An 'Incredible' 40 Years! Hulk-mania Part 1

In the spirit of complete anticipation for this Friday’s premier of The Incredible Hulk, directed by Louis Leterrier and featuring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross and William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, I have decided to produce a series of posts on everyone’s favorite savage beast. Today I’m gonna take the time and go over some features of The Hulk’s origins, as well as give a brief overview of how the character has progressed in the Marvel Universe over the decades.

The Incredible Hulk #1 hit shelves in May of 1962, with its title star making his very first historical appearance, and was created by Marvel masterminds Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It told the tale of how Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, a scientist working on a project to create a gamma bomb, would save the life of a young boy and, in the process, become transformed into a rampaging giant green monster when the bomb exploded accidentally. Reverting to savage impulse, the misunderstood Hulk would wreak destruction wherever he went, causing him to become the target of police and military efforts, often lead by General ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, in order to halt his destructive impulses. The only people able to calm the savage beast within the Hulk was Betty Ross (General Ross’ daughter) and Bruce Banner’s friend (and the boy whom he saved from the original gamma blast) Rick Jones. Rick Jones could be said to be The Hulks true sidekick.

The initial run of The Hulk was cancelled after a mere six issues. However, within a year The Hulk was re-instituted into the Marvel Universe, as a founding member of The Avengers. His run with The Avengers lasted their first two issues, where he then returned in issues 3 and 5 as an antagonist. You cannot truly ever control the savage beast. The Hulk’s run of comics began in earnest, introducing such villains as Abomination (who will be the primary focus for the villain in this Friday’s ‘The Incredible Hulk’ movie) and the Leader. By March 1966, issue #77, The Incredible Hulk became one of Marvel’s first heroes to have their alter ego publicly known in the Marvel Universe.

Over the years, primarily in the 1980’s and 1990’s, writers and artists of The Hulk began toying with reasons for The Hulk’s aggressive tendencies. In October 1984, during the series “His Crossroads of Eternity” (which ran from issues #300 - #313), the current writer in charge of the Hulk, Bill Mantlo, explored the idea that Banner had suffered child abuse when he was younger. This became a fully recognized element to help explain the motive behind the transformation of Dr. Banner into The Hulk. It was soon decided that Banner suffered dissociative identity disorder (DID), possibly stemming during his years of abuse when he was younger, which is very similar to a multiple personality disorder. This explains the different personalities of the Hulk over the years.

From a savage beast full of anger, to a ‘puny human’ doctor, to the Vegas enforcer Joe Fixit (or ‘Grey Hulk’), Bruce Banner held within him conflicting personalities. Finally, in January of 1991, issue #377, writer Peter David revamped the Hulk once again. This time, using hypnosis and the aid of one Dr. Samson, the pieces of Banner’s identities were able to become fused. A new Hulk with the vast power of the Savage Hulk, the cunning of Joe Fixit, and the intelligence of Bruce Banner; a vastly more dangerous Hulk.

The Hulk continued on, until finally, in 2006, a secret group of Marvel’s topmost heroes calling themselves the Illuminati and consisting of Dr. Strange, Professor Xavier, Sub Mariner, Black Bolt, Reed Richards and Iron Man, decided finally that the Hulk was an impending threat to humanity. With his new (and unknown to him) status as a potential risk to Earth, Hulk was sent on a mission into space where his spaceship malfunctioned, sending him crash-landing onto what was supposed to be an abandoned planet. However, due to a slight trajectory malfunction, Hulk instead landed on the planet of Sakaar. Here, with the help of a bit of muscle power, he usurps the throne of Sakaar from it’s tyrannical leader and reigns supreme over this world. However this was not to be, as the vessel he landed on explodes, destroying Sakaar’s capital as well as his wife and unborn child. With vengeance in his heart, Hulk returned to Earth to take his revenge on the Illuminati.

Once back on Earth, after causing panic amongst Earth’s people and amongst the heroes there, The Hulk was eventually subdued, and taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, much of his former anger abated. Only very recently has he escaped from imprisonment in order to fight new menaces.

