San Francisco, April 2, 2011 - Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb announced casting for two of the company’s much anticipated anime series, IRON MAN and WOLVERINE, at its WonderCon panel today in San Francisco to the delight of fans in attendance. Both series will premiere on G4 in July 2011.

As the exclusive US TV home for the series, G4 will air IRON MAN and WOLVERINE along with the BLADE and X-MEN anime series later this year. The network will premiere an exclusive clip from WOLVERINE on Wednesday’s Attack of the Show at 7 pm ET/PT.

Whew! We have returned from Emerald City ComiCon, and we’re covering some awesome comics this week! Listen up as we talk Siege #3, Green Arrow #31,  Dark Avengers #15, Supernatural: Beginning’s End #3, X-Factor Forever #1, American Vampire #1, Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #3, and the Funko Iron Man Bobblehead!

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Whew! We have returned from Emerald City ComiCon, and we’re covering some awesome comics this week! Listen up as we talk Siege #3, Green Arrow #31,  Dark Avengers #15, Supernatural: Beginning’s End #3, X-Factor Forever #1, American Vampire #1, Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #3, and the Funko Iron Man Bobblehead!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S ARRIVALS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Questions? Comments? Post them below!

Whew! We have returned from Emerald City ComiCon, and we’re covering some awesome comics this week! Listen up as we talk Siege #3, Green Arrow #31,  Dark Avengers #15, Supernatural: Beginning’s End #3, X-Factor Forever #1, American Vampire #1, Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #3, and the Funko Iron Man Bobblehead!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S ARRIVALS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Questions? Comments? Post them below!

Whew! We have returned from Emerald City ComiCon, and we’re covering some awesome comics this week! Listen up as we talk Siege #3, Green Arrow #31,  Dark Avengers #15, Supernatural: Beginning’s End #3, X-Factor Forever #1, American Vampire #1, Avengers vs. Agents of Atlas #3, and the Funko Iron Man Bobblehead!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S ARRIVALS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Questions? Comments? Post them below!

Midtown Comics Monday Podcast: Matt Fraction

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AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #30: Despite some great character moments with Penance and Trauma, this is not my favorite issue of this series ever. It’s VERY texty, to a fault, especially considering there’s some great action set pieces. And it feels like the title is in a holding pattern until the next status quo, when previously, it was almost the backbone of the Marvel U. Too bad. If you’re a fan of the series, pick ‘er up, but otherwise not the best point to jump on board.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #613: Paul Azaceta’s art, once again, fits perfectly with the electrical (Electro is the villain, natch) nature of this storyline, with his jagged art, and thick lines. Mark Waid also turns in a solid script, though there’s a few too many “Whoops, the villain disappeared, guess we’re done with him forever!” moments for my liking. Spider-Man continues to be a solid read, though, week after week, and not many comics can say that.

DARK AVENGERS: ARES #2: Last issue, I said I loved what writer Kieron Gillen was doing up until the end. Oops! I was wrong! There’s a great twist in here that completely forgives the ending of this issue, and proves Gillen has a well thought out series. Fans of Incredible Hercules, in particular, will appreciate this as the more serious, hardcore action piece to that series’ emotion and humor. I’d love to see Gillen on an Ares ongoing, dovetailing with Hercules as both Greek Gods continue, creating their own mini universe. But maybe that’s just me.

SECRET WARRIORS #10: Jonathan Hickman proves, once again, that he remembers just as much about the Secret Warriors as the rest of us do – which is to say, not at all. Other than Phobos and Nick Fury, none of ‘em appear in this issue, and that’s a great thing. A character piece focused on the relationship between Phobos and his father Ares, with a little Fury thrown in for good measure, it works to further deepen the relationship between father and son. I’m honestly at a bit of a loss with this title, in general. Some excellent art; as mentioned, great character work by Hickman; but no one has any idea who any of the characters are, and it doesn’t seem to have a purpose. If you want a Nick Fury book, I’m totally behind you. If you want an Ares & Son book, I’m cool with that, too. But the team Secret Warriors doesn’t seem to be working. Maybe it’s the title? Maybe Secret Warriors sells more than Nick Fury and His Amazing Friends? I dunknow. Whatever it is, there’s something off about this, and it needs to be fixed… Even with the good quality of this issue (and most issues) as a whole. Weird, right? Anyway, hopefully his upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. mini-series will address these concerns.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #138: Every issue of this is perfect. Why aren’t you reading it? You should be reading it. Good, glad we settled that.

