Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes Coming from Archaia

 Archaia Entertainment has set July 25^th for the release of Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes, its first illustrated novel, through its new book trade distributor Publishers Group West.

Written by celebrated author, artist, and digital producer Andrew E.C. Gaska, and adapted from a story by Gaska, Rich Handley, Christian Berntsen and Erik Matthews, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes recounts what happened between the scenes of the classic 1968 Twentieth Century Fox film, centering on the astronaut John Landon, Chimpanzee scientists Dr. Milo and Dr. Galen, and Gorilla Security Chief Marcus. The book contains 30 full-color paintings and another 19 black and white illustrations, including a cover by legendary artist Jim Steranko (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and interior art from some of the top talent in the industry, including renowned book cover painter Ken Kelly (Conan, KISS), Joe Jusko (Savage Sword of Conan, Tarzan), Sanjulian (Eerie, Vampirella), Mark Texiera (Ghost Rider, Wolverine), Leo Leibelman (Heavy Metal), Matt Busch (Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica), Brian Rood (Indiana Jones, Star Wars), Tom Scioli (Godland), David Hueso (G.I. Joe: Storm Shadow) and newcomers Dan Dussault (Critical Millennium) and Dirk Shearer (Mice Templar).

Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes marks Archaia’s first venture into prose books. “We’re very excited about our first foray into prose fiction publishing, particularly being able to work with a brilliant creative talent in Drew Gaska and a storied franchise like Planet of the Apes. I’m a huge fan of the original film and Conspiracy is a great example of an author playing successfully in an established narrative canon. We are very excited to introduce this extraordinary science fiction release across the book trade and genre markets and look forward to Conspiracy emerging as one of the year’s most talked-about titles,” said Mark Smylie, CCO of Archaia.

The original Planet of the Apes was an immediate pop-culture phenomenon, spanning decades with several film and television sequels, including the 2001 remake starring Mark Wahlberg and the latest, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, starring 127 Hours star James Franco, Harry Potter’s Tom Felton and Immortals’ Freida Pinto.

Review: Thor: Tales of Asgard

Thor, in my mind, has never been a standout character on The Avengers roster. It’s not his fault, the man IS the God of Thunder but he still has to compete with Captain America, Iron Man and The Hulk (way more interesting characters).Then, here comes Marvel, which did something amazing with their live-action Thor film; they made me care about the character.

It is with this newfound interest that I went into ‘Thor: Tales of Asgard’ with high expectations. I had been wondering when this film would be released as it was teased on the ‘Planet Hulk’ Blu-ray about a year and a half ago. Now mind you, I’m a Marvel guy but even I have to admit that DC has far surpassed them in the animated feature department. Thor: Tales of Asgard is not Marvel’s best feature, nor is it their worst (I’m looking at you Next Avengers) and it stands up to DC’s efforts admirably.

The film is not so much an origin story as it is a coming-of-age one. We get a teenage Thor, full of ego, who learns that his weekly duels in the arena with Asgard’s soldiers are routinely swung in his favor. This fills him with the need to prove himself, so he and his brother Loki stow away on the ship of the Warriors Three intent on tracking down the Sword of Surtur. They stop in a pub which sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to the breakdown of the peace treaty between Asgard and the Frost Giants.

Thor’s journey plays out amazingly well. Even with the short running time, you get to see the full progression of the character that will eventually become the Thor we know (something that Smallville failed to do over the course of ten seasons). The biggest disappointment is the missed opportunity with the development of Loki. He’s not only Thor’s brother, but his greatest foe and it’s not until a brief scene towards the end that we get a hint of what the character will become. Beyond that, there also seems to be (and this may just be my opinion) a mismatch between the voice of Thor and his look/dialogue. Overall the film is a solid and enjoyable effort from Marvel that should satisfy old and new fans alike.

Relativity, Archaia, and Fandango Are Looking For A God And Goddess

Do you have what it takes to be a Greek God or Goddess? If so, then Relativity Media – the studio behind the visually spectacular 3D action adventure Immortals – wants you to sign up right away! Exclusively offered via Facebook today, the Relativity-Archaia Immortals promotion sponsored by Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination, will crown the winners on July 1 with a king’s ransom-worth of prizes, including a grand prize where contest winners will be immortalized as graphic novel characters with the “reveal” taking place at the Archaia panel during Comic-Con in a special photo-op ceremony. Winners will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to San Diego to attend the 2011 Comic-Con International. The package includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and exclusive access to special Immortals events throughout the convention.

