DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for March 20, 2013

COMICS

Trust me, I’m the Doctor. This week marks the return of Season 7 Doctor Who with new companion Clara by his side. Prepare yourself with Doctor Who Vol. 3 #7 as the Eleventh Doctor helps out a stranded cosmonaut. Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov of Action Comics and I, Vampire. … Skullkickers becomes Savage Skullkickers #1 this week with at familiar looking cover. Good on ya, Jim Zub. The underground hit makes an unnecessary cash grab at what should be issue #20. Get in on the ground level for the first time again! … Aw Yeah everyone, it’s Superman’s Mom, Ma Kent starring in Superman Family Adventures #11 from Art & Franco. Also starring Lois and the Super-Pets! … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: NATHAN EDMONDSON OF THE ACTIVITY AND WHERE IS JAKE ELLIS?

Some interviews are so sensitive that you might get a call from an unknown number asking you to take it down for the sake of national security. We hope we’re not getting another one of those calls this week, as we got a chance to talk to the top spy-fi and espionage comic book writer in the business, Nathan Edmondson. Nathan has written Grifter for New 52, as well as a recent Ultimate Iron Man series for Marvel (now in trade paperback). For creator-owned work, Nathan’s The Activity and Jake Ellis series continue to draw attention from real military and fans of spy fiction, and more books are in the works including being tapped by Ubisoft to develop a Splinter Cell comic series. We conducted the following interview over a secure line.

DIGBOSTON: Hi Nathan, Thanks for taking the time today. We’re just now caught up with The Activity, a special ops book you do with artist Mitch Gerards. What’s the inspiration for such a real world espionage book?

NATHAN EDMONDSON: Mitch and I are fascinated by this nearly untouchable world, and when we found a side of it never seen before in fiction, we knew we wanted to tell stories about it.

The attention to detail on the missions are really what grabs me with this book in particular. How important is the tech to the book?

Tech is second to soldiers and story, but technological superiority is part of what makes a group like this so effective on the battlefield.

We do our best not to distract with the tech, but to give a real-world feel of the gadgets and gear employed by Tier 1 operators on missions.

The Activity - Mitch Gerards

I have a relative that dealt with special ops military, he’s pretty tight-lipped about his time there, but I understand you have had some great support from ex-military and special forces members. 

How do you gain access to the right people you need to help you tell an accurate story? And who or what is at U.S. Army Entertainment Liaison Office?

The armed forces has offices that are set up to provide information and support to the entertainment world.  We have worked a bit with the Army’s office, but most of our direct research comes from relationships we’ve forged with individuals who have or who continue to serve in the Special Operations community.  In the back of the trade you’ll see a list (though names are changed and much information withheld) of some of those who have given us support.

We are careful, however, not to disclose information that would compromise any of these individuals.

A Comic Book Fan gets to pick the Mission Codenames! - The Activity - Mitch Gerards

This is a very different flavor of book from your other series, as you are not only showcasing the heroes on the ground with direct action, but also dealing with the structure of the whole operation including international cooperation. 

At some points a team member or a team might disagree with the orders from on high—but ultimately carries out the mission. Other missions may get scrubbed or not go as planned. Is your Activity team balanced well? Will there be any roster changes coming up?

If you’ve read issue 11, you know there are some changes stirring within Team Omaha.  In the real world, part of what makes a Special Missions Unit team effective is they grow together and train together as a team so that they can trust one another fully and completely on the battlefield.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for March 20, 2013

COMICS

This week’s picks are a bit macho, we’re not gonna lie, but we’re not going to claim that girls don’t like Dredd, G.I.Joe or KISS, THAT would be sexist! … Also, when a new G.I. Joe book comes out, it’s kind of ‘our thing’. Re-introducing a season of a title with it’s origins in the ’80s, Chuck Dixon and Paul Gulacy give us G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1, Scarlett vs. Baroness! … You probably missed Dredd in theaters last year—most did—but reaction from the RedBox is that the movie about 2000 AD’s future cop starring Bones from Star Trek was one of the best of the year. IDW gives us Judge Dredd Year One this week. KISS goes Solo this week at The Demon (Gene Simmons)takes on the Four Horsemen. You wanted the best? You’ve got Angel Medina on art in Kiss Solo #1: The Demon. … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: MIRIAM KATIN ON ‘LETTING IT GO’ AT BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH 3.19.13

