DC First Wave - Batman / Doc Savage Special

Today in the DC Universe blog there was a tiny bit more about the Batman / Doc Savage Special. Writer Brian Azzarello says, "“Cities are urban jungles– and there’s also unchartered mysterious countries with their own jungles as well. It’s world where you’re guilty before being proven innocent– something that rarely happens. Little people make big mistakes and suffer the consequences. Life is cheap, and everyone has their price. Where part of the thrill of being rich, is watching the poor suffer. Y’know, my kind of place.”

I'm not sure how I feel about that. Hopefully Doc Savage will not be turned into some kind of vicious killer...

Rags Morales is to be the regular artist on the First Wave book. Here is his cover for the Batman / Doc Savage Special...

DC First Wave - Batman / Doc Savage announced

Today at The Source blog on the DC Universe official website Alex Segura announced the November publication of BATMAN/DOC SAVAGE SPECIAL #1, which serves as an entry into the DC First Wave universe.

On the blog Segura writes, "This November, writer Brian Azzarello teams with artist Phil Noto for the BATMAN/DOC SAVAGE SPECIAL #1, which sets the stage for an entire new world for the Doc, along with a slew of characters that will pop up later, including the Blackhawks and Rima, the Jungle Girl. It all starts here, and I’m not exaggerating when I say you’re really in for a treat."

I really like Phil Noto's work and I'm eager to see what Azzarello comes up with as well. All of this bodes very well for Doc Savage fans who are eager to see new material with their favorite original "superman."

Segura closes with a tease for tomorrow's blog, "So, allow your jaw to drop at the J.G. Jones cover below. Then come back tomorrow for another treat, plus comments from Azzarello himself."

Comic-Con 2009 - Saturday Panels

Here are my last few pics from the Hall H events at Comic-Con 2009

There was Zombieland and 2012 - both featuring Woody Harrelson. Zombieland also stars Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone.

Here are Woody, Jesse, and Emma following the panel.



Following the 2012 reel (which featured the "Randy's Donuts" giant donut) was the Iron Man 2 reel (also with the "Randy's Donuts" giant donut - it is an LA landmark). The Iron Man 2 cast present at Comic-Con (from left to right) were Robert Downey, Jr., John Favreau, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle (blocked by Sam Rockwell), and Sam Rockwell. There was much talk of Scarlett's martial arts and stunt training.

Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing is Back

For those interested in the fantasy and SF literary fields, Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing is one of the best podcasts out there. They do news, reviews, and best of all, author interviews. But be careful, you might end up buying a few books. They have been on hiatus... BUT NOW THEY ARE BACK!

One of the things that sets AiSFP apart is that Shaun Farrell really researches the author he interview and asks great questions. Who has been on the show? Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, David J. Williams, Elizabeth Bear and Tobias Buckell, Neil Gaiman, Lois McMaster Bujold, Timothy Zahn, Michael Moorcock, Larry Niven, Kay Kenyon, Robert J. Sawyer, Dan Simmons, and many others. The guests really are amazing.

While I was at the San Diego Comic-Con last weekend, I noticed Kevin J. Anderson was sitting at his table and upon remembering the AiSFP interview I had recently listened to (I am way behind, but catching up), I met Mr. Anderson and bought his new book. After hearing how I came to arrive at his table, Mr. Anderson proclaimed to his wife, "A podcast direct sale!" Yes, that was true. If I hadn't heard the interview I would have passed right by.

The first post hiatus episode features an interview with Greg Van Eekhout, author of Norse Code. Another good interview and his book sounds interesting.

Check it out.

Comic-Con 2009 - Booths

The Comic-Con Exhibition hall fills the entire convention center. There are thousands of cool things to look at and after 3 days of wandering I didn't see it all. My favorite thing to do at Comic-Con is to wander the Artists Alley and surrounding areas and talk to the different artists and get sketches. I also love to look at the new toys and the independent publishers and buy their comics if they intrigue me.

I would like to thank Christopher Moeller, Dave Dorman, Steve Bryant, Scott Hampton, Matt Wagner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Erik Larsen, Phil Hester, Adam Byrne, Andy Kuhn, Andrew Kudelka, Dan Panosian, and Bill Maus for the great conversation and sketches.

There was a line for spinning a wheel for New Moon swag, but as you can see, I didn't get in that line. I did get a plastic personalized photo Village ID card at the Prisoner Booth, though, with no waiting.

The Weta booth had awesome stuff including these cool rayguns priced at almost $700.

Jon Favreau was signing in the Marvel booth a number of times. I have met him several times and he is a genuinely nice guy.

Paolo Parente showed off some Dust stuff, but I don't think it was new this year. If this is a figure from the perpetually upcoming minis game then the figures are around 40mm. If that's the case, I will not be buying. After the lessons of FFG's Mutant Chronicles game, one would hope that the lesson was learned. Make 30mm figures so that people that don't intend to play your game will still buy them for other games because they are soooo cool.

Sideshow had an amazing array of stuff...

Sideshow had artists decorate customs versions of their Stormtrooper figures. Some of these are awesome.