The Hulk has taken on many changes since his original creation in the 60’s. He has gone through multiple style changes, personality changes and has even fought on both sides of the field. There are few other heroes on the Marvel Stage that have made as large of impacts onto regular continuity as The Hulk has. He has also had a very impressive list of film and television appearance. A TV series from 1978 – 1982, a movie entitled ‘The Incredible Hulk Returns’ (TV film) in 1988, ‘The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (TV film) in 1989, ‘The Death of the Incredible Hulk’ (TV Film) in 1990, a segment in ‘The Marvel Superheroes’ (an animated series) in 1966, a full animated series in 1982, and an updated animated series in 1996, a movie entitled ‘Hulk’ in 2003 (directed by Ang Lee) and now, on Friday, ‘The Incredible Hulk’.

Quite an impressive resume - we’ll see how this pans out!

Wake The Dead

Mary Shelly once warned of the “over-reaching” of man. In her story, Frankenstein, she told the tale of a scientist creating and bringing to life a new being – similar to a man but larger and physically better – from dead body parts. The story unfolded with the monster being shunned and feared by the local populace. However, in the end, the monster is merely misunderstood. He is truly suffering from immense solitude, hatred and remorse. When his master dies, he too ends his suffering.

This is the feel that Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) took with his graphic novel: Wake The Dead. The graphic novel is a re-imagining of the classic Frankenstein tale, where life is created from what was dead.

And now it is to become a movie! From the looks of it, the production crew is STACKED with talent.

Holding Pictures has acquired the rights to do the film, which has already hired names such as James V. Hart (August Rush, Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula) to pen the screenplay and Jay Russell (The Water Horse, Ladder 49, Tuck Everlasting) to direct. WETA studios, which have done previous work on The Water Horse and, of course, on the Lord of the Rings trilogy of films, will be handling the visual effects for Wake The Dead.

Charlie Lyons (The Water Horse, Firewall) has been set to produce the film, and can be quoted saying, “The idea is to make a classic horror film, and what I liked was the combination of Jay, in a genre he's wanted to experiment in for some time, with Jim, who is particularly skilled at this kind of voice, and with a world created by Steve, who has become a classic in the graphic novel world."

Charlie Lyons will personally fund and finance the film through the end of principal photography, giving this creation a big chance at coming to life.

Disney Creates Graphic Novel Medium

Walt Disney Studios is now launching Kingdom Comics, through which they will begin to adapt graphic novels for the big screen. Also, it will be Kingdom's job to handle work on rejuvenating Disney's live action film properties. ICv2 reports that 'Disney Publishing will have the first option to publish the material, although Kingdom will be able to take its packages elsewhere if Disney declines to publish.'

This means that Kingdom Comics will be creating new graphic novels and characters and optioning their creations for film adaptations. Also they will be taking movies from the Disney Vault and re-imagining them as graphic novels.

Who knows what we will find turning up in graphic novel form in the future? Perhaps a Davey Crockett graphic novel series? I think that would be pretty awesome. Loved that film when I was but a boy. Ooooh. Old Yeller would be awesome.

Kingdom Comics will be headed by Ahmet Zappa (Check IMDB to see what he's been in. He's also written 'The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless' which is also being considered for a film. Ahmet is also currently executive producer of a Fraggle Rock feature), Harris Katlemen (His key to fame is when, from 1980 - 1992, he ran 20th Century TV which developed The Simpsons during that time), and Christian Beranek (who founded Silent Devil).

So far no writers or artists have been signed on, but that will likely change soon.

Movie on tap for Witchblade

It looks like another comic is on the slate for movie production. Witchblade - a comic that's been around since 1995 and has become wildly successful around the world (it is now printed in over 20 languages), has been dished out for production via a partnership of Top Cow Productions, Arclight Films and Platinum Studios.

The Witchblade is a jewel encrusted gauntlet that, when wielded by someone worthy, forms a symbiotic relationship with it's host. Those unworthy, however, lose their arm.