Born in Hungary during World War II, Miriam Katin is a child of the war. In 2006 Drawn and Quarterly published her first graphic novel at the age of 63, her story of surviving the Holocaust, We Are on Our Own. Miriam signs her new book about her relationship with her family and the country that caused so much pain at Brookline Booksmith on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. The followup to her first acclaimed graphic novel is called Letting It Go. We had the honor of asking Miriam some questions about her work and how she got in to the intimidating art of autobiographical graphic storytelling at an age when many others might consider retiring.

DIGBOSTON: How did you get started working on comics after your career as an animator?

MIRIAM KATIN: It was around 2000 and I was working in Disney’s New York studio. Some young animators who did comics decided to self publish their stories and they started a series of anthologies titled Monkeysuit.

They asked me if I had anything to contribute and in my desk, for ten years I had a rough for a short comic. I competed that story and they published it. It received very favorable reviews and this encouraged me to continue.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for March 13, 2013

COMICS

Friend of the Dig and spy-fi writer Nathan Edmondson with Tonci Zonjic have been nominated for nearly every award for the espionage thriller Jake Ellis series. Where is Jake Ellis #3 reunites Jon with Jake at a critical moment but at what cost to both of them? … Marvel NOW! had a bit of a #SXSNafu this week when they offered over 700 free digital codes to everyone that wanted them. This crashed Comixology, and they are still working on the fix. The best solution is to pick up this week’s Wolverine #1 at an actual store from the superstar team of Paul Cornell and X-Man legend Alan Davis. … A new book from ComiXTribe, The Standard #2, hits shelves today. Will the original Standard come out of retirement as a chemistry teacher to save the life of a young girl? … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: WILL EISNER WEEK 2013

Today we get to celebrate comics by remembering the birthday of the father of the graphic novel, Will Eisner (March 6, 1917 – January 3, 2005). Known for creating The Spirit and longer stories such as A Contract With God, Eisner continues to be a reigning influence on comics and graphic storytelling. The high school friend of Bob Kane started his comics career at an early age and continued working until his death. Tufts University screens the 2007 film Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist on Thursday as we celebrate Will Eisner Week at Earth Prime Time.

Sure, we’ve gushed about Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, but a man important to comic books has escaped the public’s consciousness over the years. Will Eisner’s cinematic visions of the comic book page alongside a kinetic lettering style continues to define the look of the comic book page as professional artists continue to learn from his masterful storytelling techniques.

The Spirit is perhaps Eisner’s most notable work. The presumed dead police detective Denny Colt establishes a hideout in Central City’s Wildwood Cemetery.

The Spirit was a dashing vigilante, hunting down his arch enemy, The Octopus, and solving crimes with sidekick Ebony White. The stories ran the gamut of crime and detective noir to romance and horror.

Many great comic artists have had their hands on the domino-masked hero, from launching the career of Wally Wood in 1952 to modern day vintage illustrators Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier) and J. Bone (Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror). Sin City’s Frank Miller made the jump to full time director and filmmaker, only to release a vacant and vapid adaptation of the character on screen in 2008′s The Spirit.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for March 6, 2013

COMICS

Dark Horse Publisher Mike Richardson along with Usagi Yojimbo’s Stan Sakai continue with the national story of Japan, 47 Ronin, this week with issue 3. Oishi vows to avenge the death of Asano with loyal samurai. Catch these books now, or in the collection eventually for an historical and beautiful adaptation and interpretation. … Revealed in an untold tale of the Autobots is how Bumblebee takes command in Transformers Spotlight: Bumblebee one-shot from IDW. … Before Art & Franco spend all the kid’s money in the just announced New 52 Green Team title, there are still a couple of issues of Superman Family Adventures to hit the stands. Issue #10 pits the family against Zod and 52 Foot Long Frankfurters! Aw Yeah, hot dog comics! … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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UltimateTshirts.com

EARTH PRIME TIME: NICOLE J. GEORGES, CASSIE J. SNEIDER & LIZ PRINCE READ AT HUB

A group of comic book creators will be at Hub Comics on Saturday: some of the best queer and feminist indie zine and spoken word artists will be joined by Somerville’s own Liz Prince for a book signing, slideshow, and reading. The funny ladies of funny books promise an exciting time. Luckily for us, Cassie, Nicole, and Liz had a few moments to spare on the road to give us an idea of what to expect on Saturday at 7 p.m. Nicole also gives a ‘friend’ some valuable cuddling advice.

