Thursday, January 17, 2002

BLADE 2 UPDATE

New Line Cinema has released a new poster and a synopsis for Blade 2, which opens in theaters on March 29.

Here's how New Line describes the film:

"Exploding from the pages of Marvel Comics comes the thrilling follow-up to the blockbuster Blade. Blade (Wesley Snipes) is half man and half vampire and consumed by a desire to avenge the curse of his birth and save the human race from a blood-drenched Armageddon. In this newest action-packed adventure, Blade must align himself with a high-powered team of vampires to take on a greater evil than either has ever faced -- a new kind of super-vampire that is itself on a vicious hunt to eradicate both races.

"Produced by Amen-Ra films with Peter Frankfurt and Marvel Comics, Blade II is directed by Guillermo Del Toro (Mimic, The Devil's Backbone) and written by David Goyer. Co-starring are Kris Kristofferson, Norman Reedus, Leonor Varela, Danny John-Jules, Luke Goss, Matt Schulze, Daz Crawford, Tony Curran, and Ron Perlman."

UNIVERSAL'S HULK ANIMATED, IN VIDEO GAMES

Universal Pictures is producing the Hulk movie, and Universal will also be involved in other facets of the character.

Sources told The Continuum that Universal will be involved in the animated series that should follow the Hulk movie, which will be in theaters on June 20, 2003. The arrangement is similar to Sony's involvement with the Spider-Man animated series.

And on Wednesday, Universal Interactive announced that the company has signed an agreement with Marvel for the rights to create video games based on The Incredible Hulk franchise.

"Universal Interactive specializes in creating video games that add value to world-renowned franchises," said Russ Brown, senior vice-president, consumer products, promotions and media sales for Marvel. "Marvel and Universal Interactive are dedicated to delivering The Incredible Hulk to his fans in the form of interactive entertainment."

"The Incredible Hulk is a classic entertainment franchise that provides innumerable creative possibilities to explore," said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. "UI is looking forward to creating video games that convey all the excitement of The Incredible Hulk and push the envelope on gameplay mechanics."

Specific game titles and video game systems for The Incredible Hulk franchise have not been announced.

DARK HORSE FOR APRIL

Dark Horse has released its solicitation information for April.

For a complete rundown, CLICK HERE.

DAN SLOTT TALKS JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES

Writer Dan Slott told The Continuum that Justice League Adventures #6 will feature more than 40 DC Universe villains.

"There's Bat-villains, Superman villains, Flash-villains, classic JLA-villians! We went super-villain crazy!" Slott told The Continuum. "If you got a top-five list of DC bad guys, chances are one of 'em's in there -- and they're being bad."

The issue, with art by Min S. Ku and Dan Davis, involves Chronos. It will reach stores on April 10.

Justice League Adventures #6 is Slott's second issue. He also wrote Justice League Adventures #4, which reaches stores on Feb. 13.

"It's called 'World War of the Sexes,'" Slott said. "In it, the Amazons of Themyscira go to war against Man's World. Can even the Justice League face off against an entire army of Wonder Women? And which side will Diana take in this epic struggle?

"The issue is full of cool beats -- J'onn J'onzz takes on the form of a popular DC Adventures character. Flash says the stupidest thing he could possibly say in front of Hawkgirl. There's an interesting spin on Superman's vulnerability to magic -- and much, much more."

Slott said he initially pitched a Justice League Adventures comic to editor Dan Raspler after hearing about the animated series, which helped the comic launch at the same time as the TV show.

"Dan took the pitch around," Slott said. "The book got scheduled and I got to write one of the first four issues. Dan liked it well enough that he bought a second script from me, which he liked well enough to buy a third."

Look for more Justice League news on Friday here in The Continuum.

ARCHIE'S REAL-LIFE MUSIC GROUPS

Archie Entertainment on Wednesday announced the creation of a joint venture with ZelnickMedia to launch real-life music groups based upon The Archies and Josie and the Pussycats characters.

Over the years, music has been sung by The Archies and Josie and the Pussycats in their TV series, motion pictures and musical recordings, including the song "Sugar, Sugar" which was the number one song for 1969, was performed by studio musicians.

The venture will launch a nationwide talent search in cities across the United States to discover members for The Archies and Josie and the Pussycats music groups. Following the search, the two groups will begin work immediately on their debut albums and commence a rigorous schedule of rehearsals in advance of touring.

Sponsorships, merchandising and commercial tie-ins will be handled exclusively by the venture, as will other ancillary activities involving the groups such as live action and animated television specials and series, and live action and animated theatrical and direct-to-video motion pictures. The content of every activity involving the groups will be subject to the approval of Archie Entertainment.

FIRST LOOK: GREEN ARROW #11

Green Arrow #11 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Kevin Smith, with art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks and a painted cover by Matt Wagner.

Here's how DC describes the issue:

"A DC Full Coverage! entry-point issue, as a new story arc begins for Green Arrow. With issue #10's conclusion of the 'Quiver' storyline, Oliver Queen's got a whole new world to rediscover, and he's more then ready to get started. Setting the stage for Ollie's redefined presence in the DC Universe."

Green Arrow #11 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: JSA #32

JSA #32 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Geoff Johns, with art by Peter Snejbjerg and a cover by Rags Morales.

Here's how DC describes the issue:

"A prologue to 'Stealing Thunder!' Finally, the trial of Kobra! Kobra is brought before the American courts to face his judgment, but the JSA learns that justice wields a double-edged sword. The JSA must now go head to head against thousands of Kobra's minions in order to maintain truth, justice and the American way. Plus, the return of Johnny Thunder."

JSA #32 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: CATWOMAN #3

Catwoman #3 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Ed Brubaker, with art by Darwyn Cooke and Mike Allred and a cover by Cooke.

Here's how DC describes the issue:

"Selina's on the trail of a serial killer - one who's targeting women of the night. Unable to track him down through conventional Catwoman-means, and with the police less than successful on the matter, Selina goes undercover to flush out the killer. Meanwhile, Dr. Leslie Thompkins has a very disturbing experience, and Holly helps out Catwoman on a job in a way only Holly can."

Catwoman #3 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: ROBIN #98

Robin #98 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Chuck Dixon, with art and cover by Pete Woods and Andrew Pepoy.

Here's how DC describes the issue, which is part six of the "Bruce Wayne: Murderer?" story arc.

"Leading to a parting of ways for Tim and Alfred as Tim is forced to reevaluate his anger towards Bruce. Meanwhile, Spoiler receives some horrific news and has a less-than-chance encounter with a certain star of Birds of Prey."

Robin #98 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #122

Superman: The Man of Steel #122 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from DC Comics. The issue is written by Mark Schultz, with art by Darryl Banks and Kevin Conrad and a cover by John Cassaday.

Here's how DC describes the issue:

"As the true nature of the Entropy Aegis armor is revealed, John Henry learns the true price he must pay for his resurrection - leading to a battle with the Man of Steel."

Superman: The Man of Steel #122 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

BRIEFLY