Captain America

When America needed soldiers he was not a man they wanted. But, when they needed a hero, he was the only man for the job!

Steve Rogers, a kid from Brooklyn, small and weak of body, with courage and idealism defying expectation. He dared what few men would dare. A miracle of science gave form to that which lay within him – a soldier, a leader, an avenger – a hero!

{There’s a reason Captain America has been published monthly since 1941 – he’s the man few of us will ever be and the hero most of us would to be.}

World War Two, Adolf Hitler’s chief of advanced science, Johann Schmidt, has an agenda of his own. Schmidt has the desire to rule the world and the intellect to fulfill that dream. Herr Schmidt has vowed to dominate the world or destroy it. And, only Captain America has the power to stop him.

Brilliantly written and directed, with superb performances throughout, this film is exciting and energetic. Set with circa 1904s costumes and features, plus the fantastic advanced machines which stimulate adventure seeking audiences, this is the kind of film from which legends can be born!

{Graphic novel readers will appreciate the inclusion of nearly every creative tenure of this icon for liberty and freedom created by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby.}

A / PG2

Starring: Chris Evans; Hugo Weaving; Tommy Lee Jones; and, Hayley Atwell
Featuring: Sebastian Stan; Toby Jones; Dominic Cooper; and, Neal McDonough
With: Derek Luke; Kenneth Choi; JJ Field; and, Bruno Ricci
Plus: Stanley Tucci and Samuel L. Jackson
Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely
Director: Joe Johnston

By Frank Jaymes

Wolverine

Edgy. Sharp. Fast. Thrilling.

He’s much older than anyone would believe. His life before joining the mutant team created and trained by Professor X was as unpleasant as it was long. He began his life simply, sickly, but an act of brutality gave birth to the animal within him and he’s been running from it ever since. Beside his brother, even more an animal than himself, he’s traversed the world fighting and killing... until one day he left it all behind.

But, men such as he can’t escape the tragedies of life. All too soon, his past has come for him and he’ll strike a bargain with a devil to put down an animal...!

Borrowing from graphic novel masterpieces, “Origin” and “Weapon X”, plus thirty years of stories by such masters as Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, this film is brilliantly written and performed. It’s fast pace and hard edge was likely a challenge to direct, especially when faced with working it all into an established cinematic history [something which was remarkably well done in the end]. That challenge was remarkably well met here.

A / PG2

Starring: Hugh Jackman; Liev Schreiber; Danny Huston; Lynn Collins; and, Taylor Kitsch.
Featuring: Ryan Reynolds; will I am; Daniel Henney; and, Scott Adkins.
With: Dominic Monaghan; Tim Pocock; Kevin Durand; Julia Blake; and, Max Cullen.
Writers: David Benioff and Skip Woods.
Director: Gavin Hood

Reel Review by Josef Franklin

Collectibles And Novelties

THE TOP TEN: Ultimatum; Batman; Hulk; Wolverine; Uncanny X-Men; Amazing Spider-Man; Captain America; Buffy (The Vampire Slayer); Justice Society; and, Detective Comics.

THE SPLASH PAGE: Following the “Secret Invasion” Marvel is launching a “War of Kings”! From armed conflict, Krypton is reborn! Batman has perished, now the “Battle for the Cowl” has begun! The world is no longer big enough for two bearers of the Witchblade! IDW is now the publisher of the G.I. Joe franchise, set to launch with a series of movie prequels. Boom Studios has teamed with Disney-Pixar to put “The Incredibles” [and others] on store shelves! Marvel’s collaboration with Stephen King is continuing with “The Stand”. Warren Ellis’ “best selling” “Anna Mercury” is now available in soft-cover and hard-cover trades. With talent such as Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and Dave Gibbons, the relaunch of [Wil Eisner’s] “The Spirit” has been a phenomenal success! With “The Watchmen” film coming soon [to theaters and IMAX] the works of Alan Moore are in demand; likewise, buzz over the upcoming “Star Trek” film has given rise to much new and relaunched material!

