Tuesday, May 22, 2012

BOOM! Studios Drops Avengers Teaser


BOOM! Studios sent this teaser yesterday of their ongoing Avengers series coming soon. Coming in August, the series featuring John Steed & Emma Peel of the popular 60's British show will be written by Mark Waid and Caleb Monroe with art by Steve Bryant. If you're a fan of the show, add this to your pull list now.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Brave: The Video Game Comes To Consoles This Summer


Disney Interactive Media Group has announced that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC. Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”

The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.

“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Interview: Little Women, Big Cars' Romy Rosemont


AOL has just released all 15 episodes of the new series, Little Women, Big Cars. The series stars Amy Yasbeck (Wings, Hot in Cleveland), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Psych), Romy Rosemont (Glee), Julie Warner (Crash, Nip/Tuck), Ed Begley Jr. (Portlandia, The New Adventures of Old Christine), Alexis Denisof (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Antonio Sabato Jr. (Melrose Place, The Bold and the Beautiful).

You may recognize Romy Rosemont from her huge list of credits including spots on Fringe, Prison Break, CSI and of course, Glee. In Little Women, Big Cars Romy plays Connie, a character on the opposite end of the spectrum from her much loved character of Carole Hudson-Hummel on Glee. We got a chance to ask Romy a few questions about the show and what it was like working with such a talented cast.

GeekHash:  What drew you to the series?

Romy: I was drawn to the series because of the cast and Melanie Mayron.  I thought the script was funny but it’s rare that you get to work with such funny women so when the opportunity presented itself to me I signed on. Amy Yasbeck, Kristy Swanson and Julie Warner are all so talented and then to be lead by Melanie Mayron….I mean come on…who wouldn’t want to do that?  It was a really fun way to spend a couple of weeks of summer last year.

GH: The rapport between the women is great and the back and forth feels effortless. Was it that tightly scripted or was there room to play around with the characters to get to that place?

Romy: We pretty much kept to the script but both Melanie Mayron and Sherry Coben, the writer, let us play at the end of every scene.  The four of us had an instant rapport and chemistry so it was really fun to have the freedom and opportunity to build on the material and shape our characters.  If it looks like we’re having fun that’s because we’re having a blast.  There was no shortage of laughter on the set.

GH: All the characters are types, the successful single mom, the stay-at-home mom, the trophy wife; what did you want to bring to Connie to make her real and relatable?

Romy: Connie is definitely a larger than life character so the most important thing I wanted to get across was how much she loved her family and that in spite of everything her family comes first.

GH: You have an impressive list of credits; which of those are you still pinching yourself about?

Romy: That’s so sweet of you to say.  I always say I have yet to do the role that I’m most proud of.  To be honest, I’m just grateful to work.  Of course I love being part of GLEE.  It’s such a great show and has the most amazing cast and crew.  The other part which is near and dear to my heart is the episode I did of NIP/TUCK.  It was the first episode of the second season and I was fortunate enough to be directed by Ryan Murphy.  He really is a visionary and the script he wrote was beautiful.  I also got to wear prosthetic makeup for that part which just added intensity to the role.

GH: Having worked with the likes of Alexis Denisof, Kristy Swanson, Joss Whedon and also on Glee, you’ve got yourself quite a bit of Geek cred. If you could cash it in, which (if any) super hero would you love to take a crack at?

Romy: That makes me so happy to hear I have Geek cred.  My husband is a huge comic book geek so this will give me bonus points at home.  The idea of playing any super hero would be a dream come true.  I love the idea of doing stunts and training really really hard for a role.  The super hero that comes to mind is of course Wonder Woman, specifically for her truth lasso and invisible plane but I wouldn’t mind taking a crack at the whole Marvel roster.


You can see all 15 episodes of Little Women, Big Cars now at http://on.aol.com/studio/littlewomenbigcars-517348467

Friday, May 4, 2012

BOOM! Studios' "Higher Earth" #1 Goes Into Second Printing


May 1st, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios is proud to announce HIGHER EARTH #1 has gone to a second print seven days before its release on May 9th!

HIGHER EARTH #1 second print features white-hot creator/writer Sam Humphries (ULTIMATE COMICS: ULTIMATES, OUR LOVE IS REAL) with Francesco Biagini (ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST) on the art. HIGHER EARTH #1 second print is now available from Diamond Comic Distributors. This new ongoing series, a science fiction epic of infinite possibilities, debuts with a full first issue for only $1!

Comic book fans should keep in mind first printings of HIGHER EARTH #1 may still be found at a comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com to find one!

Created and written by Humphries, HIGHER EARTH is his sci-fi follow up to last year's indie sensation OUR LOVE IS REAL. "Space is dead. Why conquer other planets when there's a perfectly good Earth in the universe next door? Heidi, a girl born in garbage. Rex, a soldier gone rogue. The only thing between them and their destiny is an empire of a hundred different Earths, across a hundred alternate timelines. One majestic planet dominates them all: Higher Earth."


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

John Romita Jr. Attempts World Record


WHEN: Friday, May 4, 2012
12noon – World Record Attempt Begins

WHERE: Hard Rock Cafe
3771 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas Strip in the Showcase Mall
To secure Jordan’s (Heroes For Jordan) lifetime medical and personal needs and assist other children suffering from cancer and life-threatening diseases, John Romita Jr. has teamed with the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada to raise much needed funds for Jordan and for other children diagnosed with cancer. 10 years after he set the original record, John Romita Jr., will attempt to break his own world record with 50 hours of longest personal signing & drawing appearance.
The public is invited to attend the World Record Attempt and encouraged to make a contribution to the Heroes For Jordan/Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. Marvel character sketches and autographs by John Romita Jr. will be available for specified donations on a first-come, first-served basis.
About John Romita Jr.
For 35 years, famed Marvel Comics artist, John Romita Jr. has illustrated practically every character in the Marvel Comics Universe.  Born in New York City, Romita Jr. got his start under the guidance of his father, comics legend John Romita Sr., co-creator of numerous Marvel Comics characters.
Romita Jr. began his career at Marvel UK and made his American debut doing a short story in 1977’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Annual #11.  He has since gone on to become one of Marvel’s preeminent artists on everything from IRON MAN with writer David Michelinie to UNCANNY X-MEN with author Chris Claremont to DAREDEVIL. He had his first regular run working on the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN series in the early 1980s and with writer Roger Stern he co-created the character Hobgoblin.
In the past two decades, Romita Jr. has worked on countless Marvel Comics titles including The Punisher War Zone, The Hulk, The Mighty Thor, Wolverine, The Black Panther, and many others.
In 2004, Romita Jr.’s creator-owned project The Gray Area was published by Image Comics and in 2008 he collaborated with Mark Millar, for a creator-owned series, KICK-ASS, published by Icon imprint.  In 2010, the comic book was turned into a major motion picture distributed by Lionsgate starring Nicholas Cage, Chloe Moretz and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.  Romita Jr., one of the film’s producers, made his directorial debut by directing an animated flashback sequence in the film. A sequel to the film, which has become a fan favorite, is set to begin filming in mid-2012.
Romita Jr. just recently finished a run on the popular AVENGERS comic book franchise and is currently working on the highly anticipated Marvel Comics epic 12-issue series AVENGERS VS. X-MEN.
About Heroes for Jordan
Jordan Alyssa Atherton was born on Sept 17, 1999.  Two months after her second birthday, Jordan started complaining that her head hurt and she was having trouble with her balance. Just a few days after Thanksgiving 2001, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following surgery she was considered a high risk case because she was younger than three years old and because the cancer had metastasized down her spinal column.  At the time, doctors told her parents that this greatly reduced her long term chance of survival and that she had a 30% chance to survive five years, and less than 5% chance of long-term survival.
As a fund-raising event to help offset her medical expenses, Jordan’s uncle, famed Marvel Comics artist John Romita Jr., attempted to set the world’s record for Longest Personal Signing & Drawing Appearance.  In New York City, on May 11, 2002, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, John Romita Jr. set the world’s record for Longest Personal Signing & Drawing Appearance at 48 hours and raised money for Jordan’s Special Needs Trust to help cover Baby Jordan’s medical expenses.
Jordan is now 12 years-old and a sixth grader, and, although free of cancer, continues to require special attention.  As a result of surgery, chemo, and radiation, Jordan has a number of permanent negative side effects. She will require specialized instruction throughout her life as well as constant care.
While Jordan’s future, both medically and cognitively, is uncertain, today she is a loving, caring young lady who’s a big sister to a 9 year-old brother and 5 year-old sister. She loves all animals (except bugs!) and she loves to watch the Food Network.  She loves fancy cars, dressing up and being pampered.  Basically, she’s a wonderful boisterous child who was dealt a very difficult hand and does the best with what she’s been given in life.
For more information visit www.heroesforjordan.org.

