Marvel's latest issue of The Amazing Mary Jane features cover art of Pinay artist

MANILA -- Rising cover artist Rian Gonzales has her work featured in Marvel Comics’ The Amazing Mary Jane #4.

Gonzales’ cover art debuted with Betty and Veronica in 2016 and since then she has seen her stylish art adorn the covers of Josie and the Pussycats, Jem and the Holograms, Marvel Rising, Spider-Geddon, and Venom.

In her latest published work, she depicts Mary Jane Watson getting dolled up by miniature versions of Spider-Man’s villains such as Kraven the Hunter, the Vulture, Doctor Octopus, and Electro.

“It’s always fun to be able to do iconic characters such as Mary Jane Watson. After all, as a young comic book reader, Spider-Man was one of my favorites,” Gonzales said at a book signing at Comic Odyssey at Eastwood Mall last Saturday. “I know it’s just a cover or a variant cover, but it is a start. It feels good when people collect your art.”

Gonzales' style is a candy-themed style that, while appearing to be feminine, appeals to all audiences for their striking vibrancy.

“Getting to do covers isn’t an easy one,” shared Gonzales between book signings and sketches by fans. “There has to be the right moment for the book and even the right feel to what is going on.”

Gonzales’ work will next appear on Sabrina, the Archie character who has returned to popularity with its horror-themed comic book revamp in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina n 2014 and its wildly successful Netflix series. 

“That should be out soon. Probably around March or April. Then I have a couple of more works for Marvel that I cannot talk about right not. But it will be worth the wait,” she said.

The Amazing Mary Jane #4 and back issues of Rian Gonzales’ work can be purchased at Comic Odyssey or through Filbar’s.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Stan Lee ex-manager charged with elder abuse against comic book icon

LOS ANGELES—The former manager of Stan Lee has been charged with elder abuse against the late comic book legend, a Los Angeles court official said on Monday.

Keya Morgan was charged on Friday with five counts of elder abuse, including false imprisonment, fraud and forgery stemming from an incident last summer when Lee was 95 years old, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Superior Court public information office told Los Angeles City News Service.

The spokeswoman added that a warrant for Morgan's arrest had been issued.

Morgan, a New York-based memorabilia collector who became involved with Lee in 2017, was served with a restraining order last year after Lee's family accused him of elder abuse.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office on Monday said it was unable to provide any information. An attorney for Morgan could not be located but last year Morgan denied allegations of abuse.

Lee, the co-creator of "Spider-Man," "Iron Man," "The Hulk" and dozens of other Marvel superheroes, died in November 2018 at the age of 95.

In court documents last year, Morgan was accused of seizing control of Lee's Hollywood Hills home and hiring security guards with orders to keep away relatives and associates before moving the comic book creator to an unfamiliar condominium.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

The top comic books of 2015

With superhero films still all the rage, the comic book medium has raised its level of awareness even more. The year 2015 was an incredible year for the four-colored medium as companies relaunched entire lines and put out a whole lot of books.

As veteran comics scribe Kurt Busiek (Astro City, the Avengers, Marvels) tweeted on Tuesday, “Today, there are so many good comics coming out that you can make a 100 Best list and still not cover all the good stuff."

With that in mind, we will make a list and eliminate some of the usual good stuff like Saga that has been around for a few years now and make a new list. Here are the best comics, mini-series, and graphic novels for the year that I wholeheartedly recommend (they are listed in democratic alphabetical order).

Monthly comics

Archie by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples/Annie Wu (Archie): The reinvention of a classic! Updated for a modern audience, these timeless characters have become all too real folks. Furthermore, there’s actual continuity.

Descender by Rick Remender and Dustin Nguyen (Image): A space odyssey wrapped in that old humans-versus-robots storyline that tugs at your heartstrings. A wonderful story that was immediately snapped up for film adaptation.

Doctor Strange by Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo (Marvel): Aaron, one of comics’ most prolific writers, turns Strange’s world into a Harry Potter-esque one while imbuing the mage with Tony Stark-like charisma. Another delightful monthly read.

