Just when I start thinking too much is going on in the Batverse over at DC Comics, and I start fearing the day it’ll all just go back to the same old same old… an artist comes up with a concept like this–Robin and Bat.

So simple. So perfect. So fresh.

The artists’ intent was for this to be Tim Drake with a new troubled teen… but I can’t help wanting this more than the current Dick Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as Robin setup. It’s obvious Batman will return after he figures out how to get back from the past–yadda yadda–but lets face it: The day of Bruce Wayne as Batman is coming. Deal with it.

Wouldn’t this be the perfect answer?! The conceptual stuff aside… this Robin design just looks badass and maintains a level of fearful respect that would have been learned during his time as Batman. This artist, “kizer180” needs to get hired asap.

When my friend asked me if I’d be home after midnight tonight I immediately knew something was up. This is a humble guy who doesn’t do “surprises” and doesn’t fit in with the normal mold of folk who celebrate holidays of any kind (to more of a degree than even I). His name is Rui DaSilva, him and I are currently co-creating/writing The Aquatic League of Heroes webcomic and aquatic hero support site.

There’s another under-dog character I defend almost as much as Darkhawk. The character is Booster Gold. One of the first issues I had a few years before I jumped on to comics strong with the Archie Ninja Turtles stuff, and eventually got won over by Darkhawk, was Booster Gold #7.

I’d always remember that issue number because Superman guest stars and whops Booster’s ass. I always respected the lesson I knew would be learned from that experience even if I never got another comic of Booster Gold (until now, 20 years later). Something about the concept of the character intrigued me because it broke the mold of “the norm”. I finally just bought the Essentials collection that collects the first run of the series in the mid-80s. I just read the issue Booster Gold saves President Nixon and Vice-President Bush from an alien shapeshifter assassination/take over. (Go Booster Go! Talk about a guy who now fights to fix time blips huh?)

Anyways… here is the result of Rui hearing me rant one time too many times about my second favorite under-dog comic hero of all time:

Gravel

Warren Ellis’ Gravel comic series may hit the big screen. The film rights have been picked up by Legendary Pictures. Where it goes from there is anyone’s guess.

Spider-Man 4

Sam Raimi has confirmed that the next Spider-Man movie will start filming in March 2010. The script is currently going through a re-write, and additional casting hasn’t been done yet, but preparations with the sets and visual-effects. Rami’s thoughts on the direction required with the new villain:

What we’re trying to do right now is really understand the journey Peter is going to go on this time and have the villain maybe be a counter to that growth, something that he has to overcome. Or maybe he has to grow in a way to overcome the villain, because there always seem to be stories of coming of age, of a young man growing up and learning things about life, so once we are identifying the exact movement that Peter has to grow to, I think the villain—and we’re trying this right now; we’re trying to choose a villain based on who would be the proper counter to that growth, so we really have dramatic conflict.

Transformers 3

Looks like Michael Bay is tired of dealing with Megan Fox and her free-flowing mouth. Bay discovered Fox, who has been the lead female role in the Transformers franchise–now it’s time for a possible deal scene in the first few minutes of the next Transformers movie, and time to move on to the next in line.

X-Men Franchise

It seems Bryan Singer is interested, and in discussions with Fox, about possibly returning to the X-Men franchise. Singer’s comments about science fiction and fantasy films is that he likes to “trick audiences into thinking they’re seeing fireworks, but they’re learning about themselves and listening to what I have to say,” and that “The excitement about working in science fiction and fantasy is – the stories, if they are good, are about the human condition.”

Preacher

Garth Ennis’s Preacher series may be coming to television. Rose McGowan is claimed to be producing the mini-series for HBO.

I saw these TMNT pieces of art on DeviantArt by Michael Watson, I  figured it was time to launch a new series of blog posts, “Toon Idols”, dedicated to spotlighting and highlighting some of my favorite childhood characters. Toons that got me into comics, or never seemed to leave my mind well into my 20s, and are still there in my early 30s. Some of which would be re-introduced to TV, movies or comics but never in the way I perceived to be the best direction for them (most likely for selfish reasons described below). Of course, that was due to my aging and different entertainment aesthetic preferences, and also because they all influenced the way I thought on a creative level, and therefore, they all evolved even after my childhood memories got left behind.