DIGBOSTON: Nicole, thanks for taking the time, how is your book tour so far?

NICOLE J. GEORGES: It’s great.  I’ve met three hypo-allergenic dogs, drawn dogs in lots of books, and had the pleasure of [having] Cassie J. Sneider as my guest “Dr. Laura” every night at the readings.

Your new book, Calling Dr. Laura, is a mystery of sorts about a daughter and her thought-to-be-dead father. You also delightfully explore the pangs of growing up and your search for a committed girlfriend. 

Do you find it difficult to expose intimate details of your life through your art, or does this come naturally for you?

I have been doing autobiographical comics for 15 years, so I’ve gotten accustomed to writing about personal details of my life.

I know that in order to connect with readers, one has to be vulnerable, so I try my best.

Besides being an award-winning Zinester (is that a word?) you’ve appeared with Sister Spit: The Next Generation, and give a live version of your advice column. What can we expect at HUB, will there be performances?

At HUB Comics, I’ll be doing a slide-show presentation of some portions of my book, talk a little bit about its creation, and then do live rapid-fire advice with Cassie J. Sneider.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

NICOLE J. GEORGES, CASSIE J. SNEIDER, AND LIZ PRINCE
READ AT HUB COMICS
SAT  3.2.13
7PM/ ALL AGES/FREE
19 BOW ST.
SOMERVILLE
617.718.0987
FACEBOOK EVENT

We all know Liz is not only a professional comic book artist with Boom’s Marceline and the Scream Queens, but some don’t know of her love of cats and pop punk. I asked her about the poster you see below used to promote the Queers, Teenage Bottlerocket, Masked Intruder, and Acro-Brats show on Sunday at Church. She put her drawing pencil and kneaded eraser away to get me just a few words about that!

LIZ PRINCE: I’m a huge fan of all three bands that are on this mega tour, so using my Masked Intruder connections to muscle my way into making a poster was a dream come true!

Queers March 3rd - Church. By Liz Prince!

THE QUEERS
SUN. MARCH 3
CHURCH OF BOSTON
69 KILMARNOCK ST.
BOSTON MA
$15 // 12+ // 8PM DOORS
WWW.ROCKONCONCERTS.COM
617.661.1515
@ROCKONCONCERTS

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for February 27, 2013

COMICS

Dennis Hopeless and Mike Norton give you The Answer #2 this week from Dark Horse Comics. How will our fearless punctuated pal protect the liberal librarian lady? Find out in the action packed second issue of this new fun series. … Skullkickers pick up an adjective and a brand new volume of Uncanny Skullkickers #1. Kusia and Rex are Lost on a desert island with little more than come coconut rum, will they be able to survive after a “Good Times Jungle Exploration Montage? Break the fourth wall to find out. Based on a DC Comics version of the video game Mortal Combat, the new INJUSTICE: Gods Among Us comic delivers a combination punch with issue #2 out today. … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: G.I. JOE #1 WITH FRED VAN LENTE

Comic books are moving toward the television model in a number of ways. Season numbering has taken over and we are proud to put the footwear references aside to give you an exclusive interview with writer Fred Van Lente as he puts on his battle helmet for Season 3 of G.I. Joe from IDW Publishing, on shelves today.

DIGBOSTON: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today about your new number one G.I. Joe issue from IDW.

FRED VAN LENTE: Thanks for having me.

Last summer we saw the Summer of Valiant and your take on Archer and Armstrong. Tell me, what are the first things you think about when relaunching popular characters. Is it like when you get to jump on an arc of Spider-Man, or is there more pressure on you?

