ComicBitsOnline.com

Michael Dunn forwarded this to The Mighty Crusaders Network group:

“Here is the news from Newsarama today in an interview with Dan DiDio.

“17. Knowing that he is quite busy between what he’s doing between Hollywood and what he’s already committed to with DC, have there been talks with J. Michael Straczynski about continuing Babylon 5 in comics?

DD: No there haven’t, but we’ve talked with Joe about a number of projects, so much so that one of the projects that we were rolling out, we actually changed: in his preparing Brave and Bold, Joe was having a lot of fun teaming characters from the DCU together. The original plan was to roll out and introduce the Red Circle characters inside the series, but what we’re going to do, rather than the original plan, is stay with the tone that was established with the Brave and Bold – that is, team ups between DC characters. He was really excited about that idea from the start, so it makes sense to keep things the way they are for that series. But at the same time, he’s really excited about the Red Circle characters – so much so – that he’s going to be writing a series of one shots later this year to introduce all of those to the readers too.

NRAMA: So the one shots will be the introductions to the characters to the DCU?

DD: What happened was that Joe really wanted to give a lot of time to establishing the origins and reintroduce the characters in the proper format. So, realistically, rather than doing so in a team up, he felt that they all deserved their own individual spotlights, and that’s how he’s establishing it. That being said, every story that’s told does have the flavor of the DCU either in locations or other characters that might be appearing in them. ”

  I might also add despite the DC web site earlier saying there would be a Brave and the Bold issue in March featuring the Shield, there was no Brave and the Bold listing in the recent March solicitations.

Regards and Happy Holidays,

Michael”

MERRY CHRISTMAS ANIMATED STYLE

As a special treat for Christmas, Archie comics has added a short original animation to their website.

http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archie_news/

So far I’ve been unable to download -hope you’re luckier!

 

Save the date for Mid-Ohio-Con on October 3-4, 2009 and visit The Mighty Mighty MOC-BLOG for regular updates.

GET SET FOR HI-TECH HILARITY FROM ARCHIE COMICS THIS MARCH!

Ever since Archie’s first appearance in 1941, Archie Comics has prided itself with keeping up with the fads and fashions of the times.  That includes technology.  Photocopiers, fax machines, microwaves, video players, compact music players, the internet… you name it.  Archie Comics has been there through every innovation, exploring each with hilarious humor as the classic cast of characters both utilize and wrestle with modern technology.  This March, several stories highlight the latest gadgets in goofy fashion, as only Archie Comics can!   

ARCHIE #595

“Home Insecurity”: After robbers break into his safe, Mr. Lodge upgrades his security system to protect his property… but who will protect him from the ever-pervasive new system?! 

SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan. 

ART: Stan Goldberg. 

Shipping Date: March 18^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 25^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: April 7^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #197

“Write on, Dude!”: For Archie, modern homework is more about text messaging than text books! 

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. 

ART: Tim Kennedy. 

Shipping Date: March 18^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 25^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: April 7^th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.99 US. 

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #88

“Geeks Rule”: Betty and Archie get jobs on the “Geek Patrol,” a group of computer tech-sperts seen in last month’s VERONICA #193.  To keep Betty from spending so much time with Archie, Veronica joins the squad, too… and it isn’t long before she inadvertently unleashes a vicious computer virus!  Co-starring computer gurus Dilton and Veronica’s cousin, Marcy, this “geek-tacular” issue also features a “techie” quiz, internet tips, geek-chic fashions, and more! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.     

Shipping Date: March 11^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 18^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: March 31^st, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #130

“Snap Decision”: Riverdale’s resident prankster Reggie takes center stage in this hilarious tale of vanity, camera phones and text messages gone awry! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz. 

Shipping Date: March 25^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: April 41^st, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: April 14^th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.99 US. 

