New Iron Man Trailer!

Alright I don't know about anybody else, but I didn't see it during LOST last night... I thought it was only during the Super Bowl that the best commercials are blocked from Canada... whatever.

But hey! Here it is from the good people over at IGN!

Like a Chump

Frank Kozik began his career in the mid-80s creating posters for upcoming concerts. He has been credited for single-handedly reviving the 'lost' art of the concert poster. As his career blossomed, his work was presented in over 60 gallery shows worldwide, with multiple exhibits in Tokyo and London.

More recently, Kozik has been known for his involvement in the design and production of vinyl toys with companies such as Kid Robot and Toy2R. He is best known for creations such as the Smorkin' Labbit, the Hate Dunny, and Dr. Bomb.

His newest toy creations in partnership with Kid Robot involve 13 highly stylized real-world toys known simply as 'Chumps.' With characters including a boxing rabbit, bookie worm, cat-burglar dog, and a gangster octopus, this blind box rag-tag band of outsiders is bound to create another stir in the toy market.

Keenspot Aquired Completely by Crosby Comics

Keenspot, the online comic host that has recently been growing into a minor media mogul, has announced that Darren "Gav" Bleuel and Nate Stone of Orthnormal Systems have sold their 50% stake in the company to Crosby Comics for an undisclosed amount.

Said Keenspot CEO Chris Crosby, "I want to thank Darren and Nate for everything that they've done over the eight years since we founded Keenspot together. It couldn't have happened without their hard work, and we'll always appreciate that."

Crosby has announced major changes in the company's structure and business plans. "We're completely rethinking everything that we do," said Crosby. "Keenspot may be turning eight in March, but in many ways, this is only the beginning. Watch this 'spot."

Keenspot hosts over 50 unique comics in genres ranging from Adventure to Science Fiction to Surreal. The results of this acquisition and the announced future changes will certainly be reference for future blog posts as we see how the readers react.

Manga of Shannara

For over thirty years, Terry Brooks has published numerous works of fantasy fiction, his Shannara series being the crowning achievement. With millions of books sold to date, Mr. Brooks was able to make history by being the first author to produce a work of fantasy that earned a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Now Terry is ready to take another step in the production of his hugely popular series, according to an interview by Laura Hudson. Set to debut on shelves on March 25, Terry Brooks' first ever manga-tized story will be available for fans of both the fantasy and manga genres to enjoy.

'Dark Wraith of Shannara' will tell the tail of Jair Ohmsford, one of the two main characters in 'Wishsong of Shannara'.

Not to worry, Shannara fans. Dark Wraith is a stand-alone series written along the storylines of the title series; a fresh new story with a recognizable character.

As a long-time reader of Terry Brooks' works, with complete faith in his choices, I for one am both excited and intrigued by this new medium through which I can view his works. Stay tuned to Goliath!? when this one comes out. You can be sure there will be a review on it.

The full interview with Terry and Laura can be found here.

Z is for Zombie

After posting the story about Galactus, and especially about J. Michael Straczynski, I noticed another project he is working on in particular: World War Z

The book, written by Max Brooks (son of Mel Brooks), takes place 10 years after the human victory against the zombie pandemic, and tells of the stories and experiences of those who have survived during the undead plague.

Many readers and fans around the world have lifted Max Brooks to being the leading authority on Zombies, with his second book "The Zombie Survival Guide" becoming extremely popular even to those not already prepared for the inevitable zombie attack.

The movie is currently being penned by JMS, and is set to be produced by Brad Pitt's Production company, Plan B.

After reading through the Survival Guide, I feel I am personally ready to face the undead. However, I failed to notice a contingency plan if this were to happen... Game over, man...

Galactus to star as Galactus?

J. Michael Straczynski, the screenwriter of the Silver Surfer Movie - designed to be a prequel to Fantastic Four - has recently dished out some news about the project at his Wondercon Spotlight panel.

He claimed that it will feature Galactus (The World Eater), and noted that the real deal wasn't revealed in the latest Fantastic Four film, so as to keep him primed for his real debut in the Silver Surfer origin movie.

Remember, however, that this film does not yet have a director. Cross your fingers!

As one fan said of Galactus' role in the Silver Surfer movie as opposed to his appearance in the Fantastic Four 2 movie: "I hope they cast Galactus to play Galactus. I think he will do well in the role with his experience being Galactus all those years"

I couldn't agree more.

3 New Marvel Movie Photos from Empire

Empire Magazine's newest issue seems to be jam-packed with the lowdown on three upcoming Marvel movies. Exclusive new photos for X-men Origins: Wolverine, The Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man have found their way into it's pages!

