“It was bitter for all of us when Brandon Lee was killed”
– John Shirley
John Shirley may not be a household name, but for three decades he’s been an incredibly influential and prolific writer. He was one of the most important early writers in the movement that would later be called cyberpunk, and William Gibson and others have paid tribute to his influence. Shirley’s novel City Come A-Walkin’ and his later trilogy A Song Called Youth – which has recently been re-released in a single volume omnibus edition – remain among two of the best cyberpunk works ever published. Shirley is also an award winning horror and fantasy writer perhaps best known for novels like Demons, Bleak History, and Dracula in Love, and short story collections like Heatseeker and In Extremis: The Most Extreme Short Stories of John Shirley.
A singer/songwriter who’s fronted a number of bands and has written lyrics for bands including Blue Oyster Cult, Shirley is also a screenwriter who’s worked in film and television. He was the original writer on the movie The Crow and has written episodes of TV shows including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Profit, “VR.5, Poltergeist: Legacy, Batman Beyond, and The Real Ghostbusters.
Shirley’s newest project is The Crow: Death and Rebirth, a comic miniseries released by IDW, the second issue of which has just been released. Shirley spoke with SG over e-mail to talk about his return to the concept of The Crow, which also marks his return to cyberpunk.
A benefit in aid of the Aurora shooting victims is being put together by All C’s Collectibles, a local comic shop which is not far from the theater where the tragic event took place. There has been a tremendous outpour of support to help get the event off the ground. It will be held over two days on August 25th and 26th, and will include a silent auction and in store appearances by several fantastic comic creators. Many amazing supporters have stepped up and made donations towards the silent auction, including most of the major comic companies.
DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, POW Entertainment, Top Cow Comics and many more have all made contributions. There have been some fantastic donations so far including a signed Amazing Spider-Man movie poster from Stan Lee, and a poster and guitar donated and signed by Scott Ian from Anthrax. Several comic artists have also given original artworks for the auction. These incredible items and more will be auctioned off on Saturday, August 25 at 6:30 PM. The silent auction will be located at a donated space in the Embassy Suites. All the proceeds from the auction will go to the Alex Sullivan Fund and the Aurora Victims Relief Fund.
Many prominent comic writers and artists have agreed to come out for an in-store signing on Sunday, August 26. Comic icon Steve Niles, author of 30 Days of Night, Dark Days, Criminal Macabre, and many more, will be in attendance. Dark Horse Comics legend and creator of Hellboy, Mike Mignola has been confirmed. Writer of the current The Invincible Iron Man run, Matt Fraction will also be joining, as well as All-Star Western artist Mortitat. More writers and artists have been in contact with the benefit and there are more appearances to be announced over the coming weeks.
Aurora Rise has begun to spread far beyond the city limits of Aurora, Colorado. There has been an overwhelming interest across the comic community to extend the event to future conventions and throughout other cities. So far, there is talk of branches at Dragon Con in Chicago, and even in the UK. There will also likely be a second event held in Aurora at a later date, probably mid-September, to accommodate more artists and writers who could not make it out for the first benefit signing. Volunteers associated with Denver Comic Con have set up Aurora Rise on Facebook, Twitter, and with its own website. They are currently working on setting up the infrastructure to expand the charity program through the Community First Foundation.
The Walking Dead is not only one of the biggest shows on television, but is also one of the best selling comic books in the world, and now Robert Kirkman’s zombie tale has reached its historic 100th issue. It has already become the top selling single issue of the 21st century, prompting a second printing less than a week after its release.
According to Image Comics, the issue sold out of its 383,612 initial order the same day it was released. Meanwhile, BleedingCool reports that a copy of the rare ComiXology variant issue (pictured) was sold on eBay for $500.
“The Walking Dead continues to greatly exceed all my expectations in all forms,” said Robert Kirkman. “I am especially excited for what this means for comics as an industry, that this is an independent comic hitting that number. The future of comics couldn’t be brighter as more and more readers are embracing new ideas in a big way.”
The Walking Dead Magazine
You know there’s a Walking Dead comic book and a Walking Dead TV show, but what about a Walking Dead magazine? Well you’re in luck! Debuting on October 23, The Walking Dead Magazine will feature an insider look at both the comic book and the TV show. With exclusive content including interviews, spoilers, and previews, it will feature plenty of extra material for fans of the zombie epic.