A COMIC TO FILM SLATE ‘PARADOX’ Arcana Studios, Legacy Filmworks and Bron Management have joined forces to produce a slate of comic based ‘genre’ feature films VANCOUVER (December 22, 2008) - Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, has joined forces with Emmy Award winning production company Legacy Filmworks, and production/finance group Bron Management, to produce a slate of five live-action ‘genre’ feature films based on Arcana comic book titles, starting with the sci-fi thriller “Paradox”, currently in production in British Columbia. Deboragh Gabler, through her production shingle Legacy Filmworks will produce the slate, alongside Bron Management’s Aaron L. Gilbert. Arcana’s Founder/Publisher Sean O’Reilly is Executive Producer. All slate films are based on Arcana published sci-fi, thriller, and horror comic book titles. “Since Aaron joined forces with me at Arcana, we have concentrating on structuring partnerships with top producers like Deboragh Gabler” said O’Reilly. He continued, “We are excited to be working with her on our films, which will introduce and showcase the work of some incredible independent comic book creators. We are also just thrilled to have these projects financed given the state of the current market. It has been tough but Aaron figured out how to make it happen ” Paradox, which was written by Christos Gage and Ruth Fletcher Gage, based on the comic series by Christos Gage, is being directed by Brenton Spencer (a top sci-fi film and TV director, perhaps best known for his work on Stargate: Atlantis and Earth: Final Conflict). The incredible ensemble cast features a host of sci-fi stars, lead by Kevin Sorbo (Andromeda, Hercules); Steph Song (jPod, and co-star with Val Kilmer in the upcoming The Thaw); Christopher Judge (Stargate); Alan C. Peterson (Shooter, Narc, Beautiful Joe); Alisen Down (Battlestar Galactica); and Emilie Ullerup (Sanctuary). Paradox introduces homicide detective Sean Nault, a cop on a parallel Earth who is investigating a baffling series of murders committed by a means his Earth has never seen before: the power of science. Sean uncovers an apocalyptic plot that will lead him to another dimension and the realization that, unless he prevents it, both earths could well be destroyed. Legacy’ s Gabler said, “I’ve known Aaron a long time but this is our first endeavor together”. She added “what a great way to start a working partnership on such an exciting and timely series of films, from a dynamic and creative comic book mind like Sean O’Reilly”. Other comic-to-film slate projects include; Chopper, a horror/thriller based on a Martin Shapiro comic going to camera end of January 2009; and Sundown, a western/vampire thriller based on the comic by Jay Busbee, scheduling for April/May 2009. Future slate projects will be announced in the coming months. The films are being sold internationally by Myriad Pictures who will be working alongside Arcana, Legacy, and Bron to brand these comic-to-film ‘genre’ films.About Arcana Studios: Arcana Comics has published over 150 original comics and books and is a division of Arcana, an award winning transmedia company founded by CEO Sean O’Reilly.  Arcana establishes new brands and intellectual properties with engaging storytelling and compelling visuals through comic books, graphic novels, animation, short-form live-action, video games, toys and now, feature length films. Arcana has created original brands they control such as The Clockwork Girl and Kade, and have further developed existing brands for Disney, Sony, Capcom, HBO and more. Recently the studio produced the animated series RED LOTUS for Spike TV and are currently producing the animated series GREATEST AMERICAN HERO. In addition to CHOPPER, PARADOX, and SUNDOWN, several of Arcana’ s other properties are in development or pre-production such as GEARHEAD with Valhalla Motion Pictures. About Legacy Filmworks: Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, Deboragh Gabler, founded LEGACY FILMWORKS (www.legacyfilmworks.com) in 1996. Legacy is one of the most respected production companies in Canada, with over 35 theatrical features, television movies and series to its credit. Legacy recently completed production on feature films, THE BREAK-UP ARTIST, WEB OF DESIRE, SIGHT UNSEEN and SAFETY GLASS, (Hilary Duff and Steve Coogan). In 2007, Legacy received a Prism Award for the film, MY NAME IS SARAH. Also produced that year were DANCING TREES, HOLLYWOOD BRATS, as well as the Sony/Screen Gems feature IMPULSE. From 2004 to 2006, Legacy produced five movies for the big screen and television: THE BAD SON, UNTHINKABLE, CHRISTMAS ON CHESTNUT STREET, THE ACCIDENTAL WITNESS, AMBER’ S STORY, FBI NEGOTIATOR, THE SUSPECT, NEVERWAS (Ian MacKellan, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming, Brittany Murphy, William Hurt and Aaron Eckhart), and BANG, BANG, YOU’RE DEAD, which received four Emmy Awards in the producer, director, writer and performance categories. About Bron Management: Aaron Gilbert is the Managing Director of Bron Management Ltd. (“Bron” ) www.bronman.com, a company active since 1999 in the production, financing, licensing, and exploitation of film, television, animation, publishing, and online/mobile media worldwide. Bron secured an interest in Arcana Studios in 2008 and works alongside Arcana’s founder/CEO Sean O’Reilly, to develop comics for film, television, animation, and online/mobile media. Outside of Arcana, Gilbert is a Producer/Executive Producer of both live-action and animated films with several top production partners including Killer Films, Myriad Pictures, and Legacy Filmworks.