DARK HORSE COMICS: Titles Available Include – Applegeeks; [Boris Karloff:] Tales of Mystery; B.P.R.D.; Conan (The Cimmerian); Hellboy; Star Wars: Knights / Republic; Star Wars: Legacy; and, The Goon. Other Items Available Include – B.P.R.D.: The Warning (TPB) {$18}; Little Lulu: The Alamo [& other stories] (TPB) {$15}; Star Wars: Clone Wars - Wind Raiders (Digest) {$8}; and, Tarzan: The Jesse Marsh Years [volumes 1 & 2] (HC) {$50 ea}; and, [Will Eisner’s The] Spirit - The New Adventures [Archives] (HC) {$50}. Merchandise Available Including – Simpsons Classic Character [#1] - Homer Simpson {$50}.

DC COMICS: With the war against the Dark Trinity at a fever pitch, Krona’s emergence will have destructive consequences and our only hope is to find and bring back the exiled three - Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman! {#40 to 43} Fighting to survive the Final Crisis, Superman and the Legion founders battle the Time Trapper while the legionnaires war with Superboy-Prime and his Legion of Super-Villains! {... Worlds 5} New Krypton has been born, The Phantom Zone is lost and Superman is missing! {#686} In a “World Without Superman”, can Mon-El; The Guardian; Nightwing; and, Flamebird keep Metropolis safe?! {Action Comics 875} New Krypton is a reality and Kal-El is thrust into “interstellar treachery and deadly machinations [with] the lives of two racing [hanging] in the balance”! {World / Krypton 1 (of 12)} A dead body in the harbor; a search for Reactron; and, the mystery of Superwoman has Supergirl very busy! {#39} With assistance from Robin and Dr. Irons, Batman will counter “The Revenge of The Prankster” ... or Superman will be lost forever! {World’s Finest 57}

With Batman gone, Gotham City is in turmoil and the Battle For The Cowl has begun! {# 1 (of 3) + crossover one-shots} Gotham is ripe for the return of Azrael: Death’s Dark Knight! {# 1 (of 3)} She has disbanded her Birds of Prey and returned to Gotham, now Barbara Gordon is caught in the crossfire of The Calculator’s quest for Anti-Life! {Oracle 1 (of 3)} Batman and Riddler team-up to solve the riddles of King Tut. {... Confidential 27} Batman’s most dangerous enemies join forces with Midnight! {Gotham After Midnight 11 (of 12)} To defeat Chronos and restore the time-line, Booster Gold will partner with a time-lost Booster Gold! {#18} Is Black Canary responsible for Star City’s newest menace? {Green Arrow 18} While Wonder Woman is battling Genocide, Zeus has created a new messenger of peace and sent him forth to deliver it “by any means necessary”! {#30}

Mongul has all of Daxam and the Sinestro Corps, the “Blackest Night” has come! {Green Lantern Corps 34} The Orange Lanterns have launched against Green Lantern and the Blackest Night shall come! {#40} The Final Crisis had ended and the Justice League is nearly done! {#31} Billy Batson has been banished from the Rock of Eternity; so, the Justice Society must “call upon an old friend” to stop Black Adam and his family “once and for all”! {#25}

The freshman Outsiders roster must engage The Insiders to preserve “the future of [human]kind”! {#16} Regrouping, following the loss of one of their own, The Titans discover a “Deathtrap” looming for all! {#11} With an all-new roster, the Teen Titans have little time to prepare for the “Deathtrap” coming! {#69}
Simon Dark and his family “cope with [a] gruesome” loss. {#18} Bloody and ragged, the Secret Six “fight their way through throngs” of heroes to discover “the man pulling the strings” of this villainous affair. {#7} Hunting for Jericho, Vigilante is interrogating the Titans. {#4}

He’s been “torturing and experimenting on people for years” but this “Sawbones” has never encountered anyone like Jonah Hex! {#41} Why is Lorelei Rox (“the most beautiful voice in Central City”) singing for Octopus?! {The Spirit 27} It’s a battle royal, the “greatest warriors of all time” vs. “something mightier than all of them”. {The War That Time Forgot 11 (of 12)} The hunt for a possible serial killer will take Mulder and Scully into the “Hollow Earth”! {X-Files 5} “All of the secrets are revealed” before the “Great Fables Crossover Event”. {Jack Of Fables 32} In an epilogue to “The Dark Ages”, is true love possible for Boy Blue and Rose Red? {Fables 82} Sex, suspicions and treachery are in store for Harry Bailey. {House Of Mystery 11} Some memories are so vicious, some demons so horrible, one should never reveal them! {Hellblazer 253} The machinations of the Phantom Stranger near their completion. {Madame Xanadu 9} Ragnar and his Irish army break the back of the Vikings, prepared to bring about Magnus’ execution. {Northlanders 16} Welcome to Browning, Arizona, where your “wildest dreams and darkest desires come true”, “life without consequences - enjoy it while it lasts”! {Young Liars 13}

