Artist Scott Clark Remembered.

02.23.2013 – Long time comic book artist Scott Clark who made a name when he was working for Jim Lee’s Wildstorm imprint has past away at the age of 43. This report was announced courtesy of The Out Housers.



Clark best known for his work in the original Storm Watch series in 1992 as its main artist and it was his break out year.

SPOILER: Ultimate Captain America's Big Decision... Revealed

Thanks to the internet and The Washington Post, a BIG SPOILER has been revealed that will shake the foundations of Marvel's Ultimate Universe. It involves Ultimate Captain America making a decision, which was supposed to be chronicled in the pages of Ultimate Comics Ultimates issues #15-16. Turn back now if you don't want to find out... Or else.

The Walking Dead Season 3 gets 16 episodes!

Announced by AMC at the Television Critics Association (TCA) last Saturday, and posted in several sites like Comic Book Movie and Superherohype, AMC's third season of their popular survival horror series The Walking Dead will be getting 16 episodes! In addition to revealing a new promo poster that reminds viewers that the 13 episode strong Season 2 will resume with Episode 8 on February 12, the channel has also stated that their international broadcast partner, Fox International Channels, will be following the 16 episode order for Season 3.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

R.I.P Jerry Robinson, creator of The Joker

Sad news just hit today, and for those who love all things Batman and everything related to his greatest arch-nemesis, The Joker, it's time to pause for a moment and remember a true legend in the world of comics.

Jerry Robinson, the man who is credited for the creation of The Clown Prince of Crime, passed away in his sleep at the age of 89 this Thursday, December 8. Blogsite NYC Graphic Novelists was the first to break the story, and soon many other comic book websites, including Newsarama and Comic Book Resources, followed with reports soon after.

Marvel Teaser: FF Continues this November!

Looks like there will be TWO FF related titles running this November after all.

Via their newest and final teaser image, Marvel has confirmed that not only will the original Fantastic Four title return with its original numbering starting with #600, but the other "FF" title, "Future Foundation", will also be continue to run alongside it. Writer Jonathan Hickman will therefore serve as writer for both titles, with the latter book apparently concentrating on the younger and newer members of the "NEW" Future Foundation! More news and details on the story can be found via the source posts at Marvel.com and Newsarama!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Marvel Teaser: Fantastic Four #600 cover!

Marvel has finally given confirmation that Fantastic Four #600 is indeed happening by unveiling the cover to said issue, as illustrated by artist John Romita Jr.! That pretty much confirms that "Future Foundation" ends and FF reverts back to its original format... But Spider-Man is still present and in the cover! However, what is not definite is whether the Human Torch is indeed returning from the dead... But there's a sure fire chance that he is. This is the fourth tease we've gotten in the past few days, and apparently there's one more coming up as hinted by the original file name sent in for this teaser ""Four_Teaser4of5"! Look for more on the story by visiting the source post at Marvel.com and Newsarama!

"FOUR" comes on November 2011!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Marvel Teaser: "FOUR" Teaser #3

Marvel and Newsarama have released the third teaser to "FOUR", which ushers in another pivotal milestone in the history of the Fantastic Four, or better known currently as the "Future Foundation" with Spider-Man as a replacement member for the recently deceased Human Torch. However, the new teaser by above as drawn by Joe Quesada confirms or suggests that Johnny Storm will be back in full force this November, suggesting that FF will reformat once more back to Fantastic Four just in time for issue #600 that month. To dispel speculation, two other teasers were shown previously, one with just the "4" logo, and the other showing the current roster for the Future Foundation. Hopefully more answers will pop up as we march towards November. For more info on the story, visit the source posts at Marvel.com and Newsarama.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Marvel Teaser: The New Dark Avengers...