 
Spider-Man was a fairly unique situation, just because I was writing with six other people. When flying solo, I guess I try to get to the essence of the property, which is pretty easy with G.I. Joe — it’s an archetypal “war” story, with an eternal battle between two opposing forces, one representing democracy, the other tyranny.

Fred Van Lente - Writer at Large

G.I. Joe fans are a particular breed. For example, I saw more toy fans than comic fans when Larry Hama was in Boston for a signing last year. 
I’m signing with Larry for the book’s release date in February—I can’t wait!

Are you getting “YO JOE!” a lot when you walk down the street these days? Are people asking you to sign their H.I.S.S. tanks? I can almost guarantee someone is working on a Fred Van Lente custom figure for the next JoeCon.
Not on the street, but definitely on Twitter.

It’s a really great fan community I’m thrilled to be a part of.

So in recent years we’ve had such great writers on G.I. JOE the likes of Chuck Dixon,Mike Costa, Christos Gage and of course the Admiral Larry Hama. Will your Joeverse acknowledge the IDW G.I.Joe vs. Cobra run, wherein a coup for the Cobra Command was at the forefront and a Cobra Commander was killed?

 
I don’t think so… To be honest, there’s been so many books and I’ve been trying to read as many as I can, but I’ve only been on the job since July, so it’s been a bit of a challenge… Our run is a continuation of Dixon’s G.I. Joe run, but we also reference G.I. Joe Origins heavily.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

EARTH PRIME TIME: X-O MANOWAR #10: PRELUDE TO PLANET DEATH

Visigoth Aric of Dacia fought bravely with his friend Gafti against the Roman Empire in 402 A.D. only to be enslaved by an alien race called The Vine, taken away from Earth as a prisoner, and made to mine sacred fruit for the invaders for 1,600 years. After breaking free from his captors and stealing a precious Vine artifact called Shanhara, Aric returns home to a technologically advanced world and learns that the Vine has infiltrated our society. After run-ins with Ninjak and attacking MI-6 headquarters, X-O Manowar is about to face Planet Death to seek revenge after The Vine invades Earth to reclaim their celestial artifact. X-O Manowar Issue #10 is out today.

Back in August in our ‘Summer of Valiant‘ series we introduced you to the reboot of one of Valiant’smost popular characters and rival to old shellhead, Iron Man. X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword is now available in trade paperback and is a great introduction to the new Valiant Universe. Writer Robert Venditti (The Surrogates) is teamed up with artist Cary Nord for the start of the series, and Cary returns for the Planet Death story starting in issue #11.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for February 20, 2013

COMICS

YO JOE! Clay’s so excited about the release of this book, and a recent conversation he had with scribe Fred Van Lente that he got the Arashikage tattoo on the 27th anniversary of his first G.I.Joe comic book (#46!). Dig favorite comic writer Van Lente puts the team in the public eye in the age of WikiLeaks and Twitter combat in G.I.Joe #1. It’s an extra-sized extra-wierd Action Comics #17 from Grant Morrison and Rags Morales. Morrison’s New 52 Superman run ends here, as Kal-El must save all of creation, natch! … Billy Martin of Good Charlotte enters the ring of spooky comic writers with his debut book, Vitriol The Hunter from IDW. Knowing our soft spot for guitars and vampire comics, it’s a safe bet we’ll stake this one out for at least a few issues. … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: BEST VALENTINE’S COMICS

All is well this Valentine’s Day. The champagne or sparkling grape juice is chilled and the Rat Pack playlist has been chosen. After dinner and chocolates, you and your sweetie, (perhaps just by yourself) are getting into bed with rose petals and a big fat juicy stack of comics. That’s right, Earth Prime Time has your most romantic four-color stories this week to read to your baby this Valentine’s Day.

