Monday, Aug. 21, 2000

BATMAN BEYOND LIVE-ACTION MOVIE

Paul Dini, producer of the Batman Beyond animated series, told The Continuum that he will be writing a live-action Batman Beyond movie with fellow producer Alan Burnett.

"There will be an official announcement from 'the powers that be' -- i.e., Warner Bros., our respective agents -- very soon, probably the end of next week," Dini told The Continuum.

Dini confirmed that Boaz Yakin - whose credits include Remember the Titans, A Price Above Rubies and Fresh - will be directing the movie. "Boaz is co-writing the script with us as well as directing," Dini said.

Dini and Burnett helped create the Batman Beyond concept, which features Terry McGinnis as a teenage Batman in the future, learning under the elderly Bruce Wayne.

Dini is also writing a film, Million Dollar Heroes, for Platinum Studios and New Line Cinema.

"Just one more time-consuming hassle to chip away at my day," Dini said of the Batman Beyond movie. "KIDDING!!! I'm thrilled."

The Batman Beyond animated series is in its third season on Kids' WB!, and a direct-to-video Batman Beyond movie written by Dini, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, will be released by Warner Home Video on Oct. 24.

Look for more on this story very soon here in The Continuum.

IMAGE FOR NOVEMBER

Following are Image Comics' solicitations for November, with information provided by the company:

AGE OF BRONZE #9

Written and art by Eric Shanower.

As soon as Agamemnon finally collects all the forces he needs to attack Troy, Kalchas, the Trojan seer, reveals that the war will last for nine years--nine long years of strife and hardship--before the Achaeans finally triumph. But with dissension and dwindling food supplies plaguing the Achaean camp, will the war even begin?

24 pages, black and white, $3.50.

BUTCHER KNIGHT #1

Written by Charles Holland, art by Dwayne Turner.

The story of a man who is also a monster. This man/monster's name is Luther Washington. Centuries ago his name was Lancelot. He is the ultimate warrior knight and also the ultimate ex-con. Why? Lancelot was caged in the statue of the most fearsome of gargoyles (a monster created to destroy demons), Butcher Knight, for 1700 years. Now, the gargoyle and the man are free thanks to a half-demon witch named Daria. She holds the key to Luther Washington's new freedom and to revenge against the one who imprisoned him in the statue. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Is 1700 years long enough for you?

32 pages, $2.50 (equal cover by Turner, David Finch and Marc Silvestri).

CURSE OF THE SPAWN TPB VOL. IV: LOST VALUES

Written by Alan McElroy, penciled by Dwayne Turner, inked by Danny Miki, Chance Wolf, Jonathon Glapion and Jason Gorder, cover by Ashley Wood.

This trade paperback features issues #12, #13, #14 and #22 of the Curse of the Spawn comic series. Issues 12-14 recount the horrifying, brutal conception of sexy sociopathic CIA killer/suburban mom Jessica Priest and her travails in South America recapturing a biogenetic weapon for head honcho Jason Wynn. Issue 22 recounts the tale of high school student Ryan Hatchett, who awakens after attempting suicide to find himself as Hatchet, zombie executioner of the dead.

96 pages, $9.95.

DARKMINDS VOL. II # 9

Written by Ken Siu-Chong, penciled by Sigmund Torre and James Raiz, inked by Rob Armstrong, colored by Shane Law.

"A Million and One." Darkminds Volume II follows the tales of intrigue and deception that seem to follow Nagawa and Mai wherever they go. Originally sent to investigate a number of serial murders, they now find themselves in the thick of a conspiracy that may place the fate of the planet in jeopardy. In this issue, Nakiko, the Special Investigations Unit cyborg-agent thought to be dead over a year ago, is reunited with her old partner, Nagawa. However, the pair won't have a chance to catch up on old times as she tells of what was revealed to her during her "slumber", exposing the person who has been the true threat underlying everything... Vargas. But time is running out as Vargas' plans for a twisted world revolution are about to come to fruition. Can Nagawa, Mai and Nakiko hope to stop him? This issue sets the stage for the conclusion of Darkminds Volume 2 in next month's final issue.

32 pages, $2.50.

ECHO # 8

Written by Ken Siu-Chong, art by Long Vo, Saka and Charles Park.