Marvel Comics' has been having a busy week releasing all these juicy teasers for November, and the latest one has to do with the return of Norman Osborn and a new iteration of his infamous Dark Avengers! In the aftermath of Secret Invasion, the civilian identity of the maniacal Green Goblin rose to power, usurping control of national security from Tony Stark/ Iron Man and leading the forces of a reformatted S.H.I.E.L.D agency which became known as H.A.M.M.E.R (what that stands for is still shrouded in mystery). Osborn eventually donned the identity of the "Iron Patriot" (an amalgamation of Captain America and Iron Man) and became leader of a new iteration of Avengers, or "Dark Avengers" as they were better known to readers. Now, Marvel is set to introduce them again this November in the pages of New Avengers #18. Check out the teaser pic below, courtesy of Marvel.com and Newsarama.

Yes, who exactly are these new Dark Avengers?

Obviously from the image alone, all we can see is Osborn pointing ala Uncle Sam. Who else will be in the team remains a mystery, but I'm sure it'll have a Hulk, Spider-Man, and Hawkeye judging from the shadowy figures behind the villain. We'll just have to wait and see how this goes down in a few months time. For now, visit the source posts at Marvel.com and Newsarama for additional details.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

FOUR comes this November!

Following up on that Fantastic Four #1 50th Anniversary post, it looks like Marvel is bringing the band back together this November, and just in time for the team's 600th issue if they decide to put the original number scheme back in place.

As posted by the likes of Newsarama and Bleeding Cool, this teaser for "FOUR" hints that the Fantastic Four will be reformed/ reunited/ reassembled. After the Human Torch gave up his life in the pages of Fantastic Four #587, the team was reformatted into the FF or "Future Foundation", and saw the inclusion of Spider-Man as a member to honor the Torch's memory. Now, with November fast approaching, it looks like a resurrection is in place for Johnny Storm... or it could symbolize the return to basics and bring back the blue and black tights with the "4" firmly in place again. Personally, I hope the Torch returns, and they reintegrate the original members back as they were always meant to be... As Marvel's First Family! For more info, visit Marvel.com or the source posts at Newsarama and Bleeding Cool!

FOUR, to be headed by the creative force of Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Leinil Francis Yu, will be released on November 2011!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

SPOILER: The new Ultimate Spider-Man... revealed!

Now it totally makes sense why the costume was changed. It truly is A NEW ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, and those who would avoid Spoilers better do so now. SPOILER MODE IS ON.

SDCC '11: X-Men Panel reveals "Dead" for 2012?

Revealed during Marvel's X-Men panel discussion at the SDCC, here's your first look at a teaser for... The Death of Deadpool?! No other info was given, but a prior panel discussion had the peeps of Marvel joking that "there was nobody else to kill off" in the industry. Guess they were kidding alright. For more info, check out Newsarama or Bleeding Cool for the story and other details for what is being called "The Year of the X-Men"!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Reboot Update: Full look at "NEW" Superman in Action Comics #1

If there's anything to feel awkward about the forthcoming DC Reboot, this new reveal presented by DC Comics and the New York Post of the cover to Action Comics #1 probably takes the cake:

Ok, let's take a moment to ponder and analyze this entire cover pic.

It's the new look of Superman.

He's wearing a classic blue "S" symbol T-Shirt.

He has a short cape.

He's wearing a regular pair of jeans and shoes.

How the heck this got approved to usher in the DC Reboot is beyond me and most of the DC fanbase. While the focus in this book is being justified as a "Year One" concept for Supes, I'm not too sold on the "half-assed"Supes outfit. It looks too much like one of those T-Shirts you can buy off the department store, and all you need is a red towel and you're good to go... in an awkward sort of way.