Other Items Available Include: [Absolute] V For Vendetta (HC) {$99}; Hellblazer Presents: Chaz - The Knowledge (TPB) {$15}; Jonah Hex: Bullets Don’t Lie (TPB) {$15}; Justice League: The Second Coming (HC) {$20}; Justice Society: Thy Kingdom Come - Part 1 (TPB) {$15}; Scalped [v. 4]: The Gravel In Your Guts (TPB) {$15}; The Question: Welcome To Oz (TPB) {$20}; and, Y: The Last Man [Deluxe Edition] 2 (HC) {$30}.

Titles For The Kids Including: Batman - Brave [a/t] Bold; Cartoon Network Block Party; Looney Tunes; Super Friends; Supergirl - Cosmic Adventures [in the 8th Grade]; and, Tiny Titans.

IMAGE COMICS: Titles Available Include – Amber Atoms; Astounding Wolf-Man; Black Vault; Dynamo [Five]; Invincible; Savage Dragon; Soul Kiss; Spawn; The Darkness; and, Witchblade. Other Items Available Include – American Flagg [v.] 2 (TPB) {$20}; Brit [v.] 3 (TPB) {$17}; Girls & Goddesses (HC) {$30}; and, Liberty Meadows [v. 4]: Cold, Cold Heart (TPB) {$15}.

MARVEL COMICS: Titles Available Include – Amazing Spider-Girl; Amazing Spider-Man; Avengers; Avengers-Invaders; Black Panther; Cable; Captain America; Daredevil; Dark Avengers; Eternals; Fantastic Four; Ghost Rider; Guardians [o/t] Galaxy; Incredible Hercules; Invincible Iron Man; Iron Fist; Moon Knight; Ms. Marvel; Nova; Runaways; Skaar (Son of Hulk); Squadron Supreme; Thor; Uncanny X-Men; War Machine; Wolverine; Wolverine: Origins; X-Force; X-Men; and, Young X-Men.

FROM THE BACK RACK: Titles Available Including – Angel; Anna Mercury; Arabian Nights: Adventures of Sinbad; Archie; Battlestar Galactica; Ben10 Alien Force; Betty; Caped; [Disney-Pixar’s] Cars; Doctor Who; [Jim Butcher’s] Dresden Files; [Terry Moore’s] Echo; Eureka; Farscape; Futurama Comics; Ghost Whisperer; G.I. Joe; Gold Digger; Grimm Fairy Tales; Hexed; Jughead; Jungle Girl; [Patricia Brigg’s] Mercy Thompson; [Dean Koontz’s] Nevermore; Ninja High School; Power [o/t] Valkyrie; Ray Harryhausen Presents [: 10th Muse]; Rawbone; Red Sonja; Remnant; Robinson Crusoe; Salem’s Daughter; Simpsons Comics; Speed Racer; Star Trek; [C.E. Murphy’s] Take A Chance; Tarot (Witch [o/t] Black Rose); Terminator; [Disney-Pixar’s] The Incredibles; The Man With No Name; The Muppet Show; The Phantom; Transformers; Uncle Scrooge; Vincent Price Presents; Voyages [o/t] She-Buccaneer; Walt Disney Comics; Warlock; and, Zorro... plus, a mass quantity of magazines; books; apparel; toys; models, statues; imports; prints; posters; collectibles and novelties!

From Previews Catalog January 2009
reposted from January 2009

Watchmen

You’ve never seen super heroes like these!

The year is 1985. President Richard Nixon has been elected to his fifth term in office. The world is on the brink of nuclear armageddon. The masked heroes of old are gone. Humankind’s one hope is Dr. Manhattan, a nuclear man who has lost all his humanity, believing human life is parasitic and pointless. Tonight, in the city, a comedian is killed. And, tomorrow the world will end.

