With some major comic book games on the horizon, it seems as if the Video Game Elders are taking some time off. Come on, Mario. What's the deal? Just last week there was a glut of new images coming out for the two headliners int he comic book video game genre this year.. I wonder if it has anything to do with the holiday season quickly approaching?
Nah, couldn't be.
Check out the two galleries below for some solid images of both Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows and Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Included is the first shot of Captain Marvel (Shazaam!) in MK vs DCU.
It would seem that Activision is eagerly awaiting the October launch of their new Spider-Man: Web of Shadows game. Makes sense, since I know I'm sure waiting for it with bated breath. It may have kind of a goofy cover, but the game looks fantastic.
The boys over at Superhero Hype have discovered that the voice of Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat will be played by a person well known to sci-fi fans. Though not on the scene long, actress Tricia Helfer has made her mark on genre television as the star of Battlestar Galactica
What gives her the right to play the Black Cat in this newest Spidey game? Well, it's part of her day job since she voices Felicia in the animated Spectacular Spider-Man series.
IDW Publishing has announced the debut of Presidential Material...a series of comic books that will explore the histories of both Barack Obama and John McCain.
You know, I applaud IDW for this approach...at least they're trying to grab the attention of people who normally wouldn't read up on the candidates.
IDW Publishing is pleased to present a unique venture in the history of comics publishing: a pair of graphic biographies featuring the presumptive Presidential candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties.
PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA & PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: JOHN MCCAINtake advantage of one of the true American art forms, the comic book, to explore the histories of both presumptive nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties. These biographies are painstakingly researched and beautifully drawn depictions of the two men vying for what is arguably the most important job in the world: the Presidency of the United States of America!
I hope they talk about McCain's gamma radiation incident, or Obama's experiments with Gingold...THAT'S how you sell an election!
You can pre-order a copy (due October 8th) at IDW's website.
Back in June we received word that the Spider-Man: Web of Shadows game had several possible covers in mind for the game and we were invited to vote for the best one. While we don't know which one got how many votes (Activision held the right to ignore the votes and choose whichever they wanted if they desired), but we do know the winner.
While it's hardly as striking an image as they could have gone with, it does have its charm.
The game will be released on home consoles, PC-DVD and handhelds this Fall.
Ever wonder why there aren't more comic book-based video games? No, I don't mean games based on movies based on games. I mean just a game based on a comic. It's a rare occurance. Bone, the epic by Jeff Smith is a notable exception as it has a PC game set in its world. Other than that, it's slim pickings.
Nerd-central Kotaku (I say with nothing but warmth in my heart) ponders the question a bit more in-depth. Author Luke Plunkett brings up many interesting ideas (I would KILL for a game based on the Amazing Screw On Head), though seems to be a tad bit behind the times (which is understandable since he lives outside the U.S. and international distribution can get funky sometimes).
Plunkett hits all the triggers, from finance, to original IPs to properties he'd like to see made into games. His biggest want, which is not a bad idea at all, is a game based on DMZ by Brian Wood. If you haven't read this book, you owe it to yourself to do so.
Hit the media jump below to check out Plunkett's article in its entirety.
These are some of the most amazing bits of fan art I've ever laid my eyes on. Some small group of bored internet lurkers got together and made a thread dedicated to several manga, anime, and video game characters, all done in Yoshitaka Amano's famous style. I've saved most of these myself (I needed new wallpapers). You may do a double take when you look at some of the images. A few of the characters may not be instantly recognizable, but it includes Hellsing's Alucard, Hunter X Hunter's Hisoka, a few Jojo's Bizarre Adventure characters, Squall from Final Fantasy VIII, and L from Death Note(as seen to the right). Click the link and enjoy!
This is a bit of old news, but I did a little digging and found a few videos that sheds some light on it. Back in April, I got an e-mail from Shonen Jump announcing a contest they were having. The winner got the first issue of Jump Square, which contains the debut chapter of Hiroyuki Takei (creator of Shaman King) and Stan Lee's collaboration manga Karakuridôji Ultimo. I quickly scoured the internet for information. I didn't get any luck then, but recently stumbled across some information in an unlikely place: Youtube. Videos after the jump.
Comics and video games have gone hand-in-hand since the conception of the gaming industry. Everything from Captain American the Avengers to The Darkness have had their own games to varying degrees of success and playability.
