2013, The Year LEGO Continues Wallet Domination

A flurry of images of 2013 Lego sets popped up online over at Brickset and Eurobricks in the last week. As has been the case since 2004, the City theme will once again be dominated with Fire and Police sub-themes.

I didn’t find anything exciting there deserving of its own post.  I’m still waiting to see the new Space theme for next year, which sort of sounds like it has a Starship Troopers vibe to it.

In 2013 Lego will once again have the Marvel and DC Comics licenses and two very cool sets showed up and it will be very hard for me not to pick both up.

76000 – Arctic Batman vs. Mr. Freeze

This is probably the only time that I’ve ever wanted anything involving Aquaman.  I love Batman’s Arctic suit and the Bat-Ski or whatever they are calling it.  No price point as of yet, but I would expect this to be in the $29.99 range.

76004 – Spider-Man Spider Cycle Chase

Another set based on the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon, this set has Spidey, Venom, and Nick Fury complete with SHIELD spy car.  Another solid set in terms of vehicles and minifig selection. I would venture to guess this too would be in the $29.99 range as well.

Images via [Eurobricks]

The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer Is Somewhat Amazing

I will freely admit that I’m a Spider-Man fanboy.  Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movies hit right as I was getting back into comics after a long time away.  We can all agree that by the time Spider-Man 3 hit, the magic was gone from the franchise.  I will forever be haunted by the images of Emo Dancing Street Strutting Peter Parker (somehow HASBRO missed out on making an action figure of that).  A fresh take was needed on the character, and I’m glad that Sam Raimi stepped aside.

So about this trailer.  I will spare you the frame by frame analysis, I’ll leave that to the darker corners of the Interwebz.  I will however outline my hits and misses:

Hits:

  • A real person swinging around as Spider-Man, I understand that CGI needs to be used, but in-camera effects FTMFW
  • Emma Stone looks like she stepped out of the pages of a Steve Ditko issue of Amazing Spider-Man.  It’s uncanny.
  • MECHANICAL WEBSHOOTERS #$%%^&&!!
  • The Reptile is the villain, finally!

Misses:

  • I’m not really liking the look of Reptile, what happened to his snout? Why does he look like Killer Croc?
  • The suit … I’m a purist and I know  this sounds like a nitpick, but there are few costumes that you do not mess around with and Spider-Man is on that list.
  • It’s being billed as “the untold story”, I just don’t want a long drawn out origin story.  I’m pretty sure my mom and grandmom know how Peter Parker became Spider-Man.

Call me cautiously optimistic about this one, The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters July 3rd, 2012.

 

 

 

Important Things Happen On The Internet – 6/22/11

Green Lantern is getting slammed on Rotten Tomatoes but this review from Geekadelphia has me believing that it’s still an enjoyable comic book movie. [Geekadelphia]

Hot Toys’ 1/6th Scale Captain America figure is giving me a raging nerd boner. I MUST HAVE IT [Action Figure Insider]

Speaking of raging nerd boners, G4TV’s Alison Haislip should only wear panties on Attack of the Show from now on. [Egotastic]

Apparently Spider-Man is dead. Not that one, the Ultimate one. I know it’s confusing but bear with me. [Major Spoilers]

Despite what the sweaty neckbeards might be saying on the Interwebz, there is no way in hell that Christina Hendrick will ever be cast as Wonder Woman. [io9]

Megan Fox learned a valuable tale, don’t reference the Holocaust in any capacity while working on a project that Steven Spielberg has anything to do with. [I Watch Stuff]

Baltimore Comic Con ’10 Programming Highlights

bcc_logo_2010_noyears

This weekend I’ll be venturing to the Charm City for my second ever Baltimore Comic Con. I’ll be providing a moderate amount of coverage here and through my Twitter. The only other time I attended the show, I really enjoyed myself and found myself a whole lot closer to creators than at the “corporate” shows.

Late last week a presser was sent out outlining the programming in store, while I may not be able to attend every panel I figured I’d highlight some of the more interesting ones (to me at least).

IRREDEEMABLE/INCORRUPTIBLE Panel – Mark Waid’s Harvey and Eisner nominated, best-selling, multiple sell-out IRREDEEMABLE has taken comic fans by storm since its debut, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics published today. Join Mark Waid as he takes a look back at IRREDEEMABLE’s beginnings, the future of the series, and its sister series — INCORRUPTIBLE. A not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! (PSSSSST: Mark will also talk a little bit about his new BOOM! book with Stan Lee called THE TRAVELER. Don’t miss it!)

I’ve only gotten a couple of issues into Mark Waid’s Irredeemable series, and I’ve enjoyed it. More importantly I would like to hear what he has to say about not reading anymore conventional superhero comics. I just hope he stays on with Spider-Man

Spotlight on Thor– With the THOR feature film from Marvel Studios premiering in May, 2011, and his adventures featured across both the Marvel and Ultimate Universes, Thor is one of Marvel’s hottest characters. Chroniclers of the Thunder God’s adventures from the past, present, and future – Walter Simonson, John Workman, Bryan J.L. Glass, and Jonathan Hickman – join Marvel’s Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort to discuss all things Thor.

Simonson lays claim to probably some of the best Thor stories, c’mon this guy created Beta Ray Bill!

Spotlight on Todd McFarlane – From SPAWN to HAUNT, Image Comics founder and partner Todd McFarlane has been the driving force behind the biggest creator-owned titles in the industry. Join McFarlane for exclusive sneak peeks of his upcoming projects and a Q&A session that shouldn’t be missed!

