Once Upon a Geek

Siege will be over before we know it.  With it brings the cancellation of all the current Avengers titles.  Beginning in May, Marvel will relaunch the entire Avengers franchise with some big shake-ups.  There will be several one-shots and mini-series, along with four ongoing books.  I’ve outlined below what we know so far about the ongoing series.

Avengers – Starting in May, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by John Romita Jr.  Members revealed so far: Captain America (Bucky), Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, and Spider-Woman.  The traditional Avengers line-up is seven members, so it’s likely we’ll have at least two more surprise members on this team.  I’m thinking we might see Vision or Wasp (Hank Pym) on this team.  This will be the flagship Avengers title.

Secret Avengers – Starting in May, written by Ed Brubaker with art by Mike Deodato.  The team members are still a secret for now (go figure), but according to Brubaker the book is, “definitely going to have a lot of the espionage plots and the Steranko influence, and the crazy Kirby technology, but I don’t think there’s going to be much soap opera.  I hope it feels different than any Avengers team, ever.”  For more of Ed Brubaker on the Secret Avengers, click here.

Below is a teaser image of the Secret Avengers members.  Each character had their own quote when presented individually.  Here are the quotes and some speculation working left to right:

• “I lead by example.”   Some believe this may be Steve Rogers.
• “I am in control of my life.”  Some believe this may be Valkyrie or Scarlet Witch.  Personally I think you gotta consider Black Widow, Ms. Marvel, or Moonstone as well.
• “I act on my convictions regardless of personal consequences.”  Some believe this may be War Machine.
• “I focus on the solution, not the problem.”  Some believe this may be the Beast or Gorilla-Man.  I’m hoping for Beast.
• “I excel through adversity.”  Some believe this may be Nova.
• “I strive for redemption.”  Some believe this may be Moon Knight or The Hood.

New Avengers – Starting in June, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Stuart Immonen.  Members revealed so far: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Luke Cage, Jewel, and The Thing.  Personally this is the book I’m most excited about.  It’s got a really interesting line-up.  Like the main Avengers book, I imagine there will be at least two more surprise team members once the series hits the stands.  I’m thinking we might see Iron Fist and Mockingbird on this team.

Avengers Academy – Starting in June, written by Christos Gage with art by Mike McKone. Members revealed so far: Veil & Striker (both new characters), as well as Reptil.  This book was only recently announced.  Newsarama is running teaser images all this week on Avengers Academy.  Click here for the latest character reveals.  The members and flavor of this book is likely to be a mix of Young Avengers, New Warriors, and Avengers: The Initiative.  That seems likely given that Christos Gage is just coming off writing Avengers: The Initiative.

The information and images above came from Newsarama.  Be sure to head over there for the latest comic news.

While it may seem overkill to launch four new Avengers ongoing series, they are really just starting over books they are canceling.  There are four ongoing Avengers titles right now all about to be cancelled: New Avengers, Dark Avengers, Mighty Avengers, and Avengers: The Initiative.  So don’t think of it as launching four new ongoing series, just think of it as Marvel starting the numbering over in order to sell lots of #1 issues.

In case you haven’t seen it already, here is the second trailer for Iron Man 2.  The film is due in theaters on May 7, 2010.

Holy crap, this movie just keeps looking better and better!  I can’t friggin’ wait!

If you can’t view the embedded video above, please click here.

In case you haven’t seen it already, here is the Iron Man 2 trailer.  The film is due in theaters on May 7, 2010.

Man, it looks REALLY good!  My thanks to Lore (the irredeemable brother) for suggesting I post this.

If you can’t view the embedded video above, please click here.

I’m closing out my DragonCon 2009 coverage with my favorite costume photos. Some have been shown here previously, but they bear repeating. To see all of my DragonCon photos, be sure to visit my Flickr page. If you have a favorite costume that I left out, be sure to mention it in the comments. A small handful of these photos were taken by folks other than me. In those cases, I’ve linked to their original photo.

