to withdraw Panini's license and develop its own publishing operations - as it does in countries such as India - this could leave a gaping hole in the European company's finances.
While there's no suggestion at this stage that Disney is considering such a move, Bleeding Cool notes that in Italy, for example, Panini and Disney are "sworn rivals in the comic book arena", which may not bode well for a publisher that has successfully developed the Marvel brand in Europe for many years.
One piece of good news for existing Marvel partners - and comic fans - Marvel has also signed a deal with Diamond Comics Distributor to extend its exclusive Direct Market Service Agreement, which will see it continuing to distribute Marvel's product to the comic shop market in the UK and elsewhere.
The Hollywood Reporter is suggesting that actor Chris Evans has been cast as Captain American in the upcoming film featuring the famous Marvel character. (This does not of course refer to the Radio 2 DJ of the same name, the former husband of Doctor Who star Billie Piper!). Both Marvel and representatives of the actor have so far refused to comment. Evans of course stared as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in the two recent Fantastic Four movies.
It is planned that the Captain American film will be shot in Britain and is set to be called The First Avenger: Captain America. An Avengers movie is due in 2012.
Meanwhile, there are story developments aplenty for Captain America in Panini UK' s Marvel Legendstitle.....
In the first of this month’s shows from the Strip! podcast team on ResonanceFM and online about the portrayal of masculinity in American comic books, Alex Fitch talks to writer Fred Van Lente about penning the adventures of undead superheroes in Marvel Zombies, bringing to light the exciting adventures of Action Philosophers from Aristotle to Derrida and co-writing Tales of the Incredible Hercules which depict the travails of the Classical demi-god on modern day Earth and beyond.
Fred is the New York Times bestselling author of Incredible Hercules (with Greg Pak) and Marvel Zombies 3 & 4, as well as the American Library Association award-winning Action Philosophers. His other comics include Comic Book Comics, MODOK's 11, X Men Noir and Amazing Spider-Man.
Wizard magazine nominated him for 2008 Breakout Talent and he's been called "one of the most idiosyncratic and insightful new voices in comics."
The interview was recorded at Gosh! comics in Great Russell Street, London following a signing by the writer.
• Strip! - Philosophers, Gods and Monsters airs at 5pm, Thursday 7th January, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / podcast soon after transmission at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
• Marvel Entertainment stockholders approved the company's merger with Disney at a special meeting held last Thursday (31st December). Under the agreement, valued at an estimated $4.3 billion, Marvel becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney. Whether this will ultimately have any impact on Panini's license to publish Marvel material in the UK, given that Disney's preferred European publishing partner would seem to be Egmont, remains unknown at this time.
• As well as acquiring Marvel, media site Cynopsis reports that Disney has developed its existing relationship with Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment (Purveyors of Wonder) by taking a 10% equity stake in POW! for $2.5 million. Disney entered into a first look deal with POW! in 2007, and under the new deal includes enhanced rights to the creative output of POW! and certain exclusive consulting services.
• Is Apple's long-rumours iTablet about to be announced? The Financial Times reported that the company has booked the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco on 26th January to make a special announcement to the media and is widely expected to unveil a tablet-style touch screen computer that presents videos, magazines and newspapers with a iPhone-like interface. The New York Timespublished some detailed titbits about the device just before Christmas, reporting that Apple supremo Steve Jobs is apparently very happy with the device - which may launch as iSlate.
Apparently, if you have an iPhone, you’re carrying around a mini version of an early Apple tablet. Expect the first iTablets/iSlates to be shipped in March, according to this rumour round up.
Back in 2008, during the publication run of Captain Britain and MI13 by Marvel Comics, downthetubes regular contributor and Judge Dredd: The Megazine feature writer Matt Badham conducted an interview with novelist, comics and TV writer Paul Cornell, as research material for an article about Captain Britain that subsequently appeared in the the Megazine.
Although various quotes were used in the Meg, and a highly edited version did previously appear in Tripwire, downthetubes is pleased to now present a full version of the interview, recorded during Captain Britain and MI13's run and before its cancellation.
It offers a fascinating insight into Paul's approach to writing (and indeed, re-inventing) Captain Britain for the 21st Century - while building on the work of many creators before him.
"Alan Moore and Alan Davis do loom hugely over the title," says Paul, also paying tribute to the work of original Captain Britain Weekly artist Herb Trimpe back in the 1970s, and other writers such as Dave Thorpe. "So much so that the only thing to do when I took over was to move it out of their sphere of influence, because a character that is being influenced by previous versions to an undue degree is not a living character.
