Comics Continuum by Rob Allstetter: Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS: "ESCAPE FROM KADAVO"

Lucasfilm has released a description and two clips from "Escape from Kadavo," the episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars premiering on Cartoon Network on Friday at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

For the first clip, CLICK HERE.

For the second clip, CLICK HERE.

Here's how the episode is described:

"In the conclusion to a three-part story arc, Anakin tries to convince the Zygerrian Queen that she too is a slave and pawn in an evil Separatist plot. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan toils in the slave camps of Kadavo, a grim situation that grows increasingly bleak."

X-MEN: ANIME: "DESTINY"

Marvel has released a clip from 'Destiny," the episode of X-Men Anime that will debut on G4 on Friday at 11 p.m.

To watch the clip, CLICK HERE.

Here's how the episode is described:

"Professor X summons the X-Men to protect humanity as the world is on the brink of destruction."

MARVEL COMICS NEWS ROUNDUP

Marvel Comics has announced Avengers vx. X-Men launch parties on Tuesday, April 3 at 8 p.m., the day before the official release of Avengers vs. X-Men #1.

In addition to getting the issue, consumers will also be able to receive special items exclusive to these parties, specific to the team -- Avengers or X-Men -- supported by the store.

"Whether it's advertising, promotional material or limited-edition variant covers, every one of our valued retailer partners will be able to get the word out to both their regular customers and new fans about this comic event and the exciting Avengers vs. X-Men Launch Parties," said David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales.

"Some stores will choose to side with the Avengers and some will side with the X-Men, but I can guarantee one thing -- Marvel will make sure all of them have everything they need to make Avengers vs. X-Men #1 their top-selling comic of the year."

ONI PRESS' PLAY BALL

Oni Press has announced an April release for Play Ball, an original graphic novel from the writing team of Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir and newcomer artist Jackie Lewis.

Here's how Oni describes the book:

"Dashiell Brody is a teenaged girl who has grown up loving America's national pastime, baseball. Dashiell has recently moved with her mother and sister to a new town, and that means a new school and new opportunities. Rather than get stuck playing on the girls softball team, Dashiell wants to play for the school's championship baseball team -- only the boys aren't quite ready for this speedy shortstop. When Dashiell tries out for the main team, there is resistance, but she sticks to her guns and earns a chance to prove herself on the field."

"Having someone stand in your way when there is something you really want is a universal experience," Weir said. "It happens to all of us. For girls, there can be the added obstacle that someone might want to stop you just because you weren't born a boy. Team sports is one place where this can still be quite common. Every kid wants to play on a team, and every kid wants to be on the best team -- and that should be regardless of gender."

"The sports genre is one of the best places to tell classic underdog stories," DeFilippis said. "The fun thing about Play Ball is that we're turning that on its head a little bit. Dashiell is considered the underdog, but she's actually the best player on the team. She just needs a chance to prove it. Put her on the field, and, boy, watch out."

Lewis is a graduate of the prestigious comics program at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

"Up until recently, many considered comics to be an all-boys club," said editor Jill Beaton, "but Jackie is part of a burgeoning generation of female cartoonists that is changing all that. It only made sense that we would have a woman join us for Play Ball. She brings a special passion to the project, and her wonderful artwork really makes the action on the diamond come alive."

Play Ball will feature drama on and off the field.

"Dashiell has to contend with many different challenges," DeFilippis said. "it's not just about batting averages. She has to deal with her father living far away, which is particularly hard for her since he's the one who taught her about baseball. Dashiell has to get along with her sister, who ends up dating one of the guys on the team. She also has to make new friends at her new school, which isn't always going to be easy. When you rock the boat, you risk knocking others overboard."

"It was important to us that the book is not about the games," Weir said. "We wanted to show what it's like to have a driving passion and how you balance that with all aspects of growing up and getting along. It's all about team work, in uniform and out of it."

Play Ball will be a 144-page, black-and-white graphic novel in 6" x 9" hardcover format. The book will cost $19.99.

Click ont the thumbnails for larger images.

ASPEN COMICS FIRST LOOKS

For covers and four-page preview of Dead Man's Run #1, arriving in stores on Jan. 18 from Aspen Comics, CLICK HERE.

For a preview of Charismagic #4, arriving in stores on Jan. 18 from Aspen Comics, CLICK HERE.

BOOM! STUDIOS FIRST LOOKS

For covers and six-page previews of BOOM! Studios titles arriving in stores on Jan. 4, CLICK HERE.

Titles include Peanuts #1 and Valen the Outcast #2.

BRIEFLY

* Image Comics has announced a second printing for the sold-out Fatale #1, the new series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips that premiered on Wednesday.

The second printing will be available on Feb. 1, the same as Fatale #2 hits the stands.

* Warner Home Video has released the back box art for the upcoming Justice League: Doom animated movie.

Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

* Among the 10 finalists for the Academy Award for visual effects are Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The list will be pared down to five on Jan. 24.

* For the first televison spot for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, CLICK HERE.