Ain’t It Cool News brings us some cool artwork from the upcoming Avengers films (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the actual Avengers). I’m still a little unsure of Thor, but I’m really stoked for the rest of these flicks. I’m glad their rolling out the individual films to culminate in what will hopefully be a no holds barred team flick. I’m very curious about Captain America as it is supposed to be a period piece set entirely in the 1940’s. It is being directed by Joe Johnston who also did a HUGE favorite of mine, The Rocketeer, which is based on a comic book that itself is an homage to 1930’s pulp fiction. The choice of director gives me some hope for the story/feel. Now, Iron Man 2 is just a given at this point for me. I believe that thoroughly in Jon Favreau & RDJ’s ability to bring a compelling second chapter in the franchise. Hopefully, all this will pan out to keep the kick ass comic films coming…
I read that the Green Lantern movie is set to start production in September over at Atomic Popcorn. I’m really excited at the prospect of seeing Hal Jordan, the Guardians, and likely Sinestro on the silver screen.
Okay, I have to say, they better freakin’ have a dramatic scene with the Green Lantern oath being spoken at a critical point in the story line…
In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil’s might,
Beware my power… Green Lantern’s light!
A story on I Watch Stuff alerted me that Marvel has shifted around some of their upcoming films. Here’s the latest look at their upcoming slate.
Iron Man 2 – May 7, 2010
Spider-Man 4 – May 6, 2011
Thor – June 17, 2011
The First Avenger: Captain America – July 22, 2011
The Avengers – May 4, 2012
All of these are high on my list, with the possibly of Thor, but I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. It is amazing, Spider-Man 3 was pretty bad, but I’m still chomping at the bit for another go with the web slinger.
I picked up a copy of Wizard Magazine tonight at Target that I simply couldn’t pass up. It has Obama owning the cover as our POTUS who also happens to be a comic book fan!
The cover happens to be drawn and painted by my absolute favorite comic artist, Alex Ross.
If you like his work, seriously consider picking up, Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross. It’s a great book with some truly amazing art.
I haven’t yet gotten to read any of this month’s issue, but I thought I needed this keepsake regardless of how good the issue is.
On another note, while I was in Target, I managed to grow my collection of Mighty Muggs by two new additions. This brings the grand total up to 21 (16 – Marvel, 1 – Star Wars, 1 – Indiana Jones, 1 – G.I. Joe, and now 2 – Transformers). Say hello to Soundwave & Megatron!
Interesting…it looks like the Fantastic Four franchise may be up for a reboot. The previous two films were both profitable, but ultimately, the word of mouth was fairly lousy. I think I am one of the few comic book fans that gave them a pass. Honestly, I could look past the warts and enjoy them as simple action/comedy fair and also simply enjoy seem these icons brought to the screen. All that said, with comic book adaptations taking on more serious/skilled attempts, this is likely a VERY good idea. I don’t think a third outing for this formula would fair well in the current movie ecosystem…
Green Lantern: No Fear - cover by Alex Ross
I just thought I would pass along some comic book movie rumors/news that I’ve seen in the past day or so…
I’ve never followed Jonah Hex that carefully, but I think the caustic western character from the comic could do well on the big screen (not that he would be the first of the type in the genre 
). It looks like they’ve got Josh Brolin playing Hex and I think he could carry the role quite well. Green Lantern just floors me! This could be amazing or it could suck. I assuming this would be an origin story? There’s SO MUCH history to Green Lantern, but how will they handle it all?
- Which Green Lantern? Alan Scott (not likely), Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, or Kyle Rayner?
- How will they handle the special effects of the power ring? Will it be the original magical or the technological ring?
- Will the Green Lantern Corp. be featured?
- Will the Guardians play a role?
- Will Sinestro be the villain?
Ah…possibly a whole year and a half or so to consider, debate, and follow the developments just like the fan boy I am 
A new animated Avengers series?
Possibility of suckage is high, but I am a SUCKER for all things superhero (except Catwoman which was just downright evil). I just enjoying watching these things most of the time. Which is why so much is getting made. They KNOW there are geeks such as myself who will gobble it up
FAVREAU TALKS THE FUTURE OF IRON MAN
Great excerpts from an interview with Jon Favreau about Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and beyond. He really drops some interesting tidbits about where his head is and what he’s considering doing in the future. This really does just confirm for me that between Favreau on Iron Man and Nolan on the Batman series, we have the two best guys keeping things fun for those of us who love the superhero genre…
IESB.net – Raimi and Maguire Locked for Spidey 4 & 5
Looks like Maguire and Raimi are back for more Spider-Man in the 4th and 5th film of the series. Kirsten Dunst has yet to sign on, but seems likely. There’s even a possibility for a unified schedule where both are filmed at the same time (a la Lord of the Rings). Now, the real nagging question is will these be better than the 3rd film? I somewhat like the 3rd entry, but hated the emo-Parker scenes and in general it simply didn’t size up to the previous two. I hope they do more than collect a paycheck on these next two and really bring us back to that original magic…
IESB.net – DARK KNIGHT HITS $500 MILLION IN AMERICA
So, the Dark Knight has dethroned Star Wars as the number two highest grossing movie of all time. It is now closing in on Titanic in the number one spot. It took 14-15 weeks for Titanic to surpass $500m and only 6-7 for the Dark Knight. Will it surpass Titanic and if so, how much longer will it take?
I for one am glad that a much better movie than Titanic (and yes, it really is) is on its way towards the top spot. I would even say that from a “film” perspective, the Dark Knight is much better than Star Wars. However, I can’t hazard a guess as to whether it will stand the test of time as Star Wars has…
Additional information/statistics available at Box Office Mojo.
As always, remember this information is presented in dollars at the time and I don’t believe these numbers have been adjusted for inflation.