This first set features the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or TMNT for short. Along with the Thundercats, these guys provoked my imagination like nothing else. I even drew them in math class instead of paying attention (even designed a bow and arrow turtle with a white bandanna called Apollo or something). I played all the video games over and over again. But what really stayed with me wasn’t the generation 1 cartoon with Shredder, Kang and the robot foot soldiers… it was the Marvel Archie Comics TMNT with Cowlick, Ace Duck, black ninja suit Raphael, Manray and Wingnut!

In a way this TMNT design harkons my imagination back to what those Archie Comic characters would have been like if they were evolved into a more current modern design. Something more grounded and realistic, with edge and dynamic lines. I want to see THAT kinda comic come back to the news stands (or comic book shops if I can get my language out of the 50s). I can rant on and on about how, to a certain degree, these properties haven’t been used to their full potential. I mean, sure, TMNT still has a huge following, they keep targeting the young generation with the aesthetics that the youth seem to connect with in the media.

My feeling though, is that there’s a whole generation of fans out there in their 30s now who remember the TMNT being a huge contributor to their childhood imaginations. This target audience has money to spend at theaters, and DVDs, hell even well done figures and statues. My question is why NOT target them now and then with a more “adult” flavored TMNT? Comic companies like IDW and Devil’s Due have taken on G.I. Joe again–some of these storylines ARE directed at a more mature audience and more successful because of that liberty (at least from a critical review standpoint… not sure actual numbers).

At the very least, if we look hard enough, we can always find artists who allow our dreams to flicker alive once again.

Michael Watson’s DeviantArt Site
Michael Watson’s Blog

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How could I NOT collect all this info here? I’ve been hit with a flurry of news on this topic in the last 10 minutes and wishing some of the cool stuff was all in ONE place. So here it is, the short of it is that Disney has acquired Marvel Comics and its portfolio of 5000 characters for $4 billion buckaroos by the end of the calendar year. The acquisition highlights from the press release: Disney’s strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder value.

It all sounds like madness on the surface because, if you’re like me, it’s initially hard to NOT connect Mickey and crew with the grim-and-gritty world of the Marvel Universe. It’s hard to picture a world where Disney doesn’t force Marvel stories to tone down on the violence and turn out more child-friendly comics. One the plus side, this brings new readers into comics, right? If ANYONE can create leverage when it comes to targeting children, it’s Disney… right?

I’m not sure why I’m still mildly weirded out though. Disney wants to provide Marvel properties a broader audience reach. It has the marketing power, it has a strong footing in entertainment and world distribution, what could go wrong? Warner Bros. bought out DC Comics and it’s all fine and dandy on that side. Warner Bros. owns the Loony Tunes and I don’t have Bugs Bunny popping out in my imagination with a Green Lantern ring… but then again WB also gave us the Batman Animated Series–so that branding innately made sense.

But Disney… and Marvel. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Disney mostly has the girl market covered and booming… but what do they have for boys nowadays? Not saying comics are just for boys–but you get what I’m saying, I hope–comics have a larger boy demographic. Plain and simple. If Disney can reach out to young boys again AND young girls, then it’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned! With that said, I’ve gathered some awesome points brought up by fans thus far. Enjoy!

Awesome Fan Points gathered from the iFanboy community:

• Will we see a Donald Duck/Howard the Duck teamup?
• Will we see a Little Mermain/Namor teamup?
• Will we see an Increadibles/Fantastic Four teamup?
• Will Kingdom Hearts be mixed with Marvel supers as well as Square Enix? (Cause = totally awesome)
• Will we finally get Darkwing Duck in comics? (please)
• Will we finally see Gargoyles in comics? (pretty please)
• What happens to the distribution deals with Paramount?
• What happens to the BOOM! Studios Disney license deals?
• Wait. So WHO owns the right to Marvelman?
• Will the Marvel MAX and Icon lines shut down by Disney execs?
• Disney owns the CrossGen Comics portfolio: Will these old characters join the Marvel Universe now?
• Anyone else seeing an animated future for Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers? Will Pluto join the team?
• Will the Superhuman Registration Act be expanded to include talking animals?
• Will there be a Disney Zombies miniseries?