Big Wow ComicFest hits the Bay Area May 19-20



Big Wow! ComicFest Returns to San Jose on May 19th & 20th, 2012, bringing two great days of Comic Book, Art, Anime, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Cosplay FUN! Many of the country's best vendors of all things cool and collectible will tempt your wallets with the perfect gifts for Geek Grads and Dads!!!

Founded in 1979 as "Super-Con", Big Wow! ComicFest is not only Northern California's Longest-Running Comic Book Convention, but is next year's Only Major Comics Event in the San Francisco Bay Area!

As the Original Artist-Friendly Show, we have Fantastic Comic Book Creator Guests spanning all decades and genres! This year we are pleased to welcome as our Featured Guests: Legendary Illustrator Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing, Heavy Metal), Vampire Horror Author Steve Niles, creator of 30 Days Of Night, Fan-Favorites Travis Charest (Space Girl), Kevin Nowlan (Superman Vs. Aliens), and more Special Guests including: Dan Brereton (Nocturnals), Greg Capullo (Spawn), Joe Linsner (Dawn), Alex Nino (Dead Ahead), Stuart Sayger (Shiver In The Dark), and many more to be confirmed and added!

Once again Big Wow! ComicFest joins Hippy Comix, Inc. in excavating Underground Alley, a special block of tables featuring two generations of Independent, Adult, and Alternative Comix creators! Confirmed Denizens for 2012 include: Dan O'Neill (Odd Bodkins, Air Pirates Funnies), Spain Rodriguez(Zap Comix, Zodiac Mindwarp), Dan Fogel, (Snatch Comics Treasury, Underground Comix Price Guide), Steve Wyatt (Comedy of Horrors, Subterranean Tales), and Mark Bode (Cobalt 60, Lizard of Oz), who will create an Exclusive Limited Edition Print benefitting The S. Clay Wilson Special Needs Trust!

Featured guests include:

Actor, writer, and producer Thomas Jane, star of "The Punisher" film and the HBO favorite series "Hung", is also the author of the comic book series Bad Planet!

Jane Wiedlin is the sexy and charismatic guitar player for The GoGos! One of the best known Rock/Pop groups to emerge from the 1980's, Jane and the other original members of the group have just finished an astonishing US Tour! Jane is back at work, writing a new story for the 2011 Simpsons Tree House of Horror comic book, and her own series (starring Jane herself) Lady Robotika, drawn by Big Wow! buddy and Special Guest Bill Morrison!

In conjunction with San Francisco's Cartoon Art Museum, Big Wow! ComicFest proudly presents "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Art Show!" Featuring Five Decades of Original Art and Memorabilia from the Marvel Comics world-famous group of greatest superheroes and latest movie stars!