"A Life Worth Living." The second story arc of Dreamwave's sleeper hit continues! Echo details the dramatic missions of Sho Yamato and his team of military operatives who must protect the world from the hidden threat of tactile holograms, or Echoes. A "physical" hologram that is as solid as normal matter, an Echo can take almost any form and is nearly indistinguishable from the genuine article. In this issue, the team's silent sniper, Vincent Chang, is brought to the brink of madness as he is faced with what he most feared, the loss of the one person who kept him sane: Ling. Meanwhile, an enemy from the team's past orchestrates an elaborate assassination attempt to rid himself of the Echo team once and for all.

32 pages, $2.50.

GEEKSVILLE #4

By Rich Koslowski, Sandy Koslowski and Gary Sassaman.

The 3 Geeks face scandalous controversy during their second day at the "Big Con." Will it ruin their chances of becoming big stars in the industry? The conclusion to the 3 Geeks "Breaking Into The Biz" storyline. Sassaman presents another installment of Innocent Bystander, capturing a flavor of nostalgia and bittersweet memory. Also, another installment of Dark Sky. The 3 Geeks' arch-nemesis is cooking something up for them ... and it's not good.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

HELLSPAWN #4

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art and cover by Ashley Wood.

"Hate You." Heaven and Hell are fighting a holy and bloody war on Earth, but it's a cold war with Armageddon a long ways away. So, how does this cold, spiritual war affect the people being fought over? And what exactly is the Hellspawn's place in this battle? This issue explores this idea further than ever before.

32 pages, $2.50.

KABUKI AGENTS #5: SCARAB

Written by David Mack, art by Rick Mays.

Scarab is a dedicated career woman. Her job is to eliminate enemies of the state no matter what the personal cost. In this issue, three very different groups of people collide at an explosive crossroads. Kabuki Agents: Scarab #5 is a story that has been three years in the making.

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

MIDNIGHT NATION #3

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Gary Frank, inked by Jason Gorder.

Laurel and David Grey begin their journey cross-country in search of his soul. In this search they leave a trail of destruction. One of the cities destroyed is major. Los Angeles to be exact.

32 pages, $2.50.

OBJECTIVE FIVE #4

Written by Glenn Kaino and Kevin Hoffer, penciled by Luke Lizalde, inked by Crime Lab Inks, colored by Tyson Wengler.

"Reunion." Objective Five #4 brings the destinies of Simon Cox and the team back together. Lark, Alexis and DJ, alongside Vector, are now investigating both the virus and the wake of death it is causing as well as the violent death of the killer. As Lark's powers emerge, Simon, sent by Cox Corp to clean up his mess, finds he's not the only one changed by DNA viral technology.

32 pages, $2.95.

POWERS #7

Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Warren Ellis, art by Mike Avon Oeming, colored by Pat Garrahy.

For research, writers sometimes go on ride alongs with the police. And in this self-contained issue of Powers, Warren Ellis guest-stars as himself, a famous British comic writer who goes on one of these ride alongs with a reluctant Detective Christian Walker. But it's a trip into hell, as the ride a long takes these two characters into very dangerous territory. And trust us, this issue has a shocking ending.

32 pages, $2.95.

THE RED STAR #4

Written by Christian Gossett and Bradley James Kayl, art by Gossett, colored by Allen Coulter and Byron Talman.

Captain Marcus Antares has witnessed thousands of his fellow soldiers die helplessly on the field of battle. Around him, the giant warships of the Red Fleet, skyfurnaces, begin to fall, crushed by the sorcery of Kar Dathra, the Nistaani Elder Priest. Now, heavily wounded, Marcus undergoes a mystic revelation which will force him to come to terms with the darker side of a country he has sworn to give his life for.

32 pages, $2.95.

RISING STARS #12

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Christian Zanier, inked by Livesay, colored by Brett Evans.

Following the death of a major character, the war for Chicago heats up. John appears to have an affinity for leaving landmarks in ruins. One has to wonder how much of the world will be destroyed by the war between the Specials. The way it's going it doesn't look like there's gonna much left to fight for.

32 pages, $2.50.

RUMBLE GIRLS #5

Written and art by Lea Hernandez.

"It's Not Romantic." Raven Ransom has barely survived her first public appearance as media darling Silky Warrior Tansie, and is learning that her life at school was simple compared to the intrigues concocted by the massive media company EnTeCo. EnTeCo has "retired" Tansie's enemy/paramour Crimson August, and replaced him with the deadly Crimson Winter -- an enemy who seems willing to take his scripted love-hate rivalry with Silky Warrior Tansie to fatal extremes. Bonus story: Poppy, part 1 of 3 by Warren Ellis, with art by Hernandez.