Entrants will share their reasons why they are the perfect candidate to become the Greek God (Apollo) or Goddess (Artemis) via the Facebook application form. The top-10 entries (five women and five men) with the most “Likes” at the end of the contest period will be asked to submit “authentic” audition tapes for the roles to Relativity Media. The film’s celebrated Director Tarsem Singh will select his two favorites (one man, one woman) and they will be crowned the winners.

Relativity Media and graphic novel publisher Archaia Entertainment, LLC formed a publishing partnership to produce and publish a hardcover graphic novel anthology based upon Relativity’s upcoming epic motion picture Immortals, which stars Henry Cavill (Superman: Man of Steel), Luke Evans (Robin Hood), Kellan Lutz (Twillight), Isabel Lucas (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), and Mickey Rourke (Iron Man 2).

Archaia will release the Immortals: Gods and Heroes graphic novel in September, serving as a prelude to the 3D motion picture, which releases worldwide on November 11, 2011. The graphic novel will expand upon the film’s key characters and events through a series of original tales written and illustrated by some of the top names in comics, including David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Dennis Calero (Dark Tower) and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night). The graphic novel will be published through Archaia’s Black Label division, a publishing pipeline dedicated to working alongside creative professionals within the entertainment industry eager to launch and expand their brands in the publishing world.

For more information on the contest, please visit:


http://www.fandango.com/

http://www.immortalsmovie.com/

www.facebook.com/immortals

http://twitter.com/ImmortalsFilm

Breaking In Series Finale- This Tuesday Night

CONTRA SECURITY GOES BACK TO SCHOOL ON THE “BREAKING IN” SEASON FINALE

TUESDAY, MAY 17, ON FOX

When Contra Security is hired to find a teen cyber-bully, Cameron finds himself back at his former high school, where he must relive his un-glory days in the all-new “21.0 Jump Street” season finale episode of BREAKING IN airing Tuesday, May 17 (9:31-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Guest Cast: Mike Tyson as Himself; Michael Rosenbaum as Dutch; Trevor Moore as Josh; Jennifer Irwin as Creepy Carol; Zack Perlman as Leslie; Nora Kirkpatrick as Patty; Nick Jandl as Kip O’Bannon; Heather Sossaman as MeganFOX has decided not to renew the freshman series (which recently ran a Comic-Con storyline) and will be airing its final episode tomorrow night. Also cancelled by FOX: Human Target, The Chicago Code, Lie To Me and Traffic Light.

Call of the Dead DLC for PS3, X-Box 360 and PC

The epic Call of Duty franchise has just gotten even…epic-er. I didn’t think it was even possible. The brilliant minds over at Treyarch have assembled their own version of The Mighty Avengers. They have gathered some of the baddest mofo’s around for the new “Call of the Dead” map pack. You can now play as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Machete, Freddy Krueger and Merle Dixon. You read that right. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Danny Trejo, Robert Englund and Michael Rooker have lent their voices and likenesses to the franchise. And get this- Zombie Godfather George Romero appears in the game as a boss! I loves me some Call of Duty and even though I’m not one for DLC, I NEED to get this ASAP. The 360 version is out now and PS3 and PC versions will be released soon.

5 Geeky Products You Will Be Spending Your Money On

Doctor Who- Eleventh Doctor's Jacket

Save the world in style! This replica of the Eleventh Doctor's jacket from AbbyShot is officially licensed by the BBC. The jacket features functional inside and outside pockets, back kick pleat, and 100% leather elbow patches. It comes in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. You can own this bad boy in August 2011 for the low low price of $309.99 Pre-order it now from Entertainment Earth.

Boba: The Soap

Get squeeky geeky clean with this Boba Fett soap from Luxury Lane Soap. While you're ordering that, why not check out all the other awesome "Earth friendly, animal safe, completely awesome" soaps.

Marvel Select Thor Movie Action Figure

Marvel's God of Thunder comes with 16 points of articulation. This highly detailed figure bears the likeness of Chris Hemsworth and will only set you back $18.99 at Entertainment Earth. 