Granted, the good news is that the book will be written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Rags Morales, but this "new look" of Superman does the opposite of making me excited about reading this book based on DC's iconic superhero. I know this version of Clark Kent is actually his "past self", when he was still learning to control his powers and didn't have the ability to fly yet, but why couldn't they take a different approach at tailoring his costume, let alone NOT give him a costume at all? I know they're taking a page out of Tom Welling and his portrayal of a younger Supes from Smallville, but this is just a downright silly look for the Man of Steel. Heck, it reminds me so much of a Super Friends episode where Superman regressed to a child again (due to Red Kryptonite) and Firestorm used his powers to make his costume fit his age at the time. When he finally turned back, you can just imagine how tight fitting and small his costume was, and that's the feeling I get from this new costume.  Well, one can only hope there's a good reason why Kal-El looks like this and why his marriage to Lois Lane had to go down south like Spider-Man's did a few years ago, but that's the repercussions of the DC Reboot for you. For more on the story, visit the source posts at the New York Post and Newsarama.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Comics reveals the full newly redesigned look of the Justice League.

Jim Lee's picture of the fully redesigned look of the Justice League of America leaked and broke all over the comic news spectrum, as sites like Newsarama and Comic Book Resources have featured it in their respective websites. You can take a look at the full pic below, which is the spred cover to issue # 2 of the soon to be relaunched Justice League series.

Penny for your thoughts? We've already seen the new lineup's look before courtesy of the cover to issue #1 when the DC Comics Reboot was first announced, but this is the first time we're actually seeing the entire league's redesign from head to toe, as they stand together tall and proud. Also, you get to see other prominent DC characters who may be additional members to this new iteration of DC's superpowered team. For more info, visit Newsarama and CBR!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

X-Men Divide and Reform into Two Teams in "Regenesis" come October!

After the events of the X-Men storyline "Schism" conclude and Uncanny X-Men ends with issue #544 on September, a (predictable) reboot will ensue and we will see the birth of two new X-Men comic series come October - namely Wolverine and the X-Men #1 and Uncanny X-Men #1!

Obviously, the split after schism is very real, with Wolverine will be leading his own team of merry mutants (with the new book taking its name after the 2008 animated series "Wolverine and the X-Men"), while Scott Summers/ Cyclops builds his own group in the relaunched "Uncanny X-Men" series. It's not known who's going to who's roster thus far, but the poster above seems to hint (or mislead) us at who will be at Wolverine's team or Cyclops' team. Safe bet is by the time Schism ends, we'll know what the full rosters of both will be.

Overall, it's very reminiscent of the Avengers split after Civil War (with New Avengers and Mighty Avengers), and we'll see a rivalry form between the two teams I bet. For more insight and info on the story, visit the source pots at Marvel.com or Newsarama!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Reboot Changes: The Superman Titles...

Alright, I know there's a line divided between people's opinions about DC Comics' imminent reboot come September, and everyone's entitled to their own opinions. However, since I'm a bonafide "Post-Crisis" reader and one who grew up appreciating certain characters retaining classic looks and costumes, I wasn't expecting EVERY HERO to get a mandatory update in their fashion wear. Case in point, Superman himself and his circle undergoes the reboot and revision treatment, and while I'm thankful he still has the overall red, yellow, and blue and basic S Shield, I am not pleased with the "90's Renaissance" styled makeover. Again, this is just me voicing my own concerns, and regardless of what I think, these changes will happen. Let's take a look at the Superman titles revealed as posted in DC The Source and Newsarama.

Action Comics #1 presents us with a very SIMPLE LOOK of the Superman costume. It's basically a S T-Shirt with a short cape, and he's wearing Farmer's pants and clothes. I guess this symbolizes his "very first outing" as Superman in the title, reintroducing us to his origin where he doesn't have a complete costume to go and kick ass with. Thankfully, the writing duties will be handled by the legendary Grant Morrison (Batman, All-Star Superman), and illustrated by Rag Morales. This one is ok in my book so far, but I can't say the same for the other big Supes book.

Superman #1, written by the legend George Perez and illustrated by Jesus Merino, is one book I'm trying to find some a shred of optimism in. First off, the new costume bothers me, and as a friend of mine best described it, it feels like "overaccessorizing" the Man of Steel too much. The lines and futuristic weren't necessary, and it looks like a concept straight from "Reign of the Supermen". Possibly they did this to emphasize his Kryptonian roots, but it makes me miss the classic look all the more. The solicit also states a new "status quo" that will affect Superman's circle. Supposedly it may refer to him being single again, but that's expected already.

