Saturday, December 21, 2002

NEW BIRDS OF PREY EPISODES

The WB will show two new episodes of Birds of Prey on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

"Gladiatrix" will air at 8 p.m. Here's how the network describes the episode:

"When young metahuman women are abducted in New Gotham, Helena's (Ashley Scott) investigation leads her to uncover a secret club where the captive women are drugged and forced to fight each other in an arena. When Helena is also abducted, it is up to Dinah (Rachel Skarsten) to rescue her."

David Carson directed the episode, which was written by David H. Goodman.

"Reunion" will at 9 p.m. Here's how the network describes the episode:

"When Helena's former classmates descend upon New Gotham for their fifth class reunion, two of the alums are brutally murdered. While Helena tries to find the killer, she fears that Reese's (Shemar Moore) investigation will lead him to learn too much about her true identity."

Chris Long directed the episode, which was written by Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz.

The WB also announced it will show two episodes of Smallville - the first-season finale "Tempest" and the second-season opener "Vortex" -- on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

CROSSGEN COMICS FIRST LOOKS

For covers and four- or five-page previews of CrossGen Comics titles arriving in stores on Thursday, CLICK HERE.

Titles include Ruse #15, Meridian #31 and Archard's Agents #1.

JIM MCLAUCHLIN EIC AT TOP COW

Top Cow Productions announced that Jim McLauchlin, formerly of Wizard magazine, will be taking over as editor-in-chief and publisher for Top Cow's worldwide publishing operations effective Jan. 1.

"I've always seen Top Cow as an exciting, vibrant place, and I'm looking forward to being part of that excitement and helping it expand," McLauchlin said. "I'll still keep a toe in the Wizard pool, working solely on our convention business, which is also expanding rapidly. But the move into Top Cow will also allow me to use a new skill set, work some new muscles, and learn entirely new areas of the comic business."

McLauchlin has been a professional writer for 14 years, having gotten his start as a sportswriter. He's been working in the comics field for 10 years at Wizard Entertainment, is a frequent contributor to FHM magazine and is the president of the non-profit organization ACTOR, A Commitment To Our Roots, which provides financial assistance to elderly comic creators in need.

"Jim and I have worked well together for the last 10 years and when he moved to Los Angeles, I knew it would only be a matter of time before we convinced him to jump on the Cow," Top Cow President Matt Hawkins said.

"Jim has amazing creative and industry contacts and he was our first and last choice for the position. Change is in the wind and Jim will definitely be one of our strongest assets in the publishing field in the years to come."

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE SELLS OUT

Image Comics has announced that Diamond has completely sold out of Masters of the Universe #1 by Val Staples, Emiliano Stanalucia and Marco Failla.

Masters of the Universe was Diamond's top-selling comic for November. The first of four issues returning He-Man and company to comics after a lengthy absence, Masters of the Universe #1 featured three covers, by Santalucia, J. Scot Campbell and Tim Townsend and Earl Norem, espectively. All three versions of the first issue arrived in stores on Dec. 11.

"I'm getting a slight sense of deja vu with this news," said Image publisher/vice-president Jim Valentino. "Just a little over a year ago, we were announcing that the first issue of G.I. Joe had immediately sold out; now it's happening again with Masters of the Universe!"

"As is customary with Image titles, we printed enough copies of Masters of the Universe for a healthy number of reorders, but it's clear that we underestimated the demand for this title," said Image director of marketing Eric Stephenson. "A second printing of Masters of the Universe #1 is on the way, though, and should be available in early January, featuring an all-new cover by Santalucia."

Originally a popular line of toys produced by Mattel in the '80s, the current Masters of the Universe revival is based around a new animated series by Mike Young Productions that began airing in August on Cartoon Network. Mattel is also producing a toyline featuring new versions of He-Man, Skeletor and crew, with input from Staples' MV Creations.

"We're extremely pleased that Masters of the Universe was so well received," said Staples. "We hope that fans, new readers and collectors have found the comic to be fun and true to the Masters of the Universe mythos. And we hope everyone continues to enjoy the mini-series as it leads into a slightly edgier regular series."

Masters of the Universe #2 will be in stores Jan. 15.

BATMAN #611 TOPS INITIAL ORDERS

Batman #611, the fourth issue of the run by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and Scott Williams, topped Diamond Comic Distributors' initial orders chart for January in-store titles.

"It's clear that the public's enthusiasm for the work Jeph, Jim and Scott are doing on Batman just keeps on growing," said Bob Wayne, DC's VP - sales and marketing. "We're very excited to watch this sales trend as it develops, and remind retailers to keep their eyes on orders for upcoming issues. "

"Seems like every time we turn around it's a 'WOW,' and this is definitely a wowser," Loeb said. " In the spirit of the holiday season, we thank the retailers and readers for believing in us and giving us such a terrific gift. We hope our gift to you will be equally appreciated: #611 features Batman and Catwoman hunting down Poison Ivy in Metropolis and leads readers into next issue's Batman vs. Superman battle. And #611 has a few guest stars that you won't want to miss seeing Jim draw! "

"I've literally run out of things to say," Lee said. "I think this is a blueprint for how to rebuild the marketplace: terrific storylines coupled with reliable, on-time art, married with well-coordinated, well-thought out marketing on a timeless character. Personally, I can't thank the retailers and especially the fans enough for their generous support. It's been truly inspiring."

BRIEFLY

GIVE'EM A CLICK