Marvel's 70th

Got an email from Marvel comics today regarding their 70th anniversary. They've got some cool stuff up from many of the classics.

Check it out here.

Wolverine: Origins

Another conflict between book and movie. Like "Watchmen" some people out there are mumbling about the making of a classic graphic novel into a movie. I thought the previous X-Men were made well. Well, I consider anything with Halle Barry in it to be an instant hit. I'm looking forward to see what the producers have done with Origin.

I know the movie has been leaked onto the web but for those of you who like to wait...here's the trailer:



Don't forget to get you tickets to CON!!! July is just around the corner...

Fables - The Good Prince (Volume 10)

Story by: Bill Willingham | Art by: Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha | $12.99 USD, $17.50 CAN | vertigocomics.com





Brilliant yet again. I know I'm a sucker for all things "fairytale" but Fables does a great job at expounding on the lives of these magical folks in the mundy world. This volume focuses on the much-loved Flycatcher and his journey/struggle after remembering the fall of his world (and family). He's guided by someone we've seen since volume 1 (although this guide never spoke much before). Will The Good Prince be able to live up to the name despite his pain and anger?

Buy buy buy!

Wow. Comic-Con attendance is out of control! Last year it was packed...I can only imagine what it'll be like this year. But I do like that they have this little meter up so you know when you need to hustle and buy tickets.

Superman & Friends

'Unrestored' copy of first Superman comic book for sale

• Story Highlights
• Action Comics No. 1 may fetch $400,000, expert says
  
• Comic book features debut of Superman, Lois Lane
  
• "There was no such thing as a superhero before Superman," expert says
  

By Kara Yates
CNN

(CNN) -- After being hidden away for years, a copy of the original "Superman and Friends" comic book will make a comeback -- at a price of about $400,000, a comic expert said Thursday.

A Superman Web site features Action Comics covers, including No. 1, at left.

Starting Friday, comic book collectors and Superman fans will have the opportunity to bid on a comic classic -- an "unrestored" copy of Action Comics No. 1, said Stephen Fishler, owner of Comic Connect, an online liaison between comic book buyers and sellers. The book's owner is not being identified.

The auction is attracting a lot of interest.

"One bidder wanted to trade his Ferrari for the comic book," as part of an under-the-table deal, Fishler joked. But he said the auction will remain public. "I couldn't see myself trading in my Toyota Prius" -- even for a $375,000 car.

Why is this comic book so unique?

"Of the 100 existing copies, 80 percent have been restored, but people want an untouched copy," Fishler said. The book is listed in "fine" condition, a six on the 10-point rating scale.

"It's the Holy Grail of comic books," Fishler said.

Co-created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the comic book first appeared on newsstands for 10 cents a copy in June 1938.

Nearly 12 years later, a young boy on the West Coast found himself in a secondhand book store, where he persuaded his dad to loan him 35 cents to buy the comic book.

Until 1966, the owner forgot about the book, which was hidden in his mother's basement. Since then, he's been holding onto it, hoping to see it increase in value, Fishler said. He has not been disappointed.

"There has been a lot of interest shown on the book in the collectibles market," said Fishler, who predicted the comic book will sell for about $400,000. But, he added, no minimum price has been set for the auction, so "whatever it sells for, it sells for.

"I've known Action Comics to sell for around $750,000," comic book sales associate Bill Peterson said. "I don't have any intention on making a bid, but I know people who don't mind dropping several thousand for a classic comic."

The comic book marked the first appearances of Lois Lane, Giovanni "John" Zatara and, of course, Superman. The book is in high demand because "there was no such thing as a superhero before Superman. It spawned everything that came after -- like Batman and Spider-Man," Fishler said.

Even during the current economic downturn, Fishler expects the book to do well.

Those who can afford to bid, he said, "would ordinarily put money into the stock market. But that's a shaky proposition." These days, the comic book may even be a better investment than putting money into a CD or a bond, Fishler speculated. iReport.com: Do you own a sought-after collectible?

Because the book was published at the close of the Great Depression, it contains advertisements that may appear quaint and quirky to 21st century readers. For only $1.25, one could buy a blonde wig, a live chameleon, a whoopee cushion, a Bible "the size of a postage stamp" or hypnosis lessons.

"Some books seem to go in and out of fashion," reads the auction blurb at comicconnect.com. But "Action Comics No. 1 will never be one of those books."

Comic-Con 2008...Friday

Had a little tickle in my throat today ::ahem:: but all of a sudden I felt good so, off to Comic-Con I went! ;D

I got there around 11am. I left at around 7:30...exhausted. That convention hall is HUGE! And walking it several times over can be taxing. The number of people attending is large but not out of control, thanks to the prohibition of "at the door" sales. I wasn't able to attend ANY of the panels/forums that I wanted to go to (booooo long lines!) but I had fun. Kev joined me in the evening for a couple of hours but by then I was too pooped to do much.

Blair Butler of G4

I don't know who this girl is reporting for but she is too cute!!

Comic-Con 2008...Thursday

For some odd reason I didn't take any pictures. Well, I was only in the exhibit hall or a minute since I went after work. =/

I did watch the Kung Fu Extravaganza though!! AWESOME. It inspired me to buy Kiltro. Haven't watched it yet but I sure will!! Check out the trailer: