Star Wars Episode VII: Set pics from Abu Dhabi and a secret UK location.

Well this has been in draft form for some while and since initially writing the below, JJ Abrams himself has got involved in the leaking of set pictures for the upcoming resurgence of this much loved franchise, so I will leave my writing below and add links to the sites with the pictures, which makes me only indirectly involved in helping anyone see the leaked set pics.

http://www.tmz.com/2014/06/02/star-wars-episode-7-photos-from-set-tmz-tv/

http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_ady00hdz/

Photos from sets in Abu Dhabi are showing promising images of  non CGI sets and animatronics much like the original trilogy. I am aware this is something that fans wished was used more in the prequel trilogy which unfortunately ended up being heavily CG dependent.

Also further images have been revealed of a possible Millenium Falcon construction and X-Wing, as Bleeding Cool have noted it looks like the design for what is presumably an X-Wing is closer to the Ralph McQuarrie design that its predecessor in the original trilogy. This seems to be a strong design point across all new Star Wars developments since Disney purchased the franchise. Star Wars Rebel's the CG Animated series is also strongly influenced by the original McQuarrie concept art, bringing in the original design for Chewbacca as a new species and character in the series. Not much can be taken from these set pics other than it is promising that they are sticking with traditional techniques rather than relying on that green screen.

Special Edition NYC: Marvel Panels and more...

This weekend sees the debut of the Special Edition: NYC. New York Comic Con which is held later in the year is growing ever popular and as conventions grow more popular they broaden to more than just focusing on comics. Reed POP! Who are responsible for NYCC have in turn come up with Special Edition NYC which will specifically spotlight Comics, Art and Culture. For a debuting Comic Con it has an incredibly star studded list of creators and has also received a lot of attention from publishers including the Big 2. We are just over a month away from SDCC and to see the publishers giving this convention the credibility it is by turning up certainly proves that Reed POP! and their team of organisers are incredibly good at there jobs.

Marvel will once again be spotlighting there All-New Young Guns with all attending this event, while also having a panel dedicated to themselves, where hopefully we will hear more about there upcoming projects along with current work and how they got into the industry in the first place. Also it would be great to hear what it means to them for Marvel to consider them to be the so called "All-New Young Guns" the previous Young Guns had some incredible names who have become some of the stand out talent in recent years with the likes of Steve McNiven and Olivier Coipel.

                                         

There will also be one of Marvel's more popular panels, "Next Big Thing" where we are sure to learn more about the upcoming event Avengers and X-Men event "AXIS". I also hope there may be more news on titles spiralling out of there current event Original Sin. Although my current list is getting pretty full, it will be interesting to see if anything is announced that I just might have to add to my list. For more info on the panels check out the info below at the bottom of the post.

                                       

MARVEL Panels

MARVEL: All-New Young Guns
Saturday 12:15 PM

Marvel’s newest superstar illustrators – assembled on one stage!  Originally launched in 2004, the Young Guns program has shined a spotlight on the best and brightest in the comic book industry early in their careers. Now, join Marvel’s ALL-NEW YOUNG GUNS as they unveil exclusive imagery, explain their methods and influences, discuss how they got into the industry and more! 

MARVEL: Next Big Thing
Saturday 2:45 PMWant to start reading Marvel comics?  There’s no better time than Marvel NOW!  And there’s no better place to learn about our thrilling and creatively diverse All-New Marvel NOW series than this panel!   PLUS – What cataclysmic event begins this September in AVENGERS and NEW AVENGERS?  And what exactly is the monumental fall 2014 Avengers and X-Men event, AXIS?  You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers!  Don’t miss exciting discussion of current and future projects as editors & writers spill the beans on all things MARVEL! 

Marvel Unlimited+ MEMBERS ONLY Event

Sunday 11:15 AM
Join Executive Editorial Director of Digital Ryan Penagos as well as Marvel editors and top creators for a private panel discussion of what’s happening inside the Marvel Universe.  Get FREE merchandise (while supplies last), sneak peeks of upcoming comics, Q&A Session to answer all your burning questions and more!  Marvel Unlimited Plus Members ONLY – show your Member Card or confirmation email at the Marvel Booth for event credentials. 

Fan Friday Creator Spotlight: All-New Marvel Young Gun Valerio Schiti (Late again, maybe this should just be called Creator Spotlight?)

We are rapidly approaching the new convention by Reed Pop, Special Edition NYC. Previously announced at C2E2 and receiving a big promotion and spotlight at Special Edition are Marvel's All-New Young Guns, a collection of artists who they see as being the future of their comics. And what an almighty list it is. I decided with Special Edition around the corner and San Diego also not to far away that for the next 5 weeks I will spotlight each of the Marvel All-New Young Guns, what have I read by them? What haven't I read? What everyone should definitely check out.