Arcana Studios Joins Forces with Legacy Filmworks and Bron Management To Produce A Slate of Films starting with Paradox

Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, has joined forces with Emmy Award winning production company Legacy Filmworks, and production/finance group Bron Management, to produce the sci-fi thriller “Paradox,” which is currently in production in British Columbia.

 

Deborah Gabler, through her production shingle Legacy Filmworks will produce the film alongside Bron Management’s Aaron L Gilbert. Arcana’s Founder/Publisher Sean O’Reilly will executive produce. Paradox is the first in a slate of five live-action genre feature films in the deal with Arcana. All slate films are based on Arcana published sci-fi, thriller, and horror comic book titles.

 

Paradox, which is based on the comic book series by Christos Gage, introduces homicide detective Sean Nault, a cop on a parallel Earth who is investigating a baffling series of murders committed by a means his Earth has never seen before: the power of science. Sean uncovers an apocalyptic plot that will lead him to another dimension and the realization that, unless he prevents it, both earths could be destroyed.

 

The film which was written by Christos Gage and Ruth Fletcher Gage, is being diercted by Brenton Spencer, who is best known for his work on Stargate: Atlantis and Earth: Final Conflict and stars fan favorite sci-fi star, Kevin Sorbo (Andromeda, Hercules).

 

Other comic-to-film slate projects include; Chopper, horror/thriller going to camera end of January 2009 and Sundown,  a vampire western thriller scheduled for April/May 2009.

 

Read more at The Hollywood Reporter Here

Arcana Releases Kade Rising Sun!

Arcana Comics is proud to announce the release of the next installment of the Kade franchise, with Kade Rising Sun featuring Billy Tucci’s Shi!  
 
This series finds Kade 300 years after the death of Ezra. However, the memory still haunts him. Since then he has traveled the world searching for the demons that will bring closure to his past. On th ehunt for the demons that plague our world, and his soul, has been his only objective and it has led him to the Land of the Rising Sun, where he meets the beautiful assassin, Shi.

To celebrate this monumental team-up, Shi creator, Billy Tucci, has provided a stunning cover featuring the two characters as well as Ethan Peacock. Tucci and Peacock are just two of the many famous artists who have provided their depiction of Arcana’s gothic demon hunter. Other artists include Humberto Ramos, Stjepan Sejic, Greg Horn, Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood, and Mike Grell.

Kade Rising #1 is scheduled for a December release and written by Sean O’Reilly and Jay Busbee with artwork by Christian Duce.

http://www.arcanacomics.com/comicdisplay.php?id=73 

Greatest American Hero #1

After 25 years, The Greatest American Hero returns with all new original stories and adventures (SEP083720). Stephen J Cannell’s beloved cult classic makes it debut to the comic book world courtesy of The Greatest American Hero star himself, William Katt, along with acclaimed writers Christopher Folino (Sparks), Sean O’Reilly (Kade), and Derek McCaw (Tony Loco). Just came out December 17th so fly out to your local comic book retailer!

Buy the book now: http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping in February, Arcana will be publishing Banzai Girls Annual 2009 (DEC08 3754) and Kade Rising Sun #2 (DEC08 3755).

Shipping This Month

Celebrate Christmas with Arcana’s December releases Greatest American Hero #1 (SEP08 3720) and Kade Rising Sun #1 (OCT08 3824).  Found at your local comic book retailer.

http://www.comicshoplocator.com/

Interview with Greatest American Hero’s William Katt

This month, Arcana’s VP of Operation Mark Poulton interviews Greatest American Hero star and co-writer of the new comic book series, William Katt.

MP: William, you recently started your own comic book company, Catastrophic Comics. Have you always been a fan of comics and is this something you always wanted to do?

