It’s Captain Ameri-No, Wait…The Patriot! – Jeffrey Mace To Suit Up In Agents of SHIELD?

Episode ten of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD may be about to add yet another superhero to its roster. The tenth episode of the long-running ABC series is entitled The Patriot; its synopsis reads:

• Coulson and Mack discover a shocking secret about Mace, which leaves all of S.H.I.E.L.D. in a dangerous position.

Given the episode title, it seems likely that this ‘shocking secret’ is Jeffrey Mace’s past as comic-book hero The Patriot, especially when he was the man inside the Patriot costume in the Marvel Comics Universe. In the comics, Mace worked as a news reporter at the Daily Bugle and was inspired by Captain America to take up super heroics. He carried a titanium shield reminiscent of Steve Rodgers’, however unlike Captain America, The Patriot had no superpowers – so no super soldier serum. The Patriot was first introduced in The Human Torch #4, in Spring 1941.

Whether Marvel will directly follow the character’s origins is unclear, although it seems likely given that it wouldn’t take a great deal of explanation.

Agents of SHIELD returns to ABC in the U.S. on 10th January 2017, with the tenth episode broadcasting a week later on the 17th January. Its return date in the UK is still unclear, although episode ten likely won’t air over here until March 2017 at the earliest.

This is Sean Bassett, writing for Skatronixxx.com. You can find me on Twitter at @WhoPotterVian, as well as on the blog sites Dalekbuster Screen 5 Reviews (www.dalekbusterscreen5reviews.blogspot.co.uk) and The Representation of the Disabled In Film And TV (http://y3603032disabledfilmtv.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1). Please like the Unlucky Fred Facebook and Twitter pages (@unluckyfredfilm), a student film where I am working as the Production Designer.

Please donate to Unlucky Fred by following this link: spsr.me/XiKb

I’m neither a Whovian or a Potterhead. I am a sandwich of both: a WhoPotterVian if you will.

The Circle #1 Sells Out At Diamond

Action Lab Danger Zone‘s The Circle # 1 has sold out at Diamond! This is always great hear especially for indie titles.

This is some fantastic news. Like I have been saying for a while the best comics being made today are from quality indie publishers, not Marvel and DC. This accomplishment is just one example of many that I hope we will see in 2017. Readers tastes are changing, and they are starting to prove that with their purchase power. It’s important to support comics, I know it’s easy to download a  pirated copy or read on these free comic book sites, but that does not help creators continue to make comics or the comic shop to sell them to you. Comics have tight profit margins for everyone involved (except Diamond) pirating comics does not always mean if someone likes it they will actually support it financially. A tiny percentage of pirates actually do that.

It’s important to support comics, I know it’s easy to download a  pirated copy or read on these free comic book sites, but that does not help creators continue to make comics or the comic shops to sell them to you. Comics have tight profit margins for everyone involved (except Diamond) pirating comics does not always mean if someone likes it they will actually support it financially. A tiny percentage of pirates actually do that.

I get it times are/can be tuff and comics are expensive these days. I would just ask you do your best to support comics, just please support publishers and creators who are giving the best value for your dollar and not publishers and creators who do the opposite.

 

The Circle revolves around a boy named Christian, a recent transplant to the sleepy coastal town of Shell Bay. What begins as playful shenanigans with “the weird kids” turns deadly dark as satanic spells unleash a darkness that can only be stopped by the ritualistic death of his “Circle” of friends.

Writer Damon Clark was clearly surprised, saying “When I first heard issue #1 sold out, I thought there was no way this could be true. What kind of joke is this, am I being Punked? Ashton? Seriously, thanks to anyone that bought the book and thanks to Action Lab for putting it out there. I hope you enjoyed #1, ’cause that was only the introduction, it only gets crazier from there.”

Action Lab and ComiXology are offering the first issue for $0.99. “We hope that the $0.99 issue will drive fans into the stores to continue reading the series. Damon and Alyzia are crafting a truly unique story that will haunt you for years to come,” said President of Development Dave Dwonch. The $0.99 price will run until the end of January.