FANTASTIC FOUR #573: In one issue, Jonathan Hickman completely dumps everything in the first half of Mark Millar’s run, and all of Fantastic Force. Hey, I didn’t say this was a bad thing, it’s just surprising that it happened so quickly. As is, I still like but don’t love this series. But! Franklin’s birthday party in the next issue should, I think, kick it up that extra notch. We shall see…

MS. MARVEL #47: I wish this was a LITTLE more fun. Brian Reed has shown that he knows how to write Spider-Man, in, you know… Spider-Man. And he knows what to do with Ms. Marvel. But this issue paints Peter as a slob, which is a little too broad, I think. And we don’t really learn anything necessary, other than a tidbit that sets up the next (and last) arc of the series. Too bad, as there’s a lot of great comic and emotional possibilities, which, other than a few exceptions, aren’t present in this issue. Not bad, but not my favorite issue of this series so far.

DARK WOLVERINE #80: Daniel Way and Marjorie Liu are doing a splendid job fleshing out Daken’s character in this series, and actually making him someone I would want to read more about. While this arc isn’t quite as successful as the first (the motivations are even murkier, as are the antagonists), I’m eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #2: There’s a fun surprise guest in the too-short Electro origin story in this issue that, nevertheless, makes it worth a pick-up. And the Jonah Jameson story in the back is a delight. Spider-Girl, I know, is good, but its so dense it makes my head hurt I’M SO SORRY.

SON OF HULK #17: With the last issue of this series, I have a far better idea of who Hiro-Kala is, and where he’s going than when we started, and that’s a good thing. Though I don’t think he can support his own series, I’m looking forward to the next appearance of this addition to the Marvel Cosmic Universe. Which is kind of a repetitive name.

THOR GIANT SIZE FINALE #1: Sigh. It’s solid enough, and has some great Warriors Three moments, but the steam has gone out of JMS’ run with this issue. You can almost feel him turning the script in because he had to. I don’t blame Marvel for this, they did give him amazing latitude for a main Marvel character, I just wish he had gotten to finish the story he was telling. Maybe someday will get an out of continuity finish the way he wanted to do it? Regardless, I’m looking forward to Gillen’s run and seeing what he does with good ol’ Hammer-Master. That’s my name for Thor.

NEW MUTANTS #7: I’m sorry. You bring Douglock into the equation, and I just can’t properly review a title. I’m sure it’s good or something, but you’re not going to win my over with flashing back to Fall of the Mutants, the most seminal story for Dougheads (you know, Doug Ramsey fans), Zeb Wells. You won’t win me over. Never. Maybe.

POWERS #1: I love that Powers is back, and it’s great to see Mike Oeming and Brian Michael Bendis back as a team; they perfectly compliment each other. If you haven’t previously read the series… Well, first, what’s wrong with you? Second, this is not the BEST jumping on point, but its as good as any other for a series that alternates between easy to follow to mysteries, and dense character continuity. Pick ‘er up.

HULK #17: …And we’re back. Sigh. This arc went one issue too long, and a few too many angsty Rulk lines to be believable. It’s still silly fun, and I would argue probably one of the more classically structured comic books Marvel is publishing. But with the copious unnecessary nudity, and grim and gritty dialogue, ya lost me. And just when I was starting to get into the character. Ah well. Anyway, Fall of the Hulks should be fun.

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #4: Given the amount of Ultimates stories where the Avengers try to take down one of their own, before teaming up to beat the big baddie, you’d think I’d be tired of it. And yet…

UNCANNY X-MEN #517: It’s pretty clear that Matt Fraction is channeling an action movie for his run here on X-Men, and whether you like it or not if pretty dependent on whether you like your X-Men big and broad, or angsty and playing baseball. Me? I like it, its big and fun and though the cast is huge, its easy to keep track of. But Claremont era fans might be bristling in their juices right now.

“The story begins with what appears to be Iron Man attacking a small village in Russia,” says co-writer Marc Guggenheim of Iron Man vs. Whiplash #1, out November 4. “He wipes out women and children. The whole town, basically, including the father of our eventual antagonist, inventor Anton Vanko.”

“Vanko counter-attacks and damages some of the armor, which he eventually fashions into his own set of weaponry which he hopes to use to enact payback. Meanwhile, Tony Stark is prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.”

The ICC prosecutes despots and war criminals, guaranteeing a story set on a large global scale. And in-continuity. Guggenheim also assures readers that Stark’s plate quickly fills up with a bit more than he can chew, thanks to the series’ far-ranging view.