The modern caption would say, “…In the arms of a Media Blogger!!” - Love Romances - Jack ‘King’ Kirby

King of Comics, Jack Kirby and partner Joe Simon are known for creating Captain America in 1941. Jack and Joe spent most of the 40s and 50s creating all manner of heroes and funny books but were strangely passionate about the romance genre of comics. Panels that permeate pop culture were later stolen by artist Roy Lichtenstein in the style of Kirby and Simon’s Young Love, Young Romance and In Love books. Initially it was Simon’s idea to get pulp readers to pick up 10¢ illustrated tales of torrid romances, triangles and scandal. Dressing the girls and boys in current hairstyles and high fashion helped move the books along, as well as rare photo covers featuring bombshell cheerleaders. [Young Romance: The Best of Simon & Kirby’s Romance Comics Hardcover, Fantagraphics]

…
[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for February 13, 2013

COMICS

An Uncanny X-Men book returns to the Marvel Universe with a new #1, this time with Cyclops as the leader of the X-Men. A great companion book to The All New X-Men timeline by Bendis, Uncanny is a drawn by the amazing and polarizing Chris Bachalo. … Another Marvel NOW! book dominates the picks with Nick Spencer’s Secret Avengers #1 drawn by Luke Ross. These Avengers are so secret, they hardly know they are on the team! … TwoMorrows Publishing delivers a series of books journaling the history of comics and the origin of our favorite heroes. Here’s a great one including Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Marvel Madness and the formation of the Justice League of America with the revolution of the 60s as a backdrop. This edition of American Comic Book Chronicles covers 1960-1964. Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS – PARTS 1 & 2

Frank Miller’s 1986 genre defining and milestone graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns has been adapted in the latest installments of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The extended storyline demanded that the story—initially broken into four chapters—be broken up into two parts. The highly anticipated last chapter was made available on Blu-Ray, DVD or Download on January 29th. The Dark Knight Returns as a comic defined the look and tone of Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego for a generation, twisting both tropes of the comic book page and the media’s 24/7 news cycle down to their aging knees while all the while inexplicably breathing new life and reflection on both. We’re hard pressed to find fault with DC attempting to share the story with a new audience in a new medium, and aside from dyed in the wool fanboy nit picks, we’ve gone in depth comparing and contrasting the original art form with the movies to be mostly satisfied with the result. Peter Weller (Robocop, Star Trek: Into Darkness) stars as the aging Batman, eventually facing the maniacal Joker voiced by Michael Emerson (Ben Linus onLost, Person of Interest).

Both the movie and the book start out with a moustachioed and retired Bruce Wayne (Earth-31) totaling his racecar over the finish line in the Ferris 6000 motor race. After cheating death, Bruce meets up with outgoing Commissioner Jim Gordon for more than a few drinks and then a solo stroll through Crime Alley. He is confronted by some of the Mutant gang and scares the boys away. A restless night and a trip to Batcave after the encounter with Gotham’s new string of baddies motivates Batman back into the cowl, to the chagrin of our faithful Alfred Pennyworth. Sound familiar?

Christopher Nolan (and Tim Burton, for that matter) have a lot to owe this book for characterization and major plot points.

Another animated property, Batman Beyond owes it’s entire existence and frequently nods at this touchstone of future Bat-legacy.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for February 6, 2013

COMICS

Toyo Harada, Head of Harada Global Conglomerates leads the young psiots and hyper-telekinetics in the Harbinger Foundation. Sometimes his motivations are for the betterment of all, other times for profit. For the first time, learn of Toyo’s survival of Hiroshima and his first encounter with the Bleeding Monk in the highly collectible Harbinger #0. … We couldn’t possibly fall for such a ridiculous marketing stunt from DC Comics that produces a different state flag cover for each state to debut Justice League #1, right? We won’t even mention the rare MA state variant. Megatron returns to find the Decepticons under control of Starscream. All is revealed in this unseen tale about Megatron’s reaction to the coup and how Starscream endures the wrath in Spotlight: Megatron. … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: MARA INTERVIEW WITH MING DOYLE

Ming Doyle is a Boston-based illustrator and comic book artist whose amazing Mara is now on sale from Image Comics (Issue #2 out today!). Writer Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders, Wolverine and the X-Men, Star Wars) pens the tale of a superstar athlete, Mara Prince, and the manifestations of her superpowers to the public eye. Ming is here with us to talk about Mara and her start in comics, that includes milestone contributions to Womanthology, Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four #600, and Marvel’s 2010 Girl Comics.

DIGBOSTON: Thanks for joining us to talk today, Ming. Boston has a great community of comic book artists and writers. Congratulations on the success of Mara. Issue #2 is out today. How has the reaction been to your work on this title since issue one came out last month?