The gauntlet itself is alien in origin, and is the offspring of the universes two opposing aspects: Light and Dark. The gauntlet is male, and in order to balance, it must have a female host. When wearing the Witchblade, it has a tendancy of ripping one's clothes off and surrounding it's host by expanding in size to protect her in a sort of armor - the amount of armor depending on the threat level of a foe.

So... to summarize... a very scantily clad woman kicking a lot of ass, wearing anywhere from huge amounts of armor to barely anything at all. Just wanted to make sure I got that...

The gauntlet itself has many many unique properties as well, including forming into different forms of weaponry. It also has the ability to heal wounds, even those that would certainly kill a person.

A two-year TNT cable network television program ran shortly after the release of a made-for-TV movie in 2000. This, however, will be the first silver screen appearance of the Witchblade.

It should be noted that the poster you see posted is merely a teaser poster released by the production companies. Casting has not yet been completed, so the woman you see there is simply a stand-in.

Batman: The Dark Knight

Hands down one of my most anticipated movies this year. After how incredible of a job they did on Batman Begins, I can’t help but think that this movie will be even better – if only for the addition of (the late) Heath Ledger as the Joker. I’m not sure if you have seen the Batman trailer, however I’m assuming if you’re reading this blog you must have by now. Watch it in QuickTime format here.

The thing I’m most impressed about in regards to this movie is the impressive (possible overload) of viral marketing. The campaign they have gone through to promote this movie has been nothing short of breath-taking. Let me see…

There’s Why So Serious, where currently you can take a personality test to see if you qualify to be one of the Joker’s thugs. There’s the Gotham Times, where you can go and read the Gotham newspaper to catch up on current events in Gotham. Ha Ha Ha Times goes hand in hand with this, where you can view a doctored, vandalized version of the same newspaper articles.

And then there’s a number of obscure and professional looking websites such as The Gotham National Bank website, The Gotham City Rail website and The Gotham City Police Department website. With that last one, there is also We Are The Answer – a website devoted to citizens of Gotham reporting claims of dirty cops and corruption.

Then there’s "I Believe in Harvey Dent" - the Harvey Dent campaign website! Harvey Dent, we all know, is the man destined to become Two Face, and is played by Aaron Eckhart.

Lastly there’s a very… realistic website devoted to a student reportedly killed by Gotham gang violence, called Remembering Gina.

How can you not look on all of these websites (all of which have offered so many different hints over the past few months) and not admire this massive marketing campaign? I mean sure, a lot of people don’t like to go on scavenger hunts in order to discover a little piece of information, but just the fact that there are so many ways to accidentally stumble onto a piece of their marketing is incredible.

Anyways.

If even the acting and script quality of the first film can remain intact for this second installment, then Batman: The Dark Knight will win the superhero opening weekend fight over Hulk or Iron Man. With the addition of Mr. Ledger as the Joker (and from what we’ve seen from the trailers – the best damned Joker EVER) and Mr. Eckhart as Harvey Dent, this movie promises to have a far more complex, and far darker plotline than any other Batman movie before. If they put even half the effort into the movie that they put into marketing... this one will be money.

See you at the theatre!

Iron Man vs. Batman

I know many others out there have already caught the eerie similarities between Iron Man and Batman. Alright, maybe not so eerie, however it is oddly coincidental for the top two grossing superhero movies this summer. Let me assure you, Batman: The Dark Knight WILL be a top grossing film this year. Sadly Hulk will have nothing on these two.

I mean let’s go over the facts, here.

Iron Man is a billionaire. Batman is a billionaire.

Iron Man is a playboy socialite. So is Batman.

Iron Man has Jarvis, his butler (though in the film they basically gave Pepper his role and made Jarvis into the AI in his suit and lab). Batman has Alfred, his butler.

Both don’t actually have superpowers. They merely… use their money and go traipsing around flaunting the fact they could become heroes because they were rich and had some time on their hands.

Iron Man lost his parents. Batman lost his parents.