Original Wolvie/Mickey art found at: The Wolverine Daily

I’ve been reading old golden age western comics for the last week. It started, in part, because I am “researching” for a possible new project on the horizon. On a secondary level, I was curious and have been reading superhero or war hero golden age stuff off and on for the last few months–again a bit out of simple curiosity, and a bit for brain food to chew on later.

The below page is from Capital Stories Inc., or otherwise known as “Charlton Comics”, in a one-page “story” titled “Trip to the Moon“. It’s not REALLY a story because it’s actually an informative piece that discusses the future of space travel and–oh hells yes–the reality of man traveling to the moon. Not just men like Neil Armstrong over a decade later, but ANY man!

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After reading it I chuckled at some of the awesome enthusiasm in the narrative. I had to step back so that I could put into focus a time when this was actually released–and then I read it again. It was the kind of thing that COULD have come out of a creative story-teller’s mind. It was REAL possible and presumably TANGIBLE science fiction come to life! This would have been a phenomenal experience to have as a teenager back in the 50s!

Below is a list of observations I had during the first reading, thoughts I had after I was done reading the page, and then thoughts I had after reading it again to ponder further what has come since the time it was written.

1. The Hayden Planetarium was taking applications for people to take trips to the moon in 1953?!? WHAT?! Awesome, right? Except that, as we know half a century later, this never happened, or is even PLANNED to happen anymore. At least not with the support from the Hayden Planetarium. That’s right folks, they now have a website and are more focused in bringing the frontier of astrophysics to the public via exhibitions, books, public programs and online resources. They couldn’t take you 75-year-olds to the stars, but they sure as hell do their part to bring knowledge of the stars to you! I really hope 25,000 never PAID to fill out those applications though. Dreams destroyed by a shredding machine.
2. Having an possible endorsement in a comic book calling out would-be astronauts in 1954 is WAY ahead of its time… and reality. The first scientist astronaut selection process began in 1964 in which NASA received 1400 applications (most of which by men). In 1977, during the third selection round, 8000 applications were reviewed (this time 1/3 were from women). Even during this round only a few hundred were deemed fit for the challenge. The fact that this comic page could have helped at least start the youthful American enthusiasm to start studying to be an astronaut is very exciting to me.
3. The comic page mentions interplanetary trips within 25 years. The truth of the matter is that it came 16 years later in 1969 with Apollo 11. There have only been 9 manned missions to the moon, 6 of which actually landed, with a total of 12 men having walked on the surface. All this happened between 1969 and 1972. That’s it. The vision and dreams in the panel were and still are commendable, but alas now we have everyone focused on the next big thing: Mars. Imagine that 56 years later!
4. Apollo 16, in 1969 dollar currency, cost up to $25 billion–that’s about $135 in 2005 dollar value. I think the dream of nuclear fission rocket engines turning this dream into possibility is pretty much out the window… especially during “today’s economic crisis”.
5. In 1953 it couldn’t possibly have been known how long it would take to even GET to the moon–so they didn’t even bother guessing in fantastical ways that would likely have been a humorous attempt looking back at it today. Apollo 17 took about 3 days to travel the 400,000 km. The comic panel wasn’t too far off as to the top speeds though. According to Harrison H. Schmitt’s report on his Apollo 17 mission, they eventually reached about 25,000km/h. So, “well over” that amount was a bit of another dream fulfillment–but for a 16-year-away estimate. That wasn’t too bad!
6. Although many geological studies were done on the spot and plenty moon rock samples collected and thousands of photos collected, the last panel was once again a bit too eager in its prediction. Many future trips equalled exactly 6 landed explorations within 3 years before funding was cut and the program was shut down. Cost is still a major factor 55 years after this comic–even if you ignore the required selection process and requirements individuals need to pass. No other exploration trips have been attempted by governments much less funded, organised, executed and made profitable by Google Microsoft corporations.

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I’ve been sitting on this blog post for a while now and it almost got left unpublished. I came across it just after getting back from San Diego Comic Con. I spent a week there, exhausting myself to new degrees of human fatigue… and I loved it! So, when I saw a new post in my RSS feed titled “Dark Horse Goes Green” supported with a comic strip promoting it, I was enthusiastic!

