MARVEL KNIGHTS CANCELED

Marvel Knights imprint editor Stuart Moore told The Continuum that the Marvel Knights title is being canceled.

"The book is being temporarily replaced by an anthology title called Marvel Knights Double-Shot, featuring two stories per issue -- kind of in the old Strange Tales format," Moore told The Continuum.

"And then we'll probably relaunch it in some form."

The final issue will likely be Marvel Knights #15. This is the first title from the Marvel Knights imprint to be canceled.

STEVE PUGH TO DRAW BLADE

Steve Pugh, recently artist of Generation X, will be one of two artists on Marvel Comics' mature readers Blade ongoing title.

"I'm scheduled to draw the second story arc starting the art work sometime around October," Pugh told The Continuum.

"Details are still in the air, but it's a great opportunity to be part of the new line, and work with some great guys too. Very, very cool."

The book will be written by Marc Andreyko. The first story arc will be drawn by Manuel Guitierrez.

CROSSGEN HIGHS TONY BEDARD

CrossGen Comics has hired former DC Comics Editor Tony Bedard as its newest writer.

Bedard will begin work immediately on the upcoming title Negation and will soon assume the writing responsibilities on Mystic, taking over for Ron Marz, allowing Marz to concentrate on the upcoming title, The Path.

Bedard has worked in comics since he began as an intern at Valiant Comics in 1992. During his time at Valiant, Bedard moved up the editorial ladder, eventually rising to executive editor. At Valiant he wrote extended runs on Magnus Robot Fighter, Rai, and Psi-Lords as well as issues of Turok and Shadowman. After Valiant he continued writing freelance at Broadway Comics and Malibu Comics. He then took the position of senior editor at Crusade Entertainment and wrote Shi: The Series and Tomoe. Most recently, Bedard worked as an editor for DC Comics, working first on the JLA line and then moving to the Vertigo line.

"Working at CrossGen is an exciting challenge that I'm really looking forward to" Bedard said. "The opportunity to write full-time as well as utilize the editorial skills I've developed over the years to help chart the course for this company's future is a dream come true. There is something very special happening in Tampa and I'm ecstatic that I can be a part of it"

"Tony adds another great element to our writing team," said Barbara Kesel, CrossGen head writer. "He's an excellent storyteller whose skills as a writer have been underutilized up until this point. Plus, his editorial skills add another dimension that, as we grow, is becoming more and more crucial. That combination of resources made him our first choice to fill this position. Now that our staff writer needs are set for the next year, we'll be resuming the development of our Associate Writer program."

GORDON PURCELL ON REGIS AND KELLY

Comics artist Gordon Purcell won a vacation to Cancun last week on the syndicated Live with Regis and Kelly television series.

Purcell was called at home by Regis Philbin and guest co-host Valerie Bertinelli for the show's trivia contest.

"I talked a little about drawing Star Trek and X-Files and Regis asked me about working so far away from New York," Purcell told The Continuum. "Plus I plugged my upcoming Kolchak: The Night Stalker comic from Moonstone coming this fall on national TV.

"And I made Valerie Bertinelli laugh -- to the envy of many men my age. Pretty good day here!"

KIDS' WB! SCHEDULE UDPATE

Kids' WB! is adjusting its Monday-Thursday afternoon lineup beginning July 2, eliminating its Action Block and returning Batman Beyond.

The network will air Batman Beyond episodes at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (ET) on Mondays-Thursday.

Upcoming episodes include "The Winning Edge" and "Joyride" on July 2; "Babel" and "A Touch of Curare" on July 3; "Ascension" and "Zeta" on July 4; "The Last Resort" and "Plague" on July 5; "Final Cut" and "The Winning Edge" on July 9; "Ace in the Hole" and "Armory" on July 10; "Out of the Past" and "Sneak Peek" on July 11; and "Rats" and "Terry's Friend Dates a Robot" on July 12.

Upcoming episodes of X-Men: Evolution include "Survival of the Fittest" on July 7 and "Spkyecam" on July 14.

Upcoming episodes of The Zeta Project include "Crime Waves" on July 7 and "The Accomplice" on July 14.

FIRST LOOK: TOMB RAIDER #14

Tomb Raider #14 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Top Cow Productions and Image Comics. The issue is written Dan Jurgens, penciled by Andy Park, inked by Jonathan Sibal and colored by Jonathan D. Smith.

Here's how Image describes the issue:

"In part two of this action-packed story arc, Lara Croft is once again confronted with a foe from whom even she can't escape--death. In the past, the grim reaper has claimed her parents and fiancee. Trapped in the dark, dense jungle of Honduras, death's dark shadow looms anew. This time, she will not emerge unscathed."

Tomb Raider #14 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

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FIRST LOOK: X-FORCE #117

X-Force #117 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Peter Milligan, with art and cover by Mike Allred.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"New rivalries emerge as the X-Force gains some new members - each of whom is roaring to get their shot at 'The Big Time' and 'The Bad Guys.' Enter Vivisector, Saint Anna, Bloke, Phat and the enigmatic Orphan."

X-Force #117 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

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FIRST LOOK: TANGLED WEB: THE THOUSAND #3

Tangled Web: The Thousand #3 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Garth Ennis, with art by John McCrea and James Hodgkins and a cover by Glenn Fabry.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"The first story arc comes to a wild conclusion. The bizarre creature known as the Thousand has finally revealed his true face to Spidey - and now it's time for one of the most gruesome rumbles."

Tangled Web: The Thousand #3 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

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FIRST LOOK: GHOST RIDER #1

Ghost Rider: The Hammer Lane #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Devin Grayson, with art by Trent Kaniuga and Danny Miki and a cover by Kaniuga.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"A flaming skull. A cold metal chain. A revved-up Harley. It's been a long time since Johnny Blaze lived the life of the Ghost Rider. Now he's back, and roaring off on his most insane adventure yet. But this is a wilder, more uncontrollable Spirit of Vengeance than he's ever experienced. So if Johnny wants to live life in the fast lane, he might also end up splattered all over it as roadkill. 'I think my excitement over the character stems from my biker chick days,' said Grayson. 'I feel that he's one character who's got counterculture appeal more than pop culture appeal. So I want to give him back to these people. We need more rogues in the Marvel Universe. But he's also an everyman. He's recognizable and righteous, and people can relate to him. I find Ghost Rider tremendously appealing, and I hope other people will, too.'"

Ghost Rider: The Hammer Lane #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

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FIRST LOOK: ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM-UP #5

Ultimate Team-Up #5 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art and cover by Mike Allred.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Sent by a hostile power to steal Stark's advanced technology, the Mandroids appear to have succeeded - that is, unless our young web-spinner can save the day, But what chance does our flesh-and-blood hero have against an army of armored assassins? And why is Iron Man powerless against them?"

Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #5 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

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FIRST LOOK: DEADPOOL #55

Deadpool #55 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Buddy Scalera with art by Georges Jeanty and Jon Holdredge and a cover by Tim Bradstreet.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Deadpool and the Punisher - Round Two! Frank Castle killed Ma Gnucci, but will she get her final revenge? All Deadpool has to do is kill the Punisher and he gets the cash."

Deadpool #55 will be 32 page and will cost $2.25.

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