Iron Man has his sidekick, War Machine. Batman has his sidekick, Robin. War Machine > Robin.

Iron Man has the Avengers. Batman has the Justice League.

The only thing Batman has that Iron Man does not is an extra 30 years and 4 more movies.

In total, Iron Man did 100.8 million dollars not including international sales. Indiana Jones nabbed 126.1 million dollars. How will the Batman sequel do in the box office? You can bet it will land somewhere in between. I doubt it will beat out the almost 3 decade’s worth of hype and anticipation of Indiana Jones, however it does have a lot of free advertising surrounding the death of Heath Ledger. My money down on 119 million, give or take 2 or 3 +/-.

A friend of mine showed this little clip to me a little while back. It’s basically everything I just talked about in the form of a PC vs. Mac commercial. Enjoy!

Did you HAVE to go there, George?

Where to begin? That would be the first question one would ask oneself, perhaps, after viewing the newest installment of the Indiana Jones franchise: “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. I suppose I WILL begin by stating that this post will include some spoilers, so here we go:

***SPOILER ALERT***

So what makes Indiana Jones… Indy? The first thing that comes to mind when asked that particular question is his mischievous smirk that comes right before doing something so mind-bogglingly risky that it leaves you with a lingering “wow” escaping your lips. That and a bunch of witty one-liners to ease any situation.

What else defines Indiana Jones? Well… Nazis. I know most people would say, “Well Temple of Doom didn’t have Nazis…” and to that I say ‘touché’. Temple of Doom certainly did NOT have Nazis. This, however, is why Temple of Doom still stands as my least favorite of the original three movies, though I definitely respect it and cherish it as if it were my child… though my third favorite child.

That would mean this newest film was the unexpected mistake of a child… but I digress.

Alright so what’s my beef with the newest Indiana Jones film? For one I thought the script to be nothing less than trash. It all seemed a bit… not Indy. Where were the witty one-liners throughout? That was a small part, I suppose. What really bothered me was the general plotline. Here is where the primary spoiler comes.

Aliens?

Really?

As soon as I came to realize this, which didn’t take long (You discover this fact not long into the movie), I knew that Mr. Lucas had left his greasy fingerprints all over this. Was Star Wars not enough that you would have to put your damned extra-terrestrials into everything you do now? We get it! You made Star Wars! Want a cookie?

I honestly don’t know why Steven and Harrison agreed to do this story… I mean there are tonnes of other artifacts and ancient stories that could have been more… archaeological. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the past Indiana Jones films had a certain feeling of awe surrounding ancient artifacts and the power flowing from them. An alien skull seems a bit… I don’t know… I guess it would have made a better X-Files film.

Another thing that bugged me about the newest installment was the unbelievable factor. Some would say “What, and triggering an elusive trap and running away from a boulder wasn’t unbelievable?” or maybe even “What, just because Short Round claims there are “No more parachutes!” you are able to survive a 20+ story fall from a plane with only an inflatable dingy?”. Again - touché. But to survive not once, not twice, but thrice over waterfalls of ascending magnitudes… there seems to be a problem. I mean sure a couple could have survived. Perhaps the younger folk. But for crying out loud, one was an invalid! He probably couldn’t even wipe his own ass in that state let alone be able to swim and get back into that car-turned-white-water-raft. Again I digress.

The whole Alien thing really turned me off of what, in my opinion, Indiana Jones should be. Harrison Ford did a great job once again as Indy. He can still fill those shoes. It’s just the script didn’t allow Ford to do it justice. It wasn’t the same Indy.

By the end of the film I was half expecting a light-saber battle and Han Solo jumping out of nowhere proclaiming he was Indy’s great, great, great, etc. grandfather. Maybe even a bit of Jar Jar Binks in there somewhere.

It just wasn’t… epic enough. Raiders and Last Crusade had the whole “If we don’t find this thing first, the world is going to end.” This one merely had a “If we don’t find this thing first, some chick is gonna be super smart, but she’ll die anyways cause she can’t handle it.” Although it always happens. They got that right, at least. Bad guy still gets there, tries to utilize whatever object, and meets their untimely end.