"I tried to do what I think Ed Brubaker has done spectacularly on Captain America, which is to find what would work for the character now and move it out of the shadow of previous interpretations..."
• Titan Publishing's Wallace & Gromit digital comic has taken the iPhone by storm with over half a million downloads of its first free app - and the company is surely hoping to repeat the success with its release on the new PSP comics service. More on this story on the downthetubes Mobile Comics Blog
• Talking of digital comics, Insomnia Publications is one of a handful of UK comic publishers featuring on the launch offering for the PlayStation Network's Digital Comics service, which enables you to download the comics directly to your PSP over Wi-Fi or you use your PC to transfer the files. Although there's bound to be more coverage of both Marvel and Disney's offerings on the platform, this is a major coup for the independent publisher: titles on offer include CancertownBurke and Hare, Cages and more. (Click here for a full list of titles on offer on the Insomnia blog). The service is also being supported by IDW Publishing and iVerse Media, among others and over 550 comics were made available at launch with more to be added as the service develops.
• Forbidden Planet International reports that audio recordings from the Women in Comics conference, which took place a few weeks ago in Cambridge, are now available on the New Hall Art Collection site, including Sarah McIntyre, Asia Alfasi, Nicola Streeten and others, with more audio to follow in due course.
• Matthew Badham has re-posted an interview with comic creators Adam Cadwell (left, as visualised by cartoonist Marc Ellerby) and Jim Medway that disappeared into the ether when his previous blog bit the dust. Matthew sasy both Adam and Jim say a lot of interesting things about comics and art, and make some good observations about the Brit' small press scene, as well as offering their insight into the failure of The DFC and much more. Jim, it seems, by the way, has a phobia about comic shops, arguing many are "awful" (with some notable exceptions, such as Nottingham's Page 45. "You can’t expect anyone else to go into a shop with goblins on the window," he feels.
• Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited is to give away 1,000 free one-year subscriptions of its digital comics to enlisted US military personnel from Monday through 7th January.Air Force Times reports the offer is on a first come, first served basis. A year’s online subscription would normally cost $59.88, she said. Enlisted personnel who want to sign up for the free subscription can send an e-mail to marveldigitalpromo@sunbeltfs.com to receive a promotion code.
• And finally... as you've noticed, Jeremy Briggs is once again plunging us back into British comics history with various Christmas covers here on downthetubes - expect one post a day in the run up to the Big Day - and Lew Stringer is also offering his annual Christmas comics posting, which started with a Valiant and TV21 cover and will focus on just four comics in depth this year. It's a real treat to see Leo Baxendale’s ‘The Swots And The Blots’ once again. View all Lew's posts over on Blimey! It’s Another Blog About Comics.
• Our thanks this week to the fab British Comic Art blog, for spotting Dan Dare, Mekon and Dalek on the cover of Fantastic Four 573; artist Alan Davis is of course a master of dropping in such characters into his backgrounds (older readers may recall Dan Dare in a crowd scene in an episode of Marvelman...)
• Talking of competitions, artist Tim Perkins has launched a Christmas Manga Art Competition. The winner will have their work appear online here on the Wizards Keep News Pages, over on the Wizards Keep Blog and on the other Wizards Keep network places on the Internet, all 22, or so of them.
• Commando editor Calum Laird has been talking about lettering Commando artwork on the Commando Blog. "Commando has never had a 'hand-lettered' style of type," he acknowledges in response to queries on its creation. "In the early days an electric typewriter (an IBM Golfball, I believe) was used. That was later changed to photo-typesetting where the type was created and then outputted on photographic paper to be stuck on to the artwork. Most recently, the type has been totally electronic and is married to the artwork in QuarkXpress. Our current typeface is Helvetica Bold — we have used a Futura and a Spartan face in the past." What he doesn't say is why...
• Arthur Ranson, well known to 2000AD readers for his work on strips such as Judge Anderson and Button Man, now has his own official web site (www.arthurranson.com), crammed with great examples of his art down the years. Arthur reports he has an exhibition coming up from 14th January at London’s Orbital Comics gallery and also reveals the Button Man movie is still in development hell, by al accounts. "Dreamworks have a few months to decide whether to either go ahead, pay for more time to decide, or drop it," he says, countering reports of some casting decisions elsewhere on the Internet.
