Monday, Feb. 12, 2001

BATMAN AND BUFFY ACTION FIGURES UPDATE

Hasbro has announced its plans for future releases in the Batman Mission Masters 3 assortment, which will include a Superman figure.

Following the release of Virus Attack Mr. Freeze and Sky Attack Batman this month, March will see Gotham Crusader Batman with battle shield launcher, and Quick Attack Batman with Batarang launcher.

In July, Hasbro will release with Highwire Zip-Line Batman with zip-line attack, Capture Cape Batman with detachable anti-villain cape, Superman with quick-change ability and Virus Delete Batman with a Circuit-Tech Heat Blaster.

Continuing the Mission Masters 3 Deluxe line in April will be Firewing Batman. Firewing Batman suits up in the high-speed Inferno Wing assault pack armed with heat-dispensing charges.

Sideshow Toys is now taking pre-orders for its Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. The series will include a 12 inch Buffy doll and the three characters of the Gentlemen from the popular 'Hush' episode.

Here's how Sideshow describes the figures:

The Buffy figure is 12Ó tall, has over 20 points of articulation and features the likeness of Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy from the TV show. Buffy comes with a highly detailed outfit, stone textured foot stand, crossbow, vampire stickin' stakes and the Vampyr Book, the mystical book of knowledge featured on the show. The suggested retail price will be $24.95.

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The Gentlemen are 12Ó tall, have over 20 points of articulation and feature the characters of the Gentlemen from the popular 'Hush' episode. Each figure has a unique portrait, comes with a highly detailed outfit, medical bag, scalpel, heart, jar with lid and unique display stand that allows the figures to hover. Each figure is individually packed in a full color box. Each figure's suggested retail price will be $24.95 and an assortment of all three will be $74.85.

An assortment of all four figures will retail for $90.00.

VIOLENT MESSIAHS UPDATE

Violent Messiahs #5 will "peel back another layer of the mysterious Citizen Pain," according to Hurricane Comics. The issue will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Image Comics.

"I was sworn to secrecy about the true nature of Citizen Pain when I came on board this project," artist Tone Rodriguez said. Josh (Dysart, writer) and Bill (O'Neil, series co-creator) have kept this idea under wraps, if you will, since the original conception of the series some five years ago. We've been holding on to this for a long time. It will be great to finally see the reader reaction."

The issue also contains a flip book interview by Red Star's Christian Gossett with his junior high school rival Rodriguez.

Hurricane also reports that Violent Messiahs #2 has completely sold out.

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"We attribute the book's success to its creative team. Writer Joshua Dysart refuses to be predictable and continues to challenge and illuminate VM readers," editor-in-chief Jan Utstein-O'Neill said. "Tone Rodriguez's hyper-mad art puts the reader right on the streets of Rankor Island. Travis Smith has single handedly redefined computer coloring with his authentic textures and color technique."

"Many people thought they knew exactly where VM was going when the series began back in June. Now that it has taken some radical turns, the readers can't wait to see what Josh comes up with next," said co-creator O'Neill "We knew this book would simmer to a slow boil. We just kept quiet and watched as we turned the heat up. We feel this is the primary reason that more and more folks are talking about VM and reorders are continuing to rise. We are really looking forward to this year's convention season. The entire VM creative team will be attending most of the larger conventions, including MegaCon, Atlanta Con, WonderCon, San Diego and of course Wizard World, Chicago."

DYNAMIC FORCES' X MINI-BUSTS

Dynamic Forces has announce an agreement with Marvel Comics to create and release resin mini-busts, statues and book ends for an exciting array of characters based on Earth X, Universe X and the upcoming sequel Paradise X by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger.

"When Alex and I discussed the idea, it seemed like the natural progression, considering the similar projects that we've produced, to extend our line to include this exciting cast from the Marvel series," said Nick Barrucci, president of Dynamic Forces. "We are thrilled to receive this license from Marvel Comics and it is proving to be one of the most rewarding projects on which we have ever worked. With Alex's attention to detail and Dynamic's ability to bring high-profile products to market, this is sure to be a extremely successful series for retailers, the consumer, Dynamic Forces and Marvel!"

"Working with Alex is very rewarding," said Patricia Monahan, Dynamic Forces' vice-president. " He is the ultimate professional. It is exciting to watch Alex work on the first four sculpts himself. We are thrilled that he will be sketching the turnaround art and working with the sculptors as we go forward with all future projects in this line."

The line is slated to launch July. The first mini-bust will be Logan/Wolverine, followed by Venom and Spider-Girl and then the Earth X Sub-Mariner.

FIRST LOOK: THE DEFENDERS #2

The Defenders #2 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 and Janson.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"The Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange, Why have Marvel's most powerful malcontents formed a team? Tempers flare and fists fly as The Defenders learn the truth about what's brought them together. Plus: a long-time ally returns in a most unexpected way."

The Defenders #2 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25. The issue will feature a second cover by Art Adams.

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FIRST LOOK: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #28

Amazing Spider-Man #28 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Howard Mackie, with art and cover by John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"A gangland war explodes as the new Enforcers strike against the major crime bosses of the Big Apple. Meanwhile, everyone is trying to set Peter Parker up on a blind date. But with the town in flames, is now really the best time for the web-slinger to hit the dating scene?"

Amazing Spider-Man #28 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

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FIRST LOOK: SPIDER-MAN: LIFELINE #1

Spider-Man: Lifeline #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Fabian Nicieza with art by Steve Rude and Bob Wiacek and a painted cover by Rude.

Here's how Marvel describe the issue:

"The players: two crimebosses scrambling after an ancient stone tablet. It's promise: unlimited power. Their unwilling ally in their deadly quest: Curt Conners, a.k.a. the Lizard. And caught in the fray: none other than the ever-amazing Spider-Man."

Spider-Man: Lifeline #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

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FIRST LOOK: BLACK PANTHER #29

Black Panther #29 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Christopher Priest, with art and cover by Sal Velluto and Bob Almond.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"It's the catastrophic conclusion to 'Sturm Und Drang: A Story Of Love And War!' With Wakanda on the brink of destruction-and the world on the edge of global conflict-the Black Panther battles to the death with his greatest enemy: Klaw, master of sound! Meanwhile, the fate of the world-and possibly the universe-rests on the narrow shoulders of... Everett K. Ross?"

Black Panther #29 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

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FIRST LOOK: MUTANT X #30

Mutant X #30 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Howard Mackie, with art by Ron Lim and Andrew Pepoy and a cover by Michael Golden.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Revealed: the secrets of Captain America. Why did the super soldier leave Earth's Mightiest Heroes-and why can't he return? Find out when The Six collide with the Avengers."

Mutant X #30 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

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BRIEFLY