“Tony is in Montana on the job when he’s arrested by none other than the Crimson Dynamo and the Red Guardian, who are sent on a bilateral mission to arrest Iron Man for the attack on the Russian village,” he says.

Iron Man fans will remember the original Whiplash, one of Iron Man’s very first foes from his early days as a super hero. Iron Man vs. Whiplash introduces a very different man who wears the name – and who poses a very particular, very personal threat to everyone’s favorite billionaire industrialist.

“Anton has no connection to the previous Whiplash,” Guggenheim explains. “Eagle-eyed readers might wonder if he has a familial connection to Ivan Vanko, the original Crimson Dynamo, but that’s really a story for another time.”

“As for the threat he poses to Tony…he blames Tony for the death of his father and the destruction of his entire village, including his friends and neighbors. And he’s determined to use Tony’s own technology as the tools of his revenge.”

In terms of powers and abilities, the new Whiplash represents a man who learns from his enemies and possibly even improves on their own weapons.

“What makes this version of Whiplash especially deadly is the fact that his technology comes from Tony Stark’s Iron Man tech,” says Guggenheim. “So it’s an even match, power for power, strength for strength. But Vanko is motivated by vengeance and that’s the added element, the x-factor – can I say that in a non-mutant book? – that gives him an edge over Tony.”

Tony Stark and Anton Vanko aside, one of the greatest participants in Iron Man vs. Whiplash might very well be Guggenhiem’s co-writer on the series – producer Brannon Braga, of “24″ fame.

“Brannon brings an incredible mind for all things action and sci-fi – as his work on ‘24′ and the ‘Star Trek’ franchise demonstrates,” he notes. “Honestly, for me, it’s like working with a legend. We have a really easy-going style, just batting ideas around back and forth.”

“And I have to say, he’s picked up the art of comic book writing a million times faster than anyone has a right to. It’s truly frightening to watch how he’s absorbed the form like a sponge. It’s humbling, actually. The guy is just that smart.”

You can check out all the action this November in Iron Man vs. Whiplash #1 – neck braces optional!
——

The first two issues of the Iron Man vs. Whiplash mini series are available for pre-order and will be the perfect way to get you psyched up for Iron Man 2 in theatres May 7, 2010.

“…When I looked back over the comic books, all of the different iterations of Iron Man and Rhodey that there have been, the one thing that seemed like it was always there was this friendship. There was a real friendship and underlying kinship. I was always asking, ‘Where did it come from? What’s it based on? How tenuous is it, now that Tony is kind of a free agent and Rhodey is a military man? How does that work?’ That’s what drove my questions about our relationship for the whole movie.”

Don Cheadle

Sideshow Collectibles and Legacy Effects are proud to bring you the Iron Man Mark III Half-Scale Maquette from the blockbuster Iron Man film. Sideshow’s team collaborated with Legacy Effects to create this incredible half-scale maquette, which was used to develop the original screen-used costume, capturing the awesome detail of Iron Man’s legendary armor. Each piece is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. Standing approximately 40 inches high, the maquette is crafted of polystone, fiberglass, metal and other materials to best recreate the Iron Man armor as authentically as possible. LED light-up eyes and heart add incredible realism, powered by the supplied power cord and wall plug (U.S. only) (battery operated function TBD). The Iron Man Mark III Half-Scale Maquette is the ultimate Iron Man collectible, and sure to be the centerpiece of your display.

First, returning of course, is Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy:

But who could forget that Tony is really Iron Man? Of course, his suit has a few new toys since the last movie:

But enough about what we know! How about the plot details? Well, picking up from the last movie, there’s not one, not two, but THREE new antagonists for Tony to face off against! First, there’s the hideous Whiplash:

Whiplash is like a dark mirror of Tony Stark himself, and has issues with Tony’s parents:

Whiplash teams up with Justin Hammer, yet another billionaire, who doesn’t quite have the scruples that Tony Stark does:

And last, but not least, there’s Natasha Romanoff, the new, unassuming secretary at Stark Industries:

…Or at least that’s how she seems! When she throws on a little black leather, she becomes the Black Widow:

Is she good? Bad? A romantic interest for Tony… Or Iron Man? We’ll have to wait until next Summer to find out. Only one thing I can say for sure… The last scene’s climactic battle includes rocket penguins:

Iron Man Returns, Summer 2010. Be there!