A really great Bumblebee from “Transformers”

These ladies were having a blast in their gender-bender “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” costumes.  They were totally in character and so were the screaming fans!

Cookie Monster Michael Jackson.  Really funny, but is it too soon?

The Convention Vixens return to DragonCon.  You can find more on the ConVixens by clicking here.

Star Wars Jedi impaling a Clone Trooper.  This was a really neat and creative costume.  The lightsaber was connected to the trooper on both sides and was lit up.  Impressive, most impressive.

A really good Snake Eyes from “GI Joe”

Is this the future of Marvel Comics now that they’ve been bought by Disney?

The Ghostbusters!  This group won the Hall Costume Contest for Best Movie Group.  The detail on their costumes is amazing!

The popularity of the new “Star Trek” film inspired quite a few simple, yet effective costumes.

The most in character group at the convention! Tony Stark (from “Iron Man”), his assistant Pepper, and his security guards.  Tony was dead-on and never broke character. The security guards actually frisked anyone who wanted their picture with Tony.  Pepper was sure to inquire if you had an appointment.  Brilliant!

The most creative costume at the convention in my opinion.  The two-person AT-AT from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”!

With the popularity of the “Blackest Night” comic book this year, there were quite a few different Lantern Corps represented.  Here is a member of the Sinestro Corps…

… and here is a member of the Red Lantern Corps.

A really great Supergirl!

The second most creative costume at the convention in my opinion.  He perfectly captured Peter Parker’s Spider-Sense tingling from the comics.

An astonishing “Doctor Who” look-a-like.  Several people were doing double-takes to ensure it wasn’t really David Tennant.

An impressive Catwoman from the “Batman Returns” film.

Spaceman Spiff from “Calvin & Hobbes”.  Notice the stuffed tiger on his shoulder!

“Watchmen” – Thankfully Doctor Manhattan went for the briefs, rather than what was shown in the movie.

Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld

An impressive Silver Surfer from “Fantastic Four 2″

A really well done “Barbarella”

If you’ve never seen “Logan’s Run”, then go rent it right now.

A recreation of the famous picture taken in Times Square at the end of World War II

Really clever way to represent the video game “Mario Cart”

The Harry Potter/Hogwarts bad-girl thing continues to be popular.  Understandably.

Remember, the Visitors are our friends.

A really obscure Boba Fett costume from Star Wars.  This particular version of the costume was only used in his first appearance in the animated portion of the 1978 televised “Star Wars Holiday Special”.  Like I said… really obscure, but also really neat that someone took the time to make this particular variation.

An eight-foot Sasquatch from the Alpha Flight comic book!

A fun Stormtrooper variant in the parade – the Indianapolis Colts Trooper!

And finally Max from “Where the Wild Things Are”.  This young lady was having a blast hopping around as Max!  She mentioned that lots of people didn’t know what her costume was supposed to be.  That surprised me, but I guess they’ll all figure it out next year after the movie comes out.

Seems like I’ve picked up several trades in the past few weeks. When the heck am I going to find the time to read them all, on top of my normal monthly pull of single issues?!?!?!  I’ll make the time somehow, all of these look really good.

Eureka – I love me some Eureka!  And this story is done by the show creators and officially in continuity!

Sci-Fi Channel’s smash hit TV show comes to BOOM! The first arc of Eureka is collected in this volume, masterminded by the creators of the show and told completely in continuity! It’s a game of cat and mouse when Sheriff Cater is on the hunt for an escapee from Global Dynamics. But what connection does this dangerous stranger have to Carter’s partner, Jo Lupo?  This is apparently volume 1 of 4.  112 pages, Full color, 9″ x 6″, MSRP $15.99

Showcase Presents… Justice League of America volume 4 – Gotta love classic JLA!