Follow  The Circle on social media
Facebook: Damon Clark’s The Circle
Twitter: @DamonClark

You can purchase The Circle #1 at Comixology

The Circle Issue #2 will be available at your local comic shop and Comixology January 18th, 2017.  

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Remember comics are for everyone.

Check out my town’s first comic-con happening in 2017! Orillia Comic-Con

Matt is a passionate comic book fan/reader and aspiring comic book writer who used to be a cook/chef. Follow @concreteshawzee

 

 

My Top Five Comic Book Writers Of 2016

 

Comic book writers. The men and women who put words to the pictures in your favourite comics. There is never a shortage of great writers in comics, these were the most talented ones I was able to read the most in 2016.

 5. James D. Schumacher III

James is one of the few writers in the indie scene that is trying something different with writing a comic. His very personal comic Inheritance about the loss of his mother to cancer has struck a cord with readers and has developed a fanbase. James is also a film director and producer which heavily influences his style and approach to comics. He is a firm believer that there are no limits to what you can do when creating comics. His writing is enjoyable, personal and most of all relatable. Keep an eye out for him with his new talented creative team on new Inheritance comics in the new year.

4. Scott Snyder

Snyder finished his 5 year run with Batman (new 52) at the beginning of 2016 which was one of the best-written Batman runs since Grant Morrison’s. He has continued to write Batman but on a different book titled All-Star Batman which has been enjoyable as well. Snyder also released his newest comic from Image with artist Jeff Lemire A.D After Death which is a huge style change in his writing, in my opinion, I look forward to book 2 and 3 as well as his eventual return with legendary artist Greg Capullo on another Batman series due out in summer 2017. Scott has never really disappointed me with his writing he has been one of the most consistent writers in the business for a while now.

3. Jim Zub

Jim Zub has been making comics for a while now, and I think 2016 has been his biggest year yet. He starting writing his first in-continuity Marvel series, Thunderbolts which has been fun and an entertaining team book. He continued to write Wayward for Image Comic’s and launched Glitterbomb another creator-owned comic this past summer. All the previous comics I just mentioned have been phenomenal and even though I’m not entirely caught up on all of them they have been a pleasure to read. Jim is also writing Dungeons & Dragons: Frost Giant’s Fury which I haven’t had a chance to read. He’s a busy man putting out quality comics and I look forward to what he releases in 2017.

2. Becky Cloonan

While Becky is writing a couple series currently as well as continuing to be a talent artist I only read one of her comic series this year. The Punisher. I love how she wrote Frank so much in this series. Minimal dialogue from Frank. Just silence and ultra-violence against drug dealers and criminals. It’s everything you want from a Punisher story. Sadly legendary artist Steve Dillion who was drawing the comic passed away in October. I’m hoping the series continues with another great artist and that we get some surprises in the story next year.

1. Rick Remender

Rick Remender is by far my favourite writer of 2016. His creator-owned comics at Image Comics are excellent. He is working with the industries best artists and tackles a variety of genres and styles simultaneously. He has continued with Low, Black Science, and Deadly Class. He finished Tokyo Ghosts with Sean Gordon Murphy in this past summer and launched a new series Seven to Eternity with Jerome Opena. Rick has never failed me when I purchase any of his comics. Always great value for the price and again a great variety of well-told stories.

Apologies for the lack of depth as to why I like each writer but it’s the end of the year almost and it has been a long couple months. I will do better next year. Lost of things being worked on for 2017 I assure you.

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Remember comics are for everyone.

Check out my town’s first comic-con happening in 2017! Orillia Comic-Con

Matt is a passionate comic book fan/reader and aspiring comic book writer who used to be a cook/chef. Follow @concreteshawzee

“Avengers: Infinity Wars” Has Set Production Date

One of the most anticipated Marvel movies to date has finally set itself a production date.

