Tuesday, January 8, 2002

X-MEN: EVOLUTION UPDATE

The Continuum has obtained storyboard images from the upcoming "Operation: Rebirth" episode of X-Men: Evolution.

The episode features Wolverine, Captain America and Nick Fury. The storyboards show Captain America in action and a confrontation between Logan and Fury.

Kids' WB! is expected to announce an air date for "Operation: Rebirth" soon.

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In other X-Men: Evolution news:

* For the fourth quarter of 2001, X-Men: Evolution ranked as the No. 2 broadcast program in Kids 2-11 (3.7 rating/14 share), Kids 6-11 (4.3/17) and Boys 2-11 (4.8/18), and as the No. 3 broadcast program in Girls 2-11 (2.5/10) and Girls 6-11 (3.0/12). The series took the No. 3 spot among all competition in Boys 6-11 (5.5/21) and finished among the top 10 broadcast and cable programs in Kids 2-11 (No. 10), Kids 6-11 (No. 9) and Boys 2-11 (No. 5).

* Rogue and Toad are now available as part of Burger King's X-Men: Evolution promotion.

* X-Men: Evolution Valentines are now in stores. From The Paper Magic Group, the Valentines come 32 to a box, with eight different designs, featuring Wolverine, Rogue, Professor Xavier, Cyclops, Shadowcat, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler and the X-Men team.

STATIC SHOCK'S RETURN

Static Shock's second-season premiere will be "The Big Leagues," featuring Batman and Robin.

The episode will air at 8:30 a.m. (ET)/7:30 a.m. (PT) on Saturday, Jan. 26 on Kids' WB!. It features Batman and Robin coming to Dakota City in pursuit of the Joker.

Guest-voices include Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker and Eli Marienthal as Robin.

The "Static Shaq" episode, featuring Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal, will air in February.

Look for more on Static Shock this week here in The Continuum.

NEW TICK EPISODE

The Tick returns to Fox's Thursday lineup with a new episode, "Arthur, Interrupted," which will air on Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Dave Foley of NewsRadio and The Kids in the Hall guest-stars.

Here's how Fox describes the episode:

"Arthur is excited to reveal to his mother and sister that he has become a superhero, but after meeting the socially inept Tick they decide to hire 'superhero deprogrammer.'"

Foley plays a character named Francis.

DYNAMIC FORCES ON HSN

John Romita Sr. and John Romita Jr. will be featured on Dynamic Forces' next show, Jan. 15 at 11 p.m., on HSN.

The prime-time show, with Dynamic Forces president Nick Barrucci, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Spider-Man.

Among the offerings are:

* Spider-Man: The Romita Legacy Lithograph -- signed by John Romita Sr. with a Spider-Man Head sketch at the base by John Romita Sr. This sketch features the classic half-Spidey, half-Peter Parker image with his Spider-Sense going off! This is the first time DF has offered this sketch.

* The Spider-Man/Green Goblin Canvas Giclee -- signed and limited to only 40 pieces with a Green Goblin sketch at the base by John Romita, Sr.

* The Dark Knight Strikes Again #1 -- signed by Frank Miller.

* Marvel 40th Anniversary Origins lithos Artist Proof Edition -- signed/re-marked by artist Tom Grindberg, featuring the origins of Marvel's most famous heroes. This an HSN exclusive, limited to less than 100.

FIRST LOOK: CABLE #101

Cable #101 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by David Tischman, with art and cover by Igor Kordey.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Following the events of issue #100, Cable is very close to becoming an ordinary man, since his powers are still in flux. That's bad news since he's uncovered a Macedonian plot to 'cleanse' Ethnic Albanians, only to discover the Albanians have deadly plans of their own! Even an Askani Warrior can make a mistake, but can an Askani Warrier fix it in time?"

Cable #101 will be 32 pages and will be $2.25.

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FIRST LOOK: AVENGERS: CELESTIAL QUEST #5

Avengers: Celestial Quest #5 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Steve Englehart, with art and cover by Jorge Santamaria and Scott Hanna.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"The tapestry of Thanos' designs for the cosmos comes into focus as he closes his ranks and moves inexorably towards his goal! And the only roadblock in his way, the Celestial Messiah, is missing - while the Avengers are prevented from searching for him by the vengeful Cotati."

Avengers: Celestial Quest #5 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

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BRIEFLY