This film is brilliantly written, though with great foreboding and dread. The direction here is spot-on, exactly what readers of the graphic novel would expect. Most impressive are the performances, especially Jackie Earle Haley and Billy Crudup!

{Why Alan Moore demanded his name be removed from this production is beyond my comprehension!}

B / R

Starring: Malin Ackerman; Billy Crudup; Jackie Earle Haley; and, Patrick Wilson
Featuring: Matthew Goode and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
With: Matt Frewer and Carla Gugino
Writer: Alex Tse [from the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons]
Director: Zack Snyder

Reel Review by Josef

And Trading Cards

THE TOP TEN: Uncanny X-Men; Astonishing X-Men; Avengers; Batman; Mighty Avengers; Wolverine; Thor; Justice League; and, Buffy (The Vampire Slayer).

THE SPLASH PAGE: Following the Skrull’s "Secret Invasion" there will be a "Dark Reign" in Marvel’s universe. June 2009 will feature the blockbuster debut of "Transformers: Revenge [o/t] Fallen" on the silver screen – but IDW will publish the prequel stories beginning December 2008! SCI-FI’s "Eureka" will be an ongoing series for Boom Studios. Warren Ellis and Avatar Press are bringing "Frankenstein’s Womb" to a book shelf near you this winter. "Serenity" fans be sure to order your "Serenity Valley" lithograph. Frank Miller’s [film] "The Spirit" is coming to a theater near you - be ready with your very own set of trading cards featuring exclusive images from the film.

DARK HORSE COMICS: Issues Available Include – Buffy (TVS) 21; Conan [The Cimmerian] 6; Hellboy: Wild Hunt 1 (of 8); Rex Mundi 15; STW: Knights / Republic 36; STW: Legacy 31; and, The Goon 31. Other Items Available Include – Eden 11 (SC) {$13}; Eerie Archives (HC) {$50}; Indiana Jones [a/t] Tomb [o/t] Gods (SC) {$15}; Oh My Goddess 11 (SC) {$11}; and, Savage Sword / Conan 5 (SC) {$18}. Merchandise Available Including – Buck Rogers Statue [from ReelArt] (Ltd Ed) {$189}; [Disney’s] Hannah Montana Photo Charms; [Disney’s] High School Musical Photo Charms; The Spirit Movie Bust (Ltd Ed) {$60}; and, Vampire Hunter D Bust (Mono-color Variant) {$75}.

DC COMICS: With the traitor revealed, The Dark Trinity will recruit a new ally and "take the newly ordered world by storm!" {#s 27 - 31} A great hero will fall in the battle against Superboy Prime, while the Time Trapper is making his move against the Legion founders! {Final Crisis: Legion [/] Worlds 4 (of 5)}.

Following the passing of the "anti-Kryptonian laws", 100,000 angry citizens with Superman’s powers [but none of his humanity] lash out across the planet! {#683} Superman vs. Superman with the fate of the Tangent world hanging in the balance! {#10 (of 12)} While Superman is attempting to free Brainiac’s abductees, Lex Luthor is conducting a few experiments on the menace of Krypton. {Action Comics 872} Kandor has been "rocked to it’s core" and Supergirl may have been pushed over the edge! {#36} Superman’s loss has become Batman’s boon, with only Nightwing standing in the way of the Dark Knight’s super-powered crusade, while Zatanna is attempting to solve the mystery! {#55}

Dennis O’Neil is returning to The Dark Knight, weaving a tale of Gotham City without it’s "beloved protector" - in the wake of the hero’s death, will Gotham fall!?! {Detective Comics 851 & Batman 684} Batman undercover in Arkham as Commissioner Gordon is hunted by a rogue police officer! {... Confidential 24} Christmas in Gotham and Midnight has vowed to "make the season bright" - with blood! {... After Midnight 8 (of 12)} In the wake of Batman’s death, Nightwing and Batgirl clash, with the fate of The Outsiders at stake! {#14} Face-to-face with her father, Batgirl’s "road to redemption" is at an end. {#6} "Red Robin is revealed" and Spoiler must prevent a daring jailhouse rescue but where is Robin?! {#181} Nightwing vs. Two-Face - inside Arkham!?! {#151} After their bout with Joker, The Birds of Prey take a much needed - vacation?! {#125} What is the secret of the strange and beautiful world to which Green Lantern and Phantom Stranger have been summoned – a secret powerful enough to overcome The Stranger!? {Brave / Bold 20} With Connor and Mia heading out on-their-own, Green Arrow and his bride keep the city safe alone - for the first time. {#15} With Genocide still on the loose and Wonder Woman recovering from her failure to stop him, the Amazons return home as Athena is made a promise which will "change the landscape of [the universe] forever"! {#27}

