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Subject: [ComicBooknet E-Mag] CBEM 501.2 - December11, 2004





 +++++
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- Superman: The Animated
Series -- Volume One and Batman: The Animated Series -- Volume
Two; Premiering January 25 as Special DVD Collector Sets

Warner Home Video (WHV) continues the epic adventures of the
World's Greatest Super Heroes with the second wave of DVD
compilation releases in the exciting "DC Comics Classics
Collection" DVD series on January 25, 2005. Your spirits will
soar with the DVD debut of Superman: The Animated Series --
Volume One, presented in a fantastic two-disc DVD collector's set
with over 7 hours of original animation from the television
series and enhanced content, priced to own at $26.99 SRP. The DVD
release of Batman: The Animated Series -- Volume Two is a four-
disc deluxe set featuring 28 original episodes of the popular
Emmy-winning animated TV series, priced at $44.98 SRP.

One of the greatest superheroes of all time, Superman, takes to
the air in this action-packed animated series from the creators
of the Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series. Portraying the
man and hero as human while keeping the comic book action at full
speed, each animated adventure is a fast-paced spellbinder.
Beginning with his arrival on Earth, Superman finds his place in
his adopted home and accepts his role as its champion -- facing
mortal enemy Lex Luthor and countless other criminals like the
Weather Wizard and the Toyman. Disguised as Clark Kent, a mild-
mannered newspaper reporter, Superman uses his powers to overcome
the forces of evil in a tireless crusade against crime and
injustice. High-flying excitement and boundless thrills collide
in this superior DVD collection about the ultimate superhero that
inspires us all to strive for truth and justice. Superman: The
Animated Series -- Volume One includes the following exclusive
extras:

-- Superman: Learning to Fly featurette exploring the creation of
the series including interviews with talent, creators and DC
Comics

-- Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast featurette
focusing on the supporting cast of Superman

-- Commentary on four episodes

-- A Little Piece of Trivia pop-up trivia over the "A Little
Piece of Home" episode

Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this
deluxe four-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the
acclaimed series. Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional
characters and superb voice talent (Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester,
and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.), this Emmy-winning series (for
Outstanding Animated Program) has defined Batman for legions of
fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with The
Penguin, contests with The Riddler, and of course, battles of
wit with The Joker -- Grab your cape and swing into action with
this quintessential Batman compilation. Batman: The Animated
Series -- Volume Two includes exclusive extras from the minds
that conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic comic
book hero, including:

-- Robin Rising featurette detailing the evolution of Robin's
character in the series

-- Gotham's Guardians featurette about the supporting cast of
characters

-- Voices of the Knight featurette about the voices behind the
characters

-- Commentary on four episodes

Artwork is downloadable at www.WHVDirect.com or by request.

Warner Home Video Melissa Hufjay, 818-977-7310
melissa.hufjay@warnerbros.com or mPRm Public Relations Chris
Reichert, 323-933-3399 ext. 211 creichert@mprm.com
 +++++
Platinum Studios and Top Cow Productions, Inc. Take "The
Darkness" to Dimension Films

LOS ANGELES - (December 07, 2004) - Platinum Studios, an
entertainment company headed by producer Scott Mitchell
Rosenberg that controls the world's largest independent library
of comic book characters, and Top Cow Productions, Inc., which
with Image Comics is the nation's No. 1 independent comic book
publisher, announced a deal in which Dimension Films has acquired
the exclusive rights to develop Top Cow's "The Darkness" as a
live- action feature film.

"The Darkness" is the first film deal between Platinum Studios
and Top Cow, following Platinum Studios' acquisition of the film
and television rights to Top Cow's comic book library this past
July.

"I was hoping to celebrate closing the full paperwork of our
Platinum/Top Cow deal by year end - I'm thrilled that, instead,
the celebration is now about setting up such a high profile
project this soon," said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Chairman of
Platinum Studios.  "The Top Cow library and Platinum Studios
library compliment each other well, allowing us greater
potential than ever before.  "The Darkness" is just one of many
franchises we plan to build together."