Many people groan at the thought of a second Hulk movie, but recent statements by Edward Norton (the film's star: Bruce Banner), has slated this movie as a 'fresh start'. I don't know about you, but I think I'll trust Mr. Norton. The man is certified B.A.

To view the photos of The Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, and Iron Man, simply follow the links!

Oh and flip through the magazine while you're at it... There's some pretty interesting stuff in there!

Secret Project Revealed

Dave Sim, the Canadian born comic book writer (Cerebus the Aardvark) has finally revealed his much anticipated 'secret project' entitled Judenhass.

Neil Gaiman:

"Judenhass is an astonishing piece of work. Painful and real and unflinching. I don't remember the last comic I read that made me cry, but this did."

Marv Wolfman:

"Judenhass is endlessly disturbing, often unpleasant and incessantly horrifying in its stark coldness. The quotes should never be forgotten or made light of. It is why all people of good will say, 'Never again.'"

Judenhass is Sim's cold, unrelenting, photo-realistic examination of the holocaust. The title translates directly into 'hatred of the jews.' Writing began in 2005 in response to the liberation of Auschwitz, and it's spring release will tie into the 60th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

To avoid trivialization of the horrific events, Sim has chosen not to actively market this book as he has with other titles. His hopes is that word of mouth alone will put this book into the readers' hands.

Justice League Movie a Go

Variety has reported that now that the writer's strike has ended, DC's Justice League has come closer to earning time on the silver screen. Last month the project had been put on hold, for what everyone expected to be indefinitely.

The cast, however, has been notified to continue their training for their roles, as the Warner Bros. Studios prepares for the movie's intended debut in 2009.

Currently holding the main roles for the film are Adam Brody (The O.C.) as the Flash, rapper Common (Smokin' Aces) stars as the Green Lantern, Armie Hammer (Flicka) is Batman, and D.J. Cotrona (Venom) is rumored to play Superman.

Fans across the internet have not been overly impressed, however, in the decision to keep Batman and Superman in the movie. Some say that to include these two characters as different actors than who is currently being used in other films (Batman Begins, Superman Returns) is an unwise move. Personally I don't overly care, as a movie has the potential to be good regardless of who stars in it... sometimes.

New Iron Man trailer to debut during LOST

Just a quick heads up! For any reader who actually needs a reason (besides the fact this show is pretty close to the best thing ever) to watch LOST this week, here's your reason!

ABC has announced that the newest trailer for their Iron Man movie, due for release on May 2, 2008, will debut sometime during LOST this week! Remember, Marvel Studios has bet the bank on this movie. This means there's a good chance Marvel will pull out all the stops. Who's excited?

Me.

Again: LOST, 9 pm (8 pm Central), February 28, 2008.

Perry Bible Fellowship to Retire

Nicholas Gurewitch, cartoonist for the hit internet-based comic "The Perry Bible Fellowship", has decided it is time to close the websites curtains once and for all. This comes as a shock to many fans of the acclaimed web-comic, as his recent release of The Perry Bible Fellowship book, entitled: "The Perry Bible Fellowship: The Trial of Colonel Sweeto and Other Stories", pre-sold over 27,000 copies.

The comic, which is definitely not for the pure of heart - or young of age, for that matter - has definitely been a highlight in my personal reading when surfing the internet. Nicholas has also achieved success through multiple newspaper and magazine mediums who have also picked up his comic for syndication. The announcement (which came on February 19th, 2008) shocked them as well.

When asked about why he has decided to stop his work on the series, the answer was simple: "I feel I owe it to myself and the Perry Bible Fellowship not to turn a joyful diversion into a long career."

A quote that really grabbed me when I read about his announcement was, "My friend and I saw 20 deer today while jogging. I need to see more deer."

Extremely sad to see this comic halt production, however I have faith that the world will see much more of the now 25-year-old Nicholas Gurewitch's talent in the years to come, though through different mediums.

Batman: Gotham Knight

From our friends over at ICV2:

Warner Bros. has announced a July 8th release for Batman: Gotham Knight, a new anime feature film that hopes to do for The Dark Knight what the Animatrix did for The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Batman: Gotham Knight explores events that happened between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, which opens on July 18th. The creators of the new Batman film commissioned three anime studios, Production I.G., Studio 4C, and Madhouse and five noted anime directors (Shojiro Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki and Toshiyuki Kubooka) to create a series of six interrelated Batman adventures based on stories by Josh Olson (A History of Violence), David Goyer (Batman Begins), Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), Greg Rucka (Whiteout), Jordan Goldberg (producer, The Dark Knight) and Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets)

Mean Muggin'

Hasbro is stepping into the trendy vinyl toy market with their newly released Mighty Muggs. Currently licensed for both Star Wars and Marvel intellectual property; you can see the likes of Wolverine, Spider-man, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca along with 10 others super-imposed onto the 6 inch figures with Sausage arms and balloon heads.