The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Image): Crime noir set in post-WWII Hollywood with a veteran who takes a job as a screenwriter caught up in a web of intrigue and mystery surrounding the death of a starlet.

Harrow County by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (Dark Horse): A Southern gothic story about a young girl who lives next to the woods that are filled with ghosts, goblins, creatures, and zombies. She eventually learns that she is connected to them and that is when all hell breaks loose.

Low by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini (Image): A post-apocalyptic aquatic fantasy where mankind has retreated to the ocean’s depths for survival. Unfortunately, it is no less brutal as one family is torn apart by the dangers beneath the waves.

Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona/Takeshi Miyazawa (Marvel): Arguably one of the more important comics if not the best on the stands today. Kamala Khan struggles with adolescence, school, love, family, and devotion to Islam while learning to be a superhero. The one true joy to read every month.

The Mighty Thor by Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman (Marvel): The stirring run by Jason Aaron has him casting the Asgardian god into a woman and a most unlikely one too. Picked up from where Aaron’s God of Thunder series ended except this time it deals less with the mythological and delves into the present.

Omega Men by Tom King and Barnaby Bagenda/Jose Marzan Jr. (DC): A sci-fi series with some real world overtones. Not exactly a Guardians of the Galaxy wannabe but this series finds the Omega Men on the run with the entire galaxy breathing down their necks. Is there more to them than meets the eye?

Sacred Heart by Liz Suburbia (Fantagraphics): If you love the work of Craig Thompson (Blankets and Habibi) and the Hernandez Brothers (Love and Rockets), you’ll want to read this. The story addresses themes about growing up, love and sex, and faith and religion.

Silver Surfer by Dan Slott and Michael Allred (Marvel): Love, humor, adventure! The heir to Mike Baron and Steve Rude’s Nexus is a fun and entertaining read.

Southern Bastards by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (Image): Violence, football, beer, rednecks. Walking Tall for the new millennium.

Star Wars by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday (Marvel) and Darth Vader by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca (Marvel): Two of the more enjoyable comics. You feel like you’re watching a continuation of Star Wars Episodes IV-VI. It fills in the gaps between films and introduces us to some cool and memorable new characters. You have to read them to find out who they are.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North and Erica Henderson (Marvel): A surprise hit. With her wit, charm, and squirrel powers, Squirrel Girl battles the likes of Galactus and Thanos and wins. Check out her nutty adventures. At first, I thought it would be some corny nutball comic but it sure if funny as heck.

Mini-series
DKIII: The Master Race by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, and Andy Kubert/Klaus Janson: Two issues in. Better than The Dark Knight Strikes Again but still not as thunderous as the original series. Still worth reading and to see where Miller takes his left wing views with Batman and the storyline that changed the character forever.

Giant Days by John Allison and Lissa Treiman (Boom Studios) and We Stand On Guard by Brian K. Vaughan and Steve Skroce (Image): Reminds me of Terry Moore’s excellent Strangers in Paradise. Three dorm-mates become fast friends and learn a lot about the world in the face of hand-wringing boys, experimentation, nu-chauvinism, and the unwanted intrusion of academia. If they are lucky, they will make it to the spring break alive.

Secret Wars by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic (Marvel): Finally a Marvel mega-event that is done right. Sets the stage for the new Marvel Universe.

Graphic Novels

Long Walk to Valhalla by Adam Smith and Matthew Fox (Archaia): A sad story. When Rory’s car breaks down just outside town, a young girl named Sylvia appears by his side. She says she is a Valkyrie sent by the Norse god Odin to deliver him to Valhalla because today he is going to die. The two take a trip down memory lane where Rory comes to terms with his life before it’s time to say goodbye.

Nanjing: The Burning City by Ethan Young (Dark Horse): The horror of war told through the eyes of two Chinese soldiers trying to escape the invading Imperial Japanese Army during the early years of World War II. Powerful and deeply moving.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (Harper Collins): Has the feel of "Adventure Time” with its villains, dragons, science, and symbolism. A subversive and sharply irreverent comic.

Step Aside, Pops by Kate Beaton (Drawn & Quarterly): A hilarious re-telling of historical, literary, and cultural figures who are placed in ridiculous situations. Simple art yet elegant. Beaton’s prose is a winner.