The JLA continues to fight evil in this new bargain-priced volume collection JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #61-83. These epic tales feature the JLA debuts of the Red Tornado and Black Canary, plus the annual adventure with the Justice Society of America!  544 pages, B&W, 10.2″ x 6.6″, MSRP $16.99

Doctor Who: A Cold Day in Hell – These old Doctor Who Magazine strips are great! Love McCoy as the Doctor also!

The first volume collecting the Seventh Doctor’s complete strip adventures from the pages of Doctor Who magazine sees the famous Time Lord in no fewer than 11 thrilling adventures through time and space! The Doctor encounters Death’s Head, Heat Vampires, Ice Warriors and even himself! The original black and white strips are digitally mastered and collected for the first time ever.  180 pages, B&W, 11.6″ x 8.3″, MSRP $31.95

Nexus: As It Happened volume 1 – Cool way to read Nexus from the beginning.

On the distant moon of Ylum, an enigmatic man is plagued by nightmares. He is forced to dream of the past. He dreams of real-life butchers and tyrants, and what they have done. And then he finds them, and kills them.

The year is 2841, and this man is Nexus, a godlike figure who acts as judge, jury, and executioner for the vile criminals who appear in his dreams. He claims to kill in self-defense, but why? Where do the visions come from, and where did he get his powers? Though a hero to many, does he have any real moral code? These are but some of the questions that reporter Sundra Peale hopes to have answered. 208 pages, B&W, 6″ X 8.5″, MSRP $9.99

Queen & Country the Definitive Edition volume 2 – I loved the first volume.  Can’t wait to read these stories! Greg Rucka is great.

SIS agent Tara Chase is put through the ringer as she must contend with industrial espionage, ghosts from her director’s past, and politicians eager to use the service to their own ends! Collects issues 13-24.  344 pages, B&W, 9″ x 6″, MSRP $19.95

Iron Man: The Many Armors of Iron Man – Stan Lee, David Michelinie, Bob Layton, Denny O’Neil – great stuff!

Constantly revamping and improving his suits of armor through the years to meet new adversaries and environmental conditions, Tony Stark is a modern man of science and technology, yet also an Old World man of integrity and discipline. Now, journey into the past and relive comicdom’s greatest invention, Iron Man’s armors: the Space Armor, the Stealth Armor, the Deep Sea Armor and more! Collecting IRON MAN #47, #142-144, #152-153, #200 and #218.  208 pages, Full Color, 10.1″ x 6.5″ , MSRP $24.99

Love & Capes: Do You Want to Know a Secret – A Superhero Sitcom! Can’t wait to read this!

Abby and Mark are a typical couple. At least, that’s what Abby thinks. Unknown to her, her boyfriend is not just an accountant, but also the super-powered crime-fighter, the Crusader. And, tonight, Mark’s going to let her in on the secret. Abby always knew he was a good guy. She just didn’t know how good.  Collecting issues #1-6 of the Love and Capes original comics.  152 pages, Full Color, 10.2″ x 6.6″, MSRP $19.99

This last one isn’t a trade, but I bought all three issues in a pack together…

Twilight – This was recommended to me by Ravenface, so it should be good and eclectic.

Twilight was a three issue prestige format mini-series by Howard Chaykin and José Luis García-López published in 1990 by DC Comics.  The story attempted to bring in all of DC future science/space characters, many originally from the 1950s and 1960s, into one series (despite the fact that many occurred in different time periods). It was another radical revamp of DC characters, including Tommy Tomorrow, Star Rovers, Star Hawkins, Space Ranger, Manhunter 2070 and Space Cabbie.  Combined 144 pages, Full color, 10.2″ x 6.6″, original MSRP combined $14.85.

So what trades have you picked up recently, or would recommend?

All in all, it was a good Christmas.  The kids woke up to a nice haul on Christmas morning and everyone seemed to enjoy the day.  We also visited with some in-laws that came by, and that seemed to go well.  On the whole, it was an enjoyable day with less stress than expected.