“Of course! why NOT?!” I thought. Comics are paper, right, so using recycled paper, or partly recycled paper might make sense–at least in concept.

I was wrong.

As I read the companion strip my enthusiasm turned to over-whelming disappointment. The concept of “greenwashing” has been a topic I’ve been talking to Nikki about for almost a year. I’ve wanted to write an article about greenwashing after collecting dozens and dozens of news posts over the last year. Then the topic seemed to loose some steam in the blogging world and I thought: “Hum… maybe companies are aware of their deceptive or ignorant practices and smartening up.”

Then this: Not only did a respectable company like Dark Horse take a leader step forward, commanding respect and encouraging others to follow… they also did it wrong and even backed up their reasons for NOT going green! Absurd! Especially when tied to a green PR stunt meant to draw the awareness of green enthusiasts.

Just to break down what “greenwashing” is for people who are new to the term (including those at Dark Horse marketing presumably), here’s a definition:

Greenwashing is a term used to describe the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing.

Let me breakdown the ways Dark Horse and the strip above wantonly stride with ignorant abandon into the land of greenwashing:

1. High-quality bags: At the con, “schwag bags” are handed out like Halloween candy to Con-goers with seemingly endless sweettooths to take EVERY bag they pass by. Dark Horse making “high-quality reusable bags” isn’t that big a deal. The argument that they aren’t “plastic bags that’ll go in the trash” doesn’t make them bags that WON’T go in the trash by those who have no interest in keeping a dozen bags from different companies with promo art on them after they get home from the Con. I, for example, have high-quality PLASTIC bags that I reuse constantly as grocery bags. Some of the plastic bags I saw being handed out at the Con were equally reusable by those with the mindset to REUSE them. It’s not the bag’s material–it’s the bag holder’s choice.
2. What else does Dark Horse do for the planet: They have their comics on Myspace and the iPhone. Congratulations. This isn’t being done to “help the planet”, so please Dark Horse, don’t lie to yourselves and don’t confuse consumers. These same comics are also printed. The online options are just that: Options. They don’t fully replace paper comics, they help reach new readers who might come into a comic store and buy paper comics. If they were series that were ONLY digital, then they win this point. If not… shame… moving on…
3. But Dark Horse still prints comics! What about all the waste!?: Comics become waste. Sure, there are collectors who will save them for decades (and eventually over a century when their kids take the collections over), but at the end of the day: Comics are a waste product. Just like G.I. Joe toys, He-Man toys, My Little Ponies toys, vinyl records, stamps, Bazooka Joe bubble gum strips–you get the point I hope. An object “being a collectible” doesn’t exempt it from eventually going the way of the trash bin, or recycling bin.
4. Trying recycled paper, but it’s not good enough quality: Thinking it’s OK to use virgin paper for comics because you THINK they aren’t “bound for the landfill” doesn’t mean that the possibility they WON’T end up in a landfill doesn’t exists. You’re ignorant otherwise.
5. Paper is recyclable: Congratulations for pointing that out. Defending the choice to print on virgin paper by saying it “is a renewable resource” does NOT make your actions green! You know what ELSE is a renewable resource? RECYCLED paper… oh right… too bad you aren’t happy with the paper stock. Fail.
6. At Dark Horse, they love the environment: This may be true… but don’t PR that you’re “going green”. This is not acceptable from a publishing company with such a great history in the industry. It’s disappointing to someone who considers this publisher to be one of the comic industry “lead voices”. Doing something like this is a huge strike against the company from my opinion–and that sucks for me to say.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to suggest that Dark Horse’s intentions weren’t good. They jumped onto the green choo-choo train without having a better strategy than the one above. As a comic book lover, I’m a fan of good quality books, sure–I love books that stay in good condition for as long as possible. Any book. Would I purchase a comic on less quality comic paper? Sure, just make it cheaper as well. Would I purchase ONLY digital comics if the right technology was out to support it–cough Quicksilver cough–abso-frikkin-lutley. But I’d still by the trades for the collections I liked.

There’s always going to be paper products for people like me. I wouldn’t want publishers like Dark Horse or any other to change their distribution model to 100% digital. What I would like to see though is companies of all kinds to STOP this kind of Green PR tactic just to be part of the trend train. Think before your market.