So who are we to stop playing them now? No one. We are no one. So sit back and soak up this tidal wave of comic book inspired video games. These are all courtesy of forum user MMaRsu on the NeoGAF forums. Given that, these are all rumors and are subject to change at any point.
Hit the jump to get all the juicy details on Ultimate Alliance 2, a Spider-Man Balance Board game for the Wii, some hints on a Marvel Zombies game and a cover gallery for Spider-Man: Web of Shadows.
To check out the full comic featured above, head over to VG Cats.
Sort of. In a bit of weird marketing, Marvel has provided fans with Harold and Kumar Visit the Marvel Universe official postcards in celebration of the eponymous movie (which I won't be watching). The majority are actually pretty bad, but I laughed a little at the Xavier Institute and Asgard references.
Let's see...Marvel's big summer event is about Skrulls invading Earth 616...last I checked, both Young Avengers and Runaways had Skrull team members (gender bender Xavin and awesomely gay Hulkling) so you would think original creators Brian Vaughan and Allan Heinberg would come back to the series to take advantage of this delicious plot potential...but alas, Vaughan has stated before that he's done with Runaways and Heingberg is too busy executive producing that whiny, self-centered Meredith on his TV show, Grey's Anatomy.
I know, downer. But here's the good news! Chris Yost (who's known for writing dramatic, effective stories from his New X-Men stint) will be writing a limited 3 issue mini-series called Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers (no points for originality there) set after the events of Secret Invasion #3 (to be released in June) that will put the focus on the Skrull team members.
I had completely forgotten about the Skrulls in these two teams (because unlike the mainstream titles, these Skrulls are actually interested, layered characters so I just thought of them as natural components of their respective teams), but this may be what finally gets me excited about Secret Invasion.
Next on my wish list: A return to a regular series for Young Avengers. Are you listening Heinberg? Let Meredtih go: she's destined to self destruct with her bundle of insecurities and issues soon. Besides, McDreamy is totally with Hot Nurse now...erm not like I watch that show or anything...
Marvel released its latest promotional image for the uberly-hyped Skrull Invasion this summer.
The skrulls can be any of your trusted friends. ANYONE! BE AFRAID!!!!....
Meh...not so much. I really don't see what the big deal is behind the commie-inspired skrull invasion that Marvel has planned. I mean, they're pretty much the grunts of the Marvel Universe and have been defeated over and over and over....you get my point. You know what would be really scary? If they were neo-sentinels! Oh that's right, that already happened...back in 1996 during the Operation Zero Tolerance crossover >.<
Does anyone find this Summer Spectacular interesting?
It seems that pop culture has been drinking from the same free lovin', electric kool-aid mix lately. Much like Namco's latest reveal that Darth Vader and Yoda will be playable characters in Soul Calibur IV, Marvel and ABC bring us another WTF moment in cross promotions. In what can either turn out to be the greatest promotion ever or another disaster a la the Guiding Light train wreck from a while back, ABC and Marvel have teamed up so that now your normal unassuming Marvel comics will contain several hints and clues of the Dharma persuasion.
Similar to the SC IV reveal, I'm a bit giddy at seeing two of my favorite properties collide like peanut butter and chocolate, but I am weary of the limitations. What can Marvel possibly do to make any of the Lost material meaningful for their characters?
This is what the official press release has to say:
"This is an incredibly innovative way for ABC to generate interest and excitement for the show's upcoming premiere," says Michael Pasciullo, Vice President Merchandising & Communications for Marvel Entertainment. "We were able to seamlessly integrate these elements from the "Lost" world into the books in a way that does not take away from the stories but adds some fun and intrigue for both our readers and fans of the show as well."
Hit the jump for the list of comic books affected.
Moment Of The Week #8
Well last week Ruby Summers blasted the competition easily for Moment of the Week! Just like the old saying goes, never underestimate a girl made out of living gemstone with laser eyes. This week we take a look at some astounding moments from last weeks Spider-Man: Secret Invasion, Wolverine, New Avengers, Final Crisis: Rogue's Revenge, Ultimate X-Men and Thunderbolts. (Marvel heavy, last week) So join me after the jump, and be warned. Spoilers lie beyond. So if you still have to pick up any of these books, don't read ahead because it'll ruin the surprise!...