I got lots of various gifts (clothes, pajamas, tools, etc).  In the geek gift department I did pretty good.  As I’ve mentioned before, I got myself a new Netbook for Christmas. My wife got me the new Dark Knight DVD, as well as a USB handheld massager.  I can’t wait to try out the massager!  My step-son got me Iron Man and Thor toys from the Marvel Super-Hero Squad line.  Really cute toys.

My good friend Ed got me the Doctor Who t-shirt below for Christmas.  It’s freakin’ awesome!  Even my wife completely understood the statement the moment she read it.  It’s really true!  When you become a fan of the show, you become somewhat attached to the lead actor.  When they leave the show and are replaced, most people have a really hard time adjusting to the new actor.  I know I had a really hard time adjusting from Tom Baker to Peter Davison.  Unfortunately, I can guarantee I’ll have a hard time adjusting from David Tennant to anyone else.  I’m not looking forward to that. 

Oh yeah, I got Moes and Firehouse gift cards too!  Yummy!

I hope you had a fantastically geeky holiday too!

Merry Christmas!  To help keep you in the spirit of things, please enjoy these Christmas-related comic book covers. To see yesterday’s Santa Claus comic book covers click here.  Merry Geekmas!

Merry Geekmas!

We here at ONCE UPON A GEEK wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas Eve!  To help celebrate, please enjoy these comic book covers featuring Santa Claus.  Come back tomorrow for even more Christmas-related covers.

Crazy!  Who knew the Kryptonian and the Kringle were so tight?!?!?

“Don’t worry, Batman, I got this end.  Seriously, no worries.  You go ahead and take it easy.  I’m almost twelve now – I don’t mind helping this reclusive old man who sneaks into children’s homes at night.”

Giddy Up, Big Red Cheese!

“We’re sorry, Mr. Kringle.  It appears your dry cleaning got mixed up with Mr. Wayne’s.  If you can come back after Christmas, I’m sure we can get this sorted out.”

“Umm… Shazam, that suit isn’t really working for you.  Sorry to be the one to tell you.  I mean, I’m sure Santa appreciates the help and all.  I’m just saying a couple hours on the Ab-Rocket might do you some good.”

What exactly ARE they feeding Santa up at the North Pole?!?!?!  Miracle-Gro?

Every year it’s the same thing… the rest of the Justice League help Santa make the toys, while Superman gets smashed on Eggnog with the creepy looking elf.  Real nice, Kal.

Remember when special edition comics were expensively priced at $1?

Some comics think it’s funny to depict Santa as the victim of some horrible crime.  Dude, that’s not cool.  You don’t mess with the Claus.

And of course there are the Santa-as-a-villain stories…

And finally, my personal favorite.  A Rockwell-inspired JSA cover.  Gorgeous!

Merry Geekmas!

I picked up my copy of the Iron Man DVD on Tuesday from Target.  If you haven’t seen the packaging yet for the “Ultimate 2-Disk Edition” from Target, it’s SWEET!  There are several different retailer exclusives, but I personally like the Target version best.   The DVD package itself is shaped like Iron Man’s head!  How cool is that?!?!?  See the pictures below.

Other retailer exclusives include comic books, access to exclusive digital comics, bobbleheads, a DVD featuring the first episode of the new animated series, and more.  You can find a complete list of the exclusives at SuperHeroHype.com.  Special features included with the “Ultimate 2-Disk Edition” include: deleted and extended scenes, a “Making of” documentary, a “History of the Hero” feature, a segment on visual effects, Robert Downey Jr’s screen test, the actor’s process, still galleries, and more.