32 pages, black and white, $3.50.

SAM & TWITCH #16

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Alex Maleev, colored by Todd Broeker and Jay Fotos, cover by Ashley Wood.

"Bounty Hunter Wars." New York City is turning into the Wild West. A lawless war of greed and revenge has broken out among the city's bounty hunters and it's wreaking havoc on the NYPD. The bloody war delivers a body blow straight to Sam & Twitch. A shocking tragedy sends them on the trail of a brutal bounty hunter Bilal. Guest star Jinx leads Sam and Twitch through the seedy underbelly of the hunter world.

32 pages, $2.50.

SAM & TWITCH TPB VOL. I: UDAKU

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Angel Medina, inked by Jonathon Glapion and Todd McFarlane, cover by Ashley Wood.

"Udaku: A Sam & Twitch Novel." The detectives from Spawn return to the NYPD, only to be handed one doozy of a case. Four severed thumbs are found at a crime scene. That's certainly unusual. But when each thumb is proven to have the same fingerprint, our heroes realize they've got a real mystery on their, er, hands. Sam and Twitch trade paperback #1 reprints the entire Udaku story arc, issues 1 through 8, the largest TMP collection ever. And it's been completely re-colored in noirish gray scale with a new cover from Ashley Wood. Introduction by Sam & Twitch creator Todd McFarlane.

192 pages, black and white gray scale, $21.95.

SAVAGE DRAGON #81

By Erik Larsen.

Enter: GROKK the giant sea monster that walks like a man. In the deadly Bay of Bones the Dragon fights for his life and the survival of a fantastic underwater kingdom. Sea monsters are eating away at the very Earth's core and the Savage Dragon is the only hope to save this ravaged world from complete annihilation. Time is running out-- air is running out-- and the Dragon just may be in over his head. Questions are answered and secrets are revealed in thi adventure. This issue is completely self-contained.

32 pages, $2.95.

SPAWN #104

Written by Todd McFarlane and Steve Niles, penciled by Angel Medina, inked by Danny Miki, colored by Brian Haberlin, cover by Greg Capullo.

"Retribution Overdrive - Part 1." The War has grown cold. The powers of Light and Dark have receded to the shadows. Spawn is finally free of the ties that have bound him. Now a killer has returned from the dead; a brutal slayer looking for some blood retribution. His target? Spawn. But there is a more sinister force behind this killer. Someone else from Spawn's past lurks, waiting, pulling the strings. It's up to the HellSpawn to draw out the hand that controls the killer. Retribution Overdrive will be a major turning point in the HellSpawn mythos...if he survives.

32 pages, $2.50.

SPAWN: THE DARK AGES #21

Written by Steve Niles, penciled by Nat Jones, inked by Kevin Conrad, colored by Jay Fotos and Drew Hutchinson, cover by Ashley Wood.

"Sins of the Hellspawn." Imprisoned like an animal, tortured by the lover of the man he slaughtered, the HellSpawn Covenant has found a way to temporarily restore his Hell-born strength. Meanwhile, in the Northern Woods, Gareth's fears have turned to an unbelievable discovery that could mean the end for the Druid and his Iceni protector.

32 pages, $2.50.

THE 10th MUSE #1

Written by Marv Wolfman, penciled by Ken Lashley, colored by Digital Broome, inked by John Stangeland.

Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty god Zeus. But history forgot one the 10th Muse. Emma Sonnet, mysteriously disappeared five years ago during a summer trip to Greece celebrating her graduation from law school. Yesterday, she resurfaced just as mysteriously as the newly appointed District Attorney, with a unique take on the law. Battling evil in the courtroom by day, and in the shadows at night, Emma Sonnet is tipping the scales of justice her way, as The 10th Muse. Billionaire industrialist Grayson Bishop, charming and as deadly as a cobra, will as easily kill a rival as bury them in business. Now his sights are set on The 10th Muse, and he wants her dead in the worst way.

32 pages, $2.95 (photo cover of Rena Mero).

TELLOS #10

Written by Todd Dezago, penciled by Mike Wieringo, inked by Rob Stull, colored by Paul Mounts/BongoTone.

The long-awaited conclusion, and this one has all the answers. Jarek's final confrontation with Malesur. Also featuring a preview of the upcoming Tellos Special, Tellos: Maiden Voyage, an all-new Tale of Serra's First Trip on the Sheva-Nova, by Todd Dezago and French artist, Crisse.