Honestly, I can’t necessarily think of a better guy to direct The First Avenger: Captain America than the guy who directed The Rocketeer, can you? From the Hollywood Reporter:

“This is a guy who designed the vehicles for ‘Star Wars,’ who storyboarded the convoy action sequence for ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ ” Feige said. “From ‘Rocketeer’ to ‘October Sky’ to ‘The Wolfman,’ you can look at pieces of his movies and see how they lead to this one.”

…and also directed Jurassic Park III, the only one in that series that’s any good. No, I’m not joking.

In any case, seems like Marvel has the director thing pretty locked down, huh? To wit:

Iron Man II – Jon Favreau
Thor – Kenneth Branagh
The First Avenger: Captain America – Joe Johnston

That’s a certain level of director who is very, very good at their craft, but not so big that they can push around the producers or cause problems. Plus, all three are reliably going to do a job, not throw tantrums (see: Punisher War Zone).

Oh, and one more thing you guys might have not heard over the weekend: J. Michael Straczynski is doing the rewrite on Thor. How cool is that?

As part of his four picture deal with Marvel Studios, Robert Downey Jr. is appearing as Tony Stark in THE AVENGERS motion picture, as well as reprising his starring role as the larger-than-life leading character in IRON MAN 2. Jon Favreau will return to direct the sequel to the blockbuster IRON MAN, which to date has grossed over $578 million worldwide, as well as executive produce THE AVENGERS.

Academy Award® nominee Downey was most recently seen in the summer comedy blockbuster TROPIC THUNDER starring opposite Ben Stiller and Jack Black. Before Iron Man, he was best known for his film roles in KISS KISS BANG BANG, WONDER BOYS and CHAPLIN, the film for which he was nominated for an Oscar®.

In addition to directing the first IRON MAN, Favreau has previously directed ELF, ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE and MADE. He is also well known for writing and starring in SWINGERS. He will next be seen acting in FOUR CHRISTMASES, I LOVE YOU MAN and COUPLES RETREAT.

DON CHEADLE WILL STAR AS RHODEY IN IRON MAN 2

Marvel Studios is pleased today to confirm that an agreement has been finalized with award-winning actor Don Cheadle to take on the role of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes in Marvel’s IRON MAN 2 due in theaters on May 7, 2010. In casting Cheadle, Marvel replaces Terrence Howard who appeared in the role of Rhodey in IRON MAN.

Cheadle is also signed on to perform the same role in THE AVENGERS and subsequent installments of the IRON MAN franchise.

“We are very excited about working with the extraordinarily talented Don Cheadle as we expand the role of Rhodey in Iron Man 2. It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take Iron Man 2 to new heights,” said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.

Cheadle is best known for his Oscar® nominated lead performance in HOTEL RWANDA as well as his role as Basher Tarr in the OCEAN’S franchise, CRASH and SWORDFISH.

Based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continues the story of this summer’s box office blockbuster IRON MAN, the first feature film produced independently by Marvel Studios. IRON MAN 2 will be produced by Marvel Studios’ President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Denis Stewart.

In a movie event, THE AVENGERS will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they’ve ever faced.

The highly anticipated sequel to IRON MAN will be released in theatres on May 7, 2010 and THE AVENGERS will be released July 15, 2011. Both films will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Cheadle is represented by UTA. Downey and Favreau are represented by CAA.

I kind of thought this was a joke when I read Bendis’ tweet about it, but nope, the legit press confirms it: Terrence Howard is out, Don Cheadle is in.

Which is actually not that shocking, if you think about it.

At first, my reaction was one of shock: in the current movie landscape, the consistency of the product is important to fans. In particular, Iron Man 2 is in the precarious position of keeping Marvel Studios going. Since Incredible Hulk didn’t dominate the B.O., IM2 has to do spectacularly, or the first movie ends up seeming like a fluke. So you don’t want to piss off fans, who generally enjoyed Howard’s performance.

However, and bear with me for a second, Katie Holmes replacement didn’t hurt The Dark Knight.

Now, first off, I know nobody loved Holmes in Batman Begins. However, I’d argue that The Dark Knight would have done just as well, and been just as good with or without Holmes. No knock to Maggie Gyllenhall, but Rachel Dawes is  a crappy part, crappily written. Nobody had a problem with the replacement actress.

Jim Rhodes, in Iron Man, was the girlfriend part, not Pepper Potts, who played the partner role. With Rhodes stepping it up in the next movie, taking out the soft voiced actor (Howard), and replacing him with an actor skilled in conveying bad-ass (Don Cheadle), is actually a smart move.

It’s not going to throw anyone, I think; and, in fact, it may make the movie better.