Monday, May 7, 2001

NEW TOAD FIGURE

Toy Biz has provided The Continuum with a preview look at the new Toad action figure.

The figure will be part of a Mutant Evolution of X two-pack line, following the recent Wolverine release, which was a Toys R Us exclusive.

No release date has been announced yet, and it remains unclear if this will be another Toys R Us exclusive.

STATIC SHOCK SEASON FINALE

The first-season finale of Static Shock, "Tantrum," will air this Saturday at 11 a.m. (ET) on Kids' WB!.

Chris Simmons, story editor of Static Shock who wrote the finale, told The Continuum that "Tantrum" deals with Virgil's coming to grips with his mother's death.

"She's been gone for a few years, and everyone in Virgil's family, himself included, believed that Virgil had adjusted just fine," Simmons said. "Well, as a memorial service is being planned in her honor, it brings a wave of negative emotions flooding back to Virgil. Along with that, Static must deal with a young, pressure-filled student who, unbeknownst to him, transforms into a super-strong creature of childlike rage whenever he gets stressed out.

"Our season finale is another great example of how Static Shock the series effectively blends super-heroic action with a well-told emotional arc for Virgil, the teen behind the mask."

The villain of the episode is a Hulk-like creature with purple skin. "Tantrum" was directed by James Tucker.

Simmons is working on the show's second season of 13 episodes.

"We've got some great episodes planned," Simmons said. "As you already know, Shaquille O'Neal is guest-starring in a show. He's all that and a bucket of chicken! Next season also brings back some of this seasons favorite

characters: Ebon and the Meta-Breed, nefarious Edwin Alva, and Rubberband Man, only this time, he's a superhero!! All this and more. And that's an understatement, believe me. Put it this way, next season is going to make everybody happy."

BUFFY, SABRINA EPISODES

The WB has released information and photos of upcoming May sweeps episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

The Buffy episode for Tuesday, May 15 is "The Weight of the World." Buffy slips into catatonia after Glory kidnaps Dawn and prepares to bring about the end of the world.

Clare Kramer guest-stars as Glory.

The Sabrina episode for Friday, May 18 is "Finally!" Romance brews between Sabrina and Josh when they turn the coffee house into singles' night.

Eden's Crush, from the WB series Popstars, will perform their single "Get Over Yourself."

ARCHIE COMICS FOR AUGUST

Archie Comics has released its solicitation information for August.

For a complete rundown, CLICK HERE.

BONGO COMICS FOR AUGUST

Following are Bongo Comics' solicitations for August, with information provided by the company.

SIMPSONS COMICS #61

By Boothby, Gonzalez and Morrison.

Bart finds himself in control of Springfield's print media and begins to publish all that's fit to print his purposes. But when the headlines go spinning out of control, half of Springfield is in ruins and only Bart can piece it back together.

32 pages, $2.50.

FUTURAMA COMICS #5

By Rogers, Cooke and Morrison.

Fry competes on a game show hosted by Morbo in order to save Professor Farnsworth and Planet Express. However, he finds himself in way over his head when a hostile takeover creates a power play that might end up pulling the plug on Fry's lifeline.

32 pages, $2.50.

BART SIMPSON COMICS #5

By Simone, Bates, Costanza, Kelly and Morrison.

In a tale from the wild, wild west, maverick government agent Bat Simpson, along with master of disguise Martimus Prince, must put a stop to the world-threatening and earth-shattering schemes of Dr. Ralph Braneless. In other stories, Lisa matches wits with Principal Skinner in a Springfield Elementary whodunit, and Bart and Milhouse take the school day off.

32 pages, $2.50.

LONE WOLF AND CUB UPDATE

Dark Horse has announced that Bill Sienkiewicz will contribute six of his original cover paintings from First Comics' Lone Wolf and Cub series to Dark Horse's expanded version of the manga series.

Sienkiewicz's paintings will be the covers for Volumes 13-18 of the series, following 12 covers by Frank Miller. Sienkiewicz has reworked the covers to take advantage of Dark Horse's formatting for the series.

"I was thrilled with the opportunity to revamp my covers for Dark Horse's digest-size version of the classic manga series, Lone Wolf and Cub," Sienkiewicz said. "The production values are absolutely top notch. And in keeping with the integrity and feel of the series, Dark Horse has made judicious and aesthetic use of digital print technology to bring it beautifully intact into the 21st century. Gorgeous."

Said Mike Hansen, Dark Horse's manga editor: "After we published Frank Miller's 12 classic covers, it was important we follow them up with the work of an artist equally as incredible and talented. We're very fortunate that Bill has not only given us the honor of using his amazing artwork, but he has made them look better than ever."

Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 13 will ship in September.

FIRST LOOK: BLACK PANTHER #32

Black Panther #32 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:

"People are dropping dead all over New York City - and Malice is to blame. And unless Black Panther gives himself fully to her she's going to kill everyone he's ever loved! All this - plus super sleuth Dakota North - in part two of 'Seduction of the Innocent!'"

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

GIVE'EM A CLICK

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