“This magazine will be your one stop destination for all the news pertaining to the comic, TV show, video game, toys, games, and whatever else exists in the ever-expanding Walking Dead universe! If it’s happening, you’ll find out all about it right here,” creator Robert Kirkman said.
An alternate version of the debut issue will be available exclusively in comic stores. The cover of this special edition (pictured above), will feature a previously unreleased image by Walking Dead comic artist Charlie Adlard.
Get Ready For The Ricktatorship
“Get one thing straight, if you’re staying this isn’t a democracy anymore!”
Those were the infamous final words of Rick Grimes as Season 2 of The Walking Dead closed on AMC just a few short months ago. Now that the cast is in full swing production for Season 3 some details are starting to emerge about what to expect as the group of survivors moves into a prison.
Andrew Lincoln, who portrays Grimes in the zombie drama, says he gained inspiration from a seminal apocalyptic novel to help him understand the depths to which the former sheriff’s deputy has fallen as he’s seen friends and family die time and time again since the undead came back to life.
“I was reading…The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I saved reading that until now and I think Rick is very much at that point. It’s interesting because the time scale in that book and this season I think is very similar. He’s been pushing people away all the way through Cormac McCarthy’s book to protect his son,” Lincold explained during last weekend’s San Diego Comic Con. “In doing so, he loses his humanity. I think Rick has isolated himself from the group and in his marriage and that’s the way that he is protecting everybody. I think that’s a very interesting place to start this season.”
And so begins the Ricktatorship
Executive Producer Glen Mazzara Says There Is No Safe Haven
In a recent interview with The Wrap.com, Executive Producer Glen Mazzara answered questions about the new season, and while he obviously couldn’t reveal much about the highly anticipated third season, he did confirm something that everyone should already know about a world infested by zombies…
There really is no safe place to hide.
The thought of there being some utopia that the survivors of this zombie apocalypse could escape to should just be washed from your brains right now because it ain’t happening.
“There is no safe haven in this world. I want to make that clear. At the end of our Season 2 finale that farm is overtaken and that farm was that last safe haven, and there’s no safe haven in that world. I want to be very clear about that. No one is safe. There is no safe haven,” said Mazzara.
Season 3 Photos Released: The Governor And Michonne Revealed; Merle is Back!
SuicideGirls first told you earlier this year that Michael Rooker’s raging redneck character Merle Dixon would be back in Season 3 of The Walking Dead and now photos released by AMC show his return (albeit less one hand).
The stills also reveal the identity of the badass hooded sword wielding character who debuts from the comic books to the screen to kick off next season as well as the man who will undoubtedly become the most hated villain in Walking Dead history as soon as he makes his first appearance.
Season 3 Debut Date Announced
This bit of news is short and sweet, but probably the most anticipated for any fan of The Walking Dead. As first announced at San Diego Comic Con by executive producer Glen Mazzara, The Walking Dead will return on Sunday, October 14 at 9 PM ET. There has been a 16-episode order for Season 3, and once again the show will be broken into two parts with the first series of episodes airing in 2012 and the second slate debuting in 2013.
San Diego Comic Con 2012 was packed with so much news that we couldn’t fit it all in one place. Yesterday, I covered the news about the major movies coming from Marvel and DC. In this column, we’ll take a look at some other movies and the rest of the news from the nerd fest.
It was a few years ago at 2006 Comic Con when Edgar Wright first talked about doing an Ant-Man movie. While there still isn’t a date scheduled for it, Wright did come out during the Marvel movie news panel to show off a short teaser trailer. All of the copies of the teaser that made it online were promptly taken down, but the fans that saw it at Comic Con have been raving about it.
If they don’t get their skates on and hit a looming contractual deadline, Fox face losing the rights to Daredevil, a prospect that’s becoming all the more real now that David Slade is out of the picture and the project is director-less. However the studio is moving forward with a new Fantastic Four project before they lose control of those rights too. Josh Trank, director of Chronicle, is confirmed as the director for the upcoming Fantastic Four flick. Fox still has the Wolverine and First Class sequels to push out before they move on the Fantastic Four project however. We’re told there will be an entirely new cast, but it is unclear if the forthcoming Fantastic Four film will be a reboot or in the same continuity. It is confirmed that Jeremy Slater will be writing the next movie though.
The CW’s The Arrow is turning out to be a much darker show than any superhero TV series before it. Calling The Arrow a superhero show might be a stretch as what we’re seeing in the previews makes him out to be quiet the anti-hero. This is the Green Arrow like you’ve never seen before. In the newest clip released by the CW, Green Arrow kills several of his captors to protect his identity.
Suck it, Wolverine! That’s the tagline of the new Deadpool video game being designed by High Moon Studios. The merc’ with a mouth is getting his own game where he’s going to kick a bunch of ass, make a ton of inappropriate jokes, and constantly break the fourth wall. The trailer for the game captures Deadpool’s unique sense of humor and has fans ready well ahead of the 2013 release.
DreamWorks animation is in talks with Classic Media to acquire several classic cartoon properties. Among the titles included in the $150 million dollar package are: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Voltron, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Waldo from ‘Where’s Waldo’, and Lone Ranger. If DreamWorks can make this deal happen, we will likely be seeing CGI remakes of all these titles in the coming years.
The Walking Dead returns to AMC on October 14. Several of the cast were in attendance at SDCC for The Walking Dead panel, which featured clips from the upcoming season three as well as fan questions and answers. The full trailer, which was debuted at the panel, was released online, and there are some special surprises, including an appearance by the Governor.
To wrap things up, Karl Urban promised fans a sneak peak of Star Trek 2 during SDCC. He lived up to his promise, releasing a four minute video of him surfing while music plays. Only in the last ten seconds of the video is there some footage of a wrap from the Star Trek 2 set.
Last weekend was San Diego Comic Con, the premier nerd convention of the year. Both major comic companies were present as well as several movie studios, prominent actors, and nerd icons of all kinds. Everyone was eager to show off their newest projects.
New clips for The Dark Knight Rises were previewed at Comic Con. The first was a teaser of Morgan Freeman showing off a new vehicle, The Bat. The second clip establishes the movie takes place eight years after The Dark Knight in a conversation between Officer Blake and Commissioner Gordon. The Dark Knight Rises premiers in theaters July 20.
Batman is one of the most popular heroes in the world with one of the most iconic cars ever. This year at SDCC, each of the classic Batmobiles were on display. The Batmobiles were all lined up and a new documentary about the cars was previewed at the con. The Batmobile is a documentary that features Batmobiles throughout time and the Batmen that drove them.
The Man of Steel had a panel at Comic Con, helping shed some light on the rumors surrounding the project. A short clip was shown to the audience and it was met with positive reviews. There’s a new teaser poster on their Facebook page as well.
Iron Man 3 had a major presence at Comic Con. During the Iron Man 3 panel, Kevin Feage, Shane Black, Robert Downey Jr., and Don Cheadle were present to talk about the upcoming movie. They discussed both rumors and the movie story, without giving much of anything away. All of the Iron Man armor from the past movies, as well as the armor from the upcoming movie was on display as well. Men might not be the only ones putting on armor in Iron Man 3 however, the new rumor is Gwyneth Paltrow may be dawning the rescue armor this go around.
Marvel revealed the titles to their upcoming sequels at Comic Con, and it looks like Bucky is coming back since the title of the Captain America sequel is Captain America: Winter Soldier. Bucky was the original Winter Soldier so it seems likely he’s returning as a villain. While Bucky isn’t confirmed beyond the title, Falcon will make an appearance in the film. Anthony Mackie will be playing the part. Winter Soldier is scheduled to release April 14, 2014.
The Thor sequel is entitled, Thor: The Dark World. A few things are known about Thor at the moment. The movie will explore Thor and Jane’s relationship. Loki will not be the main villain in the film, and the current rumor mill points all signs to the Enchantress. With a new director on board, it’s set for theatres sometime in 2013.
Marvel officially confirmed they are filming Galactic Guardians after Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: Winter Soldier. They also revealed the cast of the Galactic Guardians team will include: Drax the Destoryer, Gamora, Groot, Star-Lord, and everyone’s favorite, Rocket Raccoon. Galactic Guardians is slated to start in theaters on August 1, 2014.
That’s the first half of Ur W33K 1N G33K’s Comic Con coverage. Check back in for the rest of the news from the convention.
“I love Comic Con so much. This year was my first time working the booth, so my favorite part was being able to meet so many girls and the fans! But the best part EVER was seeing Venom Suicide pole dance at the club after. She is soooo hot!” – LaneyChantal
“I had the moment of my life at Comic Con 2012. I met my hero, Morgan Spurlock – and I got to share a bed with Rambo! Also, we were lucky enough have Will Wheaton stop by our booth, and Cameron Stewart surprised us with a CCSD 2012 SG Exclusive Comic Drawing of all of us girls. It was just amazing!” – Ackley
“My favorite part was getting to see (and take pictures with) many different people in various costumes. I love to see what comic fans come up with. It was also fun to meet more SGs and instantly get along with them.” – Severen
“Being able to see Mark VIII from Iron Man 3 made me weak in the knees just a bit” – Tristyn
“The highlight of SDCC for me was meeting ‘Lenore’ creator Roman Dirge. He drew a quick sketch in the newest hardcover Lenore edition for me and we chatted about an upcoming movie. I also really enjoyed meeting the California Suicide Girls and having them sign my copy of the coffee table book.” – Thanatogenous
“Everything about ComicCon is so exciting and memorable. It’s the highlight of my year. It’s so hard to pick one thing as my favorite moment out of the five days of non-stop nerdsplosion of epicness. But, nothing beats the ‘con exclusive’ friendships that are formed and renewed while you’re geeking out together over booths, swag, and sneak-peek announcements. The SuicideGirl booth during SDCC is the best place to be in the world!” – Bob
“What better than meeting a bunch of beautiful girls and finding out that they are super nice and like to party as much as you? Nothing. Add a night of Andrew WK, sexy costumes and meeting some of the nicest fans into the equation, and it made for a win-win weekend!” – Brewin
“My highlight had to be when a guy dressed as Boba Fett dropped down on one knee and pretended to propose to me in front of a huge crowd. I almost passed out from excitement. That moment made the entire trip worth it!” – Phecda
“My favorite Comic Con 2012 moments were watching Bob Suicide rage at the Andrew WK/ SG party, hearing Sash Suicide squeal when she ran into Opie from Sons of Anarchy, seeing the look of excitement on Milloux Suicide’s face when she came face to face with her TV crush, talking to fans from all over the world, including Germany, England & Costa Rica, and the girl talk and gossip in the hotel with my fellow Suicide Girls. Nothing is bigger than SDCC and no one has more fun than the Suicide Girls ;)” – Tita
“My favorite comic con moment has to be the time I spend with all the girls, and catching Marvel’s Avengers vs. X-Men panel. – Lolana
“One of my favorite moments, or should I say hours, was at the DC booth. I was second in line for an Autograph by Scott Snyder (the New 52 Swamp Thing Batman). A very nice DC employee gave this obsessive fan girl a wristband for a later autograph session with Jim Lee (JLA, Infinite Crisis) and Geoff Johns (JLA, Green Lantern). Wristbands? I didn’t know anything about wristbands. He pulled one out of his pocket and put it on my arm. I drooled and contemplated hugging him. I now have several of the New 52 #1s double and triple signed by some of the most awesome people in the comic universe. Also, I acquired a variant cover of Lady Meachanika #3 (Aspen) and got it autographed by Joe Benitez – one of my favorite series that everybody should check out by the way. I thanked each one of them for all the awesome and can’t wait to come back next year.” – Elea
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to say hi. We loved meeting each and everyone of you, and really appreciate all the love and support. See you at Comic Con 2013 – we’re already country down the days.
In the meatime, we’ll leave you with this Mask & Cape interview featuring our friends Chubby Bunny and Yume Ninja of Bubble Punch who designed our fab cosplay outfits this year. Talking of which, what would you like to see us wearing next year…
There’s no better day to “party hard” at Comic Con than Friday 13th – especially when cosplay’s involved. We’ll be rockin’ our horror, sci-fi, and superhero outfits with the Spin and iHeartComix crew. The event, which kicks off at 9 PM at 4th & B, will feature performances by Andrew W.K., Peanut Butter Wolf, Hottub, Alexander Spit, and Franki Chan. We’ll also be hosting a cosplay contest with our friends from Bubble Punch and Meltdown, so be sure to come suitably (un)dressed!