Two Brothers by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon (Dark Horse): Another sad tale about a fallout between twins that has profound and adverse effects on a migrant family in mid-20th century Brazil. By the award-winning duo who produced “Daytripper."

Comics that you should follow for 2016

The Sheriff of Babylon (Vertigo)
Paper Girls (Image)
The Visions (Marvel)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 to be held in Manila

MANILA – A regional comic and pop culture convention will take place here next year, with the event expected to gather artists, collectors, fans, and even some celebrities.

Al Ahli Holding Group (AAHG), a conglomerate from the United Arab Emirates, will host Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 in Manila as it jumpstarts its business in the Philippines. The event, which will likely be held in the second half of next year, will have participating brands such as Marvel, DC Comics, Disney and Sanrio.

“This is an opportunity for artists, cartoonists and designers to come together under one roof,” Abdulla Mahmood, director for communications and marketing at AAHG, said in a press conference for Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 on Wednesday. “What we’re going to offer is something that has not been done in such magnitude.”

AAHG is still evaluating locations in Manila for Asia Pop Comic Con 2015, which takes inspiration from multi-genre entertainment conventions such as Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.

More announcements will be made in the next few months, said Mahmood, as they finalize their lineup of participants for the following categories – toys, animation, comic book publishing, movies, music and cosplay.

“There is the probability that we will have international celebrities over here. We’re looking at talents from Korea, Japan, and even Hollywood,” he said. “We can have one or a couple of them visit Manila. It’s going to be pretty exciting.”

“So when you look at this event, it is an opportunity for Filipino talent to showcase their skills, and probably rub shoulders with some of the international artists, and probably build their clientele… We’re also looking forward to having Alodia Gosiengfiao and come up with her best costumes over here,” he added, referring to the popular Filipina cosplayer.

Mohammed Khammas, chief executive officer of AAHG, said Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 marks the start of the conglomerate’s long-term commitment of investments in the Philippines, noting the country’s fast-growing economy and large pool of talent.

“Filipinos are huge fans of comics, animations, toys and have a wide knowledge related to the pop culture that makes us choosing the Philippines as an obvious choice to host Asia Pop Comic Con 2015,” Khammas said.

He added: “This will be the first of Al Ahli Holding Group’s series of unique projects that have been customized for the Philippines which will provide novel entertainment experience and contribute to the local economy, making it a win-win proposition and attracting a lot of regional and international interest in the country.”

In an effort to add a local flavor to Asia Pop Comic Con 2015, AAHG is asking Filipino artists to submit a design for the event’s logo, with the winner to be awarded P50,000. Applicants may send their entries to marcom@alahligroup.com.

“We want the logo to be designed by one of the talents in the Philippines. We want the talent to come from your country,” Mahmood said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Delayed Batman Comic Teacher Pulls Gun On Students

A teacher pulls a gun on a classroom filled with students in the latest Batman comic book -- and that's why DC Comics chose to postpone its release.

As we reported, DC Comics forbade the release of its new issue of "Batman Inc." because it "contains content that may be perceived as insensitive" in the wake of the "Dark Knight" shooting in Colorado. Now, we know exactly what that "insensitive" content is.

In addition to the teacher pointing a gun at her classroom, the issue contains several other references to gun violence -- including one moment when a character says, "Eyewitness spoke of a grisly bullet-ridden cadaver."

The issue has been blocked from release until August 22.

source: tmz.com

Colorado shooting victims brought together by love of comics

They included a sandwich maker, a cryptography expert, college students and a property appraiser. Some loved wrestling, others sportscasting, or visiting the zoo.

The 12 people killed early on Friday morning in a multiplex in Aurora, Colorado, came from all walks of life. Many were avid comic book fans who had eagerly awaited the midnight premiere of 'The Dark Knight Rises.'

The victims ranged in age from six-year-old Veronica Moser-Sullivan, who had just learned how to swim, to 51-year-old Gordon Cowden. Most were in their 20s.