The Teen Titans hold a recruitment drive. {#66} Titans Tower is locked-down as the team hunt a traitor! {#8} The power of the Star Sapphires has intensified; a "life altering" new law is burned into the Book of Oa; and, the Green Lantern Corps battle for the soul of a child! {#31} Unraveling the mystery of the crimson power, Green Lantern will face a "prophecy all his own". {#37} Dr. Light’s "mortal remains" have been stolen and the Justice League has "vowed to bring down" those responsible. {#28} With Alex Ross painting the pages, this is the "shocking end" to the sequel of "Kingdom Come"! {Justice Society 22} Timber Wolf berserk; Lightning Lad comforted by the president; Phantom Girl "catastrophically injured"; and, an espionage squad risking death - the "Universal Annihilation War" has begun!! {Legion 49}

Vigilante has returned to the streets of NYC to mete out justice and unravel a "Super Hero conspiracy". {#1} Blue Beetle v. Polaris - will this be the end of our hero!? {#34} Dan Jurgens has retaken the reins of Booster Gold, kicking-off a tale which may mean an end to the time continuum! {#15} "Super powered fanatics" are murdering doctors "in the name of God", it’s a shocking and controversial case for Manhunter. {#37} Without powers or family, The Flash must face the end - alone! {#247}

Contending with a crazed leader in the midst of a battle royal - Trang is in labor! {War [/] Time Forgot 8 (of 12)} A "former lawman, brought low" has a plan to avenge himself upon Jonah Hex. {#38} "A noir murder mystery", The Spirit is on the case in Cambodia! {#24}

Titles For Kids Include – Ben 10: It’s Hero Time (TPB) {$15}; Cartoon Network Block Party; Looney Tunes; Super Friends; Supergirl: In The 8th Grade; and, Tiny Titans.

Other Items Available Include – Air 5; American Splendor: Another Dollar (TPB) {$15}; [The] Authority 5; DCU Holiday Special 2008 {$6}; Fables 79; Gen13 25; Haunted Tank 1; Hellblazer 250; House / Mystery 8; Jack / Fables 29; Madame Xanadu 7; Northlanders 13; Push 3; Scalped 24; Stormwatch PHD 17; The X-Files 2; Top Ten [Season Two] 3; Unknown Soldier 3; Wildcats 6; Wintermen Winter Special [2008]; and, Young Liars 10.

Merchandise Available Including – Saga / Swamp Thing [Book] 1 (HC) {Advanced Solicitation, $25}; and, Tokyo Days, Bangkok Nights (TPB) {Advanced Solicitation, $20}.

IMAGE COMICS: Issues Available Include – Astounding Wolf-Man 11; Brit 11; Cyblade 3; Dragon Prince 4; Invincible 57; Jack Staff 20; Savage Dragon 143; Spawn 187; The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand; The Sword 14; and, Witchblade 123. Other Items Available Include – American Flagg [Vol] 1 (TPB) {$20}; Armageddon Now: World War III [Book 1] (HC) {$25}; Girls [Vol] 2 [: Emergence] (TPB) {$15}; and, Noble Causes [Vol] 8 [: Star Crossed] (TPB) {$16}. Merchandise Available Including – Rising Stars [Compendium] Collection (HC) {Advanced Solicitation, $100}.