32 pages, $2.95.

TOMB RAIDER #9

Written by Dan Jurgens, penciled by Andy Park, inked by Jonathan Sibal, colored by Jonathan D. Smith.

Lara Croft, the hunter, has become the hunted as the mysterious and enigmatic Midnight Squires pursue her to the very ends of the earth to get their hands on the fabled eye of Shaherettin, an ancient orb that might hold the secret of creation itself.

32 pages, $2.50 (50/50 covers by Park and Mike Turner).

TOP COW CLASSICS: TOMB RAIDER #1

Written by Dan Jurgens, penciled by Andy Park, inked Jonathan Sibal.

Top Cow brings the next in the series of the Top Cow black and white editions. This is the first issue of "The Saga of the Medusa Mask."

32 pages, black and white, $2.95.

TOMB RAIDER GALLERY

By various artists.

To celebrate Tomb Raider month, Top Cow is pleased to present this gallery edition of our beloved archeologist, Lara Croft. The Tomb Raider gallery will include favorite images from past issues as well as new images by Tomb Raider penciler Andy Park. This will also be a chance to see other Top Cow artists portray of Lara as well as a sleuth of guest artists.

32 pages, $2.95.

TOMB RAIDER: THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL

Written by Dan Jurgens, art by Joe Jusko.

This issue of Tomb Raider is Top Cow's first fully painted story. This adventure takes readers deep into the Central American jungle, where Lara Croft and Chase Carver are being pursued by Central American rebels. What treasures could bring them to such a dangerous land?

48 pages, $5.95.

WARLANDS #11

Written by Pat Lee and Adrian Tsang, penciled by Pat Lee, inked by Alvin Lee, colored by Angelo Tsang.

As the Eastern Kingdoms and the Vampires and Orcs of the Dataran Horde clash in a final battle for control of Warlands, King Atrelegis, former ruler of the Eastern Kingdom of Myridorn, and until recently, a vampire within the ranks of the Horde himself, must fight a desperate battle against Malagen the Black, Kahn of Datara. But can our heroes hold back the rush of the Datarans long enough for Atrelegis to maneuver Malagen into a direct confrontation? Can Atrelegis overcome his dark heritage and learn the secrets of the Darklyte Armor in time to defeat Malagen?

32 pages, $2.50.

MICHAEL TURNER UPDATE

Top Productions has issued a release detailing Fathom creator Michael Turner's condition following major reconstructive hip surgery two weeks ago.

According to Top Cow, during the procedure, doctors discovered a malignant tumor. Turner's right pelvis and hip joint had to be removed. The doctors were optimistic that all of the malignant tissue was extracted and that Turner is cured at this point.

As an added precaution, Turner will undergo six to nine months of outpatient chemotherapy and radiation. Learning to walk again will mean crutches for about a year or so.

"I've been fighting this thing for many months now," Turner said. "Obviously you've noticed that it has affected my ability of getting Fathom issues out on time. Just imagine a T-Rex taking a huge bite out of your butt! I've already started drawing some again and have come up with several exciting ideas for Fathom and a few incredible new properties. I hope you will all hang in there with me!"

FIRST LOOK: GREEN LANTERN/ADAM STRANGE #1

Green Lantern/Adam Strange #1, part of the Green Lantern: Circle of Fire fifth-week event, will ship on Wednesday from DC Comics.

The issue is written by Brian K. Vaughan, with art by Cary Nord and Mark Lipka, cover by Rodolfo Damaggio and Kevin Nowlan.

Here's how DC describes the issue:

"The super-swift GL called Green Lightning joins forces with DC's premier space-faring hero. The duo journeys to the planet Rann to try and save Adam Strange's adopted people. But the devastation left in the wake of the alien threat's passing hides a terrible secret that threatens everything Adam and the Emerald Speedster are trying to accomplish."

Green Lantern/Adam Strange #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES

Jackie Chan Adventures, a new animated series from Sony Television featuring the Asian action hero, will premiere on Kids' WB! on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Thirteen episodes are planned for the first season, which will air at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Chan is an executive producer, will appear in live-action segments within the main title and body of the series and will voice key elements of the show.

Other executive producers are Jeff Kline, Richard Raynis, Willie Chan, Brian Gersh and Solon So. Duane Capizzi, whose recent credits include Men in Black, Godzilla and Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot, is story editor and supervising producer.

Here's how the series is described:

"In each episode of the anime-style action/adventure comedy, Jackie teams up with his 11-year-old niece, Jade, traveling the globe in hopes of locating a dozen magical talismans before the sinister Dark Hand does the same. Helping Jackie and Jade is Uncle, an antiquities expert and imperfect wizard who is as cantankerous as he is wise.

"Though 'officially' Jackie works as an expert archeologist, in reality he also assists Captain Black, leader of a covert police organization, Section 13. While on his quest for the 12 talismans, Jackie discovers that each has unique mystical powers which are bestowed upon its holder. Each magical talisman represents one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac, and when combined they are capable of unleashing ultimate darkness.

"On their journey around the world, Jackie and Jade will have many different adventures. They'll rely on Jackie's mental and physical martial arts skills and ability to turn anything into a defensive weapon. Although Jackie will rely heavily on his expertise and wit, he will also have access to high-tech gadgetry and vehicles through Section 13."

The cast includes James Sie as the animated Jackie as well as Chow and Shendu, two of Valmont's henchmen; Sab Shimono as Uncle; Stacie Chan as Jade; Julian Sands as Valmont, the leader of the Dark Hand; Noah Nelson as Tohru, Valmont's main enforcer; Clancy Brown as Captain Black, leader of Section 13, and Ratso, another of Valmont's henchmen; Adam Baldwin as Finn.

BRUBAKER, TALBOT ON SANDMAN PRESENTS MINI

Writer Ed Brubaker will be joined by artist Bryan Talbot in the upcoming Sandman Presents mini-series, The Dead Boy Detectives and the Secret of Immortality.

Talbot returns to the world of the Sandman and to the children's book roots of One Bad Rat with this new mini-series, which Brubaker calls, "my homage to the young adult fantasy books of my youth, John Bellairs and Edward Gorey's House with the Clock in its Walls, and others in that series, which predate the Harry Potter series by about 20 years."

"The Dead Boys really appealed to me, because of that young adult aspect, and because of the mystery side of them, obviously, so when (Vertigo editor) Shelly (Bond) asked me if I had any ideas about them, I practically rushed to get them onto the page." said Brubaker.

Brubaker said he has been a fan of Talbot's for a long time.

"It's amazing to get the chance to work with him, and something never thought would happen," Brubaker said. "I tried as hard as possible to woo him when I met him this year in San Diego, because I knew how great it would be to get him on this project."

The Dead Boy Detectives are two characters that Neil Gaiman created in the Sandman who also starred in the Children's Crusade. The story concerns their exploits upon being hired by a lovely young homeless girl to look into the bizarre deaths of her friends.

"It's a weird mix of horror and magic and humor, and it has a lot of themes in it that are central to me and my thoughts about life. It's a coming of age story about two kids who never can," Brubaker said. "I hadn't planned on doing anything Sandman related, but this is just the right project for me to try my hand at yet another genre, and it's fun to play with Neil's toys."

On Gaiman's involvement, Brubaker said, "Neil read the initial proposal, and had some thoughts on it, which were valid, and I incorporated some of his suggests into the final proposal. It's funny actually, because I was trying to not tread on his territory too much, and he encouraged me to go further into the Sandman field, instead. So, expect to see a few other familiar faces in this book."

Though the project is currently unscheduled, Brubaker has begun work and Talbot will begin drawing soon. A release in the first half of next year is possible.

CROSSGEN TEAMS WITH COSMOGIRL!

CrossGen Comics has teamed with CosmoGIRL!, Hearst Magazines' magazine for teenage girls, for contest geared to drive female readers into the comics market.

The Meridian-themed contest appears in the currently available September issue on page 24, the magazine's letter from the editor page.

The contest asks CosmoGIRL! readers to create their own comic book character based on those from the pages of Meridian. Readers can either draw or describe in 300 words or less their character. Readers are directed to CrossGen's web site, www.crossgen.com, to learn more information about Meridian, its characters and world.

One reader will win a trip for themselves and an adult guardian to come to the CrossGen home office where they will work closely with Meridian writer Barbara Kesel and the other Meridian creators to flesh out their character for an appearance within the pages of a future Meridian issue. The winner will spend two nights in Tampa as well as be given two tickets to the Busch Gardens amusement park.

The September issue of CosmoGIRL! is on sale until Sept. 5. The contest is open to entrants until Sept. 4.

According to CrossGen, the contest is the first of other planned marketing ventures set to take CrossGen and comics in general outside of traditional arenas.

BRIEFLY