Future releases include Indiana Jones, Princess Leia, and Jango Fett later in the year.

It will interesting to see how the market reacts as some of the bigger players in the toy industry continue to get involved in the designer toy movement.

The Global Manga Phenomenon

Paul Gravett writes on the global manga phenomenon.

Here, a whole 'Pokémon generation' has grown up with these distinctive stories and styles. Many British youngsters are exposed to them first through card- and computer-games and anime (Japanese animation) in the form of such hit television cartoons as Naruto and Oscar-winning movies like Spirited Away. From here, they discover that their bookshop and library shelves are heaving with Viz, Tokyopop, Gollancz and Tanoshimi manga paperbacks. These sometimes long-running series, imported and translated from Japan, are printed in black and white and often in their 'authentic' right-to-left, back-to-front reading direction, baffling adults but captivating kids.

Bennett Robot Works

Add some one-of-a-kind style to your collection with one of the fine specimens from Bennett Robot Works of Bridgehampton, NY. These are not toys.

These robot sculptures were inspired by the "Modern Age" visions of Norman Bel Geddes and Raymond Loewy from the 40s and 50s. They are made from salvaged parts from such unique locations as garbage dumps, basements, construction sites, and garage sales.

Ranging in price from $750 to $6000, Bennett currently has over 30 robots on display and for sale. Each robot takes approximately a month to build, and range in height from 14" to 25".

While not battery powered or mechanical in nature, you will be able to rest easy at night knowing you will be safe during the impending robot uprising while your friends are forced to fight off the cute but killer Elmo robot and his 'jazz hands' or the always deadly Beerbot.

Wolverine flick the answer to Batman?

20th Century Fox has released it's first official photo of Logan from their Marvel Comics movie-in-making "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". Word on the street is that Hugh Jackman has bulked up significantly in order to play the role. Rumors have been heard that this installment of the X-Men story will feature a darker, grittier and far more brutal Wolverine.

Due to the change in attitude, many feel this may be a re-energizing move by the franchise, as Batman was to its respective franchise.

Hugh Jackman (X-Men, The Prestige), Liev Schreiber (Scream), Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder), Taylor Kitsch (The Covenant), Will.i.am (Knocked Up), Danny Huston (30 Days of Night), Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings), Lynn Collins (The Number 23) and newcomer Daniel Henney are set to star in the Gavin Hood-directed film, opening May 1, 2009.

The Hobbit no match for Wizard's First Rule

Sam Raimi of Spider-man fame has recently opted out of the running to be the director of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'. The director/producer (who also may add such movies as The Evil Dead and Army of Darkness to his repertoire) has instead chosen to sign with ABC Domestic Television in order to Executive Produce their new fall series: "Wizard's First Rule".

The show, based off the hit novel and first-in-a-series by fantasy author Terry Goodkind, will headline ABC's Fall Season. ABC also brings other hits such as 'LOST', 'Grey's Anatomy', and 'Desperate Housewives'.

However, the fact that this series has even a remote chance at being more of a hit than a prequel to Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' saga remains to be seen. Remember, Raimi is also responsible for that Amazon woman, and that really strong guy. Think of this how you will.

Konjoined Kitty!

From the...unique mind of Michael Schupbach comes this adorable new plush toy called Konjoined Kitty.

Michael is known for his time spent at Disney as well as Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop. He collaborated with esteemed ESC-Toy Ltd. to bring us this wonderful creation.

The Layout

After a short deliberation, the layout has been completely over-hauled. Dan is asleep at the moment, but hopefully he'll be as excited about the changes as I am.

The next step: Content!

Lucid Dreams

Lucid TV is a new-ish web comic by David Rothlein and Roth Hutchinson Armstrong. Dark, often sadistic humor, and certainly not for the faint of heart. This medical marvel is a staple of my weekly reading. Prepare to throw political correctness out the window.

Marvel: Still a Screaming Buy!?

Investor worries over a limited film schedule for 2009 led to a $2 drop in stock price (NYSE: MVL) on yesterday's close. This hasn't stopped The Motley Fool's Tim Beyers from giving his list of reasons why Marvel is a screaming buy.