• Readers in and around Edinburgh might want to head along to Forbidden Planet there tomorrow evening, where bestselling author Ian Rankin will be signing copies of his comics debut Dark Entries from 5 to 7pm on our branch in Southbridge, just a haggis-toss from the Royal Mile, so please do come along (the event is free but ticketed, check with the branch to get hold of one, telephone 0131 558 8226).
• The New 'Legends' Anthology is now available from the IndieManga online shop It features five self-contained short comics by Anna Fitzpatrick, Sally Jane Thompson, Kate Holden and Rebecca McCarthy, plus IndiManga's new member, Sarah Burgess. The book has the theme of 'Myths Legends and Fairy Tales' and is suitable for all ages, comprising 130 pages black and white for just £6.00. Get it here: www.shop.indiemanga.com
• (with thanks to the Birmingahm Mail's Speech Balloon column): My apologies for what may be a re-post but a quick reminder, then, that Look and Learn is offering a bumper festive read for Christmas with its "Best Of" series. "If you know an intelligent child (8-14) who is interested in history, legend, literature, art, philosophy, nature, science or geography, and also loves pictures, it is difficult to imagine a more wonderful Christmas present," said publisher Laurence Heyworth. Complete sets of the 48 issues of the Best of Look and Learn are available for only £39.99, including UK delivery. The magazines are numbered, but undated, and are in mint condition and can be ordered direct online at: www.lookandlearn.com
• Ace media site Den of Geek has the latest pics from BBC TV's Sarah Jane Adventureshere. Panini, publishers of Doctor Who Magazine, have just put out a great special on the show, featuring a full rundown of episodes and a terrific interview with its lead, Elisabeth Sladen, but sadly no comic strip. A missed opportunity, perhaps, although Sarah has featured in a few Marvel UK/Panini produced strips so even a reprint might have been fun.
• Still, we doubt such concerns will worry many Doctor Who fans who are, as usual, divided over the latest change to their beloved show - a new logo. Melding a modern look with a nod to the Doctor Who styling of the 1960s, not everyone is happy about the TARDIS/Police Box-inspired branding.
Speaking from experience as a former editor of Doctor Who Magazine, changing the Doctor Who logo is almost as controversial as a new England football strip, and the feedback often as rabid...
• Talking of Panini, they're currently running a poll on their website asking for views on digital versions of their comics. Options range from sticking with paper versions (currently in the lead with 43% of votes) to digital versions as long as you can still buy in print (18%). Vote here
• Fancy a science fiction-inspired comedy night? Alex Fitch of Panel Borders has organised one in London. The Sci Fi London Comedy Night on 24th October is part of Sci-Fi London Oktoberfest, from 9.00 p.m staring Rob Deb from GNO, Sara Pascoe, Mould and Arrowsmith and many more. It's beaming into the Apollo Picadilly Cinema, more details here on Facebook.
• An updated version of classic game Beneath a Steel Sky (the original is now offered free through sites, such as GOG.com) is being released for iPhone and iTouch featuring art by Dave Gibbons this week, via the iTunes store. Gamespot UK reports on a BAFTA event last night that included Dave as a guest, talking about his work on the update. "I think what this remastering has done for me has reminded me exactly how much I enjoyed working on the game originally, and [game designer] Charles [Cecil] and I have kicked some ideas around," Gibbons said. "With the way I now understand technology better, the way that we could more efficiently put a game together, it's something that I'm really quite interested to do." Watch the video of the event...
• The Edinburgh International Book Festival folks were kind enough to give Forbidden Planet International a copy of their recording of the Neil Gaiman and Ian Rankin event (chaired by Denise Mina) from this summer’s event, now converted to web friendly format and available to enjoy on the FPI blog. "There are a couple of times when you can hear laughter with no obvious joke," says Joe Gordon. "This is Neil and Ian in naughty schoolboy mode enjoying adding in phrases like balls and sphincter-tightening to see how the nice woman who was signing in BSL for the hearing impaired would cope..."
• Since we're reporting from north of the border, I'm sure many of you may have already picked up on the news that the real-life inspiration for Dennis the Menace, mischievous star of The Beano comic, has been revealed as a mechanic from New Zealand. New Zealand? Just think - Gnasher could so easily have been the last Moa...