So first up is Valerio Schiti. I've been a big fan of Valerio Schiti's work since reading Journey into Mystery with Katherine Immonen I've also done a little research so there won't just be the stuff I have read, which in some cases unfortunately is very little so lets begin.

What I've read by Schiti to date;

The first time I came across the work of Valerio Schiti was when reading Journey into Mystery by Kathryn Immonen, himself and the ever popular colorist Jordie Bellaire. This series received good acclaim from many corners of the comic internet, both for the storytelling by Kathryn and visual storytelling by Schiti. He got to work with many characters on this series, including the likes of Superior Spider-Man, Beta Ray Bill and proved that no character was a challenge for him. He brought a great stylization to the character and with Jordie Bellaire's colors the emotions he visualized were truly brought to life. It was sad to hear when this series was ending, and one of my first thoughts was where would Schiti be heading next, this surely can't be his last work at Marvel, and it wasn't, he has gone on to be a fill in artist on certain series, Mighty Avengers, Avengers A.I. and also did some fill in art for an issue of Guardians of the Galaxy with Sara Pichelli, one of his fellow All-New Young Guns. His work on Mighty Avengers, being the only issues I enjoyed, no disrespect intended but Schiti's art work is far more pleasing to the eye that Greg Land's.

What work had he done before;

Dungeons & Dragons

I can't say much at all about Valerio Schiti's earlier work, I personally have not read any of this and the images in this post all come from his back catalogue from the previews pages on the Comic Book Resources website. It is evident thought that Schiti began his work at IDW. Among his list of works are Battle Beasts, Dungeons & Dragons, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, another fan favourite title where he worked on a one shot containing the story of one of the turtles. So if you fancy checking any of his earlier work out here are some of the titles where you could begin.

Battle Beasts

Where can you find him next?

Since being announced as one of the All-New Young Gun's at this years C2E2 Schiti is now working with fan favourite writer, Jonathan Hickman, and the man currently responsible for Marvel's hottest property in the Avengers. The specific title Schiti is currently working on is Hickman's New Avengers which contains the current incarnation of the Illuminati, containing Iron Man, Beast, Mr Fantastic, Dr Strange, Namor, Black Panther, Bruce Banner/ Hulk and Black Bolt, so he has been given the responsibility of working with some of the biggest characters in the Marvel Universe and also one of the biggest on-going storyline's which effects will finally be coming to fruition this September in "8 Months Time Runs Out". I hope that Schiti will become the regular artist on this series, he has already illustrated issue 18 and as you can see from the related images he will be working on issue 19 and the current arc where the Illuminati have come across another Super Hero team during one of the incursions, his style really brings great life to the characters. One thing of note for me is how awesome he draws Dr. Strange and with the film confirmed and an obvious solo title on the way, I hope Schiti may be with in a shot for illustrating that title. This looks to be the current project taking up Schiti's time and although in August Kev Walker is solicited on the issues for New Avengers and Deodato Jnr is back for the September issue I do hope that Schiti will be returning to this title or bigger things.

You can find Valerio Schiti on twitter and Tumblr which I strongly recommend checking out, there are some awesome sketch studies for the characters within the Illuminati which certainly prove why he has been given the chance on this book. I can't wait to pick up this weeks issue of New Avengers to see more of his art work and strongly recommend anyone interested in his work to pick up the trade copies of Journey into Mystery.

Doctor Who Returns this August

Marvel: In 8 Months... Time Runs Out

Way back when Marvels Infinity event finished I had to take a good hard look at my monthly pick list and choose what I would drop because I was spending to much and at that time I found I wasn't enjoying Avengers or New Avengers as much as I expected. Well now here I am after having seen the solicitations for September and being a complete sucker for anything Avengers and Marvel and during my weekly trip to my local comic store and there extensive selection of back issues I have now purchased all the Avengers and New Avengers titles to present and will be adding them back to my standing order.

I had initially gotten quite tired of the incursion storyline within the New Avengers title and in turn also decided that Avengers wasn't the must read title for me that it had been earlier in its run. But I have been a fan of Jonathan Hickman's work for a long time. Secret Warriors is probably one of my favourite Marvel titles to date. So why would I drop the title when Hickman is known for long plotted storylines which always pay off, I'm going to go with naivety or just plain stupidity, and the solicits for September even give us a glimpse forward.

The solicits do not give much away other than they are to be written by series regular Jonathan Hickman but will also include art by a couple of Marvel's big guns, Jim Cheung who recently has illustrated the prologues or first issues to Marvel's events and tends to be put onto important issues will be illustrating Avengers. New Avengers will be illustrated by Mike Deodato Jnr who is currently working on Original Sin with Jason Aaron another artist who is given the responsibility to illustrate some of Marvel's big titles.