"The Darkness", created by Marc Silvestri , Garth Ennis and
David Wohl , is one of today's hottest comic book properties,
with print sales topping $25 million.  Its huge popularity has
even prompted inter-company crossovers, the latest with
"Superman" in a two-issue series shipping this month.

"Both creatively and from a business standpoint, Platinum
Studios is a great collaborator," said Andrew Gumpert, Executive
Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Dimension.  "We
went from story pitch to signing the documents in just a couple
of business days."

"Platinum Studios has a unique way of developing that really
works for us and is respectful to our creators," said Top Cow
founder Marc Silvestri.  "The company found the feature film
potential of "The Darkness," while preserving the integrity of
the comic's characters and storyline."

Rosenberg and Silvestri have had a long-standing relationship
that dates back to the formation of Silvestri's company in 1992
when Silvestri and several other top comics artists left Marvel
Comics to form the Image label at Rosenberg's Malibu Comics.  The
Malibu/Image relationship produced the first independent comic
book that topped the sales charts, making national headlines and
stunning the business community.

Rosenberg and Silvestri will be co-Executive Producers with Matt
Hawkins. Aaron Severson, and Jay Burns as an Associate Producers
for the project.
 +++++
James Jean's Superior Honored

AdHouse Books is pleased to announce that the Project: Superior
contribution by James Jean has been accepted into the Society of
Illustrators 47th Annual Exhibition - Sequential Arts category.

Project: Superior is the newest themed anthology in the works
from AdHouse Books. The theme of super heroes has been tackled by
over 45 of the most innovative artists working in comics,
illustration, toy design and art markets. Project: Superior is
planned to hit shelves in February of 2005.

James Jean is the Eisner award-winning cover illustrator from
2004. His current projects include covers for DC Comics, CD cover
art for The Donnas and the forthcoming sketchbook collection
PROCESS RECESS from AdHouse Books.

For more information about the Society of Illustrators:
www.societyillustrators.org

For more information about James Jean: www.jamesjean.com

Fore more information about AdHouse Books: www.adhousebooks.com
 +++++
From John Dokes at Marvel Comics http://www.marvel.com

NEW AVENGERS SELLS OUT! FIRST ISSUE OF MARVEL'S NEWEST SERIES A
HIT WITH FANS AND RETAILERS!

It's official: Marvel Comics' The New Avengers #1 has sold out!
Diamond Distributors confirms a complete sell-through of the
entire first-print run of the House of Ideas' hot new super-hero
series.

The New Avengers spins out of Avengers: Disassembled, the
cataclysmic ending to the long-running series. The new title
relates the events that bring together a new team of Avengers,
comprised of some of Marvel's most popular characters and
foundational heroes: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron
Man, Luke Cage, and more.

Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada is jubilant over the news and
has specific praise for those who made it happen. "We at Marvel
greatly appreciate every single one of you who bought New
Avengers #1, fan and retailer alike, and we hope you agree with
us that it was one enjoyable read."

New Avengers writer Brian Michael Bendis and series editor Tom
Brevoort were equally happy at hearing the inaugural issue had
sold out. "In a million, billion years I could never have hoped
for the amazing week we had with the debut of this book," said
Bendis. "I am so proud to be associated with David Finch, Danny
Miki, Frank D'Armata, Tom Brevoort, and Andy Schmidt. They gave
this book everything they had. My undying thanks to Joe and Dan
for going full blast with this and to the creators who came
before us who created these amazing characters in the first
place." Brevoort added, "It's gratifying to know that so many
people are interested in New Avengers and what the future holds
for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Here's a hint: Snikt!"

Retailers are also giving the book high marks. Ed Katschke,
Manager of Monarch's Cards & Comic in Toledo, Ohio, said he was
"pleasantly surprised" by the enthusiasm and sales generated by
the first issue. "Most fans from my store are really intrigued by
Bendis and Finch's new direction and are looking forward to the
new configuration of the Avengers. At this point, I'm selling
nearly 3 times my pre-Bendis numbers on the book and after
reading the first issue I'm anticipating a strong sell-through on
the proceeding issues," reports Katschke.