When I sat down to watch the movie again, I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it as much.  I was completely over the moon for the film when it was first released.  On occasion in the past I’ve really enjoyed a geek-related movie, only to find myself suffering from a “geek hangover” upon second viewing.  That was not the case this time!  This movie still rocks!  It starts with a bang (literally in Afghanistan) and keeps a hold of you all the way until the end.  Jon Favreau directed a comic book masterpiece here.  This is definitely my favorite comic book movie yet!  Robert Downey Jr really is the perfect Tony Stark; suave, focused, handsome, and can really act the rich playboy.  I also really like Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper.  She’s not exactly like Pepper from the comics, but she did a fine job as Tony’s girl Friday.  It doesn’t hurt that she looked really hot in this film.  While I wasn’t thrilled with Terrance Howard as Rhodey the first time I watched the movie, he’s growing on me.  I can’t wait to see him as War Machine!  And Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane… just wow!  Who would have guessed he could pull off such a menacing villain (and bald too!).

Two minor characters worth mentioning are Agent Phil Coulson of SHIELD and Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau).  I really liked the unassuming character of Agent Coulson.  Once he got his chance to shine it was great.  On top of directing an outstanding movie, Favreau was also fun to see as Hogan.  In Daredevil he played “Foggy”, in Iron Man he played “Happy”.  Sounds like he’s collecting his own seven dwarfs cast of roles. 

The special effects in this movie were completely seamless!  It was very difficult to tell what was CGI and what was costume.  I’ve also been negligent in complimenting the script.  What a well put together story with lots of action, drama, and humor!  If the script had been lousy, these great actors and fantastic special effects wouldn’t have been able to save it.  I hope they get the same script writers back for Iron Man 2!  I’m looking forward to the “Demon in a Bottle” storyline.  Finally, check out the deleted scenes on the DVD… there is more on the Stark Industries airplane with the sexy stewardesses!

To sum up, “Iron Man” truly is an invincible movie!

After watching the movie again, it makes me want to bust out some of my old Iron Man comics.  I was a pretty big fan of ole shellhead back in the day.  I have over 130 issues of his comic; I collected pretty regularly from 1985-1987, 1992-1993, and 1995-2003.  My personal favorite era was the 1985-1987 stuff, which a lot of the movie was based on.  Just check out the cover to Iron Man #200 from 1985.  Awesome stuff!

I’m closing out my DragonCon 2008 coverage with my favorite costume photos.  Some have been shown here previously, but they bear repeating.  To see all of my DragonCon photos, be sure to visit my Flickr page.  If you have a favorite costume that I left out, be sure to mention it in the comments.

The Iron Man suits were definitely the coolest overall costumes at the con. Simply breathtaking.

Axl wins as the most subtle yet effective costume at the con. This guy was in character too!  He made a comment that the “Chinese Democracy” album would be out really soon.  Too funny!

This “Iron Man” was hilarious and very unexpected.  Definitely the funniest costume at the con.

Quite a few people were talking about the Convention Vixens.  Here is “Erotic Hypnotic” from that group.  You can find more on the ConVixens by clicking here.

Lego Fett was amazing!  Very creative (and time consuming I imagine)!

A very funny and creative costume if you’ve seen the movie “Hancock”.

Here is a great Doctor Who-related costume.  It’s from the VERY creepy episode “Blink” in which statues come to life.

An impressive Supergirl.

Another fantastic and unexpected costume.  The Yip Yip guy was great the way he moved his mouth!

I saw two different guys as Jack Knight’s Starman this year.  This jacket was really cool. Well done!

Another funny costume.  This one comes from the movie “Shrek”.

Surrounding Cobra Commander with hot chicks was a stroke of brilliance!  Hail Cobra and his Hiss Ho’s!

A creative idea turning a nice suburban family from the 1950s into zombies.

There were a few groups of Ghostbusters this year, but these guys are friends of mine.  They worked really hard on their proton packs and they turned out amazing!

The sexy stewardesses

Just because I love the TV show “Chuck” so much, the “Buy More” staff!  Subtle costume, but smart.

The arms on this Doctor Octopus were really impressive.

The whole Hogwarts bad-girl thing was huge this year.  Understandably.

I have no idea what it’s supposed to be, but it looks friggin’ cool (and is insanely tall).

And for you fans of the Star Wars Lego game…