Admission is only:

1 Day Adult $20.00 (at the door) 2 Day Adult $30.00 (at the door)

1 Day Child (8-14) $10.00 (at the door) 2 Day Child $15.00 (at the door) CHILDREN UNDER 8 ARE FREE!

*Save Off Admission! Buy tickets online, or at many local Comic Book Stores!

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.bigwowcomicfest.com









Tuesday, May 1, 2012

AOL On New Series Little Women Big Cars - Starring Kristy Swanson, Amy Yasbeck, Julie Warner & Romy Rosemont

Hey Geeks, AOL On Parenting has a new show that premieres on May 7th, just in time for Mother's Day. The 15 episode series, "Little Women, Big Cars" is being produced by Vuguru and stars Amy Yasbeck (Wings, Hot in Cleveland), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Psych), Romy Rosemont (Glee), Julie Warner (Crash, Nip/Tuck), Ed Begley Jr. (Portlandia, The New Adventures of Old Christine), Antonio Sabato Jr. (Melrose Place, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Alexis Denisof (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). When the women set Barbara up on a date with their kids’ handsome and recently divorced soccer coach, the blossoming relationship forces the other women to re-examine their own marriages. Their friendship is further tested when it comes time to compete for spots in the school’s gifted program. Will the women realize their bond is truly stronger than they ever imagined? From bake sales and soccer games, to gossip and divorce, these four moms will navigate the comedy and drama of suburban life.

Yes, that's right, Finn's mom, the original Buffy and Wesley Wyndham Price are all going to be in the series. I know that's enough to at least make you curious, right? Do yourselves a favor and check out this funny and insightful new show!

Avengers Assemble! Cartoon Art Museum Exhibition: May 12 – October 21, 2012


"And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes and heroines found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born—to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has prospered, changing many times, but their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then—for now, the Avengers Assemble!"

The Cartoon Art Museum celebrates five decades of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with Avengers Assemble!, an exhibition featuring some of the most iconic characters in comic book history, including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, The Wasp, Hawkeye, Black Widow and The Incredible Hulk. Artists featured in this retrospective include Jack Kirby, who co-created the series with writer Stan Lee in 1963; John Buscema, considered by many to be the definitive Avengers artist; and Neal Adams, whose photo-realistic style changed comics forever in the 1960s and 1970s. Rarities from infrequent Avengers artists will also be featured, including works by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko; DC Comics Vice President Jim Lee; and Sal Buscema, one of Marvel’s most prolific pencilers. Contemporary Avengers artists John Romita Jr. and Frank Cho will also be spotlighted.

This exhibition is sponsored in part by the Big Wow! ComicFest, which will feature an exhibition of original Avengers artwork at the San Jose Convention Center on May 19 & 20. Highlights from this exhibition will be incorporated into Avengers Assemble! At the Cartoon Art Museum the following week.

Big Wow! ComicFest is the Bay Area’s largest comic convention this year, including dozens of special guests and exhibitors. Featured guests include Jim Lee (Batman, Justice League of America), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing, Heavy Metal), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Travis Charest (Metabarons), Kevin Nowlan (Superman vs. Aliens), Sergio Aragonés (MAD, Sergio Aragonés Funnies), Bob Layton (Iron Man, Avengers), Frank Cho (Avengers, Liberty Meadows) and many, many more guests and special exhibitors! Please visit http://www.bigwowcomicfest.com/ for a full list of exhibitors and programming. 

Please visit the Cartoon Art Museum’s website, http://cartoonart.org , for announcements regarding additional programming throughout the exhibition’s run.

Cartoon Art Museum • 655 Mission Street • San Francisco, CA 94105 • 415-CAR-TOON • www.cartoonart.org <http://www.cartoonart.org>
Hours: Tues. Sun. 11:00 - 5:00, Closed Monday
General Admission:$7.00 • Student/Senior:$5.00 • Children 6-12:$3.00 • Members & Children under 6: Free