Jessica Ghawi, 24, had spent the day cajoling friends to join her at the theater. She wouldn't accept excuses from those who said they'd be too tired for work after a midnight showing. "Of course we're seeing Dark Knight," she tweeted. She wouldn't take no for an answer; she was a "redheaded Texan spitfire." Sure enough, she had her way; just before midnight she was tweeting impatiently that there were still 20 minutes to wait.

Alex Sullivan couldn't wait for the movie, either. This was a big weekend for him: He'd be celebrating his first wedding anniversary on Sunday. And Friday was his 27th birthday. The Batman premiere was a present to himself.

"OMG COUNTING down till it start cant wait going to be the best birthday ever," he wrote on his Facebook page.

The Aurora multiplex was crowded for the event. Denver had been sweltering under high 30s Celsius temperatures for days. The theater offered an air-conditioned respite. And the crowd was primed for fun.

Large groups of friends came in together. Some comic-book aficionados wore costumes.

Others brought their kids; six-year-old Veronica was there with her mom, and she wasn't the only one allowed to stay up way past bedtime for the treat of watching Batman on the big screen. One young couple brought their infant son and their 4-year-old daughter.

Anguish

Anticipation turned to anguish when the gunman burst into the darkened theater, set off two smoke bombs and let loose a barrage of bullets.

Matt McQuinn, 27, was fatally shot as he dived to cover his girlfriend, Samantha Yowler, trying to shield her from the bullets, according to Robert Scott, a lawyer representing both families. McQuinn and Yowler worked together at Target. His Facebook page had a picture of them together, a close-up with a teddy bear.

Friends of Alexander Teves, who also died in the shooting, posted memories of him online; one recalled that he loved Spiderman and did a hilarious impersonation of Gollum from the "Lord of the Rings" movies.

Teves, 24, was a basketball buff. There's a video of him on YouTube participating in a fan contest during halftime of a college basketball game. Given one chance to make a three-point shot, he nailed it.

"One of the best men I ever knew," one of his friends wrote of Teves.

Similar praise poured in for Rebecca Ann Wingo, 32. Her Facebook page showcased her vibrant spirit: She liked camping, traveling, bowling and listening to local bands. She worked in a restaurant. She spoke Chinese.

The Denver Post quoted from the Facebook page of her father, Steve Hernandez: "I lost my daughter yesterday to a mad man, my grief right now is inconsolable..."

Two military men were among the dead.

John Larimer, 27, was a petty officer in the Navy who specialized in cryptology. "He was an outstanding shipmate," his commanding officer, Commander Jeffrey Jakuboski, said in a statement released by the Navy. "He will be missed by all who knew him."

Air Force Staff Sergeant Jesse Childress, 29, was killed as well. A reservist, Childress had been called to active duty as a cyber systems operator, stationed at nearby Buckley Air Force Base, the military said.

Ghawi, the 24-year-old redhead, was an aspiring sportscaster who adored professional hockey. On Saturday, journalists who had worked with her shared their shock and anguish online. They also called attention to a blog she had written earlier this summer, after a "weird feeling" in her gut had prompted her to exit a food court in Toronto minutes before a gunman opened fire, killing a shopper just steps from where she had been sitting.

"God bless you, Jessica. You are a beautiful soul with an infectious smile," posted Nate Lundy, a sportscaster with a Denver radio station where Ghawi had worked as an intern. "Miss you so much."

'Miss her forever'

Other victims included Alexander Boik, 18, a talented artist planning to enter an arts college in the fall, the Denver Post reported. Jonathan Blunk, 26, who was described by NBC News as a father of two young children and a former Navy sailor, also died in the massacre.

So did Micayla Medek, 23, a community-college student and self-described "sandwich artist" at Subway.

Medek had gone to the midnight showing with several friends in her hometown of Aurora. One of those friends called her house around 1 a.m. with news her parents could barely process.

There had been guns, the friend said. A shooting. Medek had called out "I've been shot!" She had fallen to the ground. Her friends saw her fall, heard her cough, tried to help, but were hustled out of the theater by authorities, her aunt, Jenny Zakovich, recounted.

For nearly 20 hours, the family tried to find Micayla.

