Saturday-Sunday, November 9-10, 2002

DC COMICS' PLANS

DC Comics unveiled many of its plans for 2003 at the Retailers Representative Program this weekend in Los Angeles.

For a complete rundown, CLICK HERE. And check back soon for features and interviews with the new projects' creators.

BIRDS OF PREY UPDATE

The WB will air two episodes of Birds of Prey on Wednesday, Nov, 27, including a rebroadcast of the pilot and a new episode featuring Lady Shiva.

"Pilot" will air at 8 p.m. (ET), followed by "Lady Shiva" at 9 p.m.

Here's how The WB describes the "Lady Shiva" episode:

"Helena (Ashley Scott) is thrilled when her best friend from high school, Sandra (guest-star Sung Hi Lee) returns to New Gotham, but the Birds are troubled by a series of murders with the unmistakable mark of Batgirl's (Dina Meyer) nemesis, Lady Shiva. Determined to fight Lady Shiva as an equal, Barbara dusts off her Batgirl costume and experiments with technology that allows her to leave the wheelchair."

John Kretchmer directed the episode, with story by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz and teleplay by Adam Armus and Kay Foster.

The network also released 12 new images from "Split," which airs on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Click on the image above and thumbnails for larger and complete images from the episode.

Here's how the network describes the episode:

"Already frustrated with her relationship with Reese (Shemar Moore), Helena is intrigued when she meets Darkstrike (guest-star Kristoffer Polaha), a metahuman who has come to New Gotham on the trail of a serial killer. Meanwhile, Barbara and Dinah (Rachel Skarsten) discover that Darkstrike has a dangerous alter ego."

James Marshall directed the episode written by Armus and Foster with story by Kittis and Horowitz.

SMALLVILLE UPDATE

The WB has announced a new episode of Smallville, "Skinwalkers," that will air on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Here's how the network describes the episode:

"While moto-crossing with Pete (Sam Jones III), Clark (Tom Welling) falls into a cave and discovers two hidden treasures - ancient Indian writings that hold the key to his identity, and a beautiful girl whom he believes to be his soulmate. Desperate to preserve the writings, Clark pits father against son as he enlists Lex's (Michael Rosenbaum) help to stop Lionel's (John Glover) construction crew from demolishing the cave."

Marita Grabiak directed the episode, with story by Mark Warshaw and teleplay by Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders.

In other Smallville news:

* The WB has released a new publicity image of Allison Mack as Chloe. Click on the image above for a larger and fuller image.

* DC Comics will be publishing an ongoing Smallville comic, most likely on a bi-monthly basis. The comic will be similar in format to the book that was released last month.

THUNDERBOLTS' NEW DIRECTION

Marvel Comics on Friday unveiled the new direction of Thunderbolts under writer John Arcudi and artist Francisco Ruiz Velasco.

Here's how Marvel describes the new-look Thunderbolts:

"Marvel has a history of villains who -- after taking a hard look in the mirror -- change their lives by finding redemption in the role of hero. But what about those fiends that look in that cracked mirror... and then smash it with a right cross? That's what writer John Arcudi and artist Francisco Ruiz Velasco will explore starting in February's Thunderbolts #76.

"Although the series will star super-villains, don't expect them to have that 'Golden Age' glow. This isn't about jailbreaks, bags of cash with big dollar signs printed on them, or running away while twirling a pencil-thin mustache. Instead, Arcudi and Velasco reveal what happens to thugs who face a future devoid of hope. It's a voyeuristic look at a world of bloody brawls in abandoned warehouses, the lure of easy money and the desperate smell of sweaty losers. Following the sadistic story of an underground fight ring, the monthly series asks: if you're trying to do the right thing, do you stay bitter in your lousy day job or do you make one last grab for fame... by busting heads?"

"We pick up with our main guy just out of prison, but he can't get his drink on because his parole officer is on his back," said Thunderbolts editor Andrew Lis. "So if that's what you do to relax, what's next? Do you go back to crime? Do you walk the straight-and-narrow? Or -- when a surprise opportunity rears its head -- do you reach for that ring?"

"Anyone who read John's work on The Mask -- one of the smartest satires of the last 15 years -- or the cult-hit Major Bummer, will love this. As for Francisco's artwork, this guy is... well, just look for yourself! He's getting better with every page!"

Thunderbolts #76 will arrive in stores on Feb. 19.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

FIRST LOOK: X-TREME X-MEN: X-POSE #1

X-Treme X-Men: X-Pose #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Chris Claremont, with art by Arthur Ransom and a cover by Rodolfo Migliari.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:

From new teams to new threats, last year has turned the X-Men's world upside-down -- now two TV journalists investigate the modern state of mutantkind."

X-Treme X-Men: X-Pose #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

GIVE'EM A CLICK

BRIEFLY