MARVEL COMICS: Issues Available Include – Amazing Spider-Girl 27; Amazing Spider-Man 579 - 580 - 581; Avengers 48; Avengers: Initiative 20; Avengers Invaders 7 (of 12); Cable 9; Captain America 45; Captain Britain [and MI-13] 8; Daredevil 114; Dark Reign: New Nation 1 (of ?); Eternals 8; [New] Exiles 16; Exiles Annual [2008]; Guardians [/] Galaxy 8; Ghost Rider 30; Hulk 9; Incredible Hercules 124; Invincible Iron Man 8; Iron Fist 21; Moon Knight 25; Ms. Marvel 34; Nova 20; Runaways 5; Secret Invasion: Dark Reign; Secret Invasion: Requiem; She-Hulk 38; Squadron Supreme 8; Uncanny X-Men 505; War Machine 1; What If: Fallen Son; What If: Newer Fantastic Four; What If: Secret Wars; What If: Spider-Man - Back In Black; Wolverine 70; Wolverine: Origins 31; Wonderful Wizard Of Oz 1 (of ?); X-Factor 38; X-Force 10; X-Infernus 1 (of ?); X-Men [: Legacy] 219; and, Young X-Men 9. Other Items Available Include – Anita Blake - Vampire Slayer [2]: Guilty Pleasures (TPB); Captain America: The Chosen (TPB); Hedge Knight 2 [: Sworn Sword] (TPB); and, Marvel Illustrated: The Three Musketeers (HC). Merchandise Available Including – Avengers Invaders Poster (by Alex Ross); and, Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Poster.

FROM THE BACK: Titles Available Include – Absolution; Angel [After The Fall]; Anne Steelyard [1] - Garden Of Emptiness (SC) {$16}; Arabian Nights [- Adventures Of Sinbad]; Archie & Friends; Bart Simpson Comics; City Of Dust; Classics Illustrated [Deluxe] - Frankenstein (HC) {$19}; Courtney Crumrin [1] - Night Things (SC) {$12}; Courtney Crumrin [2] - Coven Of Mystics (SC) {$12}; Courtney Crumrin [3] - Prince Of Nowhere (SC) {$7}; [Alan Moore’s] (The) Courtyard {FC}; Crossed; Doctor Who; Dread Force; [Jim Butcher’s] (The) Dresden Files; [Terry Moore’s] Echo; Elixir (SC) {$15}; Eureka; Fall Of Cthluhu; Fallen Angel; Farscape; Fire And Brimstone; Fist Of Justice; Flash Gordon; Forgotten Realms; [Dean Koontz’s] Frankenstein - Prodigal Son; [Warren Ellis’] Frankenstein’s Womb; Freedom Formula; Galaxy Quest; Galveston; Gettysburg (SC) {$10}; Ghost Whisperer; Ghostbusters; Gold Digger; Gravel; Grimm Fairy Tales; Heresy; Hexed; [Allen Moore’s] Hypothetical Lizard (TPB) {BW}; Jobnik (SC) {$18}; Judo Girl; Kade: Rising Sun; Land Of Oz [Manga]; Lone Ranger; Lost At Sea (SC) {$12}; (The) Man With No Name; [Patricia Briggs’] Mercy Thompson - Homecoming; Neozoic; Ninja High School; Red Sonja; Sabrina; Scarlet Veronica; Seekers Into The Mystery [Volume 1] (TPB) {$16}; Speed Racer; Shortcomings (HC) {$20}; Simpsons Super Spectacular; Sonic (The Hedgehog); Sonic X; Star Trek; Star Trek - Next Generation; Stardust Kid (TPB) {$15}; Starship Troopers; Sword Of Dracula; [C.E. Murphy’s] Take A Chance; Tales [/] Crypt; Terminator; The Circle [3] - White (SC) {$12}; The Corps; The Elementals; The Imaginaries; The Remnant; The Last One (TPB) {$25}; Total Anarchy - The Legacy of Vampi; Transformers; Twilight Zone; [Disney’s] Uncle Scrooge; Victoria’s Secret Service (TPB) {$18}; Vincent Price Presents; Walt Disney’s Comics & Stories; War At Ellsmere; [George R.R. Martin’s] Wild Cards; Wonderland (HC) {$20}; Yeti vs. Vampire; Zen (Intergalactic Ninja); and, Zorro... plus, a vast assortment of apparel; books; imports; magazines; models; novelties; posters; prints; statues; toys; and, trading cards!!

Frank Words
By Frank Jaymes
October 2008
With material from Previews Catalog