I don't know what to make of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. I've long appreciated, admired, and loved the look created and illustrated by the late great Michael Turner, and this change is hard to appreciate. However, a lot of people seem to take to it, save for the holes in the knee pad area. Given that Power Girl is nowhere to be found as of the moment, I surmise that Kara and Karen have merged to form the rebooted Supergirl. I may be wrong, but her smile echoes PG a lot. Supergirl #1 will be written by the duo of Michael Green and Mike Johnson, with art duties falling to Mahmud Asrar.

Ah Superboy, I hardly knew ye. So many changes to the look of Conner Kent over the years, and just when I already settle down with the modern "Black T-Shirt and jeans" look, here comes the reboot and, as a dear friend put it, a very "Ghost in the Shell" design. I dunno if I can adjust to these changes, but maybe some will be more open to this than I am. Superboy #1 will be written by Scott Lobdell and illustrated by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

Well, there you have it with the Superman titles. I'm getting more discouraged by what I see, but I'm trying my darn best to be optimistic about these changes. The company's co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee have ushered in a new age which will certainly alienate fans of the classic looks and origins, but it will definitely entice new readers into the new DC Universe. I can only wish the best at this point. For more, visit the source posts at DC The Source and Newsarama.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

DC Comics reboots their continuity, with landmark day digital distribution!

Looks like the rumors weren't kidding after all... And what news to kick off the first day of June!

Via USA Today and their own blog The Source, DC Comics has officially announced that beginning this 31st of August, most of their titles will be renumbered and restructured to be released on the same day both in print and digital media altogether. Through its 76-year long history of publishing characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and The Flash, the company will revamp their titles for "a more modern and diverse 21st century"

The first book announced and to be launched in this new #1 direction will be Justice League #1, to be written by DC Entertainment scribe and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, while illustrations will be handled by DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. This will be the only issue, aside from the final issue of Flashpoint (the storyline the ends the old DC universe continuity and brings forth the new), that will see publication on August 31, offering a new beginning for new and contemporary DC readers to catch up on. Personally, I'm not so surprised about the news, but it is a landmark and historic moment to behold indeed. For more on the story, visit USA Today, The Source, and Newsarama!

UPDATE: More details on the story and on other #1 books emerge from Comic Book Resources! Check out the link here!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Steve Rogers returns as Captain America this July!

With the new movie coming out this July 22, it was only a matter of time until this happened (again)!

Announced by Marvel Comics and reported by the likes of Newsarama and The New York Daily News, Steve Rogers will once again don the stars and stripes uniform and take up the shield, as he once again becomes Captain America in the new Captain America #1 comic coming out this July, taking the reigns away from his partner Bucky Barnes, who is the current Cap at this point of time. Longtime scribe of the series Ed Brubaker will still retain his position as the writer of the new relaunched title, with Civil War illustrator Steve McNiven joining him for art duties! That's right, Cap's getting a reboot and going back to #1 on the serial lists, just in time for the movie and for new readers to catch up on.

The news comes as both amusing and disappointing to hear about. It's great to have Steve Rogers back in the uniform and all, but I've taken to and respected Bucky Barnes run as Cap for the duration of Brubaker's run on the title. Ever since he "killed off" Rogers in the aftermath of Civil War and placed his onetime WWII partner on the costume, he's done great things with the character and did wonders showing that he certainly can wield the shield if push comes to shove. On the other hand, nothing will replace Steve Rogers - He's the one true Cap and there's no denying that the role was tailor made for him since he became the one and only Super Soldier to exist. It was fun seeing the role passed and poked around, but ever since Steve returned (and in a rushed and underdeveloped "Captain America: Reborn" storyline I might add), it already foreshadowed the inevitable happening - that he's going to be Captain America again sooner or later. We saw two Caps fighting together during the events of Siege, but Rogers willingly dropped the responsibility to Bucky so he could give his friend a new sense of purpose and direction, while taking up the mantle as the new "Top Cop/ Nick Fury" of the Marvel Universe. So much has come to pass in the Captain America stories since ED Brubaker took over, and I've stuck around the title since the writer made the jump to it way back in November 2004. It's fitting that he gets to relaunch it again in time for the new flick... but will I stick around and still collect it? Only time will tell for sure. The prospect of having Steve McNiven as artist only adds fuel to the fire. We'll just have to wait and see come July... which also has Chris Evans taking up the mantle in the big screen adaptation flick - Captain America: The First Avenger!