                                       

What can we take from the cover of Avengers #35, well if this is the Avengers team in 8 Months time that looks to be Havok, Thor wielding Jarnbjorn, Captain America, Hulk and I've been trying to work out who the guy with the cane is, at first I thought Daredevil, but since seeing the Captain America #22 preview it may well be a de-super soldier serumed Steve Rogers so who is the guy dressed as Captain America? Other than the team in the forefront there is not much else to give away what will be taking place there is Stark Tower in the background and a hellicarrier so S.H.I.E.L.D. must be involved in some way.

In New Avengers #24 we get a look at the cover which contains Thanos as his Black Order who appear to be making a return, although I'm fairly certain that is Namor as well as Black Swan who was first captured during one of the original incursions. What brings this motley crew together and also how does Thanos get out of his current prison? I imagine the answers more will be teased in the coming months and its only until September and we will find out.

                                       

Star Wars: Another Stand-Alone film confirmed with announcement of Director Josh Trank

Although we are yet to find out who, what and where these stand-alone films will include. Josh Trank ,the director of Chronicle the critically acclaimed film with its own take on super heroes, has been announced to be working on one of the stand-alone Star Wars movies beyond the core Saga. Trank is currently directing the new Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox. We are certainly looking at Star Wars films aplenty in our future. For the official press release check it out below;

   

"In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney continue development of multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. The newest director to come on board is Josh Trank.

"We're thrilled to welcome Josh into the family," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of Episodes I through IX."

Trank states, "The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time."

Trank captured imaginations worldwide with his critically lauded directorial debut Chronicle, a fresh and engaging take on the superhero genre. Trank is currently at work on The Fantastic Four for 20th Century Fox."

Star Wars Episode VII: New casting announcements Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie join the cast.

So you would have all read by now that two more female actress' have been announced to be starring in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII. Both actress' have there own pedigree, Lupita Nyong'o is a academy award winning actress and many of you will recognise Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth from the hyper popular and ever more shocking and gruesome Game of Thrones. These are two exciting cast announcements and with production and filming now in full swing I hope we will here more on who this list of cast members will be playing in the film. For more check out the press release below;

                              

"Lupita Nyong'o joins the recently announced cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. This year, her breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Gwendoline Christie, currently starring in the hit television series Game of Thrones as Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in the production. She can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the Saga Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015."

My Pick of The Week 28/05/2014: Southern Bastards #2 (Only 3 days behind schedule)

My Pick of the Week 28/05/2014;

Southern Bastards #2

Publisher: Image Comics

Written by: Jason Aaron
Illustrated by: Jason Latour
Colors by: Jason Latour (Assist. Rico Renzi)
Letters by: Jared K. Fletcher

This had been dropped off my list up until I spoke to one of the guys at my local comic store and he recommended picking it up. I do find myself getting bored of superhero comics every now and then and although I'm a sucker for needing a full "collection" it's hard to drop those titles of the list for another title. But I will certainly be trying to find a spot in my budget for this comic now.

I brought the 1st issue when it came out and I'm always interested in picking up creator owned image titles to see what there like. This issue goes deeper into what was introduced. This comic touches on many things the troubled relationship with ones father, the need to do the right thing, the internal struggle with your own mind both wanting to leave and go back to forgetting this part of your life or staying because you know what's right and what needs to be done. The main protagonist of this comic, although a high school superstar, was always living in the shadow of his father, the hero cop who kept crime of the streets. He never wanted to follow in his fathers foot steps but after having to return after his uncles death to sell the house he finds himself instinctively trying to make things good in the town he used to live.

In the first issue you saw the distinctive weapon that his father carried around with him as he enforced the law, nothing but a stick, and this was buried with him and is what his son believes the tree grew out of. After struggling to hack down the tree at the end of issue one we again find him at the end of this issue having a dramatic monologue with his fathers grave during a storm and by the last page of the issue the tree is struck by lightning and all that is left is a stick. A sign one might feel.

How Jason Aaron finds time to write such fantastic stories with the likes of Thor God of Thunder and now Original Sin is beyond me. But the great thing about this comic is you see a completely different side to his writing, although I know he has done other work previous, that I haven't seen before. Teaming up with Jason Latour for this title was also a stroke of genius, of late Latour has mainly been known for his writing but he has illustrated other comics previously, he manages to bring to life the emotions and the scenes in a illustrative and beautiful way. This will no longer be leaving my list and the first thing I will do this Wednesday is add it back to my standing order. If you want something different to your super hero or sci-fi comics I strongly recommend giving this a go.