"Ohhh... Yeahhh!" Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer! "I Am Groot!"

My Pick of the Week 14/05/2014: Lumberjanes #2

My Pick of the Week 14/05/2014;

Lumberjanes #2
Publisher: BOOM! Box (BOOM! Studios)

Written by: Noelle Stevenson/ Grace Ellis
Illustrated by: Brooke Allen
Colors by: Maarta Laiho
Letters by: Aubrey Aiese

So as I am writing this I have just read some great news that after the success of the past 2 issues of Lumberjanes it has now become an on-going series. One of the first reasons this is a pick of the week is the fact that I had taken this off of my monthly Pick List, but when seeing it on the shelves again, I just had to pick up the issue as it reminded me how much I enjoyed the first one. This comic is a fun filled, action packed, adventurous bundle of joy. Noelle Stevenson, previously known for her own web-comic NIMONA, has put together a wonderful concept based on the most American of things, Summer Camp, but obviously being a comic this is no normal summer camp.

Only two issues in and Ripley is fast becoming my favourite character, the energetic, go getting, fun loving character who always seems to think outside the box. This issue our group of camp goers are setting off on a relaxing boat trip down the river. Well of course it wasn't relaxing, they get drawn into rapids and then a fantastic battle with a sea creature, who for some reason has 3 eyes. Much like the foxes in the issue before. Drama ensues with Mal being thrown over board and Molly having to save her from the water, while the others take on this river serpent. Just as you thought things couldn't get worse the group head back to camp, but of course as has already been evident with this group it's never that simple. The character who seems to bring the chaos with them brings it once again as their chocolate bar is stolen by a three eyed eagle, seems to be a common theme, and after climbing a tree Ripley falls and upon landing opens up a hidden tunnel into a cave. Well what else does one do when a mysterious cavern is unearthed? Well jump in of course. This leaves us with the group stumbling across a hidden cavern containing statues which may well answer some questions about these three eyes creatures and hopefully we will find out more come the next issue.

Brooke Allen's art is energetic and brings a fantastic life to the characters, portraying pin point emotion, from elation, to sadness and worry. You really feel the adventures with these characters as they take on the stream, the rapids and the monster and find yourselves throwing your hands in the air as they slide down the tunnel into the hidden cavern. Another great little touch with this comic is the small added extras they sneak in, like the cover and song list at the back of the comic for a soundtrack put together by one of the creators. When I head to my local comic store this Wednesday this is a title I will most certainly be getting added to my Standing Order.

Star Wars Episode VII Officially Begins Production

So production has finally begun on Star Wars Episode VII, its official, and although it is believed there are still a few more cast announcements to be made, plus matching up the cast announcements with the characters they will be playing, excluding the original cast obviously.

After writing my May 4th post I realised how much I am actually excited for this and any news regarding it, along with the Star Wars Rebels series which I think looks awesome. So I have decided to put a Star Wars link on the navigation above and when any interesting Star Wars news catches my attentions I will put a post together with links to the source and everything. So until the next exciting bit of news, rumour or official, heres the image that was posted alongside the news that Star Wars Episode VII is now in production.

My Pick of the Week 07/05/2014: Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man

My Pick of the Week 07/05/2014;

Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by: Dave Marquez
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Letters by: Cory Petit

So I may have dropped off of Ultimate Spider-Man after the end of the epic Venom War and as it linked in with Cataclysm. When I heard that the Ultimate Universe was going to be getting a re-vamp I was excited to hear the new title for Miles Morales solo book, he has been something of a break out character since his first appearance. Now the solicit teased a lot, the return of one of Peter Parker's greatest enemies and a last page that will have all Ultimate Spider-Man fans "Screaming!".

The synopsis did not disappoint, in this one issue a new status quo is set for what I imagine will be the on-going story for some time. The enemy returning after all this time is none other than Norman Osborn himself the Green Goblin, and I must admit this is my first time experiencing the Ultimate Green Goblin, and he has an awesome look, and a pretty explosive entrance to this issue. We get more insight into the developing relationship between Miles and Kate Bishop, who he is currently struggling with deciding whether to tell about his secret identity or not, along with his father being missing, after finding out he is Ultimate Spider-Man. A couple of new villains are introduced at the beginning of the issue, with a slight Spider-Manesque look to them. After all these re-introductions and new introductions and development we get to that last page and the question we are all left asking is, is that the real Peter Parker? It was my understanding that once dead in the Ultimate Universe you stay dead.

