Previews and Reviews that are Z's Views
Congrats to Cully Hamner and Warren Ellis. It looks like the movie adaptation of their comic mini-series “Red” has taken a huge leap forward. The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Bruce Willis is in talks to star in the production and to make the potential movie even sweeter, Richard Donner is on the short list of directors.
Man, I would love it if Willis and Donner make the flick.
That sweet Reverand Dave Johnson cover will kick off a four-part mini-series by writer Victor Gischler and artist Goran Parlov. Titled “Welcome to Bayou” begins in “Punisher: Frank Castle” #71, in stores June 10th. Gischler describes the mini-series as
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ meets ‘Devil’s Rejects’ with a little ‘Deliverance’ thrown in,”
You can get a six page preview thanks to the good folks at CBR.com simply by clicking here.
I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. I can’t wait for Rick Remender’s “The Last Days of American Crime.”
Do you have two minutes and 19 seconds to spare? If so you can check out this really cool [and really short] film by Adam Berg. One of the things that make it worth checking out is that NOTHING moves but the camera.
I guess in an effort to make full disclosure I should tell you that the film is also a commercial for the Phillips Carousel which is a new really widescreen tv [as in wider than other widescreen sets]. But don’t worry about the commercial — the set is never shown or mentioned and the movie really has a neat twist… if you’re paying attention!
Enjoy!
IDW has posted up a 19 page preview of Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of Richard Stark’s The Hunter. Man, I want this book now!
100 Bullets by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso has consistently been one of the best comics published each month during it’s 100 issue run. I’m sorry to see it end, but 100 Bullets was designed to go for just 100 issues. And it did. And with the same creative team [including Dave Johnson‘s magnificent covers] in every issue. CBR.com has a spoiler heavy review right here.
I’m going to miss my monthly 100 Bullets fix… but have to admit I am looking forward to whatever Azzarello, Risso and Johnson do next.
We’re a week away from FX International. My buddy, John Beatty will there as a guest along with other comic book artists, movie and tv celebs and thousands of fans. I’ll be hanging out at Big John’s table on Friday and Saturday as he autographs and sketches. [Oh, and if you plan to get a sketch from John be sure and print out his Big Beatty Stimulus Bucks Coupon! It will get you five dollars off any sketch purchased!]
Speaking of sketches, I’ll be hoping to get a few more additions to my Stallone theme, as well as a couple of autographs.
Drop me a comment if you plan to attend. A fun time will be had by all.
Yesterday Darwyn Cooke wrote a guest article for Jimmy Palmiotti’s blog and gave us quite an update! Here are a few highlights:
Speaking of must read — if you want to check out Darwyn’s entire guest article, then click here.
I can’t wait to pick up my copy of Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein’s first issue of Viking. If you feel the same, I hope that you’ve already put your order in with your local comic retailer. If you haven’t you could be out of luck — at least if you’re hoping for a first printing.
What’s crazy about this unprecedented situation is that the comic hasn’t even reached stores yet and won’t until April 22nd. It’s sold out at from Image Comics and the distributor. Stores will still get the copies that they’ve ordered, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. The good news is there will be a second printing.
You really should check out this trailer for the 100 Bullets comic series. The trailer, like the series, is extremely well done.
I’ve been singing the praises of the Warren Ellis/Cully Hamner mini-series for years. It’s got a cool story and great art by Cully. Red has even been optioned for the big screeen.
So why am I writing about Red today you ask? (And I’m glad that you did.) Because on June 9th, for the first time ever, it will be released as a standalone graphic novel! It will also include the Warren Ellis’ script to the first issue and never-before seen development art by Cully! You can pre-order your copy by clicking here.
I’ve always considered Charles Manson to be the poster boy for “The Face of Evil.” That may have to change because…
California corrections officials released a photograph taken today of aging convicted mass murderer Charles Manson, replete with receding hairline, fading forehead Swastika carving and a thick, heavily graying beard.
Manson is 74 years old and won’t be eligble for another parole hearing until 2012, but since he’s been unsuccessful in 11 other parole bids, I doubt 12 will be his lucky number.
You can read the full LA Times piece by clicking here.
The Pitch: Beat the Reaper is like The Sopranos meets ER as written by Charlie Huston and Duane Swierczynski
The Overview: Peter Brown, a mafia hitman, now in the witness protection program finds his cover as an emergency room physician blown when he is recognized by one of his own associates. With hitmen in the hospital, Brown will have to use his new skills as a doctor coupled with his hitman abilities if he is to survive.
The Good: Josh Baszell’s writing presents a unique spin on a mafia hitman. Nothing is as it seems. Footnotes. Yes, footnotes. This book moves. The characters.
The Bad: Being dumped in a shark tank. Stuck with a hypo full of **** and another full of infected fluids. Thrown out of a 6th story window.
The Ugly: What Brown has to do to survive.
The Summary: I loved Beat the Reaper. I can’t remember the last time I read a book by a first time author that I enjoyed so much. Bazell has created a winner and I can’t wait for his follow-up.
The “Public Enemies” trailer is now available here. While it looks okay to pretty good, I was expecting more. Let’s hope that more is what we get.
Here’s a look at the poster for “Public Enemies” starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. I like the iconic look of the poster but am a bit surprised that Bale wasn’t also featured on it. The movie could be a winner [based on the cast and the subject matter].
