Wednesday, February 26, 2003
ELEKTRA LIVES MOVIE ANNOUNCED
20th Century Fox on Wednesday announced an Elektra spin-off movie from Daredevil.
Following is the studio's press release:
"The hidden clues to the biggest mystery in the blockbuster film Daredevil have been revealed: Elektra lives! With audiences clamoring for more of the female warrior, Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises today announced that, in addition to a Daredevil sequel, they are moving forward with a new event film based on the Elektra character.
"The new Elekra story will be set after the events depicted in Daredevil. Jennifer Garner will reprise the role she brought to life in that film, and script development will begin immediately.
"Elektra first appeared in Daredevil comics in 1980 with words and art by comics legend Frank Miller. The character is the daughter of powerful and rich Greek business tycoon Nikolas Natchios and the girlfriend of Matt Murdock / Daredevil. Although she possesses no superhuman abilities, Elektra is a consummate practitioner of the martial arts, and wields a pair of three-pronged daggers, or sai."
To read Garner's comments from the Daredevil press junket, CLICK HERE.
CROSSGEN COMICS FOR MAY
CrossGen Comics has released its solicitation information for May.
For a complete rundown, with cover images, CLICK HERE.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE PREVIEW
MVCreations on Wednesday released information and imagery from its new Masters of the Universe series that starts in March from Image Comics.
"From the get-go we really wanted to establish the Masters of the Universe series to be something different from any other fantasy based book out there," said Jonboy Meyers, MVCreations marketing director. "A book that blends science and sorcery into one big package. We're very ecstatic with the how well the mini-series has been received, and hope to continue that success with this new series. I know fans have been begging to see some really big action scenes and I promise fans will not be disappointed!"
The He-Man mini-series that wraps up in March laid the ground work by reestablishing key characters. With issue one of the new series coming out in late March, MVCreations is looking to begin more action-packed story lines.
MVCreations President and resident Color Monkey agrees, "Our plan from the start was to introduce a story that had a similar feel to the new cartoon," MVCreations president Val Stalples said. "From there, we stepped up the pace and are now ready to put out a book that pushes the boundaries of what has been done with Masters of the Universe. We want the story to parallel the new cartoon while being mindful of the classic series and the wants of our fellow fans."
The series is penciled by Emiliano Santalucia, an Italian-born artist.
"There's a real challenge in keeping pace with the cartoon series and toy line, but I've been allowed to put my own spin on things," Santalucia said.
The first issue features familiar characters such as Trapjaw and Meckaneck and new faces as well.
"I think I've drawn every character we've seen so far into issue one of the ongoing series, and my hand is totally numb," Santalucia said. "The hardest page I've drawn yet is page 10 of the new series. I cursed Val for days!"
"Mattel has given us a great opportunity to bring something exciting and different to the He-Man mythos," Staples said. "Elements introduced in the cartoon series may be reflected in our stories, but the comic allow us to expand on the story with a more mature feel."
The image above is a Cully Hamner/Tim Townsend wraparound cover, which is a variant exclusive from Graham Crackers Comics. Below are pages from the first issue. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.
MVCreations also announced a series of one-shots featuring individual characters from Masters of the Universe.
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MARVEL MOVIE UPDATE
Marvel Enterprises on Tuesday issued a statement in conjunction with its "ongoing effort to aggressively protect its intellectual property rights."
The following is its statement:
"Earlier today Marvel Characters, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marvel Enterprises, filed a suit in Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles concerning a licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and SPE Spider-Man GP Inc. The suit was filed under seal pursuant to California Rule Of Court 243.2 and confidentiality provisions in the companies' agreement.
"The complaint is not an attempt to stop production of the Spider-Man sequel slated for May 2004 nor is it an attempt to change or upset any of the merchandising/licensing deals that are in place for the sequel. Additionally, while the litigation is not expected to have any material negative impact on Marvel's financial results or on its guidance for 2003 and beyond, a successful resolution of the matter would be anticipated to have a positive financial effect upon Marvel's future operations. Given confidentiality requirements related to the agreement, Marvel is unable to comment further on the matter."
Another release was issued by Marvel on Wednesday touting its movie successes.
"The Marvel Universe is now a proven commodity within Hollywood. The bottom line is all of our characters - no matter how 'big' they may seem - can translate into great movie franchises," said Avi Arad Marvel Studios CEO.
"We are five for five with record-breaking box office successes and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer. It's a testament to the broad appeal of these characters before mainstream audiences outside of the core comic fans. These super heroes have been successful within the Marvel pantheon for decades; it only makes sense that their translations to the big screen are just as fruitful."
In addition to X2 (May 2) and The Hulk (June 20), movies termed by Marvel as "slated for release" include Spider-Man 2, The Fantastic Four, Namor, Iron Man, The Punisher and Werewolf By Night.
VAMPIRELLA/WITCHBLADE
Harris Comics and Top Cow are teaming for two one-shots in June, as Vampirella meets Witchblade, and Magdelena meets Vampirella.
In the Harris Comics tale, Vampirella/Witchblade, Brian Wood and artist Steve Pugh take Sara Pezzini and Vampirella on wild ride through the snowy streets of Brooklyn, New York in a noirish adventure.
"This is really something else," Harris editor Maureen McTigue said. "Brian, being well-known for his thought-provoking original work, would seem like an odd choice for this project, but sometimes you just have to go for the option no one would think of. His take is great and I know I can't wait to see how it all turns out."
"I speak out against the evils of work-for-hire so often, most editors seem reluctant to offer me work on their characters, or they just don't bother asking me," Wood said, "I was so impressed with the honest and straight-forward way Maureen approached me, I couldn't help but reply."
And the writer's positive reply opened the door to grabbing the artist.
"I worked with Steve Pugh for a year back on Generation X," Wood said, "and since then I've been waiting for our schedules to align so we could work on something again. I know him well and can write to his strengths, so the art on this is gonna be great, I'm sure.
"I completely trust Brian as a writer," Pugh said. "He's able to bring real complexity and emotion to these iconic characters without sidelining any of their power or impact. These are two, great, female characters that I figured I'd never have the opportunity to draw in anger, and here I am getting to mix them up in the same book!"
"I think the fact that this book is so different from the stuff I usually do ensures that readers will get something fun and interesting, and unexpected," Wood said.
Vampirella/Witchblade will be out this June with a $2.99 cover price. Covers by Pugh, Amanda Conner and Mark Texiera will be available.
Magdalena/Vampirella, from Top Cow, will have Vampirella crossing paths with Magdalena in Paris. The story is written by David Wohl, with art by Joe Benitez, Martin Montiel and Jason Gorder.
ALTERNATIVE COMICS FOR MAY
Alternative Comics has released its solicitation information for May.
For a complete rundown, with cover images, CLICK HERE.
BRIEFLY
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