This is a really good start to a new era for Miles Morales. I will continue to pick up the series, work out the mystery of the "Peter Parker" that has arrived, with many believing this will be the Ultimate version of the Clone Saga. If there is one thing that is definitely guaranteed with this comic it is great art and stories from a pair of creators that have really fallen in sync with one another. This issue works as a good jumping on point for new readers and I really recommend giving it a go, the Ultimate universe gets a lot of bad press, but the one title that certainly keeps itself at a high standard is Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man work.

Fan Friday Creator Spotlight: Francesco Francavilla

I’ve always wanted to do a series of small short posts spotlighting some of my favourite creators in the comics industry a short summary, images of their work and links to their sites and where you can see their work for yourselves. To begin this new series of posts I begin with one of my favourite artists from the past few years, Francesco Francavilla.

Franceso Francavilla is an Eisner winning Cover Artist who has fast become a familiar and easily recognisable sight on our comic book shelves with his unique art style and fantastic cover work. I first came across Francavilla when reading Black Mirror by Scott Snyder, himself and Jock. He brought his unique ‘noir’ style to the character and a tone that complimented the story.

I immediately had to do a little more research and found his Blogger, which is well worth checking out although like many he has now moved to Tumblr, where he makes regular posts with more artwork and one of the highlights for me was his illustrations made while watching episodes of Doctor Who, these would summarise the episode in one image and would have been great posters for the episodes, quite obvious why IDW decided to get Francavilla to create variant covers for there Doctor Who 50th anniversary series Doctor Who Prisoner of Time.

Scott Snyder isn’t the only high profile writer Francavilla has worked with, he has been on many of my favourite comics from Guardians of the Galaxy where he worked with Brian Michael Bendis for the titles Infinity tie in and the much loved Hawkeye with Matt Fraction. He is currently the regular interior and cover artist for Afterlife with Archie, alongside his other variant cover work for various publishers. 

He isn't just an artist though he has also taken a turn at writing with his critically acclaimed creator owned series Black Beetle published by Dark Horse which is up for an Eisner this year for Best Limited Series so good luck to him. Francavilla continues to receive high praise and this is only evident in him receiving yet another Eisner nomination, I am sure there will be plenty more to come from him.

I would certainly recommend checking out his work on Black Mirror, which alongside Francavilla's great artwork it is also a brilliant Batman story. Black Beetle is a fun read, I am still to get Necrologue but thoroughly enjoyed No Way Out. Click the links above to check out his Blogger and Tumblr.

May the 4th Be With You! Happy Star Wars Day!!

So Happy Star Wars Day to all! May the 4th be with you! I have plans for Star Wars Day myself but first of all I thought I would do a round up of the recent news from the week leading to Star Wars Day and the trailers for Star Wars: Rebels released today, which look incredible I really like the new animation style.

Well first and foremost the huge new to have been released this week obviously is the news of the cast for Episode VII, this sees the return of the originals, Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Anthony Daniels (C3-PO) alongside the news comers some who have heavily been rumoured and associated in the press and many who are young British Actors. So joining the cast will be John Boyega (Of Attack the Block fame), Daisy Ridley (A relatively unknown British actress), Adam Driver (Heavily rumoured to be playing the villain), Oscar Isaac (Most recent role in Inside Llewllyn Davis by the Coen Brothers), Andy Serkis (Motion capture aficianado, just please don't be Jar Jar), Domhnall Gleeson (Who I know from About Time a brilliant rom com which I recommend) and Max von Sydhow (Personally not too familiar with). These are exciting castings and although the actors and actresses have not yet been linked to there specific characters they will be playing it is fantastic to know that castings are done, and I understand there is to be further news regarding another female character within the film. With San Diego Comic Con in July, where the first Star Wars film was originally announced, I am sure we will be hearing of more news and hopefully possibly get some character pictures soon. For the press release and image of the cast check this out below;

“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.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

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

April 29th, Pinewood Studios, UK - Writer/Director/Producer J.J Abrams (top center right) at the cast read-through of Star Wars Episode VII at Pinewood Studios with (clockwise from right) Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Writer Lawrence Kasdan. Copyright and Photo Credit: David James.