Say what you will about McFarlane’s many efforts in the comics/entertainment industry, you have to respect his body of work. If only I can track down those Spider-Man foil covers!

IDW ON THE MOVE! – Join IDW Senior editor Bob Schreck, Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson, Chris Moreno, and Stuart Sayger in this lively look at the company’s current and upcoming releases to be followed by a Q&A session.

Bernie Wrightson and Steve Niles? I’m all over this one. IDW Publishing has done quite a job positioning themselves by licensing solid properties and snapping up some quality talents.

My Pull List: Amazing Spider-Man #589

I’ve had Amazing Spider-Man on my pull list for the better part of 4 years, picking up at some point during J. Michael Straczynski’s epic run on the title. I even had the testicular fortitude to hang in through the muddled One More Day, hoping for the “big pay off” that Joey Q. promised.

I’ll be honest, I really didn’t think ASM would actually be good … but for the last year, the creative team has been pumping out a quality book three times a month.

Amazing Spider-Man #589 was essentially a filler issue, with Fred Van Lente (Incredible Hercules, Marvel Zombies 3 & 4) scripting and Paulo Siqueira (Ms. Marvel) penciling. Ol’ Web Head encounters an old villian Spot, while trying to snuff out an illegal arms deal. Anyone who is familiar with Van Lente’s work is well aware that he has the appropriate amount of snark for Spidey.

Amazing Spider-Man #589 or rather, Peter Parker does his best Christian Bale

Van Lente +1. If you have the chance to meet the guy at a Con, go for it. Along with Greg Pak, I think he’s probably among the most approachable and fan friendly creators that are currently on the Marvel payroll.

Spider-Man Doesn’t Like Pederasts

One of my favorite things about collecting older comic books are the advertisements. In this past week’s haul there were ads for Fringe & The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Occasionally we’ll find a drink milk campaign ad or a back cover dedicated to the latest Japanese trading card game trend.

Twenty years ago there were mail-in offers for Hubba Bubba Helicopters and other ridiculous items like muscle building powder. What we don’t see too much of these days are public service announcements. While perusing some of my old Marvel GI Joe issues, I came across one of the awesomest comic book PSAs ever.

Spidey & Power Pack Don't Like Pederasts

Pure anti-pederast awesomeness. For only $1.00, we can get information as to how one can avoid those pesky sexual predators. I guess that’s what just needed to done pre-Chris Hansen.

Cuteness Alert: Marvel Mighty Muggs

While I can’t say I’m a fan of the urban vinyl figures that appear to be all of the rage these days, but I couldn’t help but pick up Spider-Man from Hasbro’s Marvel Mighty Muggs line.

Spider-Man Mighty Mugg Is Awesomely Cute!

It’s horribly cute in every possible way. You can find Wave 1 out in stores now, which along with Spider-Man features Venom, Iron Man & Wolverine.

Future waves will feature Captain America, Dr. Doom, & The Hulk among others. The best part of this line is the MSRP, which is only $9.99. There are also Indiana Jones & Star Wars Mighty Muggs out there too. Compared to other vinyl figures, this is a steal.

And if that didn’t sell you on these cute little guys, Mighty Muggs are made from 100% recycled awesome.

Apparently Spider-Man Has Trouble With Walls

Poor kids, they thought they were getting a visit from Spider-man at this random Asian birthday party. Little did they know that they would witness Spider-Man give himself a severe spinal injury and perhaps momentary paralysis. You do have to give this Spidey credit, he can do flips … but that whole running up the wall = EPIC FAIL

Down for The Count

I’ve been sick for the past couple of days, and by no means has it been glamorous. Lots of congestion, phlegm, and a slight fever overnight. I took my first sick day from work in about 2 years today, and it’s been a fun one. I have been able to catch up on some DVD watching though.

So far I have gone through:

  • Spider-man
  • Spider-man 2
  • Batman Beyond: Season Two
  • Venture Brothers: Season Two
  • Serenity

My Pull List: Amazing Spiderman #539

I mentioned in January that Spiderman would be returning to his black suit an event touted by Marvel as “Back In Black” (queue AC/DC). My initial thoughts were that was just going to be some hack way of promoting the upcoming Spiderman 3. Today was the moment of truth as I got my hands on Amazing Spiderman #539.

Let me start this review by saying that my initial reservations were unfounded. J. Michael Straczynski, a gifted storyteller has been writing ASM for close to 6 years now. He has taken Peter Parker into a very, very dark realm. And for readers this a strange and unfamiliar place for our jovial webslinger. Since Spiderman’s unmasking and Civil War and subsequent defection to the ‘Underground’ Avengers; Parker has nothing … but his family.

Amazing Spiderman #539 - No More!

He reacts as any other person would in that situation (super-powered or not), with pure unadulterated rage. He could care less about being ‘underground’ hiding from S.H.I.E.L.D. and his gallery or rogues. There is such levity and seething hatred in the words and thoughts of Parker … nothing that I’ve ever seen (aside from the murder of Uncle Ben). No more jokes, quips, or one-liners … Peter Parker is out for blood and he will not stop.

Amazing Spiderman #539 - No More!

As dark as this issue is, I am excited to see how this will play out. I’m even more curious to see how these superheroes will gain footing in the Post-Civil War climate.