Omega Underground has revealed to fans that production of the blockbuster will begin January 23rd 2017, with the report continuing that shooting will begin in Atlanta, GA, and claiming that there will be shooting in London, UK for an unknown period of time.

Some fans are concerned, as Black Panther is scheduled to also begin production in January 2017. However, it’s been confirmed that Black Panther will kick off production at Pinewood Atlanta Studios on January 15th 2017 – the two projects will be in production at the same time. This is an incredible undertaking from Marvel, and leaves us wondering if there’s something in particular that means they must be shot at the same time – it could however just been the sheer size of the cast in Avengers: Infinity War. If they do wish to utilise Chadwick Boseman (42, Get on Up, Captain America: Civil War), he’s only right next door for his scenes – but we can only imagine filming one Marvel movie is draining enough, let alone being asked to work on two.

We already had some great teasers for Avengers: Infinity War before production even began – the Russo brothers have shared test and rehearsal scenes with Josh Brolin (Everest, Hail, Caesar!, Guardians of the Galaxy), who has been cast as Thanos, alongside photos of potential filming locations that featured a winding staircase that got fans instantly thinking this was for a scene for Doctor Strange. The Russo’s also shared a video of a prop being created using a 3D printing process, stereolithography – prototypes from this method are extremely strong, and can be used to make master patterns for molding, thermoforming and a tonne of metal casting processes.

For now, however, we will have to wait until production begins to get more insight onto this massive project, and see where these teasers are fitting in.

Avengers: Infinity War is scheduled for release May 4th 2018.

 

Spider-Man Homecoming First Trailer Is Here.

Sony and Marvel Studios have unveiled the first trailer for the upcoming reboot of arguably the most beloved Marvel character, Spider Man. Homecoming is the first movie in a planned trilogy which is a joint-production by Sony and Marvel. Spider Man played by Tom Holland made his debut on this year’s Marvel’s Captain America Civil War, in which his performance was regarded by many as the “scene-stealer.” Apart from his athleticism, Tom Holland has the wit that someone who plays the friendly neighbourhood superhero should have.

I am stoked to see what Marvel and Sony come up with for the film, though I am a bit worried about the movie being over-bloated by too many characters which we’ve been hearing about their casting of the past few months. It also doesn’t help that the last Spider Man film suffered from such. But what Marvel was able to do with Civil War kinda puts my fears at ease.

Take a look at the trailer below followed by the film’s synopsis.

Here’s the film synopsis:

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” Teaser Drops and Promises Trailer Tomorrow!

So after much speculation about the leaked images from the trailer, we’re going to find out tomorrow (December 8th, 2016) as the new Spider-Man: Homecoming teaser trailer has revealed!

The 18 second teaser shows off Jon Favreau reprising his role as Happy Hogan, and pointing out a case left for Spider-Man. The case comes with a note;

Then, a brief clip of Spider-Man himself comes. And brace yourselves kids – this years re-adaptation of the web-slinger comes complete with the iconic Web Wings!

The official Spider-Man twitter has verified this trailer, posting it themselves with a caption explaining that the first look at the trailer will come tomorrow during Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The fan reaction has been entirely positive;

Spider-Man: Homecoming will feature Tom Holland, reprising his role as Peter Parker from Captain America: Civil War. The movie is scheduled for release on July 7th, 2017.

 

 

 

Marvel’s Inhumans TV Series Premiere Date Revealed

Hot off the heels of the exciting announcement that Marvel is set to bring an Inhumans TV series to ABC, we now know exactly when the show will premiere. A report by THR revealed that following a two week theatrical run of the first two episodes in Imax cinemas, the series will then debut on ABC, Tuesday 26th September 2017.

The report also contained several other interesting snippets of information. The series is set to run for eight consecutive episodes, bar any unforeseen circumstances, placing the finale on Tuesday November 14th, 2017. That’s a fairly short order then, especially when compared to Agents of Shield’s 22 episode season order, but it gives ABC a chance to test the waters. As awesome as Agents of Shield is, it hasn’t done as well for ABC as they hoped, so the eight episode season order for The Inhumans minimises some of the risk.