Oh and one last thing. A refrigerator? I don’t care if it’s lead lined. That was just… was it really necessary?

Sigh. Some things, I think, are best left alone – preserved in their glory.

Death Note Live Action Movie

Not many people nowadays can say they have never heard of Death Note. The popular manga title has stirred up controversy almost all over the world, with incidences popping up once in a while about a child carrying a notebook with severe death threats and some even acting on them. The story itself, however, is fantastic. A cunning cat-and-mouse detective vs. misunderstood serial murdering (and self proclaimed) hero.

The catch?

How about writing a name inside a death god's notebook, including form of death, and the person who's namesake was written suffers the death along with it. To the 'T'. This manga title has reached ICv2's top 50 Manga Properties List, and also has an anime television show currently aired during Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block.

The live action version of this film will debut in over 300 theaters in America, with a two-night special event beginning on May 20th. A theater list is available over at the FathomEvents Website. Unfortunately the film is only available in the United States and not Canada, however I have faith that we will be able to view it soon enough.

I honestly can't wait to see how well it translates to the silver screen in live action.

Comic Book Movie Adaptation #___

Hack/Slash, the growing-in-popularity comic by Todd Seeley and Stefano Caselli is one of the newest announcements for a movie adaptation.

According to Variety, Rogue Pictures acquired the rights to the series in 2006, and recently have tagged on a screenwriter and director. Justin Marks (who is also working on a Street Fighter film), is set to pen the adaptation, while Todd Lincoln will make his directing debut with the film.

The comic itself tells the story of one Cassie Hack, an orphaned child of a 'slasher', who has grown up to become a tough-as-nails (and attractive) young woman who travels across America in search of slasher murderers in order to do away with them with vigilante justice. And a baseball bat.

Female heroics on the scale of Buffy, minus the vampires.

Still, at one point there was a rumor going around that actress Megan Fox was to be approached for the role, which is A-OK in my books! Look for production on this film to begin later this year!

Blatant Production

At first I assumed, based on the general nature of Blatant Comics and their previous productions, that the news I am to share today was - in fact - one steaming mass of april fool's goodness. Far too often I am strung along on an idea that is just too good to be true, and this story definitely seemed one of those moments.

'Last Blood', the most recent publication from Blatant (and currently in it's fourth issue - the first issue of which actually debuted on Free Comic Book Day in 2007), has been optioned to Benderspink. This production company has numerous comic book based projects on the go, including the much anticipated Y: The Last Man.

The story itself has everything a healthy, growing and imaginative guy needs: a tale of zombies facing off against vampires who are trying to protect the remnants of the human race as they struggle to survive following the zombie apocalypse. Can it GET any better!?

I know! Too good to be true, right!?

Well unless Variety is into April Fools jokes as well in their publications, then this is no joke! Be prepared to see a Last Blood movie in theaters in the future!

Last Blood is written by Bobby and Chris Crosby, and is illustrated by Owen Gieni.

To find out how you (yes, YOU) could actually survive a zombie apocalypse, check out one of our earlier posts, 'Z is for Zombie', and you can even prepare yourself further by purchasing the must have reference guide!

Afterburn

Tobey Maguire of Spider-man fame will have a shot at producing (through Maguire Entertainment) the movie adaptation of Red 5 Comics' 'Afterburn' title. Niel Moritz from Original Films will also be teaming up with Tobey for this one.

Here's the kicker:

This title's first book hit the shops in January this year! But if any comic book were to sound like a wicked movie, this would be it! Treasure Hunters in a post-apocalyptic earth setting, scouring the eastern hemisphere (which is nice and crispy because of a massive solar flare) for relics like the crown jewels, etc., all the while competing against rival treasure hunters, pirates, radiated mutants, and other obstacles.


Honestly, how cool is that? The answer, by the way, is pretty-freakin'-cool.