Her older sister, Amanda, drove from hospital to hospital with Micayla's photo, desperate to find someone who might have seen her. Her father, Greg, pleaded for information from authorities who had set up a staging area at a local high school.

"They searched and searched and searched and searched for her," Zakovich said.

It wasn't until Friday night that authorities knocked at their door with confirmation that Micayla had died in the theater.

Greg Medek, exhausted and depleted, said he took comfort in knowing that Micayla shared his strong Christian faith. She was a hard worker, he said, a good girl, a happy girl, who "had a heart for people."

"She was the best part of my life," Micayla's father said. "You couldn't have asked for a better kid. It was a privilege to have her."

His voice broke as he added: "I'm going to miss her forever." - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Exciting new year for comic book cartoons

MANILA, Philippines — While 2011 had been a huge year for comics, the year 2012 looks to be an even bigger year.

Cartoons may seem childish to teenagers and young adults, but animated films and TV series are an effective gateway for people to get into comics. The secret to good animation is finding the balance between adapting its original source and translating the essence of a comic into the screen, taking the viewers’ mindset into consideration.

Looking back

Last October, DC came out with its animated adaptation of “Batman: Year One.’’ The film was a very faithful take on Frank Miller’s original work. The producers said it was easy to turn the comic into a cartoon because of Miller’s cinematic style of writing.

What made “Batman: Year One’’ so unique and fascinating is how it delves into the life of James Gordon. The film acts as an origin story for Batman, but it spends just as much time detailing the pressures that Gordon fights through, as he finds himself stuck in a corrupt police system. The film takes us into his personal life as well, exploring his relationship with his wife and child.

What also makes Year One thrilling is its depiction of Catwoman, especially in the bonus short film, starring our favorite cat burglar with a heart. It turns out that more than a simple desire for money and jewelry, Selina Kyle is really Ijust trying to protect the women of Gotham City.

“Thor: Tales of Asgard’’ was Marvel’s 2011 animated release that tells the story of a young Thor who learns the consequences of great power, and the responsibility that goes with it. The plot is very traditional, and Thor as a character is pretty dull. But what I really appreciated was how Loki is made into such a likable, innocent, and caring brother. The end of the film foreshadows his dark future, but most of the movie has Loki aiding Thor and performing heroic tasks.

Party like it’s 2012

DC has so many animated projects in the coming year, it gets me giddy every time I think about it.

“Justice League: Doom’’ will come out early 2012. The animated film is a loose adaptation of Tower of Babel, the famous JLA storyline that had the World’s Greatest Heroes systematically beat down and humiliated by their enemies who are using Batman’s files to devise their strategies. Finding out that Batman is keeping dangerous, intrusive files on his teammates creates a rift in the team, making Batman an untrustworthy figure.

The movie has sentimental value as well. The project was Dwayne McDuffie’s last, as he wrote it right before his death in February 2011. McDuffie was the creator of Static Shock, and he also wrote and produced Justice League Unlimited.

Also in the works is an animated film adaptation of Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.’’ This is sure to either make fanboys rejoice or shake with fear. Along with Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns is considered by many as a classic to top all classics. So while the potential for such a project is mind-blowing, fans around the world will surely be critical.

I guess the best advice is for viewers to accept any animated adaptation as a separate piece of work from its original source. It’s hard to enjoy a movie when you’re constantly comparing it to the comic books. We have to look at animated films as a whole different entity. Of course, that is easier said than done.

On TV, “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’’ will start its second season early 2012. The show boasts of an all-star line-up featuring the likes of Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. Lesser known heroes like Hawkeye, Black Panther, Wasp and Hank Pym also play major roles in the TV series. Obviously targeted at kids, adults will nevertheless enjoy the cartoon because of its fast pace, sleek animation, and big action.

There are a lot more animated comic book adaptations scheduled for 2012, so do try to keep yourselves posted on the newest releases. Always buy original. Either buy the original copies of the cartoon, or catch it on TV. Let’s give the animators more incentive and more reason to keep on coming back with new, progressive projects.

Happy new year to all of you, and may the force be with you!

source: mb.com.ph