What’s most intriguing about the premiere date for The Inhumans is not so much the date, but the actual day. Agents of Shield currently airs Tuesdays on ABC, and has done so for its entire run, so what does this mean for the show? The move to a later timeslot for Agents of Shield has managed to improve the show even more, and it seems to be getting some pretty solid ratings, especially when factoring in those who watch it later through recordings and catch up. The ratings increase with catch up has been huge this season, so hopefully ABC will realise people just don’t watch TV the same way anymore and consider this in their decision to renew the show. If the show is indeed renewed for Season 5 then, it’s possible it could move to a different night, similar to what The CW does with its superhero shows. Conversely, Agents of Shield could stay right where it is, and ABC could introduce a two hour Marvel block for Tuesday nights. It does a similar thing with its comedies on Wednesdays, but so long as Agents of Shield is still around fans likely won’t mind which day it airs.

Marvel’s The Inhumans premieres Tuesday, 26th September 2017 on ABC.

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Joe can’t wait for The Inhumans to air, but that hasn’t stopped his concerns about what this means for Agents of Shield. To see how much he loves that show and all things Marvel, check him out @resonantrevs on Twitter.

Concept Art for “Captain America: Civil War” Contains Amazing Spider-Man Easter Egg

An iconic moment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is always the post-credits scene; it’s why we now have the phrase, “a true Marvel fans stay until the credits have finished rolling!”

 

These minute long post-credit delights could be anything – from a small, hilarious snippet (Avengers Assemble’s infamous shwarma scene around the table, and Iron Man 3‘s therapy session between Tony Stark and Bruce Banner) to a huge reveal about where the MCU is taking us (Avengers: Age of Ultron‘s end scene with Thanos reaching for his gauntlet and muttering “Fine, I’ll do it myself” certainly had most cinema’s full of shrieking Marvel fans). A lot of work goes into these scenes, and they’re crucial to fans who attend them.

With every movie, comes concept artwork – this even includes for post-credit material. And in the post-credit concept art for Captain America: Civil War, there is one very generous Easter Egg that has Marvel fans talking.

One of the two post-credits scenes was a small scene with Peter Parker telling Aunt May how he got his black eye from a guy named “Steve from Brooklyn” – before he lights up a holographic watch (clearly a gift from Tony Stark), and it illuminates the Spider-Man symbol above his bed. It’s a sweet and exciting scene to show that Peter Parker will be returning for more.

However, initial concept art was much more obvious about Peter and Tony’s continued working relationship, showing a message from Iron Man to Spider-Man;

This image particularly excites Marvel fans for one big reason – the potential for the Iron Spider-Suit.

Created in the Civil War, the Iron Spider-Suit was a specific kind of armor that Tony Stark develops for Spider-Man – it was a pretty sick suit, combining the Iron Man “Gold and Red” colour palette with Spider-Man’s slick, skin-tight suit, complete with large gold eyes and four extra gold “legs.”

While all set photos of Tom Holland (Billy Elliot – The Musical, Captain America: Civil War, In the Heart of the Sea) only show him in a standard red, black and blue Spider-Man costume, and Robert Downey Jr. (The Judge, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man) has been confirmed for a cameo, there’s always a chance that Marvel are hiding a little trick up their sleeve – they usually are.

Spider-Man: Homecoming will be hitting cinemas July 7th 2017.

‘Angela Bassett’ Joins Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’

Marvel looks to add a touch of glamour to their upcoming Black Panther Movie after recruiting American Horror Story favourite Angela Bassett to their ranks.

Marvel revealed via their website that the Academy Award nominated actress will portray Ramonda, mother of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa aka The Black Panther.

A character that first appeared in Marvel Presents Vol 1 #14, Ramonda is perhaps more-known as mother to T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri who has inherited the mantle of Black Panther on a number of occasions. She is also regarded more as T’Challa’s surrogate mother after his birth mother died during childbirth, an aspect of the character that Marvel may yet use to add family drama to the Wakandan Royal Family.

