Comic Book News
A Comics Odyssey - Issue #11
By Wayne Hall May 20, 2011, 23:40 GMT
The comic will have multiple new titles associated with it over the next few months, including new books focusing on Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batman and less well-known characters such as The Outsider.
The Rocketeer is back in a new comics mini-series. But before we get to that, let’s check out the latest news from the scifipulse.net website:
‘Flashpoint’ #1 Sells Out For DC Comics
The biggest event at DC Comics this summer is off to a strong start. Flashpoint #1 has sold out, according to the company’s blog, The Source.
The comic will have multiple new titles associated with it over the next few months, including new books focusing on Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batman and less well-known characters such as The Outsider.
For those who came in late, here’s the description of the issue as it was solicited: “Everything You Know Will Change in a Flash! Not a dream, not an imaginary story, not an elseworld. This is a Flash Fact: When Barry Allen wakes at his desk, he discovers the world has changed. Family is alive, loved ones are strangers, and close friends are different, gone or worse. It’s a world on the brink of a cataclysmic war – but where are Earth’s Greatest Heroes to stop it? It’s a place where America’s last hope is Cyborg, who hopes to gather the forces of the Outsider, the Secret 7, S!H!A!Z!A!M!, Citizen Cold and other new and familiar-yet-altered faces. It’s a world that could be running out of time, if The Flash can’t find the villain who altered the time line! Welcome to FLASHPOINT!”
‘Castle’ Comic Tie-In Coming Up From Marvel
Fans of the television series ‘Castle’ will have a reason to hit their local comic shops soon, and it is all thanks to the people at Marvel Comics, who have teamed with ABC television to bring Richard Castle into the world of comics.
Marvel Entertainment and ABC Studios are proud to announce Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm, an all-new hardcover graphic novel inspired by the popular ‘Castle’ television series. This 112 page hardcover hits comic shops and bookstores everywhere on September 28th, 2011. Fans can get a first look at the upcoming graphic novel, when Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) reveals the cover on “Knockout,” the Season Finale of “Castle,” MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
‘Walking Dead’ Wants Fans To Get ‘Board’
New episodes of The Walking Dead will return to AMC this fall. And there’s also the monthly comic book to satiate your zombie needs.
But what if that’s not enough?
You will soon be able to fill the long gaps with a game based on the successful franchise, according to MTV.com.
“Hitting shelves in late summer, ‘The Walking Dead’ board game will let you play as Rick, Andrea, and the rest of the ‘Walking Dead’ cast as you fight off zombies, gather supplies, and simply try to survive in the series’ post-apocalyptic world,” reported the site.
“You can get your exclusive first look at the game’s box and promo art below, courtesy of Robert Kirkman‘s Skybound Entertainment and publisher Z-Man Games. The 1-6 player game will sell for $39.99, but let’s be honest, folks — can you really put a price tag on learning the skills that will help you survive a zombie apocalypse?”
Picking this week’s book of the week is a no-brainer since a beloved character has returned to comics with new stories and art.
Dave Stevens’ popular hero is back and flying high, with homages from several of today’s top comics talents in the first issue of ‘Rocketeer Adventures.’
Here’s the book’s description: “The Rocketeer Flies Again!? Dave Stevens unveiled the Rocketeer nearly 30 years ago to instant acclaim, and in all the years since that auspicious debut, respect for Dave’s talent and his greatest creation have only continued to grow.?Last year, IDW had the honor of releasing the complete Rocketeer saga in several editions, showcasing the work of this great artist as it was always meant to be seen—completely remastered, with nearly every page scanned directly from the originals and recolored by Dave’s hand-picked colorist.
Today we are able to celebrate Dave’s talent once again, with an all-new Rocketeer anthology miniseries written and drawn by some of the finest creators in comics, and with the full cooperation of the Stevens family. The first star-studded issue of The Rocketeer features a gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, and terrific stories by John Cassaday, Mike Allred, Kurt Busiek, and Michael Kaluta, plus outstanding pin-ups by Mike Mignola and Jim Silke—all paying tribute to the continued legacy of Rocketeer and Dave Stevens!”
The Rocketeer still is popular, and that’s a testament to Stevens’ wonderful storytelling. For instance, in the recent IGN poll of top superheroes, Cliff Secord placed 76th, which isn’t bad for a guy who hasn’t appeared in new material in over a decade.
Not only does the comic recognize Stevens’ talent and accomplishments, but it also is great to see the Rocketeer in new adventures, and told with loving care and in ways that Stevens himself would enjoy, I believe.
My favorite of the stories is the first one, which is written and drawn by John Cassaday. It has art that reminds me of Stevens’ style, and the story is fast-paced, action-packed and fun. At the end of the tale, I enjoyed Betty’s reaction to being placed in danger--before things are done, she’s punched Cliff ... twice! So she didn’t like being in this situation one bit!
But the two other stories and the two pin-ups are excellent as well, not to mention Ross’ cover. There’s quite a variety to the material that would have made Mr. Stevens smile, I’m sure.
So don’t miss this comic and the three others coming soon. Who knows? If these do well, perhaps we could see a Rocketeer monthly title! That would be very cool and a welcome addition to my monthly comics list.
Wayne Hall is co-editor and a news writer for SciFiPulse.Net. He also serves as a host for the SFP-Now podcast and also the Wayne’s Comics podcast. You can check both of them out at http://www.sfp-now.com.