Internet comic book message boards have been buzzing over the
introduction of the new all-star Avengers team. Fan Terry
Anderson of Lexington, Kentucky was excited by the debut. "I
really like the artwork here and the story is intriguing," he
posted. "This new direction was a good opening for me to break
into with the Avengers. I'm curious how the new team will
operate.  And I do like the inclusion of Spidey.  He and Cap both
are more about heart than their powers.  I think it is a good
nucleus for a team."

For those who may have missed out on New Avengers #1, Marvel
reminds fans that there will be another printing available next
week that offers a Joe Quesada variant cover. The cover features
the original sketch, now inked and colored, that served as the
inspiration for the first printing's several alternate covers. In
addition to the second printing of #1, there is also a special
New Avengers #1 Director's Cut, featuring the original story plus
a bevy of extra goodies.

As always, more exciting information on The New Avengers and the
Marvel Universe can be found online at Marvel.Com.

NEW AVENGERS #1 DIRECTORS CUT
OCT041747
$3.99
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/9 for on sale 12/29/04

NEW AVENGERS #2
OCT041743
$2.25
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/16 for on sale 1/5/05

NEW AVENGERS #2 HAIRSINE VARIANT
SEP048061
$2.25
FINAL ORDER CUT OFF 12/16 for on sale 1/5/2005

NEW AVENGERS #1 QUESADA COVER
OCT048022
$2.25
ORDER NOW!  AVAILABLE 12/15/04

NEW AVENGERS #1 POSTER SEP041799 AVAILABLE NOW
 +++++
From THE PULSE by Heidi MacDonald and Jennifer Contino at:
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/

HARRIS COMICS NEW EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bon Alimagno

Harris Comics is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant
Editor Bon Alimagno to the position of Editorial Director,
stepping in for outgoing Editor-in-Chief Maureen McTigue.
Alimagno started at Harris as an intern fro New York University
and transitioned to the Assistant Editor position after
graduating. Since then he's helped facilitate several aspects of
the Harris Comics operation - everything from customer service
to general editorial. "I've been a Jack-of-All-Trades," says
Alimagno.

"Bon's been a vital part of Harris for a while now," says
Executive Publisher Jonathan Rheingold. "He has a passion for
comics that will lead our characters and publications in
exciting directions. "

"Harris has been very kind to me over the years and I can't thank
them enough for giving me this opportunity," says Alimagno.

"Vampirella's got a loyal following. I've seen their devotion
and we're going to do everything we can to reward them with some
kick-ass comics and magazines. Our guiding principle will be to
produce the best work possible, whether they're from legendary
creators or the rising stars of the industry. It'll be a great
ride!"

Alimagno also wanted to thank Maureen McTigue for all of her
efforts. "Maureen's one of the most beloved people in comics
because she's one of the best, as a professional and as a person.
I hope to reach the high bar she's set and follow her example."
Harris Comics publishes comics featuring Vampirella, one of the
most beloved cult horror figures since her debut in 1969. Harris
also publishes Vampirella Comics Magazine, which covers the
bleeding edge of pop culture. Under its Anarchy Studios imprint,
Harris serves as publisher for the leading manga characters Vampi
and Xin.
 +++++
From THE BEAT by Heidi McDonald at
http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/

About cancels DNAGents, CROSSFIRE reprints

The new gold rush of trade collections has begun to slow down a
bit here and there, and About Comics has felt the pinch, as they
announce some trade cancellations:

About Comics has announced that they are ending their trade
paperback reprints of Mark Evanier and Will Meugniot's DNAgents
and Evanier and Dan Spiegle's Crossfire, effective immediately.
One volume of each series has already been released. The second
volumes, announced for January and March respectively, will not
be released.