• And finally... Bleeding Cool recently reported the estate of Jack Kirby, co-creator of Marvel's Captain America, The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, The Avengers, Iron Man, Hulk, The Silver Surfer and Thor and has sent notices terminating copyright to publishers Marvel and Disney, as well as film studios that have made movies and TV shows based on characters he created or co-created, including Sony, Universal, 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures. You have to wonder what would happen if British comic creators started these kind of proceedings...
While ITV has yet to announce its scheduling for the new The Prisoner series inspired by the 1960s cult classic, they clearly have high hopes for the show's success, announcing the appointment of not only a book but also a toy figures deal this week.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment has appointed Factory Entertainment the master-toy licensee for multiple categories for The Prisoner and has also confirmed Penguin Group USA will be re-publishing the original version of Thomas Disch’s 1969 novel based on The Prisoner, which will coincide with the USA television premiere of the new series.
The new Factory Entertainment deal not only encapsulates the upcoming AMC and ITV Studios remake of The Prisoner, which stars Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen, but also the original 1960’s series star Patrick McGoohan.
Factory Entertainment consumer product to be released will include action figures, prop replicas, trading cards and die cast models. The products will begin launching internationally from Winter 2009 and in the UK in Spring 2010.
Genre fans may recall Factory, who also hold licenses for the Magic Roundabout and The Beatles, among others, acquired Star Trek collectibles Master Replicas from Corgi International back in May.
Could a replica of Dinky's classic Prisoner-inspired Mini Moke, pictured above, be on the cards? The fab Prisoner fan site, The UnMutual notes that the original Dinky toy was one of the few merchandise items available at the time of the original showing of the series, and a good condition boxed example can fetch several hundred pounds at auction today.
A free promotional comic produced by Marvel Comics, featuring art by Sao Paulo graphic artist Amilcar Pinna, has already been released for the joint production with US company AMC, which will screen the six hour mini-series from 15th November (see news story). It's unclear whether this is a trailer for a new comic tie-in or a one-off. Information gratefully received!
"There is already a huge buzz about the new The Prisoner, which we believe will be even more successful as the original cult series." commented Darren Epstein, CEO of Elstree-based Factory Entertainment. Talk about raising expectations for the original's army of fans.
"We’re looking forward to releasing the all new range of products that will reflect and target both the new and classic customer fan base," he added.
"We’re excited to bring The Prisoner back into print," says Stephen Morrison, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of Penguin of the new edition of the novel, "attracting new readers to this science fiction classic by Thomas Disch, one of the masters of the genre.
"Our tie-in artwork and collaboration with AMC and ITV will allow us to reach fans of both the original and beloved 1960s series as well as those readers who discover the brand for the first time through AMC’s television event.”
ITV Studios Global Entertainment is set to launch brand new The Prisoner at Brand Licensing Europe earlier today, and at MIPCOM 2009 at the beginning of October. As soon as we have a UK air date we'll let you know.
As part of a fund raising night to support London radio station Resonance FM, themed around the subject of silver, Alex Fitch will be talking to comic book writer and novelist 
The prices and release date details for the most hyped and anticipated gadget this year, the Apple iPad, which features a number of digital comic products were announced for the UK this week. The device has been much touted as an ideal comic reader and, indeed, Apple itself 
In the first of this month’s shows from the Strip! podcast team on ResonanceFM and online about the portrayal of masculinity in American comic books, Alex Fitch talks to writer 
Back in 2008, during the publication run of Captain Britain and MI13 by Marvel Comics, downthetubes regular contributor and Judge Dredd: The Megazine feature writer Matt Badham conducted an interview with novelist, comics and TV writer Paul Cornell, as research material for an article about Captain Britain that subsequently appeared in the the Megazine. 
• Our thanks this week to the fab 
• The New 'Legends' Anthology is now available from the IndieManga online shop It features five self-contained short comics by Anna Fitzpatrick, Sally Jane Thompson, Kate Holden and Rebecca McCarthy, plus IndiManga's new member, Sarah Burgess. The book has the theme of 'Myths Legends and Fairy Tales' and is suitable for all ages, comprising 130 pages black and white for just £6.00. Get it here: 
• Ace media site Den of Geek has the latest pics from BBC TV's Sarah Jane Adventures 
A free promotional comic produced by Marvel Comics, featuring art by Sao Paulo graphic artist Amilcar Pinna, has already been released for the joint production with US company AMC, which will screen the six hour mini-series from 15th November (
