Wolverine later appeared as a main character in the famous X-men movie, which brought him into the mainstream. This entertaining and striking character was originally created by the talented writer Len Wein. This character’s subsequent development was done by the talented artist John Byrne. This particular character was much older looking than the others in the beginning, but was revised by Frank Miller who took it to the next level.

Wolverine, who was earlier introduced in a comic book series, is now a part of a major motion picture set to be released on May 1, 2009 (as of this writing). Wolverine’s catch phrase is ‘I’m the best there is at what I do, but what I do isn’t really so nice’! These lines were first written in the eponymous limited series, which continued to enthrall. Wolverine has a keen sense which is animal like, and has cool enhanced and super physical capabilities, which includes retracting bone claws, and a healing facet, which permits and assists him to recover easily from any wound, be it grave or minor.

Wolverine is actually a very talented guy, who has a good capacity to learn all languages, and is immensely intelligent.However, he is not really a mean guy, and does not enjoy the process of killing. The new Wolverine movie focuses on Wolverine Weapon X ties, and features his first run in with Sabretooth. This movie is going to be directed by Gavin Hood, and stars Hugh Jackman (who else right?) which means fans are certainly in for a treat.

I know what you are thinking…it’s already May, where are they?!?!?  It’s estimated to hit stores before June, but here is a gallery of what is expected just to tide you over. [ad]

For those that don’t know the story of the massive Xbox360 hit, here is a summary:

“The game centers on the soldiers of Delta Squad as they fight to save the human inhabitants of the fictional planet Sera from a relentless subterranean enemy known as the Locust Horde. The player assumes the role of Marcus Fenix, a former prisoner and war-hardened soldier. The game is based on the use of cover and strategic fire for the player to advance through the scenarios; a second player can play co-operatively through the main campaign to assist. The game also features several online game modes for up to eight players.”

Before anyone says anything, I would like to say that “No”, I am not an Iron Man fanatic nor am I recommending the book because of the upcoming movie this week. But this is a graphic novel that I would recommend even to the non-comic fan.

The true reason i read this novel was because of two other graphic novels before it turned me on to it. The Ultimates Volumes 1 and 2. Although those graphic novels spanned what happened in the lives of various heroes, there were references to Iron Man that made me want to know a little bit more about the character. Keeping in mind that this takes place in another Marvel Universe, questions about this character kept rearing around like: Why does everyone know Tony Stark is Iron Man? What is that liquid that keeps pouring out of him when he takes off his armor? Why hasn’t anyone acknowledge his excessive drinking in almost every scene as if there wasn’t a problem with alcohol? Especially since he works for S.H.E.I.L.D.!

I was extremely impressed with the origin in this storyline, particularly because it was completely different than the story we all knew for the past 30+ years. Without spoiling the story, I will say this delves much deeper than the character of Tony Stark himself. It goes back even before he was born. Tony becomes both blessed and cursed with becoming a genius. That is all that I can say for now.

The art, done by Andy Kubert and Mark Bagely were very good. There was no over abundance of color or “flashiness”. And there wasn’t any panel that confused what the artist were trying to convey. I felt that Orson Scott Card has outdone himself with the writing and I look forward to reading Vol. 2 of this graphic novel.

The trade paperback of this novel comes with quite a few features in the back. Features include a “Rough Cut” scripting of the first scene, showing rough sketches, Variant pencil and color sketches of the cover art. Conceptual Art of Iron Man including some that did not make the cut. It also provides a brief overview of the origin of Iron Man including his time with The Ultimates.

I definitely recommend this book.

Pictures of my little adventure are on the way. (I promise)

• #6 Play Games - There is a dedicated section of the Comic Con that has multiple tables for participation in various games. Comprising of mostly RPG’s like Dungeons and Dragons and card games such as MAGIC. There are tournaments that take place and the winner takes home some cool prizes (including cash). But its not just limited to just Role Playing Games. There are video game tournaments as well. This years convention featured games like Super Smash Brothers, Metal Gear Solid 4 Online, Quake Wars, and Iron Man.
• #7 Watch Previews – This is where they show extended trailers of upcoming movies. Dark Knight Returns, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk were in full rotation this year. You really can’t hear any of it because of all the commotion. But I don’t think it will matter to us fans.
• #8 Meet B-List Celebrities – Some stars from the show Heroes made an appearance, and so did Lou Ferrigno. If you are willing to wait on long lines to meet them, then go all out. But be warned, you may be asked to pay a fee meet them. I wanted to just take a picture with the Incredible Hulk himself. But I took a glance at the sign and they wanted to charge me $30 to just take a picture. Now I wouldn’t mind paying money to take a pic with a celebrity I guess. But $30 for a guy who’s last acting job was as a neighbor on the King of Queens (for only 3 episodes)?…I don’t think so.
• #9 Meet the Real Celebrities – Theses are the creators of the comic book characters we all know and love. And the best part is they don’t charge you for shaking their hand. I got to meet the creator of the Joker character, Jerry Robinson there. The man is old…but he can still draw with best of them. I also got to meet the creator of Ghost Rider, Gary Friedrich. He’s currently suing Marvel and Sony over the movie of the same name.
• #10 The Artist Alley – This is probably the best reason to go to this convention. A section of the floor is dedicated to “the starving artist”. There are so many artists with great ideas just waiting to be discovered. I know I haven’t visited all of them but when I will showcase some of them on this site when I get all my souvenirs in order. Not only do you meet the artist and writers, you can even meet the models that they were based from. Some of them give you their art for free or for a low price just to get their name out there. Very very innovative stuff.

On Saturday April 19th, 2008, I attended my first Comic Book convention in New York. On my adventure I began noting some of the things I enjoyed and not enjoyed through it. With these notes, I created a list detailing how to get the best out of a Comic Book convention. This is aimed mainly at newcomers, but if there are more that should be posted, feel free to comment on them.

Pictures are on the way.

• #1: Enjoy the Art – There are so many vendors out there displaying the sculptures of superheroes and movie icons that it would be almost a sin to miss out on them. The amount of detail and work they put into some of them are uncanny. Even if collecting statues / action figures is not your pleasure, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not checking them out.
• #2: Check out the Costumes - Just like what I said above, it’s fun to see the amount of people who put their hard work into creating these costumes.
• #3: Read / Buy Comics – It wouldn’t be a comic book convention without comic books right? There are plenty of vendors selling them at much discounted prices. You can catch up on all issues you may have missed, or get entire story lines for a cheap price. It ranges from 25 – 95% off the cover price. Pretty Snazzy eh?
• #4: Watch for Scammers – When viewing the art of that the vendors displayed, I was becoming more and more tempted to buy one of them. Lo and Behold there was the most beautiful statue staring at me. It was a chrome plated 12″ statue of The Silver Surfer.
  The way he was meant to be displayed. When I asked the lady how much it was, she had the nerve to say $4000. Yes, you read that right…FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS (in American currency). Now I’ve seen better looking models for much less. There were other items there that seemed largely inflated. My advice, do your research first before putting a down payment on the item in question.
• #5: FREE Giveaways – Yes, free giveaways. There are always people out there willing to sell you a product by giving away a sample of it. Prizes can ranging from comic books, DVDs and toy props. Take advantage! You know the old saying, “There is no price better than free”.

Mcfarlane Toys has released a barrage of photos to share with us. The upcoming Halo 3 Series 3 figures are making their way to stores later this year, but until then, check out the pictures in our gallery!

Some of these toys are only available as exclusives through specific retailers. So that means you’ll have to shop around to find all of them. Lucky for you all of them are named on the makers website.

In other news, Mcfarlane toys has also created downloadable content for Microsoft’s Xbox Live Service. New Dashboard themes and Picture Packs relating to Halo are to hit very soon. Look for it.

Source : Mcfarlane Toys

Synopsis:
“With a signature blend of action, humor and character based spectacle, the saga of the world’s toughest, kitten-loving hero from Hell continues to unfold HELLBOY II:  The Golden Army. Bigger Muscle , Badder Weapons and more ungodly villians arrive in an epic vision of imagination from Oscar Nominated Director Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy).

After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the Fantastic is broken, Hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above  and  the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures.  Now, it’s up to the planet’s toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his maurauders.  He may be red. He may be horned.  He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it’s time to call in Hellboy (Ron Pearlman).

Along with his expanding team in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and defense-pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair),  aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones), and Protoplasmic Mystic  Johann- The  BPRD will travel between the surface  strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy  become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who’s accepted by neither, must choose between  the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him.”

Source:  HELLBOY II – The Golden Army – Official Website

Expect them to discuss the game in more detail regarding story and gameplay. I’m sure all of us are wondering how they can top the first game. I’m guessing they wont dissapoint. Although the gaming part of the Comic Con will be lead by these developers, expect to see other companies such as Ubisoft, Capcom and Konami to make an appearance.

We’ll post more information as more news comes.

The set includes 14 action figures packaged in 2 box sets of 7 figures each. This set currently sells for $67. For Star Wars fans this looks like it could be a great addition to their collectible libraries. Read the link below to find out about the backstory to these troopers and how they came to be.

Read more about it here

Source: Entertainment Earth