For more details and the official press release, visit Marvel.com, Newsarama, and The New York Daily News!

Captain America #1 is due in comic shops this July at $3.99!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

The Dark Knight Rises Update: JGL joining in as well?

Deadline as well as Newsarama have reported that actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is close to sealing a deal and re-team with his Inception director Christopher Nolan in The Dark Knight Rises. The actor who played Leonardo DiCaprio's "Point Man" Arthur in the 2010 dream-bending action film is in talks with Nolan to play a part in the third Batman movie, but his role is still unspecified as of this point. Months ago, he was rumored to be The Riddler, as well as a potential replacement for the late Heath Ledger's role as The Joker from The Dark Knight. All of those whispers proved false however, but now it can be confirmed that JGL may be cast in Nolan's new Bat-flick. We'll just have to wait and see how this goes, but it will also reunite the actor with Tom Hardy, who also co-starred in Inception as Eames and will be playing Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. For more info, visit the source posts at Deadline and Newsarama!

The Dark Knight Rises continues to fight crime in theaters on July 20, 2012!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Goodbye, Wizard Magazine...

Here I was just checking out my local comic shop earlier, and now I see this bit of depressing comic book news.

According to Bleeding Cool, Wizard Magazine - the comic book guide magazine that has established itself as a definite resource for information on the world of comics and popculture, has now closed up shop and will cease printing issues henceforth. The issue you see above, Wizard #229 featuring David Finch's art on Batman, is one of the last I bought, and it just breaks my heart to hear about the magazine folding itself up. I saw the rumor earlier via a comic blog news site Newsarama, but reports from sites such as Bleeding Cool confirm the magazine's demise, and it is with a heavy heart that I repost the headline here. As a kid, Wizard was introduced to me as the cool "comic book preview" book that not only featured exclusive content and interviews with writers, but also a definite price guide that was constantly updated each month for collectors who wanted to know how their issues valued in the market and so on. With the advent of the internet and like many other publications out there, Wizard also felt the sting of the web as they tried to keep up to date with the news as it came. The times however dictated its eventual demise, and the magazine created by Gareb Shamus and Stephen Shamus will cease publication. The Wizard conventions and its sister magazine Toyfare however will not be affected. Still, as the source post points out, it truly is "the end of an era" here. Goodbye and thanks for the memories, Wizard Magazine.

Update: According To Newsarama, the magazine will relaunch itself as an online publication called "Wizard World". Even with the news, the fact the print magazine's gone leaves a hole in the hearts of collectors who enjoyed reading and holding the book. You can check out the report here.

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Marvel Officially Announces "Fear Itself"

At their recent Press Conference in Midtown Comics and via a post by Newsarama, Marvel has officially announced their next big event come April next year - "Fear Itself"! While details of the plot still remain sketchy and mysterious, several teaser posters were already shown and released by The House Of Ideas in the previous week, and the tale is going to be helmed by the creative duo team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Stuart Immonen! To tease, Marvel has served up the trailer via their official website! You can also check it out below!

Fear Itself Trailer

Not quite enough? You can check out more details via Marvel.com's post, which has more videos of the Press Con and a special message from the writer of the upcoming mini-series himself, Matt Fraction!

The "Fear Itself" event begins on April, 2011!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm