N E W S
Return to the Continuum home page

Clicking on images frequently provides larger ones.
Friday, January 5, 2001

SPIDER-MAN MOVIE NEWS CONFERENCE

Columbia Pictures staged a news conference on Thursday for the Spider-Man movie in Culver City, Calif.

For a complete transcription of the primary news conference, along with photos, CLICK HERE.

WHILCE PORTACIO JOINS WILDSTORM

DC Comics has announced that Whilce Portacio has rejoined the WildStorm Productions staff.

"I am incredibly excited to have Whilce rejoin us here at WildStorm," said WildStorm editorial director Jim Lee. "We share a long history; as an inker, he 'fixed' my first professional pencil job for Marvel Comics and then persuaded me to move down to San Diego to set up a studio with him and Scott Williams. As one of the founders of Homage Studios back when it was located in a one bedroom apartment, Whilce not only influenced the development of my work but introduced me to the wonders of yakisoba noodles."

Signing on as a staff artist, Portacio will be involved creatively in many aspects of comics production, from working in WildStorm FX's coloring studio to coordinating new projects with the editorial staff. Portacio also has several projects of his own currently in development, to be announced later this year.

"I've worked in so many aspects of the comics industry; now I can do everything I've ever wanted to do here at WildStorm," Portacio said. "It's the kind of place where we can take comics to where I've felt they should go: to the edge. I'm finally in a position where I can do anything I want creatively, not just with my own work but with new talents as well, without having to siphon off energy for the business end of things. The freedom's amazing and I expect great things are on their way."

DC PROMOTES PATRICIA JERES

DC Comics has announced the promotion of Patricia Jeres to the new position of director -- sales and marketing communications.

As such, Jeres now supervises DC's events and retailer services group, as well as continues her responsibilities for DC's presence in Previews and as liaison to the comic book press.

Bob Wayne, DC's vice-president -- direct sales, said, "Patty has become a strong presence at DC events, in a way, personalizing the message she helps articulate. It's a natural growth of her role to assume more direct responsibility and involvement in all aspects of DC's public persona."

Jeres has been with DC since 1991, beginning as representative - marketing publications. During that time, she has established a strong voice for DC in the comics specialty market and expanded the role of marketing communications in DC's overall sales efforts. In the past few years, she has taken a larger role in conventions, trade shows and with DC's retailer focus group by planning and delivering presentations, working closely with other departments on the creative elements of the DC booth, and supervising panels and awards.

"I'm excited and gratified by this opportunity," Jeres said. "I've loved comics as an art form for almost as long as I can remember and, during my nearly 10 years with DC, I've extended my commitment to comics as a business."

In a related matter, DC's Rich Markow is promoted to the position of assistant manager -- events and retailer services.

FIRST LOOK: DEFENDERS #1

Defenders #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Erik Larsen and Kurt Busiek, with art by Larsen and Klaus Janson and a cover by Larsen.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"A monster, an invader, an alien and a master of the dark arts. They're four of the world's most powerful and feared figures-and they like each other about as much as the rest of the Marvel Universe does. What force could make these loose cannons join as a team? Why must they band together in defense of our planet? And how will Nighthawk, Hellcat and the Valkyrie react to their alliance?"

Defenders #1 will be 48 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: UNCANNY X-MEN 2000

Uncanny X-Men 2000 will arrive in stores on Wednesday. The issue is written by Scott Lobdell, with art and cover by Essad Ribic.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"A new tale starring the original X-Man, Professor X. Charles Xavier now faces what may be his greatest challenge. Her name is Amy Stringer -- and she is a mutant in danger. But once given the knowledge needed to survive, what direction will she take?"

Uncanny X-Men 2000 will be 48 pages and will cost $3.50.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: CABLE #89

Cable #89 will arrive in stores on Wednesday. The issue is written by Robert Weinberg, with art and cover by Michael Ryan.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"As the man called Cable wrestles with his place in the X-Men, a new menace lurks in the shadows! From the offices of Washington D.C. to the alleys of the homeless, these seemingly ordinary people seem to be all around him-and their sinister agenda focuses on Nathan."

Cable #89 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #27

Amazing Spider-Man #27 will arrive in stores on Wednesday. The issue is written by Howard Mackie, with art by John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"In the aftermath of the Green Goblin saga, Peter Parker must wonder: is Spider-Man just a burden on all those he cares for? And when Spidey tries something as simple as rescuing a cat stuck in a tree, why do A.I.M. assassins move in for the kill?"

Amazing Spider-Man #27 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: DAREDEVIL/SPIDER-MAN #3

Daredevil/Spider-Man #3 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Paul Jenkins, with art by Phil Winslade and a cover by Alex Ross.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"The wall-crawler and the Man Without Fear face the unlikely and unholy alliance of Owl, Gladiator, Copperhead and Stiltman. Which foe has a secret-and how might it spell doom for Spider-Man and Daredevil?"

Daredevil/Spider-Man #3 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: PUNISHER #12

Punisher #12 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Garth Ennis, with art by Steve Dillon and Jimmy Palmiotti and a cover by Tim Bradstreet.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Will Ma Gnucci triumph? Can Detective Soap nail the Punisher? Will Frank join forces with Mr. Payback, the Elite and the Holy? What are the final fates of Spacker Dave and Mr. Bumpo? The bullet-ridden conclusion reveals all."

Punisher #12 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: IRON MAN #38

Iron Man #38 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Frank Tieri, with art by Alitha Martinez and Rob Hunter.

Here's how Marvel describes the book:

"Tony Stark's past comes back to haunt him-in front of the entire world. And if that's not enough, this issue also features the return of a classic Iron Man foe."

Iron Man #38 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: 100 BULLETS #20

100 Bullets #20 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Brian Azzarello, with art by Eduardo Risso and a painted cover by Dave Johnson.

Here's how DC describes the issue, which is title "Hot House (The Mimic):"

"In a stand-alone issue, Mr. Shepherd, Agent Graves' enigmatic associate, steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight -- right where The Trust wants him. What is Shepherd's relationship with Graves and this mysterious organization? Where does Shepherd's allegiance lie? Do he and Graves share the same agenda?"

100 Bullets #20 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

GIVE'EM A CLICK


BRIEFLY

  • Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine in X-Men, trailed only Gladiator's Russell Crowe as breakthrough star of the year in a poll conducted by America Online.

  • Coming Monday: Iron Fist movie news, DC news - and much more!!!
    E-Mail the Continuum at roballs@aol.com



    Return to the Continuum home page


    Copyright © 2000, The Comics Continuum