Red 5 Comics is actually brought to us by ComingSoon.net, and SuperheroHype.com, both of which I frequent. The company was created by Paul Ens (former director of Lucasfilm's StarWars.com, and of Lucas Online) and Scott Chitwood (co-founder of TheForce.net and contributor to ComingSoon.net and SuperheroHype.com.)

The company itself is based in good old Alberta, Canada, in the fine city of Calgary.

You also might recognize the label for another little comic called Atomic Robo - also very popular!

This book is officially on my to-read list!

Indy's got that whole Nazi problem covered!

I'm sure everyone must tip their hats at the mere mention of the world's greatest hero - Indiana Jones! I've even heard they're making a movie about him! Or something like that...

But this just in! Literally on the heels of this dramatic new release of the Indy franchise, comes a new comic book series to be released by Dark Horse Comics! Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Gods #1 is set to be released on June 29, 2008, written by Rob Williams and penciled by Steve Scott.

The story itself will find earth's most awesome professor duking it out once again to hinder the Nazi regime's plan to capture and exploit the ancient powers of the world! I don't know about anybody else, but I really can't wait to read every last whip-cracking page of this new series!

Indiana Jones > Han Solo.

Any day. Bring it.

Edgar Wright + Michael Cera = Scott Pilgrim Movie

WOW! A Scott Pilgrim movie! I never knew about it! And even better: it's being done by Edgar Wright!

For all of you out there who don't know this fellow, he is the mind behind Shaun of the Dead and last years hit Hot Fuzz. This unique talent is also the guy behind the Marvel Comics movie adaptation of Ant Man due for production as well. I have no fear that Edgar is going to take the concept of "Scott Pilgrim Volume 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life", and make it something amazing, something worthy what Bryan Lee O'Malley's work.

The story itself finds the main character, Scott, meeting the woman of his dreams, however the only way to win her is to battle and defeat her 7 evil ex-boyfriends! Wacky, hey!?




The actor they got to play the title role is none other than Arrested Development star, Michael Cera. For those who have never seen that show, he has also had a leading role in Superbad and a supporting role in Juno.

Apparently he's some sort of phenomenon, because for some reason lots of people like him.

I honestly can't see him as doing this role justice. Maybe it's the lack of emotion in his acting style.

Regardless, he's been chosen to fill the role, and I'm assuming that Mr. O'Malley approves, therefore I digress. Cheers to this movie's success!

Diary of a Wimpy (Yet Seemingly Popular) Kid

USA Today's most recent top-selling book charts has Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" volumes 1 and 2 both in the top 20 of 150. The second volume Rodrick Rules holds the 7th place spot, while the first self titled volume holds the 18th position. This could be due to the hype surrounding Fox 2000's purchase of the series for movie rights!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows the exploits of the 7th grade student Greg Heffley through a comical medium. The idea began as an internet-based comic and evolved into an apparent book-selling phenomenon. The book itself switches between comic book illustration and hand written text.

I myself haven't read the series as of yet, however the news that it may turn into a full length movie and the fact it is clearly getting rave reviews and an honorable spot in the best-selling list has definitely put these two volumes onto my 'to-read' list!

'Bone' Goes to Warner Bros.

'Bone', the 55 issue comic series drawn and written by Jeff Smith, has recently had it's rights bought by Warner Bros. Studios! The books had their run from 1991-2004, and prior to this new development had been under the eye of Nickelodeon, who at one point had wanted to make a children's animated television series of it; however they did not due to the protest of the creator, Jeff.

I personally think Warner Bros. has a chance of doing justice to this series. It's definitely been a comic series I've made time to dabble in over it's course. Although it started with a bit more comedy, the series really turned into a sort of high-fantasy with adventure throughout.

For those who are unfamiliar with Bone lore, the series centers around the Bone family. They are creatures who are small, bald, white, and big-nosed. "Phoney" Bone, Smiley Bone and (everyone's favorite) Fone Bone, originating from Boneville (though you never get to see boneville, oddly enough), get thrown into a world of adventure after being cast out form their village.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm intrigued as to what Warner Bros. has in store for this series. Finger's crossed!

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!

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.