Saturday, January 26, 2002

SPIDER-MAN SEQUEL WRITERS?

Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who brought Smallville to television, might be the frontrunners to write the sequel to the Spider-Man movie.

Sources told The Continuum that Gough and Millar are in the mix. Representatives of Marvel Studios could not confirm their involvement, however, and Sony has not released any information about a Spider-Man 2.

Neither Gough nor Millar could be reached for comment.

In an interview last month with The Continuum, Gough approved of the recent trend of turning comic books into movies.

"I think it's terrific, especially when the comics are treated respectfully. X-Men was terrific, and I'm really looking forward to Spider-Man," Gough said. "I thought the first two Batman movies were great. When they get to the core of the characters, it can be really fun."

Gough and Millar have feature film experience, including the recent Jackie Chan film, Shaghai Noon.

Although Spider-Man won't be in theaters until May 3, a sequel seems inevitable.

"The seeds are at the end of this movie," Marvel Studios' Avi Arad told The Continuum. "We all know what Spider-Man's mission is and his commitment to his life as being Spider-Man."

In other Spider-Man movie news:

* The first issue of the Comics Continuum magazine, published by Blue Line Pro, will feature the film on the cover. Stories will include a feature on Kirsten Dunst, who plays Mary Jane; a look ahead to the sequel; and a preview of MTV's Spider-Man animated series. Pictured above is a preliminary cover.

NEIL GAIMAN SUES TODD MCFARLANE

Neil Gaiman has sued Todd McFarlane, saying in a statement, "This suit is not about the money, it's about respecting the rights of the creator and keeping promises."

According to the Associated Press, Gaiman is alleging fraud, copyright violations and nonpayment of royalties.

At dispute are the Spawn characters Angela, Cogliostro and Medieval Spawn that Gaiman claims he created and McFarlane used without authorization. The suit also alleges that McFarlane made wrongful claim to Miracleman.

Marvels and Miracles, a Wisconsin company, also is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Look for more Neil Gaiman news on Monday in The Continuum.

FIRST LOOK: THE ULTIMATES #1

The Ultimates #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Mark Millar, with art by Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie and a cover by Hitch.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"A mutant madman attacked the President of the United States on the White House lawn. A gaudily-costumed teen climbs walls in New York City. The strange beings who've appeared overnight are here to stay. The old order has fallen and people are scared. Nick Fury, head of the elite espionage agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., has a unique solution: put some of these bizarre characters on his payroll. His grand idea: a small but lethal army known as The Ultimates, created to protect us all from the newly rising threats to mankind! Among those considered for membership: Iron Man, a jet-flying, limousine-riding, publicity-seeking capitalist with both a self-made confidence and a personal assault suit; Giant-Man, a Prozac-popping scientist with an inferiority complex as large as his stature; The Wasp, a petite powerhouse with a sordid secret; The Hulk, a brilliant, gentle man who's addicted to letting his inhibitions go and tearing everything - and everyone - he loves apart; Captain America, a soldier with John Glenn's buzz-cut cool, John McCain's style of politics, and Mike Tyson's right cross; and Thor, a New Age guru who may either be the living son of a Norse god... or a lunatic with a big hammer."

The Ultimates #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: WOLVERINE #172

Wolverine #172 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Frank Tieri, with art cover by Sean Chen and Norm Rapmund.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Alpha Flight returns in 'Stay Alive,' part 3 of 3. What could be so deadly that Wolverine needs the help of Canada's premier super-team? Could it have something to do with the power of Mauvais and the savagery of the Wendigo?"

Wolverine #172 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

32 pages, $2.50, in stores on Jan. 30.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: X-MEN: EVOLUTION #3

X-Men: Evolution #3 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Devin Grayson, penciled by Long Vo and inked by Studio XD with a cover by UDON.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Think it'd be cool to be able to read people's minds? Tell that to Jean Grey. Can she come to terms with her uncontrollable powers in time to stop the new mutant named Toad? And what does Cyclops make of the new red-haired girl?"

X-Men: Evolution #3 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: SPIDER-MAN'S TANGLED WEB #10

Spider-Man's Tangled Web #10 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Kaare Andrews, with art and cover by Andrews.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Meet Jack and Casey, two young brothers living on the edge of nowhere, abandoned by their father and growing up way too soon. But when the villain known as Electro bursts into their living room one chilly evening, Jack and Casey will test the limits of their kinship and learn a thing or two about power and responsibility -- courtesy of a certain someone."

Spider-Man's Tangled Web #10 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: PUNISHER #8

Punisher #8 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Tom Peyer, with art by Manuel Gutierrez and a cover by Tim Bradstreet.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

"Beginning 'Taxi Wars.' Frank Castle is back in New York City -- but so is a disgusting new menace called The Medallion. His goal: nothing less than control over every single taxi in the Big Apple. Can The Punisher stop this maniac's meter before it's too late? You may not know how valuable taxi medallions are right now, but when this story is over you'll know only too well.

Punisher #8 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

BRIEFLY