Bassett joins an ever expanding cast including Forest Whitaker, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o and Fantastic Fours’ Michael B. Jordan as the films villain Erik Killmonger.

For all your Marvel News & Reviews, stick with @mitchrated only on Skatronixxx.com

Comic Book News Round Up: Cheap Comics-Bone Trilogy in Development

Newsarama has reported that Marvel will be publishing ten new Wolverine-themed True Believer titles this February. These are reprints of Wolverine and X-23 #1 issues. Here is the complete list that will be released throughout the month of February.

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE VS. HULK #1
Reprinting Incredible Hulk (1968) #181
32 PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE #1
Reprinting Wolverine (1982) #1
32. PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – SAVE THE TIGER #1
Reprinting material from
Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #1-3
32. PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – WEAPON X #1
Reprinting material from
Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #72 – 74
32. PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – ORIGIN #1
Reprinting Wolverine: The Origin #1
32. PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – ENEMY OF THE STATE #1
Reprinting Wolverine (2003) #20
32. PGS…$1.00 PARENTAL ADVISORY

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – X-23 #1
Reprinting X-23 (2005) #1
32. PGS…$1.00 PARENTAL ADVISORY

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1
Reprinting Wolverine & The X-Men (2001) #1
32. PGS…$1.00

TRUE BELIEVERS: WOLVERINE – OLD MAN LOGAN #1
Reprinting Old Man Logan (2015) #1
32. PGS…$1.00 PARENTAL ADVISORY

TRUE BELIEVERS: ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #1
Reprinting All-New Wolverine #1
32. PGS…$1.00 PARENTAL ADVISORY

February 2017  is also the 25th Aniversary of Image Comics. Co-owner Robert Kirkman is celebrating the milestone by making his three major comic books 25¢ during the month of February. The Walking Dead #163, Invincible #133, and Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta #25 will all have a list price of 25¢.

Each issue begins a new story arc or significant turning point. The Walking Dead explores the aftermath of “The Whisperer War”; Invincible kicks off the 12-part series finale; and Outcast‘s arc adds a new facet to the book: hope.

This is something that to my knowledge hasn’t been done before. New comics have not been 25 cents since the 1980’s and is a smart way to get readers to jump on the new storylines, as well as a thank you to long time readers.

Head to your comic shop later this month and order your favourite #1 issues of Wolverine and jump on Robert Kirkman‘s new story arcs from The Walking Dead, Invincible and Outcast for a ridiculously low price!

Finally, our last headline is that according to Newsarama and The Hollywood Reporter Kung Fu Panda Director Mark Osborne has been hired by Warner Brothers to direct and co-write the animated trilogy adaptation of Jeff Smiths comic Bone. Osborne will co-write the script with Artemis Fowl’s Adam Kline.

“Bone is very special and unconventional because it blends elements together that you don’t necessarily expect – soft, little comic characters and epic high-stakes fantasy adventure,” said Osborne. “To carry this into the cinematic realm presents both an opportunity to represent what readers of all ages have loved about the series while pushing animated storytelling into exciting and different areas.“

As source material goes, Jeff’s epic is something of a unicorn: mythic, whimsical and pure in equal measure,” added Kline.

Bone Is an all-ages fantasy-comedy comic book that ran 55 issues that were released irregularly from 1991-2004. Bone was written and drawn by Jeff Smith.

Warner Brothers have had the rights to Bone since 2008. Before that, an animated feature was in development at Nickelodeon. No timeline for production to begin has been set and no word on a release date.

Once again we have another comic property taking forever to develop, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The longer it takes, the better the adaptation will be. In theory. Let’s hope Bone and the countless other comic properties in development all turn out well because they deserve it.

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Remember comics are for everyone.

Matt is a passionate comic book fan/reader and aspiring comic book writer who used to be a cook/chef. Follow @concreteshawzee