Eden of the East: The King of Eden

This film picks up 6 months after the end of the Eden of the East series. Akira Takizawa has disappeared after saving Japan from destruction. Saki Morimi flies to New York after learning a clue to his whereabouts. Meanwhile, the remaining Seleção are plotting their final move. Some of them would prefer Takizawa dead and out of the way. Some might even be willing to help him achieve his goals. Also included is Air Communication--the original series recut into a prequel feature. Available now at Amazon.com

The Star Wars Craft Book

Get crafty with The Star Wars Craft Book by Bonnie Burton. It will keep you entertained for hours on end with projects like a Jabba the Hutt body pillow, Ewok fleece hats and Chewbacca sock puppets. Mine is in the mail. You can order yours at Amazon.com

Forbes' Top 10 Richest Fictional Characters

Last month Forbes released their annual list of the top 15 richest fictional characters. According to Forbes, in order to qualify to be on the list they "require that candidates be an authored fictional creation, a rule which excludes mythological and folkloric characters. They must star in a specific narrative work or series of works. And they must be known, both within their fictional universe and by their audience, for being rich."

The Top 10:

1. Scrooge McDuck (Ducktales) $44.1 Billion-

Scrooge's fortune is mostly in gold which he keeps in his money bin. His fortune increased due to record-high price in gold.

2. Carlisle Cullen (Twilight Saga) $36.2 Billion-

The Twilight vamp made his fortune by placing his money in savings, which made him billions in interest. He also made his fortune investing in steel, gold and oil.

3. Artemis Fowl, II (Artemis Fowl) $13.5 Billion-

Fowl is a child genius who took over the family business (theft and forgery) at age 10 after his father was kidnapped. 

4. Richie Rich (Richie Rich) $9.7 Billion-

Since 1953 the richest kid in the world has been rolling in the dough. He made his fortune through inheritance and conglomerates.

5. Jed Clampett (The Beverly Hillbillies) $9.5 Billion-

Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed who made his fortune in oil, gas and banking.

6. Tony Stark (Iron Man) $9.4 Billion-

The billionaire playboy, industrialist and engineer makes the list from his earnings from Stark Industries. 

7. Smaug (The Hobbit) $8.6 Billion-
The Dragon of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" amassed his fortune of gold, silver and gems through marauding and hording.

8. Bruce Wayne (Batman) $7 Billion-
Wayne's money comes from his family's personal fortune and the major private technology firm that he inherited.

9. Mr. Monopoly (Monopoly) $2.6 Billion-

Mr. Monopoly's made his billions from real estate investment (Boardwalk, Park Place, etc.) and passing "Go."

10. Arthur Bach (Arthur) $1.8 Billion-

The eccentric billionaire's fortune comes from inheritance.

The rest of the Forbes list:
11. Jo Bennett (The Office) $1.2 Billion
12. C. Montgomery Burns (The Simpsons) $1.1 Billion
13. Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl) $1.1 Billion
14. Gordon Gekko (Wall Street) $1.1 Billion
15. Jeffrey Lebowski (The Big Lebowski) $1 Billion

Marvel Comes to Netflix!

On April 29th Marvel began streaming programming instantly on Netflix! Right now, you can add these to your instant queue:

The Incredible Hulk (1996-97)
Spider-Man Unlimited (1999-2001)
Iron Man: Extremis – Marvel Knights Animation (2010)
Astonishing X-Men: Gifted – Marvel Knights Animation (2010)
Spider-Woman: Agent of the S.W.O.R.D. – Marvel Knights Animation (2010)
Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes (2006)
Silver Surfer (1998)
Black Panther – Marvel Knights Animation (2010)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures Season 1 (2009)

Coming later this summer:
Marvel Action Hour: Iron Man (1994-96)
The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! Season 1 (2010)
X-Men Evolution (2000-3)
X-Men (1992-7)
Spider-Man (1994-‘98)
Spider-Man (1967-‘68)
Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends (1981)
Spider-Man (1981-‘82)

Coming in the fall:
Iron Man (1966)
Thor (1966)
Captain America (1966)
Hulk (1966)
Sub-Mariner (1966)

And that's not all, Marvel says there is more content on the way! Go to Marvel.com to keep up with the latest news on their upcoming releases. If you're not already a Netflix member join today!