So to more recent news released just today we have the first two trailers for Star Wars: Rebels, I for one was very sad when I heard that Clone Wars would be coming to an end but the final series released on Netflix did a good job of bringing the series to a conclusion and with the recent announcement of what is and is not canon in the new Star Wars universe, which is basically the Films from I-VI obviously VII-VIIII alongside the character focused films that have been rumoured and the up and coming Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Clone Wars is also counted in this which brings a rich and interesting meaning to the Clone Wars between and during Episode II and Episode III. I have gone a little off point, what I was suppose to be saying is with the disappointment of the news that Clone Wars coming to an end and then the announcement of Star Wars: Rebels I was a little apprehensive at first and wasn't sure on the new animation style but I was wrong to be apprehensive and now with the two trailers released and character focused videos previously I can not wait for this to debut this fall. Check out the trailers below;

Finally here is a "Selfie Video" from JJ Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan wishing us all a Happy Star Wars Day! And moving forward with the soon to be filming I hope the Force will be with them.

Actually one last thing as mentioned before Disney finally made there statement regarding there stance on the Expanded Universe material and how this is no longer considered canon, and I will be writing a post on my thoughts on the matter, the Expanded Universe has a huge fan base, me included and there are several things which I am sad to see no longer have any real effect within the main Star Wars lore, but more on that from me at a later date.

May the 4th be with you all!

Free Comic Book Day 2014... Things to do in London

So this weekend is Free Comic Book Day. This is a great day for new and current comic fans alike. I have my day planned out and have been inviting several of my friends along, collectors like myself and those who have recently been more interested since the success of the Marvel films.

There's plenty to do in London and once again there is a good list of Gold and Silver comics to be picked up from your local comic store.

So what to do this Free Comic Day you ask? Well there's 3 stores that jump to mind in London and those are Orbital Comics, Gosh! Comics and Forbidden Planet, now from my experience last year I would recommend that you get to the stores early Orbital had a queue out the door and around the corner, and I heard that Forbidden was much the same.

Events wise Gosh! Comics have some great creator signings lined up, alongside activities for children to draw alongside some of these creators. Check out the link for full details http://www.goshlondon.com/2014/04/free-comic-book-day-2014/.

Forbidden Planet London have a 2000AD signing during the day, and they also distribute there free comics in bags so it's a bit of a raffle as to what you will get.

Orbital comics have teased they may have a signing on the last episode of the Orbiting Pod but nothing has been announced as of yet but they do have the live recording of episode 150 of their podcast from 7:30pm onwards within the store I hope to get to this as this is a podcast I listen to weekly and it's a great way to round off what will hopefully be a busy and fun Free Comic Day.

Also there is the Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK exhibition at the British Library that looks very interesting and I hope to get along to this if I get the chance.

A couple of other options to have a comic filled day would to head to a cinema once grabbing your comics and watching a screening of Amazing Spider-Man 2 or Captain America: The Winter Soldier fairly certain the latter is still showing in cinemas. They are both very enjoyable but as expected Cap being Marvel Studios and all is the more enjoyable of the two.

So to the comics, the big 2, being Marvel and DC have there next events introduced in there free comic offerings. Marvel have there main instalment coming out featuring none other than there next feature film the Guardians of the Galaxy alongside a prelude to the big Spider-Event beginning this November in Spider-Verse, they also have a Rocket Raccoon comic with a cover by Skottie Young who will find himself working on the ongoing title beginning this July.

DC comics offering contains the beginning of there next event Futures End who's weekly title begins in May. And will start running through other titles I believe in September.

So that's the offerings from the Big 2, other exciting titles coming out is the Kaboom issue containing several of the licensed properties including Adventure Time and Regular Show, a great publisher for adults and kids alike.

For me Dark Horse comics offering this year isn't quite a appealing as least year but will contain an Avatar the Last Airbender story alongside Juice Squeezers which I am not that familiar with.

Image comics FCBD issue will contain Rise of the Magi, not one that I'll be looking to pick up but Image are publishing great things at the moment so I'm sure it will be worth taking a look.

There plenty of other offerings from plenty of other publishers. for a full it's including previews check out the link below;

http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/981

I hope you all have a great Free Comic Book Day and then of course the day after is Star Wars day so in advance May the 4th be with you.