"As much as I like the material and am pleased with the positive
reviews it generated, the decision came down to simple dollars
and cents," explains Nat Gertler, publisher of About Comics. "The
orders for Crossfire Volume 1 - which I thought was a
particularly nice-looking book - and DNAgents Volume 2 made it
clear that these reprints were not going to be profitable."
The first volumes, DNAgents: Born Orphans (ISBN 0-9716338-7-8)
and Crossfire: Hollywood Hero (ISBN 0-9753958-1-5) are still
available for reorder. Each 176 page 5.5" x 7.75" volume has a
cover price of $9.95 US.

December 09, 2004
McTigue leaves Harris Comics

Maureen McTigue, editor of VAMPIRELLA MAGAZINE for Harris
Publications, is no longer at the company. Assistant Editor Boni
Alimagno will be assuming control of the magazine, which is half
entertainment-themed content and half comics.

Vampirella, the long running sexy blood sucker, has been the
backbone of Harris' comics publishing over the years, but as the
comics market foundered in the late '90s, she was brought back in
this hybrid format.

The popular and well-respected McTigue formerly worked at DC and
Wizard.com. Reached for comment, she professed to be "feeling
great" and weighing her future options, including possibly going
to grad school.
 +++++
From the Comics Continuum at http://www.comicscontinuum.com/:

NEW JUSTICE LEAGUE DVD

  Justice League Unlimited: Saving the World -- Season 1 Vol. 1
will be released on DVD on Feb. 15 from Warner Home Video.
  The DVD features three episodes from the Cartoon Network
animated series:
  * "Initiation": A reluctant Green Arrow joins forces with the
new Justice League to stop a rampaging nuclear monster in Asia.
  "Hawk and Dove": Wonder Woman teams up with super-powered two
brothers, one warlike, the other a pacifist, to stop Ares? plans
to escalate a European civil war into World War III.
  "Kids? Stuff": Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern
are transformed into eight year olds in a desperate attempt to
save the world from the magics of Mordred.
  Special features include "Save Gorilla City" menu challenge,
"Justice League Watchtower Database," "Superhero Intern" and
"Keepin' Up With the Joneses."
  Click on the thumbnails for larger images and look for more on
Justice League Unlimited soon here in The Continuum.

BLADE: TRINITY UPDATE

  Blade: Trinity, the third movie in the franchise featuring
Marvel's vampire hunter, opened in some 2,900 theaters on
Wednesday.
  The film will be hard-pressed to open at No. 1 like its
predecessors, with Ocean's Twelve opening in 350 more theaters.
But with a by-itself Wednesday opening, it could find a niche in
the holiday season. An industry analyst told The Continuum it
should do at least $60 million overall.
  Although it has been billed by New Line Cinema as the last
Blade film, Blade: Trinity does leave an opening for another
movie. It also opens the opportunity for a Nightstalkers film
featuring Ryan Reynolds (Hannibal King) and Jessica Biel (Abigail
Whistler), who both have said they are interested in reprising
their roles.
  In other Blade: Trinity news:
  * Parker Posey, who plays Danica Talos, appeared on the
syndicated Ellen on Thursday morning.
  Posey explained how she got into character.
  "It kind of started with the hissing," she said. "A lot of it
was wardrobe. I would talk about what I would wear. Then they
dyed my eyebrows blonde. They sprayed my face with the whitest
makeup. And then I had these color contacts in."
  * Triple H, who plays Jarko Grimwood, appeared on Fox Sports
Net's The Best Damn Sports Show Period on Wednesday night.
  The professional wrestler said he did all his own stunts,
except where Blade kicks his character through a door.
  He related a story when he was nicked by a gun in the cheek
during a fight scene with Reynolds.
  "It was the most embarrassing thing," he said. "They stopped
production, shut everything down to bring paramedics in to look
at my face. And I had to tell the director, 'Dude, don't tell
anybody I work with that you guys made this big of a deal out of
a little nick. I'll never hear the end of it.'"
  * Below are photos from the film's premiere in Hollywood on
Tuesday night. Among those attending was Leonor Varela, who
starred in Blade II.
 +++++
From Newsarama at http://www.Newsarama.com/

BOB HANEY DIES

It has been learned that comics legend Bob Haney died on
Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. He was 78 years old.

