News Roundup – August 18, 2012

It is impossible to sum up in a few words what Joe Kubert meant to the comic book industry. He was an amazing and gifted creator, father, and teacher. Whether you read his Sgt. Rock stories, loved his Hawkman issues, read his graphic novels like Yossel and the Jew Gangster, or picked any other of his marvelous comics you have probably been exposed to the man’s work at one time or another. He founded The Kubert School and taught there with his sons. I was born too late to appreciate Jack Kirby, but Joe Kubert’s stuff I read and still do. The man kept at making comics up until his death at eighty-five years too young. We have lost a Living Legend, and he will be missed. RIP Joe. Thanks for all of the great comics. Cheers.

Back in 2005, Jill Thompson drew art for a Sandman movie pitch that Neil Gaiman and Co. made. The point was to explain to Warner Bros suits what the property was and try to get them to want to make a faithful adaptation to film. Much like the majority of their superhero properties, they just did not get it. You can see Thompson’s beautiful artwork for the proposal here.

Starting with issue #646, Journey Into Mystery will be taken over by writer Kathryn Immonen and artist Valerio Schiti with Sif becoming the spotlight character instead of Loki. I will miss the antics of Little Loki. *makes sad face*

Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Stefano Caselli appear to be taking over Avengers Assemble starting in November, following Brian Michael Bendis’ departure.

Robert Kirkman has been having fun releasing teasers for Invincible #100 hinting at the death of any number of characters from Mark, to Kid Omni-Man, to Atom Eve and more! I bet I like Invincible #100 more than I did The Walking Dead #100! Yes, I said it.

The Avengers 2 has been given the release date of May 1, 2015. No more news besides that at the moment.

Director Joe Carnahan’s Daredevil film for Fox, which would have been a Serpico-type film set in the 70s, has been nixed and it looks like unless something changes between now and the beginning of October Marvel is getting Matt Murdock back. I was not happy with Fox having old Hornhead, but now I wish we could have had that grim Carnahan film. Not sure if I want a “Marvel Movie Universe” PG DD film.

The plot for Guardians of the Galaxy film was released and it sounds a lot like….the plot for the TV show Farscape. The plot reads: “A U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants.” See what I mean?

The CW released a new poster for the upcoming Green Arrow TV series called Arrow. I understand that Deadshot and Deathstroke will be making appearances on the show. I also understand Kate Spencer, the female Manhunter character, will also be appearing in some capacity. This might be better than I think it is going to be. Fingers crossed.

 -SJD