WK: There were times in my youth I got myself into trouble and learned to conjure stories to worm my way out of harms way (my father’s wrath) - it was right around the time I was discovering Superman and Green Lantern. Story telling and comics somehow had their roots tied together at age 12.

MP: How did you partner up with Arcana Comics on the Greatest American Hero comic book series?

WK: They had the salt - we had the pepper - and we needed both to get it done. They’re good people and we’re enjoying working together.

MP: You were at SDCC this past summer to announce the series. How was your con experience?

WK: Connie Selleca turned to me on the way to our panel and asked… “what if no one shows up?” She didn’t have to worry… as we rounded the corner we say that this huge convention room was filled with hundreds of very gracious wonderful fans giving Bob Culp, Connie Selleca, Dennis Madalone (Stunt Coordinator), and myself a standing ovation as we started our Q&A. The rest of the convention was just as wonderful. Greatest American Hero is still worth celebrating 25 years later. I feel honored.

MP: Do you plan to attend any upcoming conventions?

WK: I’m at Super Megacon in NJ December 6 & 7th and I’ll be at the NYCC in February.

MP: The limited series is a re-telling of the Greatest American Hero origin. Will we see Ralph in any new comic book adventures afterwards?

WK: After the first 3 issues, we’ll start telling new stories as if the show never ended. Only difference will be that it is 2009 but the characters are all still by and large the same. They bad guys will be a little more prevalent - a little more dangerous.

MP: Why do you think after all of these years the fans are still passionate about the television series?

WK: It’s like when you fall in love with your first rock band - Led Zeppelin - Bad Company - Grateful Dead - it’s something that stays with you - don’t know if we can explain it. I just try and pay homage to it and remember it’s all about the fans.

MP: You were recently on Heroes, what else can fans expect from you in the New Year?

WK: “Mythology Wars” will be released later in the spring - and then of course more Greatest American Hero issues. I’m also asking for a few billion dollars from congress since everyone else is… I promise to share it with the fans.

MP: Thank you for your time, William! And fans, remember to pick up Greatest American Hero #1 on shelves December 17th!

‘UDON KIDS MANGA’ GIVES YOUNGER KIDS THEIR FIRST TASTE OF MANGA!

UDON Announces Manga Line for Kids 12 and Under

Toronto, ON – December 17, 2008 - Manga’s popularity in North America has exploded in recent years, with diverse titles covering almost every genre imaginable. But for kids 12 and under, there are still almost no age appropriate manga series available on bookstore shelves other than occasional spin off or promotional tie-ins from Anime shows or products. To fill the void, UDON Entertainment has teamed with Japanese publisher Poplar to bring a new line of original Kids Manga to North America.

This new line, branded UDON KIDS will give younger readers their first chance to join in on the exciting world of manga they’ve seen their older brothers and sisters enjoying so much. Each series under the UDON Kids Manga banner will be guaranteed safe for kids 12 and under, giving parents and librarians a variety of books they can be confident are suitable for their young ones.

“We have spent the last two years researching the Japanese manga market to look for titles suitable for kids in America.” says UDON’s Chief of Ops Erik Ko.  “The titles we`ve chosen to launch this line are meant to be enjoyed for their captivating stories, and are not trying to sell kids on the latest animated series or card game like too many manga series are these days.”

The first four series in the UDON Kids Manga line cover popular genres that kids love - Fantasy, Sports, Music, and Space. They all follow the idea of ordinary kids teaming up with a fantastic new friend for wondrous and exciting adventures:

THE BIG ADVENTURES OF MAJOKO - Follow the adventures of a human girl and her new wizard friend Majoko, as they explore the Land of Magic and its many wonders.

NINJA BASEBALL KYUMA - After a little ninja named Kyuma mistakes the team captain for his master, he becomes the local baseball team’s first ever ninja player!

FAIRY IDOL KANON - Kanon was just an ordinary girl who loved to sing… but now with the help of a magical fairy, she’s on her way to becoming a pop idol!

SWANS IN SPACE - Two young girls are recruited by a cute, bear-like alien into the Space Patrol, a secret organization dedicated to helping others across the galaxy.

The all-new UDON Kids Manga launches in April 2009 with the first volumes of THE BIG ADVENTURES OF MAJOKO and  NINJA BASEBALL KYUMA. FAIRY IDOL KANON and SWANS IN SPACE will follow in May and June, respectively.