Haney died at a nursing/hospice facility in El Cajon, CA where
he was hospitalized following a stroke that had robbed him of
his ability to speak or recognize people. Complications from the
stroke were the cause of his death.

Haney was one of the great Silver Age comics writers, landing at
DC in the mid-50s, where he soon came to write virtually every
comic DC published at one time or another. Haney was the co-
creator of the original Teen Titans, Metamorpho, Eclipso, Doom
Patrol, and an array of other characters, including Sgt. Rock.
Together with other writers of the era, Haney tried
unsuccessfully to unionize talent at DC in the late '60s.

Haney worked at DC through the mid-80s, and in animation as well,
eventually retiring to San Felipe in Baja, Mexico. Most recently,
Haney wrote Teen Titans Swingin' Elseworlds, which was
illustrated by Jay Stephens, and inked and colored by Mike and
Laura Allred. The book was canceled by DC in August of 2003, and
has not yet seen print from, or been rescheduled by DC Comics.

Mark Evanier has written an obituary for Haney, which can be
found here.
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2004_12_05.html#009290

SUPERMAN, BATMAN ANI SERIES DVDS COMING IN JANUARY

Superman: The Animated Series -- Volume One and Batman: The
Animated Series -- Volume Two; Premiering January 25 as Special
DVD Collector Sets

Warner Home Video (WHV) continues the epic adventures of the
World's Greatest Super Heroes with the second wave of DVD
compilation releases in the exciting "DC Comics Classics
Collection" DVD series on January 25, 2005. Your spirits will
soar with the DVD debut of Superman: The Animated Series --
Volume One, presented in a fantastic two-disc DVD collector's
set with over 7 hours of original animation from the television
series and enhanced content, priced to own at $26.99 SRP. The
DVD release of Batman: The Animated Series -- Volume Two is a
four- disc deluxe set featuring 28 original episodes of the
popular Emmy-winning animated TV series, priced at $44.98 SRP.

One of the greatest superheroes of all time, Superman, takes to
the air in this action-packed animated series from the creators
of the Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series. Portraying the
man and hero as human while keeping the comic book action at
full speed, each animated adventure is a fast-paced spellbinder.
Beginning with his arrival on Earth, Superman finds his place in
his adopted home and accepts his role as its champion -- facing
mortal enemy Lex Luthor and countless other criminals like the
Weather Wizard and the Toyman. Disguised as Clark Kent, a mild-
mannered newspaper reporter, Superman uses his powers to
overcome the forces of evil in a tireless crusade against crime
and injustice. High-flying excitement and boundless thrills
collide in this superior DVD collection about the ultimate
superhero that inspires us all to strive for truth and justice.
Superman: The Animated Series -- Volume One includes the
following exclusive extras:

-- Superman: Learning to Fly featurette exploring the creation
of the series including interviews with talent, creators and DC
Comics

-- Building the Mythology: Superman's Supporting Cast featurette
focusing on the supporting cast of Superman

-- Commentary on four episodes

-- A Little Piece of Trivia pop-up trivia over the "A Little
Piece of Home" episode

Fight crime day and night alongside the Dark Knight with this
deluxe four-disc set packed with 28 heroic adventures from the
acclaimed series. Filled with gripping plots, multidimensional
characters and superb voice talent (Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester,
and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.), this Emmy-winning series (for
Outstanding Animated Program) has defined Batman for legions of
fans. Enjoy amazing encounters with Catwoman, duels with The
Penguin, contests with The Riddler, and of course, battles of wit
with The Joker -- Grab your cape and swing into action with this
quintessential Batman compilation. Batman: The Animated Series --
Volume Two includes exclusive extras from the minds that
conceived this cutting-edge version of the classic comic book
hero, including:

-- Robin Rising featurette detailing the evolution of Robin's
character in the series

-- Gotham's Guardians featurette about the supporting cast of
characters

-- Voices of the Knight featurette about the voices behind the
characters

-- Commentary on four episodes
 +++++






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