MING DOYLE: Thanks so much, and I do agree that the Boston area is lucky enough to be home to a lot of talented people in the comic industry. It’s kind of a fun hidden perk for nerds in the know to discover whenever they go to local events like Comicazi’s Drink ‘n’ Draw or the Boston Comics Roundtable meetings, not to mention shows like MICE (the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo) and Boston Comic Con.

Overall, I think reaction to the story’s been positive! It’s my first miniseries and largest project in mainstream comics so far, but the story is only just beginning so there’s still lots to learn before it wraps up in issue #6.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for January 30, 2013

 



COMICS

Ming Doyle (Womanthology, FF# 600) and Brian Wood (Star Wars, DMZ) have teamed up for the story of Mara Prince-a super athlete in the future in a society where the only heroes are sports heroes. Issue #2 of the Image series is out today, and so is our interview with Ming about the book at EARTH PRIME TIME: MARA INTERVIEW WITH MING DOYLE. There wouldn’t be DailyDig Comic picks if it were not for Larry Hama’s G.I.Joe #21, The Silent Issue (1984). IDW caps off their run with Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #21 by Chuck Dixon and Cobra Commander artist Robert Atkins. Both creators were mum about the issue for after interview requests, so quietly pick this one up! … Classic Eisner Award winning Silver Surfer tale Parable is reprinted this week, written by Stan “The Man” Lee and drawn by the late great Mœbius featuring an alternate Norrin Radd facing a ravenous Galactus … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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EARTH PRIME TIME: ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN – DISNEY XD

What’s this? Spidey Prime Time? We started the year off with Superior Spider-Man and the Mark Bagley Boston Comic-Con announcement. We can’t help it if Peter Parker has webbed his way into our hearts, especially since most have gotten around to renting The Amazing Spider-Man movie from last summer. The Disney/Marvel machine certainly doesn’t need the attention of the press like indie creators do, but we like to keep you informed about what you are missing and recommend some quality television for your kids. That’s why we are here to suggest the season premier episodes of Ultimate Spider-Man on Disney XD. It’s the sort of thing you can have on for the kids while you geek out on Agent Coulson from Marvel’s Avengers co-starring as the Midtown Science High principal. The second season premiered this week, putting Peter in the leadership role, one we always know he is capable of, but always has trouble with.

Head of Television for Marvel is comic book writer Jeph Loeb. Loeb is known for spectacular his retelling of many Marvel and DC origins in his day, and a breakout run at Marvel that introduced the world to a Red Hulk. Jeph is also no stranger to TV and movie development with a Hollywood carreer that spans from Teen Wolf to Smallville. We’re lucky to have all of the animation and television properties of our favorite Marvel characters being signed off by Loeb because he truly has seen all aspects of the business. This year, along with Ultimate Spider-Man we will see Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (introducing a Blue Hulk) and a predictable but anticipated Avengers Assemble series.

While some are missing the awesome Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes show that was canned last year, Assemble looks to be an action-packed replacement.

[READ MORE at DIGBOSTON.COM]

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week for January 23, 2013

COMICS

With a hit TV show and graphic novels flying off of the shelves, it’s amazing that Robert Kirkman and his beard can keep Mark Grayson and his Viltrumites heritage on a monthly schedule over in Invincible! It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years in to the Superboy/Spidey analogue superhero book that is our favorite superhero book. Issue #100 of the chronically punctual Invincible hits shelves today - and everyone dies! It’s part three of “The Death of Everyone”, EXTRA-SIZED! … What’s The Answer? It’s Mike Norton (It Girl, Battlepug) and Dennis Hopeless (Avengers Academy, Cable and X-Force) selling books for Dark Horse this time. A sleepless librarian and an anonymous faceless crime fighter team up to solve the secret of the sinister speaker! … Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #10 is quite simply the comic that goes along with the TV show, for kids. It’s your kid’s Peter Parker for the show you’re gonna Thwipt it with on Saturday AM. Check out our coverage of the Season 2 debut episode today over at EARTH PRIME TIME: ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN - DISNEY XD. … Picks this week from LeaguePodcast.com.

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